Grandma's Home Blogger Place

How Heartless Can A Human Being Be?!

2012-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I know we are not supposed to judge people, but this experience is stuck under my skin, and it's not going anywhere, it has been eating away at me!
:(

So, I decided to do a blog entry about it. ;)

I make sure my Mom always has something extra nice on her grave for the Christmas season; whether it be a blanket, wreath, or an arrangement. This past Christmas (on Mom's birthday, December 2nd), I placed a nice arrangement on the grave. I did not make it this time, it came from Walmart. LOL

Anyway, my husband and I always makes sure whatever we put there is securely staked down, so the wind don't catch it and carry it away.

Well, much to my surprise!!! :/ I guess it's been about 3 weeks ago, I make a visit and what do I see? I see this arrangement placed on the grave right next to Mom's with those same stakes we used. YES! And we know it didn't blow away, we had (I know) at least 4 stakes holding it down. I always make sure her flowers are nice and tight.

My mouth literally opened with a huge gasp...I COULD NOT believe it. I told my sister about it and she asked, "did you put it back?" Well, no...I didn't, I did not want anyone to see me do that. LOL :O

We thought of reporting it, but hey, this is one of those things that you can't prove. :(

I guess the only thing I can do is pray for them. :(

Do I feel better now that I've blogged about it?? No! lol

We'll see, I guess Valentine's day will be a test! ;)

Weekly Bible Scriptures - Bereavement

2012-02-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

A good friend of mine just lost her father to cancer. And to make this grief extra hard, she just lost her mother... (I want to say) approximately 6 or 7 months ago. :( So needless to say, the family is in need of a lot of prayer! ;)

Looking up bereavement in the Bible, I came upon these scriptures...

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.

Isaiah 66:13

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you

Jeremiah 31:3

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.

Psalm 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.

Psalm 91:11

For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.
------------------------------------------------------------

The below video (the song, that is), was a comfort to me when my Mom passed back in 2006

In The Arms Of an Angel - Sarah McLaughlin by nickydee3

Weekly Food Column - A Guide to Cookie (& Cupcake) Decorations

2012-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Brought to you by The Prepared Pantry

A Guide to Cookie (& Cupcake) Decorations

Cookie decorations are the cookie baker’s best friend. It means that you can bake, frost, sprinkle, and you’re done. But what can you sprinkle them with? We’ll show you. Plus we’ll give you alternatives to sprinkling.

Immediately after frosting your cupcakes, sprinkle decorations on them. If the frosting starts to dry, the decorations won’t stick.

How to Bake Great Sugar Cookies

What are the secrets to great sugar cookies?

First, add flavors and colors to your frosting. Don't make them plain. Make them interesting and flavorful. (It's more effective to add flavor to the frosting than the dough.) Be a little creative with your flavors. Choose blackberry or apricot or caramel

Choose a color. Gel food colors will give you better control over your colors than liquid food colors and there is a myriad of colors available.

Second, don't over bake them. If you roll your dough thin, they'll bake in six or seven minutes and tend to be crisp. If you roll them thicker—as I like them—they'll bake in eight to ten minutes. They'll be softer and moist.

Decorating Sugar

Decorating sugar or “sanding sugar” comes in an array of colors, both pastel colors like sage and lavender and primary colors—solid red, black, green and more. It also comes in blended combinations of colors.

Decorating sugars come in fine grain and larger crystals, AA being the largest that is commonly available.

You can also buy white sugar, add a drop of food color, and stain the sugar any color you wish. We sell 27 different food colors so you can color your sugar just the right shade.

Metallic Sugar Crystals

Metallic sugar crystals come in sliver and gold. We used these for my daughter’s wedding. They really do look like metallic pieces, pieces of gold or silver but the silver pieces are less shiny and remind me of pewter. They are larger than AA sugar crystals. These are distinctive, classy decorations.

Jimmies

Jimmies are another choice (PPJimmies are our brand name for jimmies decorations). They come in a choice of colors and in blended colors. To me they are very nearly flavorless except for chocolate jimmies which I like.

Bark Decorations

Recently we discovered bark decorations. Bark is a combination of chopped candy and white chocolate pieces. You may know of almond bark and peppermint bark. For decorations, the candy is chopped into pieces.

The candy is intensely flavored so instead of just making your cupcakes pretty, you get a burst of flavor. My favorites are lemon cream, cherry, and strawberry cheesecake.

For me, these are top-of-the-line decorations. I love adding flavor, not just color to the cookies. If there is a downside to bark, it is that there are fines in the mixture. Those can be removed with a sieve.

Other Decorations

There are other decorations available, not as often used. Wilton makes some luscious toppings and we carry them. The turtle candy topping is noteworthy. We also carry some cute little candy discs.

Free! A Baker's Cookie Guide

A Three Volume Cookie Cookbook

You will get three volumes of recipes, tips, and
techniques—everything you need to make perfect cookies.

Would you like to bake perfect cookies? Learn to troubleshoot cookies? Or even make cookies without baking?

We’ll give you “A Baker’s Cookie Guide” to help you bake those perfect
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You’ll get :

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A Baker’s Cookie Guide: Tips and Techniques for Better Cookies
How to Troubleshoot Cookies
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The Joys of Refrigerator Cookies

Get your free guide now. Just tell us where to send it.

Decorating Sugar Cookies with Fondant Frosting

You can decorate your sugar cookies with fondant instead of spreadable frosting. (The cookies in the picture are chocolate sugar cookies but you can choose others.)
You can buy premade fondant in most craft stores or from The Prepared Pantry. We carry white fondant as well as colored fondant. You can also use food coloring gels to tint the fondant the desired color.

Watch this video to see how to decorate with fondant

How to decorate the edges of a cookie

It’s fun to decorate the edges of a cookie; you can do that with refrigerator cookies.

Cookies with minimal spread work best for decorating. For best results, look for recipes that have a higher flour to sugar ratio or for those without leavening (refrigerator cookies with a high sugar content are usually light and crisp because the sugar in the dough melts in the heat of the oven. Cookies without leavening tend to be rich and shortbread- like but decorate nicely. The Festive Fruit and Oat Cookies and The Coconut Cranberry Cookies are perfect for edge decorating).

Use large colored sugar crystals, turbinado sugar decorating sprinkles, decorating jimmies, crushed candies, or nuts. Simply roll the log of dough in the decorating materials prior to slicing the cookies. If you roll the log with the sugar or other decorations in waxed paper or parchment paper, you can press them into the surface of the dough.

Some instructors use an egg white wash to assure that the candies stick to the log. Except for nuts, we don’t. We don’t find it necessary and the moisture from the egg white tends to melt the candies or sugar crystals into a blurry mess.

To showcase the edges, we usually cut the slices just a bit thicker before baking. We color white sugar crystals any color we like by mixing a few drops of food coloring with the crystals. You can buy large bags of white crystals to make a collection of different colors. Turbinado is an excellent coating sugar with its amber color and large crystals . Learn more about turbinado sugar.

Dennis Weaver is the founder of The Prepared Pantry. He is the author of How to Bake, a 250 page book about the art and science of baking. You can download a free copy of How to Bake here.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

More Brags!! Christmas Photos and More

2012-01-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

Here it is almost February however...Finally! I have photos, a bunch of Christmas ones and more. :-)

Grandma and Wyatt

Presents Sitting There Ready To Be Opened, and Wyatt Still Messing With The Village! lol

The Stocking And Mom

A Phone!

Helping Grandpa With Video Camera

Coloring

Grandma's Laundry

Daughter-In-Law and Wyatt Behind Her Getting Into My Village!

Daddy Playing lol

Toddlers Much Rather Play With Or In Boxes! lol

Don't Your Dare Touch That Tree!

Getting Tired!

Cooking

Don't You Dare Touch That Cord!

I Can See My Son In This Pic!

Just Sitting

Climbing!

My Favorite With Basket Of Toys! :)

Bible Scriptures For The Week - Jealousy and Love :)

2012-01-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

I remember so vividly my Grandfather (my mom's father), going through the formalities of marrying my husband and I. What a wonderful and happy day that was! :-)

I can recall him reading scriptures and also almost making those scriptures a whole sermon LOL

These were those scriptures...

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

More Popular Version (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Here is another scripture I opened up this morning about love

Proverbs 15:17

(KJV)

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Translate to more comprehensive version (NLT)

A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

And from there, I went onto reading about jealousy. Is jealousy a sin??

The link below gives you many opinions on the topic.

Yahoo Answers

My personal opinion...We are taught in the Bible to be content with what we have and to trust in God for all things. If we don't trust in God, that is definitely a sin. All too often jealousy easily leads us to not trust, and also not to accept the perfect will of God in our lives. So yes, if jealousy leads to the above, it is sin. ;)

A few scriptures...

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

God Bless you this week! :-)

Creating Grand Memories Book Review - Something Special For Grandmothers

2012-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

A Toolbox For Today's Grandparents!

I had the pleasure of receiving an invitation for doing a review on a very special work book especially made for grandmothers. As a grandmother myself, I'm excited and honored to be considered for doing a review for such an exquisite tool for creating magical, keepsake memories for both grandmas and grandkids.

Memories are the most important and dearest element grandchildren can take with them into their adult lives and beyond. I'm 51, and I can still recall some of my fondest memories. And this well structured workbook conveys a sense of unparalleled bonding and sharing.

Book Written and Published By: Rebecca Yates and Charlotte Barnhart

The authors of this book certainly did their homework! The spiral-bound treasure includes authentic and creative tips, stories, cooking tips, recipes, bath time tips, communication tips, and lots and lots of space for grandmothers to write their thoughts, notes and ideas down. I love it and am so looking forward to writing and also placing some photos in it.

Pure genius ladies, great job and an awesome idea! :)

~~ Basic Outline Of Book ~~

Contents Include...

* What Is It About Grandparents
* Grand Essentials
* Grand Stories
* Grand Cooking
* Grand Baths
* Grand Communication
* Grand Outings
* Grand Memories
* P.S., Be Yourself
* Authors

The following is what I especially liked about the book ;)

A lot of the pages include a box at the bottom. In these boxes are tips, advice and thoughts.

Here is an example:

Why Is Answering Questions Important?

Then it goes on to say how asking and answering questions help develop language, literacy, and vocabulary skills.

I especially like the "Make Your Own Story" section of the book. I also like the empty pages at the end of the book. This lets us Grandmas write anything we want! :-)

Today's grandparents DON'T all have white hair. LOL :) Some have blonde, brown, and red. And some even have some fun vibrant highlights blended through. Also most of today's grandparents are staying fit by actively participating in their grandchildren's activities and staying healthy by eating right and getting plenty of rest and sleep.

