How To Make Heart Shaped cake without Heart Shaped pan

They say that hearts and love goes together. What happens when you want to make a heart shaped cake but have no heart shaped pan?? A heart shaped cake would also impress someone you love for Valentines Day. Don't worry there is no need to buy a special pan to make a heart shaped pan. Special pans are not used all that often and the cost may not be in the budget. There is an easy way to make a beautiful heart shaped cake in no time.

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Win a Pet Bed

Brentwood Home Pet Bed Giveaway! Winner Choose Style & Color ~ Up To $265 TRV @BrentwoodHomeLA

Deliciously Savvy Is Hosting A Giveaway In Which 1 Lucky Winner Will Receive A Pet Bed From Brentwood Home! Winner Chooses Style (Runyon Or Griffith) In Any Size And Color! RV Up To $265. Enter Today & Good Luck!

Sponsored By:

Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By:

Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews // We're Pawsitively Home // Missy's Views and Savings Clues // Michigan Saving and More // My Silly Little Gang // Miki's Hope // It’s Our Fab Fash Life // Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains // Sweet Southern Savings

PLUS a Big Thank You To All Blogs Helping To Promote This Giveaway! Thank You!

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The Details:

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive A Pet Bed From Brentwood Home! Winners Chooses Style & Color (Selections Below)

Griffith Pet Bed (4 Sizes / 3 Colors)

Runyon Pet Bed (4 Sizes / 3 Colors)

Check Out My Review Here

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM

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Giveaway Dates: 1/05 9PM EST and runs until 2/03 at 11:59 PM EST

Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US residents only.

Any Questions Email Me At mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only in the United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/03/2018.

Good Luck! Enter Below

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!

Entry-Form

Deliciously Savvy did not receive any form of compensation for this giveaway. Once winner is selected via the Rafflecopter process, the product will be shipped. Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. No other blog associated with this giveaway is responsible for the product shipment. Brentwood Home LA will be providing the prize above to the winner. Thank You for stopping by! Any Questions or Concerns email me at mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.

If you have any questions or are a brand/company and would like to work with Deliciously Savvy please contact us here.

As Always, Thanks For Visiting Deliciously Savvy Today! Leave Some Comment Love While You Are Here!

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Tom Thumb Day

On this day, January 4th in the year 1838 a man named Charles Sherwood Stratton was born. Stratton became better known as his stage name of "General Tom Thumb". Tom Thumb was a dwarf who lived to see great fame as he performed in the P.T. Barnum circus.

Stratton was born to a carpenter Sherwood Edward Stratton and his wife. Sherwood Stratton's wife was also his first cousin. Charles Stratton who would later be known as "Tom Thumb" had grandmothers on both sides that were small twin girls. His own parents were of medium height and at birth Charles was it seemed a large baby. For the first 6 months Tom Thumb would grow normally but he would suddenly stop growing. The doctor was consulted and it was determined that he would never reach normal height. Tom Thumb had siblings that were average in size but for himself he would only grow one inch between six months and 4 years of age.

The circus leader Barnum heard the story of his distant relative's Stratton. Barnum would contact Tom Thumb's parents and then teach him to sing, dance, mime, and do impersonations. Barnum and the father of the young boy would become partners. Tom Thumb would take a tour of America by the young age of five. The next year he would go on tour in Europe even appearing before the queen. Tom Thumb would see 3 years in Europe before returning to America where his popularity had grown.

Tom Thumb would have a full life including fame, a young wife  a father,and a rich man before passing away at the young age of 45.



