Kid Basix Review

Hot weather is in our neighborhood and it does not look like it will be going away any time soon. My little man and princess will be desiring a drink quite often and the best thing is I can offer them their own drink that will be easy for them to use. Kid Basix makes a wonderful safe sippy 2 that is perfect for hot summer days.

I admire the dust cup because if you are around little ones very much you realize that the cup they use are often sat on the ground, dragged with them onto the play toys and may even be thrown on the ground. The dust cap on the Safe Sippy 2 helps to protect dirt from getting onto the spout of the cup. Worried about the drink spilling upon travel and moving about no worry the safe sippy 2 has a travel plug that works great to keep the drink from spilling.

Kid Basix created the Safe Sippy cup with safety in mind making sure that it was Bisphenol A free as well as free of other harmful chemicals. We love this because with so many things out in the world that we have to worry about KidBasix makes it possible not to have to worry about their sippy cups.

The Safe Sporter is another Kid Basix product that in my opinion makes the world safer and easier for our youngest members.

With a mud cap a bit different than the dust cap as it is more round and ensures that nothing hits the spout. Instead of a spout that is complete like a nipple the safe sporter comes with a pull spout that goes up and down when ever the child is using it. Makes the child feel as if they have moved up a step allowing them in my opinion to gain more self esteem.

With hot weather on the horizon and like I said all ready in our neighborhood you should check out the Kid Basix safe sippy 2 to ensure that your child stays hydrated in the heat. Find a retailer of Kid Basix products near you or order online from the Kid Basix website and get free shipping when you purchase $50




we recieved both a safe sporter and a safe sippy 2 for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions shared in our post were ours alone

Get a free Mutsy Easyrider

Mutsy wants to make sure you and your baby are always riding in style with their  "Buy a 4Rider or 4Rider Light and get and Easy Rider Free. Simply visit the mutsy online store at store.mutsy.com  choose the color of your Easyrider from what is in stock. You must have both a 4Rider (or 4Rider Light) and an Easyrider in your cart and enter code freerider12 (case-sensitive) on the last page of checkout to receive FREE Easyrider. Both strollers must be purchased at the same time and be shipped to the same address. Does not apply to previous orders. This special starts today 5/15 and ends 5/31.

Celebrate The Chocolate Chip

National Chocolate Chip Day

When: Always on May 15th

National Chocolate Chip Day celebrates and enjoys sweet, tasty chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are a great invention, and certainly deserve a little recognition. After all, where would chocolate chip cookies, cakes and muffins be without the chocolate chip!?

Chocolate chips are popular in cooking and baking, for a wide variety of breads, cakes, and cookies. There is an almost endless number of recipes. They are also used in decorating. Have you ever had chocolate chip pancakes? How about chocolate chips in trail mix? If you've never had these, then you're leading a sheltered life.

Rare is the leftover chocolate chip. If you don't use the whole bag, you and/or your kids will likely eat them as a snack before they make it to the storage container.

Chocolate Chip-Ice Cream Dessert

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 bottle (7.25 oz) chocolate topping that forms hard shell
1 container (1.5 quart) chocolate chip-cookie dough ice cream (6 cups)
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
2. On ungreased cookie sheet, make 5 cookies by dropping dough by tablespoonfuls. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.
3. Meanwhile, press remaining dough in pan, using moistened fingers (dough will be sticky). Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
4. Spread 1/3 cup chocolate topping over baked crust. Freeze 10 to 15 minutes or until chocolate is set.
5. Meanwhile, remove ice cream from freezer to soften. Spread softened ice cream evenly over chocolate-topped crust.

6. Crumble 5 baked cookies; sprinkle over ice cream layer. Drizzle remaining chocolate topping over cookie crumbs. Cover; freeze 2 hours. To serve, let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before cutting. For serving pieces, cut into 5 rows by 3 rows. Store covered in freezer.

