Chats On The Farm House Porch

1. What was your favorite game as a child?
2. Have you ever had your own business? (home business, a shop, Etsy, lemon-aid stand, etc)
3. How's your spelling?
4. How are you about going to the dentist?
5. Do you enjoy board game

1 My favorite game as a child would be dominos, tag, freeze tag, leap frog, chase whatever I could play we were always busy children

2. yes I have and I still do hoping to grow to a shop one day but for now we are simply flea marketers that are taking it all in

3. not a great speller thank goodness for spell check

4. scared as can be

5. yes and cards we still a famly that plays games together

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

well I must say that the fiscal cliff has been talked about quite a bit I really would  like  a normal term for this.

2. When was the last time you rode a train? Where did you go?
I have never rode a train unless you count the little train at the zoo and so forth

3. Bagels-yay or nay? Favorite 'flavor'? Favorite topping?

I personally dont like them but must say that my kids sure do they seem to like cinnamon or blueberry the best with lots of cream cheese

4. 'Tis the season of awards shows....if you could star in a movie already made, which one would you choose?

Never really thought about this one much but would say it would be so fun to be in the movie grease

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months...what say you? Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination? If you're a parent is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?

Don't like this idea much as part of the school years is socialazation and getting along with each other sometimes this is done best in the classroom or on the playground

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?

ask my daughter she would say the hotel pool me myself I would say the fact that she is always there

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013? What's the story behind your choice?

slowly picking up the word determination because that is what I am this year to make my goals


8. Insert your own random thought here.

remember to always smile
what would your answers be? Share in the fun here

Crescent Taco Roll

2 crescent roll tubes
1 LB ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
...
Lay out the two tubes of crescent pastry, thick sides in. Use some of the left over crescent rolls to to make the center a bit thicker.
Brown beef and add taco seasoning.
Lay beef in a circle inside of the laid out crescent rolls
Add cheese to the top
Pull over crescent rolls and tuck in under meat and cheese.
Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream or whatever you desire for your tacos, in the middle.

Follow cook time on the pack of crescent rolls, and once it's done, you're good to go. Easy, cheap, and yummy!

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Doritos Casserole

doritos casserole:
1lb ground beef
1 bag nacho cheese doritos
1 bag shredded cheese
1 small can diced green chiles
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup

... preheat oven to 350. brown ground beef ( season to taste). drain and place back in skillet add all ingredients except cheese and doritos. once mixed
place a small amount of mixture in a casserole dish , put a layer of doritos , cover with mixture then cheese repeat til mixture is all gone end with cheese on top. bake for 20 -30 min til hot and bubbly!!

SnowBalls for Valentines Day

For the chocolate cake:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups milk

For the filling/frosting:

• 6 room temperature egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 3 drops red food coloring

Method:
For the chocolate cake:
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla. In another bowl whisk the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Add about half the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar mixture, pour in the milk, and then the rest of the flour mixture, until just combined. Ladle batter into greased muffin/cupcake tins and bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 15 minutes. Makes 2 dozen. Let cool completely before beginning the next step, which is to cut a cone out of the bottom of each cake. Trim (and discard, if you wish) the pointy end, leaving only a small circle to cap the cake once filled.
For the filling/frosting:
In the bowl of a stand mixer beat egg whites until soft peaks form. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and cream of tartar and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool until the syrup reaches 242 Farenheit. Slowly pour syrup into the egg whites, followed by the vanilla and coconut extracts. Whip for another ten minutes, until the mixture is thickened and room temperature. Meanwhile, process coconut until fine in a food processor, adding the food coloring, if desired. This goes in a shallow bowl for rolling/sprinkling the almost-finished product. Use a pastry bag (or Ziplock with the corner cut out) to fill each cupcake, and replace cake cap, leaving upside down for frosting. With a small spatula coat the sides and bottom with a light layer of frosting, then add the coconut sprinkles. The End.


recipe source here

Shushybye Baby Review and Giveaway

BabyFirst, America’s television destination for parent-child interactive entertainment will debut the new season of its popular music-centric series Shushybye Baby on Sunday, January 27th. (BabyFirst is available on DirecTV, Dish Network and Comcast check local listings for your channel)
In anticipation for the new season a three DVD collection of the entire series collection is now available!

My daughter is super organized and has been this way from childhood. She even tries to hold a daily schedule as a mother of two. One place where she really strives to maintain a plan is at bedtime. One idea that I was recently introduced to was the Shushybye Baby programs.


