Gilberts Gourmet Goodies Review and Giveaway

Mom has provided us with goodies of all sorts and now it is time to pay her back with some delicious goodies as well. Gilberts Gourmet Goodies are perfect for mom as they are gluten free and better for mom than many other brands. Gilberts delicious handmade cookies and cookie dough do not contain wheat, gluten, peanuts, nuts, soy, milk, corn, corn syrup, transfats or preservatives and are low in sodium. The cookies we received were soft melt in your mouth deliciousness. The delicious cookies come in three popular flavors and two sizes. You can choose between the giant sized cookies and bite size cookies depending on your snack hunger. The cookie dough is ready made and packaged in 16 oz. tubs for easy scooping and baking. The great thing about the cookie dough is that it allows you to make gluten free cookies at home.

We recieved a large snickerdoodle cookie (my sons favorite allthough Gilbert's Gourmet Cookies) was not aware of this fact). My son loved it and claimed it as his own. He agreed with the first place standing Gilberts received on their snickerdoodle cookies from the CT fancy food association. Gilberts Gourmet Goodies began as a love for baking and after many trials and errors became a wonderful allergy free cookie. Gilbert's supports and donates to the organizations that support Celiac, Autism & Food Allergy research and support.


Buy: you can purchase Gilberts Gourmet Goodies directly from their website here May is Celiac Awareness month and through out may you can use the code CELIACM10 to get 20% off

Win: Gilberts Gourmet Goodies would like to give one of Annie's Home readers a pouch of bite size cookies of their choice as well as each of the three giant cookies

To enter giveaway: visit Gilberts Gourmet Goodies website and let me know what flavor of bite size cookies you would choose

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
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Giveaway starts now and ends May 24, 2010. Good luck remember your email on blog profile or in your comment

We received a sample box for review purposes the thoughts and opions are those of my own

crockpot chicken and stuffing $5 dinner

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

•1 package herb-seasoned stuffing mix, prepared (.99)
•rotiessiri chicken (on sale $2.50)
•1 can cream of chicken soup (.69)

Prepare packaged stuffing mix with butter and liquid as directed on package. Layer stuffing in the bottom of greased slow cooker. Place the chicken pieces on top. Chicken can overlap some, but try to arrange with as little overlap as possible. If there is room, you could use more chicken. On top of the chicken, pour 1 can of cream of chicken soup, or you could use cream of mushroom, or cream of celery, whatever you like. Just don't add the liquid the soup can says to use. Be sure to stir the mushrooms around a little so they are coated with the soup.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.

shared at $5 dinners here

LuShae Jewelry review

Moms have long loved to show off a bit of bling even if they won't admit it. My eldest daughter has bought me many pieces of jewelry. Nothing means more to me than jewelry with a memory or semblance attached. When I look for jewelry for myself or others I look for ways that it fits into others lives. LuShae Jewelry art designs have that special quality that can be personalized to the person receiving it. With the variety of pieces with a wide range of precious and semi precious gemstones LuShae offers a gem of a quality you will not find everywhere. Online for a bit over 10 years LuShae prides itself on keeping up with the styles in the world. I fell in love with the great variety of pendants at LuShae just take a look at what they have to offer. Just take a look at what LuShae has to offer.

we did receive a $50 gift card from LuShae for use of review. The thoughts and opinions are those of mine alone

Remembering My Mother In Law

I married my husband when I was a mere 16 years old. This quickly helped me to grow up and one person that I will never forget is my mother in law. She was very special to me. Never knew a stranger and opened her door to all. She loved to be in the kitchen, hang her clothes outside to dry and lead a simple life. This poem brings back alot of what I remember about her

Bless this Home
Ella Miller

Bless this home, O Lord, we pray
Guard it safely night and day,
Bless the family living here
Bind them close with love and cheer.

Bless the food which is prepared
And each guest with whom it's shared.
Bless the children through the years
Guide them in their joys and tears.

Bless the Mother - tender, kind
And the Father by her side
Bless their pure and faithful love
Making home like Heaven above.