Happy Birthday Mr. Smith & Pulled Pork Sandwich

Emmitt Smith was born on this day May 15, 1969. He was born in the state of Florida where he played football for the University of Florida. He would earn his fame by playing football for the Dallas Cowboys. Emmitt would become the NFL's al time leading rusher and would win the Superbowl XXVIII MVP award in 1994. If you are a fan of the Dancing with the Stars show then you may remember that Smith won the competition. Smith is also a husband and father of four children. Happy Birthday Mr. Smith and for your birthday I will share a recipe that many Texans love

1 large onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves, peeled

1 pickled jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped

2 teaspoons of Chipotle chile powder

1 Tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

3/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon paprika

1/3 cup ketchup

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 bay leaf

Salt

3 lbs of pork butt shoulder roast, trimmed of excess fat

Hamburger buns

1 Purée all of the sauce ingredients (everything except the bay leaf, the pork and the buns) in a blender until smooth. If you have extra time, marinate the pork in the sauce overnight or for several hours before cooking.
2 Put sauce, bay leaf, and pork into a large pot and add 1 quart of water. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer, covered, turning frequently, for 2 hours or until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork.
3 Remove from heat and cool pork in the sauce. When cool, remove the pork from the sauce and shred into small pieces. Set aside.
4 Reduce the sauce by two thirds. Add the pork back to the sauce. Salt to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot over open-face hamburger buns.
Serves 6 to 8.

recipe source: Simply Recipes

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 Get Your Brag On Hooking Up With HOH

Blogger Opportunity

I must say that I am new to all the awesome blogger opportunities out there. I have just started participating in a few and recently found a new one. You may be interested in this as well. This time the prize being given away is skinny water and you can sign up for your chance to be involved and for more information at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHQ1YjBSS2FqZksxcVQ2cHlDaGNpQUE6MQ

Ritchie Valens

Ritchie Valens born in May 13, 1941, had many hits in the 1950's. His hit songs include Donna (written for his girl friend), come on lets go, and La Bamba all were released in 1958. On February, 3 1959, Ritchie Valens died at the age of 17 in a plane crash. Others who also died in plane crash were Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and the plane pilot. This day came to be know as "The Day Music Died".

Breakfast In Bed

One of my good friends was sent breakfast in bed and I thought what a wonderful idea. This is what she was presented with

If you want to serve up someone special something check this recipe out for breakfast burritos

12 6-inch flour tortillas

Mission Flour Tortillas $1.89
Flour Tortillas, Fajita Grande, Texas Size
thru 2012-05-15

Homeland

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12 eggs

2/3 cup milk, light cream, or half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 11-ounce can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers (4 ounces)

Salsa

                             

Wrap tortillas in a stack in foil; heat in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 minutes to soften. (Or wrap tortillas in microwave-safe paper towels; heat in microwave oven on high about 1 minute or until softened.)                            

Meanwhile, in a large bowl beat together eggs, milk or light cream, salt, and pepper.                           

To scramble eggs, in a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add egg mixture. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on bottom and around edge. Add corn and 1/4 cup of the green onions.                           

Using a large spatula, lift and fold partially-cooked eggs so the uncooked portion flows underneath. Add cheese. Cook over medium heat until cooked but still glossy and moist. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with remaining green onions.                              

To serve, spoon eggs into a serving container and place tortillas in a tortilla warmer or basket. Let each person spoon eggs onto tortilla and roll up. Serve with salsa. Makes 6 servings.

Special Aloha Friday On Mothers Day Sunday

This is a special mothers day edition of that special Aloha Friday meme hosted by An Island Life. The reason it is so special is because the last few days I have taken the time to spend with many of my loved ones and again today I will be going to see a few others that I have often considered myself a second mother to and a second grandmother to his children. I have been given a chance to give the love that was shared with me by so many wonderful ladies,  mothers and grandmothers in my life time. It is my chance to share with them life lessons and love that goes with it.  The most rewarding part watching them grow up into the individuals they become. So today on this Mothers Day Sunday I share with you and Aloha Friday question

Are you a mother? If you are what are you doing today? What is your favorite part of being a mother?

Microwave Recipe : Brownies

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Mist an 8-inch, square microwave-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place butter and cocoa powder in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until butter is melted, 30 to 90 seconds, depending on power and size of your oven (check it every 15 seconds). Add sugar and whisk to combine. Let mixture cool slightly, then whisk in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour. Scrape batter into prepared baking dish. Microwave on high until brownies are just set in center, 4 to 7 minutes, depending on power and size of your oven (after 4 minutes, check batter every 15 seconds). Let brownies cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Cut brownies into 8 squares and serve.

