Nordic Ware giveaway

Do you ever feel like you want some cake but you do not feel like making a large family size cake? Well then you should take a look at all the cute pans that are available at Nordic Ware. Created cute little cakes that are all ready available in individual size. How great is that.

Want to know something else that is great? Well the blog Audrey's Giveaway is hosting a giveaway extravganza and of the great giveaways is this nordic ware pan and cookbook. You will enjoy all the great recipes you can bake and created for the holiday season and the ones you love.

giveaway ends December 10, 2010

Chocolated Banana Sundae

4 small bananas


1 pint vanilla ice cream

1/4 cup chocolate sauce

1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Peel and slice the bananas. Scoop the ice cream into 4 bowls. Top with the bananas, chocolate sauce, and coconut

Taking a Pit Stop

Father and Son looking for just the right place to go next. As they examine the map they all enjoy a cool drink.

Smiling Sally Blue Monday

win a tonka truck

My youngest daughter never was really into dolls. She had 2 brothers that surrounded her in age and just seemed to do what they did. One brother was younger and the other older and all three would spend hours playing little cars. My grand daughter is a bit like that but she does like her dolls and play tea party as well. I can not wait to see what happens when she has a little brother and he is big enough to play she may change her preference of what she likes to play with. The best thing is that if she does like to play little cars there are great toys like Tonka's Strong Arm fire truck and garbage truck. If you have a little one that would be interested in one of these great trucks you should visit the blog Happily Blended where a lucky winner will be able to win one of these great strong arm toys pictured. This giveaway ends November 25, 2010.

South Beach Diet Pumpkin Dessert

6 (9" by 14") sheets whole-wheat phyllo dough, thawed


1/3 cup granular sugar substitute

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée

4 large egg whites

1 large egg yolk

1 (12-ounce) can 2% evaporated milk

2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Light or fat-free whipped topping (optional)

Bittersweet chocolate for shavings (optional)


Position rack in middle of oven and heat oven to 350°F. Stack phyllo sheets on plastic wrap or wax paper; cover with a barely damp towel to prevent sheets from drying out. Lightly coat a 9" pie plate with cooking spray. Lay 1 phyllo sheet in the pie plate. Coat sheet with cooking spray, making sure to spray edges. Repeat with remaining sheets, rotating each slightly in the pan to form a circle. Fold and crimp edges.
Place a piece of parchment or wax paper on top of crust. Weigh crust down with pie weights or dried beans and bake until edges are lightly golden, about 10 minutes. While crust is baking, combine sugar substitute, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat pumpkin purée, egg whites, and egg yolk until well blended. Slowly add milk, maple syrup, and vanilla, beating until blended. Add spice mixture and blend well. Remove pie weights from crust. Pour filling into crust and bake until tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove pie from oven and cool at room temperature to set. Just before serving, top each slice of pie with 1 to 2 tablespoons whipped topping and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Bee Gees Staying Alive giveaway info

The Bee Gees were my favorite as a tween. My sister loved Shaun Cassidy and Andy Gibbs but the Bee Gees did it for me and every time I hear this song I still love it. You can enter a giveaway over at Sage and Savvy and have a chance to win the DVD or BluRay of The Bee Gees In Our Own Time. The giveaway ends November 29, 2010.

MilliLee Designs

Milli Lee Designs creates wonderfully beautiful clothing for children. I love to dress my little princess up in beautiful clothing. If you have a little girl that you love to dress up then you may be interested in checking out the giveaway that Xenia is hosting on her blog Thanks , Mail Carrier. The giveaway is for this super cute skirt

Milli Lee Designs is the sponsor of this giveaway and you can find other lovely items like this skirt on their website. This giveaway will end December 3, 2010 

Asian Party Mix

Asian Party Mix

2 cups crispy corn cereal squares (such as Corn Chex)


2 cups crispy rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex)

