A Cake My Mother In Law Would Have Loved

My mother in law was a hard lady that grew up fast and had her first child by the age of 14. She raised 4 children primarily on her own working in factories, restraunts or wherever they were hiring. She was an uneduated lady only going to 8th grade in school yet she had so much experience it was not funny. She was hard and she was a person you either loved or you did not like at all it did not matter to her. I found myself on both sides several times being married to her son. She was a fine lady and one of her favorite desserts was carrot cake. She would have loved to have been presented with a cake like this.

2 cups all-purpose flour


2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

4 large eggs

4 cups grated carrots

4 cups finely chopped pecans

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a bowl; set aside. Beat sugar and oil in a large bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in carrots, pecans, and vanilla. Pour batter evenly into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350° for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.



Recipe Source: My Recipes

Meatloaf Tips

The other night for supper my family was requesting meatloaf for supper. Now I am the type of person that never likes to get in to routine of cooking and I wanted to do something different with my meatloaf. I have made meatloaf muffins, low cal Italian Style meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, as well as meatloaf burgers and the family has enjoyed all of them. Not knowing what I would do differently this time I started to glimpse through old magazines, cookbooks and even websites on the internet. Finally I decided to do a few new tips yet to primarily stick to an old fashioned recipe. I started with
3 lbs of hamburger
1 jar of salsa
1 1/2 c oats
1 jar of tomatoes diced
2 eggs

Mixed all together in bow. I then covered the bottom of my baking pan (casserole dish) with catsup and took about 4 T catsup and mixed in with catsup. I read on a vintage recipe website that this was the way some cooks used to do to make sure that the bottom of the meatloaf had catsup on it. I reckoned it was sort of like an upside down pineapple cake. Baked meatloaf at 400 degrees for nearly an hour The bottom of the meatloaf was very tasty. I believe this may be a step I make in all of my meatloaves from now on.

Sharing on Sabroso Saturday

Mite Tees Review

MITE TEES 

Those little smiling faces that seem to adore us as much as we adore them sure can pack a punch. You know the one I talk about those with the adorning smiles and toothless grins, those little ones who can barely say a word but their expressions mean the world.  Yes, you are right those precious bundles of joys daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren are the ones I refer to. We all love them so and we are very aware that our little ones don't have to say a word to get their point across. Mite Tees the personalizable tees help to express exactly who they are. Just take a look at some of the cute onesies and tees that they have available.

This tee and onesie are from the Production series of Mite Tees demonstrate how fun it is to show your little one off. It would make the perfect gift for new parents, baby shower, or gift for new born baby. Talking about showing off here is a tee that allows the showing off of the newest member of the tee. With the family jersey not only will the newest member be introduced but you will be able to show off the entire family as a winning team.

Let everyone know what you really think of the newest member of the family. After all it is expressionism is the name of the game.

We received a tee to review that helped us to explain our great news to everyone everywhere. I think there is no way to share good news than to allow our little ones to help spread the news. We received a tee to review that allowed us to share our wonderful news with everyone everywhere. I think it allowed us to share the news through the manner of allowing the little ones words when they had none before. That is what I love about Mite Tees. It allows the little ones power through expression when they know what they want to say they just have not learned how to say it yet. The tee we reviewed was

Is there a message that you want to help your little one share or help them express who they truly are? Well the power in the Mite Tees may help you do just that . In addition to the strength in the message the tee and onesies that I reviewed now and in the past hold up great through wash and wear. I love Mite Tees in their expressions and their product whether tee or onesie are ones that I can count on as well.

Mite Tees make the perfect baby shower gift, gift for new parents, as well as a perfect Christmas gift. If you have a little one on your Christmas list or an expectant family member surprise them with a Mite Tee for Christmas the expression will never be forgotten. You can find Mite Tees:

follow Mite Tees on twitter
like Mite Tees on facebook
visit the Mite Tees website at

We received a tee for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions shared in this post are mine alone.

