Thursday Thunks

1. Someone knocks on your door. You have not seen this person in years. You were once great friends. Who would you like it to be and why?

I would love it to be my best friend April from highschool. We had the best of times together.

2. What do you think would be a great song title that isn't one? Who do you want to record it?

Thank you mom I want Lee Anne Rhymes to sing this

3. You are having a party. If I'm invited, what should I bring?

bring a great potluck dish as I love to try new foods

4. If your spouse or s/o cheated with a one night stand while away, would you really want to know?

I would hope this would never happen

5. How long does it take for a house guest to drive you bonkers?

depends on who the house guest is

6. If you could pick a new color for the sky, what would you pick?

peach

7. What did you think of the Olympics?

they were very cool

8. Could TT have thought of a lamer blogger that me to guest host?

lol

9. What's the stupidest lie that someone really thought you'd believe?

probably my teens trying to pretend they were sick or one of those emails where my email has won me million of dollars

10. What was the best day you had in high school? Tell us about it.

there were several. Iloved highschool being with friends and hanging out

11. Name something that you have in your home that you are sure most people don't.

I have a large collection of rag dolls as well as large collection of cartoon glasses

12. Why haven't you at least tried to play The Dating Profile Meme?

playing too many all ready

13. Do you think homophobia is a choice?

the choice is to act on it or not.

Rainbow Cookies recipe

I located this recipe on a website that I use to find great kid crafts, sunday school lessons, recipes for kids etc... You can visit DLTK here

Rainbow Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
Food coloring-at least 6 colors (make sure one of them is Red!)
remember - with red, blue and yellow you can make all the other colors.
Mix sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. Add flour and mix well.

Divide dough into six balls. Add a different food coloring to each ball. Roll each ball in a snake shape onto a floured surface. This is fun for the kids -- just like playdough! Arch snake shape and press onto cookie sheet. Add other snake shapes until the rainbow is formed. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-15 minutes. When cooled let each child taste a piece of the rainbow.

Shipwreck Casserole

This is a great recipe for familes as it is easy to make, the kids can be tricked to eat veggies and the adults loe it

ShipWreck Casserole

1 cup chopped onion
2 medium potatoes, sliced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped celery
salt and pepper
paprika
1 can tomato soup
1 cup boiling water

Butter a 2-quart casserole. Layer with onions, potatoes, ground beef, rice, carrots, and celery, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine soup with boiling water; pour over all. Bake at 300° for 3 hours.

Ready for some pancakes

Are you in the mood for pancakes? You could win the above set on the blog Frugal Mommy of two girls. The contest ends March 17, 2010 so hurry over and enter

coupon for Green Giant Just for One single serve $1/1

A few weeks ago I was able to partake in a campaign introduced by PSSST!!!! I was able to try the Green Giant Just for One single-serve vegetables and sauce. I must say these are the perfect one serving size container and pack a great taste. Now backed by Weight Watchers as well as the perfect size for my little princess. If you would like to try some for your self go here for a coupon for $1 off one and see for yourself how great they taste.

G is for Ghost Hunting

THE LETTER OF THE DAY FOR ABC WEDNESDAY IS G:


I was not aware of it til I started looking around the web that Southern Illinois actually has a Ghost Hunting Team. WOW!!! You can find them here

Overcoming

When: Last Summer at church camp

Where: Florida

Who: my oldest son

Why: over coming fears (he was up in the air held up only by beams)

way back when twinfatuation

Putumayo's Rhythm & Blue CD review and giveaway

Putumayo World Music is one of the most recognized record labels in the world. Rhythm & Blues is composed of wonderful legends and rising stars working in the retro R&B I love R&B and the cover is pretty special in my opinion as well.

Those featured on the Rhythm & Blue CD are Lavelle White • James Hunter • Cracked Ice • The Quantic Soul Orchestra featuring Kabir • The Emotions • Sam Moore, Keb’ Mo’ and Angie Stone • Catherine Russell • Ruthie Foster • Snooks Eaglin • Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings • Rockie Charles • Irma Thomas with Henry Butler

Have you ever noticed that each generation has its own special music and the generation after desires the sounds of old? The 60s and 70s saw R&B artist such as The Four Tops, Otis Redding, and The Supremes. Today many of the songs created and shared in those days have become memories for fans. There are those special songs that even our young one in this generation hear and like.

As a teen i listened to music that my mother did not respect or like. Her generation had the same type of music as well. R&B music from the 1950s branched off of the rugged roots of blues and gospel music. New Orleans the birthplace of R&B saw famous stars such as Snooks Eaglin, Irma Thomas and Rockie Charles.

