tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303131942024-03-07T17:00:59.557-05:00Created and CalledUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger915125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-28511880141819885782010-03-02T08:58:00.002-05:002010-03-25T12:58:22.854-04:00Call to ArtEileen felt a yearning to paint...and then she allowed herself to do it. As a result, many have been blessed and touched by the heart of the Father. Join us this March at MIA and be encouraged to step out into something new.<br /><br />If you don't live locally, you can still be blessed by her work...<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmypfPfQhac&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmypfPfQhac&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mrs. Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08181119508133900608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-82290456021716872552010-02-02T08:46:00.004-05:002010-03-25T12:58:35.699-04:00Call to Spiritual MotherhoodPeriodically I have been asked if I miss teaching. Sometimes I do but not because I miss imparting my biological knowledge to high school students or I like to challenge them to think critically. Although that is a lot of fun. Yes...I used the words "fun" and "high school students" in the same paragraph. LOL.<br /><br />The students. My kids. That is how I thought about them. Interacting with them and having a positive impact on their lives...that is what I sometimes miss.<br /><br />My husband is great with all kids - even little ones. And they adore him. He is like a magnet or the pied piper where children are concerned. During Parent's Day at my son's school, Simms was constantly surrounded by children that are not ours. They would ask him questions, want to show him something, request that he read to them, etc. He graciously complied and blessed each and every one of them that day.<br /><br />Are kids drawn to you? Is your house the one where they congregate? It might be due to more than your great cooking. Join us in February for MIA when Pastor Beth Kempf shares her journey of spiritual parenting.Mrs. Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08181119508133900608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-89837258408554130792010-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:002010-03-25T12:58:53.428-04:00Monday Munchies - ChickenRecently I've receive a few of those emails asking for a recipe. It's not that I don't want to give a recipe but then I've got to send the email to a bunch of friends and they have to do the same before I get any recipes. On top of that, the people that I would ask a recipe for were already included on the list. So...here is my recipe. Super good and super easy.<br /><br />Chicken - skinless and boneless<br />Brown sugar<br />Salsa<br />Dijon Mustard<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350. Place your chicken in a baking pan. Mix together the other 3 ingredients and pour over the chicken. How much of the ingredients do you mix together? You get to decide. I know that is a little crazy but I seriously don't think you can go wrong with this. So you get to be in control or how spicy or sweet your chicken is. Bake for 30 minutes or until done. Trust me - your family will love this! I got thumbs up from all of my boys and that doesn't always happen.<br /><br />It's killing you that there aren't exact measurements isn't it? It caught me off guard at first too.Mrs. Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08181119508133900608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-81013322495942874602010-01-29T14:52:00.004-05:002010-03-25T12:59:06.632-04:00I Heart Food ColoringI love food coloring! I use it to make things fun for the kids. Here is a list of some things we do with it.<br /><br />1. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Bath Paint</span>. I put some of their body wash in a small cup (we have stackable cups in the bathtub that they play with). Then I add just 1 or 2 drops of food coloring. They use a Q-tip as a paint brush and draw on the tub or their bodies. It doesn't stain. They wash it off with a wash cloth before they get out of the tub (so really they are cleaning the tub for me).<br /><br />2. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Colored Water</span>. This is another fun thing for in the bathtub. I fill an empty body wash bottle with water and add a couple drops of food coloring. Their imaginations go crazy with it. They have used it to "wash" a baby (tub toy) and "cook" with it. It's fun and it also turns their bath water color.<br /><br />3. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Change the Color of Food</span>. We have had green pancakes, purple noodles, blue milk on cereal, etc. You can do this to make a holiday special, i.e. red pancakes for Valentine's Day, green noodles for St. Patrick's Day. Or just to have fun.<br /><br />4. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Paint Eggs</span>. This seems obvious, but you don't have to wait until Easter to paint eggs. You can paint eggs all year.<br /><br />5. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Paint Toast</span>. <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/painting-toast">Add food coloring to milk and let the kids use it to "paint" their bread</a>. Then toast the bread (to basically dry it out). Then they can eat their artwork.<br /><br />6. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Science Project</span>. I found <a href="http://www.medicinefilms.com/pill/191539">this science project</a> that I am going to try with the kids soon. All you need is milk, food coloring, and dish soap. I am not going use is as a science project, just something fun to do and watch.<br /><br />7. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Paint the Snow</span>. Add a couple of drops of food coloring to water in a spray bottle. Let the kids spray the snow. The more colors you have the prettier your yard becomes.<br /><br />8. <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">Change the Color of a Flower</span>. In the summer, I stop along the road and cut some of those Queen Anne's Lace flower/weed things. We bring them home and put them in water with food coloring. Then watch over a couple of days while the flowers change color. I think you could do this with any white flower.<br /><br />What do you do with food coloring?