Great Deal @ CSN Store and Giveaway Info as well

The CSN store has the American Plastic Toys My Very Own Kitchen for the low price of $29.99 so if you have a young person on your christmas list that loves to have fun while using their imagination then this may be a perfect gift. You can check it out at CSN Stores

I entered to win a giveaway on the blog P.S. Moms where Sarah is hosting a giveaway where one lucky person will win a $75 gift card from the CSN Stores. Just think with that you can get the kitchen for someone you love and something nice for your self as well. The giveaway ends December 5, 2010.

Flowerz In Her Hair review

I just love my little Princess she is beautiful to me. Perhaps I am a little bias I am the grandma after all. Princess has beautiful long flowing hair and I love it when her mommy puts it up in clips and ponytails. Flowerz in Her Hair is one of my favorite places to find special clips for my little gal. I adore Flowerz in Her Hair for many different reasons (1) they are sturdy and stay together well and (2) the styles available are great. I previously posted a review here on my blog for Flowerz in Her Hair Since that time the designs have grown into even more of an assortment and now include

Little girls are made for ruffles and lace and big girls adorn them as well and women like me I think they help us to remember the days we were young

Flowerz In Her Hair

Flowerz In Hair products would make beautiful christmas presents. I also love little girls in choirs, Christmas skits, and the such dressed up from head to toe you may want to pick your little angel up for that special night. You can get in touch with Flowerz in Her Hair by
You can follow Flowerz in Her Hair on twitter

Like Flowerz In Her Hair on Facebook

Visit the Flowerz In Her Hair website 

we received a few bows for review purposes. I was not compensated in any other way the thoughts and opinions shared in this post are those of mine alone

Crocs Boots giveaway

Crocs have become a household name where I live. They are so common my son for one loves them and would rather wear them than most other shoes. One funny thing that happened recently was that we were at my shop (antiques etc...) talking about old antique crocs and one of the young ladies there misunderstood and said that her crocs (shoes) were getting a bit old but she loved them that way LOL see what I mean crocs have earned their selves a household name. I was suprised to learn that they made more than the old croc style that I was used to. I did not know until I entered the giveaway hosted by Jennifer at the blog Mom Spotted that Crocs actually made snow buits. Just like the shoes they look great as well.

giveaway ends 11/29

Apple Butter Pie

Apple Butter Pie Recipe


•6-8 Servings

•Prep: 5 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Ingredients

•1/2 cup apple butter

•1 egg, lightly beaten

•1/2 cup sugar

•1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

•2 cups evaporated milk

•Ground cinnamon

•1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

Directions

•In a bowl, combine apple butter, egg, sugar, flour and milk; mix well. Pour into the pie shell; sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°; bake 35 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 6-8 servings
 
Recipe Source: Carousel Candles

Fresh Wave Review

There are times that living with teenagers can get a bit testy. Like the other day when one of my teens wanted a bit to eat and placed a hot pocket in the microwave for 8 minutes. WOW!!! I am not sure why she did this when the package clearly says no more than 2 minutes but needless to say the kitchen and surrounding rooms were quickly filled with smoke and the smell lingered for a bit Fresh Wave has the perfect products for times like this

You can read my review of the Fresh Wave Stinky Dorm Kit and find out how great I think their product is. Not only is this product wonderful for those that live in the dorm where mom can no longer help them but it is also perfect for those teens who prefer you not to enter but after all it is still your room This time I was able to review the pearl packs.

The pearl packs are perfect for the sweaty gym bags that my teens often brought home smelling like sweet and what a foul odor they would possess the pearl packet helped to decrease the horrendous odor. The pearl packs are available in packs of 5 for $15.95 To me this is a price that I gladly paid to help me rid the home of  odors

Fresh Wave provides a breath of fresh air naturally without any harsh chemicals. By using simple, natural, ingredients like lime, pine needle, aniseed clove, cedar wood and water Fresh Wave helps you to naturally provide a naturall solution to odors. Any where that needs a bit of spiffying up like the home, car, office, cabin, boat, locker, gym bag and every place in between Fresh Wave can help. Fresh Wave has 20 years of experience in odor management and proven track record of effectiveness because they are created and distributed by OMI Industries, the world leader in odor control and management.

