Sunday, November 30, 2014

Making Christmas festive and magical for your kids part 1




One thing I know I've done right is making the Holidays Special for my kids. They get sooo
excited even though mine are now teenagers they still want to participate in Holiday traditions we have created.
One that I started was buying one of these advent calendars.  Since I have 2 kids one would get evens and one would get odds.  We decide it the day before it starts and trust me they keep track:) I told them if they peeked at the days before the day comes I would do away with-they haven't peeked.
I started with a candy one and one like this so one day they would get candy and one day they would get a surprise from the advent calendar. We did away with the candy-they out grew that one-trying to be more healthy too.
Originally I tried to find things to fit in the drawers-I will save you the frustration almost nothing fits...solution-I made it into a scavenger hunt where I write a clue on Christmas paper their surprise is hidden in the location on the paper. Some of the drawers have money-always fun! I always make it even so no one feels like someone got something more or better-it keeps things happy and I am telling you they love this! When they were younger I would get some of the fun things at Michaels like, Lyndt candy soldier, reindeer that poops out candy-they think it is funny:) or a rubber duck for bath time fun that has a Santa's hat, etc. Now that they are older I do money, dollar scratch off lottery tickets, Gatorade(my kids love drinks) My youngest son loved gum-now he has braces-so not this year:) I go to the dollar store and the little bottles of fruit juice that look like champagne bottles-they love those, silly string and party poppers, etc. What they like that is fun some are edible, some are to make them laugh and some are things that are small that they really want-it is all about the element of surprise...anticipation. Have fun with it...watching your kids loving it is so rewarding:)
  Snowman Advent Display
This one is from Lillian and Vernon. You can find them at Target,Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Etc.
When my kids have kids I will buy one for them to continue the tradition. They range from $15-$30.
You could make your own with small jewelry boxes-just an idea:0

I will share other traditions and recipes I have done with my kids that make their Christmas special.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

Perfect for Guests to wake up to the smell..it smells like doughnuts cooking...at least that is what my son Brandt asked when he came down this morning-Mom are you making doughnuts?
I have made this several times before, it is very easy and delicious!
It is the perfect breakfast for guests to eat with some fruit when they wake up with their coffee or drink of choice. 
My boys game and tend to sleep in late so this is perfect for them as they wake up they cut a slice and ask what is for lunch:)
That is how we roll...I have to think ahead on meals because my family is all about the food:0




Cinnamon Brown Sugar Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
Nonstick spray
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar



Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a Bunt pan with nonstick spray.

Using an electric mixer, mix together the butter and 2 cups of sugar in a small bowl. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla and mix until blended. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just blended, then and the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, brown sugar and mix until well combined.

Pour half of the batter into the Bunt pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter over the sugar mixture. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool until just slightly warm. Remove the cake from the Bunt pan to a serving dish and sprinkle powdered sugar over the top.

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Food network

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving Pies


Freshly made this morning
 
Blueberry Pie-
it smelled so good when it came out of the oven my son Blake said he smelled it up stairs and it smelled better than he remembered. I do not cook pies very often mainly on Holidays and birthdays. Blake requested this one-it is one of my favorites too-with a scoop of vanilla ice cream-Heaven:)

Butterscotch Pie-
My son Brandt and my husband's request.
Blake was like no! not butterscotch again! We had it for Brandt's and  my husband's birthday-they requested it-I do not like but they love it-it is my husband's family recipe. I must admit it smelled amazing when I was cooking it.
 I  made both-why not make everyone happy:)
 
Now it is on to Potato Leek soup, Au gratin potatoes, mashed potatoes(yes 2 potatoes to make everyone-Happy:)Fresh asparagus, rolls and Honey Baked Ham-Plan B because our deep freeze
died and we had to have our turkey earlier this week. My son Blake is ribbing me that it must be Christmas because we are having ham:) We do not usually have ham then either but we were going to because the boys were craving it. Now it will be Turkey for Christmas:0 It is all good:)
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving Tips for saving Time and impress your guests



Ingenious Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks
to save time and Wow your guests



Set The Table Early

Don't Swipe 4 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
Have the kids help
  Making Thanksgiving dinner comes down to time management. You want to have everything in place exactly when you need it. This is why it's so important to set the table early.


Cranberry Cocktail

Don't Swipe 10 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
Just take an ounce of cranberry sauce, and ounce of bourbon, and an ounce of amaretto. Mix it all up, add some ginger ale and ice, and you've got yourself a delicious Thanksgiving cocktail.


