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giveaway located here 


Dont forget about:

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coupon and giveaway still available here

The awesome back to school giveaway here

free daily entry at this giveaway

The winner of this giveaway is gonna win $25 gift card that I would use to go see this movie

Label Daddy Peel n Stick Durable Labels Discount Code

Headed back to school with all the new gadgets and gear?? Well you may want to label a few of those items with your childs name and information. After all, it takes good money to pay for things that may end up misplaced. I can see it now, the notebook that the report is prepared in is forgotten in the library but thanks to Moms smart way of staying organized the notebook is found and has been turned into the librarians desk all you have to do is go get it and save the day. 

Label Daddy labels are the perfect labels for the job. They are peel and stick style and are custom made just for your child or you. Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings perfect for heading back to school. There is no ironing or sewing needed it is just a simple peel and stick style. We all know that kids are tough on every thing no matter what it is. Label Daddy labels have a special laminated coating that offers and extra layer of protection. There are not other labels with this exclusive property. That is why Label Daddy Labels are a must for gong back to school

Labels are perfect for clothing, books, bags, sports equipment, electronics and your child's own personal belongings as well. For kids who participate in clubs, sports, leagues or go to day care there are items that will be needed that could be misplaced and mistaken as someone else's. With the label daddy labels the problem is solved as it can be identified as being your child's. Adult's don't feel left out as we all know there are those items like sunglass cases, phones, cameras, sport equipment, electronics, hats, clothing and many more items that could be left behind or mistaken for another's there are label daddy labels for you as well. 

The super durable peel and stick washable labels can travel through the washer and dryer, in the microwave, dishwasher and sit in the sun and still be safe. With many variations to select from Label Daddy Labels are fun and attractive as well. Choose your own style of color, size, and logo to create your label. With popular MLB, NBA and NHL team logos, disney characters as well as other fun logos the choice is yours. 

Visit the website www.USFG25.labledaddy.com When you purchase your Label Daddy labels use the discount code USFG25 at checkout.

Get A Free A&W Root beer Float

On a hot summer day a root beer float is a welcome treat. This treat also goes by the names of black cow or brown cow starts with choosing the perfect ice cream and root beer But where did it all begin??? 

The 16th century would find the first Europeans in North America making sassafras based beverages similar to root beer of today.I have tasted sassafras tea many times and have also gathered sassafras with friends and family. I have to say that we have never reached the taste of root beer. But, that is where it all began but it was in the 19th century that root beer would gain popularity.

Charles Hires would be the first person to market root beer successfully. Hoping that the drink would replace alcoholic beverages during the temperance movement. Hires, a devoted quaker, promoted his product Hires Root Beer. He claimed that the drink had medicinal properties. In 1893 Hires would gain popularity at the Chicago World's Fair. It is not known where the first place a root beer was served but it is well known that it was in Chicago. 

So now we know a bit about root beer but what about a root beer float. Rumor has it that it was invented in 1893 by Colorado gold mine owner Frank J. Wisner One of the most famous places that serve rootbeer floats in this area is at A&W. You can also get a free A&W float if you live close to one 

How To Blanch and Freeze Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Recently I shared here on annies home about allowing our fresh produce extra shelf life. If the extra time it allowed us is not enough then you may want to consider freezing the produce that you do not use. Freezing fruits and vegetables allows us more time to use them and not let them go bad. 

First off lets learn a bit about blanching. You will need a medium to large pot big enough to hold 8 to 10 cups of water. For every 8 cups of water you will want to add 1/2 Tbsp to the pot. You will want a bowl of ice water waiting. 

bring salted water to a rapid boil. Place one piece of your choice of fruit or vegetable in water for 30 seconds minimum and not more than 3 minutes. The time will depend on density. The goal is to cook fruit quickly or remove vegetable or fruit skins. The process of cooking is stopped by transferring the cooked vegetable or fruit to an ice bath. You will want to drain and dry the piece before eating or continuint to cook. Fruits and vegetables normally blanched include:

• Tomatoes: to remove skins and to cook them slightly
• Fruit: such as peaches, when you want to remove the peel quickly
• Green beans: for a crunchy snack or before you sauté in an herbed butter
• Tomatillos: before adding to a salsa or to make a quick pureed sauce to top fish or chicken
• Broccoli: as an alternative to steaming or just before you add them to a veggie fried rice or pasta dish
• Zucchini: when making stuffed zucchini boats, before they get stuffed and placed into the oven to bake
• Fresh green peas: to maintain their color and texture before a quick sauté in mint and butter
• Collard greens: before using them in a pesto or as a fun burrito wrapper

When blanching fruit and vegetable to freeze you will want to do this quickly. Heavy weight, air tight containers or freezer bags should be used. Fill the bags to the top and remove all air as possible to seal. .