Bless this home, O Lord, we pray
Where we live and walk and play,
Bless us all that ever we
May live O gracious Lord, with Thee

Kitchen Tip: Mustard for Burns

Every Monday during the school year I help a group of ladies cook for the high school kids at our church. We give them a great meal for $2 and they in return eat in a safe place and hear testimonies. Yesterday while cooking one of my dear friends burnt her hand while frying. She asked what was something good to put on it and a friend of mine named Mary quickly replied "mustard" and that is what she used. Ruth's burn went away and I took home a great tip. When in the kitchen and get small burn use "mustard" to relieve the pain.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

Tea parties are perfect for Mothers Day. A special event just for girls and ladies alike. Tea parties are perfect for moms and daughters and can make such a lasting memory. You can spend time before the party shopping consignment shops for just the right costumes, looking for the perfect games to play, creating lovely goodies to eat and drink and best of all spend time together doing it all. Twitter Moms has created an opportunity to have fun while reading through a section known as TwitterMoms reading channel. You can spend time reading about Fancy Nancy while planning the super fun tea party that you will host.

Items that we would serve at our tea party include:

• teddy bear sandwiches created by using a teddy bear cookie cutter to cut shapes out of sandwiches
• candy necklaces, rings, and bracelets and yes we may even make our own fruit loop necklace out of the colorful cereal and yarn
• Pretzel wands using pretzel rods dipped 1/2 in white almond bark and covered with sprinkles

We would invite all of our friends and their dolly or teddy to come to our tea party. We would use the shape of a big ladies hat to be our invitation.

What would you do?

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a Fancy Nancy prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (include this link: http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/share-your-tips-for-planning-a)

Butter Pecan Cobler

We will be having a church homecoming less than 2 weeks and I believe this may be the dessert that I bring.

Butter Pecan Cobler

1 c flour
1/2 c chop nuts
3 T sugar
1/2 c butter
3 oz cream cheese
2 1/2 c coolwhip
1/2 c powder sugar
3 1/2 oz butter pecan puding
1 1/2 c milk
1/3 c chop nuts

Mix flour, nuts and sugar Add butter to form crumbs Press in casserole Microwave 8 minutes Micro cream cheese 45 seconds Mix with 1/2 c whip cream and sugar Sread over crust Mix puding, 1 cup milk for 2 minutes Pour over top Top with 2 cup whip cream Sprinkle nuts Chill

SlimPerfect review and Giveaway

I am a great mommy but one thing that seems to have gone down hill just a bit is my figure. The great thing is I can still look great in swimwear and activewear thanks to SlimPerfect. I will be ready for summer for sure. SlimPerfect Inc. has a versatile and unique line of swimwear/activewear that allows you to look great and keep your modesty. I love the fact that the line is designed by women for women. Who more could know what a woman would want than another woman.

SlimPerfect manufactures their products in the USA using top of the line Brazilian fabric. Each piece of clothing in the line of SlimPerfect seperates can either be used as swimwear or activewear with many pieces working together rather nicely. One of the best things about SlimPerfect is that the swimwear and activewear provides more coverage allowing one to keep their modesty and still is able to "tame" the bulges without having to mandate that hourglass shape by forcing bulges to go in areas they do not belong. I tried on the tankini that we received and loved it. It was not loose so it kept everything where it was meant to be.

Buy: you can purchase your choice of slimdresses, capri bottoms, unique sleeved tankini tops, slimskorts, sleeved slimdresses, tankini tops, bikini tops and slim skirts directly from the SlimPerfect website

Win: SlimPerfect is going to award one of Annie's Home readers a $50 electronic gift card

Enter this contest: Please visit the SlimPerfect website and let me know what you would use the $50 on if you were the lucky winner

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
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• share this giveaway any way you would like on your blog, giveaway post etc... (5 points for each you do) link in comment
• comment on any other post on my blog (1 entry each)

Giveaway starts now and ends May 24, 2010. Good Luck Email must be on blog profile or in comment

I received a $50 e cert to purchase items for review purposes. Thoughts and comments are my own and have not been influenced

Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches Like Mom Used To Make

Barbecue Chicken Sandwich


2 (2 1/2 lb.) rotisserie chickens
1 (12 oz.) bottle barbecue sauce (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup pineapple preserves
1 teaspoon chili powder
24 slices white sandwich bread
1 head green leaf lettuce