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-47622407443557442010-01-07T07:37:00.002-05:002010-03-25T12:59:19.736-04:00Getting Rid of That Winter ItchDo you have that winter itch? Itchy skin, that is. A couple of us have it in our family. It is very common in during these dry Pennsylvania winters. (I post this every winter hoping to help someone.)<br /><br />I worked 9 years as a medical assistant in dermatology. This is what the professionals recommend to get rid of that winter itch. <ul><li>Take 10 minutes or less in the shower. If your skin wrinkles, you have been in too long. Wrinkles (from being in the shower too long) mean dehydration. </li><li>Before drying off, rub baby oil or mineral oil over your skin.</li><li>After drying off, use a thick <strong>CREAM</strong> (Cetaphil or the drug store brand of Cetaphil is my favorite) on your skin. If it comes in a pump bottle, it is not thick enough. (Lotions are not thick enough and often times are more irritating to your skin)</li><li>If you can stand it, rub petroleum jelly on your skin before bed.</li></ul><p>After taking control over your skin (or if you only have a mild itch to begin with), you don't have to continue with every step. You can usually manage it with just oil or cream.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-21522662222261139602010-01-05T08:28:00.003-05:002010-03-25T12:59:34.325-04:00Call to PrayerWhat do you do to celebrate the New Year? Get together with family and or friends? Stay up much later than usual to watch the ball drop? Do you make resolutions and/or keep them?<br /><br />You may do one or more of the above or you may do nothing. I like to reevaluate the year that we have completed and contemplate what the future holds. I don't necessarily make resolutions. Rather, I prefer to seek God and inquire what changes would benefit me and my family. Does that sound super spiritual to you? Really...it isn't. It's my life. <em>Real life</em>. That doesn't mean that I am able to seclude myself for a large part of January and just rest in His presence. Sounds lovely. Picture that for a moment...back to reality...I am a mom and wife and there are a lot of responsibilities that are mine on a daily basis. Responsibilities that He has blessed me with.<br /><br />How is this (time with God) accomplished? I rest in the knowledge that He knows where I am at and meets me in that place. I take comfort in the fact that no matter what I am doing, I can talk to Him. There is no other relationship I have that is like this. It's special. And the best part is, no matter what I am doing, I can listen to Him. Conversing with God = prayer. Prayer in my life will not always look like this but in this season - for this period of time - it largely does.<br /><br />This month at MIA, Sue Eichelberger will be joining us. She is a seasoned mom - one who has faced many storms and challenges. If you live locally, be sure to join us as she shares how she has learned to balance her call to prayer and intercession with the responsibilities of family.Mrs. Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08181119508133900608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-84991622769773995382009-12-21T11:51:00.008-05:002010-03-25T12:59:50.567-04:00Gingerbread Houses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjR8OtBJ3VcQDiLfoTmb6TGj89XNTxN-1oNKAawklNA94DHgVn-RRkBKdqsj27c8ttnEEaaY4yAJYjX9UnPoBKHLrR4fHYVhyphenhyphenrusw0GcRifCPGm1b3v6pADKGPbkw72zgPtkwIg/s1600-h/DSC02141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417738160452080018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjR8OtBJ3VcQDiLfoTmb6TGj89XNTxN-1oNKAawklNA94DHgVn-RRkBKdqsj27c8ttnEEaaY4yAJYjX9UnPoBKHLrR4fHYVhyphenhyphenrusw0GcRifCPGm1b3v6pADKGPbkw72zgPtkwIg/s400/DSC02141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufkmdYz_daaBkD1Cn_YY-eqhHjqiTAz7_H-8-qXTlPlaWVdoOKwOlyTFVVE9553Ncv8ra4XktJc1_0Ns3q0AByacePLSMpBH5US2loUaZUqa29yAiQX2kYCRhGWJdkneF2QZa_g/s1600-h/DSC02142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417739054555480146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufkmdYz_daaBkD1Cn_YY-eqhHjqiTAz7_H-8-qXTlPlaWVdoOKwOlyTFVVE9553Ncv8ra4XktJc1_0Ns3q0AByacePLSMpBH5US2loUaZUqa29yAiQX2kYCRhGWJdkneF2QZa_g/s400/DSC02142.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">These are last years pictures because I forgot to take some this year.<br /></span></div><br />I know, I know. You guys probably already think of me as the "crazy craft lady", so I am going to give you more reason to think that.<br /><br />This is the 3rd year I have had my 2 nephews and my daughter make gingerbread houses. They enjoy coming up with new designs every year. We do the same basic house each year, but change decorations/candy. (Actually we mostly use the stale stuff that we find in our cabinets.)<br /><br />First you start with a sturdy base. It can be a board, cutting board or even sturdy cardboard (tape 2-3 pieces together to make it sturdier.)<br /><br />We use <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,174,152179-251198,00.html">this recipe</a> for "glue". It is edible; however, since we use stale crackers and candy we don't eat much of it.<br /><br />Layout all of your crackers and candy. I forgot. We just use graham crackers for the house. We haven't ventured out to actually make them out of gingerbread. Every year we talk about buying those kits, but haven't done that either.<br /><br />I find it easier to build the house for my daughter. My one nephew likes to try building his own and he always uses too much glue. It ends up falling apart because the glue can't dry. Besides, I think the kids like decorating it the most. After I build the house, I glue it to the base.<br /><br />Now it is time to glue the candy/decorations to the house and the "yard". When all the decorating is done, we put marshmallow creme on the yard to make it look like snow.<br /><br />That's it! I know it sounds like a lot, but the kids love it. And seriously, I think I LOVE IT MORE THAN THEY DO!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wM5XDL-wLCZNi2WlQKG_y87cddmUCH07evKFlinsG2Q40LfKnQlJmmXWSUjyMSMDpLzXgYW-S83b8VD8wDzK_2PaQFjZUJMnGQjYefsU4il1w7H7VMTS5cEqg76vka2Ekk-LKQ/s1600-h/DSC02137.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417739397823153874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wM5XDL-wLCZNi2WlQKG_y87cddmUCH07evKFlinsG2Q40LfKnQlJmmXWSUjyMSMDpLzXgYW-S83b8VD8wDzK_2PaQFjZUJMnGQjYefsU4il1w7H7VMTS5cEqg76vka2Ekk-LKQ/s400/DSC02137.