I'm busy scoping out places to visit while we are in Orlando in December, and I stumbled across this deal for military members & their dependents. It's fantastic that Sea World is honoring our troops & their families this way! Please feel free to share with family & friends who are in the armed forces.
Get FREE admission for one day at Sea World and other Anheauser-Busch owned parks by presenting a Department of Defense ID card at the park. To get your FREE tickets, click the link for the Heroes Salute, complete the easy online application and show your ID at the gate. Or register at the park's Guest Relations window when you arrive. Either way - enjoy a FREE day at Sea World with your family! Offer expires 12/31/10.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Swagbucks Code alert!!
Do you use swagbucks for searching online? I do - and every month I earn at least $10 in Amazon gift cards for free! I also use their toolbar which randomly generates codes worth swagbucks - and if you have the toolbar, you will want to check your inbox for a 7 point code! (It expires at 7 pm PST, so hurry!) If you don't use them, give it a try - this time next year you will be able to use your free amazon (or starbucks, itunes, and many other choices) cards or prizes for Christmas! Click the link to get started!
~ Aimee
**Disclosure: If you click the link above and join, it will be through a referral link to my account, and I will receive swagbucks***
~ Aimee
**Disclosure: If you click the link above and join, it will be through a referral link to my account, and I will receive swagbucks***
Tired of turkey yet?
If so, I've got a yummy sandwich idea!
Turkey Salad Pita Pocket
1 halved whole wheat pita
1/2 cup cubed turkey mixed with 1 tsp mayonnaise (partial to Duke's here!), a squirt of dijon or honey mustard, a dash of dried tarragon, 1/4 c halved grapes, 1/4 c celery (if you like it - I don't so it doesn't go in mine!!) and a tsp or 2 of sliced or slivered almonds. Mix well, season with salt & pepper if desired, then fill pita with salad mixture. YUMMY and a change from Turkey day leftovers!!
Hope you are having a great day. It's cool, rainy, foggy & grey here in metro Atlanta. We have the strangest weather here. Yesterday the high was 43. Today it will be close to 70. And we are under a tornado watch! Can't put the summer clothes up yet!! What is it like where you are?
~ Aim
Turkey Salad Pita Pocket
1 halved whole wheat pita
1/2 cup cubed turkey mixed with 1 tsp mayonnaise (partial to Duke's here!), a squirt of dijon or honey mustard, a dash of dried tarragon, 1/4 c halved grapes, 1/4 c celery (if you like it - I don't so it doesn't go in mine!!) and a tsp or 2 of sliced or slivered almonds. Mix well, season with salt & pepper if desired, then fill pita with salad mixture. YUMMY and a change from Turkey day leftovers!!
Hope you are having a great day. It's cool, rainy, foggy & grey here in metro Atlanta. We have the strangest weather here. Yesterday the high was 43. Today it will be close to 70. And we are under a tornado watch! Can't put the summer clothes up yet!! What is it like where you are?
~ Aim
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sweet Deal on Inspirational Books
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/ ~ Save 15% and get free shipping when you use promo code 15ANDFREESHIP at checkout. Devotionals, fiction, non-fiction, bible studies and more - huge selection to choose from!
Check out the cute winter wear at Bebe Bella Designs: Children - Adult sizes Hats, mittens & scarves....so cute! Code: winter66
Offers Expires: TONIGHT!
Check out the cute winter wear at Bebe Bella Designs: Children - Adult sizes Hats, mittens & scarves....so cute! Code: winter66
Offers Expires: TONIGHT!
More cyber deals & a tip...
A few more deals....
Minted.com is offering 25% off personalized stationary today only - they have every style you can imagine! Would be a great deal for your thank you note stationary! ; ) Use code GIFTS25 at checkout.
Crane.com is offering FREE shipping with your order of $50 or more. Check out the invitations, holiday cards and more!
Another tip - put something in your cart on one of the sites you are interested in, and then save to your account and leave it there. Most companies will send you a reminder email that you have something in your cart and many will include an incentive (coupon, free shipping, etc) to entice you to complete the order!! Vistaprint does this, so does shutterfly - I am sure others do too!
~ Aimee
Minted.com is offering 25% off personalized stationary today only - they have every style you can imagine! Would be a great deal for your thank you note stationary! ; ) Use code GIFTS25 at checkout.
Crane.com is offering FREE shipping with your order of $50 or more. Check out the invitations, holiday cards and more!
Another tip - put something in your cart on one of the sites you are interested in, and then save to your account and leave it there. Most companies will send you a reminder email that you have something in your cart and many will include an incentive (coupon, free shipping, etc) to entice you to complete the order!! Vistaprint does this, so does shutterfly - I am sure others do too!
