Uprinting giveaway 16x20 canvas print one day giveaway

Uprinting has been a sponsor of my blog for quite a little while so they are by no means new to my blog. I am trying a new sort of giveaway though by hosting an overnight giveaway. This is a first for me. This giveaway is for an Uprinting 16x20 rolled canvas print. It is a one day giveaway which means Monday morning the winner will know if they won or not. Lets see how this goes all you have to do is be a follower of Annies Home and each time you:

• follow uprinting on facebook and post a message on facebook (link must be in comment)
• follow uprinting and my blog on twitter and tweet @shopannies @uprinting (link must be in comment)

you will recieve an entry and the only rule is that you can only do each one time each hour. So get busy, have fun and good luck.

Cakes & Beans Review and GIveaway

Cakes & Beans the creation of Alisha Perkins custom creates adorable children's clothing and accessories. Alisha first item was a tutu for her two year old daughters dance class. After that the passion to create adorable creative childrens clothing came alive. Alisha found that the line of tutus out there was limited and mostly pastel. Alisha shares her time of being a mother to two children and a wife with her love and passion to create creative wears for children.



Cakes and Beans creates adorable headbands and clips. The headbands are great for children and I feel very well constructed.

The Cakes & Beans tutus are adorable. They are well filled in and I love how they stay on little ones on the go.

Dont worry moms Cakes & Beans did not forget the boys. There are cute onesies like the ones in the pictures yoyo necklace for girls tie onesies for boys as well as many others.

Buy: you can purchase any of the super cute onesies, tutus or other items from Cake & Beans follow this link to see if there was a retailer near you

Win: One of Annies Home readers will recieve a full set of tutu, yoyo necklace, clip, and headband

To enter this giveaway visit Cakes & Beans and let me know an item that you like

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow cakes & beans blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow my blog on twitter
• follow cakes & beans on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Giveaway starts now and ends May 15, 2010. Good Luck be sure email is in comment or on blog

I was able to examine the cute attire that will be given to winner no other compensation was present. The thoughts and opinions are my own

Fresh Berry Cobbler

One thing that I can remember both my grandmother and my hubby's grandmother making is delicious cobblers as soon as the fruit was ready.

Fresh Berry Cobbler


1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 cups fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup self-rising yellow cornmeal mix
1/3 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup milk

Combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch in a small bowl. Combine berries, cornstarch mixture, and lemon rind in a large bowl until well blended; spoon berry mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish. Combine flour, cornmeal mix, and remaining 2/3 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in butter and milk until blended. Gently spread batter evenly over berry mixture. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of topping comes out clean. Serve warm

Source: My Recipes

Early Morning Routine

Today’s topic is “the first 6 things you do after you open your eyes in the morning.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

1. pray
2. go to the bathroom
3. check my blood sugar
4. get something to drink and my meds
5. get breakfast
6. devotion

What is your morning routine like? Share here

What could you make?

I have joined in the four foods friday meme hosted by Val here all though it is Saturday and the question was just posted. It is a great one and I can't wait to see what your answer would be. Here is the question:

What can you make with eggs, a vegetable, a starch and a meat?

my answer:
a recipe like this easy breakfast

Its Raining Its Pouring ....

hosted by Show My Face

What beautiful weather we have been having this week and the past couple of weeks. Today is a bit different as we are experiencing a lovely little rain storm that has the potential to become more serious. I know that we need the rains for the farmers, beautiful flowers and a lovely spring early summer. So today for my six word Saturday I say:

We are experiencing a spring rain.

Then Sings my Soul Saturday

As i was looking and listening and thinking about what song I would post I found this one It seems to have it all. The beauty of spring, the words that I needed to hear, and a song that was full of beauty. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Then Sings My Soul is hosted by Signs, Miracles and Wonders

Boon Potty Bench review and giveaway

Boon is one of my all time favorite companies. They make items that we all need but may not otherwise of thought of. One of my favorite things that they sell is the Boon potty bench. My mother always told me that the warm weather was the best time to potty train a child. The winter was too cold so spring and summer was the months to potty break a child. What child would not want to go potty in a potty as grand as the Boon potty bench?

Description from Boon website:
The Potty Bench is a training potty featuring two enclosed side storage spaces for organizing potty training supplies, and a pull-out drawer for easy sanitary clean-up. Simply close the lid to use as a large, sturdy stool that supports up to 300 lbs. The sleek, modern design includes a built-in toilet paper holder and a removable soft deflector shield.

