Win A Hoover

If you are like me you will be doing an extra bit of cleaning for the holidays. I would love to have a great new tool to help with the cleaning. I entered to win a hoover over on the blog MomMart This giveaway ends 11/26/11

Dorm Life In Lights

Many of my teens and their friends are in college and they all love to have great fun Remember your college or teen years? Well the latest greatest thing that I saw from them is the bunk of one of my young friends all lit up in christmas lights

shared at the Color Carnival

PopCorn Ball Tree Ornament

Small popcorn ball (one for each guest)

Mini candy canes

Colored sugar

Frosting

Mini M&Ms

You'll need a small popcorn ball for each person (ours are store-bought and about 3 inches wide). Use a wooden skewer to poke a small hole in the top, snap the end off of a mini candy cane to create a point, and gently press the sharp end of the cane into the popcorn ball far enough to make a loop, as shown. For the sugar dots and lines, pour colored sugar onto a flexible paper plate (the flexibility makes it easy to pour the extra sugar back into the container when you're done). Fill a pastry bag with frosting, or scoop frosting into a quart-size plastic bag and cut off one corner. Working on one dot or line at a time, pipe frosting thickly onto the ball, then press the ball gently into the sugar so that only the frosting touches it. Use frosting to glue mini M&Ms to the ball.

source Family Fun

PopCorn Ball Recipe

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup margarine

2 teaspoons cold water

2 5/8 cups confectioners' sugar

1 cup marshmallows

5 quarts plain popped popcorn

           

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, margarine, cold water, confectioners' sugar and marshmallows. Heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Carefully combine the hot mixture with the popcorn, coating each kernel.
2. Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn into balls before it cools. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.               

Shared at
Funky Junk Interiors                      Lovely Crafty Weekend

Easy To Make Christmas Tree Ornament

Even the kids can help you make this super cute Christmas tree ornament. It is simple to make and will let everyone feel involved Find out how to make this over on Elmers website

Meatloaf with Marmalade Glaze

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably chuck)
2 cups cooked stuffing, roughly chopped
1 large egg, beaten
kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
10 ounces baby arugula (about 6 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

 

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, stuffing, egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and form it into a 9-inch loaf (about 2 1/2 inches thick). Bake for 30 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the marmalade and mustard. Spread on the meat loaf and continue to bake until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Divide the arugula among plates. Drizzle with the oil and vinegar. Serve with the meat loaf.
   

Recipe source: Real Simple

Peanut Butter and candy cookies

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 
1 1/2 cups chunky peanut butter (not "all natural") 
1 cup sugar 
1 large egg 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1 11-oz. package butterscotch morsels 

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating to blend. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture and butterscotch morsels. Form into a large disk and wrap in plastic. Chill for 2 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 375°F; line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Use hands to form dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place balls about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Using a fork, press balls flat, then press again to form a crisscross pattern. Bake cookies until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool on sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

All You
AUGUST 2009

Young an Crafty

Pizza Roll Man Dies

Many of us have had pizza rolls before and the rest of us probably know what they are. Those little bites of pizza rolled up in a bite size roll. The inventor of the pizza rolls Mr. Jeno passed away Thursday. Thank him for the invention that helps my teens get by when they are in a hurry and have no time for a sit down meal. Want more information about Mr. Jeno find it here

After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup

After Thanksgiving Turkey Soup is perfect for the weekend following Thanksgiving. Want to check out  this recipe I found while out blog hopping you can check it out here

Five Question Friday

1. Is there a special dish you prepare that you are famous for?

I taught myself to make dressing a few  years ago and that I am very pleased with because others compliment

2. Are you (did you) go Black Friday shopping ?

have before but this year doing more online shopping

3. What are your strangest holiday traditions?

can't think of any strange traditions we have special breakfast, share our thankful list and prepare for santa

4. Pecan or pumpkin pie? (She actually asked "Apple or pumpkin?" I just T-giving'ed it!)

pumpkin pie

5. When will you put up your Christmas tree?

first weekend in december

friday fragments

This week has been quite a busy one, and as busy as it was I was as slugish as can be I have been suffering from a headcold, sore throat and cough. Why does it always seem when there is so much to be done I went shopping on Tuesday, oh my the stores were a mess and the thing is I think we all decided to go on Tuesday rather than the day before Thanksgiving to miss the crowds. Bad decision as we all seemed to make the same one. The shopping done I had to work the day before and the day of Thanksgiving so the dishes were made 1/2 by myself and 1/2 by my husband and teens. We made it all come together and I loved the fact that we worked together to get it all done. So super happy. What was your Thanksgiving like? I do realize that it is a U.S. custom so if you would just share the last time your family came together and had a great meal.

Follow Friday

1. I love when I see ____
2. I am _____
3. I ___ shop on Black Friday
4. After a big holiday meal I ____ leftovers

1. I love when I see my moms beautiful face (not sure why I put this here just been thinking about her alot and all she does for all)
2. I am my fathers daughter (once again I think related to the holidays. My father passed 10+ years ago and yes I was daddys little girl)
3. I do not shop on Black Friday (I once did but find I get many great buys on line staying home)
4. After a big holiday meal I love the leftovers (they make the food that all eat for the next few days)


4.

