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Saturday, March 1, 2014

Sweet On Dr Seuss : Green Eggs and Ham


I must say these are the cutest green eggs that I have ever seen. If  you want to make some of these up you very well want to check out this great post

meanwhile here is what you will need



GREEN EGG CANDIES!
All you need is candy melts, green M&M, and icing. Simply create oval with candy melts, add green M&M to make it look like egg yolk and seal with icing used like glue
 
 
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The Chicken Chick

Honey Buttery Beer Bread

March 1 is Beer Day in Iceland. Yes, seriously - Icelanders have a day dedicated to the world's favorite beverage! This popular annual event began in 1989, when after 75 long years, prohibition of beer was lifted.

Since today in Iceland it is beer day I decided to share a recipe that main ingredient is beer



2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer
3 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, the sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the beer and honey and stir with a rubber spatula until thoroughly combined.  Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the batter. Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing. Leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes:
  • While it is best to use bread flour if you have it, you may substitute all-purpose flour in its place.
  • I would recommend using your favorite ale or lager-style beer for this recipe. Use one you enjoy drinking, as some of the flavor does come through in the bread.
  • For a higher loaf, use an 8x4-inch loaf pan and increase the baking time accordingly.

Serenity you
Making the World Cuter

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Sears and Spring

I know it may not seem like it now but spring is truly coming and you can be ready with the great styles of BONGO and Sears.
 
 

Take a look at the super cute looks available.

Don't forget the accessories



So what do you think are you in agreement with me that this makes a charming summer outfit? Check out BONGO and create your own fun outfit


this is only my opinion I was not sent any products or paid for thoughts

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Love Bakes Good Cakes

Do You Know Her Name?


Do you know the name of this doll? My sister had  one when she was young. I really do know who she is just want you all to have a chance to see what you know before I share

wordless wednesday

Cedar Chests Recalled


 The beauty of the Lane  cedar chest is one that I have longed admired. I have also known for years that they can be dangerous. As a child my mother had one and she always reminded us never to touch it. Now a recall sharing the information of the cedar chests locking has been shared again.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Lane Co., of Altavista, Va., is calling for a renewed search for cedar chests to replace their locks. In 1996, Lane recalled 12 million chests with lids that automatically latch shut when closed, following reports of six children suffocating inside the chests. CPSC and Lane have since become aware of another suffocation death and two near fatalities to children who became entrapped in the chests when the lid closed and automatically latched shut.

All "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests manufactured between 1912 and 1987 need to have their locks replaced. The chests are often handed down through families, and it is likely that many were purchased second-hand.

Lane is providing new locks, free of charge, that will prevent entrapment because they do not automatically latch shut when the lid is closed. The new locks are easy to install by consumers in their homes.

To prevent another tragedy, CPSC and Lane are urging consumers to check their "Lane" and "Virginia Maid" brand cedar chests. The brand name "Lane" or "Virginia Maid" is located inside the cedar chest. If the lid latches shut without depressing a button on the outside of the chest, the lock needs to be replaced. 


Contact Lane toll-free at (800) 327-6944 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, or access their web site at http://www.lanefurniture.com/CustomerService/Lock-Replacement.aspx to order the free replacement lock. Consumers should have the chest's serial and style numbers, which are branded on the outside bottom or back of the chest, available when contacting Lane.

Do you own one of these cedar chests? Do you know someone that owns one? If so, please spread the word so another child doesn't die

Memories of the past


 
 
 Today is the birthday of a musician from the past. Fats Dominos could really belt it out and often provided fun for all those that listened. I also have a picture that I would love to share from years ago. This is a picture of the mayor of the small town back in the day and the father of a friend of mine. As always having a bit of fun
 
 
 

Just An Old Tractor


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Time to read

 
 
February 26th is the day set aside to tell a fairy tale. It is a great opportunity to read to  your kids. Everyone loves a good fairy tale but it is also a great time to set up a reading time for you to read and spend time with your child.
    
