Look What We Caught

During a recent trip to Florida this picture was taken. The young men had been fishing and were really proud of what they had caught. They are both good friends of the family. They are not only fishermen but fisher of men as well.

shared on Wordless Wednesday @ 5 minutes for Mom and Mostly Wordless

Win a Kroger GC

Kroger as I have said earlier is one of the hot spots in my town to do grocery shopping. I love to save money same as the next person and love the fact that Krogers makes this easy for me The blog MomStart is hosting giveaway for a Kroger gift card. Giveaway ends August 30, 2010.

Wednesday Winners

There are two winners this week the winners are:

Piggy Paint $15 gc Winner is:
meeyeehere said...
I follow you on twitter @ meeyeehere

remember you can get 10% off anything from www.piggypaint.com using the code FRESH10L through September 7, 2010.

Winner of the Bright Baby Tee

Sophie H said...
Star Circle Triangle Square. I would choose that one :)

Lily Organics Review

Our skin is the largest organ our body posses and yet we sometimes neglect it. The sun can damage our skins, age is not the best on our skin and daily life and things we do in it can also damage our skin. Lily Organics is there to help us with skin care. In 1986 Lily began to create the batches of her award wining skincare in Colorado. Using no synthetic chemicals ever allowed her products to be awarded the USDA certified organic products. The only facial care line on the planet that uses fresh organic products grown on their own USDA Certified Organic Farm. I love the fact that this is a farm that has seen seven generations. My own family is a family of farmers and farm families take pride in the products they tend and grow. Lily Organics skin care can be trusted and in fact they carry a guarantee that if you do not see improvement in thirty days your money will be returned. With that stated and knowing the pride taking in the crops raised one can gather that Lily Organics are among the best skin care products on earth. The ingredients used in the skin care products are not only homegrown but picked fresh weekly to ensure quality in each product.






Whether you have sensitive skin, dry mature skin, or normal/oily skin Lily Organics has the perfect product for you. Lily Organics carries the belief that Mother Nature is the best cure for Father Time. By raising the ingredients that going into the skin care product that goes on the shelf Lily Organic has the potential for making the best skin care product on the planet. So when you are shopping for the perfect skin care products be sure to check out Lily Organics.


Buy: you can purchase any of the Lily Organic products on their website located at http://www.lilyorganics.com/

we received product samples to facilitate this review. The opinions shared in this review are those of mine alone and are my opinions. Other opinions may differ but they will have to try the product to decide for their selves.

Win a Cracker Barrel Rocker

I just love those big rockers that adorn the front porch of the cracker barrell. I think I could just sit there and rock for hours on end if there were never no interuptions. However, there always is an interuption or two and that ends the rocking process. If I had one of my own then I could rock on my own time schedule. The good news is that The Not So Blog is hosting a giveaway where winner will win a rocker of their own. Contest ends August 31, 2010. By the way if you don't win the rockers are available at the cracker barrel online store.

Gratituesday

I am thankful that I know for sure that my children are on their way to college. All papers filled out and all are ready to go. I am thankful that I have my son registered for high school. The youngest in the bunch is now a junior in hs. I am thankful for my daughter and son in law who are raising our precious princess in a blessed manner allowing her all the joys of childhood. I am very grateful to know that in a few months I will be grandma again. I ask that all of you pray for my daughter as she goes tomorrow to see a specialist who will fill us in on all that is going on with the baby she is carrying. I am thankful for my readers who have shared so much with me in the past year and 1/2 that I have been blogging. Thank you for your friendship and wonderful tips.

What are you grateful for?

ruby red tuesday out of this world

This was part of the decor for part of the out of space bible adventure we hosted at church. This display was created by a few of our teens at our church including my own children. What do you think?

Adding to the Collection for Three or More Tuesday

One thing that we love to do is to collect cartoon glasses. I thought I would share a couple of our latest additions with you.

shared on Thrifty Thursday @ Tales from Bloggeritaville

Peach Fest Peach Crumble

As I mentioned before there is a peach festival going on in Southern Illinois. Peaches are delicious full and plump in this area and I for one could eat them as they are or baked into a dessert. Above is a picture of the line up of dessert they have ready for the guest at the festival. Delicious!!!! I decided to share with you a peach recipe you can make for your family as well.