2 cups sesame rice crackers, broken

1 cup tiny fat-free pretzel twists

3/4 cup wasabi peas

1/4 cup lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 200°. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, tossing gently to coat. Spread the mixture onto a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 200° for 45 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

Oran Etkin

I have always loved the sound of the woodwind instruments. I can remember in grade school as our music teacher would share the grand sounds of the music family and when she got to the woodwind family I would sit up and take great interest. A few laters I myself would pick up the chance to play clarinet in the school band. The musical sounds were quite beautiful and I took pride in all that I played. My parents took interest as well showing up at concerts, parades or wherever we performed. That began my love of the instrument my intrest perked once again as I heard Oran Etkin play.

Oran Etkin cd Wake Up Clarinet is one that will allow other children to take interest in the music that I enjoyed many years ago. Oran Etkin the world jazz musician who has been acclaimed by many to be one of the all time greats now brings his love of music to children. Sophisticated musical ideas will be conved by Oran Etkin in a fun manner that children from 0 to 99 can understand. Parents and children alike will enjoy the head bopping type of music performed by Etkin's all star band featuring Jason marsalis. They will learn about the waking clarinet, learn about King Louis X!V and enjoy sounds both high and low.

Oran Etkin allows a super fun way for children to learn music. You can hear the music of Oran Etkin's songs on Wake Up Clarinet as well as buy C.Ds and MP3s at this link  http://oranetkin.downloadcentric.net/app?page=Product&service=external&sp=SD06036E80GE20FN58EPDF  

Prepare to stay home or go out

Have you made your holiday plans as of yet? Will you be staying home or going to visit somewhere or someplace? We have decided to stay at home and may possibly go visit my daughter for a short trip. If you are planning on taking a trip I have found a great tool that you may be interested in using to help you pack and prepare for your trip. You can find this list at Real Simple

Toffee Pecan French Toast

Sauce


1 cup unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans

French toast

8 large eggs

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, preferably freshly grated

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (such as Grand Marnier) or orange juice

2 tablespoons salted butter

8 thick slices (1 in.) brioche (about 1 lb.)

Prepare sauce: Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in brown sugar until well blended, then bring to a boil. Boil until sugar dissolves, 5 to 8 minutes. Carefully stir in cream (mixture may spatter) and pecans; reduce heat to low. Make French toast: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange liqueur. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Melt 1 tbsp. salted butter in skillet, tipping pan to coat. Quickly dip bread, 1 piece at a time, into egg batter, coating both sides but not drenching. Lay bread in skillet and repeat with remaining bread. Cook until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes; then flip, add remaining 1 tbsp. butter, and cook until second side is golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes more. Transfer French toast to plates, top with some of warm toffee sauce, and serve remaining sauce on the side. Make ahead: Sauce keeps up to 2 days, covered and chilled (reheat in a microwave oven).

A Cake My Mother In Law Would Have Loved

My mother in law was a hard lady that grew up fast and had her first child by the age of 14. She raised 4 children primarily on her own working in factories, restraunts or wherever they were hiring. She was an uneduated lady only going to 8th grade in school yet she had so much experience it was not funny. She was hard and she was a person you either loved or you did not like at all it did not matter to her. I found myself on both sides several times being married to her son. She was a fine lady and one of her favorite desserts was carrot cake. She would have loved to have been presented with a cake like this.

2 cups all-purpose flour


2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

4 large eggs

4 cups grated carrots

4 cups finely chopped pecans

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a bowl; set aside. Beat sugar and oil in a large bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in carrots, pecans, and vanilla. Pour batter evenly into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350° for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.



