Awesome Baby Love Giveaway

 

 

Awesome giveaway with so many baby products from great brand names such as

 

 

 

It’s Valentine’s Day month and Baby Love the pregnancy magazine is celebrating with a big bag of baby gear for the new mom. Check out this great list of prizes you can win just by entering, including extra entries if you tweet or favorite on Facebook. Total value of this package is over $1600 and you could be the winner!
1. Babyhome Emotion Stroller – MSRP: $299
2. Kushies Everyday Layette package and Kushies Bib package – MSRP: $75
3. Pediped $200 Gift Certificate
4. Child to Cherish Time Handprint Kit and Tower of Time Block to Grow on with Keepsake Drawer – MSRP: $55
5. Svan Baby to Booster Chair – MSRP: $179.99
6. Brian James Footwear: $150 gift certificate
7. MAM gift package – MSRP: $125
8. Naturalmat mattress – MSRP: $399
9. Oilo bedding package: crib sheet, patterned skirt, play blanket – MSRP: $200

find out more about this awesome giveaway here

Boy Scout Day

Boy Scout Day

      Today,  February 8th is the  birthday of scouting in America. February 8, 1910, Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce filed papers in the District of Columbia to create the Boy Scouts of America Scout Sunday has traditionally been celebrated near the 8th of February.  My brothers, sons and nephews have all been very active in scouts. Scouts offer programs of life skills and values for millions of boys. We have had Eagle Scouts in our area to do great things such as wetland areas and other great projects.      

---

Interesting Scouting Facts:
In 2004, there were 3,145,331 Boys in the scouting program, and 1,173,064 scout leaders. Source: BSA website. British Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the Boy Scouts in Brittain. In 1907, he published the first scouting manual, titled Scouting for Boys. Lord Robert Baden-Powell  was born on February 22, 1857. Lady Olave Baden-Powell, founded Girl Guides. The wife of Lord Baden-Powell, she was also born on February 22 (1889). The Boy Scout motto is "Do a good turn daily." Where was Lord Baden-Powell buried? It comes a surprise to most, to learn that Lord Baden-Powell, and his wife are buried in Nyeri, Kenya, about three hours from Nairobi.

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Little Dessert with a Smile

Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

 1 cup Coca Cola (real thing, not diet)...
1/2 cup oil
1 stick butter
3 Tablespoon cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting:

1 stick butter
3 Tablespoon cocoa
6 Tablesppon of cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar

In a saucepan, mix Coca Cola, oil, butter and cocoa and bring to a boil. In another bowl, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Pour the boiling Cola mixture over the flour mixture and beat well. Add the eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla and beat well. Pour mixture into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees or 20 to 25 minutes. Remove pan. Cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Frosting: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk. Heat until the butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread on the cake while it's still warm. Enjoy!

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100th day of school idea

Here is an idea when celebrating the 100th day of school. Now I know some of you may have all ready passed this milestone there may be a few that still have it approaching. After all with all the snow, ice and cold temps there has seemed to be lots of days without school.

This idea is simple and uses 2 types of cookies. One large cookie bar chocolate covered and 2 round circular cookies with stripes.


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Its Tater Day

If you are a fan of the spud, then today is for you. For centuries they have been sliced, fried, boiled, baked, puréed, and served. Carbs be damned!

Celebrating February 8

National “Potato Lover’s” Day

Potato Facts:
A. The word , potato, is derived from a Native American word “Batata”
B. The first cultivated potatoes date back to 500o BC in Peru. Originally, they were purple. When cooked they turn a deep blue color.
C. Most of the nutrients found in potatoes are in the skin.
D. Sweet potatoes are distant relatives of the common potato, while Yams are not potatoes at all, they  botanically are considered lilies.
E. The average American eats 140 pounds of potatoes per year.
F. The word spud actually means “to dig a small hole in the grown, similar to spade, a tool to dig small holes.
G.  The Spanish claim that they first introduced the potato to Europe in 1550 while the Irish say that it was in 1585 when Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the potato to Europe.