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGyxwzJgh3X2Hj0DdD0jXisJS9eJ21S7gwN7Njho0qjUXIENzONMGgXxCLBqYOmC1ZtLVYGb4XLnEJ46YrM5XbmZGOefqVk9nesIZrBVgnBa9wER7XdJcvnBUl_L-1NN-sVbvOA/s1600-h/DSC02140.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417739395103673106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGyxwzJgh3X2Hj0DdD0jXisJS9eJ21S7gwN7Njho0qjUXIENzONMGgXxCLBqYOmC1ZtLVYGb4XLnEJ46YrM5XbmZGOefqVk9nesIZrBVgnBa9wER7XdJcvnBUl_L-1NN-sVbvOA/s400/DSC02140.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-21935789623487188472009-11-30T00:23:00.003-05:002010-03-25T13:00:04.046-04:00Radio Flyer "Big Wheel" for $30!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgU9avSLhRVkkeeRFujbUhEt-V5nj069Z8p3p0s3w4IqQheEUCXnXcZ2T8x3iK7HyrsPI1POxdFexnTI1ulimnU0H-EDq44flDxTT8equmGGNGSD7s2CAF8Ki3W8VSaoLxgutiA/s1600/big+wheel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409759261289650546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgU9avSLhRVkkeeRFujbUhEt-V5nj069Z8p3p0s3w4IqQheEUCXnXcZ2T8x3iK7HyrsPI1POxdFexnTI1ulimnU0H-EDq44flDxTT8equmGGNGSD7s2CAF8Ki3W8VSaoLxgutiA/s320/big+wheel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">EDIT - it appears that the price online has gone up to $39 today (glad I did this last night), but when I called the store, they are selling it for $30 - some people have reported it ringing up at $21. So, I would call the store to see if it is in stock, and what the price is!</span></em><br /><br />When I was a little girl, I remember going to my cousins' house and watching them have fun on their big wheel and also taking a turn on it. I remember having so much fun - and my male cousins would do things like a spin out or something like that. Well, for over a year, I have been thinking about buying my son(s) a big wheel. I did some research on the original big wheel, and I have to say that I was not impressed with the reviews...and that made me sad! I could picture my sons having a great time on them! However, things changed today!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/11/walmartcom-radio-flyer-big-wheel-30/#comment-34706">Mercedes over at Common Sense with Money posted </a>about a great deal on Walmart.com for the Radio Flyer Big Flyer. They are selling it for $30! I have seen this being sold at other stores for almost $80!!! The reviews seemed good, overall. So, if you were thinking of buying one of these for your little kiddo - this might be the time for you to get it! Oh, and don't mention it to my boys, because it is going to be a Christmas present!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/11/bing-cashback-gold-rush/">Mercedes</a> also mentioned that if you use <a href="http://www.bing.com/cashback">Bing Cashback </a>you can get 15% cash back. You can read her post about it <a href="http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2009/11/bing-cashback-gold-rush/">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=2PABfhf64mpU6v5btEy11w%3D%3D">Ebates </a>offers 3% cashback on Cyber Monday, and if you click on this <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=2PABfhf64mpU6v5btEy11w%3D%3D">link</a>, you will get an additional $5 sign up bonus from using my <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=2PABfhf64mpU6v5btEy11w%3D%3D">referral link</a>.Promiseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411518327303012894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-5354368351523329722009-11-29T17:08:00.002-05:002010-03-25T13:00:20.030-04:00Free Christmas Photo Cards*Do you have your photo(s) picked out already, and are you waiting to make up your Christmas photocards? Well, if you are ready to go, there is a way to order a total of 100 cards and only pay for the shipping! You will have to complete TWO separate orders, since each code is only good for 50 cards, but if you want the same card for all 100 of them, just save your project, and go back and make another order - shipping is only $3.19 per order! I just completed mine, and I am VERY EXCITED that I only paid $6.38 for 100 cards!<br /><br />***<strong>THIS EXPIRES ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30th</strong>!*** (as far as I know)<br /><br /><br />So, here is the information that is found on <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/11/100-free-custom-holiday-photo-cards-from-seehere-have-you-gotten-yours-yet.html">Money Saving Mom's blog</a>:<br /><br />Here's how to get 100 custom photo cards with envelopes for free:<br /><br />::Just go <a href="https://www.seehere.com/cmAccountSignup.do?cm_mmc=CJ-_-1611027-_-2983622-_-Register+for+SeeHere.com">here to set up an account with SeeHere </a>(or <a href="https://www.seehere.com/cmLogin.do">login </a>if you already have an account) and then upload and create your photo card. Mine took me about 30 minutes to put together--but that's because I had to wade through photos and figure out which ones to use!<br /><br />::After you've set up your photo card, be sure to save it. Then put 50 photo cards in your cart and go to the checkout and use coupon code <strong>newbaby</strong> and you'll get all 50 for the price of shipping, which is $3.19.<br /><br />::Log back in and click on your saved items and order another 50 photo cards this time using the coupon code from <a href="http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/2009/11/50-free-photocards-shipped-free-too.html">Freebies4Mom here</a>, which is <strong>freebies4mom-1109</strong>. Again, you should get 50 for the price of shipping, which is $3.19.