Death By Caramel Bars

3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 

2 cups unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs, lightly beaten 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

4 cups all-purpose flour 

1 cup uncooked regular oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

6 (2.07-oz.) chocolate-coated caramel-peanut nougat bars, chopped (we tested with Snickers)

1 (14-oz.) can dulce de leche*

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to butter mixture, stirring just until blended. Fold in chopped candy bars. Spoon batter into a greased aluminum foil-lined 13" x 9" pan coated with cooking spray, allowing foil to extend over ends of pan. (Pan will be very full.) Spoon dollops of dulce de leche over batter; swirl slightly into batter with a knife. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 5 minutes. Remove to a wire rack, and cool completely. (This may take several hours.) Use foil to lift uncut brownies out of pan. Peel foil away from sides of uncut brownies, and cut into bars.

*Find dulce de leche with other Mexican ingredients or on the baking aisle.

Oxmoor House
JUNE 2007

Recipe Left Over Turkey : Thanksgiving Memories Casserole

1 pkg. Chicken (or Turkey) Stovetop Stuffing - Prepared
Leftover cut-up turkey or chicken ~ or ~ 1 12.5 oz. can of canned chicken

(Whatever amount you have will work.) (We get ours from Costco.)
Mashed Potatoes (real, or a prepared package of 4~6 servings)
2 cups of Grated Cheese

1) Spread butter (with a brush or paper towel) all over the bottom and sides.

2) Plop the mashed potatoes in there in several blobs, and spread out to form a layer. (This is easier than doing one big blob as it's harder to spread it all over from one blob in the center with the butter on the bottom of the pan making it slippery.)
3) Sprinkle the cut-up turkey or chicken all over the potatoes.

4) Drop the dressing all over, and press that down for another layer.

5) Sprinkle the grated cheese all over the top. (You can always use more or less.)

6) Bake at 350 for 20 min. (If it's been in the fridge for several hours, then I'd bake for an extra 10 min.)

recipe source : http://www.homeschooloasis.com/recipes_nov.htm#tlc

Caramel Cheesecake Pie

1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract

1-1/4 cups chopped pecans

1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) fat-free caramel ice cream topping

Additional fat-free caramel ice cream topping, optional

Line a 9-in. pie plate with pastry. Trim and flute edges. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and vanilla until smooth. Spread into pastry shell; sprinkle with pecans. In a small bowl, whisk remaining eggs; gradually whisk in caramel topping until blended. Pour slowly over pecans. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned (loosely cover edges with foil after 20 minutes if pie browns too quickly). Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before slicing. If desired, garnish with additional caramel ice cream topping. Yield: 6-8 servings.

recipe source : Taste of Home

Anamalz Giveaway

My children have always loved animals and my grandchildren love them even more I believe. It seems their mom and dad take them to farms, zoos and even pet shows to see the animals. So when I saw anamalz in this blog giveaway I instantly thought about Christmas and what a great gift they would make. Check out the giveaway I just entered on Thanks Mail Carrier and be sure to enter before November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Tea and Cookies

Christmas Tea Poem

Christmas Tea Poem
On Christmas Day, at half past three,
brew yourself a cup of tea.
I'll think of you and you'll think of me,
While sitting around your Christmas tree.

California Tea House is a family owned online tea store that carries some of the best tea grades available in the world. Starting out being sold at California farmer's markets California Tea House teas are now sold online so that everyone can have an opportunity to try the tea.  Ongoing taste tests have helped to pick through the finest teas to offer the best teas and exclusive loose leaf tea collection in the world. California Tea House has become known as the best online tea store where you can buy loose leaf tea. California Tea House uses only the highest grade, hand selected loose leaf tea, organic herbal tea and blooming tea from around the world. From teas from places that we often think of having great tea like China and India to custom dessert inspired Rooibos tea blends from South Africa. Teas from California are some of the finest herbal teas that rae grown at small, family owned and operated organic herbal farms in California. The organic farms place care and quality as top priority and also raise the fruit, nuts, herbs and flowers that we use to blend up our unique loose leaf tea blends. Another great reason to purchase your tea, loose leaf tea, and blooming teas at California Tea House is because shipping is free on all orders. For a limited time for Christmas with every order of $75 or more gift wrapping is free as well.

