Great giveaway I hope to win

10-a-Day GIVEAWAY – The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 02:03 AM PST



Are you ready for some $5 Dinner Mom GIVEAWAY MANIA???

Nope…I’ve not gone MAD…just wanna share the L-O-V-E with you, my faithful and loyal readers!

That’s why I’m giving away 10 COPIES A DAY for the next 2 weeks!

Each day for the next 2 weeks I’ll be choosing 10 winners from those who enter…and each winner will receive a copy of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook!!!

I’ll be setting this giveaway up a little differently…so here are the rules!

Giveaway Details
1. Each person made submit 1 entry each day.

2. Share this giveaway MANIA with someone, and you get an additional entry each day. Spread the $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook love for me, huh?

3. To enter, fill out the form below (max 2 times a day). I have turned off the comments, so you won’t be able to leave comments as normal on my giveaways.

4. Random.org will choose winners every 24 hours and I will post them on the $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Winners Page. Winners will also receive an email.

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*Note: Cookbooks can only be sent to US and Canada addresses.

Enter Away!!! And don’t forget to come back tomorrow to enter again.

10-a-Day GIVEAWAY – The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook is a post from: $5 Dinners (c) 2009 $5 Dinners. Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you see this post anywhere other than your email subscription or RSS reader, then the site might be guilty of copyright infringement. Please

Time to Vent ....seriously women of the world hear my plea

So maybe because I'm not feeling well today but I seem to alway run into this problem. So it got me thinking how many women are doing this and seiously people if you do it....please stop.


I had to run to the food market, and of course had to go to the bathroom. All the stalls are occupied except one. So being 6 1/2 months preggo I run in. Just as I am pulling my pants down I thankfully look at the toilet seat. The entire thing is drenched...not water but pee. Now I understand women squat, usually I do to. But the bigger the belly is getting and the more kids I have muscles aren't quite the same. I understand the whole issue with squatting but really if you get the seat wet from your own bodily fluids...Clean Up After YOurself Please. It's one thing to have to clean after my kids all day but to have to clean up after other women in stalls before my bladder bursts because Junior is kicking my bladder is way past annoying.
So if you are not guilty of this crime, then thank you, and if you are Please think of the person coming after you, she could be an exhausted momma of soon to be 4 beautiful children who was battling a nasty cold all night and keigal muscles have gone south for the winter. Hope you all are have a great day.

Ever have days like this

How does that song go...Mama said there will be days like this. Well my momma didn't but boy oh boy am I learning. A sample of my day. We took my little angels to the Dr. with my mom and I to check up on her arm. They were perfect, Dr. kept saying how wonderful and adorable they are (yes I did puff up my chest a little hearing such wonderful comments being made) Later we get home with very long paper towel tubes the DR. decided to give my kids so they could make arts and crafts with (they made a homeschooling momma very happy) so we get home and off to work on some shakers. I bring out the beans since I didn't want to open the rice. I say to my darlings sweeties "Mom is going to run downstairs and get the tape I will be right back" I head down to the cellar and then hear little drops over my head....oh no I think they are touching the beans. "Colby why do I hear beans dropping on the floor?" in which he responds "Well mom you didn't say we couldn't touch them" ahhhh of course I didn't I forgot I need to give detailed intruction for every moment...lol...All is well we made shakers. When we were done I noticed the weather was a steaming 50 degrees and thought we need to take advantage of this warm weather before we are literally snowed in. Send them out and we play. Time to come in I ask them to wash their hands. Angels 1 and 2 do as asked....then I noticed angel number 3 is gigglinga bit much. I walk in and water has flooded my floor, she has decided to wash her hair and is drenched...lol...off I go to clean up. Then lets finish the night with a bang...literally. I am now cooking and hear bang...giggle...bang...giggle. "Um Colby what is that banging I hear?" to which he responds "Don't worry mom I'm just playing with your exercise bands" I then think well at least thay are getting some use now and continue to cook. My darling husband comes home runs upstairs to change and I hear...."MEL some here!" oh boy I'm coming. Off I come wobbling over as fast as I can. I reach upstairs and he shows me a wall full of dents and black marks. Apparently I did have something to worry about silly mom. When the angels were playing so nicely they were using my exercise bands as sling shots and making dents in my wall.......momma forgot to tell me there would be days like this. Have you had days like this?

Homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows

Marshmallows

Ingredients:
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
water
3 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

powdered sugar for slicing

Directions:
-In large saucepan over medium high heat, combine 3/4 c. water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.
-Meanwhile, in bowl of stand mixer place 3/4 c. water and sprinkle gelatin on top, let plump.
-Bringing sugar mixture to boil, place candy thermometer in middle of mixture, making sure not to touch the side or bottom of the pan and let keep a rolling boil until mixture passes 235 degrees, about 3-5 minutes.
-With mixer on low, carefully pour sugar mixture into mixer bowl and slowly raise beater to high speed.
-Beat sugar mixture on high for five minutes and then add vanilla. (If you'd like to add other flavors here like peppermint, color, or cocoa powder for chocolate, add now).
-Continue beating mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
-Meanwhile, oil a 9x13 pan for large marshmallows or two 10x10 pans for small marshmallows.
-When done beating, pour sugar mixture into pan(s), smooth top and tap to release extra air.
-Leave on counter overnight to form.
-Generously sprinkle working surface with powdered sugar, turn out marshmallow mixture, generously sprinkle with powdered sugar, and cut as desired, lightly coating marshmallow shapes with powdered sugar to avoid sticking.


Easy and Delicious Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients:
4 c. vanilla sugar
2 c. Hershey's cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
-Combine all ingredients in large bowl and whisk to combine well.

Directions for serving:
-For cold night: Mix 4 Tbsp cocoa mix to mug, add 1 c. milk and heat in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
-For a crowd: Add 3/4 c. cocoa mixture and 1/3 c. water in saucepan over medium heat, boil for 2 minutes, add 4 c. milk, heat back up and serve immediately

Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is about 1 vanilla bean to every 2 c. granulated sugar. You put the sugar in a container, scrape out the innards of the bean, add that and the bean into the sugar and let sit for about 1-2 weeks (I like 2 weeks, but I love vanilla). You can use in anything like granulated sugar.

Lots of yumminess

You don't have to be a coffee connoisseur to enjoy these sweet rolls they go well with your favorite morning drink.

1/2 cup of milk

1 egg

3 tbsp of butter

2 cups bread flour

2 tbsp of sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp of active dry yeast

1/2 cup of coursely chopped of TOASTED walnuts

1 tbsp of butter softened

5 tbsp of brown sugar

1/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup of Kahlua....don't worry the alcohol is cooked out of it so it's safe

First proof the yeast in the warm milk and sugar

Then mix together with butter and egg...mix first 7 ingredients into a dough knead well together. Then let sit for 30 minutes covered in a warm spot.

Grease 9x9x2 inch baking pan, and sprinkle toasted walnuts into pan.

On floured surface roll out dough into rectangle. Spread softened butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting from a long side, pinch seams to seal. Cut into 1 inch slices. Place slices cut side down into greased pan. Cover, let rise for another 30 mins.
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Combine whipping cream and kahlua. Pour the mixture over pan of rolls Bake 20-25 mins till light brown. Cool 5 mins, invert onto serving dish.




You'll love them in cookies

Follow my chocolate chip cookie recipe and instead of chips add Andes mints baking bits and all I can say is grab your cup of milk and enjoy. I think they just might be my favorite.


2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted & cooled until warm
1 c brown sugar, packed
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag of Andes mints baking pieces

Directions:
-Adjust oven racks to upper & lower -middle positions & heat oven to 325. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
-Whisk dry ingredients together; set aside.
-With electric mixer, or by hand, mix butter & sugars until thoroughly combined.
-Beat in egg, yolk and vanilla until combined.
-Add dry ingredients & beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in chips.
-Roll scant 1/2 cup dough into ball. Holding dough ball in fingertips of both hands, pull into 2 equal halves. Rotate halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, place formed dough onto cookie sheet, leaving ample room between each ball.
-Bake, reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are light golden brown and outer edges start to harden yet centers are still soft & puffy (about 17 minutes in my oven).
-Cool cookies on sheets until able to lift without breaking and place on wire rack to cool.


Beef Stew w/ dumpling in the Crock


1 1/2 of Beef stew meat

Bag of baby carrots

5-6 potatoes peeled and cubed

Green beans

and any other favorite veggie

1 can of golden mushroom soup

! packet of dry onion soup....expect because Mike doesn't like onions, I use a mesh colander (sp) and use only the powder and discard the dried onions

1/2 cup of red wine,

1 cup to 1/2 cup of water

1tbsp of onion powder

1tbsp of garlic powder

1 tbsp of salt

Spray crockpot with cooking spray

Then fill up with veggies then meat then rest of ingredients

Cook on high for 8 hours I sometimes do a little longer I stir throughout the day, last hour cup out some of the broth and thicken with some flour..I eye ball it sorry, then return back to crockpot. At last bring out the Bisquick. Mike and I love love love bisquick dumplings, he grew up with them, and I never had them until we got married.
Follow directions on box for drop dumpling right into the crockpot then your done. Enjoy

Please note Mike hates a lot of things..texture wise, so I have finially come up with this recipe that has a lot of flavor and Mike doen't complain over onion pieces or garlic pieces..lol...feel free to use fresh instead of powder...lol

Coconut-ginger chicken skewers

Coconut-ginger chicken skewers


1/4 cup coconut milk
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root ...if you only have ginger powder that's fine
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
salt to taste
skewers




In a shallow container, mix the coconut milk, ginger root, lemon juice, orange juice, and brown sugar. Place the chicken breasts in the mixture, and marinate at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Season chicken with salt, and thread chicken onto skewers. Discard marinade.