<br /><br />A HUGE thanks goes out to <a href="https://www.seehere.com/cmLogin.do">SeeHere </a>for providing this great offer for us and to <a href="http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/2009/11/50-free-photocards-shipped-free-too.html">Freebies4Mom</a>, and <a href="http://www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/2009/11/100-free-custom-holiday-photo-cards-from-seehere-have-you-gotten-yours-yet.html">Money Saving Mom </a>for telling us about it!Promiseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411518327303012894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-88122644959307159212009-11-25T06:22:00.003-05:002010-03-25T13:00:44.357-04:00Flashlight Fun - Friday FunThis Friday Fun is actually brought to you on Wednesday this week. I'm going to busy with family and SHOPPING on Friday. I also thought this is something you may want to do with your family on Thursday if you run out of other fun things. Any how here goes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbY7oYqAoQBheKbIExVj8IWtFVY2d50qYmL_WdazOdYKsnHv64S51TfNP4hYnvf-7vMpFuj7kwPbziM2sOnt21tWNy2wRHAYZoQ830pJs3TkxhgWhByJtYF01Y4VcUKzcxIl_QA/s1600/Emergency_Flashlight_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_090131-000787-833042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407262322826813874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbY7oYqAoQBheKbIExVj8IWtFVY2d50qYmL_WdazOdYKsnHv64S51TfNP4hYnvf-7vMpFuj7kwPbziM2sOnt21tWNy2wRHAYZoQ830pJs3TkxhgWhByJtYF01Y4VcUKzcxIl_QA/s400/Emergency_Flashlight_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_090131-000787-833042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Take advantage of the early darkness. The kids and I turned off all of the lights in the house to play with flashlights. I made the rule at the beginning that you don't shine the flashlights in other peoples eyes. They started just looking around the house, but then we played 2 games.<br /><br />The first game: I picked an object from their toys, i.e. a chair from one of their toy sets. We turned all of the lights off. They felt it and guessed what it was.<br /><br />The second game: My little girl came up with this game. She took her baby doll into another room and hid it. Then I took the flashlight and went searching for it. We took turns with hiding and searching.<br /><br />Let your kids come up with more ideas.<br /><br />Simple, but hours of fun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-62955171329993779872009-11-23T06:13:00.003-05:002010-03-25T13:00:56.560-04:00Another Great, Yummy Thanksgiving Recipe - Munday MunchiesThis is one of my favorite recipes.<br /><br />SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE<br /><br />2-3 cups cooked and smashed yams (2 large cans of Bruce's drained)<br />1 cup granulated sugar (can be reduced to 1/2 or 3/4 cups)<br />1/2 cup melted butter (can also be reduced)<br />3 eggs<br />1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br />Mix yams, butter and sugar. Add eggs (slightly beaten), spices and milk. Bake 350 degrees for 30 min.<br /><br />Topping:<br />3/4 cup crushed cornflakes<br />1/2 cup chopped pecans<br />1/2 cup brown sugar<br />1/2 cup melted butter<br /><br />Mix together. Spread on top of yam mixture. Bake another 15 min.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-76328627358813838952009-11-09T06:38:00.005-05:002010-03-25T13:01:12.446-04:00Fettuccine with Shrimp and ZucchiniFettuccine with Shrimp and Zucchini - from an Olive Garden cookbook<br />Cook time: 20 minutes 4 servings<br /><br />1 lb. dry fettuccine<br />1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil<br />1 Tbsp. chopped garlic<br />2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped<br />1 medium zucchini<br />1 lb. large shrimp<br />1 c. dry white wine<br />3/4 tsp. salt<br />3/4 tsp. black pepper<br />4 Tbsp. butter<br />6 lemon wedges<br />dash parsley, chopped<br /><br />Cut zucchini into 2" x 1/4" sticks. Peel and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">devein</span> shrimp. Cook fettuccine according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, heat oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and parsley. Cook for 1 minute. Add zucchini. Cook additional minute. Add shrimp, wine, salt, pepper and butter. Stir well and cook shrimp for 5 minutes or until they are no longer opaque. Add drained pasta to the mixture. Toss all ingredients to mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use tongs to pull pasta onto serving platter. Top with shrimp, zucchini, and seasonings. Squeeze two lemon wedges over dish; garnish with remaining wedges and parsley.<br /><br />The last time I made this, I cheated. I bought 1 pound of <em><strong>frozen</strong></em> peeled and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">deveined</span> shrimp. All I had to do is open the bag and dump. No tedious peeling.<br /><br />This is an awesome recipe!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-71314219123735104712009-11-06T06:47:00.005-05:002010-03-25T13:01:27.692-04:00Fall FunThe kids and I took advantage of this nice fall weather and had some fun this week.<br /><br />First we played in the leaves. We don't have many leaves in our yard, so we asked the neighbor if we could play in her leaves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCktbXLjCwRD-hn2kOzPZzMtJs9M-JYjLoGhWv4Y4NnSjJoJHDkYRVkVovlvF4WaeZcfuHRgT1CHB7_ZhM7h9A7GV5kJrrcfRIgOzByVblAd5hWvPZZ7CwKrB0pr9bmm1_A1iTLA/s1600-h/DSC02934.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400957103683040514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCktbXLjCwRD-hn2kOzPZzMtJs9M-JYjLoGhWv4Y4NnSjJoJHDkYRVkVovlvF4WaeZcfuHRgT1CHB7_ZhM7h9A7GV5kJrrcfRIgOzByVblAd5hWvPZZ7CwKrB0pr9bmm1_A1iTLA/s400/DSC02934.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MQABvVe81nLImXssWIXYJ-9eCBBsOOajz3jDYWCcU5pPmspIbOY8rNbv205I5bOzaAJ9CavObqXDQABJcRkU1DjjzK0M-S0xq9tsLs98ZhA30KgAmkiyDI-7-1Bx0c_qA7EdHA/s1600-h/DSC02924.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400957093393074530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MQABvVe81nLImXssWIXYJ-9eCBBsOOajz3jDYWCcU5pPmspIbOY8rNbv205I5bOzaAJ9CavObqXDQABJcRkU1DjjzK0M-S0xq9tsLs98ZhA30KgAmkiyDI-7-1Bx0c_qA7EdHA/s400/DSC02924.JPG" border="0" /></a>Then we went to a local lake, fed the ducks and had a picnic lunch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep9M3xyJAjhuwnaxDt6NDWbM8YUT-AciZ4WOzjp5bGNzuFZBgyzlUJg5O121bzbyoqCZCFmrQX8zrO9diG_H8YRM3C-AQANas3-m9PVKYDuAyIxsE3djlIXW1ABITDsE-aMMQJA/s1600-h/DSC02961.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400958004455168706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep9M3xyJAjhuwnaxDt6NDWbM8YUT-AciZ4WOzjp5bGNzuFZBgyzlUJg5O121bzbyoqCZCFmrQX8zrO9diG_H8YRM3C-AQANas3-m9PVKYDuAyIxsE3djlIXW1ABITDsE-aMMQJA/s400/DSC02961.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpX0VwF9r9WF54OQIGN3s_LcOwPimZzZgUQuZV885nf4RwAevTckkccGCMZbmr00j9bQbt5YjRn5g8atqamuQLTOpPuNZIQ542XjXuSE6_YA7gYkYUybTO4IMOgcnuMkB_GDYlA/s1600-h/DSC02963.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400958000883690978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpX0VwF9r9WF54OQIGN3s_LcOwPimZzZgUQuZV885nf4RwAevTckkccGCMZbmr00j9bQbt5YjRn5g8atqamuQLTOpPuNZIQ542XjXuSE6_YA7gYkYUybTO4IMOgcnuMkB_GDYlA/s400/DSC02963.