Freezing fruits and veggies as soon as possible will help to avoid the mushiness when thawed. Freeze at coldest temperature as possible. 

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plant based party

Mustard helps Dress up Tenderlion

National mustard day is welcomed each year by mustard lovers every where . There is a mustard from everyone from spicy, sweet, exotic, hot and more. What would a hot dog be without a slather of mustard?? 

Honey and Whole Grain Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is one of the easiest cuts of meat to prepare. It is forgiving and delicious.

Pork:
1 pork tenderloin
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
3 tablespoons honey
juice of 1 lemon
2 to 3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 sprigs of thyme (leaves only)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Brine:
1 quart water
¼ cup table salt
¼ cup granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. To brine the pork, prepare a large resealable bag with a quart of water in which you have dissolved ¼ cup salt and ¼ cup sugar. Remove any excess fat or silver from the pork and place the tenderloin in the bag. Seal the bag, place it in a large bowl (to avoid calamity) and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the pork from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse off the tenderloin under cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the tenderloin in an oven proof pan.
In a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey, lemon juice, chopped garlic, thyme leaves, and oil. Mix it thoroughly and pour it over the pork. Place the pork in the oven. Roast the pork for approximately 30 minutes, basting it with pan juices every 8 to 10 minutes. If near the end of the cooking time you find that the marinade is starting to burn, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remaining time. I covered mine with ten minutes remaining. When a thermometer in the thickest part of the pork reads 145 degrees, remove the pork from the oven, tent the dish with foil and allow the pork to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before carving.

recipe source here

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Exercise With Your Child Week

The first week of August is National Exercise with Your Child Week. Its a great time to get out there and get active for yourself, for your child, for your family. There are several things that you can do. 

 

22 Fun Exercises You Can Do With Your Child

1. Jump rope (single or double-dutch).

2. Ride a bike.

3. Run around the neighborhood track.

4. Roller-skate at the park.

5. Take a hike.

6. Swim at the pool.

7. Hoola-hoop while listening to music.

8. Play tennis.

9. Rock climb indoors.

10. Toss a football.

11. Kick a soccer ball.

12. Walk in the mall.

13. Play hopscotch.

14. Climb the stairs.

15. Ice-skating.

16. Dance!

17. Throw a baseball or softball.

18. Hop on one foot.

19. Play volleyball.

20. Fling a Frisbee.

21. Play Twister.

22. Play table tennis

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Eye Exams Before Back To School

As we gather together back to school supplies such as crayons, pencil, paper, and gym shoes lets not forget one of the most important back to school task. The task of taking our children to get an eye exam. There are some states that require eye exams at certain grades with kindergarten being one of those. If we want our children to do the best they can then we need to give them the proper tools and eye sight is one of those

Most of us make routine visits to the doctor and dentist but the eye doctor is often over looked. Regular eye exams are important for both children who wear glasses as well as those that do not. As children continue in school, they face increasing demands on their eyes and the ability to see. The american Optometry Association estimates that 1 out of every 4 children have vision related problems. Eye problems can lead to further problems in the education world, language development, athletic performance and overall health.

Eye problems can be caused by irregularities or eye muscle imbalance can affect the depth perception and lead to clumsiness, tripping and poor hand eye conditions. Visual skills that do not develop or are poorly developed learning can be difficult and stressful for children. Kids will avoid reading as much as possible, have a lowered level of comprehension or efficiency or experience discomfort, fatigue and or short attention span. 