PEACH CRUMBLE

1 lg. can peaches, drained

CRUMBLE TOPPING:

3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. butter

Grease shallow pan with butter. Pour drained peaches into pan. Prepare crumble topping by mixing all ingredients. Pour topping evenly over peaches. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes 4 to 5 servings.

Shared on Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing, Beauty and Bedlam

Bonita J Star Fish Necklace Review and Giveaway

Bonita J has some of the most precious jewelry for brides and bridesmaids available. You can read a review of Bonita J that I wrote earlier. When they offered me a choice of jewelry to review and share with you I knew which piece of the options I would select. I adore the starfish necklace because I love the starfish poem. I thought instantly of that precious poem and the person who made a difference in my life. I believe this would be a great gift for a mom, grandma, Sunday school teacher, teacher or whoever that special person in your life.

The necklace comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 14 inches to 36 inches. With a great selection of color of starfish available as well. The single starfish crystal pendant necklace The single starfish crystal pendant necklace is an adorable piece that adds a splash of color to the neckline. Both fun and elegant is perfect for summer time and the beach.

You can purchase the Star Fish necklace as well as many other beautiful pieces of jewelry from BonitaJ.com

Win: One of Annies Home readers will be able to win a star fish necklace for their self.

To enter this giveaway: visit the BonitaJ.com website and look at all the new beautiful beach jewelry as well as the other lovely Pieces of jewelry and come back here and let me know which piece is your favorite.

Extra Entries:

• tell me the choice of color for the starfish you would choose if you were the lucky winner
• follow my blog (2 entries)
• like BonitaJ. on facebook (2 entries)
• follow BonitaJ on twitter (2 entries)
• subscribe to BonitaJ newsletter (2 entries)
• subscribe to my blog through reader or email (2 entries for each)
• place my button on your blog roll and link it to this blog (5 entries) let me know url in comment
• follow my blog on twitter and tweet about the giveaway @shopannies (1 entry per tweet unlimited but must have at least 1 hour seperating entries) leave link in comment
• buy anything from BonitaJ (10 entries)
• blog about this giveaway, share on facebook, list in giveaway site, or otherwise share this giveaway (5 entries) let me know what you did and leave link if possible in comment

Giveaway starts today and ends August 30, 2010. Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog profile or entries will not count.

Starfish Poem Make A Difference

Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean to do his
writing. He had a habit of walking on the
beach before he began his work.
One day he was walking along the shore.
As he looked down the beach, he saw a
human figure moving like a dancer. He
smiled to himself to think of someone
who would dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a
young man and the young man wasn't
dancing, but instead he was reaching
down to the shore, picking up something
and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out, "Good
morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied,
"Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it
into the ocean, past the breaking waves and said - "It made a difference for that one."

Polish Sausage Casserole

Polish Sausage Casserole

lb box of macaroni, boiled

2 c shredded cheese

2 lb velvetta

8 smoked or polish sausages

This is an easy and delicious recipe. One that my family loves, has requested many times and one that is easy for me to put on the table on a busy day

Layer macaroni, shred cheese, velvetta and sausages. Bake in oven 350 degrees 1/2 hour. Enjoy

shared on blog The Girl Creative

Peach Cake

Peach Cake

2 eggs
¾ cup castor sugar
1 cup self-raising flour
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons water
1 can of peaches in syrup
1 can of Nestle Dessert Cream

Boil together the butter, milk and water Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Beat the egg whiles until stiff. Add castor sugar to the egg whites and beat well again. Add egg yolk and vanilla essence to sugar-egg mixture and mix well. Fold in the sifted dry ingredients and add in the cooled boiled mixture from step Pour into a well greased medium sized cake tin. Place peach slices in top of the batter and bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. Once out of the oven, cool for 10 minutes. Add a little icing sugar to the Nestle dessert cream and whip it a bit to sweeten it ever so slightly, Gently pour the cream over the top, cut into slices and serve. You can double up the recipe if you want it thicker or bigger, or separate the batter into 2 sandwich tins and then bake to make a layered cake. Just a small tip, if canned peaches aren't available or you just can't make that quick dash to the supermarket, just cut up and boil fresh peaches in some home made sugar syrup (1 part water to 2 parts sugar) and you'll have the same result. To make them a little more creative, keep your dessert cream aside until you've cut the cake. Then, once the pieces are on the plates you want to serve your guest on, drizzle the cream on just before serving. It looks spectacular that way.

