Apple Farms Apple Crackle Review

Apple Acres Farm is a family owned farm that makes a delicious snack called apple crackle. The Apple Acres Farm has belonged to the Johnson Family since 1949. Like my family this farm has alot of pride within the farming life and lifestyle. Leighton Johnson bought the farm and started raising apples and chickens. However , today the apples are still around and the chickens have flown the coop. When Leighton had farmed for 3o years he decided it was time to retire. At that time his son Bill who could not imagine selling the farm came back with his family in tote to farm the apple farm his dad had for many years. However Bill would make a few changes he would replant the old orchards and opened a gift shop as well as started making cider for commercial use. The love that Bill put into the apple orchard has proved to be a success and recently had the Apple Farms Apple Crackle featured on the Rachel Ray Show as the snack of the day.

To help prepare for this show I was sent a bag of the delicious apple crackle. I loved it dry but I loved it even more mixed with yogurt and ice cream. My teens thought it was best mixed with something as well. The thing I loved best about the apple crackle was that it was a healthy snack we could all agree on.

In addition to the apple crackle snack the Apple Farms sells baking mixes which include apple walnut pancake mix and apple crisp mix. dry roasted cider granola, syrups, and apple of course. Delicious!!!! I can remember traveling to the orchard and we would have apples at our house from the beginning of apple season through the winter. They were what my family gave as trick or treat time, what we shared at snack time and what my mother used in the kitchen in several recipes. Perhaps that is why I love the delicious apple crackle so well but I have a feeling if you try it you may like it as much as we did.

Buy: the Apple Farms products are all priced great and are available directly off their website at http://appleacresfarm.com

Perfect Brunch Recipe: Hashbrown casserole

Hashbrown Casserole

6 bacon slices
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (32-ounce) package frozen Southern-style hash brown potatoes
1 cup (4 ounces) preshredded Classic Melts Four Cheese blend, divided
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed 30% reduced-sodium, 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
Cooking spray

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, and crumble. Discard drippings in pan. Add 1 cup onion and garlic to pan; cook for 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the potatoes; cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup cheese, green onions, sour cream, salt, pepper, and soup in a large bowl. Add potato mixture; toss gently to combine. Spoon mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove casserole from refrigerator; let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Bake casserole, covered, at 350º for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges and cheese begins to brown

Breakfast Cake and Coffee recipe

Orange, Date and Nut Cake

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Cake:
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups dry breadcrumbs
1 cup ground walnuts
3/4 cup whole pitted dates, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
Cooking spray

To prepare glaze, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in liqueur. Cool. Preheat oven to 350°. To prepare cake, combine 1 cup sugar and eggs in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until thick and pale. Beat in 1 cup water, rind, juice, and oil. Stir in breadcrumbs, walnuts, dates, and salt; let stand 3 minutes. Beat egg whites with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form using clean, dry beaters. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into batter. Gently fold remaining egg white mixture into batter. Gently spoon mixture into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Pierce top of cake with a wooden pick. Brush glaze over warm cake. Cool on a wire rack 2 hours.

Mocha Spiced Coffee

1/2 cup ground coffee
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
5 cups water
1 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light chocolate syrup (such as Hershey's Lite Syrup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)

Place first 3 ingredients in a coffee filter or filter basket of a coffeemaker. Add 5 cups water to coffeemaker; brew according to manufacturer's instructions. Combine milk, sugar, and syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Stir in brewed coffee and vanilla. Serve with whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately

Make a Simple Homemade Christmas Angel Ornament

Make a Simple Homemade Christmas Angel Ornament

Posted using ShareThis

This is a link to a super cute ornament that you will have to see. It looks so easy I play to make several of them

Pine Cone Bird Feeder and Pine Cone Christmas Ornament you can make with your toddler

Make a peanut butter bird feeder will allow you to teach your little one about birds and also about giving. You can make a pine cone peanut butter bird feeder to give a gift to the birds. Toddlers love to watch birds and will spend time looking out the window bird watching.