All You
JULY 2007

Made By You Monday @

 

Beauty Is In The Cake

We were featured in the meme Weekend Potluck for our meatless loaf recipe. Take a look at our recipe located here

This week I hope we share something just as tasty and to me is very tasty and beautiful looking. My mothers parents are only the second generation in America. Our family originated in France and Sweeden and my grandfather could still count and speak in the native language. My great grandmother would make my mother and her sister and brothers yummy goodies using recipes from their mother country. Now that I know the history I am often looking for beautiful yummy confections to surprise my mother on her birthday. This beautiful cake would be one that she may have loved as a child.

1/2 c shortening.
2 1/4 c all-purpose flour
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 c sugar
1 c milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs

Heat over to 350F. Grease 2-9" cake pans and place wax paper in bottom of each. Mix shortening until softened. Mix dry ingredients and add to shortening. Add vanilla and 3/4 c milk. Mix for 1-2 min. Add rest of milk & eggs. Mix 1-2 min. Bake 25-30 min. Cool in pan 10 min and turn out.

Cut each cake in half to make 4 layers. Put fruit in between layers and cover cake with whipped cream.

This cake is good with any fruit, but we usually put sliced bananas, strawberries and kiwi in between the layers (1 fruit/layer, not all together). We slice kiwi and cut the tops off strawberries and alternate them around the middle or bottom of the cake. On top we usually put all kinds of different stuff (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, pretty much whatever is in season or whatever you feel like). Enjoy!
recipe source : Cakes You Can Bake

 Make The World Cuter

Giveaways This Week

Giveaways this week include

Win a beautiful Andean Collection Bracelet Simply Follow this link to enter

Mediterranean Pepper Salad

Mediterranean Pepper Salad
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 a red onion, cut into a 1/2-inch dice (use less if your onion is huge)
3 bell peppers, your choice of colors (I used one red, orange and yellow)
1 kirby cucumber,
1/4-pound firm feta cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup pitted kalmata olives
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Swish together the red wine vinegar, water, kosher salt and sugar in a small bowl until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Add the red onion and set it aside.
Meanwhile, time to practice your knife skills. Core and seed your bell peppers and chop them into 1/2-inch pieces. Chop the cucumber and feta into similarly-sized chunks. Put your peppers, cucumber, feta and olives in a large bowl.
By now, your onions will have lightly pickled, both sweetening and softening their blow. Drain them and add them to the other vegetables in the large bowl, but reserve the vinegar mixture. Pour a quarter cup of the vinegar mixture over the salad, then drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. Toss evenly and serve at once, or let the flavors muddle together in the fridge for a few hours.

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fishing mix

The weather has been perfect to get those fishing poles out and do a bit of fishing. The kids love it and we love to sit , relax, and watch them have a great time. So why not grab those fishing poles out and take along this snack mix so that you can enjoy yourself watching the kiddos. Who knows you may just pull the big one in.

3 cups goldfish-shaped baked snack crackers

2 cups pretzel sticks

2 cups toasted oat cereal
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, melted
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups gummi candy fish and/or worms

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine crackers, pretzels, cereal and cheese in large bowl.

Stir together all remaining ingredients except gummi candy in small bowl. Pour butter mixture over cracker mixture; toss to coat.

Spread mixture onto ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 18 to 23 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. Stir in gummi candy. Store in airtight container.

What Are You Watching On TV

I am not sure about all of you but I must admit that I am addicted to the T.V. Sure I have those shows that are my favorites , I am sure that everyone does. I am also always paying attention to what the kids are watching after all most times they are watching some pretty cool shows. Then there are those times that I treat myself to a pay per view movie or event. All of these great shows can be brought to you by Direct tv

Direct T.V. offers you the ability to take a rest and watch a t.v. program that will suit your taste. There are many options available as they offer the most options among satellite T.V. providers. DirectTV earned the #1 satellite T.V. provider in the U.S. with over 19 million Americans customers. HD service is available with every package that is offered by DIRECTV  Both local channels as well as over 140 of the most popular channels.