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8Gf4xcyevOX94TkDFrgzBjFwdB1Z9UQIJSW3r6j-lK6ms0rtFSl_oUgm3HgmHWU65Xo_Bc2F0r5iZ1wNK_FOz-hc7FdnAAauC0IJ_MAmFLXqCrL_CHK9oTSQzJi7Q0hchZJJSg/s1600-h/DSC02967.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400957992282819986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8Gf4xcyevOX94TkDFrgzBjFwdB1Z9UQIJSW3r6j-lK6ms0rtFSl_oUgm3HgmHWU65Xo_Bc2F0r5iZ1wNK_FOz-hc7FdnAAauC0IJ_MAmFLXqCrL_CHK9oTSQzJi7Q0hchZJJSg/s400/DSC02967.JPG" border="0" /></a>Take advantage of this fall and play outside with your kids.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-83536745003343224402009-11-02T09:04:00.003-05:002010-03-25T13:01:40.949-04:00Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes - Monday Munchies<pre>Anyone thinking about the holidays yet? This is a great recipe<br />for making mashed potatoes. You can make them in advance and<br />not have to stress about making the potatoes the day of your dinner.<br /><br /><br />Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes<br />5 lb Potatoes<br />8 oz. cream cheese<br />1 c. sour cream<br />2 T. Butter<br />2 t. onion salt<br />1/2 t. pepper<br /><br />Cook potatoes, drain and mash. Add all ingredients<br />and beat until light and fluffy. Cool. Cover and<br />place in refrigerator. Keeps for up to two weeks.<br /><br />When ready to cook, please desired amount in greased<br />casserole, dot with butter and add grated cheese to<br />cover top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.<br /><br />This is a recipe I got from Natalie several years ago. Enjoy!<br /></pre>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-42250042581868157772009-10-30T07:20:00.003-04:002010-03-25T13:02:09.500-04:00$15 Kodak Gift CardKodak Gallery is having a "<a href="http://kodak.promo.eprize.com/millionsofthanks/">Million Thanks Giveaway</a>". They are giving away $15 gift cards or 40% off during 3 different promotions. Here is a breakdown of the offers:<br /><br /><br />~1 FREE gift of $15 good towards the Kodak Gallery website (fulfilled as a digital code) per person limit.<br />~If/once the $15 gift codes are exhausted in each phase, 40% off gift codes will be given away.<br />~If you are the recipient of a 40% off gift code, you may come back to the promotion during the next phase to receive a $15 gift code.<br />~Visitors must register for the promotion and opt-in to receive future information from the Kodak Gallery in accordance with our <a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=7797&pq-locale=en_US&CID=go&idhbx=privacy" target="_blank" cmimpressionsent="1">privacy policy</a> to be eligible for the FREE gift and/or discount code.<br />~300,000 $15 gift codes will be given away over the course of the promotion. Please see the breakdown to see how many $15 digital codes will be given away per promotion phase.<br />~Kodak Gallery is also giving away other gifts through other offers, totaling 1 million gifts.<br />PHASE DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:<br />Phase 1 (Oct 20 - Oct 28):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away<br />Phase 2 (Oct 29 - Nov 5):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away<br />Phase 3 (Nov 6 – Nov 13):Minimum 100,000 $15 Gift Codes will be given away<br />Must be eligible for the promotion according to eligibility within the Official Rules.<br /><br />I have already used mine. You do have to pay for shipping.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-64543760054919577972009-10-26T06:31:00.008-04:002010-03-25T13:02:23.411-04:00Quick and Good - Monday MunchiesI've been posting some of my favorite recipes the last couple of weeks. However all of them require a little bit of work. I'm sure you have days that you just need something quick so that you family can eat a healthy meal and then run out the door. Today I am going to highlight 2 of my favorite easy meals.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">1. <a href="http://www.villabertolli.com/products.aspx">Bertolli's Classic Meals and Mediterranean Style Meals</a></span>:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIiUjv8KiBJXWBsmAF03n5vXVttPm4E3YhEqLMWt6vCycAo2CRIc5F4WBsRiHcRT6lMt-38eiinqPhTw6dIKa4ta0cYk9PAX_lpaV0VT7MxfNLoPxVrigjAVuCip5k3aaevhsvg/s1600-h/special-coupon-frozen-1+%282%29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396856367773988578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIiUjv8KiBJXWBsmAF03n5vXVttPm4E3YhEqLMWt6vCycAo2CRIc5F4WBsRiHcRT6lMt-38eiinqPhTw6dIKa4ta0cYk9PAX_lpaV0VT7MxfNLoPxVrigjAVuCip5k3aaevhsvg/s400/special-coupon-frozen-1+%282%29.jpg" border="0" /></a>These are found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. They usually cost around $6 a bag. This is seriously how easy they are to prepare them. Open the bag. Pour it into a large skillet. Put the lid on. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. THAT IS IT MY FRIENDS!!! The only down side is one bag only serves 2 (non-starving) adults. I suggest throwing some garlic bread in the oven as a filler. It is still cheaper and better than going to Wendy's. Here is an online coupon: <a href="http://www.bertollioliveoil.com/registration_frozenmeal.aspx">$1 off</a><br /><br />My Favorites: Chicken Parmigiana & Penne and Garlic Shrimp<br /><br />Oh and my favorite garlic bread is New York Texas Toast. You pop these into a preheated oven for 6-7 minutes and it's done!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJPwa2eIU8iuaf3d7sG4jP2viBvS4_7xS0xyDP3DT62mVs9VSq8RvEyKpdtHJLrc8PH1du3R-WLGJFqYfalpASXlkqcPiauz9eVIjBx_85sOAfFrmHu4WHSmnKWSlMIIm49eLLw/s1600-h/sm_newyork_texastoast_cheese_13-5oz.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396860350711282434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 90px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJPwa2eIU8iuaf3d7sG4jP2viBvS4_7xS0xyDP3DT62mVs9VSq8RvEyKpdtHJLrc8PH1du3R-WLGJFqYfalpASXlkqcPiauz9eVIjBx_85sOAfFrmHu4WHSmnKWSlMIIm49eLLw/s400/sm_newyork_texastoast_cheese_13-5oz.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">2. <a href="http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/MacaroniGrill/default.aspx">Macaroni Grill </a></span><a href="http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/MacaroniGrill/default.aspx"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Restaurant Favorites</span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzokKXNFALyxxSgmNFag_0hlN3sMk4oKr2T8bWDf5uZt1bCoVAuBJeazsik9kst9qwevz1-cBWothIloKA_lQYXwSbv9spmYgvVEMkdwghsblgAGoTi5QOeqwVs6Jb-jQgzK99A/s1600-h/Panel_Macaroni.