Remove skin from chicken. Cut meat from bones and coarsely chop it. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine barbecue sauce, pineapple preserves and chili powder. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until just simmering and heated through, about 5 minutes. Warm bread in toaster until just lightly toasted. Remove chicken from heat. Place 8 slices of bread on a work surface; top each with a lettuce leaf. Spoon some chicken on top. Top with bread and remaining lettuce and chicken. Top with final slice of bread. Secure sandwiches with toothpicks and slice in half. Serve immediately

Source My Recipes

Monday Mayhem

1. What time do you usually wake up in the morning?

6 a.m


2. What do you do for the first hour of your day?

get myself refreshed, pray, go to bathroom, meds and etc...


3. Where did or will you have for lunch today?

had lunch with those that cook for highschoolers at church


4. What did you or will you be eating lunch?

sloppy joe, moz sticks, salad, fries

5. What is your best high school memory?

lots of them, lunch time and band time sorround several of them

6. Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes.

my leather thongs I have had them a few years and love them

7. What does a perfect Sunday afternoon include for you?

rest, blog, sunshine

8. Was there one book that you read as a child that you still cherish?

there were many one that I read my sisters and brothers alot was a book filled with short stories I think there was one page for the story we loved this and I read to them every night


9. How would the people that know you personally describe you? \

sweet seems to the word used alot


10. How would the people who only know you online describe you?

talkative, shares a lot of recipes, mom


11. How will you be treating yourself today?

great like always how do you treat yourself


12. What is your definition of being spiritual? Are you spiritual?

Spiritual does not sorround any organized religion myself, it is instead loving the Lord and all that he has provided for us


what would your answers be? Play along here

Designs by Mimi and Lola review

Designs by Mimi & Lola are lovely personalized blankets and pillows created for children that moms will love. I come from a long line of women who love pillows. We have made our own, bought them at stores, flea markets and craft shops, and simply purchase pillows that look great, are fun and ones that we love as well. My daughters are no different as in their bedrooms and their couch you will find beautiful pillows lining the way. I was lucky enough to create a pillow for my daughter in the colors of her future college that she will attend. I loved the sweet pillow well constructed which is very important as a mom of six children the way things are constructed to stay together is very important to me. The style and personality of the pillow instantly personalized it just for her and one that she will cherish forever.

Mimi and Lola is a mother & daughter team created with love. The duo started creating personalized baby blankets and after a few they were being requested. Soon this loving gift grew into a wonderful company that creates loving pillows and personalized blankets for little ones or anyone in your life. Available at Designs by Mimi and Lola are:

Creative Baby Bibs

Personalized Blankets

Designer Pillows

Buy: you can purchase your choice of pillows, baby bib or personalized blanket from their etsy shop located at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mimiandlola

as stated I received a pillow for the purpose of this review. There was no other compensation and the thoughts and opinions are those of my own

Remembering Those Who Loved Us

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

There have been so many wonderful people in my life. My mother has always been a great presence in my life and still is. I love her very much as well as many other ladies that I have had in my life both now and in the past. There have been wonderful women to have left my life leaving their memories, lessons learned and wonderful love in my heart. My grandmothers, aunts, friends, cousins etc... I learned to cook from them, learned to keep a nice house, learned how to treat others with respect, budgeting tips etc... forever and always these wonderful people and lessons learned will travel with me. I am sure that we all have had wonderful people in all of our lives. To me these individuals are placed in our life by God so that we will know how much he loves us. To him I give the Praise for creating my life with so many people of great value.