Putumayo's Rhythm & Blue CD shares the history of R&B through music. American Blues, New ORleans, Women of Jazz, and Mississippi Blues are all cherished and shared on this great CD

I have one of these great CDs to give away to one luck winner. The only way to enter this giveaway is to follow this blog and share with me a song of your own that holds great memory for you.

Contest starts now and ends March 10, 2010. Good Luck

we recieved a CD to review but my opinion was not influenced in any way

Major Question at Our House: Who To Take To Prom

Senior Prom is right around the corner. Here is my son and his date from last year. Now we just have to wait and see who it is our son will ask this year. I am sure it will be a surprise to al but him. I also love how pretty this picture turned out with all the green.

Lost little Lambs

These are the little lambs that were part of the recent play at church they were adorable and while this picture appears as if they are wore out believe me they were very active

shared on 5 minutes for mom

The View : have you kept up week 3

This week has been a bit crazy for me and the View ladies I have missed for a few days. Sorry to say. I did catch a few glimpse but if you missed this week here is what you missed:


Tuesday, Mar 2: Robert Pattinson makes his first-ever appearance on the show with his “Remember Me” co-star, Emilie de Ravin. Mitt Romney, the 70th Governor of Massachusetts also makes his first-ever appearance.
Wednesday, Mar 3: This show will feature the best of “View Tube,” including backstage antics and celebrity exit interviews. Lisa Kudrow of “Who Do You Think You Are” will be joining the hosts as well

I did catch a glimpse of Robert Pattinson. Cant wait to see his next movie as he was great in the last one. I also caught Mitt Romney did not agree with everything that he said but then that is why I love the show so much.

Be sure to catch the rest of the week.


Thursday, Mar 4: Celebrity guest co-host Valerie Bertinelli, former Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin from Broadway’s “The Miracle Worker,” Mia Wasikowska from Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and a musical performance from Broadway’s “Fela” will be featured on this jam-packed episode.
• Friday, Mar 5: The View’s “Road to the Oscars” episode welcomes former Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes and “Fashion Friday” celebrates “The History of Oscar Fashions” with a two-part look back at some of the most memorable – and perhaps forgettable – Oscar hits and misses, with host and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. Hosts of “At the Movies” Michael Phillips and Tony Scott will also be on set to unveil their 2010 Oscar predictions.

I love Valerie Bertinelli and want to see the Alice In Wonderland new movie. Wesley Snipes is a great actor as well and cant wait to hear the girls view of the Oscars.

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Healthy Way Slow Cooking

Often we use the slow cooker for convenience in speed, ease and because our day is long enough as it is. Have you ever thought of the heath value to slow cooking? A newsletter that I receive had a great article in slow cooking and you can read it here.

Slow Cooking helps break down the temptation of eating out because when you all ready have a prepared dinner at home that you can eat why run out for dinner? When I used to work we did this a lot I just felt too tired to head home and prepare a meal so on the way home we would pop in and pickup dinner to go. The slow cooker allows you to put a meal on to cook for several hours then go home and enjoy.

Often the liquid called for in slow cooker meals is broth or water. Neither broth or water add fat or calories to the food. Meat cooked in slow cookers come out tender and juicy which is an added bonus to me. No more tough meat from over cooking in the oven. To make quick and simple meal simply cook vegie, meat all in one pot. These simple meals also eliminate the pre packaged meals that were found in our freezer. The crockpot meal boosted nutrients and we were able to decide for ourselves how much salt and sugar was in the meal we cooked.

Do you slow cook? Maybe you should try it as well.

Tutu Bow Holder Giveaway

I have never seen a cuter bow holder than the ones that Shelly creates. Perfect for the princess in your life. You can enter to win one on the blog Jamie's Precious Peas. The giveaway ends March 15, 2010

Dreams coming true

She had her goals set and her dreams set higher. Today we got the wonderful news what she dreamed of has come true. She will be attending the college that she strived for. I just found out about a wonderful place to share our joys. Just for the Joy of it is located on the blog Good True and Beautiful.

JAKKS PACIFIC toy giveawa

Momstart has a great giveaway going on sponsored by Jakks Pacific. Perfect for any little girl like princess as it is for a fairy doll. Giveaway ends March 17, 2010

Fish Friday Giveaway

Are you partaking in the ritual of fish friday? Well even if you are not you may love fishsticks every now and again. The Mom Buzz is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will recieve a prize pack from Gortons. This contest will end 3/14/10 so hurry over and enter this great giveaway.

Frugal Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is great in the fact that it takes 4 main ingredients but you can add others if you wish. I sometimes add onions, celery, etc....

