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Friday, June 1, 2012

Aloha Friday: Fun in the Sun

Aloha Friday a time to relax and have a bit of fun and a meme hosted by the blog An Island Life. The place to ask an easy to answer question to be answered by other fellow bloggers. My thoughts today is on summer fun and wondering what you all like to do. Our family is one for hiking, visiting historical pieces and enjoying life in the sun. Now it is your turn to answer my question

What do you like to do in the summer time

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Smores Cookies


One of the great family memories that many generations in our family have is having bonfires and camping. My grandparents loved bonfires but were not so big on camping. They would create bonfires where we could all roast our hotdogs and mallows and have an awesome time. Their would be great sides like potato salad, chips, and homemade hot chocolate there as well but one of the best things about bonfires and roast were the smores. Those ooeey gooey roasted mallows with chocolate and graham crackers. Whether you are preparing goodies for a roast of your own or you simply want some delicious tasting goodies you should check out this recipe.


2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups marshmallow topping (such as Marshmallow Fluff)
2 cups milk-chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Mist foil with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; mix well. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until light, about 2 minutes. Beat in eggs until well combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly beat flour mixture into butter mixture. Divide dough in half. Press half of dough into pan until dough is uniform and flat. Spread with marshmallow topping and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Scatter remaining dough over in clumps. Don't worry about covering the top; marshmallow and chocolate chips should peek through. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Remove from pan, peel off foil and cut into bars.


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Sew Chatty

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Happy Birthday Mr. President





John F. Kennedy a man who stood up for America and while many whisper in the background about some things that he may have been involved in all wonder what would have had happened if John F. Kennedy had not been shot and taken out so early in life. He had many followers and great ideas and just like my mama the whole world cried the day he was shot and killed. But today May 29, 2012 John would have been celebrating his birthday like he did in style in this little tidbit.


It was noted that Clam Chowder was one of the presidents favorite foods so since I love to blog about food I thought I might share this tasty recipe from taste of home.





1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
3/4 cup butter, cubed
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) minced clams
\3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 quart half-and-half cream
  • In a large saucepan, saute the onion, carrots and celery in butter until tender. Stir in potato soup and two cans of undrained clams. Drain and discard juice from remaining can of clams; add clams to soup.
  • Combine cornstarch and a 1 cup of cream until smooth; stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gradually stir in the remaining cream; heat through. Yield: 9 servings (about 2 quarts).
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Laugh, Love, & Craft

Small Bites perfect for little hands



Our two little ones are not picky eater but they do like to eat foods that they can manipulate with a simple spoon or even better their hands. One of their favorite recipes is Corn Dog Muffin Bites




Corn Dog Muffin Bites (Makes 40)
1 3/4 Cup Cornmeal*
3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/4 Cup Honey
1 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
2 Large Eggs
1/4 Vegetable Oil
3 Hot Dogs, cut into 1/2-inch coins (turkey, veggie or beef)
1. Preheat oven to 425° degrees.
2. Mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, buttermilk, eggs and oil.
4. Pour the dry cornmeal mixture into the wet ingredients and thoroughly combine with a whisk.*
5. Pour one tablespoon batter into greased mini muffin cups.
6. Lay turkey dog slice cut side down in the center of each batter-filled muffin cup.
7. Top with an additional tablespoon of batter.
8. Bake for 14 minutes and serve.
* Boxed cornbread mix also works great in this recipe. Follow the directions of the boxed mix and skip to step 5 to continue making the bites.

a new recipe I want to make for them and share with their mommy is this simple recipe for mac and three cheese bites.




1/2 pound elbow macaroni
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 packed cup)
4 ounces deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
 Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water. Brush four 12-cup, nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano; tap out the excess. In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni. Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano on top. The recipe can be prepared through Step 4 and refrigerated overnight. Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 min­utes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Dixie Porkchops




1 1/2 to 2 pounds thin Smithfield center-cut boneless pork chops (8 chops)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserve 2 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1 10.75-ounce can cheddar cheese soup
1 7-ounce can broiled mushrooms with broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon House Seasoning




Dredge the pork chops in the flour. Heat the oil in a large skillet, add two or three chops, and brown them on both sides until half done. Repeat with the remaining chops. Remove the chops from the skillet.                          
Add the butter and reserved 2 tablespoons of flour into the pan drippings. Stir well over medium heat and add onions and garlic. Saute until the onions are golden.                            
Add the soup, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, and House Seasoning. Simmer, stirring, until the sauce is hot and bubbly.                              
Place a layer of pork chops in a 13x9x2-inch casserole dish; pour half the sauce over the chops, then add another layer of chops, and top with the remaining sauce. Bake at 275 degrees F for an hour and a half, until the pork chops are tender.