        
Tips to reading to your child from Seussville

a comfortable spot to read in - one with plenty of light.
Make it a routine - whether it's right before the breakfast, or right before bed, set aside a special time every day.
Give lots of encouragement! Read the words aloud to your child. Point to the pictures. Say the words together. Laugh with your child.
It's never too early. Reading can be a bonding activity for you and your new baby. Introduce reading in the very beginning, keep books in the nursery and have your books out for baby and toddler to see! See Bright and Early and Nursery collection
The fun continues after the last page! When you finish a story, ask your child about his/her favorite passages, characters, and illustrations.

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whatever goes Wednesday

pistachio coconut pie


2-1/2 cups flaked coconut, lightly toasted
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 cups cold 2% milk
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup whipped topping
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, optional
In a small bowl, combine coconut and butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-in. pie plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Spread 1-1/2 cups over crust. Fold whipped topping into remaining pudding; spread over pie. Sprinkle with pistachios if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Yield: 8 servings.

Oh, For Pete's Sake

One of the less known holidays to celebrate is the special day set aside for the day For Pets Sakes day.

For Pete's Sake Day celebrates one example where an offensive word or phrase is substituted by something more acceptable in society. Other popular terms used include For Crying Out Loud , Sugar and Fudge. Why exactly it is Pete who has been singled out is possibly due to St. Peter.

IT is also a special day to inconvenience yourself. It is simple to inconvenience yourself simply:
  • Encouragement
  • Common courtesy
  • Good manners
  • Acts of kindness (they don’t have to be random)
  • Doing the right thing
  • Acknowledging the positive actions of others
  • Smiling
  • Taking responsibility for yourself
  • Setting a good example
  • Helping others
  • Volunteering for a cause in which you believe
  • Recycling and doing other things which minimize your impact on the environment
  • Driving courteously
  • Making a positive impact with your words and actions
  • Making someone laugh
  • Holding a door open for someone
  • Spending time with your family or significant other
  • Talking on your cell phone only where it won’t disturb others

“The best index to a person’s character is (a) how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can’t fight back.”
- Abigail Van Buren

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creative princess

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Goals This Week

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. straighten my room
2. rearrange living room

Personal Goals
3. have a spa day
4. catch up on reading

Blog/Business Goals
5. daily blogging
6. catch up on reviews

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Spa Day

Today is Spa Day and while I am ready to shed some winter blues and relax I simply don't have the money to visit a spa that will pamper me and you may be just like me. You can still relax and feel great while you do it

A few things you may want



your robe and slippers
a CD with your favorite soothing sounds
scented candles
a washcloth, loofah, bath brush or perhaps that new bath scrubby that you put up for a special time
a soft and fluffy cotton towel
perhaps some bath salts, oils or aromatics that you have on hand
bath supplies such as cleaners, lotions, toners, sea salt
chilled water or special drink in a fancy glass or perhaps some green tea

Now that you have it all together its time to start relaxing, letting go of the stress in your life, calm your mind and live in the moment and ponder good thoughts for a moment.

Sit and think about how precious you are, take a deep breath and take it easy. Listen to your favorite CD start preparing for your shower with slow amazing movements. Watch the candle flame flicker, smell the fragrance, take time to enjoy the movement.
Use the  bath salts or oils as they have a great scent and are great for your skin. Never apply oils to never apply them to your face and skin. To use the oils add five drops to a bowl of warm water soak the washcloth in water and apply to your face and neck using it as a compress.

If you are short on time take a relaxing shower starting with body scrub and cleansing. Gently brushing your skin in circular motions that will help circulation and eliminate toxins and excess water.

You may want to try to make an  exfoliant to help rid the body of toxins. Do this easily by creating a mixture ground sea salt with about 10 drops of essential oil. Add water and make a spreadable paste Spread over body in big circular strokes the dead skin should come off easily.

If you have a bit more time to take a relaxing bath add 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil to bath salts. To make a spa pillow simply grab a pillow place a trash bag over it to keep it dry and then put  a pillow case over it. Grab a book and soak up that relaxing bath time. Spray yourself off in warm shower after your soak. Does someone in the house owe you a favor? Have  them warm the towel in the dryer for 5 minutes.