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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

12-oz spaghetti
1 (26-ounce) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
1-lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350ºF degrees.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain fat and stir in spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Cook spaghetti according to directions on packet. Drain and place cooked spaghetti in bowl. Add cream cheese, Italian Seasoning and minced garlic. Stir until cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
Lightly grease a 9x13" pan. Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Put spaghetti on top of sauce and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly

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Apple Cider Beef Stew

3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2 inch cubes
salt and pepper
all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3-4 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch crushed red pepper
2 cups apple cider
1 cup red wine
1  cup vegetable or beef stock
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
4-5 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper liberally over beef. Cover beef in light coating of flour.
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a dutch oven or other large oven-safe pot. Brown meat on all sides and then remove from pot and set aside on a dish.
Add another Tbsp olive oil and saute onions, carrots and garlic cloves, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add cinnamon, bay leaves and pinch of red pepper flakes continuing to stir. Saute vegetables until transluscent.
Add apple cider, red wine, stock and balsamic vinegar and let come to simmer. Add salt and pepper. Place beef back into the pot, stir and cover cooking for 2 hours in preheated oven.
At the 2 hour mark, add the potatoes. Taste the stew, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Put stew back into the oven for another 45 minutes.

Serve with rice or noodles.

The Snowdrop Flower

The snowdrop flower is the first flower of the year. The blossoming of the snowdrop is a sign that the winter is transforming to springtime. The Snowdrop flower symbolizes hope. Hope that the winter will finish soon and that the warmth of spring will soon enter our lives. 

Snowdrop flower bulbs are grown in both cold winter regions as well as moderate winters. Snowdrop flowers truly dislike warm winters. Snow crocuses and snowdrops can be grown together in a container. To do so cover the bulbs with soil. It should only take a few weeks to grow roots. But activity above soil will not be apparent to late winter or early spring. 

Snowdrops are perfect pest free plant. Rabbits and deer will not eat them. Snowdrops and their bulbs are poisonous to humans as well. If the flower or its bulb is digested in large quantities the individual may have nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

To Plant Snowdrops: 
Start by loosening the soil and adding compost or dried manure. Mix soil til it all blends together. You will want no clumps Plant the bulb with the skinny nose up and flat base of the bulb down into the soil. Bulbs should be planted 5 inches to base, or a couple of inches of soil above bulb. 









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Dieting Tips

With the new year here many of us will be wanting to make changes in our lives. Perhaps one of those changes on the list is to loose a bit of weight. I learned that at times it is not what you eat but how much you eat. At other times it is not how much you are eating but what you are eating. The healthy way to eat should include foods you enjoy as well as healthy, not processed foods. Non processed foods include fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean meats, seafood, beans and nuts.

Change is hard and any change can be hard so go slow and take your time. Remember you are trying to make changes for a life time. The tips and tricks you learn while losing weight should be ones that you can adapt into your lifestyle. By making a life style change you should be able to keep the weight off once you lose it. Remember, do not make yourself unrealistic goals dreaming about all the weight you need to take off. Make milestone goals that can be reached and by reaching these goals you should feel better about yourself.

Reward yourself just a bit for making your milestone goals. If you do not make your goal don't be hard on yourself. Recall that tomorrow is only a day away and that you have time to make up for any missed days. Having a friend or buddy to help keep you honest about your diet is a good idea as well. Regardless of buddy or not keep a diary or document what you eat, your exercise and weight this will help you look back on what you achieve as well as keep you honest

Keep your head up and know that you can achieve your goals. It may take some time and at times seem like it is impossible but keep your work up and slowly but surely you will get there

Strawberry Banana Jello Pretzel Dessert

The Strawberry Jello Pretzel Dessert has been around for quite some time. In fact do a quick search here on our blog annies home and you will be able to find a recipe. When I saw this recipe for Strawberry and Banana pretzel salad I knew I had to try it and then share it, after all that's how this blog works

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

CRUST: or bottom layer.
2 cup crushed pretzels
3 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
Mix all together and spread into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Cool completely.

MIDDLE LAYER:
In mixing bowl add,
1- 8oz block cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1-8 oz tub of cool whip
Whip all ingredients till smooth. Spread on top of cooled pretzel crust.