Banana Corn Fritters

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile (see Ingredient note) or cayenne pepper
1 1/4 cups roughly mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and chipotle (or cayenne) in a medium bowl. Mix banana, egg and milk (or buttermilk) in another medium bowl. Add the cornmeal mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just incorporated. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; using 2 tablespoons of batter for each, space 5 fritters evenly in the pan. Cook until golden brown, 30 seconds to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cook a second batch with the remaining oil and batter, adjusting heat to prevent burning. Transfer the fritters to the oven and bake until puffed and firm to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes.

Beautiful Appetizer for that Special Event

 
 
30 red, yellow, and/or orange mini sweet peppers (about 12 oz. total)
18 ounces semi-soft goat cheese (chevre) 

1/4 cup snipped fresh chives, tarragon, basil, or thyme

Fresh basil leaves
 

                         
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Leaving the stem intact, cut a slit along the top of each pepper. Remove the seeds; set aside. In a small bowl combine goat cheese and snipped herbs. Spoon cheese mixture into prepared pepper . Arrange filled peppers close together on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is heated through and peppers are crisp-tender.                            
Use tongs to arrange warm peppers on a serving dish, stacking peppers into a pyramid shape. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Makes 30 servings.

snack bars



1 17.5-ounce bag Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix*
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons water
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

*Do not add the ingredients called for in the label directions.

  1. Heat oven to 350º F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the cookie mix, butter, water, and coconut. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and spread the jam evenly on top. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until firm in the center. Remove to a wire rack and let cool
  2. completely. Whisk together the sugar and enough lemon juice to make a thick but fluid glaze. Drizzle the glaze on top of the cookies in the baking pan, then cut into finger-size bars.

HomeStyle Pasta Meal



4 1/2 cups cubed peeled eggplant (about 1 pound)
1/2 pound bulk pork breakfast sausage
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 cups hot cooked penne (about 10 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
 
    Cook eggplant, sausage, and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until sausage is browned and eggplant is tender. Add tomato paste and the next 3 ingredients (through tomatoes); cook over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Place pasta in a large bowl. Add tomato mixture, cheese, and parsley; toss well.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

yanky Doodle Treats



3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
--or--
4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal
--or--
6 cups Kellogg's® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
Red-, white- and blue-colored sprinkles

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
4. Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
5. Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red-, white- and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4- x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.


MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Meanwhile, in small microwave-safe bowl heat white chocolate morsels on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Continue as directed in steps 4 and 5 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

recipe source: SnackPicks

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Southern Illinois Shares our World with Wolf Spider

This is one character I do not want to meet up with. It seems that there are more critters out this year than in the past. If you meet up with a wolf spider beware


The wolf spider is robust and agile and has good eyesight as well. Three things that are getting less and less on me. They like to live and hunt alone pouncing on the prey when they find it Wolf spiders are capable of defensive bites and some species from South America can leave bites that will need medical attention. These spiders are beneficial to us humans though as they hunt and eat bugs. If you are bitten you may notice swelling, mild pain, and mild pain and itching.

Southern Illinois provides the perfect habitat to these spiders as they often live in shrublands, woodland, wet coastal forest, and suburban gardens.








Easiest All American Trifle (quick 20 minute or less recipe)

have you ever been invited to a cook out and had to work that day or had no real time to prepare a dish to take with you. Well here is a perfect dish that takes a quick 20 minutes to prepare and oh so yummy and will delight those at the cookout as well.

EASIEST ALL AMERICAN TRIFLE

2 (12oz.) containers whipped topping, thawed
1 (5.9) ounce package vanilla instant pudding
1 whole angel food cake, cut into 1 inch cubes
Sliced fresh strawberries and blueberries
Slivered almonds (optional)

Prepare instant pudding according to package directions. Layer trifle ingredients as follows from bottom of trifle bowl to top; 1/3 Cool Whip, 1/2 of cake cubes, 1/2 of pudding, strawberries, 1/3 Cool Whip, cake cubes, pudding, blueberries, remaining Cool Whip, and top with slivered almonds.

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A Little Inspiration

Chocolate Coffee Cheesecake with Mocha Sauce

This type of recipe I love to enjoy while sitting outside at night watching the stars.