When caught early enough many childhood eye conditions can be corrected or treated. The best way to ID and diagnose problems is by yearly eye exams. Many children do not have opportunity to visit the eye doctor because many believe if there is not problem why look for one. Many times the problem does not appear until it is too late and symptoms such as headaches, learning problems and behavioral issues have occurred 

For this reason The AOA has recommended eye exams as follows:


First 12 months – Infants, particularly premature babies, should have an eye exam in the first 12 months.
Age 2 or 3 years – Preschool is a critical time for learning.  Preschoolers should have an eye exam when they are old enough to understand and respond to the exam.
Age 5 – Kindergarten is also a critical time for learning.  Kindergartners should have an eye exam before entering school.
Children without identified vision problemsshould then have a comprehensive eye exam every two years.
Children who wear glasses or who have other eye conditions should see the eye doctor at least annually, or more often, as recommended by the doctor.



\

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

• 
  
• 
  
• 1 Ready Crust graham cracker crust, regular or reduced fat
• 1 8-ounce package reduced fat block cream cheese, softened
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup peanut butter, I used Skinny all natural
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 8-ounce tub Cool Whip, lite

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand held mixer, whip cream cheese until fluffy. Add sifted powdered sugar. Mix until all is incorporated. Add peanut butter, continue to mix until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Add the whole tub of Cool Whip and mix on low speed. Then with a rubber spatula, dig down and make sure all is combined.
Gently pour into prepared crust and smooth with the spatula. Sprinkle with mini chips. Place in freezer for about 1 hour. The pie is ready to serve. Store the pie in fridge up to 3 days.

August may not be the happiest month but it is the month where "Admit you are happy month" occurs. Sure there are many things that we may not be happy about such as the heat , humidity, the fact that summer is almost over and that the back to school routine will start again soon. With all these negatives though you should be able to find a few things that you are happy about. 

What keeps me happy?? Let me show you in picture

here are some tips when you seem to find your smile upside down:

As I remind myself when not so happy times occur that it is still inside of me to put a smile on my face. When the dog days of summer occur and you feel the heat reach deep down inside and keep in mind all that you have to be thankful for. 

Take time to celebrate those moments of happiness. All to often we go day to day and pay little attention to the days that we should celebrate. Become the cheerleader in your own life. You never know this may make all those around you happier as well.

Reward yourself for goals that you reach. My mother when I was younger would award herself for losing weight. If she reached a goal of getting a room deep cleaned before she thought she would she may reward herself as well. What would you reward yourself with. 

what is it that makes you happy

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faith and friends

Admit It You're Happy

August may not be the happiest month but it is the month where "Admit you are happy month" occurs. Sure there are many things that we may not be happy about such as the heat , humidity, the fact that summer is almost over and that the back to school routine will start again soon. With all these negatives though you should be able to find a few things that you are happy about. 

What keeps me happy?? Let me show you in picture

here are some tips when you seem to find your smile upside down:

As I remind myself when not so happy times occur that it is still inside of me to put a smile on my face. When the dog days of summer occur and you feel the heat reach deep down inside and keep in mind all that you have to be thankful for. 

Take time to celebrate those moments of happiness. All to often we go day to day and pay little attention to the days that we should celebrate. Become the cheerleader in your own life. You never know this may make all those around you happier as well.

Reward yourself for goals that you reach. My mother when I was younger would award herself for losing weight. If she reached a goal of getting a room deep cleaned before she thought she would she may reward herself as well. What would you reward yourself with. 

what is it that makes you happy

Enjoy a Caesar Salad on this Hot Summer Day

On some hot days I do not feel like eating any heavy dishes. Rather I fix a salad and munch on it. Here is a great one that you may enjoy as well.

1 head romaine lettuce
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1 clove garlic
1 egg, coddled
1 (2 oz.) can anchovy fillets
1 lemon
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups garlic or onion croutons

Clean lettuce thoroughly and wrap in paper towels to absorb moisture.
Tear Romaine into bite sized pieces. Place in the refrigerator, until ready to use.
Rub garlic around the inside of a large salad bowl.
In a bowl or jar combine oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and mustard.
Crush garlic and add to the dressing.
Whisk dressing until ingredients are well blended.
Coddle egg - bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Drop in egg (still in shell). Boil for 1 minute. Remove egg from water and let cool. Crack open egg, and whisk into dressing.
Mash anchovies and whisk into the dressing. (If you don't like anchovies, it's okay to exclude them.)
Remove romaine lettuce from the refrigerator and put into the salad bowl.
Pour dressing over the lettuce and toss lightly.
Squeeze lemon over the salad.
Top with grated parmesan cheese, croutons and fresh ground pepper.
Toss salad and serv