Goodbye Shirley Temple

Today the newsman announced that one of my favorite stars of all time not only during her acting career but the esteem she held through out life. Is it not odd that even at the age of 85 when we speak of one super actress we want to still refer to her as "Little" But Shirley Temple Black the wonderful actress who passed today will always be little in our precious memories of her.

Valentine Salad

 

 

3 1/2 cups fruit cocktail

1 package lemon-flavored gelatin

1 cup hot water

1/4 cup maraschino-cherry syrup

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 3 oz. packages cream cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

1 1/2 cups tiny marshmallows

1/4 cup quartered maraschino cherries

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Few drops red food coloring

 

Drain fruit cocktail, reserving 1 cup syrup. Dissolve gelatin in hot water; add reserved fruit-cocktail syrup, maraschino-cherry syrup, and lemon juice. Chill till partially set. Soften cream cheese; add mayonnaise and beat till smooth. Add to gelatin mixture, mixing well. Stir in fruit cocktail, marshmallows, and cherries. Fold in whipped cream. Tint pink with red food coloring. Pour into individual heart molds. (of course everyone has these in their pantry, right?)

Freeze salad several hours or overnight. Unmold atop canned pineapple rings. If desired, top with Gelatin Heart Cutouts. Makes 12 large or 18 small servings.
Better Homes and gardens Birthdays and Family Celebrations, from 1963

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Pink Salad

 

 

This pink salad is one of our families favorite recipes. I had better say that this salad recipe goes back generations but the ingredients have changed from time to time. Not always do we add the oranges or cream cheese and sometimes we make it extra creamy by adding double whip topping. It is such a salad and the ingredients go together so well that you can add or limit what you put in it. I also believe it is a delicious part of any valentines dinner

 

14 ounces  crushed pineapple, drained
15 ounces  cherry pie filling
8 ounces  sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces  whipped topping
6 ounces  walnuts, chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
 

Mix all ingredients together. Chill.  Enjoy.

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Have A Heart For Chained Dogs

Seeing a dog in a chain melts my heart and makes me feel so sorry for them. While our dog goes outside on leash for a bit each  day it is not what we would want it is because  there is a leash law and for him to be able to enjoy life outside the leash must be wore. He only wears leash short period of time and it is not heavy or construes her movement

For those dogs that are chained and look pitiful as they drag it around with them there is something you can do. Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the practice of perpetually chaining dogs. Each year, the group sends Valentine's Day cards and dog treat coupons to chained canines across the country during its Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. The group includes a brochure for the dog's caretakers, explaining why the practice of continuously chaining dogs is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home or to find better homes for the animals. This year, the group hopes to reach 17,000 dogs.

Take action for chained dogs

Here are a few suggestions on how to make doggy valentines, mail coupons to dogs, submit addresses of chained dogs, and more. Also, visit the Dogs Deserve Better website to see what others have done to help.

1. Get crafty

Making valentines for chained dogs is a great project for kids! Visit DogsDeserveBetter.org to see what volunteers have created in the past. Hurry—the deadline for submitting valentines is Saturday, Feb. 5.

2. Address the problem

Know a penned or chained dog who could use a valentine? Find out their address and call 877-636-1408, e-mail addresses to info@dogsdeservebetter.org or fill out the form at Dogs Deserve Better's website by Feb. 5. Don't worry—your information will remain anonymous.

3. Send in your coupons

In addition to a valentine, each dog will receive a coupon for free or discounted dog treats or food. Make sure your coupons go to good use—mail them by Feb. 5 to Dogs Deserve Better, P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.

4. Sponsor valentines

The cost of this campaign is quite high due to material and mailing fees, but it is well worth it! You may either sponsor valentines for addresses you provide, or sponsor valentines for others who provide addresses. Sponsor your valentines at Dogs Deserve Better's website »

5. Download your free kit

Download the free kit "The Guide to a Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance in your area—and start helping dogs now »

Why chaining hurts dogs

As social animals, dogs need to have regular interactions with their family. Dogs who are left chained up in the yard experience boredom, loneliness, and isolation, which eventually lead to territorial and aggressive behaviors. Read more »
Dogs Deserve Better can be reached at 877-636-1408 (toll-free); email info@dogsdeservebetter.org  or visit www.DogsDeserveBetter.org.

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Shipwreck Casserole

This throw together casserole provides a flavorful dish with lots of great taste and veggies as well

 

1-2 pounds ground beef*

2 pounds frozen tater tots*

1 onion, diced

two cups frozen sliced carrots

1 can (11 ounce) tomato soup

 

Brown beef and onion together until done, drain off any grease. In a greased 9x13 inch pan, place all of the tater tots in one layer in the bottom. Salt and Pepper this layer lightly. Cover with browned meat and onion mixture. Lightly salt and pepper this layer as well. Place carrots evenly over top and sprinkle 1 tablespoon dry Italian seasoning over them. Mix tomato soup with one can of water (use the tomato soup can to measure the water) and pour over all. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for one hour. Hide from pirates, they'll smell it and come running!