What Is A Mother

What Is A Mother

A Mother has so many things to do,
From washing, ironing, cleaning to tying a shoe.
She scrubs, she mends, she cooks and sews,
She bathes the children and washes their clothes.
When they forget to wash their faces clean,
And their clothes are the muddiest you've ever seen,
Who repairs the clothes and scrubs them like new?
Of course, that is what a Mother will do.
Who becomes the doctor or the nurse when they are ill,
Applying a bandage or giving them a pill?
Who becomes a teacher when a child has homework?
She must never her duty shirk.
Who becomes a detective to find a toy or a book?
For missing things she must look and look?
Who becomes a listner to every heartache,
To every accompolishment that a child makes?
Who scolds their children when they are naughty,
Or remind them of God when they are to haughty?
Who tends her family with love and patience, too?
Of course that is what a Mother will do.
- Unknown

Sunday Stealing

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?

yes for 23 year +

02) What was your dream growing up?

being a lawyer

03) What talent do you wish you had?

any physical sports would be great I have little to none

04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?

diet coke

05) Favorite vegetable?

corn

06) What was the last book you read?

loser

07) What zodiac sign are you?

virgo

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.

nope

09) Worst Habit?

talking too much

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?

if I knew you I would

11) What is your favorite sport?

football and baseball tie

12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?

maybe a mix of them

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?

talk and pray to get out soon

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?

death of loved ones

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.

i like mustard on my ritz crackers

16) Do you have any pets?

yes a dog

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?

come on in take a sit down tell me a story and share some time

18) What was your first impression of me?

well I think you ask alot of questions

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?

cute but boy my brother doesn't

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

cut my hair short and get my teeth fixed

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

I would be the crime partner while doing it then being your conscience about being caught

22) What color eyes do you have?

hazel

23) Ever been arrested?

nope

24) Bottle or can soda?

bottle if I have the choice but I will drink cans as well

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?

pay off bills share with my kids and grandchild and buy my nephew and nieces a few things as well for my niece and nephews

26) What's your favorite place to hang out at?

my house

27) Do you believe in ghosts?

yep

28) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

blog

29) Do you swear a lot?

no I try not to

30) Biggest pet peeve?

people lieing or getting mad for no reason

31) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

organized cares for everyone

32) Do you believe/appreciate romance?

yes I do

33) Favorite and least favorite food?

favorite black olives, least favorite spinach

34) Do you believe in God?

Yes I do

35) Will you join us this week for Wednesday Wickedness? (Bud has on a mission to make this Wednesday's most popular meme. Please play this week so I can stop promoting it.)

if I remember to

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates giveaway

What mom would not want some delicious chocolates? When those chocolates are delicious and organic mom will love them and you. Sjaak's uses the same ingredient as moms have they use love in every piece of their delicious chocolate. Sjaak's Organic Chocolates set the goal of creating high quality gourmet organic chocolates while making the world a better place. They wanted to support a positive work environment, carry our fair trade practices and bring attention to agriculture through organic means by using the products that the animals make. With all these working parts coming together Sjaak's Organic Chocolates set a goal of creating chocolates that would be around a long time.

The owner of Sjaak's grew up in the Netherlands next to a family grain mill. The tulip is a symbol for Holland and their iconic tulips the most bountiful around.

Looking for delicious vegan chocolates? Well look no further than Sjaak's Organic Chocolates. Both organic and vegan will please any mom with an alternative diet. Vegan chocolates include chocolate bars, gift packs, and holiday treats. The ingredients used in the famous vegan chocolates do not include eggs, butter, or milk. The sugar used is an organic sugar.

Their Lavender Box of chocolates is perfect for mothers day. Packed in a beautiful detailed handmade box is packed with beautiful heart shaped creamy dark chocolate lavender truffles wrapped in lavender foil.

Buy: order directly off the Sjaak's Organic Chocolates website. I believe this beautiful box of chocolates is a great buy at $14,95

Want to win a box of the Lavender chocolates for your mom or special someone in your life or possibly for yourself? One of Annie's Home readers will win this box of chocolates from Sjaak's Organic Chocolates.

To enter contest let me know another item you would love to give yourself or someone or tell me something I did not share in this post.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
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• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• share this giveaway on your blog or elsewhere and let me know where (5 points each)

Giveaway starts now and runs through May 16, 2010. Good Luck make sure email is in comment or on blog profile so your entries count

we did not receive anything in exchange for this post

Lucille Ball one of my favorite moms

Lucille Ball one of the funniest ladies alive was also a mother with a bit of wit. Lucille and the show I Love Lucy provided me with many great hours of laughs as I could find it on late at night when my babies were little. I could care for them and Lucy would keep me in stitches. Was you an I Love Lucy fan?