Crockpot Chili

•1 lb ground beef, browned (1.50)
•2 cans chili-seasoned tomatoes (1.20)
•1 can dark red kidney beans (.69)
•1 cup ketchup (.99)

In a crock pot combine the ground beef, tomatoes and beans. Mix together; cover; and leave until about an hour before you're ready to eat. Then, add the ketchup; mix well; and cook another hour to combine the flavors

What's Behind The Best Contest

If you are a busy mom take a break with a great cup of coffee with 100% Colombian coffee. They understand the life of a mom and their busy schedule the constant coming and going doing this and caring after that. A mom's job is never done because there is no one like a mom for the job. In fact at this time 100% Colombian Coffee is holding a contest where moms like us will have the chance to win $10,000. Coffee drinkers and those that don't drink coffee are eligible to enter. To enter this great contest follow this link http://www.whatsbehindthebest.com/

Snow Picture

While the snow is no longer here I do love this picture and its serenity

My random thoughts

have you ever been in an argument that you are not for sure that you are mad at the person but over the topic? The problem was i was protecting my children and I felt as if he was being taken advantage of. In the end we both just felt bad and sorry the issue ever occurred.

the weather here can not make up its mind nice and warm one day a whole lot cooler the next I wish spring would hurry up and get here. I am tired of the cold and desire to be warm again. I so want to see the sun again

My adult son is home from college after dropping out for a semester and return in the summer/fall at another college. I am just worried a bit about him as he has decided while being gone he is his own boss. There is not much that me and his dad can tell him and he listens to. It seems that when financial matters are discussed is the only thing that gains his attention.

My daughter on the other hand is ready for college looking forward to leaving, reminding us daily and striving to get ready. Does this mean her room is clean? No for sure I wonder how she will be in college going to classes, studying, and having fun and still keeping her dorm room looking good. Good Luck is all I have to say. She may fool me though it is always possible I guess.

what are your random thoughts this morning? The Un Mom is taking the day off so the Bitchin' Wives Club is hosting today

Easily Remove Egg Shells

With spring and summer coming up quickly we will be preparing more deviled egg recipes. Here is a great tip to help remove the egg shells from the egg easily.

Egg shells can b easily removed from hard boiled eggs if they are quickly rinsed in cold water after they are boiled. Also, add a drop of food coloring to help tell the cooked eggs apart from the raw ones in your fridge.

what kitchen tip could you share?

My To Do List

I have all ready started and I am off to great start

*** done **** kitchen cleaned after breakfast
*** done **** 2 load launry wash/dry
still to do 2 load laundry
fold about 6 as I am behind
clean my bedroom/bath


that is abou it for today as well as all general clean what do you have to do?

this week:
church wednesday and sunday
no real plans for this week but next weekend will be out of town visiting Princess

Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2

Since Princess was little we looked for the best in all things. Her bottles and sippy cups were no exception. I trust the kid basix safe sippy 2 because it is so versatile and pleases Princess as well.

The Kid Basix safe sippy 2 look very attractive and comes in assorted colors. With the growing concern over what our children are taking in to their little bodies the awareness of products grew. Kid Basix created the Safe Sippy cup to be Bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals free. So if you are looking for the safe versatile sippy cup then you should pick up the Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2.

My thoughts:

The Safe Sippy 2 from Kid Basix is very attractive, safe for my princess, very easy for her to hold and use.

I received a safe sippy 2 cup from Kid Basix but I truly did share my thoughts and feelings for this product without being influenced.

just where we want her

This was last year when my daughter graduated from highschool but as she heads out to go away to college (several hours away) I know that moments such as this will be far between.

Green Ideas for St. Patricks Day

St. Patricks Day is just around the corner and one thing that we always liked to do was to create snacks and meals around holidays. Because the main color to St. Patricks day of course is green that will be the theme of my edible ideas:

Some easy to prepare green foods include, green apple slices, green jello, kiwi, green grapes, and lime koolaid. But you may also incorporate green pickles, green beans, green cabbage and green celery.

Clover shaped biscuts can be known as shamrock biscuits. They can be easily prepared by using canned biscuts and letting the kids tear each biscut shape into 3 pieces and then rolling these 3 pieces into little balls and placing into the shape of a shamrock on a cooking sheet. Sprinkle with green sugar and bake as directed on the can. You can also do this with cookie dough and make shamrock cookies.

Leprechaun Punch is easy to make by adding lime sherbert to a glass of sprite or 7up. Just simply add a spoonful of green sherbert into the drink and mix. By the way I saw that the local McDonalds has Shamrock shakes back again. You can make these at home as well by blending one cup of milk and one cup of lime sherbert.