Use a Turkey cooking bag
Don't Swipe 12 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
Cooking your turkey in a bag helps to seal in moisture making for more tender meat,  it cuts cooking time by about 1/3rd. and it is  incredibly simple.
via cleverhousewife / Emily Lyon


Wine Glasses Cut Pastry
Don't Swipe 0 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
If you don't keep a biscuit cutter handy, just use a wine glass. It will cut perfect circles of any pastry you have. Plus, I'm a firm believer that if a wine glass is out, there should be something in it, which means you get to drink and cook at the same time!
via South By Southeast


 
Wow everyone!
By now you've hopefully got everything ready and you're about to sit down to eat - this is when you reveal the beautiful apple swans you've skillfully carved. Not only do they look beautiful but they're also edible. Your guests will be awestruck!
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
Remember, it is really about being together as a family and being Thankful for all you have to be Thankful for-precious moments:)
 
Seen on Diply

Pre-Black Friday Sale great unique gifts for those on yor lists

Up to 80% off  Black Friday Sale.
Plus, free shipping on orders of $25 or more  coupon code "SHIPFALL".
Get an extra 25% off orders of $100 or more via coupon code "EARLY25".
(You can use only one code per order, so choose wisely.)
Shipping starts at $9.99.



personalized golf link toppers
personalized golf link toppers
      
Sale $17.50                                                                                                                                        
Original $35.00                     
 
 
 
   
 
etched glass decanters
                                                                                                                  
Sale $36.99      
starting at $99.00                   


wooden wine glass appetizer tray set
  wooden wine glass appetizer tray set
 Sale $25.99
Original $35.00
 
curve bluetooth wireless iPhone hand set
             
Sale $13.99                                                                                                                               
Original $100.00         
 
You can find these and more at Red Envelope.com       
Dealnews                                   

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Teenage Trend Gaming Party



  My 15 year old son has been telling me about parties he has been invited to. It must be a new teenage party trend. The first one was in one of his friends parents large garage...about 10 kids and their computers game for 2-3 days. I had never heard of anything like that. He didn't go to that one because he was grounded from his computer...I'll spare you the details:)
This week starting yesterday another one of his friends parents own a Roller Rink and they closed it for a 3 day gaming party. My son went last night with his gaming computer and our blow up mattress. I asked him to take pictures. I am curious. He will not stay for 3 days-we discussed one night and I would pick him up in the afternoon or evening the next day.
He just texted me and wants to stay another night...
My thoughts were... how are they going to have enough power for all those computers?
What will you eat?   Will parents be present?
My husband said they were all geeks. He said no one said "Hi!" they just had their heads into their computers gaming.

How to not Pack on Pounds with Holiday Indulges



Exercise Equipment for Before (And After) the  Holiday Dinners, Parties and Cookies.
We know we are going to indulge, it is that time of year...battle the bulge with more Exercise!
Here are some great deals on some equipment to keep you on track.


AeroPilates Pro Machine
Some day I hope to have one of these in my home
 gym-they are awesome-I've used it at Bally's.
 AeroPilates Pro Machine

Sale $770.95
original    $1,200.00

RKS DVD Workout Set
RKS DVD Workout Set
Get yourself in shape at home with this 9-DVD workout video set, featuring 16 half-hour workouts with cardio and strength training exercises.

Sale  $47.95
Original    $119.99

  7-Piece Dumbbell & Rack Set
7-Piece Dumbbell & Rack Set

Sale $46.95
     Original     $104.00





Flywheel 22-Pound Studio Bike

Sale $165.95
          Original  $225.99




JFit Jump Rope

Sale  $10.95
Original   $18.00


Stability Exercise Ball
Stability Exercise Ball

Sale   $19.95
Original     $29.40


Adjustable Ankle Weight

   Sale $15.95
Original   $38.00




Available in the Pre-Turkey Trot shop at Joss and Main.com

Monday, November 24, 2014

Thanksgiving Plan B-rolling with the unexpected



  I have been planning for Thanksgiving... cleaning, decorating the house, purchased the turkey on sale and put it in the deep freeze. I wait until 2 days before to buy the fresh food so it is really fresh.
It is one of my family's favorite holidays...I cook for 2 days everyone's favorites.

However, this weekend I was thrown a curve ball. As I was doing the wash-my son brings his home for college I noticed liquid below the deep freeze. I opened it and everything was defrosted-including the 21 pound turkey I had purchased.
I had to throw out everything, except the turkey-it was still cold-my husband said because it was rock solid when it went in and it was still cold-it was ok. I needed to cook it right away. So I quickly put the Turkey dinner together on the fly.  We ate it on Sunday-it was delicious but seemed weird to have it not on Thanksgiving.