Pizza anyone?

Last night I served as a chaperone Mom and I must say I had a good time chatting with other parents that volunteered for this duty. The reason for the occasion After Prom. I had a great time to tell you the truth. It ended up being a long night but a great time. Served at the party was Little Ceasar Pizza. This is a great affordable dish to serve at gathering like this. We got so many that I ended up taking home 5 pizzas myself, 2 cases of soda and couple of bags of chips. I appreciated the fact that after a long night the meals today were provided

Other delicious goodies can be found here

BrightFeet lighted slippers review and giveaway

Offer mom a bit of fun and relaxation in a fun gift this year. Bright Feet are just the perfect gift for the mom who works on her feet all day and needs to relax them in the evening, or the mom who often has cold feet and needs a bit of warmth or the mom who likes a bit of fun and wants her slippers to light up like her child's shoes do

Story of BrightFeet Begining:
The idea for Brightfeet™ Lighted Slippers came from our founder and experienced inventor, Doug Vick, who after getting up in the middle of the night, bumped into the bedpost while making his way back to the bed. The next day, realizing there were probably millions of people who have done the same thing, he began to work on a product that would allow a person to get out of bed at night and easily and conveniently navigate “hands free” around a darkened house. A few days later the idea for Brightfeet™ was conceived.

Having patented several problem solving products that have been sold to millions of consumers in the U.S. and abroad, Brightfeet™ Lighted Slippers are not only one of his most original inventions, but perhaps his brightest idea yet!

Although the concept for Brightfeet Slippers originated with just one person, the success of Brightfeet has taken support from friends, family, employees, vendors, partners, and most importantly, the good Lord, who has blessed us in so many ways. We are thankful to be where we are today and look forward to the days ahead

Buy: Bright Feet are available in 5 great colors and are for both men and women. You can purchase them directly from their website here

Win: One of Annie's Home readers will win a pair of BrightFeet lighted slippers

To enter contest let me know which pair of slippers you would select

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog (publicly or it will not count)
• subscribe to my blog
• follow Brightfeet lighted slippers on twitter
• follow Brightfeet lighted slippers on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet as many as 1 per hour) links in comment
• blog about the giveaway or share it in another way (5 entries for each thing you do) links in comment

Giveaway starts now and runs through May 22nd , 2010. Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog

We received a pair of slippers for review purposes only. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are those of mine alone

Amella Caramels

Amella Caramels take pride in their candy making. Time, high quality ingredients, creativity, a passion to succeed and lots of patience goes into all artisan cocoa. Amella Caramaels are made from pure cocoa butter, the finest chocolate and a unique addition of real fruits or vegetables. The carrot caramels sound a bit different and at first one may think about not trying but upon first bite the delicious taste takes over and all is overwhelmed.

Carrot Cake: Taste a medley of fresh carrots, roasted pecans, and cocoa butter with creamy caramel. Blended into a smooth body of white chocolate, this is an exquisite rendition of the classic American favorite.

Black Forest: Lose yourself in decadent Amarelle cherries, 70% rich dark chocolate, and Tahitian vanilla with buttery caramel for a tantalizing taste sensation.

Passion Fruit: Escape in this exotic fruit flavor and rich tender caramel collection. Discover pure bliss from real passion fruit, cocoa butter, and Tahitian vanilla with buttery caramel tucked inside fine milk chocolate.

Buy: You can purchase Amellas Caramels directly off their website here

Win: Three of Annie's Home readers will win a three pack of Amellas Caramels like we received.

Mandatory Entry: you must become a fan of Amella Caramels on facebook and leave message that you stopped by from Annies Home blog

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet)
• share this giveaway in another way (let me know in comment how you shared) (5 entries for each manner shared)

Giveaway starts today and ends May 15, 2010 Good Luck If you want a chance to win you must have your email in comment or on your blog profile

Elegant recipe: Pork & Pears

Pork & Pears


12 oz. pork tenderloin, trimmed of all visible fat
2 tbsp. defatted chicken stock
2 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. vinegar
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 scallions, shredded
2 tbsp. of ginger, peeled and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 large pears, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 cup shredded spinach