~ Aimee
Cyber Monday!
Let the Cyber Monday shopping begin!! But before you do, here are two tips...
Always google for coupon codes!! Some sites let you use more than one code - for example, you can use a code for free shipping, and a code for 15% off. Retailmenot.com & couponcabin.com are two great sites for finding coupon codes, as well!
Another tip - look at the url of the site as you are entering your payment info. It should have https:// at the beginning - the s at the end means it is a secure site!!
Now for a couple of deals....
One of my favorite sites, Artscow, has a great deal for Cyber Monday. Enter code 25OFFALL to get 25% of everything, plus free shipping! They have personalized items you design with your favorite pictures, such as note pads, purses, jewelry and much more!
Vitacost has $10 off your $100 order. We order vitamins for the kids here, as well as some for ourselves. (Hero Nutritionals for kids, Alive! for us) I also like their supplements, teas & other items. Enter code EMTEN$ at checkout for the $10 off! **Update - just got an email from them that they have FREE standard shipping on all orders, today only!!**
What deals have you found today? Happy Shopping!
Always google for coupon codes!! Some sites let you use more than one code - for example, you can use a code for free shipping, and a code for 15% off. Retailmenot.com & couponcabin.com are two great sites for finding coupon codes, as well!
Another tip - look at the url of the site as you are entering your payment info. It should have https:// at the beginning - the s at the end means it is a secure site!!
Now for a couple of deals....
One of my favorite sites, Artscow, has a great deal for Cyber Monday. Enter code 25OFFALL to get 25% of everything, plus free shipping! They have personalized items you design with your favorite pictures, such as note pads, purses, jewelry and much more!
Vitacost has $10 off your $100 order. We order vitamins for the kids here, as well as some for ourselves. (Hero Nutritionals for kids, Alive! for us) I also like their supplements, teas & other items. Enter code EMTEN$ at checkout for the $10 off! **Update - just got an email from them that they have FREE standard shipping on all orders, today only!!**
What deals have you found today? Happy Shopping!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Get $25 FREE if you open a savings account for your child(ren)!!
Although I do LOVE great bargains, you couldn't pay me to get out there with all those Black Friday shoppers! However, I have been surfing the web for deals today, and here is one that is definitely worth sharing!!
Head over to ING Direct, click on the gift bag icon that says Kids Savings Account, on the right. If either you or your child is a new ING customer, you qualify! It takes a little time to fill out all the info to open the account, but it's easy. Open the account with any amount, as little as 50 cents! Make sure to do this before Sunday at 11:59 when the deal ends!
They will have to confirm your account linking it with your existing checking or savings account, but then they will deposit $25 into the account for your kiddo. We are new to ING, so until my account is confirmed, I could only sign one of my kids up for this deal. But I called their CS # and let me tell you ~ they have GREAT customer service! I talked with a nice man named Ryan who generated a code that I will be able to use for my other kiddo's account after my account is confirmed. Yay! Who doesn't love free money in savings for your kids?!
Happy Friday, y'all!
Head over to ING Direct, click on the gift bag icon that says Kids Savings Account, on the right. If either you or your child is a new ING customer, you qualify! It takes a little time to fill out all the info to open the account, but it's easy. Open the account with any amount, as little as 50 cents! Make sure to do this before Sunday at 11:59 when the deal ends!
They will have to confirm your account linking it with your existing checking or savings account, but then they will deposit $25 into the account for your kiddo. We are new to ING, so until my account is confirmed, I could only sign one of my kids up for this deal. But I called their CS # and let me tell you ~ they have GREAT customer service! I talked with a nice man named Ryan who generated a code that I will be able to use for my other kiddo's account after my account is confirmed. Yay! Who doesn't love free money in savings for your kids?!
Happy Friday, y'all!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
How I make my Sweet Potato Pie - easier than you'd think!
We just got home from my sister's house, where we gathered with her family, my mom, and my cousin & his girlfriend. What was on the menu? Honeybaked Ham's turkey breast and spiral sliced ham, yeast rolls, two kinds of dressing, corn casserole, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, and for dessert: chocolate chip cheesecake, spice cake with ginger buttercream frosting, two bite fudgy brownies, and sweet potato pie. Oh. my. gosh. I'm so full!! Honeybaked Ham's turkey breast is sooooo good!! So what was on your table today? I love hearing about traditions that other families have!
As promised, here is my recipe (straight from the can of Glory Foods Sweet Potato Souffle)! It's my secret ingredient!!
I use two regular pie crusts instead of one deep dish, that way we get two pies out of this!!