Green food color goes a long way as well. You can add a few drops to milk, mashed potatoes and vanilla ice cream or make a cake with green icing created by mixing vanilla icing with green food coloring

whatever you do to make your St. Patricks day snack or meal remember to have fun.

I shared this on the blog Mom Tried It

No Oven Required Desserts

I found an awesome set of recipes in the paper tonight. The author of this article is Sara Noel from www.frugalvillage.com

Granola Bars

2 1/2 c rice cereal or honey nut cheerios

2 c uncooked oats

1/2 c raisins

1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c light corn syrup

1/2 c peanut butter

1 t vanilla extract

1/2 c milk chocolate chips

Mix first 3 in bowl and set aside. Bring brown sugar and syrup to a boil in small saucepan stirring constantly remove from heat Stir in peanut butter and vanilla til blended Pour peanut butter mix over cereal stir to coat stand 10 minutes Stir in chocolate chips Press in 13x9 pan cool cut in bars

Pink Fluff

2 (3oz) boxes strawberry jello

3 c water

2 c graham cracker crumbs

8 oz whip topping

1 pint strawberries

Make jello by mixing first 2 Set in fridge to set. Layer 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs into a 9x13 inch pan. Mix jello with electric mixer to when itlooks like chunky applesauce Add the whip topping and mix Fold in berries Dump on top of cracker crumbs Chill

London Bridge for Children 8x10 art picture giveaway

LONDON BRIDGE FOR CHILDREN

A short while back I shared a very special piece of art that I received from the London Bridge From Children group. You can read that post here. London Bridge for Children creates works of art that can be special to moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, nearly everyone who has loves a child.

This picture may remind my mother of me and my sisters we were so close in age and always loved to play dress up.

London Bridge for Children creates works of art that are gender preference, perfect for siblings or just general art for children. What would you prefer?

Buy: you can purchase this lovely art from London Bridge from Children directly from their website located here

Win: one of Annie's Home readers has the chance to win a lovely 8X10 art print of their choice from London Bridge for Children.

To enter the giveaway: you must let me know which print you would choose if you won.

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow me on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
• leave comment on any post (1 entry per comment) let me know which one in comment

Giveaway starts now and will run through March 22, 2010. Good Luck If email not on comment or blog you can not win

Pimp My Laundry Room Contest hosted by Wisk

Do you hate the chore of laundry as much as I do? Would you love it if the room you had to do the laundry looked more like a place you want to be rather than the dungeon it may feel like? Well enter the Pimp The Laundry Room Contest being sponsored by Wisk. One lucky winner will win a total laundry room makeover, complete with new Whirlpool High Efficiency washer and dryer set, a year's supply of Wisk HE laundry detergent and a guest spot on a special episode of TVs Designing Spaces scheduled to air this summer!

To Enter:

• Log on to LaundryHE.com from March 1 – 29, 2010
• read the contest rules
• share a short video (no longer than 3 minutes or larger than 100MB) stating why you deserve a laundry room makeover. In the short video define what laundry personality you are
  • Type A All The Way
  • Constantly Connected
  • Livin’ Large Lounge

I would say I was the constantly connected room because I spend so much time in the laundry room.

Top Finalists featured on LaundryHe.com between April 12-19 with Grand Prize winner to be chosen by popular ballot. Everyone that votes will be entered to win a year's supply of Wisk HE laundry detergent

So hurry up all ready and enter for your chance to win an all new laundry room

Posted as part of a partnership with BSM Media for a Wisk contest I will recieve the opportunity to win a years supply of wisk as well as bottle of wisk for posting.

What a Wonderful day

This is the month where two of my best friends came together in marriage. Happy Anniversary.

Please Excuse the mess

Please excuse this mess but I think this is a most excellent picture of me and my princes last spring. I look a bit out of it but she looks happy and content

Meal Plan Monday: its March

WOW!!!! March is actually here. A good sign the long winter is over. Here is what we will be eating this week:

chilli, crackers, ritz/pb,

blts, baked beans

steak, potato, salad,

taco soup

barbq chicken wings, cheesy potatos

hash

grilled cheese/soup

see other menus and share your own here

I heart faces : outtakes in life

I heart faces theme this week "outtakes in life"

These are just a few of the outtakes in my life, good times bad times, and yes always fun and sweet times.