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396861900535062066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzokKXNFALyxxSgmNFag_0hlN3sMk4oKr2T8bWDf5uZt1bCoVAuBJeazsik9kst9qwevz1-cBWothIloKA_lQYXwSbv9spmYgvVEMkdwghsblgAGoTi5QOeqwVs6Jb-jQgzK99A/s320/Panel_Macaroni.jpg" border="0" /></a>These are found in the aisle of your grocery store where you would find box macaroni and cheese. One box costs around $3. However, you do have to buy the chicken to go with it. These take about 20 minutes to make and have more prep work, but is a no brainer to make. The down side with these is it doesn't come with much pasta. I usually prepare extra pasta to go with it. Here are 2 online coupons: <a href="http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/">$1 off</a>, <a href="http://print.coupons.com/CouponWeb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10">$1.10 off</a><br /><br />My favorites: Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata (I have never tried the other flavors, but I'm sure they are good too.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-90352132603461214302009-10-20T07:39:00.004-04:002010-03-25T13:02:34.854-04:00Amish Corn and Chicken Soup with Rivels - Monday Munchies<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">AMISH CORN AND CHICKEN SOUP WITH RIVELS</span><br /><br />4-5 lb roaster chicken<br />1 medium onion<br />2 stalks celery, chopped small<br />4 qts (16 cups) water (strengthen with chicken stock if needed)<br />6 - 8 ears of fresh corn, cut from cob (6+ c frozen)<br />handful chopped parsley<br />salt & pepper to taste<br /><br />Rivels: Wait until soup is done to prepare. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp salt and 2 beaten eggs, blending until the mixture is crumbly (not smooth).<br /><br />In a large soup pot, combine onion, celery, chicken and cold water or stock. Bring to simmer over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the chicken is done and ready to fall off the bones - 1 hour or more. Remove chicken and let cool. Cut meat into pieces and reserve, discarding the bones. Skim fat off of the stock.<br /><br />When ready to finalize the soup, add the corn kernels, the chicken, parsley, and the salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let cook for 10 minutes.<br /><br />Make up the rivel dough. Add to the soup by rubbing the mixture between your fingers over pot of soup, dropping in small amounts bit by bit. (Make the size of a pea or in strings)<br /><br /><br />Some people like this soup with the rivels, others do not. Rivels are not necessary for the soup to be good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-36631066292068800352009-10-16T09:07:00.005-04:002010-03-25T13:02:51.481-04:00No-Sew Fleece Pillow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0W4vynC3CXi455XC7EvDxNr6VuQSfuosLKCFZI018U9j_c05v_dRxE0J5vpBMXrtPxQuWW91fg31rNKv-wLUfL40zSxor6CqGgA9sqthNJbpO_rD98OBthSxHTjRhIOtGWPJvg/s1600-h/MIA+blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393185079932855378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0W4vynC3CXi455XC7EvDxNr6VuQSfuosLKCFZI018U9j_c05v_dRxE0J5vpBMXrtPxQuWW91fg31rNKv-wLUfL40zSxor6CqGgA9sqthNJbpO_rD98OBthSxHTjRhIOtGWPJvg/s200/MIA+blog.jpg" border="0" /></a>Making this cuddly pillow is so quick and easy, it's like performing a magic trick. What's the secret? Knots. The pieces are tied together (fleece fabric needs no hemming), which makes this gift simple enough to complete in an afternoon, and cute enough to give to a best friend or cousin.<br /><br />Materials:<br /><ul><li class="bgDot">Fleece</li><li class="bgDot">Scissors</li><li class="bgDot">Ruler</li><li class="bgDot">Chalk</li><li class="bgDot">Fiberfill </li></ul>1. Cut 2 identical heart shapes from the fleece, 1 red, 1 green. To allow for a 4-inch fringe, be sure to cut the hearts 8 inches larger than you want your finished pillow. We cut ours 26 inches across and 22 inches long for an 18- by 14-inch pillow.<br /><br />2.On 1 fleece heart, use a ruler and chalk or a disappearing-ink pen to draw a heart 4 inches in from the edge of the fabric (see illustration). Measure and draw fringe that's about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long (up to the center heart, as shown).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7asFFykxMlT3NzimRxQ9R5YBMTbGrLtS0QSHb2CYxJIxwrcfCNirCDnSUHoLMrKA0Vv8Z0sVO3jEGdxeRpIm29Ojocn64NbztyNKeVQOlQL5LaO3pkpxIOtXW74tu2d4ETYbDZg/s1600-h/MIA+blog+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393185073550505826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7asFFykxMlT3NzimRxQ9R5YBMTbGrLtS0QSHb2CYxJIxwrcfCNirCDnSUHoLMrKA0Vv8Z0sVO3jEGdxeRpIm29Ojocn64NbztyNKeVQOlQL5LaO3pkpxIOtXW74tu2d4ETYbDZg/s200/MIA+blog+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>3. Stack the hearts with your chalk lines on top. Cut the fringe, through both layers of fleece, stopping at the center heart.<br /><br />4. Begin at the bottom point of the heart and tie the top piece of fringe to the bottom piece by double-knotting them. Continue up the side of the pillow. At the dip at the top, knot together the top 4 fringes (2 pairs) into 1 double knot to cinch the opening more tightly. Then go back to knotting just 2 fringes until only 4 pairs are untied.<br /><br />5. Stuff the heart with fiberfill. Tie the remaining fringes. Brush off any chalk that still shows. Ink lines should disappear according to the package directions.<br /><br />6. <b>For a twist on this gift:</b> Try a different shape, such as this lion pillow. We knotted together squares of orange and yellow fleece and brought our king of the jungle to life with cord whiskers, and felt eyes and nose attached with tacky glue. For square pillows, cut off and discard the corner fringes before you begin knotting.