Freeze the pork until firm enough to slice easily, about 30 minutes. Slice across the grain into thick slices. Cut into 1-inch by 2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the stock, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add the pork and toss gently. Cover and let stand 20 minutes. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil for 2 minutes. Add the scallions, ginger and garlic; stir-fry for 10 seconds, or until the scallions are translucent. Add the pork and marinade. Stir-fry until the pork begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the pears and stir-fry 1 minute. Add the spinach. Cook until the spinach begins to wilt, about 1 minute.

source My Daily Moment

This week We Celebrate Mothers

This week we will celebrate mothers. Mothers Day will be coming very soon and I think that calls for celebration. This week watch for lots of great recipes, tips, product reviews that i feel are great for mom and also I want to spotlight a few great moms of my time. So be sure to stop back by to see what all will be going on.

Flowers for Mom and Prom Dates

Flower corsages to me remind me of two things (1) Prom and (2) Mothers Day. My mother always had a lovely corsage for mothers day my father always made sure of it when he was here and this year I will be buying her one. It is a moment of pride for her. I also love the beautiful wristlets for Prom we went and bought 2 of them for Prom this year and tommorow we will get the other one. I thought I would share some beautiful pictures of wristlets that I found while browsing today:

find out what is inspiring others here

NBA Tee GIveaway

and

WE Love Fine

With the NBA playoffs up and running our house is once again filled with cheering fans, squables over plays and yes sporting the tees that say you are a proud fan. There are many great tees and a few of the best out there on the market come from We Love Fine and Karma Loop. Just take a look at some of the super cute looks available.

What do you think? The best thing is that two of Annies Home readers will win one of these great NBA playoff tees. The first winner will receive their choice and the second will get the other.

To enter this giveaway visit the Karma Loop and We love Fine websites and let me know a favorite on each website

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about this giveaway (5 entries) link in comment

Giveaway starts now and runs through May 15, 2010. Good Luck email must be in comment or on blog.

Spring Plants

Spring Plants are nice to have and many of you if you are like me may all ready have plants in your yard that come up every year. Adding new plants can be expensive if you purchase each plant at top price or you may be able to do a few things to cut this expense down just a bit:

• plant sales are a great way to get new plants. Garden clubs and other fund raisers may sell plants at a discounted price to help raise funds for their group. Ours here comes in the middle of May perfect time to plant and I will be there to get my share for sure


• friends may have new sprouts that you can get a bit of to plant in your yard. My mother and grandmother taught me to do this and I believe I will post on the how tos here on my blog soon


• many times there are places that will give plants away to help promote the green earth, arbor day or another promotion. Keep your eyes open for events such as this

Do you have other ideas? I would love to hear them.

Thank You to two of my best friends always at the ready

My son just left for his senior trip. He will be back real late tonight. Again my best friend, my sister in law helped out. God bless her soul. She raises 3 kids, takes care of her house and her husband and is always there to help whoever needs it. My daughter is a lot like her but lives too far away to help us out a whole lot but is always at the ready to give advice, have a great conversation and to be there for those that need her. These two ladies are quite busy with their own children, their houses and responsibilities and still are great help to me. I wanted to honor them both with a thank you this morning. Thank you for all you two do. This being Aloha Friday which is hosted by An Island Life I wanted to ask you all a question as well.

Who is your best friend? Who is it that needs a big thank you for being there in your life? Who is it that seems to be there no matter what you need?

For me there are many but the ones that I go to all the time are the two girls I mention my sis in law and my oldest daughter. Thank you

Sex and the City 2

Sex and the City has for long time been a favorite show of my daughters and my mom. Soon there will be a new movie out that I am sure they will both be ready and willing to go see. I am sure they will jump at the chance to go see it. Sex and the City 2 will premier the end of May. Are you a Sex and the City Fan? If so you will want to watch for a giveaway here on my blog close to the premier of the movie.