You will need a large pine cone, 1/2 c peanut butter, 18 inch piece of yarn or string, and 1/2 c bird seed per cone.

to make bird feeder:

Step 1:
Wrap one end of twine around the base of a large pine cone. Tie securely, leaving about 10 -inches free to tie to tree branch.
Step 2:
Spread about 1/2 cup Skippy® peanut butter onto the pine cone.
Step 3:
Place the birdseed on a piece of newspaper. Roll coated pine cone into the birdseed.
Step 4:
Hang from a tree branch for birds to snack on.

Pine cones can also be decorated and created into a Christmas tree ornament. Toddlers can create their own ornament that they can be proud of. Allow them to pour glue on the pine cone and then allow them to sprinkle holiday colored glitter on the pine cone. You can then attach a ribbon at the end to create an ornament when dried.

shared on Finer Things Friday @ The Finer Things In Life blog

Fearless Friday

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

I bleieve that prayer is the same as having a conversation with the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for a spirit of peace during this wonderful White Christmas.

Friday Fill In

1. Good times: was a show that I grew up watching reruns of on tv. I just loved JJ.
2. One place where all know they can come with their problems looking for help is my home.
3. Sleigh bells ring are you listening...
4. Christmas is a wonderful time from the big people to the little.
5. Once more I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Seasons Givings.
6. Will the drama in my life ever end?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a christian Christmas concert, tomorrow my plans include going to see santa with my nephews and niece and Sunday, I want to go to church and attend a Christmas concert

Aloha Friday

We have been taking part in several different activities this year we have went to light parades, seen santa and tonight will be attending a christian Christmas concert. We still have dinners and parties and many more things With all that we have going on I still make sure that we have those moments to contemplate on the true meaning of Christmas our Lord Jesus Christ

So my question for you is do you stay busy at Christmas? What sort of things are you doing? Do you like being busy or would you rather have some peace and quiet?

Friday 5

1.When did you last experience emailer’s remorse?

I can't say that I have

2.When did you last experience diner’s remorse?

not for a while cook most my own meals

3.When did you last experience movie-goer’s remorse?

dont go to the movies either

4.When did you last experience caring friend’s remorse?

this I have before it is normally when I try to reach out to those I love and it is rejected happens quite often as some members of my family struggle with emotions

5.When did you last experience lover’s remorse?

only had one lover and been married to him for over 20+ years so if I feel remorse or he does we can always make up later


play along here

Friday Fragments

This week has been a bit of roller coaster with the ups and downs of life many of my regular readers know that I have been missing many memes in the past six weeks and alot of that has to do with my 2 lil house guest that had been staying with us. This past Wednesday they went home to stay with their parents. I miss them and still I want them to make it a goal if they can with their family.

My grandbaby Princess does not take the bottle anymore but rather she has picked up another habit that I thought was gone. She has become a pacifer sucker. She continues to cut teeth so I hope that the pacifier will help her with this as well.

This week has been a happy/sad moment on one of the shows that I always watch. The Good Morning America bunch is losing one of their friends Diane Sawyer. I have been a GMA fan for several years and will miss Diane being on that show.

I was able to go to the lights parade in a near by town with my brothers family. Loved to watch the little ones reactions to the lights, bears and santa of course. Fun was had by all. What a great night to be together.

what did you do? Want to share?

Please Pray for Princess

I received a phone call last night that there was something wrong with my lil Princess. She is being attacked by her own home. It seems that there is black mold in their house because it is a house that is over 150+ years old and now her mom and dad face the fact that they have to leave their home that they put so much work into to be sure that the house that they live in is safe for their little bundle of Joy. So I ask you my readers, my friends to pray for Princess and her family.

Diane Sawyer's Last Day on GMA

For many years I have been a fan of Good Morning America and have watched Diane Sawyer report the news, share a laugh and a tear along the way. Through war, tragedy and good moments Diane Sawyer has been part of the morning news show where I started my day. Diane Sawyer you will be missed by many like me.

What Do You Think?