Place skewers on the grill (I use a George Foreman grill easy clean up), and cook 15 minutes, turning to cook on all sides, until chicken juices run clear.



I make a few then what I don't eat I freeze them for an easy lunch on days I get behind and warm them up in the oven.





Note somedays when in the mood, I add mango on the skewers or pineapple

The big glop you see in the picture is hummus....I love hummus with veggies

So what's in your fridge?

I recently had an email about food and what I usually buy, well I thought what better way to answer then to take a picture. So here it is

My fridge...tada


Lots of Kefir, we drink a lot of it. Cage free eggs, broccoli, hummus, baby thai coconut, of course hot dogs..I have kids, yogurt, pumpkin puree, oj of course Mike's diet soda (yuck)





My freezer Ezeikiel 4:9 bread, all natural sausages, vitamuffins,multi grain waffles, flax seed waffles, and since I do my big grocerie shopping every 2 weeks you see a lot of meat on the bottom drawer



Do you see those...Dianas bananas...all I can say about those is oh my goodness thet are frozen chocolate bananas and I know I can make them but such a great treat to grab one out of the freezer and indulge.


Veggie drawer



My fruit drawer with blackberries, raspberries, strawberies, pomagrante, blueberries, and grapes

Not to mention the 12 pounds yes 12 pounds of fresh oranges I keep on y basement stairs (I bought them at Aldi for 99 cents for 4 lbs, a box of clemetines (my candy) regular bananas, permissins, mangos. Oh yes I love fruit honest could possibly live off the stuff

Preggers 6 months

Tada...here's my ever growing belly

Turkey in the morning, turkey in the evening turkey at supper time...what to do with all that turkey?

So we have lots left over here. So here is one yummy way that I use up some turkey.

Turkey Tortilla Soup

2 cans of low sodium chicken broth

1 jar of your favorite salsa...I used Newman's own..the pineapple salsa

2 cups of sliced cooked turkey

2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro

1 tbs lime juice

an avocado..sliced of course

tortillas shells cut in to strips....I used whole wheat shells


In large stock pot over high heat, bring broth and salsa to boil. Reduce heat to low , cover and simmer about 15 minutes, adding turkey during last 5 minutes. Meanwhile in a nonstick skillet heat up 3 tbs oil (i used coconut oil) over medium heat. Add tortilla strips in batches , cook turning until golden. Drain on paper towels. Just before serving, sti in cilantro, and lime juice into soup, Serve and garnish with tortilla strips and avocado....Yum

Avocado chocolate pudding

I semi followed a recipe, just tweaked a little to make it a little healthier

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of Olivinia spread...I used 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 of Olivinia

1 cup of avocado puree

1 cup of powdered sugar....I thought that was crazy so I used 1/2 cup of sucanet and 2 table spoons of powdered sugar

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup of cornstarch

In med saucepan, melt spread and coconut oil over low heat. Stir in avocado puree, sucanet, and powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Cook mashing wellwith a silcone spatula to smooth out any lumps from avocado puree, until mixture thickens..3 mins about. Off the heat gradually stir in cornstarch. Serve warm with your choice of topping. We topped ours with woth fresh berries.

****Pudding is a very rich dark chocolate pudding, the kids and I like dark chocolate, I know a lot of people don't care for dark. ******

Corn and Potato Chowder

Ingredients:

3 tablesoon of butter
1 tablespoon of onion powder...because kids and Mike don't like the texture of onion (lol)
2 tablespoon of wheat flour
32 ounces of low sodium vegetable broth
3 bacon slices
2 1/2 cup of potatoes diced up
1 cup of frozen corn niblets
2 little cans of creamed corn
1 can of of cream of celery (healthy request kind)
sea salt
pepper
2/3 cup of milk....(I used light cream)
and 2 handfuls of chedder cheese

I garnished mine and the kids soup with fresh avocado

In a large saucepan dice up bacon and start cooking in dutch oven. When bacon crisps up add onion powder and stir. Add butter and mix. When melted add 2 tablespoon of whole wheat flour, coating bacon and onion powder. Add broth bring to a boil and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat add potatoes and cream of celery and simmer for about 20 mins...till potatoes are tender. Add corn, and creamed corn, add the milk. Cook for 5 mins. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Season as see fit with salt and pepper. I garnished mine with diced up fresh avocado....and enjoy

Honey Wheat Bread

1 loaf

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons instant active dry yeast

Instructions:
1. *Combine first 6 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir.

2. Add flours and yeast, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with a clean towel and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.