 Most importantly concentrate on you, relax, pamper yourself as rushing may cause you to do more damage than good.

Hair Care simply add 1/4 oz. lavender to a 16 oz bottle of shampoo. Oily hair may benefit more from adding 1/4 oz of lemongrass or rosemary to 16 oz bottle of shampoo. Care for your face is important as well avoid extremely hot water, harsh soaps or drying cleansers. Wash your face with a cleanser and rinse with warm water. Apply face firming treatment then put an ice cube inside of a small plastic bag and rub over the face and eye area or several minutes so that you can tone and plump your skin.


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wow us wednesday

It was on this day in 1957


Pistol Patent Day

With all the new gun laws going on thought that it might be  great interest to share with you that today is Pistol Patent Day. Exactly what is that ? It is the day that commemorates the U.S. patent #138 that Samuel Colt received in 1836. The patent was or the Colt Revolver.



Who exactly was Samuel Colt?
Samuel Colt was born in Hartford CT. on July 19, 1814 While a student of navigation he had an interest in mechanics. While sailing as a seaman he took note of how the ship's wheel worked and later created used this idea to create the Colts revolving cylinder. It helped to revolutionize the multiple shot design



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National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

 
 
When  I was in highschool  in the 80s (yes I just sort of gave my age away) the awareness of eating disorders seemed to be out in chatter but the truth is that perhaps while we learned about Karen Carpenter and the story that surrounded her the truth is those that suffered did it without others knowing and in the shadows of quiet.
 
Perhaps first I should tell you the story of Karen Carpenter, a famous individual who still felt threatened by the secret of eating disorder.
 
 
 
Karen Anne Carpenter was born March 2, 1950 and passed directly before her 33rd birthday February 4, 1983. Karen both sang and played drums and performed with her brother  Richard as the Carpenters. She felt the need to stay thin and suffered from anorexia nervosa. At the time there was little known about this disorder and her death was ruled heart failure due to her condition. Carpenters  death has led to increased visibility and awareness of eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Several celebrities including Princess Diana stepped out and told their own stories of suffering from eating disorders Her memory lives on in her musical talent and through the Carpenter Family Foundation.


]
While that  story was out in the public news I had a friend who suffered in silence for quite some time before his parents were able to get him help. He was a heavy set kid from early on while this did not cause harm to his twin brother he  found it challenging to live inside of his body and wanted to loose weight but he went about it the wrong way. I am so happy that he was able to get help and 20+ years later tries to help those that he can.

national day for chocolate covered nuts

February 25, 2014 is

National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day




It's national Chocolate Covered Nuts Day and why not celebrate it with a delicious snack of your favorite chocolate and nuts. For centuries humans have relied on nuts to be a staple of their diets. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Native Americans have all enjoyed nuts in their diets. Humans have also believed that nuts were sacred and had divine properties. Chocolate entered the scene with the ancient Aztecs and Mayans who prepared drinking chocolates for sacred rituals. When explorers would share this drink in their home countries when it was found everything tasted better with chocolates. In the mid 19th century many were enjoying dipping pretzels, nuts, and fruits into melted chocolate.

CHOCOLATE COVERED NUTS 
1/4 lb. real butter
1 1/2 pkg. Hershey's chocolate chips
3/4 pkg. miniature marshmallows
1/2 tsp. flavoring (vanilla or almond)
3-4 c. almonds or raw peanuts
In double boiler, melt butter. Add and melt other ingredients except nuts. Remove from heat and stir in nuts. Line muffin pans with cupcake liners and fill half full. Set in freezer until solid.