Potato Pancake recipe

Potato Pancakes also called Latkes is a traditional recipe that many Jewish families will share during Hanukkah. Olive oil has a rich presence in the Hanukkah origin as it was a small flask of oil that was to last only one day that actually lasted 8 days, the same number of days Hanukkah itself last.

Potato Pancakes

med. potatoes
1 sm. onion
1/2 c. pancake mix
1/2 c. oil
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. sour cream
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. pepper

Peel potatoes and grate into a bowl. Pour off extra liquid. Peel onion and grate into potatoes. Add eggs, pancake mix, sour cream, salt and pepper. Mix well. Heat oil until it sizzles. Drop a tbsp. at a time of batter into hot oil. Flatten with a pancake turner. When bottoms are brown turn them over. When done remove and drain on paper towel lined plate. Serve with applesauce, sour cream or just plain.

shared on Foodie Friday @ Designs by Gollum

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah to all those that are of the faith to celebrate. My family is Christian by Faith but I always taught them about Hanukkah because my parents did not. I believe that if I can inform my children about the world and what is in it then maybe when they grow up not everything will be such a puzzle. After all there are too many things a young adult must face on their own. Using that philosophy today I want to say Happy Hanukkah.

As Jewish children light the menorah, spin their dreidels and get their presents, adults will celebrate the holiday as well. Hanukkah is a celebration that is rich in politics, history and life. Hanukkah is also commonly known as the festival of lights and spans 8 days period of time. Each night of this special holiday a candle of the menorah is lit and a present is presented to the child. Hanukkah is rich in history and if you find the time I recommend taking the time to read a bit of it.

Fairy Tale Brownies Candy Cane Truffles review

I have reviewed FairyTale Brownies before and when they offered me the chance to try the Candy Cane truffles I jumped at it. Before they arrived I could imagine that pepperminty goodies on top of a delicious brownie that only FairyTale Brownies could create. If you love mint like me or chocolaty goodness then you will love these delicious peppermint truffles.

The Delicious truffles takes the FairyTale Brownies to a new high.

Fairytale Brownies new Candy Cane Truffles come in a box of nine and they will make the perfect gift for that chocolate lover that you know. As described by Fairy Tale Brownies Website the Candy Cane Truffles are bite sized dark chocolate peppermint brownie bites that are enrobed in 60% Callebaut dark chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies on top.

You can purchase the delicious brownies or truffles from FairyTale Brownies directly off their website.

Trendy Tadpole Giveaway

Trendy Tadpole is one of my favorite places to get Princess super cute tees. I am a fan of the tees that share messages and Trendy Tadpole has a great assortment. They carry tees, lap tees, and long sleeve tees all of which share fun little messages. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for an infant or toddler or maybe you are looking for a gift for a baby shower Trendy Tadpole has the perfect gift for any little one in your life.

King of the Playground

Oh Snap! (one of my favorites)

Trendy Tadpole makes fun tee shirts that are made of super quality fabric that is made in the good old U.S.A. In 2004 Julie Pruitt founded the company Trendy Tadpole. Julie brings pop culture, nostalgia and fun into every tee that she sells. Buy: you can purchase a Trendy Tadpole Tee or Onesie of your choice off the Trendy Tadpole Website

Win: Julie would love to offer one of Annie's Home readers a tee or onesie of their own.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Trendy Tadpole Website and let me know your favorite by coming back here and leaving a comment

Extra Entries (only after answering the Mandatory)

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog (3 entries)
• subscribe to trendy tadpole blog (3 entries)
• grab my button and let me know where you place it (3 entries)
• follow me on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) leave link in comment
• blog about the contest (5 entries) leave link in comment
• place this in any giveaway link and let me know where
  

Contest starts now and runs through December 24, 2009. Yes that's right Christmas eve a very special night. All are welcome to enter and you must either have email on your blog or in this comment. Good Luck

shoe giveaway

Does your little one need a new pair of shoes? If you are having weather like we are you are in definite need of a new pair of shoes to keep those little toes warm. The blog Glimpse is hosting a giveaway where the winner will win a pair of robeez shoes. This contest ends December 18, 2009.