3. Punch dough down; knead for a few minutes until smooth and then form into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pan and cover. Let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If loaf starts browning too soon, lightly lay a piece of foil on top of the loaf to prevent too much darkening.

5. Remove bread from oven and allow to rest in pan for a few minutes. Remove to a wire rack and cover with a cloth. Slice and enjoy while still warm! Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight bag or frozen until needed.

Kefir..mmmm

If you don't know what Kefir is, it is basically like yogurt but much more nutritious. It's known for having probiotics which help in digestion. For those of you who don't drink milk or eat yogurt because of lactose intolerance, kefir can be easily digested.

Drinking the plain by itself is not that tasty. I would recommend blending it with frozen fruit or mixing it with fruit as a snack. Lifeway Kefir comes in other flavors but check the labels as they are sweetened with sugar.

If you do eat yogurt or drink milk, I would say try this product out (at least the plain version.)

Recipes

True Blue Treat
Great ice cream alternative!

Pour frozen blueberries into pretty clear bowl. Pour Strawberry Lifeway Kefir over berries to cover. Stir slightly. TRY to wait 60 seconds before eating! As blueberries melt, kefir freezes.

A scrumptious nutritious treat without additives. Very satisfying!

Good year round.



Sweetheart Cookies
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar - packed
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Lifeway Kefir
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup flour


Very Berry Smoothie
Ingredients:

* 1 cup plain Lifeway Kefir
* 1/2 cup blueberries
* 1/2 cup strawberries
* 1 cup ice cubes

Preparation: Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. If it gets too thick add a tablespoon of water. Pour into a tall glass once blended.





You can learn more about Lifeway Kefir here:

http://www.lifeway.net/

My addiction with baby thai coconuts

Well here you go....I had a couple of inquires of why I love them so much, so I'm giving you two recipes that I use the coconuts for.

*******Pink Smoothie******

The water from one (BT) coconut

frozen strawberries

one carrot

a splash of vanilla

1/2 of a beet...or a whole I use a whole because I love beets. (Boil and peel first if you don't have a juicer...I first juice my carrot and beet (raw) then add to blender with coconut water and frozen strawberries, vanilla.)

dates

Then blend everything together and enjoy...yum!


Another recipe I do with BT Coconuts is a raw chocolate pudding.

**********Raw chocolate pudding************


Fill blender with...

Meat from BT coconut

agave necter...5 tablespoons

real maple syrup just a drop or two

a cup of raw kale

organic cocoa powder, or raw powder chocolate

a dash of sea salt

1 cup of water

a handful of dates

and some raw nuts if you wish

Blend together till smooth and enjoy.

The kids and I like it and way better for you then the other stuff out there.


Another way to enjoy the Baby Thai coconut is split open and eat meat....my favorite.

Jazz up that butter baby

Orange-Honey Butter - Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup of honey and 2 tsp. of orange zest to a stick of softened butter.


Vanilla Butter - Stir in 1-2 tsp. of vanilla and 1 Tbsp. of powdered sugar to softened butter.


Berry Butter - Mix a few berries with 2-3 Tbsp. of powdered sugar into butter.


Cinnamon Butter - Add 2-3 Tbsp. sugar, 1-2 tsp. cinnamon and a small dash of vanilla to 2 sticks of softened butter. Use on bagels, pancakes, bread or even on baked sweet potatoes topped with some extra brown sugar.

I like using organic butter, and Olivina spread....great treat on toast, and I sometimes use the berry or cinnamon to soft cream cheese for an extra yummy treat.

Sunny Start Smoothie

Need a boost in the morning try this...YUM

1 cup of fresh orange juice

2 bananas- cut

2 tablespoons of honey

1 orange- peeled and cut

1/4 cup of granola

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend til smooth

Have a Peachy Day smoothie

Have a Peachy Day!


2 cups spinach
1 cup fresh Cantaloupe, cut in chunks
1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1-2 oranges juiced
Water

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. This smoothie has a very fresh, tropical taste. Perfect for breakfast or a special treat in the middle of your day! The color of this smoothie is a Technicolor green that kids love too and besides it's so yummy!

Obedience or Independence?

If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God. As soon as I obey Him, I fullfill my spiritual destiny.
Obedience is a daily choice not something we are to feel. It is the choice to forgive when hurt , to love instead of hate, to stop judgeing when it's not our place , to use kind words instead of a dagger tongue, to give instead of take, to reach out when you want to walk away. Obedience is a choice you make with your free will. Is your Independence so important that you refuse yourself peace and freedom.

More tips

De-puff
Mix together ¼ cucumber (puree) and 1 ounce of aloe vera gel---incredible de-puffer –it will keep In the fridge for a few days.
This won’t cost you a cent to look more rested (helps to de-puff under eye area)…before you rise out of bed, place a pillow under your head (elevated) for 15 min ( during that time go over your schedule, meditate or relax).