I know I want to be remembered by my grandson and future grandkids as being consistently active in their lives both physically and spiritually, laughing and enjoying life to the fullest. :-)

Any grandparent would be thrilled to have this fun, heartfelt, and memorable spiral-bound book to record all their favorite memories, photos, and thoughts.

A special toolbox for today's generation of Grandparents. To all you grandmothers out there...Get one today!

Visit Learning Legacy Inc.com

More Details About The Book @ Facebook and Amazon.

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

I want to thank http://www.learninglegacyinc.com for inviting me to do a review. It was fun and a pleasure! :-)

PLR Content Packages For Parents and Grandparents & All Readers

2012-01-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hi there, :)

Just bringing you 2 awesome PLR packages :)

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Normally priced at $10, but YOU can grab it for only $6 with...

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Expires: January 14, 2012

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Learn the real truth about diabetes and natural remedies inside this ebook

This package includes the following:P

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Bible Scriptures For The Week - Faithfulness

2012-01-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

I was concentrating on faith as I was praying this morning after my workout.

We can't have a relationship with God without faith, nor can we please God without faith.

I have questioned Him on a few things recently. Instead of questioning, I realize I need to spend more time in prayer. I will obtain faith through prayer. And also through the Word. :-)

Psalm 89:1-9 KJV

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.

I looked up faith scriptures and came onto this below...

What is the Prayer of Faith?

"And the Prayer of Faith shall save the sick, and the LORD shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him"

(James 5:15) There are a lot more awesome scriptures on that page.

"-)

God Bless you this week and always!

My 10 Little Joys Of Grandparenting

2012-01-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

He knows the look (and I mean well), that gets him tied around Grandma's finger! Honestly! ;)

Anywho, isn't this little dude precious...I mean, have you ever seen a more adorable child in your life? Oh, wait! He's MY grandchild, I must be
prejudiced or something?? Yeah, that must be it! ;) Please give me the right to brag here!!! LOL TY :-)

I thought I'd post a few joys I've experienced of being a grandmother...

Now the first thing that may come to your minds is being able to give your grandchildren back at the end of the day?? Let me tell ya, that sometimes rings true for me, and I feel slightly guilty as charged as I'm saying this. lol

The truth is...my little guy is a handful and he keeps me running. However, we always have fun when he's at the house. :-)

K, Onto my joys...

* The sound of laughter in the house when my grandson is here

* Just a simple smile from my grandson

* A hug from my grandson, YES! He gives big hugs now! lol

* The sound of his voice, laughs and cries when I'm on the phone with my son or daughter-in-law. That always brings a smile to MY face :-) :-)

* Those times when he needs ME to just hold and rock him

* The peekaboo game. I get him giggling so hard, and that gets Grandma laughing. And Grandma laughs so hard sometimes, she cries. lol

* Simply knowing that Grandma (and Grandpa) helps to parent and mold our little guy into the responsible, passionate soul (we know) he will be when he's grown.

* Getting new pictures every 3 months or so :-)

* Showing off thos pics

* Bragging on this blog! LOL :-)

Enjoy Every Sandwich Book Giveaway @Anotherbabyboomer.com

2012-01-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine Karlyn, is having an awesome giveaway to kick off the New Year! An excellent giveaway, thank you Karlyn! :-)

Live fully, love well, & enjoy every moment!
Enter to win and read the full story!

1 lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card AND TWO books! Read all about the inspirational story and giveaway Here

Go there and enter today! I did ;)

He Would Have Been 77 - Celebrations

2012-01-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

Yes of course, I'm talking about Elvis Presley. :-)

When my grandson gets a little bit older, Grandma will tell him all about Elvis and why she has 2 photos of him in her house. lol

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I'm a fan! As I'm typing this entry, it is 12:15 AM January 8th, 2012. There are lots of celebrations going on around the world in memory of this profoundly gifted man. He was one of a kind, and also the most handsome man I've ever seen. The latter part of that last sentence is a mighty bold statement. ;)

He looked amazing Here!

Hmm...how does my husband feel about that? He's not losing any sleep over it. LOL He's always known that I was a big fan of Elvis from day 1. :)

Here we are at Graceland's Meditation Garden in late May during our Tennessee vacation this past year

Below are just a few celebrations...

Graceland Kicks off Elvis Presley's Birthday Week

Chuy's Elvis Birthday Celebration

Impersonator Mark Pitt to present concert New Dawn Theater in Duluth.

Memories of Elvis concert Jan. 13 at Arts Center

Can't believe he would have been 77! ;)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning :-)

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year! I have taken a well-needed break from my online business. I'm now ready to get into a new work schedule and get back on track.

The coming months will include new Bible scriptures, more from the Prepared Pantry, reviews and giveaways, grandparenting tips, recipes, photos, and much more!

Looking forward to what 2012 will bring.

God Bless! :-)

YOU ARE WHAT YOU REPEATEDLY DO

2012-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

YOU ARE WHAT YOU REPEATEDLY DO

First you make your habits, and then your habits make you. You become a slave to your constantly repeated acts. What at first you chose, at last compels.

Your thoughts lead you to a purpose. Your purpose moves you to take action. Your actions form your habits.

Your habits determine your character, and your character fixes your destiny.

Your habits are either the best of servants or the worst of masters.

Once in motion, a pattern tends to stay in motion.

© 2012 YourDailyMotivation.com

Don't Overlook Seniors - Guest Post

2011-12-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

Sure, grandma and grandpa may not be any tech firm's target market. But, maybe they should be?

Grandparents are an untapped gold mine, a market that could, if prompted, buy computers, webcams, iPods, iTunes store purchases and apps. The main problem seems to be that no one has the patience to explain everything to grandma and grandpa.

And, even if someone did have weeks to help them understand, with the rate that technology changes, the information could be irrelevant in just a few months.

That being said,helping seniors understand and use technology could still be worth the trouble. And here's why.

1) Easier Communication: Back in the days of phone calls and showing up on someone's doorstep, you probably were able to communicate with your grandparents much easier. But now, we're all busy perusing stranger's profiles on Facebook and tweeting about nothing in particular, leaving grandma and grandpa feeling a little out of the loop. Photos of your cousin's new baby that were once passed around in a 3x5 print are now posted on Facebook or Flickr. Pictures from the family reunion are never printed, and Grandma may never get to see them. Teaching grandparents to use simple technology like social media, smart phones or text messaging can increase their communication skills and keep them in the loop with family happenings.

2)Free Time: Your grandparents probably have a lot of free time on their hands and technology can help fill that void. From social media to Netflix to Blue Ray players, technology can take up a lot of extra free time. If marketed correctly as a way for seniors to pass time in a fun and engaging manner, seniors could purchase and learn to use technology that would make everyday life much more exciting.

3)Convenience: If there's one thing those in older demographic markets like, it's convenience. With the web and its advanced technology, we have just about everything we need at our fingertips. If seniors were made aware of all the possibilities the web offers to make their daily life tasks easier to complete, they might be more likely to take advantage of these opportunities. Marketing a tech product or service as convenient and affordable would certainly mesh well with seniors.

4)Simpler Technology: All in all, technology is amazingly becoming both more advanced, and easier to use all at once. Though it changes often, computers and websites are now much more user friendly than before. Smartphones can give information with only the touch of a single button to activate an app. This type of technology is easy to learn and useful for people of every age.

While seniors remain an overlooked technology market, there is potential for a paradigm shift. Disregarding seniors because of their age could prove to be foolish for the tech field. The convenience, ease, entertainment value and simplicity of technology has senior written all over it. Someone just has to get the ball rolling.

This article was inspired by Danielle's own grandmother, who started using a grocery delivery service once she was shown how easy and convenient it is to order online and have them delivered to her door.

Merry Christmas and Bible Scriptures

2011-12-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

Hi there, :-)

I wanted to wish all my guest bloggers, all Grandmothers, and readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous Happy New Year!

Spend time with your family and friends and always remember the reason for the season!

:)
------------------------------------------------

Luke 2:8-20

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

God Bless You This Christmas Season! :-)

Bible Scriptures For The Week - Prayers Needed For a Great Grandmother

2011-12-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

Good evening,

This week my heart has been heavy and have been reading some scriptures of healing. My Mother-In-Law has had shingles for the past month and has been in the ER twice with severe pain. It has torn at my heart watching her suffer like she has. Shingles seem to aggress the elderly. I've done some research and have learned some things.

I sure didn't know that after childhood chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body! :o

The shingles virus attacks the nerve cells.

Please say prayers for my Mother-In-Law! TY ;)

-----------------------------------------

Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.

Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Exodus 23: 25
And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

God Bless!

And The Winner Is....

2011-12-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

The winner of the The See It Bigger Planner Giveaway is Danielle from http://royalegacy.blogspot.com/

Congratulations to you Danielle! You are going to be receiving that wonderful planner for 2012. I just sent you an email.:-)

Thank you Darlene and Danielle for your participation.

“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” Paulo Coelho

2011-12-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.”

Paulo Coelho

Success of any kind takes risks, it means putting yourself on the line and risking failure in order to better yourself and your life.

Leo Buscaglia once said ‘The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing’ and he’s not far from the mark, because those individual who spend their entire lives living inside their comfort zone never taking the risk to step outside it (and we all know people like that), end up achieving very little worthwhile with their time here on earth.

If you have great dreams, accept the fact that great dreams take great risk, but what is the greater risk, to put it all on the line and possibly fall short, or to risk nothing and have your life stand out not as an example to others as to how to live greatly, but as a warning on how not to waste this precious gift we call life?

Ask yourself today, ‘Am I willing to risk falling short and ‘failing’ in order to achieve my deepest dreams?’

Live Life Large!
Reprinted with permission of Alex Prez & Motivation in your Mailbox E-ZINE, for more information, visit www.motivationinyourmailbox.com

Weekly Food Column - Easy Scrumptious Filled Cinnamon Rolls

2011-12-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

By Dennis Weaver From The Prepared Pantry

I love making sweet rolls. They’re not quick but they’re easy.

You can make sweet rolls a thousand different ways. And they’re hero food. They can be so good that your family and friends will make a hero out of you.

Last week, Julie Rencher in our test kitchen was the hero. She made really good sweet rolls—apple pie cinnamon rolls plus lemon cream rolls and raspberry cream rolls. She made them like cinnamon rolls but substituted pastry fillings for the cinnamon and sugar fillings typically found in cinnamon rolls.

She made them; I handed them out. I handed out apple pie cinnamon rolls while they were still warm and covered with caramel frosting. People were swooning over them. One fine lady said she didn’t like to bake, that she was just picking up pancake mixes and syrups. But she sure liked the cinnamon rolls.

“I don’t want to make them,” she said. “I just want to buy the baker.”