shared at Mad Skills Monday @ Support Blog for Moms of Boys

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
extreme heat warning in our area, dry and hot


Things that make me happy:
my friends, family, and good food

Book I'm reading:
just finished a great one and looking to start a new one as soon as all the rush slows down


What I'm enjoying on TV:
good movies lots of them


On the menu for dinner:
barbq chicken wings, potatos,


On my To Do List:
laundry
doctors appt.
blogging (I have been slagging as of late)


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
I got a new meatball book in and want to look through that. I will letting you all know about this book soon

In The Craft Basket:
I am lining up some crafts for sunday school craft, getting ideas for easy christmas crafts for my kids, and need to buy materials the older girls need for things they will work on

Looking forward to this week:
back to school bash this sunday at church


Tips and Tricks:
Having a garage sale is a lot of work. One great thing to do to make shopping more appealing is to organize before the sale.


My favorite blog post this week:
been so busy the last two weeks not alot of posting or reading


Lesson Learned Past Few Days:
I learned that when we are down and out there is always someone there to pick us up and dust us off. Whether this be our friends, family or our Lord someone is always there

On my mind:
back to school, kids start college and friends suffering with problems they face

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
At church we have been enjoying a series of sermons on Job

Job 1: 6-8 allows us to see how evil satan is always going around stirring up trouble as the accuser He looks for areas in our life where he can make trouble. We need to be on guard for any crack in our life is a potential place where satan can break in and stir more trouble in our lives

Baked Ham Glazed

Baked Ham Recipe
1 - 8 to 10 pound smoked ham
whole cloves

Glaze for Baked Ham

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup packed light brown sugar

Preheat oven according to package cooking directions. Place ham fat side up on the rack of a shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer through fat side into center of thickest part of the ham, but don't let it touch the bone. Bake ham according to package directions. About 1/2 hour before ham is done prepare glaze by combining ingredients and mixing well. Next remove ham from oven and pour off drippings. Peel away any rind that is left on ham and score ham with a sharp knife. While scoring make diamond shaped cuts. Insert a clove into each diamond. Spread ham generously with glaze and return to oven. After applying glaze, bake until
desired internal temperature is reached. Remove ham from oven and allow to stand for about 20 minutes before slicing. If desired, remaining glaze can be poured over sliced ham.
Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Old Fashioned Pink Lemonade

An Easy to Prepare Old Fashioned Southern Beverage Favorite
Homemade pink lemonade is wonderfully refreshing. This thirst quenching drink
is also a southern favorite, running close second to homemade lemonade.
This recipe calls for grenadine syrup which is made from pomegranate juice and
sugar. This ingredient is used in a variety of products including cocktails,
carbonated drinks, desserts, liquors and marinades.
Pink Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
6 – lemons
2 – teaspoons grenadine syrup
1/2 to 3/4 – cup sugar
4 – cups water
1 – cup crushed ice

Mixing Instructions
This is a very easy recipe to make. Rinse lemons thoroughly. Prepare lemons for
squeezing by rolling them between the palm of your hand and the kitchen counter
top, to break up the pulp and produce more juice.
Next cut lemons in half and squeezed out the juice. If you have a juicer use it,
if not just squeeze your juice into a bowl. Remove the seed from the squeezed
lemon juice.
Pour lemon juice into a pitcher and add grenadine syrup, sugar and water. Stir
vigorously until sugar is completely dissolved. Next add crushed ice and serve
immediately.
Enjoy your Pink Lemonade.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie Recipe
Recipe ingredients:
2 - Frozen Unbaked 8 Or 9 inch Pie Shells
1/2 - Pound Butter Or Margarine
2 - Cups Pure Fine Granulated Sugar
6 - Eggs
1/2 - Cup White Corn Syrup
2 - Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 - Cups Finely Chopped Pecans