To tighten skin, apply whipped egg whites to your face with a fan brush, leave on for 20 minutes to see results.

Exfoliate your skin with 1 T applesauce and 1 T of wheatgerm add together and make a paste—apply and leave on for 10-15 min.

Lighten up those dark patches with ½ cup mint (fresh) water (brewed and strained) to ½ cup of lemon (squeezed) apply to dark areas like elbows or knees and let dry, repeat 3-5 times.

Clear up Skin with 1 T yogurt and 1 T honey, mix-apply and leave on for 15 min.

Stimulate your hair and scalp with a rosemary water, take a few stems of loaded rosemary and add to 4 cups of spring water, boil for 2-4 minutes then strain, reserve the cooled liquid for your container and use as a final rinse for your hair routine---The results will be shinier more youthful hair.

Itchy scalp? Resolve it by keeping apple cider vinegar (organic) in a squirt bottle—in your shower, after you rinsed your hair with rosemary water—squirt some vinegar on your scalp.

Beautiful hands and feet—quick and easy soft skin made simple by applying un-petroleum jelly to rough dry hands and feet before bed (cover with gloves and socks) then wake up to soft supple skin! Another one to try is simply using organic coconut oil.

DIY Highlights
1 T of Chamomile tea into 1 C of purified water strain and cool
2 lemons (squeezed)
Pour into spray bottle—leave on hair and sit in the sun for 15 min (sunscreen on your face) but even without any sun—you will still see a difference.


Hair Mask
¼ c coconut oil
3-4 drops of Rosemary essential oil
Leave on for 20 min. then rinse.

Alternative to Botox
Frownies—price is anywhere from 14.95 (drugstore.com) or 19.95 at WholeFoods—the results are amazing—they retrain the muscles around the eye, forehead and mouth area.

If Frownies is not in your budget, you can use scotch tape, the kind that you would wrap a present in—use on the wrinkles, let it stay for four hours—

Another use for tape is…wrap a piece of tape around your finger, sticky side up—pat on dry flakes of skin around the chin, nose or forehead—it is a quick way to eliminate them when your in a pinch.

On a serious note...I know these tips will help the mirror reflection,however you need to remember that you are beautiful inside and out.
God wants us to accept ourselves just as we are. He loves us and our imperfections. He wants us to be beautiful without the vanity.
You are highly valued, needed and made on purpose for a purpose!

All of these tips are from an awesome friend Shelly Ballestero which you cn find at
http://www.beautybygod.blogspot.com/

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

I came cross this article on a friend facebook and loved and tried myself ....so yummy.
Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Ingredients -

•1/2 cup of cocoa
•1 cup of water
•2 cups of sugar
•1/8 tsp salt
•1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk cocoa into the water until dissolved. Start heating on high and add the sugar. Stir well while the syrup starts to boil. Once boiling I turn it down so that it won't boil over, but I keep it high enough that it is still slightly boiling. Boil for 3 minutes. Then add the salt and vanilla and stir well. Cool and then store in the fridge for several weeks. I keep mine in an old store bought chocolate syrup container for easy pouring. You can also store in a regular tupperware container and spoon out as needed. Quick, easy and yummy! You can't beat it.


Also some great recipes I came across on www.LivingOnADime.com .

*Calico Stuffed Squash

3 small acorn squash
6 Tbsp. margarine or butter
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen mixed veggies in butter sauce*
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup walnut halves

Cut squash in halves, scoop out pulp (the stringy gooey stuff around the seeds) and seeds. Place in a shallow baking pan, cut side down. Fill baking pan with 1/2-1 inch of water. Bake at 350° for 1 hour. Carefully turn over, dot each squash with 1 Tbsp. margarine and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. brown sugar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 20 minutes more. While the squash are baking, cook veggies according to package directions. Add 1/3 cup brown sugar and walnuts. Fill centers of squash and serve. Makes 6 servings.

*Note: to make this recipe easier, you can use some canned mixed veggies with melted butter. You only really need to warm the veggies rather than worrying about cooking them when you do this.



*Speedy Breadsticks

1 (8 oz.) can of refrigerator biscuits
1 egg white, slightly beaten
Coarse salt

Heat oven to 400°. Grease a cookie sheet. Separate dough into 10 biscuits and cut each one in half. Roll into a pencil shape about 4-6 inches long. Place on cookie sheet, brush with egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden.



*Easy Pumpkin Bars

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 yellow cake mix
3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice*
1 can vanilla frosting
3 oz cream cheese, softened
Nuts, optional

Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 15x10 jelly roll pan. Combine sugar, oil, pumpkin, and eggs on high for 1 minute. Add cake mix and spice. Mix 2 minutes on high speed. Fold in nuts, pour into pan and bake for 25-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes clean.

Combine frosting and cream cheese until smooth. Frost cooled bars. Store in fridge.