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVIKT0rf5ae1or6zrnRznJI5A0Osvg8futH2-MUF32ZK6WmMqNb-aD__lVxUWIATCyH3d14wwRF1rIQoxpswtj8Spnq03_ZgjW0AA6tRs_hZQ5f2Le-OWVFuAjNemWYiqcYO08Q/s1600-h/MIA+blog+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393185068061619122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVIKT0rf5ae1or6zrnRznJI5A0Osvg8futH2-MUF32ZK6WmMqNb-aD__lVxUWIATCyH3d14wwRF1rIQoxpswtj8Spnq03_ZgjW0AA6tRs_hZQ5f2Le-OWVFuAjNemWYiqcYO08Q/s200/MIA+blog+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Taken from <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/no-sew-fleece-pillow-669763/">Family Fun</a> website<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden"> <div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden"> <div id="refHTML"></div>Krazy Klingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02548744271650258938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-77249056001414503712009-10-14T16:19:00.003-04:002010-03-25T13:03:04.550-04:00Free Pregnancy and Ovulation TestsAre you trying to get pregnant? Well, if you are, you know how expensive pregnancy tests can be! I found out a great deal from <a href="http://http//www.moneysavingmom.com/money_saving_mom/">Money Saving Mom</a>! You can get any combination of free ovulation or pregnancy test for free (up to 10) from Sacred Heart Mission. Just go <a href="http://www.freeopks.com/">here </a>and <a href="http://www.freeopks.com/">sign up</a> for them!Promiseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411518327303012894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-79340679283808186082009-10-12T13:17:00.003-04:002010-03-25T13:03:20.218-04:00Beef Vegetable Soup - Monday MunchiesSoup season is here!!! This is one of my favorite soups for the winter. It also freezes well.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">BEEF VEGETABLE SOUP (Crock-Pot Recipe)<br /><br /></span>1 lb beef roast, cooked and pulled<br />14 1/2-oz can diced tomatoes<br />2 carrots, sliced<br />2 celery stalks, sliced<br />2 medium onions, diced<br />2 medium potatoes, diced<br />3 cups water<br />1/2 tsp coarse black pepper<br />3 beef bouillon cubes<br />*10-oz bag frozen mixed vegetables<br /><br />Put all ingredients <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">except frozen veggies</span> in Crock-Pot. Cover. Cook on low 8 to 12 hours (High 4-6 hours). *Add frozen veggies during last 2 hours of cooking.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-52878724194060649972009-10-09T06:40:00.005-04:002010-03-25T13:03:33.945-04:00We're Going on a Treasure HuntThe other day Princess told me that she was bored (in so many words, because she doesn't know the word "bored" yet...thank God). I asked her if she wanted to go on a treasure hunt. She got all excited.<br /><br />We started by making the "treasure chest". I cut an empty egg carton into strips so each of the kids would have one. (If you plan ahead, you could use save egg cartons so your child has the entire carton and a lid) Princess and Little Guy colored the inside of each egg holder a different color. That's it! Time for a treasure hunt!<br /><br />We started in the house. They had to find something of each color to put in the egg holders. For example, Princess found a strand of red beads for the color red. The only rule was that the items had to be small enough to fit in each hole. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsGaq5HvVQdfp1qzEQSGPqeWsLbSqlBTGeUSKJuDrC-Gh5ZNQ4KBY1ByuQVXQbUZVhIc7e0r_Hg5fbR62Q-2imIVo3yYgXyZfethKqVoy-Go0jk4P1OEewl9QUoRHKWn7iuSDgA/s1600-h/DSC02869.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390550897018924898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsGaq5HvVQdfp1qzEQSGPqeWsLbSqlBTGeUSKJuDrC-Gh5ZNQ4KBY1ByuQVXQbUZVhIc7e0r_Hg5fbR62Q-2imIVo3yYgXyZfethKqVoy-Go0jk4P1OEewl9QUoRHKWn7iuSDgA/s400/DSC02869.JPG" border="0" /></a>After the indoor treasure hunt, we decided to take it outdoors. We had to make a few rules like do not pick the neighbors flowers and no picking up cigarettes or nasty trash. We did allow them to pick up some "clean" trash.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ws7Cj_3b8ZflFqn2N8OQuUS_Pw-2YR4mMtoVXMJFD4MiNS99etORttpLfxDmg9qftl81FdfixvTpxDOxmawrm1Yw9DdbbnNh_WmJHpZG5OoVbDpimD81ykF6Q8CrUhX0p-qe3Q/s1600-h/DSC02865.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390551664516041842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ws7Cj_3b8ZflFqn2N8OQuUS_Pw-2YR4mMtoVXMJFD4MiNS99etORttpLfxDmg9qftl81FdfixvTpxDOxmawrm1Yw9DdbbnNh_WmJHpZG5OoVbDpimD81ykF6Q8CrUhX0p-qe3Q/s400/DSC02865.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The kids have had so much fun doing this. We have been on several Treasure Hunts in the last week or so. Oh and did I mention that for toddlers, this is a great way to teach or review colors!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKFEDx7rC-B1ZsehPu_6zNR9EvLXFeP4advIEx3ehtbsxGGYBJ_zEYO7NafMVdrRw1cSNZdQkWJC_lupePXMK7QIu2t1Arl4D3q7tAO5cJX4dUSZnnFKDGCwWA_pUgrU7ePpafg/s1600-h/DSC02867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390552239355634178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKFEDx7rC-B1ZsehPu_6zNR9EvLXFeP4advIEx3ehtbsxGGYBJ_zEYO7NafMVdrRw1cSNZdQkWJC_lupePXMK7QIu2t1Arl4D3q7tAO5cJX4dUSZnnFKDGCwWA_pUgrU7ePpafg/s400/DSC02867.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-38313446037371506002009-10-05T08:33:00.004-04:002010-03-25T13:03:46.549-04:00Sausage, Peppers & Potatoes - Monday MunchiesGood 'ole meat and potatoes! This is what we are having for dinner tonight. I love this meal.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">SAUSAGE, PEPPERS & POTATOES<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span>3 lbs lean sweet and/or hot Italian sausage cut into 2-inch pieces<br />3 large onions, sliced<br />5 medium green, red and/or yellow peppers, seeded and sliced<br />1 lb potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). In a large skillet, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, over medium-high heat, brown sausages on all sides; remove sausage to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat until onions are slightly softened and lightly browned. Transfer onions to large baking dish. Add sausages, peppers and potatoes; toss lightly to mix.<br /><br />Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently, until sausage is thoroughly cooked, and potatoes are just tender. Remove from oven.<br /><br />We usually serve this with a balsamic vinegar glaze (premade from the grocery store) to put on the sausage.<br /><br />Supposedly you can freeze this, but I've never tried. Enjoy!