Ingredients:
•1 15 oz. can Glory Foods® Sweet Potato Casserole
•3 Tbsp. Butter, melted
•2 ea. Eggs, large
•1 cup Sweetened condensed milk
•1 tsp. Vanilla extract
•1 tsp. Cornstarch
•1 ea. 9" Pie shell, uncooked and frozen (I use two regular pie crusts, fill each half way)
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Set rack to center of the oven and place a cookie sheet on center rack.
2.Combine all liquids in a large mixing bowl.
3.Blend in the cornstarch and mix.
4.Add Glory Foods® Sweet Potato Casserole and mix thoroughly until smooth.
5.Pour mixture into the prepared pie shell(s).
6.Place filled pie shell(s) in oven on the cookie sheet.
7.Bake for 10 minutes.
8.Reduce heat in oven to 300 degrees and bake for approximately 40 minutes.
9.Test the filling. The filling is cooked when the tip of a knife inserted in the center is clean when removed.
10.Bake until filling is set.
11.Carefully remove the pies from the oven. Allow to cool.
http://www.gloryfoods.com/recipe/index/DESSERTS/sweet_potato_pie is the direct link to the recipe & website for Glory Foods. You can also get a coupon good for any of their products off their website! Look for the clickable link at the bottom of the site for that.
Here is what the pie will look like - just add a big dollop of freshly whipped cream when you cut & serve it! SO GOOD!
I don't even bother making pumpkin pies since discovering this recipe about 5 years ago ~ it's delicious!
I'm linking this post with Family Friendly Frugality's It's Almost Friday Bloghop! Link up your blog, facebook, whatever, then visit & follow blogs new to you!
Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
~ Aimee
As promised, here is my recipe (straight from the can of Glory Foods Sweet Potato Souffle)! It's my secret ingredient!!
I use two regular pie crusts instead of one deep dish, that way we get two pies out of this!!
Ingredients:
•1 15 oz. can Glory Foods® Sweet Potato Casserole
•3 Tbsp. Butter, melted
•2 ea. Eggs, large
•1 cup Sweetened condensed milk
•1 tsp. Vanilla extract
•1 tsp. Cornstarch
•1 ea. 9" Pie shell, uncooked and frozen (I use two regular pie crusts, fill each half way)
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Set rack to center of the oven and place a cookie sheet on center rack.
2.Combine all liquids in a large mixing bowl.
3.Blend in the cornstarch and mix.
4.Add Glory Foods® Sweet Potato Casserole and mix thoroughly until smooth.
5.Pour mixture into the prepared pie shell(s).
6.Place filled pie shell(s) in oven on the cookie sheet.
7.Bake for 10 minutes.
8.Reduce heat in oven to 300 degrees and bake for approximately 40 minutes.
9.Test the filling. The filling is cooked when the tip of a knife inserted in the center is clean when removed.
10.Bake until filling is set.
11.Carefully remove the pies from the oven. Allow to cool.
http://www.gloryfoods.com/recipe/index/DESSERTS/sweet_potato_pie is the direct link to the recipe & website for Glory Foods. You can also get a coupon good for any of their products off their website! Look for the clickable link at the bottom of the site for that.
Here is what the pie will look like - just add a big dollop of freshly whipped cream when you cut & serve it! SO GOOD!
I don't even bother making pumpkin pies since discovering this recipe about 5 years ago ~ it's delicious!
I'm linking this post with Family Friendly Frugality's It's Almost Friday Bloghop! Link up your blog, facebook, whatever, then visit & follow blogs new to you!
Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
~ Aimee
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Dogs in Piggy Blankets ~ A Christmas Eve tradition!
My mom makes these on Christmas Eve- they are SO good!! Our Christmas Eve family get together is a tradition that dates back almost 20 years. We all meet at Mom's at about 6 pm. She makes these and her famous cheese grits. My sister makes her awesome cheese eggs and cinnamon rolls. I usually bring yeast rolls with sausages (Thanks to Sister Schubert!), plus turkey bacon & juice. My SIL brings hashbrowns & turkey sausage. We feast, we open gifts, we have fun. It's truly one of the best nights of the year!
Dogs in Piggy Blankets
16 oz pkg bacon
1 lb little smokies
1/3 packed c brown sugar
Cut the bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each sausage with one 1/3 of bacon, secure it with a toothpick. Place in a baking dish. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees. These are insanely delicious with breakfast food - eggs, omelets, grits, quiche, etc!