Tulip Pop Cookies

Tulip Cookie Pops


3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp each ground ginger and vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
30 lollipop sticks
About 50 assorted colors Life Savers or Jolly Ranchers hard candies, each color crushed separately

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. On low speed beat in next 5 ingrdients to combine. Gradually beat in flour until blended. Divide dough in half; shape each into a 1-in.-thick disk. Wrap and refrigerate 30 mijnutes, or until firm enough to roll. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets(s) with foil; coat with nonstick spray. Have ready a 3 1/4 x 2 1/2-in. tulip cookie cutter.4. On lightly floured wax paper, with floured rolling pin, roll out 1 disk dough (keep other refrigerated) to 1/4-in. thick. Cut out tulips. Place 2 in. apart on lined baking sheets, with tops of tulips along long edges of sheet. Insert a lollipop stick in bottom of each. Using a small, pointed knife cut "windows" in tulips. Re-roll and cut scraps twice. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake 1 sheet at a time 8 minutes, or until just barely tinged brown at edges. Using a small spoon, fill cutouts with candy until level with top of dough. Brush off stray bits. Bake 4 minutes, or until candy melts. Cool on sheet on a wire rack 7 to 10 minutes until "glass" cools and hardens. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely

source Womans Day 2005

Mexican Meatball Soup

I realize it is getting warmer outside but I like to have soup on the menu for a comforting meal or when the day seems to need a bit of a boost. Here is one that the family would easily agree on

Mexican Meatball Soup

1 pound ground beef
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup tortilla chips, crushed, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for serving
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
kosher salt and black pepper
3 cups mild jarred salsa (about 1 1/2 jars, each 16 ounces)
1 avocado, cut into pieces

Heat broiler. In a bowl, combine the beef, scallions, tortilla chips, cilantro, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24) and place on a broilerproof baking sheet. Broil until beginning to brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a blender, puree the salsa with 1 cup water. Transfer to a large saucepan, add 2 cups water, and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs, reduce heat, and simmer until cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve the soup with the avocado, cilantro sprigs, and tortilla chips, if desired

source: realsimple

Strawberry Kiwi Tart

Strawberry Kiwi Tart

1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup firm butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, sliced
2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced or 3/4 cup seedless green grapes, sliced
1/4 cup apple jelly
Whipped cream, if desired

Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix Bisquick and sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture looks like coarse cornmeal. Press mixture in bottom of ungreased springform pan, 9x3 inches. Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Cool 30 minutes. Remove side of pan. Heat apricot jam to boiling; immediately pour over crust, spreading evenly. Arrange strawberries and kiwifruit on top. Heat apple jelly to boiling; brush or spoon carefully over fruit. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Cut into wedges. Serve with whipped cream.

Cooking Thursday : chocolate pizza

hosted by diary of a stay at home mom

Chocolate pizza

1 1/2 c chocolate chips

1 c butterscotch chips

3/4 c mini mallows

3/4 c peanuts

3/4 c ripple chips

2 T coconut

1/4 c M&M

4 oz almond bark

1 t oil

Mix first 2 Melt Mix in next 3 coat Spread in pan Sprinkle w/rest Chill

Tex Mex Taco under 300 calories

Tex Mex Tacos


1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground sirloin
1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 to 3 drained canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, chopped
10 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, and beef; cook 6 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble beef. Stir in corn and next 6 ingredients (corn through chiles). Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture into each tortilla.

Thankful for Winds are Changed

I am so thankful for all that the Lord has provided for me. For the great things that I have on and off line, for the little ways all seem to work out, and for the great family that I belong to I am so super happy to have so much in my life to be thankful for. As I sit at my desk and hear the warm winds howl I begin to think about the changes in life and how they swiftly blow in.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Changes that will see my children leaving home and going to do their own thing soon will come. I have taught them the best that I can and I know that they love the Lord and have a good relationship with him. The above verse says it so well. I may not go with them but my Lord will always be with them. For that I am always thankful.

I am thankful that five out of my six children have completed or nearly completed 12 years of schooling. I am so thankful for all those that added the little encouragement, the graciousness that we often saw and the friendships that we made along the way. Seeing my children graduate for school is priceless and something that I give the credit to my Lord above.

I am thankful for the choices that my children make. Not letting others to tell them how to do it or confirming to the world but showing love to others including their selves when they make the decisions they do. My son is taking a young lady to the prom a preachers daughter who is very involved in the ministry. My son has always felt the pull to ministry as well and this combination of friends and dates I feel was put together through prayer. For this I thank my Lord as well.