Celebrate Clam Chowder Day Southern Style

 
Clam chowder is made in several ways each of them containing clams and broth. While clams are in every dish of clam chowder, potatoes are also very popular. Clam chowder often also has another type o meat such as salt pork or bacon. Vegetables such as celery, carrot, parsley will often be found in the chowder
 
Clam chowder finds a common placement on the menu of restaurants on Friday for those who abstain from meat on Friday.
 
find a list of varieties of clam chowders here. Today I have picked a southern style recipe to help you
 
3 slices bacon, diced
1 cup chopped onion
3 cups diced potatoes
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (approximately 7 ounces each) minced clams
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk

 

Cook bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven or large, heavy saucpan. Remove bacon to paper towels with slotted spoon; drain. Add onion to bacon drippings; sauté until softened. Add potatoes and clam juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Add minced clams with their liquid. Whisk flour into milk; add to chowder with half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until clam chowder thickens and bubbles, or about 3 minutes.
Clam chowder recipe serves 4.
 
recipe source here

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work it Wednesday

Monday, February 24, 2014

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls



I love cabbage rolls and have also shared the story behind the first time I at cabbage rolls and a great recipe as well. This recipe though offers great taste and an easy way to make it check it out

1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small cabbage, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt


In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring, until ground beef is no longer pink and onion is tender.
Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.

Add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
Yield: Serves 6 to 8

recipe source here
shared at made by you monday

Childrens Dental Health Month

February is "National Children's Dental Health Month" I thought the  best way of celebrating this day on our blog is to share some great tips on how to care for children's teeth



A child's dental care begins before birth. It is during the time between the third and sixth month of pregnancy that it is very important for an expectant mother to practice good health habits. Consuming plenty of calcium rich foods such as leafy greens, ortified cereals and dairy or soy products will help ensure proper development of her unborn child's teeth.



Before we can see baby's teeth they are all ready present. At birth each baby has 20 primary teeth and some of those are completely formed in the jaw. Within the first few months and sometimes not until the baby is a year the first four teeth will emerge. But even before they are spotted one can help care for them by simply wiping a baby's gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding.



As part of the first year celebration schedule an appointment at the dentist. The dentist can ensure all is ok, id fluoride needs and address any bad habits.

no toothpaste until after the second birthday, this does not mean a good cleaning with water is not needed.



It is important to teach toddlers brushing technique. At the age of 6 or 7 they can become independent brushers using a pea sized amount of toothpaste Teaching the child to use circular brush strokes to reach all surfaces of teeth, spit out the toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing and not to swallow the toothpaste



flossing is important to ensure that decay does not occur where the toothbrush can not reach

make the trip to the dentist fun and remind them that the dentist is friendly who is helping them to care for their teeth. It also helps to be a good example of dental health to your child.


    
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Give Me The Goods Monday

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Grapefruits The WInter Fruit



Grapefruits are the midpoint between the sour of the lemon and sweetness of the orange. With a bit of zing and a bitter finish it goes great in sweet and savory dishes alike.

Grapefruit growing season is from October through May and keep well in cold storage so are found year round.

Grapefruits come in shades of white, pink and red. The color arrives from lycopene the same antioxidant found in tomatoes When selecting the perfect fruit choose one heavy for size and a smooth rather than bumpy skin both  indicators the fruit will be juicy

Grapefruits store well and will last a week or so at room temp or up to 2 months in the coolness of the fridge.

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Good Tips Tuesday

Treat for Man and Dog




9 cups crispy rice cereal squares                                              

1/2 cup peanut butter                                                    

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips                                                  
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar                                                    


In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate; add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Remove from heat, add cereal and stir until coated. Pour powdered sugar into large plastic bag
 
recipe source here
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Dog Biscuits



These basic biscuits can be customized to cater to your canine’s palette
2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (substitute regular flour or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
1 tsp. salt (or less)
1 egg
1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules (can substitute beef or chicken broth/stock)
½ cup hot water

    optional
  • Bacon or chicken broth, eggs, oats, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese, bacon bits
     
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Dissolve bouillon in hot water Add remaining ingredients Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes) Roll dough until ½ inch thick Cut into slices or bone shapes (you can purchase a bone shaped cookie cutter to make shapes with) Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet Cook for 30 minutes

recipe source here

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Good Tips Tuesday
 
The Chicken Chick

Peanut Butter Cupcakes



PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING
...
1/3 cup peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

In medium bowl, beat peanut butter and powdered sugar with spoon or electric mixer on low speed until blended. Add vanilla and 1/4 cup milk; beat until smooth and spreadable. If necessary, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time


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