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My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Baked Oatmeal

Need a new breakfast idea that will keep you warm inside during this cold season try this delicious recipe for baked oatmeal. Perfect for the weather and delicious as well.

 

1/3 cup  butter
2 large  eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar 

 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon nutmeg or 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon  salt
1 cup  milk
2 tablespoons milk
3 cups oatmeal (regular or quick)

Melt butter.  Grease 1 1/2 quart baking dish and drop in eggs and beat well. Add brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon, and salt. Mix well, no lumps.  Whisk in butter and both measures of milk, then add oats. Stir well, and refrigerate overnight. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 35-45 min, or until set in the middle. Serve hot with warm milk poured over.

recipe source here

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Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week

The week of February 7-14, 2014 is Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week.

Congenital Heart Disease is considered to be the most common birth defect, and is a leading cause of birth-defect related deaths worldwide.  Approximately 1.8 million families (approximately 40,000 babies)  in the U.S.are affected each year by CHD. However there is relatively a small amount of funding currently available for parent/patient educational services, research, and support. The hope of the CHD week is to educate the public about early diagnosis, additional funding for support and educational services, scientific research and the access to qualify of care for our children and adults. 

CHD has affected our own family like many others. My own brother 15 years my junior was born prematurely with many problems and birth defects. Later in life we found CHD affecting our family again as our nephew faced many health problems at birth. Both times thanks to the doctors knowledge the boys were treated with care and did great.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States. There are up to 1.8 million CHD survivors yet it is the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.
Through early diagnosis, better treatment options, and increased research, these children will have a far better chance at living longer and healthier.

Want to help spread the word get free information and stickers at http://tchin.org/aware/stickers

we found great information here

Valentine Sweet Treat: Cream Cheese Brownies

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

4 ounces cream cheese, room-temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 large eggs

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-inch square baking pan with butter. Line bottom and two sides with a strip of parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the two sides. Butter paper, and set pan aside. In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Place 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter and chocolate in a large heat-proof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of gently simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes; remove bowl from pan. Add 1 1/4 cups sugar; mix to combine. Add 3 eggs, and mix to combine. Add flour and cocoa mixture; mix just until moistened (do not overmix). Prepare cream-cheese mixture: Whisk cream cheese with 2 tablespoons room-temperature butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Alternately spoon chocolate batter and cream-cheese mixture into pan; with the tip of a paring knife, swirl to marble. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Using paper overhang, lift brownies out of pan; transfer to a rack to cool completely (still on paper). On a cutting board, using a dampened serrated knife, cut into 16 squares.

 

recipe resource Martha Stewart

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Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look outside my window:::
 While the sun is very bright outside the land looks barren and dull like a picture of winter in true form I can not wait til spring we have so many awesome plans to make the yard look great

 Right now I am::: 
 eating my lunch and sipping coffee , day off work today and housework has all ready been started
  
Thinking and pondering:::
 thinking about changes we need to make in the future ways and reasons to make our life more comfortable and enjoyable 
   
On my bedside table:::
 a dish of valentine candy and not much else I have to post review of the book I was reading soon and will start new one as well
  
On my tv tonight:::
 watching reruns of extreme couponing always looking for awesome  tips as another shopping trip approaches

Listening to:::
 my family busy at their daily lives

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - popcorn chicken and moz sticks (kids love  this)
Tuesday - smothered chops, corn, potatoes
Wednesday - pastat
Thursday - baked chicken, mac n cheese with broccoli (a new fav)
Friday - out to eat
Saturday - out to eat weekend off
Sunday - out to eat weekend off

On my to do list:::
 wash blankets, straighten rooms
rearrange kitchen

Plans for this week:::
 short work week 3 days only so lots of family time

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
finishing up plans for valentine gifts and treats

 

 
My simple pleasure:::
 right now prepping for big shopping trip so opening lots time finding deals

Lesson learned the past week::: 
 Life is short let those you love know it

Looking around the house:::
 as I said housework started so just little here and there jobs left  

From the camera:::

my princess after the father daughter dance and she is very proud of the candy flower that she won

 

 

Prayer List:::
praying that those who celebrate this weekend do so safely



  Bible verse, Devotional:::
 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8