Dogs in Piggy Blankets
16 oz pkg bacon
1 lb little smokies
1/3 packed c brown sugar
Cut the bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each sausage with one 1/3 of bacon, secure it with a toothpick. Place in a baking dish. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees. These are insanely delicious with breakfast food - eggs, omelets, grits, quiche, etc!
How to make Pumpkin Butter - a great hostess gift!
Pumpkin Butter
3 1/2 c cooked or canned pumpkin
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 3/4 oz box powdered fruit pectin
4 1/2 c sugar
In a large saucepan, add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice & fruit pectin, mix well. Cook over high heat, stir until it comes to a low boil. Immediately add the sugar, stir well. Bring to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, stir constantly. Remove from heat, ladle into jars with lids. Tie with a cute ribbon & homemade tag. Store in the fridge for up 3 weeks. (Makes about 5 1/2 cups).
Delicious on my sweet potato biscuits!
3 1/2 c cooked or canned pumpkin
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 3/4 oz box powdered fruit pectin
4 1/2 c sugar
In a large saucepan, add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice & fruit pectin, mix well. Cook over high heat, stir until it comes to a low boil. Immediately add the sugar, stir well. Bring to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, stir constantly. Remove from heat, ladle into jars with lids. Tie with a cute ribbon & homemade tag. Store in the fridge for up 3 weeks. (Makes about 5 1/2 cups).
Delicious on my sweet potato biscuits!
Cyber Monday Cellfire Deal!
Cellfire’s Cyber Monday Contest is a doozie! Log in to your Cellfire account at http://www.cellfire.com/ on Monday, November 29 between 3 PM EST to 8 PM EST and find out if you are the instant winner of one of 1,000 special $5 OFF coupons. (Valid at Kroger and Kroger owned stores only.) I love my cellfire savings, so I've just added this to my calender so I don't forget!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Best Corn Casserole EVER!
This is an absolute must-have casserole at just about every holiday gathering! If I don't make it, I'm going to hear about it! This recipe is originally from my Aunt Anne and is in our family cookbook. I come from a long line of cooks and I've been making it since I was a teenager. My family loves it, and I do too! I usually double this so we have lots of leftovers.
the casserole heading into the oven...
My corn casserole is on the right, don't you love that golden crust it develops on top?!
The Best Corn Casserole Ever!
1 17 oz can cream style corn
1 17 oz can whole kernel corn (drain)
2 eggs
1 c sour cream
1/2 c butter
1 8 oz box Jiffy Corn muffin mix
extra butter pats
Combine corn, eggs, sour cream, margarine, and dry muffin mix in a large bowl, mix well until combined. Pour into a greased 9 x13 baking dish, dot with butter pats, bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes or until set. Delicious!!
** Very easy to double this recipe - it feeds a crowd! Just increase baking time and check at 60 minutes. **
this is what it looks like on my counter after I make a double batch!
The Best Corn Casserole Ever!
1 17 oz can cream style corn
1 17 oz can whole kernel corn (drain)
2 eggs
1 c sour cream
1/2 c butter
1 8 oz box Jiffy Corn muffin mix
extra butter pats
Combine corn, eggs, sour cream, margarine, and dry muffin mix in a large bowl, mix well until combined. Pour into a greased 9 x13 baking dish, dot with butter pats, bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes or until set. Delicious!!
** Very easy to double this recipe - it feeds a crowd! Just increase baking time and check at 60 minutes. **
Easy appetizers for Thanksgiving Day
Try one or two of these on a platter while you and your family are preparing your feast on Thursday! Easy and delicious!!
Greek-style Crostini
Toast baguette slices, rub warm bread with peeled garlic clove, then top with hummus. In a small bowl, mix chopped cucumber, tomato, black or kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese with a dash of olive oil, salt & pepper. Spoon mixture onto toasts & serve.
Italian Prosciutto Crostini
Brush baguette slices with olive oil, toast. Spread ricotta cheese on each slice, then drizzle some honey over it. Top with a thin slice of prosciutto, serve.
Spinach & Artichoke Crostini
Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil, toast. Mix drained, chopped artichokes into a container of spinach dip. Spoon onto toasts, top with a dash of grated parmesan, serve.
Beef & Cheese Crostini
Spread bread slices with herbed cheese spread, toast. Top with thin slices of deli roast beef, serve
You can use any type of loaf bread for these, whole grain, French, sourdough - play around with it for different flavors!
Greek-style Crostini
Toast baguette slices, rub warm bread with peeled garlic clove, then top with hummus. In a small bowl, mix chopped cucumber, tomato, black or kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese with a dash of olive oil, salt & pepper. Spoon mixture onto toasts & serve.