I love being a nana it seems that the things of old are sometimes new again and sometimes they have gone and little ones have no idea what we speak of. There are also so many new things to check out. The  ShushyBye’s is one of those things new to me.  I was able to review a CD and thought that the show was so super cute. I am a nana who loves to watch my little ones watching shows that they love but those shows must also be something that captivates attention as well. Believe me when I say that ShushyBye's did just that how much fun there was to be had.  The Shushie characters are super fun to watch sing and dance. One of the things that I love is that they draw those watching in by creating dreams that are delivered in Dream Boxes as the little ones begin to fall asleep. I believe these programs are fun and exciting and offer a chance for little ones to connect to life.

To purchase The 3 DVD Collection visit: http://www.shushybye.com/

Giveaway information:
Up For Grabs The Shushybye Baby 3 DVD Collection includes:
26 all-new complete episodes
56 Shushybye music videos
60 Original Shushybye songs in all  and Over 40 fun-filled story-vignettes starring the Shushies!


The giveaway is US only. Please wait for the form to load and good luck! Please feel free to share with your friends! Giveaway ends January 18Th, 2013.

To enter the giveaway
YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will not count! Please visit Shushybye then come back and tell me either something you would like, or something you learned. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES
Subscribe to my blog by Email and Confirm that Subscription, add your email on the right hand side. (1 entry) let me know what email you used to subscribe
 Follow Me on Google Friend Connect, click the button on the right hand side.(1 entry) please leave user name in comment
4. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook. (1 entry)
5. Blog about this giveaway, with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. (1 entry)
6. Add my button to your sidebar. If it's already there, let me know that! Leave a link to your blog. (1 entry)
7. Add Annes Home to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)
8. Like Shushybye on facebook (2 entries please leave 2 comments)
9. Like baby First Tv on facebook (2 entries please leave 2 comments)

Giveaway will end January 29, 2012 Good Luck email must be in comment or entries will not count.

Cupids Chex Mix

find recipe here

Deep Dish Banana Pudding (Kraft Recipe)

 

 

46 NILLA Wafers, divided

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/2 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

2 cups cold milk

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

4 bananas (1 lb.), sliced

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

HEAT oven to 350ºF.
CRUSH 30 wafers; mix with next 4 ingredients. Spread onto bottom of 15x10x1-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 5 min.; stir. Bake 3 to 5 min. or until golden brown; cool.
BEAT pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. (Pudding will be thick.) Stir in 1 cup COOL WHIP.
LAYER 1/3 of the crumb mixture and half each of the bananas and pudding in 2-qt. serving bowl; repeat. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in medium bowl with mixer until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the remaining COOL WHIP; spread over top of dessert, sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Refrigerate 3 hours.
TOP each serving with remaining COOL WHIP and whole wafers just before serving.

Snorg Tees Discount Code

Back to School Time Again why not start back with spirit during the cold weather. This may get us all ready to do a good job. Snorg Tees wants to help by offering 20% off you entire order, when one of your purchases is a kid's tee. The coupon code is: 20offforkids and it is valid until January 23rd at midnight.

Special Valentine Dish Idea

find the recipe here

Good Feeling Winter Meal

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (1-pound) beef shoulder roast or petite tender roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 shallots, quartered
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1 pound)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add beef; toss well to coat. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and shallots; cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes. Add squash; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until squash is tender. Sprinkle with cilantro.

 

recipe source here

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Honey Can Make You Feel Better

Many of us have either suffered from a cold or flu or know someone who has. One secret that some know and others may want to know is that honey helps the common cold, sore throats and chills that come with being under the weather. It is believed that for more than 2700 years honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical applications and has recently been shown to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey. Is it not wonderful that God created the bee that has created the wonderful honey that is so good for us. With all things God knows exactly what he is doing we just sometimes have to figure it all out. Now it is known that honey contains copper, iron, silica, vitamin B, manganese, chlorine, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, aluminum and magnesium.

find out more about honey at The Buzz as well as check out our hot toddy recipe to help you feel better

Fun Fruit Salad

I love this cute fruit salad I found here. You may want to fix it for your bunch as well

Top 3 post this week Earworms and Recipes

Oh Yes!!! The top 3 post on my blog this week are about earworms and 2 great recipes and great ones at that so have you had a chance to read about them

Do you know what an earworm is? Well I did not either until I joined in the meme and found out that it was a tune that often travels through your head. See what mine were here