Thursday Thunks : Wake Up Thunkers

1. Isn't showing a condom commercial during Sex Rehab With Dr Drew almost like showing a pain narcotic or an alcohol commercial during Intervention?

Yes I believe so only leaves you wanting more


2. Burger King and Ronald McDonald met Colonel Sanders in a dark alley. They beat him down for just serving chicken and not sharing his "11 herbs & spices". The Colonel goes down. Begs for his life. Where do they go to eat afterwards?

I would say Long John Silver because he comes to the rescue of all

3. You take a shower, go to leave the bathroom and the door is stuck. Due to humidity and moisture it won't budge. It will not open. No one else is home. You can't go out the window. How long do you sit in the bathroom and how do you occupy your time?

I flip through the many magazines, spiffy up the bathroom then use the putty knife under the sink and shimmy the door open

4. You are a rockstar, but you need a cool rocker name. What is it and how did you decide on that name?

Rock Angel it seems cool and is a version of my name


5. Have you ever gotten naked at a family function?

omg no

6. If purple ate yellow, what color would come out?

a dark brown


7. The closest paper and pen to you right now. What color are they?

black ink and notebook paper


8. Corn chips or potato chips?

potato chips

9. You are forced to swallow either a diamond or a piece of coal. Don't ask. Just do it. Which do you choose?

well the diamond will cut your insides possibly bt the coal will induce vomiting i would choose the coal

10. If your mouse decided to attack your keyboard, who would win?

the keyboard it has all the vowels

Christmas Pudding Slow Cook Recipe

Slow cooking THursday is hosted by the blog Diary of a Stay At Home Mom

Christmas Pudding in the Slower Cooker


1 orange
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 cup Guinness

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 3/4 cups stale breadcrumbs
1 large cooking apple, (about 8 ounces) peeled, cored, and finely chopped
6 ounces shredded suet
1/2 cup finely chopped whole almonds
1 cup golden raisins
1 3/4 cups currants
2 cups raisins

Place a saucer upside down in the bottom of two slow cookers. Spray 2 6 cup pudding basins or ceramic bowls (or one standard 8 cup pudding basin and a 1 quart ceramic bowl) liberally with non-stick spray. Cut a piece of parchment the size of the bottom of the basins or bowls; set aside. Grate the zest of the orange into a large mixing bowl; juice the orange into a measuring cup and add additional water to make 1/2 cup. Pour the juice into the mixing bowl along with the brown sugar, eggs, and Guinness; mix well. Add the flour, salt, mixed spice, nutmeg, apple, suet, and almonds. Mix until well-incorporated, then fold in the golden raisins, currants, and raisins. Divide the batter among the two prepared basins or bowls, filling them 2/3-3/4 full. Place the parchment directly on top of the pudding. Cover both molds tightly with foil, then top with the pudding basin lids. If using bowls, just use a double layer of foil. Place each of the puddings in a slow cooker. Pour about 4 inches of hottest tap water into the slow cookers, put on the lids, and let cook on high 5-7 hours. Remove the puddings from the slow cooker, unwrap, and invert onto a serving plate. Serve with warm custard or hard sauce.

West Coast Jewelry giveaway

West Coast Jewelry is hosting a giveaway on their new website. If you have not visited the West Coast Jewelry website yet it may be of interest to you. If you have visited in the past you should visit it again they have improved their search and now have user friendly menus and customer service with "live chat" to make your experience on the West Coast Jewelry website great.