Daily Quote:

“My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato & someone to share it with.” ~Oprah

 

 

 

recipe

Bacon Potato Soup

 

5 large baking potatoes, cooked and cut in 1-inch cubes

8 slices thick cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped (reserve some for topping)

2 – 3 tbsp. bacon drippings

1 cup sweet onions, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups half and half

1 celery stalk, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

 

1. You'll need to start by preparing your potatoes and bacon (be sure to reserve bacon grease)
2. Using a large stock pot over medium heat, cook onion in bacon drippings, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic and flour, stirring well and cook another 2 minutes, stirring often.
3. Slowly add chicken broth to onion and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in potatoes, half-and-half, and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes (do not boil). Stir in bacon.
4. Serve hot. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese and bacon.
5. Share and enjoy!

recipe source here

 

 

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John Deere Birthday

While I don't share it enough here at annies home I am the offspring of 2 kids who fell in love and were homegrown. I spent lots of time on the farms and while I never drove a tractor myself I must say I have always loved them. John Deere being my favorite.

Today is the day that John Deere was born
1804 John Deere was born. Inventor and manufacturer, he developed the first steel plow in 1838. The mass production of the plow helped make farm yields per acre increase 10 fold within two decades.

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National Fettucini Day

Who would not want to celebrate at least once a year a wonderful plate of ribbon pasta cooked with butter and parmesan cheese?  Most don’t know that pastas was actually seldom served at American tables 100 years ago.  The age of mass production of foods and their distributions coincided with the discovery of Italian foods. The rest is history.

 

National Fettuccine Day

 

Fettuccine Facts:

A. Fettuccine  is a flat thick noodle made of flour and egg.(literally meaning “little ribbons” in Italian)

B. The original recipe for Fettuccine “Alfredo” is pasta made from fettucine noodles tossed with one part parmesan cheese and 3 parts butter.  Alfredo sauce is the emulsified  liquids that form the smooth and rich coating on the pasta.

C. It was named by an Italian restaurateur at his restaurant Alfredo on the Via della Scrofa in Rome in 1914. Said to have been a dish he made at home but for years was too reluctant to sell to his customers because it was so rich.

D. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, early movie stars, fell in love with the dish while on their honeymoon in 1927. This helped to make the dish and Alfredo world famous.

E. There are authentic “Alfredo’s” restaurants in the US, Alfredo’s at Rockefeller Center in New York City is the most well known

 

Try this great recipe from Kraft today

 

1/2 lb.  fettuccine, uncooked            

4 oz.  (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, cubed

1/3 grated parmesan cheese

3/4 c milk   

1/4 c butter or margarine

1/4 t pepper

1/8 t. garlic powder

 1/8 t ground nutmeg

      

 

COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.            MEANWHILE, cook all remaining ingredients except nutmeg in saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring constantly.
DRAIN pasta; return to pan. Add sauce; toss to evenly coat. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

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More Kissable Lips

The kissing holiday is approaching swiftly . While you may have practiced kissing under the mistletoe during the holiday we had a couple of months ago the true kissable holiday will be here in one week. Thus is the reason to offer this tip for more kissable lips

Needed items
 A toothbrush ( buy a toothbrush to use specifically for this. We will call this your beauty toothbrush)

and Vaseline:

 

First apply water to your lips. Next apply Vaseline to your lips. This will lock in the moisture. Then gently brush your lips with the "beauty toothbrush" As you brush you will be removing dead skin and rubbing in moisture. You don't need to brush long. When you are done reapply vaseline or chapstick. The result should be nice ,very kissable, fuller looking lips.

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Great Valentine Ideas at Daddy & Company

The giveaway sponsored by Daddy & Company for a pair of valentine lounge pants may be over and the winner notified but there is still time for all of us to get something nice for our sweetheart head over to the Daddy & Co website and find great gift ideas from tees and lounge pants to items perfect for daddy

Put a little Love in this Valentine Craft

I simply love this little art project. You could do this a number of different ways the mothers hand print and child's foot prints or you could do the child hand print and footprint. The decision is really up to you whatever you decide I think this would be super cute and such a wonderful keepsake as well.

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February Is National Heart Month

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for both men and women. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.
• Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause.
• Manage stress.