Fresh Wave products are wonderful to have on hand during the holidays. Perhaps you may even want to offer a freindly notion by bringing the hostess a friendly gift from Fresh Wave they may thank you with all the hectic of the day.

You can like Fresh Wave on their facebook page  or Follow Fresh Wave on Twitter  or visit the Fresh Wave Webpage

we did receive a product for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions share in this post are those of mine alone.

First Impressions by Maceys giveaway

First Impression is always very important to the young and old alike. As I always tell my children what I say, do and look like reflects on me as well as whatever they say, do and look like. That is why the first impression is so important. The First Impression clothing line at Maceys is available for infants and toddlers alike and are so stylish and adorable. Bridgette at the Not So Blog is hosting a giveaway where the winner will receive a fall/winter gift set from the First Impressions line. Giveaway ends November 29, 2010

Five Foods I Dislike

Five Foods I Dislike:

1. spinach
2. liver
3. hominy
4. cream corn
5. wheat bread

I played along with the blog Is There A Bathroom On This Ship you can too just list your 5 favorite foods and link back to her by the way if you want you can share them here on my blog as well

Zutano Itzy Bitzy Organic Review

  ZUTANO

Each year one item that always ends up on every ones christmas list is clothes. I so love the super cute styles that are made by Zutano. I am even more excited since the Vermont based childrens clothing and toys designer makes clothing that is made from 100% certified organic cotton.  Zutano takes  their company's dedication, workmanship, creativity and global social responsibility very seriously. The organic line cotton has the same high quality feel and texture of all Zutano cotton with the same great prints and colors that Zutano line has always had. The new organic line is available in Zutano's Itzy Bitzy newborn designs and Baby Collection up to 24 months. As always you can trust that Zutano's clothing is free of lead, heavy metals, never tested on animals and is CPSIA compliant. In addition Zutano insures that any snaps and zippers are made by YKK and are free of anything that is toxic to human health and to the environment. 

The  organic collections include a great selection of prints, stripes and solids. The "Forest Fun" line captures adorable woodland characters romping through a darling pattern of trees and mushrooms. The "Meadow Marsh" line is a soft floral of warm organic tones with a peaceful feminine feel. Zutano offered a new collection this past spring known as "Windy Days" features swirls of blowing leaves and a curious owl; “Sunset Dots,” in orange and fern; as well as “Billy Goat,” with subtle colors based on the organic mini stripe. This premier collection is inspired by the beautiful Vermont landscape that surrounds Zutano—the animals of the forest, the glitter of sunshine on a summer pond and the beauty of rustling autumn leaves on a crisp fall day.

The look that Zutano offers for the little ones is wonderful Zutano takes their responsibility and care a bit further and offering something back to the community both locally and globally. They support an educational enrichment for children, reproductive rights for women and also an end to childhood hunger as well as offering regional scholarship.

You can give a great gift to a little one on your list as well as to the earth when you buy Zutano organics. They are available at more than 1,500 gift and speciality stores as well as online stores. Visit the Zutano website to see http://www.zutano.com or find Zutano on twitter like Zutano on facebook

Win a Sweater

Illinois winters get quite cold and that is why I have several sweaters in my wardrobe. I do not think that one can have too many good looking sweaters and if you take a look at the ones available at Neve you may just agree with my. There is a super giveaway going on to win a sweater from Neve on the blog Misadventures in baby raising. The giveaway is for a lovely sweater the Rebbecca

This giveaway ends November 25, 2010

AZO prize package giveaway

As a diabetic there are times that I find myself feeling more pain that others do. AZO often helps me get to feeling like myself sooner. Whether it is a yeast infection or a UTI they are both pains and I would rather do withouth them. AZO has the ability to help me controll these. Have you ever tried them? AZO is currently sponsoring several blog giveaways where the winner will win the prize package show above. One of the sponsors of the giveaways is Emilie at the blog Baby Loving Mama. This giveaway ends November 24, 2010