Some of the special promotions that West Coast Jewelry are currently holding are:
- FREE SHIPPING until the end of the year on ALL orders
- FREE UPGRADE to expedited shipping on orders over $100
- FREE ENGRAVING on items over $100
- FREE BLUE SATIN POUCH with every item
- FREE GIFTS with purchase
- FREE MEMBERSHIP in Blue Pouch VIP Club

Please stop by the West Coast Jewelry website http://westcoastjewelry.com/content/Blue_Pouch_VIP_E-Mail_Sign-Up.html Please use Annies Home as the referral If you use my blog as a refferal you can then give your self 5 extra entries into any giveaway that I am hosting. Leave a comment on this post that you did and then when you enter the extra entries leave the words "used as refferal WCJ"

A couple of goodies giveaways

The Mommy Files blog is hosting a giveaway for a brownie sample from Cheryl & Co. Wow a delicious brownie that you do not have to bake yourself in this season where all is rushed can be a wonderful gift. This contest ends December 22, 2009

The blog Midday Escapades is hosting a giveaway sponsored by the Executive Basket. Up for grabs is a collosal cookie of the winners choice. Giveaway ends December 14, 2009

Giveaway ends today

There is a beautiful giveaway ending today on the blog Two Of A Kind Working on a Full House where Dee is hosting giveaway for the pretty peacock. I am sure you will not want to miss out so go there now and enter the contest for this beautiful locket.

Me and my Duck

This is princess she looks as if she is making a ducky face as well holding her duck

shared on Thousand Word Thursday

Cooks Ham giveaway

Since I have been married me and my husband have had a deal. I get turkey on thanksgiving and he gets his ham on Christmas. Currently there is a great giveaway going on the blog 3 Kids N Us. Kat at 3 Kids N Us is hosting a giveaway for a $30 gift certificate for a Cooks Ham. You have til December 14, 2009 to enter

if your name is Virginia

In celebration of Macy's National Believe Day they are giving $10 gift cards to anyone who has a first or last name "Virginia". Simpy head to your Macy's Store from 10 am to 6 pm on 12/11.

Rules & Restrictions - Go early. Distribution from store opening until 6pm but quantities are limited. Offer available only while supplies last. One per family. excludes furniture and clearance stores. Valid ID required. Gift Card valid until 12/31/09. Other restrictions apply. See Gift Card for details.

I found this on the blog Attention Target Shoppers

Free Sample Aveeno Nourish

Found a great free be for you today. Simply visit their facebook page and sign up to be a fan and receive the free sample.

Christmas Luminary giveaway

Simple Mom is hosting a holiday giveaway for candle luminaries, each set on a wood base, and backlit with metal silhouettes of shepherds, the three wise men, and the holy family.

this is a beautiful set and one that I would love to win. Giveaway ends December 11, 2009

Princess and a Monkey

shared on wordless wednesday Whats That Smell blog

Give Back This Holiday Season

At this time of year we are often busy among our selves trying to find the perfect present for that special person in our lives. While you are hurrying around do you ever stop to think about the man holding the "I'll work for food sign" or the little boy or girl that has no jacket to wear or warm winter clothes? You may not think that you can make a change but believe me you can. Any thing that we do to help another we help to make a change. Here is a list of things that my family does through out the year. Perhaps you will see something that you can do as well.

• We help serve at the food kitchen at least 3 times a month. It is a community kitchen so many volunteers are needed.


• We help at the clothing closet that is located at our church 3 times a month. We get the biggest joy by helping those that visit find a great out fit or two or perhaps something for their house


• We help create food baskets at christmas time. Our church works together to share with families offering them food that will last for a week allowing the families to save money for christmas gifts that may not have otherwise been purchased.


• We help to weatherize homes for the winter for people who would otherwise not be able to do it for themselves


• We helped to roof a house of a church member this year. Both her and her husband are elderly and did not have the extra money


• We have helped out in food drives which are common in schools, scouts and churches

Do you have any ideas that you could do to help another? Do you do something special to help others?

Robeez the makers of these super cute Soft Soled Paisley T Strap fuchsia shoes that I know would look so super cute on my little Princess also believes in giving back.

A simple, fun and easy way for you to give back is to go shopping. Shopping? Yes shopping at Robeez.com will make a great impact. For every pair of shoes that is purchased through December 23, 2009 on the Robeez.com website As part of Robeez Season of Giving Robeez will donate a pair of shoes to a child through the K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) organization. K.I.D.S. brings hope and self esteem to children in need and their families by providing new clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books and juvenile products donated by leading manufacturers and retailers. Children who are ill, living in poverty or victims of natural disasters will the receivers of the donations.