<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-17779320647988029922009-09-30T13:57:00.003-04:002010-03-25T13:03:59.959-04:00Field Trip to Paulas Orchards<a href="http://embow.blogspot.com/2008/10/apples.html">Last year I posted about taking the kids to the orchard to pick apples</a>. We were invited by a friend to go to the same orchard for a field trip today. Let me just tell you up front the kids loved it!<br /><br />They rode on a "wagon" pulled by a tractor. They each picked a pumpkin and 3 apples. They got to play at their playground and go through the corn maze (which I thought we would never get out). They were able to see how the small apples (used for juice) are separated from the large apples (sold at the market). And my son's favorite part, they got to see the bees making honey.<br /><br />Here are some pictures to show you their fun!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhIEIEM7bxPSsQzI26USQbNXx-QdrJz7WxeW2mwr8A6QiqFgwLuxjnjQkDGMNCJpofRRnamag-4Rd4vPkl6jw74l_lWZMHADO-s9ac6bgrHaJXwmOQX5NKR1Q8MJ77ujpz0JQ/s1600-h/DSC02827.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320433902928754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhIEIEM7bxPSsQzI26USQbNXx-QdrJz7WxeW2mwr8A6QiqFgwLuxjnjQkDGMNCJpofRRnamag-4Rd4vPkl6jw74l_lWZMHADO-s9ac6bgrHaJXwmOQX5NKR1Q8MJ77ujpz0JQ/s400/DSC02827.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXGkxsXxMYkBpX1c12sRTX8bZB3U0H_E84HEP8lbJmDB92Vc6opPWuAetj34xlBzB5K5g9pUi4fvb8EpVTgSeXX_JW4wvAMir9_6VXVFvvJQBBhMuAecKeAJmt0IgDlFigAt/s1600-h/DSC02832.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320425489590706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXGkxsXxMYkBpX1c12sRTX8bZB3U0H_E84HEP8lbJmDB92Vc6opPWuAetj34xlBzB5K5g9pUi4fvb8EpVTgSeXX_JW4wvAMir9_6VXVFvvJQBBhMuAecKeAJmt0IgDlFigAt/s400/DSC02832.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0rspON7dWEhUhXOxwX3bmktL0LUSInCFLwpNnwVr6mfs50_f3tKe6uY5DTqNPJMAbq19o2bc2i_bTAvmJHUod7mifvxDiiaL09y8gsc4xBw8lcKBN1vhTM2rtXBcGv3jK8q/s1600-h/DSC02846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320416953228002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0rspON7dWEhUhXOxwX3bmktL0LUSInCFLwpNnwVr6mfs50_f3tKe6uY5DTqNPJMAbq19o2bc2i_bTAvmJHUod7mifvxDiiaL09y8gsc4xBw8lcKBN1vhTM2rtXBcGv3jK8q/s400/DSC02846.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq8c_MksJNoZB6zbdWIppYlLmS0enwdqgyhltdP3sz3BHIU2nZ9lcIgZ94VuEp9qjcDgJzB7A4IINUqD31TUSgtXYY4XwuIyAbF2JYCUntGTKFm6P8MNSCoj_rHDJiA-NvW7E/s1600-h/DSC02839.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387320408084674178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq8c_MksJNoZB6zbdWIppYlLmS0enwdqgyhltdP3sz3BHIU2nZ9lcIgZ94VuEp9qjcDgJzB7A4IINUqD31TUSgtXYY4XwuIyAbF2JYCUntGTKFm6P8MNSCoj_rHDJiA-NvW7E/s400/DSC02839.JPG" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-73625537259893226922009-09-28T07:24:00.003-04:002009-09-28T07:32:14.768-04:00Peanut Butter Balls - Monday MuchiesThese are fun to make with your kids. Let them do some of the stirring. Then they can roll the "dough" into balls. Princess' look like caterpillars sometimes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Peanut Butter Balls</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1/2 cup confectioners sugar</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1 can sweetened condensed milk</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">2 cups peanut butter</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">12 oz. semi sweet mini chocolate chips</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Mix all ingredients together. Shape into balls. Keep refrigerated.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">I wish I had a picture for you, but I'm not making them just for a picture. I would eat all of them myself!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30313194.post-22860806502610611632009-08-26T05:30:00.002-04:002009-08-26T08:56:55.395-04:00Kellogg's Fuel For School Rebate x Four!Something that I really enjoy doing is saving money on things that I purchase by using coupons. It is part of who I am and is a sort of game at times - especially when I shop at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CVS</span> (but that is a completely different post).<br /><br />I wanted to pass something along to you that I found on the blog <a href="http://becentsable.blogspot.com/2009/08/kelloggs-fuel-for-school-rebate-up-to.html">Be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Centsable</span></a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Good news for those who have already participated in the Kellogg's Fuel for School rebate program: you can actually submit up to four rebates! There are four different addresses for the rebate program, and you can submit a separate rebate form for each one. Each rebate is for $10 when you buy 10 participating products in a single transaction.</em> (you can make the deal even sweeter by using coupons when you purchase the products!)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>You must do four separate transactions and submit each receipt only once. The known addresses are listed below:<br /><br />* In-Store Coupon Booklet (P.O. Box 185116, Battle Creek, MI 49018-5116)<br /><br />* <a href="http://www2.kelloggs.com/uploadedFiles/Kellogg/Family_Focus/09_Kelloggs_DellAd_FSI_Final.pdf">Online Offer</a> (P.O. Box 7023, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-7023)<br /><br />* In-Store Ad - I found one in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Kmart</span> circular a few weeks ago. (P.O Box 7019, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-7023)<br /><br />* Fuel for School Magazine (this came with the coupons a few weeks ago)<br /><br />Participating products include:<br /><br />Any Kellogg's cereal<br />Any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keebler</span> or Austin product<br />Any Sunshine product<br />Any Eggo product<br />Any Kellogg's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nutri</span>-Grain cereal bar<br />Any Special K cereal bar<br />Any Kellogg's pop tart toaster pastries<br />Any Rice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krispie</span> Treat squares<br />Any Kellogg's fruit flavored snack<br />Any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">MorningStar</span> Farms veggie foods product<br />Any 100 Calorie Rite Bite</em> </span><br /><br />I have three of the four rebate forms, so I am definitely going to stock up on a few things! Just remember that you have to buy the 10 items in one transaction!Promiseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08411518327303012894noreply@blogger.com0