Italian Prosciutto Crostini
Brush baguette slices with olive oil, toast. Spread ricotta cheese on each slice, then drizzle some honey over it. Top with a thin slice of prosciutto, serve.
Spinach & Artichoke Crostini
Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil, toast. Mix drained, chopped artichokes into a container of spinach dip. Spoon onto toasts, top with a dash of grated parmesan, serve.
Beef & Cheese Crostini
Spread bread slices with herbed cheese spread, toast. Top with thin slices of deli roast beef, serve
You can use any type of loaf bread for these, whole grain, French, sourdough - play around with it for different flavors!
Butternut Squash Fries & Maple Cream dipping sauce
This is a recipe from Rachael Ray that we love. I had never tried Butternut squash until I made this recipe in 2006 - it's a little spicy but then you have the sweet, creamy dipping sauce - divine!! It's a fall favorite around here!
1 Butternut squash, about 2 lbs, halved lengthwise, seeded & peeled
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 c sour cream
2 Tbs maple syrup
3 Tbs coarse salt
1.2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Preheat oven to 425. Cut squash into 1/2 inch sticks, about 3 inches wide. In a large bowl, toss the squash with the olive oil. Spread single layered onto a foil lined baking sheet, roast until golden & tender when tested - about 35 minutes. In a small bowl, combine sour cream with syrup. In another small bowl, mix salt & spices. Sprinkle seasoned salt onto fries, serve with dipping sauce.....yuummmmmmm!
1 Butternut squash, about 2 lbs, halved lengthwise, seeded & peeled
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 c sour cream
2 Tbs maple syrup
3 Tbs coarse salt
1.2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Preheat oven to 425. Cut squash into 1/2 inch sticks, about 3 inches wide. In a large bowl, toss the squash with the olive oil. Spread single layered onto a foil lined baking sheet, roast until golden & tender when tested - about 35 minutes. In a small bowl, combine sour cream with syrup. In another small bowl, mix salt & spices. Sprinkle seasoned salt onto fries, serve with dipping sauce.....yuummmmmmm!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A few spa-style treatments to pamper yourself during the holidays!
Here are a few of the spa-style recipes I use to pamper myself. The next 5 weeks or so are going to be crazy ~ so don't forget to take some time for you!! Mix one or two of these up & disappear into the bath for while. Don't forget a glass of wine, or a mug of cocoa plus a fabulous book to escape into!
Oatmeal Scrub:
Blend 1/2 c instant oatmeal
1/2 c olive oil
2 tsp honey
a few drops of your favorite essential oil - I love using lavender oil!
Blend until it makes a soft paste. Use in shower once a week for gentle exfoliation, plus it is very soothing for dry, itchy winter skin!
Coffee Citrus Scrub (from the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes):
2 Tbsp fresh ground coffee
1 Tbs fresh squeezed orange juice
1 Tbs olive oil
zest from one orange peel
Combine ingredients in a bowl. In the shower, smooth scrub over your body using a circular motion. Rinse off, pat dry, moisturize. The caffeine is reputed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, athe orange juice detoxifies, and the olive oil moisturizes!
Scented Bath Salts:
2 c. Epsom salts
1 c sea salt
1/4 tsp glycerin
essential oils - I like peppermint, vanilla, or lavender for these salts (or divide salts into several bowls and make batches of different fragrances)
Combine salts in a mixing bowl. Stir in glycerin & 6 - 10 drops of essential oil. Mix well. Spoon bath salts into a pretty jar or other container with tight fitting lid. These make a great gift, too - package in a plastic bags or containers, with a pretty handmade tag.
Milk & Honey Pedi Soak
Mix 1/2 c sugar & 1/2 cup olive oil. Fill a soaking bowl with warm milk, and a few teaspoons of honey. Soak your feet for 5 minutes, then scrub feet with the sugar scrub, focus on heels and any rough patches. Rinse & pat dry, then use your favorite lotion to moisturize. Wear your favorite socks after this soak/scrub to allow lotion to soak in!
Oatmeal Scrub:
Blend 1/2 c instant oatmeal
1/2 c olive oil
2 tsp honey
a few drops of your favorite essential oil - I love using lavender oil!
Blend until it makes a soft paste. Use in shower once a week for gentle exfoliation, plus it is very soothing for dry, itchy winter skin!
Coffee Citrus Scrub (from the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes):
2 Tbsp fresh ground coffee
1 Tbs fresh squeezed orange juice
1 Tbs olive oil
zest from one orange peel
Combine ingredients in a bowl. In the shower, smooth scrub over your body using a circular motion. Rinse off, pat dry, moisturize. The caffeine is reputed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, athe orange juice detoxifies, and the olive oil moisturizes!