I explained that they were easy to make. She listened and for a minute; I thought she might be persuaded. She left without the fixin’s but she didn’t leave hungry.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Pastry Fillings

If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can make filled sweet rolls. ;)

You can use a bread recipe, but to make it even easier—easy enough for non-bread makers—use a mix. You can make it with your bread machine set on the dough cycle or with your stand-type mixer.

If you use your stand-type mixer, use the dough hook and let it beat for about four minutes on medium speed. The gluten will be developed then. Roll the dough out on the counter, cover the sheet of dough with a layer of filling and roll it up pinwheel fashion. Cut slices, put them in a greased pan, and let them rise. When fully risen, bake them, let them cool, and frost them.

It’s that easy. I’ll give you more directions in the recipes but basically, you’re substituting a pastry filling for a filling of cinnamon, butter, and sugar. You can use any pastry filling you like from raspberry to Bavarian cream. Often, we mix a fruit filling with a Bavarian cream or a cream cheese filling to make an apple cream or raspberry cream filling.

If you buy a tube of premade filling, it’s super easy. Snip the corner off the tube and squeeze what you want on the sheet of rolled out dough. Lots of filling is better so we usually use a couple cups of filling, about half a tube. We have a new cherry filling, Chubby Cherry that makes great sweet rolls.

Pastry Fillings vs. Pie Fillings

Can you use a pie filling instead of a pastry filling? Yes, but the pastry filling is better. With a pie, you get a little bit of pastry with a lot of pie filling where with a pastry, you get a lot of pastry with less filling. The pastry filling has to be more intense to balance. The pastry filing has more flavor and is usually a little sweeter. In our store, the pastry filings are usually less money.

The following pastry fillings are commonly available. They are used not only as pastry filings but fillings for cupcakes and between layers of cakes.

Bavarian Cream
Chocolate Bavarian Cream
Cream Cheese
Raspberry
Blueberry
Cherry
Lemon
Apple

Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Recipe

1 bread mix,Buttermilk White
Sour Cream Potato Rolls, or equal
3/4 cup cinnamon chips
2 cups (about one pound)apple pastry filling

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

1/4 cup Sweet Sensations Cinnamon Apple Bark Topping (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x13-inch baking pan.

Mix the bread dough according to package directions. Set the dough aside to rise.

After the dough has risen, fold in the cinnamon chips kneading until the chips are dispersed. Do not knead more than necessary.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rough rectangle on a floured counter with the dough about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the pastry filling on dough.

Roll the dough into a log with the filling trapped inside. Pinch the seam with your fingers to keep the filling from falling out.

Cut slices horizontally about 1 1/4-inches thick. Place the slices in the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until done. The center of the rolls will register 190 degrees with an insta-read thermometer. Times will vary with different pans.

You may let the rolls cool in the pan. We prefer to invert the pan onto a cutting board to remove the rolls (you may need to loosen the rolls first) and then invert the rolls and the cutting board onto a wire rack so that they finish cooling right-side-up. (If you are going to remove the rolls, do so immediately before the sugar starts to set up. If you have trouble getting the rolls out, lift the cutting board six inches with the pan inverted on the cutting board and then drop the cutting board with the pan to jar the rolls loose.)

Let the rolls cool for five minutes and then frost them. While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle with the Cinnamon Apple Bark Topping.

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon caramel flavoring
2 tablespoons milk
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

Beat the butter and cream cheese together with the whip attachment of your stand-type mixer.
Add the flavor and milk. Beat the mixture, adding powdered sugar until the consistency reaches a soft frosting just right for spreading.

Lemon Cream Roll Recipe

1 bread mix,Buttermilk White
Sour Cream Potato Rolls or equal
2 cups (about one pound) lemon pastry filling

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

1/4 cup Sweet Sensations Lemon Cream Bark Topping (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x13-inch baking pan.

Mix the bread dough according to package directions. Set the dough aside to rise.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rough rectangle on a floured counter with the dough about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the pastry filling on dough. Roll the dough into a log with the filling trapped inside. Pinch the seam with your fingers to keep the filling from falling out.

Cut slices horizontally about 1 1/4-inches thick. Place the slices in the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until done. The center of the rolls will register 190 degrees with an insta-read thermometer. Times will vary with different pans.

You may let the rolls cool in the pan. We prefer to invert the pan onto n cutting board to remove the rolls (you may need to loosen the rolls first) and then invert the rolls and the cutting board onto a wire rack so that they finish cooling right-side-up. (If you are going to remove the rolls, do so immediately before the sugar starts to set up. If you have trouble getting the rolls out, lift the cutting board six inches with the pan inverted on the cutting board and then drop the cutting board with the pan to jar the rolls loose.)

Let the rolls cool for five minutes and then frost them. While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle with the Lemon Cream Bark Topping.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
2 tablespoons milk
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

Beat the butter and cream cheese together with the whip attachment of your stand-type mixer.
Add the flavor and milk. Beat the mixture, adding powdered sugar until the consistency reaches a soft frosting just right for spreading.

How to Make Raspberry Cream Rolls

1 bread mix, Buttermilk White
Sour Cream Potato Rolls or equal
3/4 cup raspberry baking chips
1 cup (about 1/2 pound)raspberry pastry filling
1 cup (about 1/2 pound)Bavarian Cream pastry filling

Raspberry Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x13-inch baking pan.

Mix the bread dough according to package directions. Set the dough aside to rise.

After the dough has risen, fold in the raspberry chips kneading until the chips are dispersed. Do not knead more than necessary.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rough rectangle on a floured counter with the dough about 1/4-inch thick.

Spread the pastry fillings on dough. Spread the fillings evenly on the dough with the two flavors mixed together. Roll the dough into a log with the filling trapped inside. Pinch the seam with your fingers to keep the filling from falling out

Cut slices horizontally about 1 1/4-inches thick. Place the slices in the prepared pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until done. The center of the rolls will register 190 degrees with an insta-read thermometer. Times will vary with different pans.

You may let the rolls cool in the pan. We prefer to invert the pan onto a cutting board to remove the rolls (you may need to loosen the rolls first) and then invert the rolls and the cutting board onto a wire rack so that they finish cooling right-side-up. (If you are going to remove the rolls, do so immediately before the sugar starts to set up. If you have trouble getting the rolls out, lift the cutting board six inches with the pan inverted on the cutting board and then drop the cutting board with the pan to jar the rolls loose.)

Let the rolls cool for five minutes and then frost them.

Raspberry Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon raspberry flavoring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
2 tablespoons milk
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

Beat the butter and cream cheese together with the whip attachment of your stand-type mixer.
Add the flavors and milk. Beat the mixture, adding powdered sugar until the consistency reaches a soft frosting just right for spreading.

Dennis Weaver is the author of the popular 250-page ebook How to Bake. You can get your free copy of this culinary-school type book, as well as another free e-book called Monkey Bread and Other Sweet Breads Baking Guide on the Prepared Pantry website
.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Culinary Family Traditions--From A Grandmother's Heart - Christmas Recipes

2011-12-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

By: Tammy Embrich

The holidays bring about numerous opportunities to gather with family to celebrate the season of sharing and giving. Throughout the years my family has collected quite a list of some favorite Christmas recipes.

These favorites have been enjoyed over and over again, and we have yet to grow tired of them.
We've shared some precious memories in pitching in and preparing the holiday meals.

Here are just a few of our family favorites:

Christmas Punch (One of Tammy's recipes)

Ingredients

1 1/2 liter of chilled 7-Up
About 20 scoops of green lime sorbet
2 Tbsp of lemon juice

Directions

Gather up your favorite punch bowl set. Make sure it is washed and cleaned for use. Pour the chilled 7-Up in the punch bowl. Scoop up 20 scoops of sorbet into the 7-Up. Add the lemon juice and then give the punch mixture a quick stir. Serve immediately.

Cheesy Potato Casserole (My Sister's Recipe)

Ingredients

32 oz frozen hash browns
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 8 oz tub of sour cream
1 bag shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup crushed corn flakes or potato chips

Directions

Mix onion, soup, sour cream, and cheese in bowl.

Place potatoes in 9 x 13 baking dish. Pour melted button on top. Then stir in mixture of remaining items.

Sprinkle corn flakes or potato chips on top. Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Ambrosia Salad (My Sister-In-Law's Recipe)

Ingredients

2 cups shredded coconut
1 8oz container whipped cream, thawed
1 11oz can madarin oranges, drained
3 apples, peeled and chopped
3 bananas, sliced
1 8oz can pineapple chunks, drained
1 10oz jar maraschino cherries, drained
3 cups miniature marshmallows
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the whipped cream, coconut, chopped nuts (if desired), apples, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and cherries. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.

Important Tip: Wait until right before serving to peel and add the bananas to help preserve them from turning brown.

There was a time when we did a recipe exchange. This was a lot of fun...plus it was a perfect way to get lots of great recipes to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Here's a neat holiday gift idea for your family members

Make a scrapbook up of memories including family favorite recipes, events, pictures, and even special memories shared by the family. Get creative with this and include lots of illustrations. This will be a gift that will be special to your family and will last for a lifetime.

It's important to keep your family traditions going...and keep sharing them even when the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren come along. There's nothing more important than gathering with your family and just being together and sharing old memories, laughing, and loving one another.

Article Written By Tammy Embrich

You can find more recipes and articles at Grandparenting Articles and Tips.

Tammy is an article marketer, blogger, and ghostwriter. You can find information regarding her Ghostwriting Services Here

You can also find Tammy at Work At Home Jobs sharing free job leads, home business articles and more.

Bible Scriptures For The Week of Nov 28 through Dec 2

2011-11-29T04:33:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone! More scriptures from the Word ;)

I was reading a few emails a few days ago and a cousin of mine comforted me about my Mom's passing. I miss her so much during the holidays! He is a retired minister. Thank you so much Jim!

JESUS SAID: "I go to prepare a place...and if I go...I will come again...that where I am there you may be also. Let your light so shine that others might see your good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven"

This comes from John 14:1-7

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

And Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Nobody knows when Jesus will come back for His people except for Him. We have seen all the signs, and the last days are definitely upon us!

Matthew 24:42-44

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

I love Revelations!

Revelation 3:3

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. IF therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

More Scriptures From Psalms 119; 33 and 34

Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Psalm 149:1-3

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

God bless you and be with you this week! :-)

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope you all have a joyful holiday with good friends and family. :-)

Just the other night as I pulled back the sheets of my bed, I suddenly had thoughts of the hungry and homeless. I started to pray for them. ;)

After getting settled into bed, I had this overwhelming gratefulness. Wow, I am so very, very fortunate that I have a warm bed to sleep in!! Think about that! How many of us take this for granted??