Raspberry Coolwhip Jello Dessert

•1 package (3 oz.) raspberry Jello


•2/3 cup boiling water

•1/2 cup cold water

•2 Tbsp. sugar

•1 8 oz. package low-fat cream cheese, softened

•1/4 cup skim milk

•2 9 oz. containers low-fat Cool Whip, thawed

•fresh or frozen raspberries for garnish

Place Jello in a large bowl. Add boiling water and stir until dissolved. Stir in cold water. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a half hour. Meanwhile, beat sugar and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in milk. Stir in one container of Cool Whip. Remove Jello mixture from refrigerator and stir in the remaining container of the Cool Whip until completely smooth. In a glass bowl with tall sides, pour half of the raspberry Jello mixture. Top with the cream cheese-Cool Whip mixture. Top with the remaining raspberry Jello mixture. Refrigerate until set, about an hour. Garnish with raspberries

Diary of A Stay At Home Mom

LIfe As Mom

Cherry Jubilee Pie

My dad always did love cherries and cherry pie and my mom used to make a cherry salad every holiday. I found this great recipe on the My Recipes website

1/3 cup water


1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons brandy

1 (12-ounce) package frozen pitted dark sweet cherries

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 cookie sheets)

4 cups vanilla low-fat ice cream, softened

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Cool completely. Combine butter and honey in a medium bowl. Add graham cracker crumbs, stirring to blend. Press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes. Cool completely. Place 1/2 cup cooled cherry mixture in a food processor; process until smooth. Place the remaining cherry mixture in an airtight container; cover and chill. Place softened ice cream in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add pureed cherry mixture, and gently fold in to achieve a swirl pattern. Spoon mixture into the cooled crust. Cover and freeze 4 hours or until firm. Top with reserved cherry sauce just before serving

Bake & Decorate Cupcake Kit giveaway

Oh the fun of being a little child with all the great toys available from Gummy Lump. The cupcake bake and decorate kit is an awesome kit that I can imagine my little Princess or any little girl or boy having fun with. I can remember as a child making birthday cakes out of bricks or whatever we had at hand I guess you can say we had wonderful imaginations. Do you have a little girl in mind that would love the amazing bake and decorate cupcake set from Gummy Lump? If so you may want to do what I did and enter the giveaway over at An Island Life the giveaway ends November 25, 2010

Happy Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day, I have seen young men leave their homes and give their lives to secure our freedom. I have spent time talking to veterans about the things they saw in battle and heard their pride they hold for defending their country. I for one would stand up and applaud with a heart full of thanks for the men and women who served to protect the freedoms we have

Bebe au Lait Double Sided Bib review

I have shared on here many different times that I am going to be a grandma again. I am so proud of the fact that I am a grandma. Tonight as I left church I heard a lady saying that she was too young to be a grandma. I on the other hand love the fact that I am grandma to Princess who turned 2 in September and will be grandma again early 2011. B'eB'e au Lait is a wonderful place to find products for new babies. They were established in 2004 and are located in Gatos California. Not only do they have superior products but they have beautiful fabric as well. The original product nursing covers is the reason that bebe au Lait came into existence and was brought about when one of the co-owners Claire nursed her baby and found it a bit of a challenge in the public Claire together with her husband Ronnie developed the Hooter hider a stylish nursing cover designed with baby and mom in mind. Since the early days the Bebe au Lait company expanded and continued to meet the needs of the active family with products like  include burp cloths, hooded towels and nursing cover gift sets. Bebe au Lait products are available in 60 countries as well as in retail chains like Babie R Us.