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Pepperoni Pie Squares

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pound Muenster cheese, cubed
1 (8-ounce) package sliced pepperoni, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well then pour into baking dish.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is golden; cool slightly then cut into squares. Serve immediately

recipe source: mr food

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Great Idea: Valentines Gift for Teacher

I can remember as an elementary student how I would search the box of valentines for the perfect card for each of my classmates and then the best  was the teachers card. All of us wanted to create the best card for the teacher and sometimes we would even make an  extra special card for the teacher. This gift idea of making the teacher smores mason jar valentines for that special teacher should leave the giver and the teacher with happiness in their heart. Check out how to make it here

 

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Cheesy Stuffing Cups

Cheesy Stuffing Cups

1/4 c. [1/2 stick] butter
3/4 c. chopped celery
1 1/2 c. water
1 pkg. [6 oz.] stuffing mix
1/3 c. dried cranberries [Craisins]
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped [pecans]
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat Oven to 350*F. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add celery; cook and stir 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in water. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in stuffing mix, cranberries adn walnuts. Add 1 cup of cheese and egg; mix lightly.

Spoon stuffing mixture evenly into 8 greased medium muffin cups, mounding mixture as necessary to use all the stuffing mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese on the tops.

Bake for 10 minutes or until stuffing cups are heated through and cheese is melted.

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Check Those Expiration Dates

A student at Huntington Beach High School in California had pancakes last week and it almost became fatal. His Mom, who is a registered nurse, made him pancakes for breakfast. She dropped him off at school, then headed to play tennis. She got a phone call from her son while on the court to hear he was having trouble breathing. She told him to go to the school nurse immediately and proceeded to call the school to alert them about her son. The nurse called the paramedics and an ambulance arrived in three minutes. The boy came very close to to loosing his life.

This is actually very common. Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. The mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, Bisquick, brownie mixes, etc. you have in your home. Check this website to read another instance similar to this that happened in 2006.

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Toothache Day

I have no idea why there would have be a day dedicated to a toothache. The truth is if you have ever had a toothache then you know that the pain is real and it is not fun. But if you have a toothache then perhaps you could use a few tips to relieve the tooth pain

 

 

 

Toothache Pain Relief

Cloves are one of the best remedies for toothaches. You can either chew on a piece of clove or you can also use clove oil to ease the pain. Put a few drops of the oil on the affected part and it will make the area numb and also reduce the pain.
Small pieces of onion placed on the affected area also helps. It gets rid of the irritating pain.
A swig of whiskey also helps in getting rid of the pain. The alcohol, upon contact with the gums around the affected area, acts like a kind of anesthesia which in turn reduces the pain.
Swishing salt and warm water in your mouth when your tooth aches, is also of great help. This not only soothes the pain, but it also helps in killing the germs that causes the pain.
Wheat grass juice also acts as a good toothache pain relief. It can be used as a mouth wash or it can also be chewed in order to get rid of the pain.
Black pepper is good for toothache as well as bad breath. A paste of black pepper and salt, applied on the cavity tooth, can do wonders.
A mixture of mustard oil and salt, is a good option. Massaging your tooth with this mixture will be good for the aching tooth.
Vanilla extracts too can be used to make the aching area numb, thus reducing the pain. Dried peppermint leaves are also good for a toothache. Place these leaves around the tooth for around 10 to 15 minutes (and do this for at least 10 to 15 times) and then throw it out. This acts as a good painkiller and stops toothache pain fast.
The next remedy, although good for reducing aching tooth, one has to be careful not to swallow it. It's iodine which helps in reducing the pain.
Ice pack is also a great remedy which you can try out at home. Hold an ice pack around the affected area and compress it. A good remedy.
Another remedy for tooth decay pain or any other cause of toothaches is cucumber. Hold slices of cucumber around the affected area and the pain will ease off on its own. You can also use refrigerated cucumber.
Mixture of turmeric powder and mustard oil applied on the aching tooth, is not only good for getting rid of the pain, but also the problems related to the tooth.
Another amazingly good pain relief is massaging the earlobe on the side of the toothache. Massaging it for 10 to 15 minutes, will slowly reduce the pain.