TOP LAYER:
1-6oz box strawberry/banana jello
2 cups boiling water
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup sliced bananas

Bring water to a boil. Dissolve jello in water. Add fruit. Slowly pour over cream cheese layer. Let set in fridge for at least 4 hours.
ENJOY!!;)

How Fast Do You Drive

In 1974 the federal government passed the National Maximum Speed Law. This law restricted the maximum permissible vehicle speed limit to 55 miles per hour (mph) This speed would be allowed on all interstate roads in the United States. President Nixon would sign a law into existence that would lower the driving speed to 55 mph. The reason behind the change in law was due to an oil embargo in 1973. The law was intended to reduce fuel consumption.

Prior to this date each state could set their own driving speed limits. Speed limits would range from 40 mph to 80 mph. Oil from the middle east could be easily accessed and rather cheap in the years between 1950 to 1972. The Arab Israeli conflict would change this in 1973. OPEC would protest the west's support of Israel and stopped oil shipments to the United States, Japan and Western Europe. OPEC would stop America's consumer and industries thirst for oil by quadrupling oil prices. President Nixon would sign the 55 mph law to help curb the appetite for foreign oil. The period of fuel conservation and rationing would occur such an occurrence had not happened since World War II

Eventually OPEC would lift the embargo and gas rates would reduce. Each state would gradually meet an equivalent speed limit. Now 30 + years later the speed limits are much higher.

I can recall many hollering about the speed limit reduction. In fact the song "I can't drive 55" was very popular during my school years















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Thank God it's Monday

You all most likely know that today, Monday January 1st is New Years Day. But, did you also know that it is Thank God it's Monday?? That's right it truly is. Monday is a day that is normally full of routines. The truth is that the first Monday in January is the day that normally signifies it is time to go back to reality of school and work. Routine during holiday break is not the same as daily routine. The time for most is nice but is time to go back to reality. My children will not return for a few more days, my reality in the health care field means I have not had a real chance to escape reality as health care is a daily event.

Thank God It's Monday day always falls on the first Monday of January. It is a time to look at the year ahead in a positive, enthusiastic, and excited manner. Don't worry if it did not kick into today you still have 364 days, 12 months, and 51 more Mondays in the new year.

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Virgin Bloody Mary

There are many that want to be part of the crowd but does not want that to include alcohol. Those who may be pregnant or have other health related reason to not drink alcohol is a group that prefers non-alcohol and for them I share this great mock-cocktail 

Virgin Bloody Mary: Tomato Juice, couple splashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp or more of horseradish (I like it spicy), 1/2 tsp celery salt, 1 tsp hot sauce, cracked pepper and a squeeze of lime.


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How To Cure that Dreaded Hangover

So you welcomed the New Year in and you may have did a little too much partying. What do you do now?? Carrying a hangover from too much fun the night before may leave you feeling extra tired, with an extreme headache with nausea, dizziness and a sensitivity to light or sound. It may be too late to say this but next time perhaps you should think about not drinking too much alcohol.

When the party is over make sure you have time to get plenty of sleep. Sleep may not stop a hangover but it has been shown that they can help slow or ease the symptoms of a hangover. In addition beware of caffeine, many that have to sober up quickly rely on coffee but this may not be the best choice. Caffeine will make headache from hangover worst.

Hydration has a lot to do with how much of a hangover is present. Alcohol naturally makes ones bladder work over time which leads to electrolytes and dehydration to take place. In addition drinking too much can lead to one feeling sick and vomiting One good way to try to ensure you do not get dehydrated is to drink a bit of water between each drink you have.

Eating can help a hangover as well. You may not feel like eating much but just like food can help your cold when not feeling well it will help the hangover as well. Take a walk to go get something to eat and you can help yourself in more than one way. First the exercise will get your blood to pumping and the food will help smooth your stomach as well. Don't forget about getting a shower after sleeping and eating as the shower will help you wake up as well

What is your remedy for hangover??