My opinion: I think this very cool as it has everything that your young child will need at hand. Place for the paper, a place to keep the wipes to clean the potty and when all done perfect place to sit. I also thought that it was cool that it held up to 300 lbs. to me making it the perfect on the go potty for camping or long trips.

Buy: you can purchase the Boon Potty Bench off the Boon website or locate a place to shop near you by visiting this link

Win: One of Annie's Home readers will receive a Boon Potty Bench like I did.

To enter giveaway: visit Boon and let me know another product you would love to have

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• subscribe to boon newsletter
• follow boon on twitter
• follow boon on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway using @shopannies @BoonInc (up to 1 tweet every hour for an extra entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Contest starts now and ends May 13, 2010. Good luck but if you want to win be sure your email is in comment or on blog.

I recieved a boon potty bench like that I described in the post for use of the review. Thoughts and opinions are those of my own.

Salute To Warm Weather Week

Welcome to a week of Salute to Warm Weather. This is the week where I will share tips, crafts, recipes, and yes great products that you can enjoy in the warm weather or any time of year. Sponsors for this week include:

• Boon
• Cakes & Beans
• Scandle
• Tickle Me Plant
• Slim Perfect
• Pediped
• Pawparazi

This is just a sampling of the great sponsors involved this week. So be sure to stop by Annie's Home and see what is going on.

for three extra entries into any of this weeks giveaways leave a comment on this post.

Black Pepper and Molasses Pulled Chicken Sandwich

love to make pulled pork and pulled chicken. This recipe is a bit different and is tasty so thought I would share

Black Pepper and Molasses Pulled Chicken Sandwich

3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon molasses
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 (2-ounce) sandwich rolls, cut in half horizontally
12 dill pickle chips
Preparation
1. Combine first 9 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 23 minutes or until chicken is done and tender. Remove from heat; shred with 2 forks to measure 2 cups meat. Place 1/2 cup chicken on bottom half of each roll. Top each with 3 pickles and top half of roll.

source: my recipes

First Garden Tips

So you know that starting a garden is a great way to save money, get fresh vegetables and a perfect family project but where do you start?

• find a sunny spot it does not have to be very big think of planting a 8x10 spot
• determine what type of soil you have is it clay, sand or loam? The local extension service can help you determine this
• If it is sand or clay you may want to add top soil or compost.
• buy quality seeds from the local seed store or from catalog.
• plant, weed, water takes place after this. I hope these steps have helped you get started.
  

Summer Time Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad

hosted by Ann Kroker

Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad with Smoked Chicken, Apples, Peppers, and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Vinaigrette

10 c wagon wheel pasta, cooked

1 lb smoked chicken, chopped

2 green apples, cored and cut in 1/2 inch pieces

2 celery stalks, cut in 1/4 inch slices

1 red bell pepper, baked stemmed seeded and cut in 1/2 inch dices

radicchio leaves

1/4 c pine nuts, toasted

1/4 c coarsely chopped italian pasley

Dressing

6 T olive oil

6 T packed drained sun dried tomatoes

1/4 c lemon juice

2 T pine nuts, toasted

2 T parmesan cheese

8 large fresh basil leaves

1 small clove garlic

Dressing:

Put all into a food processor with the metal blade. Pulse the machine several times til mix is coarsely chopped then processs continously stoppig 2 to 3 times to scrape down sides of bowl, til dressing is smooth Set aside

Salad:

Mix all except radicchio, pine nuts, and parsley Toss well with enough dressing to coat Arrange radicchio leaves on a platter or individual serving plates Mound salad on top Garnish with pine nuts and parsley.

Cheese stuffed fries

Loaded cheese fries while not great for you they are great tasting and the perfect warm weather dish to enjoy with friends at a outdoor restaurant.

Food Trip Friday can be found here

Cereal Bowl Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito recipe

Cereal Bowl Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

1 flour tortilla (6-inch)
1 EGG
1 Tbsp. shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 Tbsp. salsa

LINE 2-cup microwave-safe cereal bowl with microwave-safe paper towel. PRESS tortilla into bowl. BREAK egg into center of tortilla. BEAT egg gently with a fork until blended, being careful not to tear tortilla. MICROWAVE on HIGH 30 seconds; stir. MICROWAVE until egg is almost set, 15 to 30 seconds longer. REMOVE tortilla with paper towel liner from bowl to flat surface. TOP egg with cheese and salsa. FOLD bottom of tortilla over egg, then fold in sides.