 

helpful resource here

whatd you do this weekend

Awesome Baby Love Giveaway

 

 

Awesome giveaway with so many baby products from great brand names such as

 

 

 

It’s Valentine’s Day month and Baby Love the pregnancy magazine is celebrating with a big bag of baby gear for the new mom. Check out this great list of prizes you can win just by entering, including extra entries if you tweet or favorite on Facebook. Total value of this package is over $1600 and you could be the winner!
1. Babyhome Emotion Stroller – MSRP: $299
2. Kushies Everyday Layette package and Kushies Bib package – MSRP: $75
3. Pediped $200 Gift Certificate
4. Child to Cherish Time Handprint Kit and Tower of Time Block to Grow on with Keepsake Drawer – MSRP: $55
5. Svan Baby to Booster Chair – MSRP: $179.99
6. Brian James Footwear: $150 gift certificate
7. MAM gift package – MSRP: $125
8. Naturalmat mattress – MSRP: $399
9. Oilo bedding package: crib sheet, patterned skirt, play blanket – MSRP: $200

find out more about this awesome giveaway here

Boy Scout Day

Boy Scout Day

      Today,  February 8th is the  birthday of scouting in America. February 8, 1910, Chicago publisher William Dickson Boyce filed papers in the District of Columbia to create the Boy Scouts of America Scout Sunday has traditionally been celebrated near the 8th of February.  My brothers, sons and nephews have all been very active in scouts. Scouts offer programs of life skills and values for millions of boys. We have had Eagle Scouts in our area to do great things such as wetland areas and other great projects.      

---

Interesting Scouting Facts:
In 2004, there were 3,145,331 Boys in the scouting program, and 1,173,064 scout leaders. Source: BSA website. British Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the Boy Scouts in Brittain. In 1907, he published the first scouting manual, titled Scouting for Boys. Lord Robert Baden-Powell  was born on February 22, 1857. Lady Olave Baden-Powell, founded Girl Guides. The wife of Lord Baden-Powell, she was also born on February 22 (1889). The Boy Scout motto is "Do a good turn daily." Where was Lord Baden-Powell buried? It comes a surprise to most, to learn that Lord Baden-Powell, and his wife are buried in Nyeri, Kenya, about three hours from Nairobi.

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Little Dessert with a Smile

Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

 1 cup Coca Cola (real thing, not diet)...
1/2 cup oil
1 stick butter
3 Tablespoon cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting:

1 stick butter
3 Tablespoon cocoa
6 Tablesppon of cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar

In a saucepan, mix Coca Cola, oil, butter and cocoa and bring to a boil. In another bowl, combine the sugar, flour and salt. Pour the boiling Cola mixture over the flour mixture and beat well. Add the eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla and beat well. Pour mixture into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees or 20 to 25 minutes. Remove pan. Cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Frosting: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk. Heat until the butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread on the cake while it's still warm. Enjoy!

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100th day of school idea

Here is an idea when celebrating the 100th day of school. Now I know some of you may have all ready passed this milestone there may be a few that still have it approaching. After all with all the snow, ice and cold temps there has seemed to be lots of days without school.

This idea is simple and uses 2 types of cookies. One large cookie bar chocolate covered and 2 round circular cookies with stripes.


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Its Tater Day

If you are a fan of the spud, then today is for you. For centuries they have been sliced, fried, boiled, baked, puréed, and served. Carbs be damned!

Celebrating February 8

National “Potato Lover’s” Day

Potato Facts:
A. The word , potato, is derived from a Native American word “Batata”
B. The first cultivated potatoes date back to 500o BC in Peru. Originally, they were purple. When cooked they turn a deep blue color.
C. Most of the nutrients found in potatoes are in the skin.
D. Sweet potatoes are distant relatives of the common potato, while Yams are not potatoes at all, they  botanically are considered lilies.
E. The average American eats 140 pounds of potatoes per year.
F. The word spud actually means “to dig a small hole in the grown, similar to spade, a tool to dig small holes.
G.  The Spanish claim that they first introduced the potato to Europe in 1550 while the Irish say that it was in 1585 when Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the potato to Europe.

Daily Quote:

“My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato & someone to share it with.” ~Oprah

 

 

 

recipe

Bacon Potato Soup

 

5 large baking potatoes, cooked and cut in 1-inch cubes

8 slices thick cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped (reserve some for topping)

2 – 3 tbsp. bacon drippings

1 cup sweet onions, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups half and half

1 celery stalk, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

 

1. You'll need to start by preparing your potatoes and bacon (be sure to reserve bacon grease)
2. Using a large stock pot over medium heat, cook onion in bacon drippings, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic and flour, stirring well and cook another 2 minutes, stirring often.
3. Slowly add chicken broth to onion and garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in potatoes, half-and-half, and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes (do not boil). Stir in bacon.
4. Serve hot. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese and bacon.
5. Share and enjoy!

recipe source here

 

 

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John Deere Birthday

While I don't share it enough here at annies home I am the offspring of 2 kids who fell in love and were homegrown. I spent lots of time on the farms and while I never drove a tractor myself I must say I have always loved them. John Deere being my favorite.

Today is the day that John Deere was born
1804 John Deere was born. Inventor and manufacturer, he developed the first steel plow in 1838. The mass production of the plow helped make farm yields per acre increase 10 fold within two decades.

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