So plan B is to have a Honey baked ham for Thanksgiving. My youngest son was happy he said he wanted ham anyways. Since my husband decided not to eat beef, pork, veal, etc. my boys are starting to crave it-it has been almost 5 years now. Don't worry, my husband will eat it-it is just not his first choice.  My oldest son said he won't come home now...he will- he just has to give me a hard time-he loves turkey and ham-food in general:) He just cannot resist a chance to pull my chain because he knows how much I look forward to him coming home...he does too-he is really happy when he walks in the door:)

So if you are stressing over hosting your Thanksgiving ...think of me and be Thankful your deep freeze didn't die:)
 Not to mention I have to cook 2 Thanksgiving dinners this week.

It could be worse. I am just going to roll with it and have tons of delicious food for my family to eat. I will freeze some. With 2 teenagers home this week- food will disappear fast:) This week they can not say Mom, there is nothing in this house to eat! :)


Thanksgiving Appetizers and Bites


 Make your  Guests these easy delicious appetizers and Bites while your Thanksgiving dinner is cooking. You can set up a table with them and they can serve them selves.

Maple Pecan Baked Brie

                  
 
TOTAL TIME:1 hr 5 min
Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: 30 min
Cook: 25 min
 
 

ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) wheel of Brie
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup toasted and chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • Crackers, to serve
Recipe courtesy Nealey Dozier                                        
 
 
 
Herbed Goat Cheese Sauce for Crudites

                       
                                                      
                                                                      
 
TOTAL TIME: 45 min
Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: 30 min
Cook: 5 min
 
 
     Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup/175 ml milk, plus more if needed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 12 ounces/330 g fresh goat cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper and salt, if needed
  • Serve with assorted raw vegetables.
                   
                                                        Directions
      Put the milk with the rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover and set aside to infuse, until cold. In a bowl, beat the cheese to soften. When the milk is cool, strain it and gradually whisk it into the cheese. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, to taste and pepper. Taste, and add salt, if needed. Serve with beautifully cut raw vegetables for dipping.

      Cook's Note: In place of the fresh rosemary, you could add fresh grated orange and lemon zest.
       
                      
      Recipe courtesy Laura Calder   
       
       
       

                                          
                     
       
                            Winter Fruit Compote with Selection of Cheese
                                                                               
       
      TOTAL TIME: 55 min
      Prep: 15 min
                     
      Cook: 40 min
       
       

      ingredients

       
                
                                                                            Directions
      In a 4-quart saucepan or pot bring the first 6 ingredients to a simmer. Stir slowly to dissolve the sugar in the liquid. Add the remaining ingredients except the lemon juice and the cheese. When the liquid comes to a boil, adjust the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to marry the flavors and soften the fruit. Turn off the heat then stir in the lemon juice. With a slotted spoon remove the fruit to a bowl. Bring the remaining syrup to a simmer and reduce until lightly thickened or when the bubbles formed on the top become small. Remove the syrup for the heat and when it is cool pour it over the fruit. The compote can be held in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Serve the compote at room temperature with the cheese.

      Recipe by Michael Chiarello       

      Thanksgiving made easy with these tips and recipes!

      Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is fun, but let's face it-it is a lot of work...why not make it easier and less stressful. My family looks forward to Thanksgiving  because I cook everyone's favorites and try to make delicious homemade food...but I am always open to new ideas and ways to make it easier:)
      Here are some great ideas to help you :)



       Serve your meal buffet-style instead to make room.
      Let's face it, even if you have a separate kids' table, the centerpieces, all of those dishes of food, and the wine can make for a claustrophobic table.
       19 Thanksgiving Hacks To Make Hosting The Holiday A Breeze  23 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via she knows

      Do your chopping the day before and label them.
      19 Thanksgiving Hacks To Make Hosting The Holiday A Breeze  25 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via Martha Stewart



      Use your slow cooker for Mashed Potatoes.
      don't swipe 4 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via the yummy life just click on the link to the left to get the recipe


      Make-ahead dinner rolls

      don't swipe 8 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via the baker chick justclick on the link to the left to get the recipe




      Pastry not your forte? Make a cream cheese pie crust--you don't have to worry about over-mixing!
      19 Thanksgiving Hacks To Make Hosting The Holiday A Breeze  29 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via the kitchn just click on link to the left to get the recipe


      Save time on cleanup by using waxed paper instead of a floured surface when rolling out a pie crust
      19 Thanksgiving Hacks To Make Hosting The Holiday A Breeze  36 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via salad in a jar
       
       
       
      Using tongs is a quick and easy way to get a beautifully crimped pie crust.
       
      Seen on Diply

      Pre- Black Friday Sales! $4 for Kitchen Appliance sale-make Great Gifts!