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To Cold for Polar Bears

January 1st is the date that many Polar Bear Plunge's are held. Participants in these events often do it to support the charity of their choice others simply do it to have some fun. The event is all about jumping into cold water. This tradition is popular in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Sadly in this area where the temp was 3 degrees this morning and the high temperature would be 14 the Polar Bear Plunges were canceled.

Have you ever participated in a Polar Bear Plunge??

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Happy New Year

A new year can bring great joy as well as moments of stress. As we welcome in the new year of 2018 wrapping up the end of year events and looking forward to events in the new year can seem overwhelming. Did 2017 seem to fly by for you?? Are you ready to welcome in the new year looking for a bit of change?? Will you strive to be more organized in the new year??

To tell you the truth, 2017 was a rather rough year for me. In addition to being a mom, grandma and blogger I work full time outside of home. This year I struggled a bit with work. My health has always been an issue but this year it even through me for a loop For some unexpected reason my body decided that it needed more. More sleep, more hydration, more salt, more everything. In 2018 I want to take better care of myself.

This past year was also a good for family. In the new year I want to spend more time with family. More family fun times, more time to have the extended family together and more time to simply relax and enjoy our family. We are blessed to see our family growing in leaps and bounds Now with 3 grand-children (a number I would love to see grow)  I have been enjoying doing the grandparents things. The bible reminds us to not idle but to be wise and use our time in the best ways.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

~Ephesians 5:15-16

I pray that you will make use of your time in the new year to do what you think is important. What goals and plans will you have for the new year??

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Pepperoni Bread

1 loaf frozen bread dough
1 stick pepperoni, peeled and sliced thinly
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sesame seeds

Thaw bread dough according to package directions.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray cooking oil on a cookie sheet.
Spread dough out almost to the edges of the cookie sheet.
Mix together the egg and all seasonings (not sesame seeds)
Spread 1/2 of this mixture on the bread dough.
Place a two row layer of pepperoni down the center of the bread dough.
Add sliced mushrooms(optional).
Add mozzarella cheese.
Pull up the sides of the bread, and crimp or pinch together.
Turn crimped side over so it is on the bottom. Do this carefully, as the crimping can open up.
Spread remaining egg mixture on top of the  dough.
Generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Serving bread hot is best. Pepperoni bread is also good cold.


recipe source here





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I Pledge

I have heard and said the Pledge of Allegiance since I was a young child. It was something that we did daily in the classroom. I had no idea how much history it had behind it though. If you are a history buff like me and even if you are not you may want to read all about it.... 

The pledge is an expression to the United States flag. It was composed by Admiral George Balch in 1887. It was revised in 1892 by Francis Bellamy. Some 50 years later December 28 1942 Congress would adopt the pledge. It was not until 1954 that the words "Under God" were added. 

As the pledge stands today the pledge in its current form was composed by Francis Bellamy. Bellamy was a Baptist minister and a Christian socialist. A previous version of the pledge had been created by Admiral George Balch. Balch had been a veteran of the civil war and later worked for the New York Board of Education. Both pledges would exist until 1923 when a National Flag Conference was hosted.

Balch desired to teach children of immigrants to be loyal to the United States. He worked with the government and other private organizations distributing flags to classrooms and schools. The Daughters of the American Revolution embraced Balch's pledge until the 1910s. Bellamy believed the pledge to be too juvenile and lacking of dignity.

I pledge allegiance to my flag, and the republic for which it stands. I pledge my head and my heart to God and my country. One country, one language and one flag.

— Balch Pledge of Allegiance

Bellamy pledge read: 

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

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Swedish Tea Ring

One thing I could count on when I was a little girl is enjoying my grandmothers Swedish Tea Ring sometime during the winter holiday season. She would make one for each family so it all depended on how fast she worked whether you got one before or after the big holiday. To me it did not much matter as it was delicious when ever it did finally reach your home. 