Scented Bath Salts:
2 c. Epsom salts
1 c sea salt
1/4 tsp glycerin
essential oils - I like peppermint, vanilla, or lavender for these salts (or divide salts into several bowls and make batches of different fragrances)
Combine salts in a mixing bowl. Stir in glycerin & 6 - 10 drops of essential oil. Mix well. Spoon bath salts into a pretty jar or other container with tight fitting lid. These make a great gift, too - package in a plastic bags or containers, with a pretty handmade tag.
Milk & Honey Pedi Soak
Mix 1/2 c sugar & 1/2 cup olive oil. Fill a soaking bowl with warm milk, and a few teaspoons of honey. Soak your feet for 5 minutes, then scrub feet with the sugar scrub, focus on heels and any rough patches. Rinse & pat dry, then use your favorite lotion to moisturize. Wear your favorite socks after this soak/scrub to allow lotion to soak in!
Try topping your Thanksgiving desserts with one of these!
Amaretto Whipped Cream:
Beat 1 c heavy whipping cream with 2 Tbs confectioners sugar & 1 Tbs amaretto ( or 1/4 tsp almond extract) until stiff. Chill before serving. Tastes incredible on chocolate cake or cherry pie!
Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
Beat 1 c heavy whipping cream, 3 Tbs sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until stiff. Chill before serving. Yummy on pumpkin pie, gingerbread, or try a dollop in coffee or hot cocoa.
Lemon Whipped Cream:
Beat 1 c heavy cream, 3 Tbs confectioners sugar and 1 tsp lemon zest until stiff. Chill before serving. This is fantastic on gingerbread, pound cake or bread pudding.
Beat 1 c heavy whipping cream with 2 Tbs confectioners sugar & 1 Tbs amaretto ( or 1/4 tsp almond extract) until stiff. Chill before serving. Tastes incredible on chocolate cake or cherry pie!
Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
Beat 1 c heavy whipping cream, 3 Tbs sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until stiff. Chill before serving. Yummy on pumpkin pie, gingerbread, or try a dollop in coffee or hot cocoa.
Lemon Whipped Cream:
Beat 1 c heavy cream, 3 Tbs confectioners sugar and 1 tsp lemon zest until stiff. Chill before serving. This is fantastic on gingerbread, pound cake or bread pudding.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
One of my favorite bar cookie recipes!
I am blessed to come from a family of insanely good cooks. ; )
My Nana, my Mom & my Grandmother all taught me how to cook & bake, and they;ve shared their love of food, cooking & baking with me. I hope I've shared that love with my kids too - already my sweet Katie is quite the baker, and she loves cooking dinner for us, too!
I've been going through my family cookbooks in preparation for my holiday baking and came across this yummy bar cookie recipe that came from my Nana. The first time I tried these at a family Christmas get-together, I had to have her recipe! They are now a family favorite, and unlike anything I've ever made before - the combination of marshmallow, chocolate, peanuts & peanut butter, plus crispy rice is just delicious!
I hope y'all enjoy these, I wish I had a picture of them! When I bake a batch in the next couple of weeks, I'll post a picutre on here.
Nana's Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars
3/4 c butter
1 1/2 c sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 Tbs cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped peanuts
4 c miniature marshmallows
Topping:
8 oz chocolate chips
3 Tbs butter
1 c peanut butter
2 c rice krispies cereal
In a mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, salt & cocoa. Add to creamed mixture, stir in nuts. Spread in a greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows over cake evenly. Return to oven for 2 - 3 minutes. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over cake, cool. For topping, combine chocolate chips, butter & peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until melted; remove from heat & stir in cereal. Spread over bars. Chill, cut into squares. Makes about 3 dozen.
My Nana, my Mom & my Grandmother all taught me how to cook & bake, and they;ve shared their love of food, cooking & baking with me. I hope I've shared that love with my kids too - already my sweet Katie is quite the baker, and she loves cooking dinner for us, too!
I've been going through my family cookbooks in preparation for my holiday baking and came across this yummy bar cookie recipe that came from my Nana. The first time I tried these at a family Christmas get-together, I had to have her recipe! They are now a family favorite, and unlike anything I've ever made before - the combination of marshmallow, chocolate, peanuts & peanut butter, plus crispy rice is just delicious!
I hope y'all enjoy these, I wish I had a picture of them! When I bake a batch in the next couple of weeks, I'll post a picutre on here.