For more information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Happy Birthday Babe Ruth

George Herman "Babe" Ruth's Birthday is February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. Babe Ruth was a professional Major League baseball player famous for hitting home runs. Babe Ruth started as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, but was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919. During his time with the Yankees, they won seven pennants and four World Series titles. He played with the Boston Braves in 1935, and then retired.

Happy Birthday Ronald Reagon

I can remember a childhood argument I had quite some time on the conterversy of politics. Who would have known a girl of 8 years old would remember the debate and share it nowhere on this blog. The truth is that I was for the current president then Jimmy Carter and she was strong on Ronald Regon. It would be Reagon who would win and do great things during his time in office. Today is his birthday and I thought I would do a bit of research I found some great information and a recipe as well would it  seem funny to you that a man that held so much power, that looked great on the big screen as a movie and even better (to me) as president could love something as simple as macaroni and cheese not to his wife Nancy who shared this recipe some time ago.

 

 

Ronald Reagan's Favorite Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound macaroni
1 teaspoon butter
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon hot water
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded sharp cheese

   Boil macaroni in water until tender; drain thoroughly. Stir in butter and egg. Mix mustard and salt with hot water; add to milk. Add cheese to macaroni, leaving enough to sprinkle on top. Pour macaroni and cheese into buttered 1-quart casserole; add milk mixture; sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until custard is set and top is crusty. Serves 6-8.


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Celebrate Canned Food Month with A Tasty Soup

 

 

February  is canned  food month. This tasty soup recipe takes 7 cans of food to make  up one awesome recipe. enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 lb  ground beef
2 (15 ounce) cans ranch style beans      
2 (14 ounce) cans minestrone soup       

 2 (15 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies

Brown the ground beef and drain well.
Put ground meat in a crock pot. Add ranch beans, minestrone, tomatoes, and Rotel (don't drain any of it).
cook on low at least 4 hours but preferably all day - the longer the better

 

recipe source here

We are a family of pet lovers. I believe they show us as much love as we give them. Dog is Good is one company that helps owner and dog show this love. While the dog may love this product it is actually the owners who will love it even more. Dog is Good helps dog lovers everywhere share their love through clothing and gifts.

Tees with cute sayings such as this allows our personality and the love for our dogs to shine through The love of your dog is understood at Dog Is Good.

 

 

Products that help to celebrate the dog human relationship are both clever and high quality. Dog Is Good wants their customers to know they are not simply selling products they are allowing all dog lovers to express their freelings.

We were sent this cute tee A Dog Can Change Tee This tee will help gain money for the charities that Dog is Good donates to. Dog is Good tees are 100% cotton, affordable, fashionable and best of all comfortable. These great tees are available in 5 sizes s, m, l, xl and 2xl. Tees are not the only thing available Dog is Good also has more apparel products, accessories, gift items, items for your home and  yes even products for your pets. Love cats and horses as well? You will find awesome products to show your love as well.

Great news!!! Dog Is Good wants to give Annies Home readers the chance to go shopping for the perfect product that they would love and get it as the prize.

Giveaway: product  of choice from Dog is good



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Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look outside my window:::
It is sleeting here, I  am wondering just what old man winter will bring us. Also thinking about the weather when my baby brother was born 28 years ago. It very much resembled today. 
   
Right now I am:::
watching the storage hunters enjoying my day off and waiting for the dryer to be done.
  
Thinking and pondering:::
About the health of many of my loved ones both physical and emotional. Life is hard at times but I know prayer workers and God is in control 

On my bedside table:::
tax papers
stress free kids a book I will be reviewing soon
  
On my tv tonight:::
 storage hunters

Listening to:::
 tv and hubby and son chat

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - rib sandwiches and tots
Tuesday - chicken sandwiches, broccoli, mac n cheese
Wednesday - polish sausage casserole
Thursday - beef stew, biscuits, fruit
Friday - pasta casserole
Saturday - charity dinner for local group will be eating at
Sunday - smothered  chops, potatoes

On my to do list:::
 lots of  laundry
blankets
clean room
file sons taxes e-file

Plans for this week:::
Monday - work
Tuesday - blogging and house work
Wednesday - busy day get paid, pay bills
Thursday -work
Friday - busy day possibly watching nephews