*Here's the pumpkin pie spice recipe from our Dining on a Dime cookbook. You'll need to triple it if you want to use it in the above recipe. You can also make a large batch and store so that it's ready for all those holiday recipes you want to try!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/8 tsp. cloves

Mix well. Makes 1 teaspoon


Also some great tips there.....We do not celebrate Halloween, but I do take advantage of day after sales on costumes for my kids because the dress up all year and candy for cooking and treats.

Today's Tips:

Don't forget to hit the candy sales after Halloween.


Check out non-candy items, too. One year, the store had a bag of 24 bags of lunch chips for a dollar. This was an even better deal then packaging my own chips.


If you make candy for the holidays and use the melting chocolate wafers to dip it in, buy the orange wafers on clearance and add red food coloring (paste or gel) to use for Christmas.


Don't forget to think about New Year's parties. Black and silver is used a lot for them, so pick up some black plates, napkins etc.

My kids and I love this smoothie

Since everyone seems to be worried over flu's and colds...I thought I post this shake I make every week for me and the kids. The kids love this stuff.

I use my juicer first...

I juice about 5-6 apples (whatever we have on hand)

3 to 4 carrots

half a bag of spinach

1 raw beet

then transfer juice to the blender and add:

2 - 3 handful of frozen strawberries

1 banana

flaxseed oil

coconut oil, warmed in microwave to liquefy and not be gritty.

and powdered vitamin C

Blend and drink up.....My kids get so excited when they hear the juicer start, they come running.

New edition of my blog...hope it is helpful and enjoyable

Hello welcome to Wednesday October 28 2009

Starting the each blog with simply idea's on being your child's parent...things to make them feel special.

Today special tip is...Have your child tell you all her dolls and stuffed animal name, and all his superhero/action hero toys names.



So today is a rainy day here in Massachusetts. We decided to take a page out of the busy toddler book...lol...and pulled off all the sheets of the bed and made forts around the house...today I needed to change them anyways so why not have fun in the process.


"The King is enthralled with your beauty; honor him for he is your Lord" Psalm 45:11
Now some momma tips...
I love wearing red nail polish but every time I take it off my nails are yellow...so what to do?

Solution: Use acetone nail polish remover which is stronger then normal..your nails produce enough natural oil to offset the dryness from the polish remover. If the yellow still shows up, the use a toothbrush dipped in water and a few drops of traditional teeth whitener like polident or Pearl drops.

Do your lips get chapped this time of year like mine and need a little rejuvenation?

Solution: Apply non-petroleum jelly to dry lips then you an old toothbrush to gently exfoliate away dead skin.

Do you need quick relief for tired feet?

Solution: Grab a salad or mixing bowl and mix a solution of warm water, white vinegar and lemon juice. Soak your feet for 10 mins and then rinse. Pat dry and apply coconut oil ( great moisturizer) to cracked or dry feet. Cover with socks for 10 mins and then tada soft happy feet.

Is a 5 year old to young to stay alone in the car for 20 mins?

I went into the market and came out with my kids, and when we were returning the cart the car right next to the return station had this little boy seriously 5 years old waving to me. I looked in the car and he was alone. So I packed my kids in my van and drove the van and parked right behind the car and waited for the parent. 10 mins go by and ... Read Morestill nothing and the boy is sitting in the car staring at me. So go hunting for my cellphone trying to rememeber where it went in the van. another 5 mins go by I finially find my cell phone and call information for the local police depatment. After fighting with dum 411, I finially have the number and am writing it down. When low and behold the dad finially arrives after almost 20 mins. I hang up my phone and get out to confront him. I tell him that I was just in the process of calling the police and why would you leave a little child in the car alone. He yells and says "lad y I was only 5 mins" but since I had been parked behind the car for almost 20 mins I confronted him with that. Then he says the door was locked ...I laugh and start dicussing my opinion in which he backs down and says "whoa your tough and I can actually see your point, I didn't think it was that bad till now" also says "Thank you that people still care out there" shook my hand, I got say hi to the little boy..Jeff and then was off. But made me think is it common people leave 5 year olds in the car alone?

We are having a......

It's a BOY

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We had our ultrasound today....always so fun to watch the baby moving and growing. We got a chance to find out we are having a sweet bouncing baby BOY...lol and answer to my son's prayers....We are so happy.

Wordless Wednesday...plus I'm doing a giveaway

We went apple picking and I caught this moment with my husband and our beanie baby....so precious.






I will be giving away these 2 blue and white candle holders, 2 flowered candle holders, and this little ceramic flower bouquet. I will draw the winner on monday October 26. To enter leave a comment on my page and post give away on your blog to direct traffic over. Looking forward to see who wins.

Okay a couple of changes...Give Away!!!!