Two great recipes and really would go great together as an easy meal as well

ground beef sandwich with a recipe that starts with frozen bread dough

and milk pie oh so yummy

Great Way To Display Earrings

Love this idea I found while visiting different websites. I nearly always find great ideas out there that wonderful moms share. For more great ideas on how to re-use products perhaps you will want to read the article at Circle of Moms

Milk Pie

Galaktoboureko (Milk Pie)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 Phyllo pastry sheets
• rind of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fine semolina
• 11/2 litter milk
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 4 egg yolks
• 11/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 2 cups caster sugar

Syrup
2 cups caster sugar
2 cups water
2 large lemon peels
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Over a slow medium heat mix all the ingredients and the rind of one lemon, except the butter, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes a thick cream. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a small pan melt the butter. Butter a baking pan and place 1 of the phyllo sheets. Butter the sheet and repeat with 5 more.
3. Pour the mixture on the sheets and cover with the rest of the phyllo pastry sheets, making sure each one is lightly buttered. Bake in a oven at 200C (400F) for about 30-45 minutes.
4. While the galactoboureko is cooling, make the syrup. Mix all the ingredients in a pot until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup over the cooled dessert.

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Hot Toddy Recipe

My daughter and her husband seem to be a bit under the weather. One thing that grandma used to always do was to make a hot toddy. These soothing drinks would warm the inside and help us feel much better. The weather today was beautiful but knowing the middle of january there will be more cold days to come so this recipe will be staying close at hand

This warming alcoholic concoction has its roots in the 18th and 19th century, which even without taking global warming into consideration were cold centuries. It allows you to mix whisky with hot water and flavours to take the edge off the spirit. It’s a great drink and a top variation on the theme of other hot booze like mulled wine or mulled cider.


Whisky one with a sweet flavor often works best
Honey: .
Cinnamon
Cloves
Boiling water

Method:
Simply put a shot of whisky in a mug and top up with boiling water.
Add a generous spoonful of honey and stir in
Add a couple of cloves and some cinnamon to taste.
Enjoy while wrapped up, shared with a loved one!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. What is one thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close? Do you have a plan to make it happen?

wow this could be anything for real as my life right now is full of disorganization. Currently though workingon new monthly budget program and really starting to use coupons would be great if at the end of the year could say this was going great

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?

wow, the only job had to wear uniform for was a nurse and must say that I love how the scrubs have changed in the past 20 years

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'? This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!

   been a few years but the last mishap made in the kitchen was the other night when son accidently used nutmeg instead of pepper big mistake as it was being sprinkled on mashed potatoes

4. How do you protect yourself against other people's negativity?

 simply refuse to listen to it  

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree?

me and my siblings all resemble each other very closely. My children repeated this in fact everyone recognizing them as being siblings at first meet

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?

no bubble baths are nmeot so great for

7. Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are...Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City Utah), Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnival (Italy), and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China). Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?

would love the Rio Carnivale and Mardi Gras because of colors and food and fun

Josie Two Shoes : Earworms

 

The writing prompt for January 8, 2013

(as suggested by Alex at Short Story Shuffle)

is "earworm"

(definition: a song or melody that keeps repeating in one's mind )

 

I have many songs that travel through my mind. I love to hum while I work and some of the favorite songs that often get set into my mind and hard to get out are songs that speak of Jesus and his love for us.

 

 

Frozen Dough Makes For Great Sandwiches

I often have days that I simply do not want to or do not have time to cook. This recipe is easy enough that even the teens can fix it. Love the ease and taste of a great sandwich that can be thrown together. Yummy!!!!

What is one of your go to recipes?

 

 

 

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or other cream soup)
1 loaf of thawed yeast bread dough

Recommendations: Sauteed onions and bell peppers, seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder to taste, etc. Can use chicken in place of ground beef and even add a can of diced green chilies to make a baked chicken sandwich with a Mexican flair! Have fun with this sandwich!
Directions:
On a greased surface, roll out bread dough into a rectangle. Stir together cooked meat, soup, and any other ingredients you choose. Spoon down the center of your rectangle of dough. Fold over sides and ends and pinch closed.
Place on greased baking sheet and cover with cling wrap sprayed with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to bread. Place in warm place and allow to rise until doubled in size, about one and a half to two hours.
Remove cling wrap and brush with well-beaten egg. Taking a sharp knife, cut several angled slits along the top. Bake at 350 for thirty minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve.


recipe source  http://www.divinecaroline.com/38/67825-baked-sandwiches#ixzz2HEqrD4Oj