What are you thankful for? Share them or add yours here

Little Miss Grippy Review and Giveaway

The Story Behind Little Miss Grippy:
Who knew that a friendship made while enjoying delicious cookies and a glass of milk in kindergarten class would lead to a life long friendship as well business partners? Well twenty-five (25) years after that first snack together these two little girls are now the proud owner of a wonderful company known as Little Miss Grippy. These two ladies were the best of friends through school helping each other out many times. After high school life sent them in different paths but their paths would cross again later in life. Soon there would be two beautiful little girls in their lives and Little Miss Grippy would be the answer to the hardwood floors these little ladies lived on.

My little princess has several pairs of tights but the Little Miss Grippy stockings are different. They are not only attractive made in a one of a kind style with reminisces of Punky Brewster. The feet also have the gripping power of the socks that are no slide or skid socks. Adorable look with safety in mind. Little miss Grippy come in 4 different styles in 3 different sizes.

We received 2 pairs of the super cute Little Miss Grippy I must say that they are adorable, they are not the thin pantie hose material but a thick sock like material, and that I love the non stick surface on the bottoms of the feet. Eight (8) Annie's home readers will be able to win a pair of their own Little Miss Grippy.

Buy: you can purchase you selection of Little Miss Grippy from their website here

Enter Contest to win a pair of Little Miss Grippy by going to their website and telling me something that I did not share with you or tell me which pair of Little Miss Grippy you would choose (you must do 1 to enter contest you can do both for two comments)

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow little miss grippy on twitter
• follow litte miss grippy on facebook
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway @shopannies @missgrippy (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (10 entries) link in comment
• enter any of the other giveaways on my blog (2 entries each)
• purchase a pair of the little miss grippy (20 entries)

giveaway starts now and runs through May 20, 2010 Good Luck and make sure you include your email

while we did receive two pairs of little miss grippy stockings the thoughts and opinions were my own and were not influenced by the product to review.

Ready For Some Tug of War?

A Thousand Words Thursday hosted by The Mom Jen on the blog Cheaper Than Therapy

This picture was ten at our church FROG party recently. It turned out to be lots of fun especially for the minisiter of education & music shown here

Bailey's Blossoms giveaway

Bailey's Blossoms is a shop that I love. I raised three girls of my own and now with Princess who I love to dress up I am always looking for great looking girly things with great prices. I love Bailey's Blossoms for those reasons. Their tag line is "For all her beautiful moments... " and with everything that they offer I can tell you that there are going to be plenty of beautiful moments. Just take a look at a few of their things that they offer.

with clips such as this one that is available at Bailey's Blossoms what lil girl would not love to receive them as a special gift.

I love these little beanies and with the great variety of colors available at Bailey's Blossoms you are sure to find one that looks great on your little girl.

This clip to me from Bailey's Blossoms is adorable. The flip flop clip is available in other colors and they all look great. No other style of clip says summer to me more than this one.

The tutus are adorable and are available in many different colors and styles. The prices for the clips, tutus, and other items at Bailey's Blossoms are great as well. You can buy any of the wonderful items at Bailey's Blossoms directly from their website here

Win: One of Annie's Home readers will win a $20 gift certificate to Bailey's Blossoms to shop for their own goodies.

To enter please visit the Bailey's Blossoms website and let me know what three items are your favorites.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog
• follow my blog on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per twitter) link in comment
• blog about this giveaway, share on giveaway site or otherwise share this giveaway (5 entries per item done) links or sites in comment
• enter any other giveaway on my blog (2 entries per contest)

Giveaway starts now and ends 5/19 Good luck Email must be in comment or on blog if you want to win

Great Deals Found on the Web

Here are some great deals I found while looking at blogs today:

Get a coupon for $1 off a 7 up soda here good on 20 oz., 2 ltr. bottle, or 6 pack

Get a free sample of Eucerin lotion here

Get a coupon here for $1 off any Baby Aveeno product

Get a coupon here for $1 off Garnier Fruictis

Get a coupon here for .75 off Dole Fruit Crisp

thanks real simple saving methods