So I have been remodeling my blog and will beginning posting more recipes, household tips and other odds and ends. So to begin it all I thought I'd start with a give away. Thought it would be fun so here it is. I will be giving away these 2 blue and white candle holders, 2 flowered candle holders, and this little ceramic flower bouquet. I will draw the winner on monday October 26. To enter leave a comment on my page and post give away on your blog to direct traffic to over. Looking forward to see who wins.

Apple cider donuts

Ingredients
For the doughnuts:
I grate some apples to add to the batter no measurement to eyeball it
1 cup apple cider
1 cup granulated sugar
3 1/2 cups flour, plus additional for the work surface
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk (low-fat or nonfat works fine)
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider
Or for a maple syrup glaze:
1 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Or granulated sugar coating
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
And vegetable oil for frying


Directions
Boil the apple cider in small saucepan until it is reduced to 1/4 cup. That will take 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Combine the sugar and eggs, mix well, then add buttermilk, grated apples and reduced cider .
Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in another bowl.
Add these to liquid ingredients; mix just enough to combine.
Transfer dough to lightly floured parchment or wax paper and sprinkle the doughnuts with flour.
Turn the dough over onto one of the sheets and sprinkle the tops with flour.
Roll the dough until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Use more flour if the dough is still sticky.
Put the dough to the freezer until it is slightly hardened, about 20 minutes. Then remove the dough from the freezer.
Make the glaze: While the cut doughnut shapes are in the refrigerator, make the glaze by whisking together the confectioners' sugar and the cider until the mixture is smooth. (or follow the maple syrup glave recipe) Both are below) Set aside.
Using a 3-inch doughnut cutter, cut out the doughnut shapes or a glass cup and a medcine cap for hole like I did...lol.
Put the cut doughnuts and doughnut holes onto the second cookie sheet pan.
Refrigerate the doughnuts for 20 to 30 minutes. (If you have leftover dough scraps, just re-roll them, refrigerate them briefly and cut additional doughnuts from the dough.)
Add enough oil or shortening to fill a deep pan 3 inches; heat the oil to 350 F (check with a frying or candy thermomenter).
Fry several doughnuts at a time, turning once or twice, until golden brown and cooked through. That should be about 1 minutes per side. Watch them carefully; they'll quickly burn otherwise.
Remove the doughnuts with metal tongs or a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain.
While still warm, shake a few at a time in a paper bag containing cinnamon sugar OR pour the glaze (see ingredients) over them.
Cool on a rack.

How to preserve a husband.....I know I'm a total dork but I read this in an old cookbook and thought it was cute

How to preserve a husband

Be careful in selection; do not choose to unripe or to old.

Best results are obtained if he has been reared in a healthy atmosphere.

Some insist upon keeping him in a pickle. Others prefer to keep him in hot water. However, such treatment makes the husband sour, hard, and sometimes bitter.

Many wives have found that even poor varieties can be rendered tender and good a garnish of patience, the sweetening of a smile, and flavoring of a kiss to taste.

Wrap him in a mantle of charity, place him over a warm steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream.

Not Me ...Nope

I did not just sit and watch my kids play Moses and Zapporah when I had to get supper started...but they were so cute.


I did not almost pass out when we finially get invited to a friends house to only have my youngest make a mess of her house with brown paint...eek not me

I did not get embarrased when at that same friends house my husband almost breaks their kitchen chair.

I did not run to the bakery on a rainy Saturday by myself just to buy a couple of portuguese pasteries that I was craving.

I did not color my own hair and have it come out orange and have to run to the beauty supply store to have them tell me what to do to fix it. It's fixed

I did not cringe when my 5 year old decided to yell out our address at the grocery store to a little girl because he wanted to invite her over.

I did not post a not me monday on a tuesday because I was to tired to type yesterday.


Good thing I didn't do any of those things an you imagine ;0)

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Wordless Wednesday

I call this learning

Caramel Apples...tis the season

Caramel Apples Recipe

Ingredients
1 1-pound box dark brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon robust-flavored (dark) molasses
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 sturdy lollipop sticks or chopsticks
12 medium apples

Assorted decorations (such as chopped nuts, chopped raisins, mini M&M's and candy sprinkles)

Wordless Wednesday

And this what happens when I turn my back for just a minute during waterplay...she jumped right in....Happy Wednesday.

What is your Legacy

As much as I love my life, this is not my home. I am raising my children to be my legacy, my legacy in the Lord. I am building an army for God to stand up for biblical truth, to fight for faith not just any faith but the faith in that Jesus is Lord a...nd Savior and with out Him everything we do is in vain and pointless. A a beautiful woman taught me "The only thing we can bring to heaven with us is our children".