Cookware and Utensils:
1 - Measuring cup
1 – Mixing bowl
1 – Stirring spoon
1 – Cooking Bender

Recipe instructions:
As always the key to great cooking is preparation and quality ingredients.
Preheat oven to 350.
For starters, go ahead and cream your butter. Once the butter is creamed add
sugar and continue to cream until your mixture is light and fluffy.
Next add your slightly beaten eggs and the other ingredients. Give your mixture
one final mixing.
Finally, pour your mixture evenly into your two unbaked pie shells. Bake for 45
minutes at 350 degrees on your lower oven rake.

Preparation Time = 30 minutes
Cooking Time = 45 minutes
I'm sure you wiil enjoy this southern dessert favorite.
Quick Tips
You can cut your preparation time considerably but buying finely chopped pecans
from your local grocery store.
If you like ice cream and pie just add a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream to your
piece of Pecan Pie.

Source: Yahoo Group Friendly Recipe Swap Laura Brown

Peach Cobbler

In honor of one of Southern Illinois favorite crops and the Peach Festival that started today I am sharing a delicious peach cobbler recipe with you

Quick & Easy Peach Cobbler

1 lg. can peaches (we used real peaches)
1 c. flour
1 egg
1 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Place peaches and juice in an 8 x 10 baking pan and dot with extra butter. To make pastry, combine butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour. Drop by tablespoon over peaches. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes

Shared at Friday Foods @ MomTrends

FingerPrints on the Fridge

Frozen Fruit Salad

I can remember the first time I saw this wonderful dessert. My mother was having a party ( in those days she had tupperware, toy, fuller brush etc... ) Parties all the time and this would be the treat for the guest. It looked so delicious and mother served on best dishware. It was very special. It is very easy to make as well.

FROZEN FRUIT SALAD

1 (12 oz.) carton Cool Whip
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 can Cherry pie filling
1/4 tsp. Almond extract
1 small can pineapple, chunks or crushed (drain and reserve juice)
2-3 bananas, chopped
Optional- 3/4 cups chopped nuts

Pour pineapple juice over bananas then drain. Mix all ingredients and freeze.

Win Mead Products For Back To School

Summer time is a lazy sort of season for many of us. The heat makes it too hot to be serious in my opinion. Schools are out and students can often forget some of what they learned if they are not careful. Mead has created a series of books writing is fundamental series. These books can help your child get a jump start on the new year. She Scribes is hosting giveaway where a lucky winner will win the series of books from Mead. This giveaway ends August 14, 2010.

Summer Project

How do you like the new pond in my friends yard? I think it looks great. This was a project that she worked to get done with her husband. She is so proud of it.

Outdoor Wednesday

One of the activities / service projects at church during VBS was car wash. The kids loved this activity and I believe so did the workers. Here is the first grade group that my son led.

Winning Wednesday

Winning Wednesday is here again time to share with you all the winner of the giveaways ending this week

• Winner of the OnTray giveaway is
  aledol said...
  "OnTray proudly donates a
  percentage of its sales to
  Feeding America."
• Winner of the Good Earth Dinner Kit is
  bison61 said...
  Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta sounds good
• Winner of the Easy Lunchbox System is
  cherdon said...
  I follow The Easy Lunchbox System on twitter
• winner of the BuyGreenWare.com cup and plate set is:
  kyla g said...
  I like the corn cutting board!
• winner of the cangles gc is
  anna said...
  love the women's 7up bangle in silver~thx for the
  giveaway~
• winner of the Gortons seafood coupons are
  susan said...
  I love the fish sticks and would love to try the grilled shrimp -
  
  stroker881 said...
  I love their fish sticks...but would love to try their crunchy popcorn shrimp!
  
  Owen's Mom said...
  Daily tweet #3
  http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/18952766062
  
  js22 said...
  I love the Butterfly Shrimp.
  I'd like to try their Grilled Shrimp Scampi.
  Thanks for the giveaway!
• Winner of the Purse Perfector:
  Donna said...
  I follow your blog
• Winner of the Baby Bunch Cupcake Onesies:
  Blogged: http://pocketfullofsprinkles.blogspot.com/2010/07/baby-bunch-giveaway.html #7

Tips for Kids In The Kitchen

I have always been a mother who has always loved working with my children in the kitchen. There are great times to have in the kitchen working closely together with your child will allow you to create a bond and memories. There are few things that you should be aware of when working with your children in the kitchen.