      Wow! You do not want to miss these Deals!
       20% off a selection of kitchen appliances via coupon code "YESFAM20"
      Plus, each is eligible for a $12 mail-in rebate .
      Shipping adds $5.95, or bag free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
      Rebate ends November 28 and is limited to five rebates per product.

      You can find these deals at Kohl's

      Small Kitchen Appliances at Kohl's for $4 after rebate + $6 s&h
      Bella Rotating Waffle Maker

      Deal for $3.99!

      On Sale $19.99

      Regular $39.99





      Bella 20" Family-Size Electric Griddle

      Deal for $3.99!
       
       
      Sale price $19.99

      Regular $39.99
       
       
      Seen on Dealnews

      Sunday, November 23, 2014

      Pre-Black Friday Steals and Deals Sale-Great Gifts for the Holidays


      Wow! Shop Now for  Holiday Gifts
      and Save BIG! No Crowds, Easy Online Shopping...does it get any better?



      You can find these at Groupon.com for a limited time, while supplies last.

      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $499.99   90%$450
      1.00 CTTW Diamond Bracelets
      1.00 CTTW Diamond Bracelets
      from $49.99



        
      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $59.99   83%$50
      Black Diamond-Accented 33mm Hoop Earrings
      Black Diamond-Accented 33mm Hoop Earrings
      $9.99
       
       
       


      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $89.99    87%$78

      Italian Sterling Silver Chains from $11.99–$19.99
      Italian Sterling Silver Chains from $11.99–$19.99





      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $34.99    71%$25
      Cigar Holder with Built-In Flask
      Cigar Holder with Built-In Flask
      $9.99



      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $1,095   91%$995.01
      Stührling Original Winchester Men's Automatic Skeleton Bracelet Watch


      Stührling Original Winchester Men's Automatic Skeleton Bracelet Watch
      $99.99




      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $299   67%$199.01
      Samsung Galaxy Gear SmartWatch. Available in Six Colors.
      Samsung Galaxy Gear SmartWatch. Available in Six Colors.
      from $99.99
       
       
       
       
      ValueDiscountYou Save
      $189   58%$109.01
       
      Cobra Golf Men's Bio Cell Hybrid Club. Multiple Options Available.
      Cobra Golf Men's Bio Cell Hybrid Club.
      Multiple Options Available.              
       from $79.99



       
       
       

      Saturday, November 22, 2014

      Kitchen Swaps and Ideas that are Genius!


      I love it when I discover ideas and tricks that could be... Genius:)
      These swaps and ideas will save you money and make life a little easier...Good to Know...


       Oh no, out of  Sugar = Applesauce
      DONT SWIPE Kitchen Tips and Tricks  0 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via I Adore Food
      If you're out of sugar, substitute unsweetened applesauce in your baked goods. 
       
       

       Save Fresh Herbs
      DONT SWIPE Kitchen Tips and Tricks  10 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via the kitchn
      Don't let your fresh herbs go bad! Chop them up and place them into an ice cube tray with olive oil. When you're cooking and you need herbs, no need to buy more and let them go bad -- grab your frozen herbs and throw them in the pot!
       

      Cut Corn off the Cob
      19 Surprising Kitchen Tips and Tricks  36 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via Life in Random Bits
      An easier way to cut corn off the cob is to put the corn into the center hole of a bundt pan and then cut it. This way, the corn won't slip around, and all of the corn will fall into the pan. 
       
       
      Hull Strawberries
      19 Surprising Kitchen Tips and Tricks  34 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via barefeetinthekitchen
      An easy way to hull strawberries for baking or recipes is to use a straw. Push the straw up through the bottom of the strawberry, and the leaves should come off too. 
       
       
       
      Is this egg good? Test
      DONT SWIPE Kitchen Tips and Tricks  12 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via Root Simple
      If you aren't sure if your eggs are still good, use this easy trick! Put the egg in water. If the egg sinks, it is very fresh. If one end of the egg rises slightly, then the eggs are still good, but not as fresh. If the egg floats, it is bad and should not be consumed. 
       
       
      Prevent Boling pot overflow and mess Trick
      DONT SWIPE Kitchen Tips and Tricks  22 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      via reddit/u/slokotov
      When you're boiling water, place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. This keeps the water from boiling over and making a mess. 
       
       
      How to keep your wine cold without  watering it down
      DONT SWIPE Kitchen Tips and Tricks  18 - https://www.facebook.com/diplyofficial
      info via thekitchn | image via reddit/u/Tericakes
      To keep your wine chilled without watering it down, freeze grapes and put them in. Freeze white grapes for white wine, and red grapes for red wine. 
       
       
      seen on Diply-there are more I showed my favorites.