The Bebe Au Lait two sided Double Bib contains the well known chic fabric that they have become famous for on one side of the bib and on the other side a plush terry cloth. I love this because feeding a baby can be quite messy. The fabric side can stay as cleas as it can while the terry cloth side can be used to help clean up messes that happen during the feeding. I also love the fact that the bib is over sized because this helps to keep little ones clothing as clean as possible. The closure on the Bebe Au Lait bib is a set of double sided magnets that makes a secure seal so that it does not come off during the feeding or wear out like some closures do. Another great feature is that it is reversible so that it can be used even if one side of the bib is not clean. There are those times when laundry is not always done on time and yet the baby must eat at each feeding time. Yes!!!! Thats right the bib is machine washable making it easy to take care of as well.

This would make a perfect gift for baby shower, first Christmas gift for newborn or new baby gift. You can order any of the great Bebe Au Lait products including the reversible bib, hooded towels, hooter hiders, burp cloths and gift sets at Babies R Us or from the Bebe Au Lait website

Playing the Drums

This is the drum section of our highschool band. One of my best friends sons plays a drum in this band.
shared on White Wednesday hosted by Faded Charm

Get a free bottle of Country Bob's Sauce

Oh the delicious taste of country bob sauce. I have cooked with if many different times. It has become a staple in our kitchen. You can get a free bottle of Country Bob's Sauce for a limited time for simply asking for it all you have to do is fill out a form and sit back and wait 4 to 6 weeks for it to be delivered to you.

Time is slipping away

There never seems to be enough time to get all we have to do done. I must say that we often find ourselves so busy that the housework suffers (or is that just me) Well I found this nifty little post about what you can get done in just a short period of time. It breaks it down from anywhere from 15 minutes to 1/2 day. You can read this post at Real Simple

Gummy Lump Giveaway

I adore the Gummy Lump toys line. How cute they are and perfect for little hands like my little Princess. The blog Thanks Mail Carrier is hosting a giveaway where Gummy Lump is the sponsor. One winner will win the Mellissa and Doug shopping cart and their choice of two wooden food sets. There are many sets to choose from that it may be hard for you to choose it sure would be for me.  

I would love to win this giveaway for my little Princess you can enter to win as well but you must do so by December 3, 2010

Things Remembered Giveaway

You may be familiar with the Things Remembered gift shop that dot the malls around my area. They carry wonderful items for nearly every member of the family. With Christmas right around the corner I am sure that they are the perfect place to find that present for someone hard to buy for. The best part is that you can often have the gift personalized with an inscription of your choosing making the gift extra special. Tammy from the blog 3 Different Directions is hosting a giveaway where the winner will win their choice of

 ° Things Remembered Compact


° Things Remembered Digital Photo Key Chain

° Things Remembered Playing Card Set

° Things Remembered Make-A-Wish Bracelet

° Things Remembered Make-A-Wish Necklace

Would one of these gifts make for a great gift for someone on your list? I would choose the playing card set for my oldest son, the poker player in my life. This giveaway ends November 19, 2010

Get Free Boogie Wipes

Just thought I would share this special promotion. My daughter loves boogie wipes for her daughter and Triaminic has been trusted by our family for many years. The two together I am sure is a winning line up. Better yet saving money on them makes them great

Herbed Bread Stuffing with Mushroom and Sausage

Make the Thanksgiving stuffing a bit more special this year. The My Recipes website has all sorts of great ways to make up a terrific Thanksgiving stuffing for your family. As far as for our family I like this recipe for Herbed Bread Stuffing with Mushrooms and Sausage because it is very similiar to the one that I prepare each year for our family and friends.

1 1/2 pounds peasant-style white bread


4 (4-ounce) links sweet turkey Italian sausage

2 teaspoons butter

1 pound cremini mushrooms, quartered

Cooking spray

2 cups chopped onion

1 1/4 cups chopped carrot

1 1/4 cups chopped celery

1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon minced fresh sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
Preheat oven to 400°. Trim crust from bread. Cut bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 jelly-roll pans. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until toasted. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Combine bread cubes, sausage, and mushrooms in a large bowl. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper; sauté 1 minute. Add to bread mixture. Combine eggs and broth, stirring with a whisk. Add to bread mixture; toss to coat. Spoon into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until browned

Wordless Wednesday - Country Life

wordless wednesday  shared at MomStart