TwitterMoms wants to know how you give back. Post on your blog and enter your post on the TwitterMom Site for a chance to win your choice of Robeez shoes as well.

Homemade Gift Wrap

A great idea for gift wrap is to let your little artist go to work. Using a brown paper bag some stamps and paint you can have some of the most creative christmas wrap around.

Tiger Woods and the Image your Children see

As a mother of teens I am always reminding them about their behavior and what it tells other people. I know that the younger kids in the home often follow the behaviors of the older ones. Likewise the behavior of my children reflects on the parents as much as it does them. I often wonder what the actions of Super Stars show our children. What exactly did Tiger Woods tell our children through his behavior? I do not agree with all the cheating, lies and bad behaviors that Tiger demonstrated as of recently. I believe he himself does not agree with all of them. I wonder if he thought it would all stay hidden that no one would ever find out. At least I think he wishes it was that way. I have talked to my teens as behaviors such as these go against my morals but what about theirs? Have you talked to your children? Will you?

What do you think?

Easy to Make Christmas Votive Holders

Every once and again I will look through blogs that I have visited before. Today I paid a stop at

the homespun heart where Monica shared her newest creation. I love this idea because it is so easy to create. The beautiful candle holder above is created by green split peas and simple items from the kitchen with votives. What a beautiful simple idea for this precious holiday season. Monica shares many great ideas so you may want to pay her a visit as well.

Rice Krispy Treat Kit giveaway

Who doesn't love a bit of the snap, crackle and pop. I love rice Krispy treats and now I have entered a giveaway for a fun rice krispy treat kit from 5 minutes of giveaways. Ten winners will be selected so you should go over and sign up as well. The winners will recieve a kit made up of

The Rice Krispies Treats Cookbook

Blue plastic mixing bowl

Two Rice Krispies branded mugs

Box of Rice Krispies

Box of Cocoa Krispies

Rice Krispies prepared treats

Bag of marshmallows

Flower Duet review

Do you want the perfect flower arrangement without paying the high cost? Well why not do it yourself? Don't think you can? Well then you need to take a look at Flower Duet. The ladies behind the name are sisters and they are determined to teach you to create the flower arrangement you always wanted to

Whether you want to gather a group of friends and have a party where you all learn how to arrange flowers using the kit flower party in a box or you would rather learn by yourself with the Learn on your own kit I am sure that the videos are sure to help.

Beautiful Flower arrangements such as this are awaiting you.

Make super cute novelty flower arrangements like pictured above. They are sure to be the fun of the party.

The Flower Party In a Box includes

• The How To DVD that will teach you and your friends to create your own European Wrap Bouquet
• Three flower recipe for each design on the DVD (9 recipes in all)
• Each guest will receive a set of floral cutters and a To Go vase (host choose colors to match party)

To order your Flower Duet Kit please visit their website located at http://www.flowerduet.com/

Ah Goo Baby plush pad review and discount

Ah Goo Baby is a company started by a set of parents Karen and George Telegadis that offers moms great products that are unique, upscale, and affordable. AhGoo Baby makes a wonderful Plush Pad that is not only great for baby but very useful for the caregiver as well.

The AhGoo Baby Plush Changing Pad has many great uses. For example leave it open for weeks at a time while you are on vacation to use as a changing station in a hotel room. The AhGoo pad also works great for a changing station at home where you can have everything at the ready. Give a AhGoo Baby Plush Changing Pad to the grandparents to keep at their home so they to will be ready. I love to tote around with us on walks so we can stop and change the baby whenever we need to by using the pad it allows the child a comfy place and clean one as well. Likewise tote it around in the car and you will be ready if you are out and about and the lil one needs a change.

I adore the AhGoo plush pad because it is the only portable station that is as comfortable as the changing stations in the nursery. The AhGoo plush pad is a soothing memory foam cushion that allows the baby to relax while being changed. Forget about having problems changing little ones with the AhGoo Baby Plush Pad will be much easier. Taking care of the AhGoo Plush Pad is easy as well. The pad is washable and water repellent and can be cleaned simply by removing the memory foam and washing the cover just like a pillow slip. The AhGoo Baby plush pad fits easily into the diaper bag or suitcase for easy storage and transportation.