Nana's Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars
3/4 c butter
1 1/2 c sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 Tbs cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped peanuts
4 c miniature marshmallows
Topping:
8 oz chocolate chips
3 Tbs butter
1 c peanut butter
2 c rice krispies cereal
In a mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, salt & cocoa. Add to creamed mixture, stir in nuts. Spread in a greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows over cake evenly. Return to oven for 2 - 3 minutes. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over cake, cool. For topping, combine chocolate chips, butter & peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until melted; remove from heat & stir in cereal. Spread over bars. Chill, cut into squares. Makes about 3 dozen.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010
Have you logged onto Cellfire.com today?
If you are a member of Cellfire.com, go log in tonight! If you aren't a member - join, pronto! Cellfire.com offers e-coupons for your store loyalty card that you redeem when you check out. Tonight and tomorrow morning (until 11:59 am PST) they are offering a Cinderella Coupon Promotion, where you could instantly win a $1, $5, or $10 credit to use at your grocery store! If you are a winner, you will see the winning coupon when you log in, and you will need to save it to your card in order to redeem it. Good luck!!
Happy Birthday D!!!
What a crazy week it has been! Between dealing with some nuttiness with PTA, to throwing a party together in 3 days, I've been a little frazzled.
David was able to convince us with his constant pleading, and big blue sad puppy eyes that his party neeeeeded to be at Stars & Strikes, the bowling alley/arcade/fun place. Only 3 friends (plus one's little brother) were able to come, so it was just the 4 of them playing bumper cars, laser tag, and then running free in the arcade!! They gave us a sweet party hostess who ran interference for me and handled candle lighting, cupcake handoffs and more!
I made some cupcakes with sprinkles to mimic storebought confetti ones, then added milk chocolate frosting (alas, from a can!)and then added some cute sprinkles from Wilton with purple jimmies, colorful dots and lots of stars. They were really cute.
Goody bags were different this year - no toys or junk that will end up in the trash. Instead I raided my back-to-school box and gave the kids a composition book, a pen with multicolored ink options, a package of mechanical pencils, crayons, ring pops, and assorted candy. His class is focusing heavily on journaling, so I thought that would be a great way to continue the learning at home! Hopefully the kids enjoyed their bags - I know his friend Kennedy did, she sat down at a booth with the crayons and comp. book ready to get busy!!
Here are a few pics ~
Yes, even the birthday boy got a goody bag, though the majority of the candy & ring pops were gone before I got a picture of it!!
I wish I'd gotten pics of the arcade. Compared to the ones we had growing up (Goldmine, 2001, etc), and even compared to our usual game place - Chuck E Cheese, this one was incredible!! They had Guitar Hero, simulation rides (the kids went to a haunted mine on one of those), Dance Dance Revolution, and so much more. There is even one of those claw game (you get to try to grab Ipods, no less!) that is the size of my closet!! Can you tell we don't get out to places with arcades much?
It turned out to be a super-fun night that David will always remember, and Stars & Strikes made it easy by giving us such a great hostess to take care of the details. Katie wants to have her 17th party at their Boutique bowling lanes, and David said he is having #8 there as well!!
David was able to convince us with his constant pleading, and big blue sad puppy eyes that his party neeeeeded to be at Stars & Strikes, the bowling alley/arcade/fun place. Only 3 friends (plus one's little brother) were able to come, so it was just the 4 of them playing bumper cars, laser tag, and then running free in the arcade!! They gave us a sweet party hostess who ran interference for me and handled candle lighting, cupcake handoffs and more!
I made some cupcakes with sprinkles to mimic storebought confetti ones, then added milk chocolate frosting (alas, from a can!)and then added some cute sprinkles from Wilton with purple jimmies, colorful dots and lots of stars. They were really cute.
Goody bags were different this year - no toys or junk that will end up in the trash. Instead I raided my back-to-school box and gave the kids a composition book, a pen with multicolored ink options, a package of mechanical pencils, crayons, ring pops, and assorted candy. His class is focusing heavily on journaling, so I thought that would be a great way to continue the learning at home! Hopefully the kids enjoyed their bags - I know his friend Kennedy did, she sat down at a booth with the crayons and comp. book ready to get busy!!
Here are a few pics ~
Yes, even the birthday boy got a goody bag, though the majority of the candy & ring pops were gone before I got a picture of it!!
I wish I'd gotten pics of the arcade. Compared to the ones we had growing up (Goldmine, 2001, etc), and even compared to our usual game place - Chuck E Cheese, this one was incredible!! They had Guitar Hero, simulation rides (the kids went to a haunted mine on one of those), Dance Dance Revolution, and so much more. There is even one of those claw game (you get to try to grab Ipods, no less!) that is the size of my closet!! Can you tell we don't get out to places with arcades much?