Christmas Cookies by Norma Rose

Sift the flour, mix the butter,
Roll the dough for the cookie cutter.
A white sugar star, a red Christmas bell,
A brown teddy bear with a gingery smell.
Christmas cookies taste so sweet.
They're fun to bake and good to eat.

looking for an awesome cookie cutter set for christmas? Then check out Sweet Shapes and the collection of Christmas cutters available. The Christmas Holiday set of cookie cutters from Sweet Shapes are in a clear cylinder. The 9 different shapes included in this set are made of aluminum with a glossy coloring and measures between 3" to 3 3/4" tall and 1" deep. Cutters included are
angel
candy cane
gingerbread girl
stocking
star
bell
snowman
tree
gingerbread boy

Blog Post In The Past Getting Lots of Attention

There are several post that are getting lots of attention on my blog as of late. These include:

PineCone Turkey

Oreo Snack Turkeys

Give a gift from the Kitchen

Quick Strawberry Twinkie Cake

If you are cooking for a diabetic this thanksgiving or just looking for some healthy recipes to serve your family you will want to check out this post that offers a great recipe and link to an awesome site

Frosted Banana Bars

Tip on how to heat dinner rolls in the microwave is a tip that helps out all the time. When the ovens are busy and there is no place to go the microwave can still help one out.

 easy to make Christmas Ornaments

Remember when ..... The Christmas ornaments of the past

Raspberry Coolwhip Jello Dessert

Pilgrim Hats

A good friend of mine made these for her kindergarten class. They look super cute don't they? You can make these Pilgrim Hats for your Thanksgiving Gathering as well

1 cup vanilla frosting

7 drops yellow food coloring

32 miniature peanut butter cups

1 package (11-1/2 ounces) fudge-striped cookies

32 pieces orange mini Chiclets gum

In a small shallow bowl, combine frosting and food coloring. Remove paper liners from peanut butter cups. Holding the bottom of a peanut butter cup, dip top of cup in yellow frosting. Position over center hole on the bottom of cookie, forming the hatband and crown. Add a buckle of Chiclets gum. Repeat with remaining cups and cookies. Yield: 32 cookies

recipe source Taste of Home

American Girl Giveaway

I love the American Girl Dolls. When I first met them they were historical dolls that came with their own series of books. I  loved them because I could introduce them to my daughters and teach them what life was like when ... Now there are so many great dolls in the collection. You should check them out and then enter the giveaway on the blog Mommy Katie where a lucky winner will win an American Girl Doll Giveaway ends 11/22

Bloghops week starting on 11/14

Blog It Forward Tuesday

I love blog hops and have joined many different ones Blog it Forward Tuesday is the first of this week. Wonder which will be next

Tuesday Friend Connect

As I stated I love making friends so if you stop by here and please leave a comment so I can come to your place and say hi as well

Give a Hoot please pollute a comment and let me know you were here to see me

 HOpe you are having fun traveling along the various hops I know I am and while we are hopping around I guess getting a bit wild won't hurt either










yes that is right I am in the age group 40 and over and the good thing is that some of my best friends and the smartest people are know are as well. I would love to have you leave a comment so that I can come see you as well

Subway $25 gc giveaway

I fell in love with Apollo Ohno during the Olympics He is a talented young athlete that is has a great personality as well. Right now his working with Subway and Subway is currently sponsoring a giveaway on the blog MomStart. Read about Ohno's work with Subway and what he is doing now on the blog MomStart and while you are there enter the giveaway for a $25 gc to Subway The giveaway ends November 21, 2011

Anti Procrastination Tuesdays

This week is a busy holiday week being that is the week of Thanksgiving. My son is coming home from college and I hope to have some moments of time with him. I realize that he is getting older and mom is having to take sort of a second burner but I also love to be part of his life. I will work thanksgiving day and will be bring ham to our potluck at work. My son also works and I will be sure to save him a plate from my work party since his shift will not be having a potluck. I will also have to pick up the Thanksgiving fixings for our house as well. Thank goodness for the deli at Krogers as they will be making the Turkey for me. I will make the rest of the feasting goodies. We all know that after we eat there will be clean up and Yes!!! Some black Friday shopping

whats on your list?

Meet Me Monday

1. I wish I had more time to _________?
2. What is your favorite kind of soup?
3. Where will you eat Thanksgiving dinner?
4. What is your favorite time of day?
5. Did you start Christmas shopping yet?


1. capture lasting moments of my children and grandchildren
2. well chilli but if that is not a soup then veggie soup
3. our house we have to work but we will put a dinner together
4. when I work it is time to go home and when I am off any time I can spend with my teens
5. yes , many months ago

Quick Pumpkin Pudding

1 pkg. (5 1/10 oz.) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix

1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
1 can (15 oz) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Fat free whipped topping (optional)

BEAT pudding mix and evaporated milk according to package directions in large bowl; refrigerate for 5 minutes. Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice; mix well. Spoon into dessert dishes. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until ready to serve. Top with whipped topping, if desired


recipe source Very Best Baking

Sears $50 gc giveaway

 The blog MomStart has an awesome chance for you to win a little bit of spending cash on you or perhaps to help out with your gift giving list. They are hosting a giveaway sponsored by Sears where someone will win a $50 gc. I can just imagine what all I could with this extra money. Sears is one of my favorite places to shop and the items they have are very nice. Head over and enter this giveaway before November 21, 2011