I am the mother of 3 sons of my own and then I also have 3 daughters who also love sports. Now that my family is growing it is so fun to see my family argue over what team is going to win and watching the game together on t.v. to see if our predictions come true. DIRECTV is there to help customers by offering the most sport channels with the best deals. Sports of all sorts are available and best part of all it is available on T.V in the comfort of home.

 Me and my daughters are all movie lovers and while my favorites are old type of movies that were either when i was growing up or before I was born my daughters would rather watch the newer movies that are available. The great thing about DIRECTV is that we can all be happy as all sorts of movies including some of the latest movies are available. There are also premium program channels like HBO, SHOWTIME and Star available so that everyone can enjoy some great moments on TV.

Want more information? Check it out at this link http://www.dx3.net/

Oh Yummy!!!

This sweet dessert is something my mom would love as she loves her cappuccino and caramel find this sweet recipe here

Gluten Free Coconut Layer Cake

For fluffy white-chocolate whipped cream frosting

• 3 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 9 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons coconut or golden rum
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

For coconut layer cake

• 1 3/4 cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 10 large eggs, at room temperature, separated
• 1 tablespoon coconut or golden rum
• 2 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

To assemble

• 2 cups (3 ounces) unsweetened coconut flakes, for coating

Special equipment:

• Special equipment: 3 (9-inch) round cake pans

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Preparation

Make frosting
Chill bowl of stand mixer and whisk attachment or large metal bowl and beaters for at least 15 minutes.

In small saucepan over moderate heat, bring 1 cup cream to simmer. Transfer white chocolate to medium heatproof bowl, pour hot cream over, and whisk until smooth. Whisk in rum and salt. Let cool at room temperature until thickened slightly, about 1 hour.

In chilled bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat remaining 2 cups cream at moderately high speed until whisk leaves marks but cream does not quite hold soft peaks, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn mixer off, then add white chocolate mixture and beat just until stiff peaks begin to form, about 5 minutes. (Do not overbeat, or cream will curdle.) Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours. (Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered, up to 8 hours.)

While frosting is chilling, make cake
Preheat oven to 350F. Line bottoms of cake pans with parchment paper.

In large bowl, whisk together almond and coconut flours.

In bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks at high speed until pale yellow and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce speed to moderately low and beat in rum and all but 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar. Scrape down bowl, then increase speed to high and beat until pale and thick, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and gradually add almond and coconut flour mixture, scraping down bowl and folding in last of flour by hand. Set aside.

In clean dry bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on moderate speed until very foamy, about 1 minute. Beat in cream of tartar, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar. Increase speed to moderately high and beat until whites hold stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Fold 1 cup beaten egg whites into yolk mixture to lighten, then gently fold in remaining whites. Divide batter between pans, smoothing tops, and bake until layers are golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Invert pans onto wire racks and cool completely, at least 1 hour. Run knife around cake layers to loosen, invert onto rack, and peel off the parchment.

Assemble cake
Layer cake, using 1 cup frosting between each layer, then frost top and sides with remaining frosting. Press coconut flakes onto the frosting. Refrigerate until frosting is firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.

recipe source : Epicurious.com

shared at: Musing of A Housewife

Tortellini Salad

1 (9-ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 cups fresh spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers

6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) preshredded fresh Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup capers

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 (16-ounce) can navy beans

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While pasta cooks, combine tomatoes, spinach, peppers, cheese, capers, basil, and beans in a large bowl. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Add pasta, juice, and oil to tomato mixture; toss gently. Serve immediately.

Nancy Hughes, Cooking Light
MAY 2003

Lots of Fun at the Kentucky Derby

Strawberry Parfait

Strawberry Parfait Recipe

By Pastry Chef on August 2nd, 2008

6 large fresh or thawed frozen strawberries
1/2 cup strawberry flavored yogurt
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1 teaspoon firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

1. Place strawberries in a bowl; lightly mash with fork.
2. Spoon strawberry mixture into four long-stemmed wine glasses.
3. Combine yogurt, orange juice concentrate and brown sugar in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle yogurt mixture over strawberries and avocado and sprinkle with coconut.

May 6 No Diet Day

Just found out that today was no diet day but if you did not find time to participate in this or it comes to late in the evening you may want to observe this tommorow