source: incredible edible egg

Great Snacks that Help You Keep Looking Great

We all know that moms are busy. We often run down on steam and need a pick me up. It is what we pick up and put in our mouth that makes the difference. The difference between good snacks and bad snacks can make the difference in looking just all right and great. So here are a few ideas to help you stay looking great and have a small snack:

1. cereal offers a crunchy snack that will taste good and give a bit of energy. Simply set up a few different baggies of cereal so when you need a snack you have it at hand. To help stave off hunger and add more nutrition throw in a few nuts as well.
2. yogurt smoothie: adds calcium and protien to your diet which is needed to keep going and many have less than 100 calories a smoothie.
3. string cheese: low in calories high in calcium and protien. Throw in a few crackers and you have the perfect quick snack. The best thing is this can be a snack that both you and your child will love.
4. fruit: as they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Fruit offers your body nutrients they need with many under 100 calories a serving.
5. whole grain snack bar or granola bar- these are easy to go to snack, breakfast or whenever we need a pick me up. The teens love them so they are always in the freezer or fridge when needed
6. instant oatmeal - a heart healthy snack, easy to prepare with just a bit over 100 calories a serving
7. popcorn - a crunchy pick me up that you can find in snack size 100 calories bags. Popcorn seems to fill one up quickly and yes it is a vegetable

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday is hosted by the blog An Island Life. It is a simple meme because Fridays in Hawaii are meant to be a day of ease SO in return bloggers join together for Aloha Friday and ask each other simple questions that do not take a lot of thought.

I am really enjoying the wonderful weather we have been having the temps are perfect in the 60s and 70s sometimes 80s. I love these temps not to hot and not to cold Perfect to open windows and enjoy the day. So today my question for you is:

What is the weather like where you are?

Papa and Princess

This is a picture of Princess and Papa. It was taken a year ago. You can just see the twinkle in his eye when Princess is by his side.

Seventh Generation review and giveaway

Today is Earth Day have resolved to do something that will better the earth? What about changing your lifestyle just a bit? Using cleaners that are better for the Earth from Seventh Generation can help you start living a greener life one that is better for you and one that is better for the Earth. Seventh Generation sells the same sort of items that you have in your house but the products that Seventh Generation produce are better for the Earth and better for you.

I believe it important to introduce Seventh Generation today on Earth Day. Today is also the last day of the celebration of going green here on Annie's Home as well. Seventh Generation has taken a stand to make their products safer for the Earth and the consumers. Not only are their products tested for safety but they have teamed up with safer chemicals healthy families group to create million baby crawl. Million baby crawl is a group that is calling on congress to strengthen federal law regulating toxic chemicals used in products ranging from household cleaners to baby bottles.
I appreciate the fact that Seventh Generation has made their laundry products to work well in cold water. With the amount of laundry I need to do it becomes very expensive using hot water. Not only does Seventh Generation help to lower my bills but also is nontoxic and biodegradable, hypoallergenic, safe for septic systems, and is not tested on animals. Looks like the total package to me.

Buy: you can purchase any of the great Seventh Generation products from any of the online sources listed here as well as locate a retail store by going here

The package I received from Seventh Generation upon my request was

the Free & Clear Starter Kit that included Disinfecting Multi-Surface,
Disinfecting Bathroom, Disinfecting Wipes - 35 ct., Laundry Detergent – F&C 32 oz, Liquid Fabric Softener – F&C 40 oz, Dish liquid,
All- Purpose Cleaner, Auto-Dish Pacs, Glass Cleaner, Natural Paper Towels and Seventh Gen Recycled Bag. WE have used many of the products and love them. The wipes are great I use them and they seem to leave no bad smell behind. The cleaners are wonderful and to me do not have a smell that turns me off and does a great job.

win: one of Annie's home readers will win the same Free & Clear starter kit that I received.

Enter the giveaway by telling me something that I did not share with you about Seventh Generation

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow seventh generation on twitter
• follow seventh generation on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 tweet = 1 entry link in comment)
• blog about the giveaway (link in comment)

Giveaway starts now and ends May 13, 2010. Good Luck Email must be on blog or in comment or you can not win

we did recieve the kit that was stated in the post to use for the review. This did not have any play with my opinion stated in this post

My Little Princess

hosted by the blog The Diaper Diaries

hosted by a the Mom Jen

We love you lots little princess you are growing so big. Nana and Papa love you and cant wait til we see you again. It is so hard to see you only time to time because we miss you and you seem to grow so rapidly remember that nana and papa love you forever and always.