Happy Home Maker Monday March 1, 2010

The weather in my neck of the woods:
it is a beautiful early spring day saw a blue jay and yellow crocus in the yard today

One of my simple pleasures:
sharing a just baked brownie with my hubby

On my bedside table:
change jar
shopping list

On my TV:
news

On the menu for tonight:
BLTs

On my To Do List:
laundry, clean bedrooms

New Recipe I tried last week:
cheesecake shotglass desserts

In the craft basket:
easter suprises

Looking forward to:
visiting my princess

Homemaking Tip for this week:
to keep the salt shaker free flowing add a few pieces of raw rice

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
this great one about shoes here

favorite picture of last week:
mine can be found here visit and see why it makes me smile

Lesson learned the past few days:
expect the unexpected

On my Prayer List:
hubby, several friends who have lost loved ones

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
monday night bible study where we have been learning to clean out our closet

What type of Shoe do you Wear

What type of shoes do you wear?

Do you wear the shoes that make you look good to others that may not be comfortable but always look good in everyones site?

Do you wear flip flops that allow you to have foot protection but not to much constriction?

Do you wear shoes to serve others in but then forget the fullness of what you are to be doing?

.

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared

shared on Spiritual Sunday

Quotable Sunday : Shoes

Quotable Sunday @ A Daily Dose of Toni

In honor of a wonderful sermon this morning I am posting shoe qoutes.



“I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.”
Oprah Winfrey

Reshape one's foot to try to fit into a new shoe.”
Chinese Proverbs

“If the shoe fits, wear it"
Proverb

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.”
Doug Larson

FashionPlaytes Giveaway

Do you have a young lady in your life that loves to decorate her room, design her clothing and just do it her way? Well that was the sort of girl that Sarah the owner of FashionPlaytes was. As a young girl Sarah designed most of her clothes and was fortunate enough to have a talented mother who could sew. Sarah designed Fashion Playtes as a place to allow girls to have the same chance that she did. The chance to create unique clothing and build their confidence and self esteem in the process. Fashion Playtes allows the girls to create and they will produce the creation at a reasonable price.

Do you have a young lady that would love the chance to create their own clothing? The Fashion Playte company contacted me and shared this great idea with me and would love to have one of Annies Home readers to win a $25 gift code to use on the Fashion Playtes website.

To enter this giveaway visit the Fashion Playtes website and let me know what you would do with the $25 gift code.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• fan Fashion Playtes on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
• leave comment on any post and let me know what ones in comment

Giveaway starts now and will run through March 14, 2010. Good Luck Email must be on blog or in comment or you can not win

RootBeer Barbecue Sandwich

I love the title of this recipe because it sounds great and should appeal to the teens as well.

Root Beer Barbecue Sandwich

1 boneless beef rump roast (4 lb)
2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup root beer
Dash salt and pepper, if desired
16 sandwich buns, split


In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, place beef. In 4-cup measuring cup or bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of the barbecue sauce and the root beer; pour over beef. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 10 to 12 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, remove beef from slow cooker; place on large plate. Pour juices from slow cooker into 12-inch skillet. Cook over medium-high heat about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juices are thickened and reduced to about 3 cups. Meanwhile, shred beef with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Stir remaining 1/2 cup barbecue sauce into reduced juices in skillet; pour over shredded beef in slow cooker. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Spoon about 1/2 cup beef mixture into each bun.

find recipe on Betty Crocker.com

Strawberry cheesecake

My son in law is a lover of life and cheesecake and to say thank you for being that outstanding sort of man and taking part in the polar bear plunge yesterday. I found him a dessert that would please him. The recipe I found on myrecipes.com is for strawberry cheesecake:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 1/2 (16 oz.) packages fresh small strawberries, hulled
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Preparation
Make cheesecake: Position a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan.

Stir together crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into bottom of pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Wrap outside of pan with two sheets of aluminum foil.

Mix 1 cup sugar and flour. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sugar mixture and vanilla; beat until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in sour cream and lemon zest.

Transfer batter to springform pan; place in a roasting pan. Pour hot water into roasting pan to 2 inches deep. Bake until set but still jiggly in center, 1 hour and 40 minutes. Remove from oven and set springform pan on rack to cool. When cool, run a sharp knife around edge. Remove foil and refrigerate, loosely covered, for 8 hours.

Make topping: 1 1/2 hours before serving, arrange 1 box of strawberries (pointed ends up) on top of cheesecake. Slice remaining berries. Bring sliced berries, sugar and lemon juice to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tsp. water. Stir cornstarch into berry mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, 1 minute. Strain mixture (using a fine strainer) over a bowl, pressing on solids. Discard solids; let glaze cool. Brush berries with glaze. Refrigerate cake for 1 hour.

shared on yummy sunday