Thank you God! :)

The following are a few quotes...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee! ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more:
Peace in the hearts of all men living,
peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving.
~Joseph Auslander

The See It Bigger Planner Review and Giveaway For Grandmothers and Others

2011-11-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

A Little Planning Goes A Long Way!

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with a representative of Plan Ahead Now.com

I was thrilled to get a personal invite to do a review and giveaway with one of their products Weekly/Monthly See It Bigger Planner

Get Your Business Organized For The 2012 New Year!

Introducing The - SEE IT BIGGER Collection ~~ Read :: Write :: Easier

I had been looking for the perfect planner to help me get organized for 2012, (organization is a forever-work-in-progress for me)! LOL ;)

I was excited to hear that Plan Ahead Now.com would be sending me this wonderful planner, and was patiently waiting for it to arrive in the mail so I could do the review.

I honestly have not ever seen a planner with such huge spaces for each day of the week. Not to mention the large print...great for us Grandmothers. Awesome!

Look at all the features this Planner has...

* The first page is a Personal Information section

* Quick glance of each month with also large spaces for each day

* Holiday Page

*Tabbed Monthly Calendars

* Weekly Calendars

* Yearly Reference Calendars

* Note Pages

* Contact Pages

* And it also features a handy Password Records Page...YES! :)

* I LOVE IT!

And I know you will too! :-)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The website Plan Ahead Now offers organizers, planners, calendars, journals and pad folios ALL comes in multiple designs, formats, and sizes.

Organization :: Home and Office :: Back To School with Plan Ahead

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How can you win this awesome planner? It's EASY!...

Participate In This Free Giveaway Today!

RULES FOR GIVEAWAY

Rule #1 - No posts relating to drugs, alcohol, gambling. Period!!

Rule #2 - No posts with slander or hate. Period!!

Mandatory Rules For Entries (the first 2 HAS to be separate comments)

* Follow Grandma's Home Blogger Place using friend connect (far right column) AND leave comment

* Leave your best tip for organization (just 1 tip please)! along with (BOTH) your name and email address

The Following Counts As Extra Entries

* Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL of your tweet

* Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL to the blog post

* Follow me on Twitter AND leave a comment on the blog stating that you follow me.

The Lucky Winner Will Receive The Below Planner

Giveaway Extended Until December 9th Due To Illness

Good luck to all!

Thank you Plan Ahead.com for giving me the opportunity to do a review and giveaway for your fabulous planner! :-)

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

* Giveaway is closed

Weely Food Column - Wonderful Cupcakes—Even for Decorating Dummies

2011-11-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

By Dennis Weaver of The Prepared Pantry

I’m a decorating dummy. We have plenty of people that that are naturally talented but somehow, I missed that line. I can make reasonably attractive cupcakes by sticking with a few basic techniques. I can make cupcakes that taste good. And that’s my priority—making them taste good. But they still need to be reasonably attractive.

How to Make Your Cupcakes Taste Better

Because it’s easy, I usually use a box cake mix. But a box won’t win any culinary awards. So I enhance my box cupcakes, and make them taste better in the following manner:

Add goodies to the batter. Usually, I add cinnamon chips or raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry tidbits. You can add nuts or coconut. You can add chocolate or other baking chips. Add 3/4 to one cup chips or tidbits. Fold them in after the batter is mixed so that they don’t melt in mixing and tint your batter.

Add flavors and colors to the batter. You have an incredible array of flavor choices with warm flavors like butterscotch or caramel and fruit flavors from apricot to blackberry. To get enough flavor, it will usually take two teaspoons flavor. Add a coordinating color. Americolor professional food color gels come in 27 colors.

Add a filling. I don’t remember the last time that I made cupcakes without a filling. It’s just too easy and adds too much. Use premade pastry fillings. Snip a quarter-inch corner off the bag, insert the cut corner in the top of the cupcake, and squeeze. When you frost the cupcakes, you’ll cover the holes. You can fill a dozen cupcakes in a minute. I use Bavarian cream pastry filling most often but I also love raspberry and lemon. They’re all good.

Make the frosting good. There are a ton of great frosting recipes out there. I love butter and cream cheese based frostings. Seven Minute Frosting is very good. I don’t care for shortening. A half teaspoon of flavor and couple drops of color can transform an ordinary frosting into something memorable.

Add toppings that taste good. Most toppings are sugar and color. They’re for show, not flavor. And I’m not too fond of big chunks of candy on my cupcakes. Our new favorite toppings are the chopped bark toppings. They pack a lot of flavor. If you load your cupcakes up, you’ll add a layer of flavor to your cupcakes.

You can add more flavor to your cupcakes by spreading a layer of jam or pastry filling over the cupcakes before adding frosting. That’s especially easy to do if you’re piping frosting onto the cupcakes rather than spreading the frosting.

How to Make Your Cupcakes Pretty

Even a decorating dummy like me can make cupcakes reasonably pretty. I love making Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes (they’re very good) because all I have to do is dip the cupcake tops in melted chocolate and let the chocolate set.

But here are some other suggestions:

Use pretty colors and pretty decorations. There is no reason not to use pretty colors and colorful decorations. We have 27 colors, 16 colors of jimmies, and decorating sugars, not just in standard colors but less used colors from black to sage. Chopped bark toppings are two-toned, are pretty, and add flavor. Decorations go a long way in masking imperfections in the frosting.

Don’t be afraid of a pastry bag. For most cupcakes, we use a pastry bag; it’s faster and easier than spreading frosting. If we have a lot of cupcakes to do, we use a large disposable pastry bag and either a star tip or a round tip.

A Note about Bark Toppings: To Sprinkle or Dip?

Bark—like almond bark—is a confectioner’s delight, a melding of white chocolate with another candy. This bark is cut into pieces perfect for cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. The nuggets are full of flavor. They are also pretty, two-toned.

If you are only interested in pretty, sprinkle the toppings on your cupcakes. (Be sure and set the cupcakes on a plate so that you can recover any sprinkles that slide off the cupcakes.) If you want pretty and flavor, dip your cupcakes to get more decorations on your cupcakes. To do so, fill a small bowl with topping--a bowl slightly larger than a cupcake is perfect. And then invert the cupcakes into the bowl with a rocking motion to cover the top with pieces.

The Recipes

Caramel Apple Cupcake Recipe

This is a terrific apple cupcake recipe. The cupcakes are made with a box cake mix--either yellow or white—with cinnamon chips added. They are made with an apple filling, a caramel frosting, and topped with cinnamon apple bark topping.

Make a batch of cupcakes with a boxed yellow or white cake mix. Add 3/4 cup cinnamon chips to the finished batter. Bake the cupcakes. Let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of apple pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake. Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Make the frosting—the recipe follows—and frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with cinnamon apple bark topping or other decorations.

Caramel Frosting

This is a great caramel frosting and firm enough that you can spread if you like. No cooking is required.

1/2 cup (one stick) butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon caramel flavor
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the brown sugar.

Cook and stir until the sugar is melted and bubbly. Remove from the heat.
Add the milk and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add the flavor.

Add the powdered sugar and beat until it reaches spearing consistency. Spread the frosting while it is still warm.

Lemon Cream Cupcake Recipe

These are wonderful creamy cupcakes with a bright, lemon flavor. The cake is lemon, the filling is lemon, the frosting is a lemon cream cheese frosting, and it’s topped with lemon bark.

Make a batch of lemon cupcakes with a boxed lemon cake mix. Let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of lemon pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake.

Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Make the frosting—the recipe follows—and frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with lemon bark topping or other decorations.

Creamy Lemon Frosting

This is a great frosting for lemon lovers. It’s a creamy frosting made with cream cheese that packs a lot of flavor. It works well with a pastry bag. No cooking is required.

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (one stick) butter, softened
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
zest from one lemon

Beat cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice together with an electric mixer.
Add three cups powdered sugar and beat until well mixed and fluffy. Add more as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Add the zest.

Black Forest Cupcake Recipe

Black forest is a mixture of chocolate and cherry. We used a boxed cake mix and filled the cupcakes with cherry pastry filling.

We used a chocolate buttercream frosting mix and added a teaspoon of cherry flavoring. We sprinkled the cupcakes with Black Forest bark topping.

This recipe makes great cupcakes.
Make a batch of chocolate cupcakes with a boxed cake mix. Let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of cherry pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake. Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Spread a thin layer of cherry pastry filing on the tops of the cupcakes.
Make a chocolate buttercream frosting.

We used a chocolate buttercream frosting mix. Add a teaspoon of cherry flavoring. Frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with black forest bark topping or other decorations.

Wild Blueberries and Cream Cupcake Recipe

These are blueberry cupcakes in five ways.

There are blueberry tidbits in the batter, the centers are filled with blueberry pastry filling, the frosting is made with a wild blueberry flavor, the topping is Wild Blueberries and Cream bark topping, and each cupcake is decorated with a fresh blueberry.

Make a batch of cupcakes with a boxed white cake mix. After the batter is mixed, add 3/4 cup blueberry tidbits. Bake the cupcakes and let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of blueberry pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake. Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Make your buttercream frosting. We used a vanilla buttercream frosting mix.

Add a teaspoon of wild blueberry flavoring and a drop or two of Electric Purple food color gel or a blue food color of your choice. Frost the cupcakes.

Decorate with Wild Blueberries and Cream bark topping or other decorations. Top each cupcake with a fresh blueberry.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Cupcake Recipe

If you like apple pie, you’ll love this cinnamon apple pie cupcake recipe. It’s a wonderful combination of cinnamon and apples.

Make a batch of yellow cupcakes with a boxed cake mix. After the batter is mixed, add 3/4 cup cinnamon chips. Bake the cupcakes and let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of apple pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake.

Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.
Make the frosting—the recipe follows—and frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with cinnamon apple bark topping or other decorations.

Browned Butter Frosting Recipe

1 1/2 cups butter
6 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 or 6 tablespoons milk as needed to reach the right consistency

Melt the butter in a small saucepan until it has started to brown.

Watch it closely. It should be just amber in color, not dark brown.

Let the browned butter cool for a few minutes then pour the clearer liquid off the top into a small bowl leaving the dark solids and a little liquid in the pan.

Place the browned butter in the refrigerator to cool for about an hour. It should cool to a gel.

Add the flavor and browned butter to the powdered sugar in a large bowl. Whip with an electric mixer. Thin with additions of milk as needed.
Frost and decorate as desired.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake Recipe

These strawberry cupcakes are filled with a strawberry cream cheese filling and topped with a flavored cream cheese frosting. They are topped with a strawberries and cream bark topping.