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
 working on a few valentine projects
  
My simple pleasure:::
 enjoying time with hubby

Lesson learned the past week::: 
old one that I was challenged with again that of let go and let God


Looking around the house:::
 to much to do to list but off 2 days and will be looking great soon  

From the camera:::

 

Prayer List:::
 many friends and family suffering from physical, mental and emotional

  Bible verse, Devotional:::

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and t...hank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise

Philippians 4:4

Love Bugs

I simply love simple pom pom crafts perfect for grade school children and even younger children when parents help
You will need
Wooden clothespins
White Glue
Pom Pom's
Pipe Cleaners
Construction paper (optional)
Googly eyes (optional)
Magnet strips (optional)


Check the local dollar tree or dollar store for craft supplies you may be surprised by what they have.
Four small pom poms will fit on the clothespin without any trouble but if you want the love bug to look fuller try squeezing on 5. Spread glue generously over the top of the clothespin and add the pom poms one by one. When the glue dries cut a small portion of pipe cleaner and fold it into a "V" shape and glue between the first 2 pom poms. You can add eyes if you want but they are not really needed. For valentine day also super cute to add small construction paper hearts to the top of the antennae. Glue magnet strips ad sometimes you can find these with peeloff backs making it easier to use. Place strip on the bottom o the bugs

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Reaching New Hights

Recently I shared a post on my blog for storage in the shower and how to make more room for needed items. Well, guess what this post has been featured on a weekly linkup at Masterpiece Monday

Crock Pot Recipe - Clean Out The fridge soup

3 cups chicken broth (canned or "fresh")
2 cans of whatever kind of beans you like (drained)
1 can tomatoes (and juice)
1 can corn (and juice)
vegetables (I had leftover roasted broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, and asparagus)
salt and pepper to taste

Drain and rinse beans; add to crock.
Add the juice and vegetables from the corn and tomato cans.
Cover with chicken broth. Unless you are vegetarian. Then I would imagine you'd not want to use chicken broth and opt for vegetable stock.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4.



This can definitely be assembled the night before for an easy morning plug-in.

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Carrot Cake Cookies

My mother in law , God bless her soul, was a lover of carrot cake. She taught me many things but one thing that I taught her was what a delicious cookie tasted like. My own mother taught me how to bake at a young age. I wish that I had found this recipe for carrot cake cookies while my MIL was still here it would have I am sure became a favorite of ours.

 

 

 

1/2 cup butter, softened                                                    
1 cup brown sugar                                                                     

2 eggs                                                                     

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained                                                                     

3/4 cup shredded carrots                                                                     

1 cup raisins                                                                     

2 cups all-purpose flour                                                                     

1 teaspoon baking powder                                                                     

1/2 teaspoon baking soda                                                                     

1/2 teaspoon salt                                                                     

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon                                                                     

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)                                         

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stir in the crushed pineapple, carrots and raisins. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into the carrot mixture. Mix in the walnuts if desired. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottoms begin to brown and cookies are set. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

recipe source here

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Coricidin HBP

$2/1 printable coupon here

Pickled Winter Veggie Mix

I can remember many times in my younger years sitting down to a bowl of soup and along side the soup there was a variety of dishes to accompany the soup. often you would find a spread of pickles or marinated veggies. with the weather in our neck of the woods looking a bit dreary with snow or ice possible  I thought this yummy mix looked great to go along with any of the great chili,  soup or stew recipes I have shared in the past


2 cups apple cider vinegar

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup kosher salt

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

8 cups assorted cut vegetables                             

 

Bring first 8 ingredients and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large nonaluminum saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved; boil 1 minute. Let stand 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook vegetables, in batches, in boiling water to cover 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain. Transfer vegetables to a large bowl or 2 1/2-qt. container. Pour vinegar mixture over vegetables. Let stand 1 hour. Cover and chill 1 day before serving. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week. Perfect for Pickling: cauliflower florets, Swiss chard stalks, carrot sticks, sliced parsnips, halved Brussels sprouts, radishes, sliced fennel, green beans, bell pepper rings.

Southern Living
DECEMBER 2009

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