Macaroni Salad with bacon, peas and dijon dressing

Dressing:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Salad:
8 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni
2/3 cup fresh green peas
2/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
2/3 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 lower-sodium bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

To prepare dressing, combine first 9 ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth. Cover and chill.

To prepare salad, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; add peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain. Combine pasta mixture, bell pepper, and next 4 ingredients (through rind) in a large bowl. Toss pasta mixture with half of dressing. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Toss salad with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon; serve immediately.

source: my recipes

Refrigerator Rolls

hosted by diary of a stay at home mom

This is a recipe that came from a group of ladies that shared a Recipe club in the early 1970s in Southern Illinois

REFRIGERATOR ROLLS

2 c boiling water

1 T salt

1/2 c sugar

1/3 c shortening

Mix all ingredients. Cool

2 pkgs. dry yeast

1/4 c lukewarm water

1 t sugar

Add ingredients together Mix with first mixture, after it is cool Then add 2 eggs and 8 cups flour. Mix Do Not Knead. Cover and put in fridge Just take out the amount you need. Make into rolls let rise about 1 hour Bake at 350 til brown

10 easy ways to go green

Going green is great for the earth and can even benefit your health. Here are ten easy ways to go green:

1. leave your car at home take a walk or ride your bike to work
2. use reusable bottles for drinking from. The lil plastic water bottles have been found to have dangerous chemicals associated with them and all those little bottles have created a problem with keeping the Earth clean
3. choosing clothes that are made of organic materials could help cut down on the dangerous chemicals that have been known to cause cancer
4. if possible choose locally grown. I know here in southern Illinois there are many things that can be bought locally such as apples, peaches, meat, honey, and eggs to name just a few. Buying locally helps to cut down on the gas that it takes to ship the products and also is fresher and better for you.
5. help clean up the earth by picking up trash, making the place look better. By keeping the earth clean the water we drink could clean up in the meantime you may want to have a water filter put in place
6. make cleaners safer with less chemicals. Some of the best cleaners are the home made cleaners that get the job done but don't leave the after effects
7. Plant a tree the benefits of trees is unlimited and the beauty is unsurpassable
8. Eat meat a little bit less the benefits will be better on you and your health as well as the limitations of greenhouse gas emissions
9. Limit dry cleaning the chemicals used in dry cleaning have been found to cause cancer
10. Grow your own garden you will feel proud, have nutritious food to eat and cut down pesticides

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday finds me loving life. I am so happy this week as it seems that my children are beginning to find their own. My son has a date to the Prom one which I believe everyone is happy with. Her father is a preacher and upon meeting my son engaged in a wonderful discussion about characters in the bible. I am so thankful for all the great individuals that have touched my sons life and helped him learn the wonderful bible stories. I also Praise God for giving me the children he did.

I am thankful today to know that my lil Princess is feeling much better. She has been suffering with allergies and an early spring cold. This little gal will be sharing all the traits it seems that her mommy, daddy and family have that of allergies and easy to get colds. Praise God that she is feeling better and able to run and do the crazy lil Princess lifestyle that only she can do.

I am thankful to know that our family is getting better at getting along. Not our family that lives inside the house I do but all of our family. We have struggled with forgiveness before but it seems as if all will be better as life goes on. That I can truly be thankful for. I love everyone that touches my life and it is so hard when disagreements occur and forgiveness is slow to come.

What are you thankful for? Share them on Spiritually Unequal marriage.

Guest Post: Learn How To Make Healthy Mediterranean Recipes in 1 Hour

Learn how to Make Healthy Mediterranean Recipes in 1 Hour

Stuffed Anchovies

Photo: http://www.mediterraneanrecipes.org/Anchovies_Stuffed.jpg

Ingredients

600 grams of Anchovies
2dl of Milk
2 pieces dry sandwiches
100 grams of grated parmesan
50 grams breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper

Anchovy Stuffed recipe makes 6 servings and can be prepared in 80 minutes. It has low calorie content and low fat but full of flavor.

Preparation

Remove the head and backbone of the anchovies and wash them thoroughly. Cut the dry bread into cubes, place them in a bowl and soak in milk. Add the beaten eggs and season with salt and pepper.

Get a separate baking bowl and grease it with oil. Pour a small amount of the mixture into the bowl then place a layer of parmesan cheese and bread crumbs on top. Repeat the layering until the entire mixture has been used. Bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. Before serving, add slices of lemon and sprinkle with oregano.