Make a batch of cupcakes with a boxed white cake mix. After the batter is mixed, add 3/4 cup raspberry tidbits and 1 teaspoon raspberry flavor. Bake the cupcakes and let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of cream cheese pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake. Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Make the frosting—the recipe follows—and frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with lemon bark topping or other decorations.

Creamy Strawberry Frosting

This is a creamy frosting made with cream cheese and strawberry flavor. You may add red food coloring or pink food coloring to tint it pink if you desire. It works well with pastry bag. No cooking is required.

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (one stick) butter, softened
1 teaspoon strawberry flavor
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
red or pink food coloring (optional)

Beat cream cheese, butter, and flavor together with an electric mixer.
Add three cups powdered sugar and beat until well mixed and fluffy. Add more as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Add the color.

Cherry Blossom Cupcake Recipe

These are wonderful cherry cupcakes with a bright, cherry flavor. The cake is white, the filling is cherry, the frosty is a light, fluffy, seven-minute frosting made with cherry flavor and just enough color to tint it cherry blossom pink. It’s topped with cherry bark.

Make a batch of cupcakes with a boxed white cake mix. Add a teaspoon of cherry flavor and a couple drops of red food coloring to the batter. Bake as directed on the package. Let them cool on a rack.

Snip a quarter-inch corner off a bag of cherry pastry filling. Insert the snipped corner into the top of a cupcake. Squeeze to fill the center of the cupcake. Repeat with the remainder of the cupcakes.

Make the frosting—the recipe follows—and frost the cupcakes.
Decorate with lemon bark topping or other decorations.

Cherry Flavored Seven Minute Frosting

Seven minute frosting is wonderful. Though it must be cooked, it’s easy to make: You whip it with an electric mixer as it cooks on the stovetop. At the end of the cooking, add the flavor and color. It works well with a pastry bag.

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup cold water
1 teaspoon cherry flavor
2 drops red food coloring

Combine the sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar and cold water in a large saucepan.

Beat with a handheld electric mixer for 30 seconds.

Place the pan over very low heat and cook for seven minutes beating continually or until stiff peaks form. Remove from the heat.

Add the flavor and color. Beat for two or three more minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

Dennis Weaver is the founder of The Prepared Pantry and the author of How to Bake, a 250 page book that you can get for free. You can get a dough press and other baking tools and supplies at the company’s store as well as a free e-book of yummy desserts at the company’s site.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Grandparenting Support For Caring For Grandchildren

2011-11-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's becoming more and more commonplace. I hear of grandparents giving up their vacations, me time, and not to mention those (golden years), as some people call it and refers to retirement...all for their grandkids. It's very sad thinking about how many parents neglect their own children. Or even more staggering; the population of women who get pregnant that are too sick , too young, or not financially fit to properly care for a child.

So yes, more and more grandmothers and grandfathers are stepping up to the plate and taking over for the sake of their grandchildren. Are you among those grandparents? If so, indeed your life has changed tremendously, and in some cases; not for the better. Your health will play a big role on your new responsibilities, as well as your bank account.

So what can you do as a grandparent to make life easier? Below are 4 of the most important things you will want to take into consideration.

Health - The first thing you need to think about is taking good care of yourself. Simple scenario, if you don't take care of yourself, how will you take care of your grandbabies? Practice good healthy habits. Eat right, get plenty of exercise and try and turn in early at night so you get the rest you need for the following day.

Support - Join a support group so you can share your concerns with others that relate to the same issues as you. This in itself can be a great help when it comes to your spiritual and mental self. A support group can often give you various perspectives on the many issues that surround your new day to day life and parental responsibilities. Also, if you have a loving and supporting spouse that is going to participate in caring and disciplining, that will most definitely be a big plus.

Parenting Class - You may not think this would be required, especially if you've raised more than one child. Trust me, a refresher parenting course may be just what you need. Things have changed a great deal in the past 20 to 30 years. When we were expecting our first (and only so far), I attended a class with my daughter-in-law, it was quite the enlightening experience. I could not believe just how very much I learned in that one afternoon.

Religion - God should certainly be the center of our lives, in everything we do. If you believe in God, prayer and fellowship with others in your community will be a tremendous help. Remember, God takes care of those who help themselves. Many think that phrase is in the Bible, however, it is not. It's a famous quote from Greek mythology. Pray to Your God and teach your grandbabies to pray.

On the financial end of things, you may be able to get some financial aid. I'm sure it will depend on your income and various things. Check the following page for details Here

Above are just 4 things (the most important IMHO) to think about if you decide to take over parenting your grandchildren. It certainly won't be easy. Take into account the tips above and also take life day by day and don't worry about tomorrow. Worry only yieilds stress. ;)

Article By Tammy Embrich

Tammy is passionate about her Grandmother status and loves to share photos, advice, Grandparenting Articles and Tips

Tammy also has been successful in the work at home industry for many years. She is an Internet marketer, article marketer, and ghostwriter. She offers free job leads for the job seeker, as well as other work at home resources, work at home articles, tips, and more at http://www.onestopwebemployment.com

Bible Scriptures For The Week 11-7 Through 11-14

2011-11-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

I'm experiencing that I have more relaxation and peace when I start out my days reading my Bible :-)

From the Flowing Faith Newsletter Last Week
http://www.flowingfaith.com/

(Psalm 36: 5-6, MSG)

God's love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
lips through the cracks.

Was reading this morning...

Psalm 24: 1-5

The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

The verse below was on a bookmark that was in my Bible while reading Saturday morning...

John 3: 3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

I love reading Proverbs ;-)

Proverbs 7: 1-3

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

I remember in my teachings so well about the 1 sin that can't be forgiven...

Matthew 12:31-32

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come

More words of comfort...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we do not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
– Psalms 46:1-3

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me: You shall stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me.
– Psalms 138:7

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hid His face from him; but when he cried out to Him, He heard.
– Psalms 22:24

Yahweh is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him.
– Nahum 1:7

Cast your burden on Yahweh, and He shall sustain you: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
– Psalms 55:22

Behold, the hour comes, and is now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. – John 16:32-33
Wait on Yahweh: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on Yahweh.
– Psalms 27:14

God Bless You This Week! :)

Free Report - How to Leap the Generation Gap

2011-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Introducing - Granny Guru!

And Presenting:

How to Leap the Generation Gap: 58 Reasons Child-Rearing Is Different Today

Granny-Guru Remembers:

In My Day…

And

Today…

After becoming Grandma, I was totally surprised at how everything has changed since I raised my son back in the 80's.

My son and daughter-in-law said, "Now you do this Mom."

and....

"They don't do that anymore Mom!"

I just say, "You turned out perfectly fine, and I'm proud of it!" lol

Free Report! --- Use these old and new practices as a starting point for conversations between generations.

Generation Leap Report--Granny Guru

Also look for their book...

40 interviews with mothers and grandmothers on how to raise children, Who Gets to Name Grandma? The Wisdom of Mothers and Grandmothers

Available At http://www.granny-guru.com

Grandma's Holiday Wishlist - Guest Post

2011-11-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about what you will buy your loved ones. Kids and siblings are relatively easy to buy for, as are parents, but what about grandparents? If your grandmother is anything like mine, then you know that it isn't necessarily always easy to shop for her. She knows what she wants, and is less likely to be pleased with trivial gifts. Read on for three great gift ideas for granny.

Vacuum Cleaner
This is one of those gifts with which you can't go wrong. Everyone needs a clean house, making this gift a universal pleaser. Dyson vacuums are top-quality and reasonably priced. The Dyson multi-floor vacuum is lightweight and versatile, and features Root Cyclone™ technology and a quick-draw Telescope Reach™ wand; alternately, the Dyson DC25 Animal Upright Vacuum Cleaner is great for pet owners, as it has a mini turbine head with a brushbar that spins 90 times per second, along with the aforementioned Root Cyclone™ technology. Both models come with Ball™ technology, ensuring easy maneuverability.

Coffee Maker
One of my favorite memories growing up was the smell of coffee brewing in my grandma's kitchen as I awoke in the morning and headed to the dining room for breakfast. Rather than buying a cheap coffee maker that doesn't stand out from the crowd, why not look into a French press coffee maker? This will ensure a fresh-tasting cup of coffee each and every time. The Bodum Chambord Coffee Press is inexpensive and comes in a variety of sizes (12, 17, 34, or 51 ounces), making it ideal for the casual to serious coffee drinker, and everyone in-between. I recommend that you buy one with a glass carafe, as opposed to plastic, as glass is more durable. Also take the time to look into Bodum Canteens, which are double wall and transparent, and come in 3, 6, or 13.5 ounces.

Spa Package
Your grandma has lived a long, full life, and has raised a family of her own. Why not treat her to a spa package to show her your appreciation? A visit to the spa has undeniable benefits, and will leave her feeling pampered and loved. In addition to the psychological benefits to being queen for a day, a visit to the spa reduces stress, and soothes sore joints and muscles. The human touch has been shown to be beneficial, and your granny will glow when it's all said and done. If you are itching for a good massage and beauty treatment, why not book a package for two, and spend the day with your grandma? She'll love every minute of it!

As you can see, with a little thought and creativity, you can find the perfect gift for everyone in your family, especially the ones who you may have always thought of as difficult to buy for. By taking the individual needs of your grandma into account, you can be sure of finding the perfect gift at the perfect price, and wowing her this year.

Danielle Rhodes, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys spending her time keeping up with the latest innovations in home appliances, such as Dyson vacuums.

Danielle also writes for http://www.eatbreatheblog.com

Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange-Fun Holiday Event

2011-11-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

By: Tammy Embrich

Who doesn't like homemade Christmas cookies?

When I was a little girl my favorite holiday treat was no-bake cookies. I remember the sweet aroma throughout the house and the delightful gems lined up across the kitchen counter on waxed paper.

Mom made them perfect. She always made them around Christmas time. She made other kinds of cookies, but the no-bake ones stick in my mind.

Are you pressed for time or energy this holiday season and you just don't have the time to make a big variety of homemade cookies? I have a really fun solution for you!

Host a Christmas cookie recipe exchange party. This is an excellent way to gather a nice assortment of Christmas cookies. The key to this event is "how many show up"...the more guests you invite, the more recipes and cookies you will end up with.

This event can even involve a holiday meal before hand as well to make it more festive. This is really up to you. But, the number one rule is...each guest that attends has to bring so many dozens of only one type of homemade cookie along with their recipe. (the exact amount of cookies are decided upon by the hostess).

Important Tips For Your Cookie Exchange Event

1. It's best to print the recipes on index cards. Each guest will need to bring multiple copies of their recipe. Make sure your guests include their names on top of each recipe copy. It would be a good idea for you to have extra index cards on hand just in case there is not enough to go around to each guest that attends.