Safety Tips:

• Working with your child in the kitchen means that you must keep your eyes aware of all activities. It is always a great idea to have a small talk with you child(ren) about what they are allowed to do, what they should never do, and what they need help doing.
• Glass items should be up and out of the way. Little hands do not need to get hold of these older children when allowed can help in this area when allowed.
• Knives and sharp instruments should only be used with adult supervision or by adults only depending on child's age

What can children under 10 do to help in the kitchen:

• Children under 3 can spend time with mom and dad in the kitchen as well. Most of their time will be spent time playing but they can help do small chores as well. My granddaughter has her own play size pots and pans and kitchen as she pretends to work along beside her mother in the kitchen. She can however help om with small things like cleaning up small dust piles, getting cans together, and small task such as those.
• Children ages 3 to 5 move up the work chain just a bit as they can do more to help in the kitchen. They can set the table, get condiments out of fridge, help put together small dishes such as salad with the help of a grown up. One thing that my children always loved to do was to make ants on log made with peanut butter, celery and raisins. They love to help whenever and where ever they get the chance.
• Children ages 6 to 10 years of age are now in school and have learned to do more activities independently. School age children can use peelers to peel vegetables, set table, take out trash, help with dishes, wash counters, and learn to sweep floors. Many children this age can cook using the microwave and I can remember my mother sending me outside to shuck corn, snap green beans and peas/ children this age can also start preparing easy desserts with assistance of a grown up.

I hope you find time to work with you child in the kitchen. Have fun and get to know each other better.

Book Review : How To Reach Your Full Potential for God

This was a book that I thought was very interesting and shared it with my son shortly before his 18th birthday. There comes a time in life when we are really not sure who we are or where we are going. Dr. Charles Stanley, renowned speaker and author, created a vision of life when he wrote the book How To Reach Your Full Potential for God. Charles Stanley shares with us in this book about the many damaging lies Christians tell their selves. Lies like "Things Will Never Change" "I can Never Get Better" etc... The lies are what we make in our minds but is not at all how God sees us. God loves us beyond measure and sees us as his children. Through this book Dr. Stanley shares with us how he believes God sees us. Through the loving pages of the book How To Reach Your Full Potential for God readers are guided and come to acknowledge that the thoughts and lies we have believed are all untrue and strive to reach the goal and life that God has planned for them.

Smiling Tomato

A lady here where we lived grew this tomato that looks as if it is smiling. WHat do you think. Have you ever raised any oddities in your garden?

Quite A Fish Story

Ruby Tuesday

This is my son leading his group. I am so happy that the red truck was there so I could share these pictures on this post and meme.

This is my daughter in the back of her group as they go up the hill

Summer Baking Tips for Serving Desserts & Staying Cool

While many of us love desserts the heat of the summer can slow our love of baking down a bit. There are a few different things that you can do to avoid the heat.

• Using the microwave to cook delicious desserts can save time, and help you avoid the heat.
  5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
  
  4 tablespoons flour
  4 tablespoons sugar
  2 tablespoons cocoa
  1 egg
  3 tablespoons milk
  3 tablespoons oil
  3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
  1 dash vanilla extract
  
  Add dry ingredients to a large, microwave-safe mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! Source: CD Kitchen


• Cook early in the morning or late at night can help you avoid the heat as well. The sun is down and often the house is cooler at these times


• Use the crockpot to bake those desserts. The house will stay cool and you will have a delicious dessert as well.

Crockpot Apple Crisp
6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, sliced
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
***Optional toppings:***
Vanilla ice cream, if desired
Maraschino cherries, if desired
Whipped cream or whipped topping, if desired

Grease crockpot, line with apples. Mix together flour, sugar, spices and margarine in a bowl. Cover the apples with this mixture. (Pack it on top.) Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Scoop out a portion and serve with any or all of the optional toppings.