It turned out to be a super-fun night that David will always remember, and Stars & Strikes made it easy by giving us such a great hostess to take care of the details. Katie wants to have her 17th party at their Boutique bowling lanes, and David said he is having #8 there as well!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The best Christmas gift ever...
I'm SO excited, my sweet friend Stephanie, (from the Halloween party!) invited us to go with them to Orlando the week after Christmas! She and her husband have rented a house down there with 6 bedrooms and a fabulous heated pool! There is one other couple going as well - it is going to be fantastic!
Six years ago I wrote for a local website - AtlantaChristianWeekly.com, as a features editor & columnist. I did reviews of local attractions, concerts, etc, as well as a few travel feature/reviews on Savannah, South Georgia, & Central Florida & Orlando. One reason I started this blog was to be able to review more places to share with all of y'all. And this trip offers me the perfect opportunity to start reviewing more - I've not really done that since summer! (Well, except for the Melting Pot last month- does that count?) So I'm hoping to visit & review a few new places while we are down there and share them with you!! Maybe you will find a new place or two to visit on your next trip to Florida!
Tomorrow is David's party ~ I'll share the details of that either tomorrow night or the next day. It's just been super-busy here and I haven't had much time to myself at all, so new posts here or on the blog FB page!! Thanks for being patient with me, I will be back soon to share more with you! I'm also working on a very frugal craft that will highlight my Grandmother's vintage glass ball ornaments - it is so pretty and easy-peasy to make! Pics of that to follow!
~ Aimee
Six years ago I wrote for a local website - AtlantaChristianWeekly.com, as a features editor & columnist. I did reviews of local attractions, concerts, etc, as well as a few travel feature/reviews on Savannah, South Georgia, & Central Florida & Orlando. One reason I started this blog was to be able to review more places to share with all of y'all. And this trip offers me the perfect opportunity to start reviewing more - I've not really done that since summer! (Well, except for the Melting Pot last month- does that count?) So I'm hoping to visit & review a few new places while we are down there and share them with you!! Maybe you will find a new place or two to visit on your next trip to Florida!
Tomorrow is David's party ~ I'll share the details of that either tomorrow night or the next day. It's just been super-busy here and I haven't had much time to myself at all, so new posts here or on the blog FB page!! Thanks for being patient with me, I will be back soon to share more with you! I'm also working on a very frugal craft that will highlight my Grandmother's vintage glass ball ornaments - it is so pretty and easy-peasy to make! Pics of that to follow!
~ Aimee
Friday, November 12, 2010
Kids Birthday Parties
Quick question for y'all...
We're trying to put together a small party for David's birthday - his 7th!! For the last three years, he has wanted a Chuck E Cheese party, but this year he is wanting something different. I'm considering a party at the Monkey Joe's jumpy place, or the bowling alley where the kids could play laser tag, bumper cars and arcade games. For 5 kids either of these will run me $100 just to put the kids in the party - not including cake, goody bags, or any extras! I'm just not crazy about having a party at the house - just don't have the room! So I've got to find something - I don't want to spend that much if I don't have to...
So here's where I need help from you...Where do y'all have your kiddos' parties at? I need some ideas, and FAST! What places am I forgetting to check?
Thanks for any feedback - I appreciate your ideas!!
~ Aimee
We're trying to put together a small party for David's birthday - his 7th!! For the last three years, he has wanted a Chuck E Cheese party, but this year he is wanting something different. I'm considering a party at the Monkey Joe's jumpy place, or the bowling alley where the kids could play laser tag, bumper cars and arcade games. For 5 kids either of these will run me $100 just to put the kids in the party - not including cake, goody bags, or any extras! I'm just not crazy about having a party at the house - just don't have the room! So I've got to find something - I don't want to spend that much if I don't have to...
So here's where I need help from you...Where do y'all have your kiddos' parties at? I need some ideas, and FAST! What places am I forgetting to check?
Thanks for any feedback - I appreciate your ideas!!
~ Aimee
Monday, November 1, 2010
We have a WINNER!
I used random.org to pick a number from the comments on the contest post, and the winner is:
KatieCan86 ~ Comment #23
Congratulations!! I'm sending you an email to get your mailing info!!
****And just in case: If I haven't reached Katie within 48 hours, we'll draw another name****
Thanks again for reading/following my blog, and entering my first giveaway contest! Love y'all!!!
KatieCan86 ~ Comment #23
Congratulations!! I'm sending you an email to get your mailing info!!
****And just in case: If I haven't reached Katie within 48 hours, we'll draw another name****
Thanks again for reading/following my blog, and entering my first giveaway contest! Love y'all!!!
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