2. Have your guests call you to let you know what recipe they will be preparing and bringing to the event. (just to make sure none of them are bringing the same recipe) Of course, you want them all to be unique to provide a good variety.

3. Have some festive throw away containers or trays available for each of your guests to gather their cookies in.

4. If you decide on a meal...to make it easy on yourself, finger foods work really well for this type of event. Make it a buffet style. A good idea for a beverage would be some hot cider.

5. Have fun with this event and set a festive table display!
A cookie exchange party is a really fun way to visit with family and friends and end up with some special holiday treats and recipes all at the same time...not to mention, it's saves YOU time and energy when it comes to baking.

Below is my Mother's recipe for no-bake cookies:

No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. cocoa (unsweetened)
1 stick margarine
1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. quick oats

Directions

Combine sugar, milk, cocoa in small saucepan. Bring to boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Drop by tsp. onto waxed paper. (May need to refrigerate)

You can find more articles and recipes, along with grandparenting and parenting tips at Grandparenting Articles and Tips

Tammy has also been successful in the work at home industry for many years. She is an Internet Marketer, Article Marketer, and Ghostwriter. She offers free work at home job leads, work at home articles, tips and more at
http://www.onestopwebemployment.com.

Awesome Halloween With My Grandson!

2011-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

I was so excited as I fixed up the big Halloween bowl for my little guy :-)

It was about 4:45 and my doorbell rang. I knew my Daughter-In-Law was bringing my grandson by for Halloween. ;)

I opened the door and there he was by himself in a tiger outfit...sooo cute!!! LOL My DIL hid to the side so all I would see when I opened the door was him.

I literally could not compose myself from laughter! He was so darn cute :-)

Here are the photos...Enjoy! :)

A Close Up

Yes, he still has a binkie! lol

Bible Scriptures For The Week 10-31 Through 11-7

2011-10-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

As I open up my Bible this morning, I opened it up to:

Jesus' Teaching on Prayer

Luke 11: Verses 1-4

1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:9-13 The Lord's Prayer - King James Version

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

The New English Version

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
On earth as in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins As we forgive those Who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, And the glory are yours Now and forever. Amen.

I will always be sharing scriptures with you from the King James version. :-)

This week I'm seeking comfort through the Word and prayer...

Isaiah 40:1-9

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished , that her iniquity is pardoned : for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted , and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

The voice said , Cry . And he said, What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings , get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidingtidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up , be not afraid ; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found the following scriptures quite powerful and comforting. If we ourselves are comforted of and by God, how much more that we can comfort our children, brothers, sisters and spouses? :-)

2 Corinthians Chaper 1: 1-4

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Please feel free to share any scriptures with us that you find comforting. :-)

Weekly Food Column - Grandpa’s Orchard and Fully Loaded Apple Pies

2011-10-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

By: Dennis Weaver Of The Prepared Pantry

My grandfather had a big orchard. At least it seemed so to us boys. We spent hours in that orchard—climbing trees, checking out bird nests, eating green apples, and doing what boys do. The outer row of trees had peach and plum trees and I don’t remember what else. We didn’t spend much time in that row. The inner rows always beckoned, more secretive and better to explore.

There was a giant, gnarled apricot tree with spreading branches that was easy to climb. There was a whole row of apple trees—Jonathans, Winesap, and I don’t remember what else. In the far corner of the orchard was a pillar of a pear tree with branches so thick and tall that it was difficult to climb and with a tangle of low plum bushes behind and along the fence. Beyond the plums and pears were the sand lots with sagebrush and scattered ponds with lots of frogs and an occasional jack rabbit. It was a boy’s paradise.

I remember picking apples at the end of the season with Mother and my brothers. “It’s going to snow,” she said. “We have to get all we want.”

The skies were leaden and we kept sticking our hands in our coat pockets to warm them up. The wind found its way through the orchard to bite our noses and turn our cheeks red. But the apples were incredibly good--cold, crisp, and sweet. We picked bushels to take home and store in our covered porch where we could have them until late in the winter.

I learned how to bake apple pies from my mother. I don’t recall her using a recipe. She would roll out the dough and line a pie pan. She would toss peeled and sliced apples in cinnamon, sugar, and flour. She would load up the pie pan and place chinks of butter over the apples before covering it with a top crust. In my memory, her pies were the best.

Rarely do I use a recipe when I make an apple pie. I just load and bake as my mother did. But I’m prone to add ingredients that my mother often didn’t have—bright red cranberries either fresh or dried, golden raisins, sour cream, or caramel sauce—whatever sounds good at the moment. I have a choice of cinnamons; she had whatever was at the store. She would put one of her boys at the sink peeling the apples; I use an Apple Master. I don’t think my pies are as good as the memories of my mother’s pies but I like them and I like making them.

How to Make a Fully Loaded Apple Pies

You can freelance your apple pies or you can start with a recipe and then add what you want to it. Here you will find a list of suggested ingredients like sour cream, dried cherries, and walnuts. You’ll find quantities but you can add more or less—it’s your pie.

The top crust always seems better if it’s slathered in butter and coated with a sprinkling of sugar and cinnamon. You’ll find a choice of cinnamons here.

A Basic Apple Pie Recipe

This is a good recipe to use as base. It makes a nice rounded pie. Add more goodies to it. If it stacks higher, so much the better. Be sure and use a dark pie pan so that the crust bakes and is not soggy. We recommend a pie crust shield to protect the edges from burning so that you’re not tempted to remove the pie from the oven before the apples are tender and bottom crust is baked. Use an Apple Master to peel and slice your apples. Not only will it save you a lot of time but your slices are uniformly thick so that they bake uniformly. A just-add-water pie crust mix will save you more time and give you a tender professional crust every time.

Apples and cinnamon are essential companions. You have a choice of three cinnamons. Ceylon or Sri Lankan cinnamon is very mild and fruity. Korintje cassia cinnamon is what we are most familiar with—but the quality ranges widely. Vietnamese or Saigon cinnamon is very aromatic and flavorful with a taste of cinnamon oil. For apple pies, we use Vietnamese most often.

Ingredients

For the crust:

9-inch double crust pastry from a just-add-water pie crust mix or equal.

For the filling:

8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter
For the topping:
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Toss the apple pieces with the lemon juice and set aside.

Prepare and press the pie crust into a dark pie pan setting aside the dough for the top crust. Trim the crust. Do not bake the crust.

In a large bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Add the apples and toss them with the dry ingredients to coat. Scrape the apple mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Cut the butter into chunks and spread on top of the filling.

Roll out the top crust. Brush the top edge of the bottom crust around the rim with water to help the two crusts seal. Place the top crust over the pie. Trim the crust and seal the two crusts with the tines of a fork or with your fingers.

Mix the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together with the remaining sugar. Brush the melted butter over the top of the pie. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top of the pie.

Cover the edges of the pie with a pie crust shield to keep it from burning. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the pie is bubbly and the crust is golden.

Suggested additions with which to load your pie:

2/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup Bavarian cream
2/3 cup walnut pieces
2/3 cup dry cranberries
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2/3 cup caramel sauce
2/3 cup dry cherries
2/3 cup golden raisins

Dennis Weaver is the founder of The Prepared Pantry and the author of How to Bake, a 250 page book that you can get for free. You can get a dough press and other baking tools and supplies at the company’s store as well as a free e-book of yummy desserts at the company’s site.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Learning Fun with Felt Review - Betty Lukens.com

2011-10-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Introducing Learning Fun With Felt, Comes In Their Own Storage Bag!

Ages 3 +

Best known for their Through the Bible Felt Sets

I was thrilled to open my email to find a special invitation. This time it was Betty Lukens from Bettylukens.com/. She was so very gracious to contact me for a review and send me 2 different felt boards from her Learning Fun with Felt line. I chose the Fun On The Farm and Basic Learning: Colors, Shapes and Numbers. However, there are many more to choose from!

Let me tell you, the photos from her website does not do the products justice! The vivid colors of the felt board and various felt pieces are absolutely brilliant. Each set has a generous magnitude of felt pieces.

These felt boards would most definitely keep a child entertained for hours. And the most important attribute of these excellent Fun With Felt Boards is they are so educational!

The Colors, Shapes and Numbers board is excellent for learning the various shapes such as; oval, square, circle, and the triangle. Also with this board, learning numbers and colors would be a breeze...all while having fun and quality time with your children.

Excellent for homeschooling, busy moms and teachers. :-)

And the Fun On The Farm board is great for teaching the fundamentals of farming and also learning the various names of animals. My grandson (when he reaches 3 years of age) will definitely like this board the most. He is 15 months old and he just loves to ride on the mower and tractor with Daddy. I can't wait until next Christmas! He will have so much fun with these Felt Boards. :)

Any of these educational line of products would be awesome Christmas gifts for all the special little ones on your list this year! Do your holiday shopping online today at Bettylukens.com/

Even I had so much fun playing with them, all the while smiling to myself...and I'm 50! lol :-)

As stated on their website..."Our felts are durable and washable so that they can be enjoyed for many years to come. All our products are manufactured right here in the US of the highest quality 100% polyester felt."

Betty Lukens, Inc Has Been In Business For Over 30 Years - Quite Impressive!

Visit Bettylukens.com/ today!

Thank you so much Betty for giving me the opportunity for doing a review for your wonderful products! :)

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Bible Scriptures For The Week

2011-10-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there, :)

I need more of an incentive to read my Bible, and I think starting a series of Bible scripture posts would be an excellent one, since my heart and soul is in this blog. Thanks to my grandson! :-) I can't think of a better incentive or reason!!

My goal is to read daily, and then do a recap on the scriptures I've read on a weekly basis.

Some depression has lead me to start reading my Bible again, and yes...it is helping!

Below are a few short scriptures that has been a comfort to me (this morning) :)

Psalm 119:76

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Jeremiah 1:8

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD

Here are a few more scriptures that has touched me recently...

Psalm 25: 1 - 7

Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD

And here are some scriptures that I've shared on the Moms Of Faith blog for which I am a guest blogger.

Proverbs Chapter 1- Verse 6 – 16

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause.

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit.

We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil.
Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse.

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

I hope my readers here appreciate these scriptures as I post them. :)

God Bless each and everyone of you!

We Have A Winner!

2011-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that the giveaway for the Review and Giveaway - Boogie Wipes and Saline Soothers For Cold and Flu Season is now officially over.

Darlene Demell is the lucky winner of those saline soothers wipes! Congratulations to you Darlene, I just emailed you and confirmed that you were the winner.

Thanks so much everyone for your participation. :-)

Weekly Food Column - Little Caramel Apple Pies, Quick, Easy, Luscious

2011-10-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

By: Dennis Weaver & Julie Rencher Of The Prepared Pantry

You can have a batch of little apple pies in the oven in 20 minutes. That’s easy. But we wanted to make them extra special using the best fresh apples of the season. You can do that too.