• Quick and Easy Desserts are great for summer time. They keep the house cool, are easy to fix and are less time demanding

Heavenly Hash

1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 medium can crushed pineapple
2-3 handfuls miniature marshmallows
1 can fruit cocktail
1 9-oz Cool Whip

Mix pineapple, juice and all, with pudding mix. Drain fruit cocktail. Add other ingredients. Stir together. Chill.

• Cold desserts such as ice cream, pudding and desserts that are kept cool are wonderful for the summer time.

Apple Snicker Dessert

4-6 red or green Delicious apples
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
4 Snicker candy bars
1 cup milk
8 oz tub Cool Whip

Blend pudding, milk and Cool Whip together. Dice unpeeled washed apples and add to vanilla pudding mixture. Add cut up Snicker bars. Refrigerate until ready to serve

I love to serve desserts to my family year round. I hope that these tips have helped to inspire you of ways to serve desserts to your family and staying cool.

Asian Chicken Slaw

Slaw:
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
3/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped sugar snap peas
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 (10-ounce) package angel hair slaw
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

Dressing:
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Remaining ingredients:
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

To prepare slaw, combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. To prepare dressing, combine cider vinegar and next 6 ingredients (through black pepper) in a small bowl; stir with a whisk. Pour dressing over the slaw; toss to coat. Cover and chill 1 hour. Sprinkle with slivered almonds and sesame seeds before serving

Source: my recipes

Creamy Stove Top Mac N Cheese

4 cups uncooked medium elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/4 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts, stirring occasionally. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl; toss well.

Source: My Recipes

Random Thought Tuesday

Wow!!! Can you believe August is here? Back to school time and back to an empty house for at least part of the day here. While my daughters who are to be attending college have dragged their heels to get things done I am proud to say my sons were on the ball and they are ready to go. Things are starting to look better for the girls as I believe the last of the paperwork has been turned in. I for one hope for a good year for all of them.

My mom has a little shop in a small town where she sells new, old, rare and even odd items. She started out being the only shop on the block now there are several shops on the block and it is becoming harder and harder for her to find a parking spot let alone the customers. This I believe is when you know it is time to look for another location. I wish them the best of luck in whatever they do as they have been doing great business as of late so the decision to move is a hard one.

VBS is over and a week from this coming Sunday we will have our big Back To School boost. This is always great for the children who need items and the workers who show up to meet, greet and help. I am one of those workers and my children work as well. If you are a praying person I ask that you keep this event on your list.

Well that's about all the random I have right now what do you have on your mind? Would love to hear and share in your thoughts as well.

Follow me Back Tuesday

Follow Me & I will Follow You Back.

Bella Sara Review and Giveaway

Bella Sara is a magical world of horses that lets every little girl dream about the what ifs. Skills of imagination are build by playing with the wild magical horses. Americans were first introduced to the world of Bella Sara in 2007 by Hidden City Entertainment Inc. What if horses were magical and could make all the bad things go away? Just for a moment while collecting magical themed cards and miniatures they can escape into a magical world where things are full of magic and fun. Bella Sara is featured in trading cards, a virtual world @ BellaSara.com, DVDs, toys, books, video games, arts and crafts, games and puzzle, apparel, and back to school items. Now after introducing magical horses Bella Sara introduces Moonfairies.

Moonfairies is the newest collectible card series from Bella Sara. Moonfairies were released June 1st, 2010 and are available at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, and several other independent retailers. Inside each pack of Moonfairies is a secret code which can be activated at BellaSara.com and unlock magical adventures that can be played.

Win: Bella Sara wants to give one of Annies Home readers the chance to win a miniature moonfairie and card.

To enter giveaway: Visit the Bella Sara website take a look around and let me know which item you find to be grand

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• subscribe to my blog on email and/or reader (2 entries each)
• grab my button and let me know where you place it (3 entries)
• follow my blog on twitter and tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post (1 entry per tweet unlimited at least 1 hour between tweets)
• share this giveaway on your facebook, blog, etc... (5 points each ) link or what you shared in comment

Giveaway starts now and ends August 17, 2010. Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog profile