Buy: you can purchase the AhGoo Baby plush pad by visiting the AhGoo Baby website located at

http://www.ahgoobaby.com/ and for a short time you can use the code SA0107 for 10%. This code expires January 7, 2009

Happy Birthday Popeye

Popeye the Sailor Man is a fictional character from my childhood. I can remember the lunch time walls hosting the characters from this super fun cartoon. The creator of Popeye E. C. Segar was born December 8, 1894 and raised in a nearby town Chester Illinois. One Houndred + years later Popeye is recognized and celebrated each year in a festival in Chester Illinois where you can find a statue honoring Mr. Segar's cartoon Popeye.

Papa and his gal

This was December last year when Princess was only 3 months old. She was never tiny but she was much smaller in this picture than she is now. This was papa getting some snuggle time with the little one

Velveeta Cheesy Pasta Casserole

This is one of those casseroles that is oh so good and easy to make. Some would call it comfort food.

Velveeta Cheesy Pasta Casserole

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 cups cooked rotini pasta
1 pkg. (1 lb.) frozen Italian-style vegetable combination, thawed, drained
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained 3/4 lb. (12 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

HEAT oven to 400ºF. COMBINE ingredients in 13x9-inch baking dish; cover.
BAKE 40 min. Let stand 5 min.; stir until sauce is well blended.

Buck Eye Bars

BuckEye Bars


1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
22 NILLA Wafers, crushed
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 of 8-oz. tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (Do not thaw.)
3 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate




LINE 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Beat butter and peanut butter with mixer until blended. Mix in wafer crumbs. Gradually add sugar, mixing well after each addition. Press onto bottom of pan.

MICROWAVE COOL WHIP and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min.; stir. Microwave 15 to 30 sec. or until chocolate is melted; stir until blended. Spread over peanut butter layer.

REFRIGERATE 2 hours

Princess in Red

This is my baby granddaughter Princess I love this picture and her beutiful face dressed in the royal red and black.

White Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies sound delicious to me and if you are looking for some wonderful cookie recipes visit the Southern Living website where they feature the top 50 cookie recipes that are their favorites.

White Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookies


1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats
2 cups (12 ounces) white chocolate morsels
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in oats, morsels, and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Santa Snack Mix

This is a fun snack that you can make with your kiddos and share with santa as well.

Santa Snack Mix

4 cups toasted oat bran cereal
1 cup multigrain cluster cereal
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup butter
1 cup jumbo red raisins
Wax paper

Preheat oven to 250°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Cook honey and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and mixture is blended and smooth (about 5 minutes). Pour honey mixture over cereal mixture, stirring to coat. Spread in a single layer on a lightly greased aluminum foil-lined 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake at 250° for 55 minutes, stirring once every 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in raisins, and bake 5 more minutes. Spread immediately on wax paper; cool 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week

Random Thought Tuesday

My mind is wandering on this Tuesday morning to all those that go without. With all the hustling and bustling we do this holiday season are there those that get overlooked? I know that our family helps with food baskets, serves food to the needy and other wise help all that we can. I never let an outfit that my children outgrow go to waste as we live down the road from families that are on fixed incomes. If we see someone in the need then we try to help all that we can. My sister has a mental disorder and we try to share the spirit with her friends as well. It is very hard when we see those we love go through hard times but perhaps if we share just a bit of the joy we have then maybe they will be a bit happier as well.

Life is getting a bit easier in some aspects for me and yet in others stays rough. While my nephews that are staying with us have started to love the structure of a schedule it is still a strugle at times. When my nephew went and grabbed is blanket without being told to and lay on the couch to take a nap I must say it did my heart good. Do any of you feel happy inside when the little ones you take care of do as expected?