Recipe Source: My Recipes

Meatloaf Tips

The other night for supper my family was requesting meatloaf for supper. Now I am the type of person that never likes to get in to routine of cooking and I wanted to do something different with my meatloaf. I have made meatloaf muffins, low cal Italian Style meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, as well as meatloaf burgers and the family has enjoyed all of them. Not knowing what I would do differently this time I started to glimpse through old magazines, cookbooks and even websites on the internet. Finally I decided to do a few new tips yet to primarily stick to an old fashioned recipe. I started with
3 lbs of hamburger
1 jar of salsa
1 1/2 c oats
1 jar of tomatoes diced
2 eggs

Mixed all together in bow. I then covered the bottom of my baking pan (casserole dish) with catsup and took about 4 T catsup and mixed in with catsup. I read on a vintage recipe website that this was the way some cooks used to do to make sure that the bottom of the meatloaf had catsup on it. I reckoned it was sort of like an upside down pineapple cake. Baked meatloaf at 400 degrees for nearly an hour The bottom of the meatloaf was very tasty. I believe this may be a step I make in all of my meatloaves from now on.

Sharing on Sabroso Saturday

Mite Tees Review

MITE TEES 

Those little smiling faces that seem to adore us as much as we adore them sure can pack a punch. You know the one I talk about those with the adorning smiles and toothless grins, those little ones who can barely say a word but their expressions mean the world.  Yes, you are right those precious bundles of joys daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren are the ones I refer to. We all love them so and we are very aware that our little ones don't have to say a word to get their point across. Mite Tees the personalizable tees help to express exactly who they are. Just take a look at some of the cute onesies and tees that they have available.

This tee and onesie are from the Production series of Mite Tees demonstrate how fun it is to show your little one off. It would make the perfect gift for new parents, baby shower, or gift for new born baby. Talking about showing off here is a tee that allows the showing off of the newest member of the tee. With the family jersey not only will the newest member be introduced but you will be able to show off the entire family as a winning team.

Let everyone know what you really think of the newest member of the family. After all it is expressionism is the name of the game.

We received a tee to review that helped us to explain our great news to everyone everywhere. I think there is no way to share good news than to allow our little ones to help spread the news. We received a tee to review that allowed us to share our wonderful news with everyone everywhere. I think it allowed us to share the news through the manner of allowing the little ones words when they had none before. That is what I love about Mite Tees. It allows the little ones power through expression when they know what they want to say they just have not learned how to say it yet. The tee we reviewed was

Is there a message that you want to help your little one share or help them express who they truly are? Well the power in the Mite Tees may help you do just that . In addition to the strength in the message the tee and onesies that I reviewed now and in the past hold up great through wash and wear. I love Mite Tees in their expressions and their product whether tee or onesie are ones that I can count on as well.

Mite Tees make the perfect baby shower gift, gift for new parents, as well as a perfect Christmas gift. If you have a little one on your Christmas list or an expectant family member surprise them with a Mite Tee for Christmas the expression will never be forgotten. You can find Mite Tees:

follow Mite Tees on twitter
like Mite Tees on facebook
visit the Mite Tees website at

We received a tee for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions shared in this post are mine alone.

Great Deal @ CSN Store and Giveaway Info as well

The CSN store has the American Plastic Toys My Very Own Kitchen for the low price of $29.99 so if you have a young person on your christmas list that loves to have fun while using their imagination then this may be a perfect gift. You can check it out at CSN Stores

I entered to win a giveaway on the blog P.S. Moms where Sarah is hosting a giveaway where one lucky person will win a $75 gift card from the CSN Stores. Just think with that you can get the kitchen for someone you love and something nice for your self as well. The giveaway ends December 5, 2010.

Flowerz In Her Hair review

I just love my little Princess she is beautiful to me. Perhaps I am a little bias I am the grandma after all. Princess has beautiful long flowing hair and I love it when her mommy puts it up in clips and ponytails. Flowerz in Her Hair is one of my favorite places to find special clips for my little gal. I adore Flowerz in Her Hair for many different reasons (1) they are sturdy and stay together well and (2) the styles available are great. I previously posted a review here on my blog for Flowerz in Her Hair Since that time the designs have grown into even more of an assortment and now include

Little girls are made for ruffles and lace and big girls adorn them as well and women like me I think they help us to remember the days we were young