3 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers (about 20 sheets)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
PAM Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
4 (8-ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup DOMINO Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup coffee liqueur
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
4 (1-ounce) bittersweet baking chocolate squares
Mocha Sauce

1. Stir together crushed graham crackers and butter; press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray.
2. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool crust in pan on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325°.
3. Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add coffee liqueur, coffee granules, and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating at low speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition.
4. Remove and reserve 1 cup cream cheese mixture. Pour remaining batter into prepared crust.
5. Microwave chocolate squares in a medium-size glass bowl 1 minute or until melted, stirring after 30 seconds; let cool slightly. Stir reserved 1 cup cream cheese mixture into melted chocolate, blending well. Spoon chocolate mixture in lines on top of batter in springform pan; gently swirl with a knife.
6. Bake at 325° for 1 hour or until almost set. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven, with door closed, 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven, and gently run a knife around outer edge of cheesecake to loosen from sides of pan. (Do not remove sides of pan.) Cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.
7. Remove sides of springform pan. Serve with Mocha Sauce.

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Catch A Glimpse

Kraft Peanut butter Chocolate Banana Pie


35 NILLA Wafers, finely crushed (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
1/2 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
2 bananas, cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into quarters
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Salted Peanuts, coarsely chopped
HEAT oven to 350ºF.
MIX wafer crumbs and butter until well blended; press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Bake 5 to 8 min. or until golden brown. Cool completely. Meanwhile, make chocolate curls from 1/2 chocolate square. Refrigerate.
MICROWAVE remaining 1-1/2 chocolate squares and peanut butter in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min.; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Place bananas in crust; drizzle with melted chocolate.
BEAT pudding mixes and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in 1 cup COOL WHIP. Spread over bananas; top with remaining COOL WHIP.
REFRIGERATE 3 hours. Top with chocolate curls and nuts just before serving.

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The Taylor HouseLaugh, Love, & Craft



Don't Throw Those Grounds Out

I jokingly often called my husbands grandmother the witch doctor. She had so many remedies and ways to take care of the earth. I grew up in a family that never really recycled always resold but never recycled so I was not used to all the ways of my hubbies family. Recently while reading an email from folgers I read about their tips for recycling coffee grounds and I thought I would share them with you

Use coffee grounds as plant food. Dilute your leftover coffee grounds to make your very own homemade plant food. To make, mix one part leftover coffee grounds with four parts cool water, and water your plants once every other week.
Touch up furniture and other wood scratches with grounds and a cotton swab. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to restore your furnishings.
Throw coffee grounds on ashes before cleaning out the fireplace to reduce the spread of dust. \
Use coffee grounds to dye clothing or paper.
 

What is Your Potato Salad Like?

Whats Memorial Day with out potato salad? I can remember my grandmothers always bringing the same sort of recipes but just a bit different. Like they would bring potato salad but one would be creamy and yummy and the other one would bring an equally yummy recipe like this



  • 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes (about 15), halved if large
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, and chives)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • kosher salt and black pepper
    1. Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and fit with a steamer basket; bring the water to a boil. Place the potatoes in the basket, cover, and steam until tender, 12 to 14 minutes; drain.
    2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the herbs, scallions, oil, mustard, vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the cooked potatoes and toss to combine.

    Wednesday, May 23, 2012

    Yummy Meatballs

    Meatballs:3 pounds ground beef
    1/2 cup milk
    1 cup bread crumbs
    2 eggs
    1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
    1 small onion, diced
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    Sauce:1 (10-ounce) jar grape jelly
    1 (12-ounce) jar chili sauce

     
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix all meatball ingredients in large bowl and roll into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place meatballs at least a finger-width apart on large cookie sheet with sides (so grease will not run onto oven floor).
    Bake meatballs for 15 minutes, then remove from pan, and dispose of excess grease. Put meatballs into large pot.
    In another small saucepan, melt grape jelly and then add chili sauce. Pour over meatballs and serve.
    Serves 12

    Red White and Blue decor

    Some of the best decoration pieces to me are the easiest. Simple to make these red, white and blue glass candle holdors make perfect decor for a 4th of July celebration. Simple color rice using appropriate color. Use this easy method to color rice and layer in a glass container of your choice.  
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
    Cherished Treasures”=  Check Me Out Saturday







    Disney Its a Small World LeSportsac collection

    Disney has some awesome characters and when we dream a little dream and fall in love with those characters we just have to have them. LeSportsac and Disney have teamed up to bring together a limited edition of "It's a Small World" inspiring handbag collection. These cute handbags that will take you around the world and back again are inspired by the works of Disney and artist Mary Blair 

    Spice Up Memorial Day Cookout

    Want a bit of heat in your coleslaw? Then check out this recipe for coleslaw that incorprates jalepono peppers in the mix. Yummy or not so you choose



    1/3 cup fresh lime juice
    1 teaspoon sugar
    3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    1/2 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
    1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
    1 (16-ounce) package cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw
    4 jalapeño peppers, halved crosswise 

    Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add olive oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add onion, cilantro, and coleslaw. Thinly slice 1 jalapeño half crosswise (keeping seeds), and remove seeds from remaining jalapeño halves. Cut the remaining halves into thin crosswise slices. Add the jalapeños to onion mixture, and toss well to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

    cooking light recipe

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    Full Plate Thursday

    Movie giveaway

    I once took a movie class in college and learned that there were many movies in the past that not only delighted me but I loved to watch. That is why I love the great movie giveaway over on the blog sage and savvy. They are offering a collection of awesome movies

    The awesome part is that these movies are family friendly and ones that you can fall in love with all over again. You can enter this giveaway as well but do so before June 6, 2012

    Red, White and Blue Cupcakes



    This is an easy activity to do. Simply bake 5 dozen cupcakes (enough for the flag and few for good taste) and then ice 23 with white icing, 19 with red icing, and 12 with blue icing. Use stars or silver beads if stars are not available on the blue cupcakes. Then arrange in a flag shape. Kids can even help create this easy to make dessert.


    UndertheTableandDreaming

    Tuesday, May 22, 2012

    Asian Pasta

    One thing that I love about summer time is all the picnics and potlucks. If you are in search of a recipe that makes you look like you brought the best and a crowd pleaser then you need to check out this recipe I found here

    1 lb. spaghetti
    1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
    1/2 cup hot vegetable stock
    1 tsp. soy sauce
    2 Tbls. rice vinegar
    2 Tbls. safflower oil
    1 clove garlic, minced
    1/2 tsp. dry red pepper, crushed
    2 cups cherry tomatoes
    1 cup broccoli
    Bring large pot of water to boil; cook pasta until al dente. While pasta is cooking, steam broccoli florets. In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter and hot stock until smooth. Stir in remaining dressing ingredients. When pasta is done, drain well. Pour sauce over pasta; toss to coat well. Add broccoli and tomatoes; toss again.
    Home Stories A2Z Craft & Tell

    Sunday, May 20, 2012




    The little guy in our life is a go getter and better yet he loves life and everything about it. There is always something new to discover and he loves to go about finding anything colorful and makes news. Because of this I know that he will love the new Aurora Crinkle Friends Bright Collection.

    I have long endorsed toys and games that help your child learn while having fun. Aurora World has had such a wonderful lineup of fun products that often help our children learn and the new collection is no different. Aurora World has introduced a new line of characters in their new Crinkle Friends Bright Collection. The four friends are Hedgehog, Crab, Alligator and Toucan. As you can see all with wonderful beautiful colors that make them very attractive. The four friends have been designed with bright vivid colors that will help stimulate a baby. The crinkle friends are designed for children 6 months and up. Each character is made up of various textrues that stimulte the tactile senses. The crinkle name comes in because the animals all have a sort of crinkle sound in the material that they have been created with.

    Our Thoughts:
    We were sent the alligator friend and most say that I am pleasantly pleased. He is 13 inches in length and is the perfect huggable stuffed animal that is meant to become that friend that is dragged about everywhere. The alligator is created of soft material that I must say I personally could just rub and squeeze for ever. My grandson will love to tote him about and he will gain developmental skills without knowing it because he will simply think that he is playing with his new friend. The alligator is the perfect friend for younger children as well because of the colorful material used will help to stimulate visiual skills as well. While exploring the textures on the alligator the squeak, rattle and crinkles will help to entertain. 

    Buy: The Crinkle Friends Bright Collection are available online for $17
    Suggest for ages 6mo+
    Win: One lucky reader of Annies Home has the chance to win the choice of their Crinkle Friend as well. You simply have to enter using the raffle copter below


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    It's finally here.... the Dad's Backyard Oasis Father's Day giveaway event!

    ADD EVENT IMAGE HERE!
    Hosted by Bella Savvy, and Mom to Bed by 8

    WOW YOUR DAD ON FATHER'S DAY!

    This year, Black & Decker is making Father's Day extra special for one lucky dad by offering an amazing prize pack full of everything dad will need to create an oasis in his own backyard for summer-long grilling, entertaining and just plain, good ole relaxing. AHH! ADD HAND TOOL IMAGE HERE!

    PRIZES:

    TOTAL VALUE: $500+ ADD BLACK & DECKER ENTER TO WIN IMAGE HERE!

    EVENT DATES:

    This event will run from May 20th at 12:01 pm. EST to June 3rd at 11:59 pm. EST

    A huge THANK YOU to our sponsor... BLACK & DECKER for offering these amazing prizes!

    * SPECIAL OFFER: * Cant wait to win these fabulous prizes? Black & Decker is offering all entrants a special 10% discount + FREE shipping on the purchase of items included in the Black & Decker's Father's Day Gift Guide. So get your orders in for dad, and be ahead of the game when Father's Day rolls around. Use code: FATHER10 at checkout.

    Now head on down there and get your entries in because you can't win if you don't enter...

    a Rafflecopter giveaway