I went with my sister in law and brother to watch the Lights parade on Saturday night. I missed last years parade but this year was so super fun. The little ones all enjoyed it and we did as well. While it was a bit chilly I am glad that we went and watched the parade. This Thursday night is the Lights parade here in the town where I live and I know it will be so cold and possibly rainy. I hope that my teens all dress warm enough to stay warm.

Princess has been officially broke from the bottle. She is 15 months old and is done with the bottle. Any tips here would be great. She did pick up her paci which she had not used for some time. My daughter called the other night and was afraid that she was not eating and drinking as much as she should be.

These are the top thoughts on my mind at this time what are yours? Share them in the meme on the Un Mom Blog

Super Cute Goodies for Christmas that wont break the Bank

Here are a couple of cute items that I found on the website Baby Half Off. I adore the crinkle blankets and the best thing is that all 3 of these are only $5 each. To take advantage of these Christmas goodies visit this link http://www.babyhalfoff.com/ But this is today's special deal so you have to hurry.

Toasting those Nuts

Many of the holiday recipes call for nuts. Not only nuts but roasted nuts. Here is a quick guide to help you get the proper nuts to use in your delicious recipes. One of the best and first tip I will share with you is to prepare and toast nuts as soon as possible or store in a tightly sealed container.

To toast nuts you place them in a single layer in a baking sheet. You must keep close eye on nuts because they burn very easily

You can bake all of the following nuts at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, you can tell that they are done when:

Pecans - Toasted color will be slightly darker than raw color

Walnuts - Toasted color wil be pale brown and a definate stronger aroma

Macadamia Nuts - Toasted color will be golden brown

Hazlenuts - Toasted color will be darker than the raw nut and the skins may begin to crack

Almonds - Toasted color will be a light golden brown

To Do Tuesday

Today is a rainy sort of day and I just have this feeling that the men that were to be here to work on the house will not be. This is both good and bad because while I know the job in the basement needs done I also know that this will allow me time to get done what I need to do. So on today's list if the guys do not show up is:

• my bedroom straightned out
• living room straightned up
• bathroom cleaned
• bedrooms all straight
• kitchen organized
• laundry as usual
• also work about 2 hours at church

If the guys do come I will go and shop. What are you doing? Head over to the blog Crazy Adventures in Parenting

Christmas Earring giveaway

The blog The Frugal Homeschooling Mom is hosting a giveaway for a lovely pair of Christmas Earrings. The etsy shop RLM Designs sells lots of very pretty items including Christmas earrings. The winner will receive either the Christmas bulb earrings or the angel earrings. You have til December 18th to enter the contest

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

cool getting ready for winter we had a large frost this morning


One of my simple pleasures:

a good cup of hot chocolate with marshmallow cream


On my bedside table:

piled down with lots of things I need to get done


On my TV:

The find my family show


On the menu for tonight:

we had grilled cheese, fries and lil debbie cakes

On my To Do List:

laundry, laundry, help at church tommorow

New Recipe I tried last week:

Chocolate Peppermint candy Cane Cookies

In the craft basket:

ornaments we are creating out of beads and pipe cleaners


Looking forward to:

lights parade and seeing santa Saturday

Homemaking Tip for this week:

in order to make windows look great use newspaper. I have been putting up window clings and the windows look great

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

walk by the lake hand in hand


Favorite photo from last week:

Lesson learned the past few days:

I learned recently that the open door to family even though they don't always use it is one that is valuable for one day they will walk in

On my Prayer List:

Family and Friends


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (KJV)

Taco Soup = $5 dinner

taco soup

1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg taco seasonings
1 pkg dry Ranch seasonings
2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can whole kernel corn

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Add seasonings. Drain beans and corn. Add to meat along with tomatoes. Simmer until well blended and hot. Eat and enjoy.
Add a bit of grated cheese or sour cream and this simple soup is perfect for cold nights.

cost break down

1 lb turkey $1.00

onion (in pantry)

taco seasoning .50

dry ranch seasoning (in pantry)

2 large cans diced tomatos $1.00

1 can rotel tomatos .75

1 can black beans .50

1 can pinto beans .50

1 can corn .50

total $4.75