3 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups very warm milk 120 degrees F
1 egg beaten
3 tablespoons butter softened
Filling
5 tablespoons butter softened
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
candied red and green cherries optional

In the bowl of your stand mixer using the paddle attachment combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add warm milk, egg and butter until well combined. Slowly add in remaining flour until the dough starts to come together. Change to your dough hook and knead for 5 minutes. Cover and allow to rise until double in a warm place. (About 25 minutes)
Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon for the filling of the tea ring, set aside. Lightly grease a large baking pan and set aside.
Punch dough down and roll out to a 20"x12" rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. With the long side facing you begin to roll up the dough into a long log. Seal the seam by pinching the dough together. Bring the ends together and pinch the dough together to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet seam side down.
Using a pair of kitchen scissors cut the dough in 1 to 1 1/2" sections around the ring be careful not to cut the whole way through. Gently pull up each section and give it a small twist and lay back on the pan. Cover and let rise until double.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Decorate with optional candied cherries. Also may drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze

recipe source here

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Make Your Own Snowflake

Just a few days ago we were able to see our first snow flakes. They were so pretty. Some were large and others small and while we could not see them up close I know by studying that each had their own special feature. Is there snow where you are?? If you are like me and would love to see them a bit more up close perhaps you should make your own. Make your own??? Yes, that is what I said. It is easy and all you need is

Wax paper
Sparkly Glitter Glue –  (or Elmer’s Glue and some glitter)
needle and thread
Marker & paper to draw templates (or print them) optional


Tear off piece of wax paper. If drawing or using templates, put them under wax paper first. Using the Sparkly Glitter Glue, draw out your snowflake.  Be sure and make it thick enough, otherwise, it will easily tear when time to peel off wax paper.
snowflake tempate with glitter glue

Let dry overnight and then carefully peel off.
peeling snowflakes
glittered snowflakes

Thread your needle and poke hole through snowflake. Tie off and hang as decoration.
threading
You’re done!

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Smoky Cheddar Cheese Olive Balls ++++ Appetizers

2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon milk
70-80 large Spanish olive halves, drained (I had huge olives from Costco, so I just cut them in half)

Put my cheese, paprika, and room temp butter in my mixer. Mixed until smooth.  Slowly added the flour. If you find that the dough is too dry, add a bit of milk. Taking teaspoon sized scoops of the dough, I flattened it in my hand and then rolled it around an olive half. Placed it on a greased cookie sheet. Once all of the olives were rolled, I put the cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until they start to get a golden color.

Eating these snacks are best right out of oven. They will last a few days in fridge. It is possible to make them ahead of time and freeze them unbaked when you are ready to bake pop in oven 30 minutes right out of freezer. 

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Historic Serial Killer Captured

It was on December 26th, 1620 that one, if not the top, serial killer was captured. The lady behind the murder and torture of hundreds of girls between 1585 and 1610 was none other than Elizabeth Bathory. She was countess from the renowned Bathory family. The Bathory family was the noble family of Hungary. Elizabeth is counted by many as the most prolific female serial killer in history. There were 4 collaborators that helped her pull off the deadly feat. While that deadly date will ring forever in the history books on December 26th let me remind you that the food from Hungary can not be ignored.

Hungarian food is hearty food with fantastic taste. The breads, sausages, meats, stews, sauces, desserts and more are all in my opinion delicious. The national dish of Hungary is goulash. Hungarians refer to it as "gulyas" which means "herdsman". The recipe was a Turkish one originally and brought to Hungary by invading Turks. Hungarians have made it their own and created a recipe that is between a soup and stew. Goulash is not full overly packed of beef and veggies, the broth seems to form a sauce. In the United States goulash is made with ground beef and macaroni. Hungarian Goulash is not.

3 tablespoons lard or butter
1½ pounds yellow onions, chopped
¼ cup good quality sweet Hungarian paprika
1½ pounds beef (see note), cut into ½ inch pieces
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded/membranes removed, cut into ½ inch chunks
2 tomatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, cut into ½ inch chunks
5 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the paprika. Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
Add the bell peppers and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Add the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 30 minutes (see note). Add salt to taste.


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