Simple everyday joys

These are a few of mine I thought I'd share I hope it inspires, brightens and reminds you how precious this life really is. Enjoy


1.Wearing a pretty apron when I cook
2. Watching the sun rise from my bedroom window
3. Reading or singing old hymns that uplift the spirit
4. Gardening
5. Looking at old photos and remembering good times
6. Collecting twigs, pinecones, leaves, sticks to make a craft with my babies.
7. Reading your favorite Psalm
8. Telling silly jokes, finding humor in life's mishaps
9. Seeing a rainbow after a storm
10. Lying on the ground cloud watching with my children
11. The smell of fresh bread baking
12. Whistling or humming a tune then break into song
13. Writing
14. Looking for four leaf clovers in hopes to really find one
15. Eating a hotdog at a ballgame, or better yet a sausage with peppers and onions
16.Singing and praying in the shower
17. Listening to the birds sing
18. Watching squirrels play tag
19. Planning a veggie garden
20. Slipping on warm clothes from the dryer
21. Playing board games with family and friends
22. The sparkle you get when you wash windows.
23. Have a kitten cuddle on your lap
24.The accomplishment of doing something to the best of your abilities
25.Hearing your chldren laugh
26. Catching or watching fireflies
27. Rocking in a chair
28. Play duck duck goose with your kids
29. Eating fresh tomatoes
30. A candle lit room
31. Reading to my children
32. Picking wild flowers.
33. Holding hands
34. Serving food to someone in need
35. Go for nature walks
36. Making someone their favorite meal
37. Warm dishes from the washer
38. Sitting in a comfortable chair
39. Listening to your grandparents relive when they were young
40. Read handwritten letters
41. Kissing your Husband goodnight
42. Sewing something you designed
43. Sleep on fresh sheets
44. Antiquing
48. Sitting together at the dinner table
49. Having your family sit together at church
50. Hearing your children sing
51. Reading a really good book.
52. Surprising you neighbor by helping them with yard work
53. Smelling fresh washed and dried clothes in your favorite scent
54. Eating fresh veggies
55. Seeing old friends
56. Holding a newborn
57. Finding out your pregnant for the first time
58. Finding out your pregnant for the 2nd time
59 finding out your pregnant 3rd time
60. Finding out your pregnant for the 4th time.
61. The hope you feel even after a miscarriage
62 Walking in light rain
63. Watching the trees change color
63. Reaching a goal
64. Wearing flipflops for the first time after winter
65. Trying a new recipe and it being a hit
66.Finding out your good at something for the first time
67. Paying your bills on time
68. Connecting with a total stranger
69. Walking by the water
70.Mowing your lawn, weeding and making your home look nice.
71. Eating a fresh picked apple thats crisp and sweet
72 Listening to live piano or violin
73. Knowing that you have God's peace everyday no matter the circumstance
74 Pumpkin picking with the kids
75 Watching your kids strawberry/blueberry pick and eat more then they pick
76. Camping
77. Giving away something you love to someone who needs it more
78. Sahring a great hug
79. Sharing the message of Christ
80. Riding a horse
81. Uplifting others with kind words
82. Watch a new life
83. Baking cookies with the kids and sharing them with your neighbor
84. Taking a shower after excercise
85. Listening to your child tell you that they love you on their own
86 When you baby gives you kisses
87. Watching the kids run to attack daddy when he gets home
89. Hearing you child say Mommy your the best cook
90 A child's face when they find out that God loves them
91 Watching your child learn
92 Being your child's teacher
93 They way your husband looks at you like your beautiful when you feel ugly
94. The smell of pine-sol floors
95 A bath with a great book
96. When you really forgive someone
97. Feeling a baby move in your belly
98. Recieving Christ into your life
99. Surrendering yourself and your life to Christ.
100. KNowing your getting better with age...like a fine wine.

Yummy Pumpkin Latte

Enjoy this coffeehouse-style drink anytime. Pumpkin melts right into the coffee and adds body and natural flavor. Creamy fat free evaporated milk adds richness and calcium, without adding extra fat. This is a great satisfying specialty beverage for all year round. It is very filling...and thick but mmmm yummy

Ingredients

1 cup strong coffee
2/3 cup Evaporated Fat Free Milk
1/4 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin ( I always have Libby cans around because I love pumpkin)
1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar ( I use splenda...and add way more...I love it sweet)
1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon


Directions
COMBINE coffee, evaporated milk, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in 2-cup microwave-safe glass measure or small saucepan. Heat until very hot (if using stove, use medium-low heat and stir occasionally). To make a foamy top to your latte much like your favorite coffee house creation, prepare as above. Carefully transfer hot mixture into blender container; cover with lid and then hold down lid with folded towel or potholder. Blend for 1 minute. Then of course I top mine with whip cream....hehe yes fat free if need be.
Enjoy

A fun trip

A couple of girlfriends and I took a coach trip to New Hampshire, to Pleasant Views Farms where they breed and grow Proven Winner brands of flowers and plants...it was a feast for the eyes and nose. Such a pleasure I enjoyed every moment.