Step 1: Mix and roll out the pie crust. You’ll need a just-add-water pie crust mix to make a good crust in a hurry. Elapsed time: 4 minutes.

Step 2: Use a dough press to cut out six circles for the little pies. Elapsed time: 2 minutes.

Step 3: Use an Apple Master to core, peel, and slice your apples with a few twists of the handle. Add the browns sugar, cream, and starch or other ingredients from the recipes below. Toss. Elapsed time: 5 minutes.

Step 4: Place the circles in the press one at a time. Press about 1/3 cup apple filling into the center. Brush the edges with water and fold and crimp with press. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. Elapsed prep time: 5 minutes.

Step 5: Mix up your icing using powdered sugar, a little water, and flavor. It you would like a hard shell on the frosting, add a couple tablespoons of meringue powder. Once you have moved the little pies from the pan to a rack to cool, frost them. Elapsed time: 4 minutes

Premade filling or scratch?

Using a premade apple pastry filling is really quick and easy. You can knock about five minutes out of the sequence above. And the apple pastry filling that we sell is very good. But you can knock your family’s socks off with a homemade filling.

We wanted to make little apple pies using the best fresh apples we could find. We prepared the apples, added plenty of brown sugar and butter for the caramel, and made the pies. Too much juice. You couldn’t pick them up and eat them without making a mess.

So we added starch. We used Instant Clearjel. It’s precooked and does not require further cooking. As long as you cook your pies all the way through, you can use cornstarch.

We used Granny Smith apples for these pies but you can use any good cooking apples.

We wanted a Carmel Apple Pie. We made one using caramel ice cream topping. Along the way, we created a Brown Sugar Apple Pie, a Cinnamon Apple Pie, and a Sour Cream Cranapple Pie.

And here are the recipes:

Caramel Apple Pie Recipe

This is a very simple recipe to make. The filling is simply apples, caramel ice cream topping, and a little starch. We heated the ice cream topping so that it was easy to toss the apples in the topping. We used firm Granny Smith apples and no further ingredients were needed.

Not counting the water and frosting, this is a three ingredient recipe.

2 cups just-add-water pie crust mix for six turnovers
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoons cold water
2 cups baking apples peeled and thinly sliced with an Apple Master or other means
1/2 cup good quality caramel ice cream topping
1 tablespoon Instant Clearjel

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the pie crust mix and water. Roll out the pie crust until it is just less than 1/4-inch thick.

Use a dough press to cut out six circles for the little pies.

Warm the ice cream topping in the microwave just until it flows easily. Place the prepared apples in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Clearjel.

Pour the caramel filling over the apples and toss the apples until coated.

Place the circles in the press one at a time. Scoop about 1/2 cup filling into the center. Brush the edges with water and fold and crimp with press.

Place the completed pie on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining five dough circles. Poke four sets of vent holes in each pie to allow steam to escape as the pies bake.

Bake for about 12 minutes or the pies begin to brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

For the icing:

You may use whatever flavor you prefer: vanilla, brown sugar caramel, orange, lemon, butter rum, butterscotch, or more. For these pies, we used caramel.

Make your icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon flavor. Mix until smooth and spreadable adding more water as necessary.

Do not make the frosting too thin. Drizzle the frosting over the completed apple pies using a disposable pastry bag or a zipper-type plastic bag with the corner cut.

Brown Sugar Apple Pie Recipe

This is a scrumptious apple pie. It’s a simple pie to make. The filling is made with brown sugar and cream plus Instant Clearjel to thicken the sauce. You can use cornstarch to thicken the filling as long as your little pies are cooked all the way through.

2 cups just-add-water pie crust mix for six turnovers
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoons cold water
2 cups baking apples peeled and thinly sliced with an Apple Master or other means
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Instant Clearjel
1/3 cup heavy cream

For the icing:

You may use whatever flavor you prefer: vanilla, brown sugar caramel, orange, lemon, butter rum, butterscotch, or more. For these pies, we used caramel.

Make your icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon flavor. Mix until smooth and spreadable adding more water as necessary. Do not make the frosting too thin.

Drizzle the frosting over the completed apple pies using a disposable pastry bag or a zipper-type plastic bag with the corner cut.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Recipe

Cinnamon was made for apples. We love the bright, distinctive taste of Vietnamese cinnamon and highly recommend it.

We first made these with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon and most of us thought it was just right. Some thought that it was too much cinnamon and we cut it back.

2 cups of just-add-water pie crust mix for six turnovers
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoons cold water
2 cups baking apples peeled and thinly sliced with an Apple Master or other means
1 teaspoon Vietnamese cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Instant Clearjel
1/3 cup heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the pie crust mix and water according to package instructions. Roll out the pie crust until it is just less than 1/4-inch thick.

Use a dough press to cut out six circles for the little pies.

Make the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon with the Instant Clearjel. Add the cream and stir until combined. You should have a thick sauce.

Place the prepared apples in a large bowl. Pour the cinnamon filling over the apples and toss the apples until coated.

Place the circles in the press one at a time. Scoop about 1/2 cup filling into the center. Brush the edges with water and fold and crimp with press.

Place the completed pie on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining five dough circles. Poke four sets of vent holes in each pie to allow steam to escape as the pies bake.

Bake for about 12 minutes or the pies begin to brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

For the icing:

You may use whatever flavor you prefer: vanilla, brown sugar caramel, orange, lemon, butter rum, butterscotch, or more. For these pies, we used orange.

Make your icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon flavor.

Mix until smooth and spreadable adding more water as necessary. Do not make the frosting too thin.

Drizzle the frosting over the completed apple pies using a disposable pastry bag or a zipper-type plastic bag with the corner cut.

Sour Cream Cranapple Pie

Sour cream in a apple pie makes for a rich, creamy pie. This one has tart, ruby-red cranberries poking through the filling.

2 cups just-add-water pie crust mix for six turnovers
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons good quality Cassia cinnamon
2 cups baking apples peeled and thinly sliced with an Apple Master or other means
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Instant Clearjel
1/3 cup dry cranberries
1/3 cup sour cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the pie crust mix and water according to package instructions. Roll out the pie crust until it is just less than 1/4-inch thick.

Use a dough press to cut out six circles for the little pies.

Make the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon with the Instant Clearjel. Add the cream and stir until combined. You should have a thick sauce.

Place the prepared apples and cranberries in a large bowl. Pour the sour cream filling over the apples and toss the apples until coated.

Place the circles in the press one at a time. Scoop about 1/2 cup filling into the center. Brush the edges with water and fold and crimp with press.

Place the completed pie on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining five dough circles. Poke four sets of vent holes in each pie to allow steam to escape as the pies bake.

Bake for about 12 minutes or the pies begin to brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

For the icing:

You may use whatever flavor you prefer: vanilla, brown sugar caramel, orange, lemon, butter rum, butterscotch, or more. For these pies, we used lemon.

Make your icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon flavor.

Mix until smooth and spreadable adding more water as necessary. Do not make the frosting too thin. Drizzle the frosting over the completed apple pies using a disposable pastry bag or a zipper-type plastic bag with the corner cut.

What You’ll Need:

Your favorite cooking apples
An Apple Master to quickly peel, core, and slice your apples
A Large Dough Press to easy assemble your little pies
A just-add-water pie crust mix
Caramel Ice Cream Topping
Flavor for the frosting
Meringue powder, optional
Instant Clearjel or cornstarch
Vietnamese cinnamon or other cinnamon
Really good cranberries, If you prefer, you can use a premade apple pastry filling.

Your dough press can also be used to make calzones and pocket sandwiches. You can download a free e-book that tells you how to make pocket sandwiches with great recipes.

Dennis Weaver is the founder of The Prepared Pantry and the author of How to Bake a 250 page book that you can get for free. You can get a dough press and other baking tools and supplies at the company’s store as well as a complete prepared pastry fillings including Bavarian cream and Raspberry. A free baker’s library can be found on the company’s site.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Fall and Halloween Activities You Can Do With Your Grandchildren

2011-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

This article can apply to parents as well of course ;)

The fall season and Halloween offers so many fun things to do with your grandbabies (of all ages). You will have fun doing any of the following below. The idea here is to spend quality time with your little ones, big ones, and all the ones in between.

When your grandchildren grow up, you may not get the chance to spend time with them anymore. Some kids no longer desire to be with Grandma so much after they've grown up. And yet, some do. You're a lucky grandma if your grandchildren are grown and they still want to spend lots of time with you. ;) Enjoy them!

Fall Activities

* Plant Fall Mums In The Garden

Fall mums have a effortless knack of gracing flower beds with an ambiance of a healthy glow of warm colors of gold, yellow, purple, and reds. Somehow, this floral mixture of warmth around a home boldly states "welcome" and your grand young ones will take pleasure with helping you plant them. And the best part about these delightful gems...they come up year after year IF they're properly cared for and no harsh frost bites them.

* Apple Picking Time

I remember going to the orchards when I was a little girl. Picking apples was so much fun. I distinctly remember going on a field trip with my class from school. We all got to pick which apples we wanted. And you know what we did when we got back to the school? We candied them. DUH?! lol The field trip was relatively early in the morning so we'd have plenty of time. Do this with your grandkids. They will definitely have fond memories for a life time.

* Rake Leaves

I really can't remember the last time I raked leaves. It's been quite awhile! LOL. However, I do remember one of the first times I did this. It was with my dad. :) It was one of the best memories that I have with him. I also remember all the tied black bags. lol Create a memory with your grandson or granddaughter and rake leaves. :-) You will also be teaching them a bit about responsibility and work. And hot chocolate will add a nice touch after the leaves are raked. :)

Halloween Activities

* Pumpkin Carving

Now of course the first activity that comes to mind is pumpkin carving. Every child deserves the pleasure of the oldest Halloween tradition known to man. The scraping of the seeds, and cleaning the pumpkin out completely to get it ready for what?? Well, a candle of course!

When you carve a pumpkin and place a candle in it, then it's called a Jack O'Lantern. ;) Get it? The lantern resembles a form of light. That's why we place a candle in the pumpkin. Granny figured this part out all on her own. he-he! ;) Try and be creative with yours Grandma and carve something not so traditional. Look up pumpkin carving online and see what you can find.