Nutritional Values:
Food Gr Kcal Fat Carb Pro Fib Water
Anchovy 600 786 29.04 0 122.1 0 440.22
Milk - cow's whole 200 120 6.5 9.04 6.44 0 176.64
White bread 00 150 435 0 102 12 4.5 43.5
Grated Parmesan cheese 100 431 28.61 4.06 38.46 0 20.84
Bread crumbs 50 197.5 2.65 35.99 6.68 2.25 3.26
Salt 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pepper 1 2.55 0.03 0.65 0.11 0.26 0.11
Total 1102 1972.05 66.83 151.74 185.79 7.01 684.57
A head (6) 183.67 328.68 11.14 25.29 30.97 1.17 114.1
Per 100 grams 100 178.95 6.06 13.77 16.86 0.64 62.12

Food About the Cooker - Felicia Mcclinton writes for easy mediterranean recipes , blog her personal hobby blog focused on cooking tips to eat like a real Mediterranean and eat healthy to prevent diseases.

Creativity for Kids Great Earth Day Projects and giveaway

Creativity for Kids creates awesome crafts for all occasions and has the perfect activities for Earth Week as well. Among the items that Creativity for Kids have for sale to help encourage others to do their share are:

Ecology & Me coloring & artivity book which features 24 pages of coloring, simple games, puzzles, flip book, paper crafts, recycling projects and fun facts to save our planet. Hands on learning has no great cause or day than Earth Day.

Recycled Cardboard Dollhouse where your child can decorate their dreamhouse and have hours of fun. Made of 100% recycled cardboard Arrives in a package that can be reused, colored and played with as well. The set comes with markers, stickers, punch out dolls and easy to assemble furniture. Enough of everything to have hours of fun.

The Wee Enchanted Fairy Garden is another great activity to do with your child this spring. Not only perfect for Earth Day but also for spring time. The wonderful colors of this are created and designed by the creator (you or your child). Included in this set are flower shaped gardening dish, enchanted flour house, tiny gemstone treasures, flowers, butterflies, paint, soil and seeds that grow like magic. You are sure to be enchanted as you discover beauty among the garden.

buy: you can purchase any of the great items I shared here as well as many others on the creativity for kids website.

win: Creativity for Kids would love to offer one of Annie's Home readers the chance to win their own wee enchanted fairy garden.

To enter contest please let me know something about creativity for kids that I did not share here

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 tweet = 1 entry) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
• comment on any other post on this blog (1 comment = 1 entry) let me know which one in comment

Good Luck contest starts now and ends May 12, 2010. Email must be in comment or on blog or you can not win

She Colors My Day

Mothers day will soon be here and thinking about that makes me think of all the strong women in my family. I have to say that in every aspect there are strong women of all sorts Many of them were not able to receive a college education rather they received an education in life. My mothers mom was a strong lady in religion, strength in raising her children, loved nature and loved being married to a farmer. She held her head high doted on her grandchildren and made her life both personal and that others saw to be as good as she could get it. She played piano, sang sweet gospel and was just a lovely Christian lady. My other grandmother was a bit different while she to was married to a farmer as well she could run they also had a business. I saw her work hard and long hours and always had time for her grandchildren. My own mother is a strong woman and I believe that I admire her even more as I have watched her grow after my father passed on. She was always a strong lady but through tears, fears and self doubt she has become a woman that is strong. Without these three ladies I do not know where I would be, who I would be or what I would be doing. They kept me out of a lot of trouble, always showed love as well as discipline to me and I will always cherish them.

The She Colors My Day is built on love as well. The love a mother who had breast cancer and that of a daughter who would watch her go. A mother named Annette who was dying of breast cancer wanted to leave a memory for those that she loved and those that loved her back. Annette would be leaving four daughters so she created a c.d. of her and her daughters singing to family and friends. Annette's friend, Christina Carlino would pick up the torch and create the act behind She Colors My Day. She Colors My Day is a celebration of the never ending bonds of mothers and daughters and one that has embarked upon a global journey to create for a cure. The Susan G. Komen foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's/ Women's Cancer Research Group benefit from this great celebration

What can you do? One of the easiest things you can do is to spread the word. You can download a pink crayon that you can share with you friends. You can download the song sung by Amy Grant She Colors My World here. Best of all you can share with your friends and give to the good cause because each year lives are lost, tears fall, and those left behind continue to fight.

Doing Their Share

Recently the kids in the youth group at our church took out time to clean up a school and play yard. They took time to pick up trash that was scattered around the school yard.

Each child helped do their share and I was so proud of them.

The kids who attend this school had a clean play ground to enjoy and our teens felt good about helping out.