Flowerz In Her Hair

Flowerz In Hair products would make beautiful christmas presents. I also love little girls in choirs, Christmas skits, and the such dressed up from head to toe you may want to pick your little angel up for that special night. You can get in touch with Flowerz in Her Hair by
You can follow Flowerz in Her Hair on twitter

Like Flowerz In Her Hair on Facebook

Visit the Flowerz In Her Hair website 

we received a few bows for review purposes. I was not compensated in any other way the thoughts and opinions shared in this post are those of mine alone

Crocs Boots giveaway

Crocs have become a household name where I live. They are so common my son for one loves them and would rather wear them than most other shoes. One funny thing that happened recently was that we were at my shop (antiques etc...) talking about old antique crocs and one of the young ladies there misunderstood and said that her crocs (shoes) were getting a bit old but she loved them that way LOL see what I mean crocs have earned their selves a household name. I was suprised to learn that they made more than the old croc style that I was used to. I did not know until I entered the giveaway hosted by Jennifer at the blog Mom Spotted that Crocs actually made snow buits. Just like the shoes they look great as well.

giveaway ends 11/29

Apple Butter Pie

Apple Butter Pie Recipe


•6-8 Servings

•Prep: 5 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Ingredients

•1/2 cup apple butter

•1 egg, lightly beaten

•1/2 cup sugar

•1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

•2 cups evaporated milk

•Ground cinnamon

•1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)

Directions

•In a bowl, combine apple butter, egg, sugar, flour and milk; mix well. Pour into the pie shell; sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°; bake 35 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 6-8 servings
 
Recipe Source: Carousel Candles

Fresh Wave Review

There are times that living with teenagers can get a bit testy. Like the other day when one of my teens wanted a bit to eat and placed a hot pocket in the microwave for 8 minutes. WOW!!! I am not sure why she did this when the package clearly says no more than 2 minutes but needless to say the kitchen and surrounding rooms were quickly filled with smoke and the smell lingered for a bit Fresh Wave has the perfect products for times like this

You can read my review of the Fresh Wave Stinky Dorm Kit and find out how great I think their product is. Not only is this product wonderful for those that live in the dorm where mom can no longer help them but it is also perfect for those teens who prefer you not to enter but after all it is still your room This time I was able to review the pearl packs.

The pearl packs are perfect for the sweaty gym bags that my teens often brought home smelling like sweet and what a foul odor they would possess the pearl packet helped to decrease the horrendous odor. The pearl packs are available in packs of 5 for $15.95 To me this is a price that I gladly paid to help me rid the home of  odors

Fresh Wave provides a breath of fresh air naturally without any harsh chemicals. By using simple, natural, ingredients like lime, pine needle, aniseed clove, cedar wood and water Fresh Wave helps you to naturally provide a naturall solution to odors. Any where that needs a bit of spiffying up like the home, car, office, cabin, boat, locker, gym bag and every place in between Fresh Wave can help. Fresh Wave has 20 years of experience in odor management and proven track record of effectiveness because they are created and distributed by OMI Industries, the world leader in odor control and management.

Fresh Wave products are wonderful to have on hand during the holidays. Perhaps you may even want to offer a freindly notion by bringing the hostess a friendly gift from Fresh Wave they may thank you with all the hectic of the day.

You can like Fresh Wave on their facebook page  or Follow Fresh Wave on Twitter  or visit the Fresh Wave Webpage

we did receive a product for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions share in this post are those of mine alone.

First Impressions by Maceys giveaway

First Impression is always very important to the young and old alike. As I always tell my children what I say, do and look like reflects on me as well as whatever they say, do and look like. That is why the first impression is so important. The First Impression clothing line at Maceys is available for infants and toddlers alike and are so stylish and adorable. Bridgette at the Not So Blog is hosting a giveaway where the winner will receive a fall/winter gift set from the First Impressions line. Giveaway ends November 29, 2010