Have you did your share lately? Help do your share to celebrate Earth Day this year.

Early Morning Picture

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took while staying in St. Louis. I love the darkness with the shadows of the city and street lights all around. The city is just starting to wake up as the sun begins to light up the sky.

find more great pictures for wordless wednesday at empowering mommy , serendipity mommy and Harriet and Friends

Kid Konserve and Flingo reviews with a giveaway

one thing that I love to do is sit and eat in a peaceful place. I love to take my lunch I just hate it when I have so much trash to throw away. I wish there was a way that we could save money and from throwing things away such as baggies, plates, napkins, etc... Now there is thanks to Kids Konserve.
The butterfly waste free lunch kit from kids konserve is not only a great way to save from throwing trash away but looks great as well. The reusable lunch kit features cotton sack, cloth napkin, 304 stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy, and 2 stainless steel food containers and all of it for $45. Just think of all the money you will be saving by reusing the kit over and over again. This is a great way to take your lunch any where you want to go including taking a lunch break in nature.

for the times when you are recycling, camping, or otherwise will have trash that can be recycled take along the flings bin. The flings bin is made to be recycled and folds up nicely to be used when needed and looks great as well. The flings bin is portable, attractive and easy to spot. The flings bin starts out flat and pops up into a sturdy recycle bin or trash compartment.

To purchase the fling bins container you can visit this link to find retailers online as well as stores that sell it.

To purchase products from Kid Konserve you can order directly from the Kid Konserve website

Win: the kid konserve company would love to give one of Annies Home readers a food kozy of their own.

To enter giveaway visit the Kid Konserve website and let me know something that I did not share with you

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• add a text link for my blog to your side bar (5 entries)
• follow Kid Konserve on twitter
• friend kid konserve on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet @kidkonserve @shopannies about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• tell me if you are doing anything special for earth day
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Giveaway starts now and ends May 3, 2010. Good Luck Email must be in blog or in comment or you can not win

Chicken and Strawberry Salad

Chicken and Strawberry Salad


Dressing:
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
4 cups arugula
2 cups quartered strawberries
1/3 cup vertically sliced red onion
12 ounces skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted cashews, halved
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese

To prepare dressing, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. To prepare salad, combine romaine and next 4 ingredients (through chicken) in a bowl; toss gently. Place about 2 cups chicken mixture on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons cashews and 2 tablespoons cheese. Drizzle about 4 teaspoons dressing over each serving.

source: my recipes

Random Thought Tuesday

MY thoughts are running rampant this week with everything that needs to be done. Yesterday, I went and helped the lady fix the weekly high school lunchen where we fixed sloppy joes, moz sticks, salad and brownies. The high scholars showed up and ate everything up. This is a blessing to me as I love to see the teens and also I have made great friends with the ladies that cook the lunch

Friday will find us decorating for our F.R.O.G party where we will have lots of fun with the elementary students at church. It is being used as a launching pad to invite more to our Sunday school program. I will be in the kitchen where i normally find myself. I always have lots of fun. The party will be Saturday and is sure to be lots of fun

Sunday will find us celebrating graduates and I have 2 seniors this year. I am honored to watch my two graduate and take part in this church service. After church they will have a dinner for the graduate and family sure to be good eatings (and I don't have to do dishes).

This week on my blog we have celebrated earth week with recipes, tips and great products that help do their share. I hope you have been doing your part to help clean up the earth.

Those are my random thoughts what are yours?

$5 dinner Hawaiian Delight

Hawaiian Delight

3 T butter (in fridge)

1 onion, chopped (.25)

3 stalks celery (.25)

1 can mushroom soup (.59)

1 soup can of milk (.50)

1 can tuna (.69)

1 small can water chestnuts, sliced ($1.50)

1 small can dry chow mein noodles ($1.50)

cashews just to dress up

Saute onion, celery, in butter Combine with rest and bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour.

Quick Rocky Road Candy

hosted by all the small stuff-cole

Have you had a busy afternoon and now you are craving for a bit of chocolate or something sweet? Do you have afternoon guest coming over to sit in the shade and share a chat? Well here is a great recipe that is quick and easy to make

Quick Rocky Road Candy

12. oz. chocolate chips

1/2 stick margarine

4 T. water

24 large mallows

Mix first 3 over low heat, stir til melted. Take off heat and add 24 large mallows Take off fire and add 24 large mallows and stir Add 1 heaping cup walnuts not chopped Mix well. Pour into a buttered dish Put into fridge and set When firm cut into squares