You can also choose not to carve and paint instead. :-) Or...you can do a little of both. The latter sounds like a winner. :)

* Front Yard Decorating

Creativity is key with Halloween yard decor. You can be as scary as you like...depending on the age of your grandchildren of course. A lot of adults really enjoy this activity. In fact, some of them don't leave any stones unturned and bring music into the spooky scenes. (Get it? R.I.P. stones unturned) lol - I just crack myself up! You can add the skeletons and the whole bit. And Grandma, don't forget the spiders!;)

* Handmade Costumes

Now I don't care who you are...this is every Granny's fantasy; To be able to sew their grandbaby's Halloween costume! Unless sewing is just isn't your bag?? ;) This leaves Grandma in charge to make the costume as creative as possible. Now really...this activity is more Granny's bag than grandchild. However, it will be an awesome memory, especially if Granny (Boo-Boos) and messes it all up. And shame on you Grandma if you do! :P

A few pumpkin carving websites below, just in case you really want to get creative ;) lol

http://www.zombiepumpkins.com/
http://www.carvingpumpkins.com/
http://www.extremepumpkins.com/

Seriously, I hope you all have an awesome Halloween with your little ones! I'd love it if a few of my guest bloggers would share their experiences. Would be spooktacular cool! :-)

Above all else...be safe!

Grandma's Depression Clouds - Stop Disrupting My Life!

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

This grandma puts on a happy face and swallows the dark cloud that remains over head many, many days. Most of my adult life, depression has been lurking about, trying to disrupt my life in various disguises. I don't like talking about it, however, sometimes writing about it helps.

Most people that are close to me don't really know this about me except my dear husband, simply because I don't talk about it. He has always been so supportive and always tries to help in some way or another. Don't get me wrong, I do have a lot of happy days too. So it's not ALL doom and gloom. lol

However, recently with going through menopause, the depression has been more evident than usual. In fact the last few month has been hard for me. It's hard to describe. Something just takes over me and it feels like a dark cloud just looms over my head and I can't get rid of it. My workouts and keeping busy does help some. And I'm back with it once again this morning. This week is a new beginning for me. Last week I missed 3 days. A lot of times it's so hard just getting myself out of bed.

Over this past weekend, there was a moment when I was alone in the house and I began to look around at all our home furnishings and family pictures. Do I really have a right to be depressed?! I mean, we're certainly not rich by no means, but we are lucky to have what we have; a nice house, a nice car, our bills paid (although house taxes were rough this year), lol, and also able to go on various vacations. And I sure can't leave out my grandson! What in the world do I have to be depressed about?? Just like this evening, the kids are coming over for supper. Am I looking forward to it? Yes! But when these happy times are over, I seem to get right back into this gloom and doom.

There are things in my childhood and teenage years that have happened that I've kept buried deep inside. Well, always except for telling my dear husband. There, I said it, but that's where it stops! LOL My hubby always gets my dumps.

I ask myself why I have inherited my Father's unfortunate genes?? He has suffered depression and anxiety for well over half his life. I've always said though; God has a reason for everything. I sure wish I knew what that reason was ahead of time so maybe these clouds can stop disrupting my life! However life don't work that way though, does it?. ;)

God always gets me through another day.

Just a vent for the week!

Weekly Food Column - How to Make Apple, Zucchini, Pumpkin, and Banana Pancakes

2011-10-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

From Dennis Weaver Of The Prepared Pantry

When I was a kid, my mother used to grate Jonathan apples, with the skin, and add them to her pancake batter along with a teaspoon of cinnamon. The grated apples would soften a bit as the pancakes were cooked. There would be a taste of apple in every bite and glimpses of red poking through. They were my favorite pancakes.

Years later, I discovered that I could mash bananas and add them to my pancake batter. Still later, I added pumpkin puree. And then grated zucchini. Finally, I found that all were especially scrumptious with cinnamon chips.

Every cook should have this collection of recipes stashed in the kitchen. They are very good pancakes—exceptional. And no matter how much syrup you drizzle over the top, knowing your pancakes are loaded with natural fruit or veggies, makes all that syrup seem a little less guilty.

The Recipes

These pancakes are easy to make. The batter is much the same—you just add grated apple or zucchini, mashed bananas, or pumpkin puree to your batter. They cook the same way. But they are a terrific change of pace and they’re healthy. Because they're loaded with cinnamon chips, they are very good.

Cinnamon Chip Apple Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cups grated tart apple
1 large eggs
1 tablespoons oil
3/4 cups water, more or less
1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Preheat the griddle to medium hot. Just before cooking, spread a little butter on the hot griddle.

In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, whisk the grated apple, eggs, oil, and most of the water together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir, adding more water as needed to reach the right consistency. Fold in the cinnamon chips. Do not over beat. There should be some lumps remaining in the batter.

Pour circles of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles start to set in the top of the batter and the edges start to look dry.

Flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Cinnamon Chip Zucchini Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cups grated zucchini
1 large eggs
1 tablespoons oil
1/2 cups water, more or less
1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Preheat the griddle to medium hot. Just before cooking, spread a little butter on the hot griddle.

n a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, whisk the grated zucchini, eggs, oil, and most of the water together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir, adding more water as needed to reach the right consistency. Fold in the cinnamon chips. Do not over beat. There should be some lumps remaining in the batter.

Pour circles of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles start to set in the top of the batter and the edges start to look dry.

Flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Cinnamon Chip Banana Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cups mashed ripe banana
1 large eggs
1 tablespoons oil
3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, more or less
1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Preheat the griddle to medium hot. Just before cooking, spread a little butter on the hot griddle.

In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, whisk the mashed bananas, banana flavor, eggs, oil, and most of the water together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir, adding more water as needed to reach the right consistency. Fold in the cinnamon chips.

Do not over beat. There should be some lumps remaining in the batter.

Pour circles of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles start to set in the top of the batter and the edges start to look dry.

Flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Cinnamon Chip Pumpkin Pancakes

1 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon dry ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cups canned pumpkin
1 large eggs
1 tablespoons oil
3/4 cups water, more or less
2/3 cup cinnamon chips

Preheat the griddle to medium hot. Just before cooking, spread a little butter on the hot griddle.

In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.

In a medium bowl, whisk the canned pumpkin, eggs, oil, and most of the water together.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir, adding more water as needed to reach the right consistency. Fold in the cinnamon chips.

Do not over beat. There should be some lumps remaining in the batter.
Pour circles of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles start to set in the top of the batter and the edges start to look dry.

Flip the pancakes and cook until both sides are a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Dennis Weaver is the founder of The Prepared Pantry and the author of How to Bake a 250 page book that you can get for free. You can get cinnamon chips and other baking supplies at the company’s store as well as a complete selection of pancakes mixes including gourmet pancake mixes like Lemon Meringue and Raspberry Sour Cream.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Grandma Needs To Declutter!

2011-10-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is a live pic of my work desk this morning 10-10-11! Yes, I need to take a shovel to my desk and reorganize. This will be on my schedule either (should be today)! or tomorrow. LOL :o

1 Excuse...honestly I had my grandson all day Saturday and Saturday night and all I got was 30 min sleep. I spent my Sunday resting. And really honestly, no excuse at all! ;)

It's of course overwhelming me!!! How can I get anything done? lolololol!

I will take a new pic on Wednesday and see if there is an improvement??

I edited the post and made it "before" and "after" ;)

Before

After

14 New Grandbaby Photos

2011-10-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to have to stop calling him a grandbaby at some point...he's a toddler! lol :-) He is 15 months old in these fabulous takes.

Here are 14 new photos...awesome pics. :)

Enjoy! :-)

Sneeking In My Office...

In My China Cabinet...

A Parent's Guide to Medicine Safety - For Grandparents Too

2011-10-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Answers to Common Questions Parents Have When They're Sick

Free Marketing Report Resource :)

If parents are your target market and you're always on the look out for quality PLR products, you've definitely come to the right place. PLR rights to this parent report + marketing materials are yours...absolutely free

Here Is What's Included...

6 Page PLR Medicine Safety Report
Opt-In Page Template
eCover Graphics in 4 Sizes
2 Promotional Graphics

Grab Your Free Copy Below! :)

Free Parent PLR Package

Have a great day! :-)

Grandma/Grandchild Halloween Costume Ideas - Guest Post

2011-10-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a great time for people to be as creative as their imaginations will allow. Costume ideas run the gamut of silly, historical, literary, and more. When it comes time for you to take your grandchild (or grandchildren) trick-or-treating or to a costume party, here are some ideas that might just help you win a contest or two.

Cruella de Vil and a Dalmatian puppy

Inspired by 101 Dalmatians, consider dressing up as the famous villain and one of the puppies who manage to escape her grasp. You'll need:

* A black dress – any style

* A wrap or cloak – the original character wears a floor-length fur coat, which is the perfect choice if you have access to such an item or can find something similar at a thrift store. You can also go with any kind of plush wrap, ideally in white

* Black-and-white wig (accomplish this look by parting hair and spray painting with colored hair spray, widely available at costume stores or in the Halloween aisle at your favorite retailer)

* Red elbow-length gloves

Outfit your "puppy" in a dog costume or mix-and-match a polka-dot outfit, making sure to add a little smudge of black paint on the nose, as well as a tail.

Flo from Progressive Insurance and an insurance seeker

Capitalizing on popular television commercials, you might dress as Flo, the cheery representative from Progressive Insurance. You'll need:

* An all-white outfit

* Sneakers

* White apron on which you can write or paste a sign with "Progressive"

* Headband

Dress the insurance seeker however you want, simply making sure they have a toy car to drive. You might also affix Hot Wheel cars to a T-shirt and call the costume "rush-hour traffic."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rspeed/3737705985/
Picture taken by Rob Speed

Role reversal

A fun idea is to have Grandma and Grandchild switch places. You'll need:

* An oversized handbag
* Apron
* A house dress
* Grey hair – a wig or hair that is treated with colored hair spray, or lightly coated with hairspray and then dusted with baby powder or flour
* Oversized bra that can be stuffed with padding for comic effect
* Orthopedic shoes or slippers (keeping in mind that late fall can bring inclement weather)
* Fake glasses on a chain (or add a chain to glasses you already wear to turn them into a prop)
* Knee-high stockings that are purposely visible
* Additional props like a cane, shawl, or an assortment of hard candy that "Grandma" can hand out to passerby

Grandchild:

* Put hair in pigtails
* Carry a blankie or stuffed animal
* Wear pajamas and slippers in a whimsical design similar to a child's sleep attire

Ideas abound for costumes, many of which can be put together with items you likely already have around the house. Don't forget to visit yard sales, thrift and consignment stores for clothes and props whose costs won't break the bank. Above all, have fun! :)

Danielle is a master of creative costume designs. She once decorated her disabled friend's handicap van as The Mystery Machine and she and the rest of her crew dressed as Scooby Doo characters.

Weekly Food Column - From the Pumpkin Patch to the Kitchen: Favorite Recipes

2011-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

From The Prepared Pantry-- Dennis Weaver

From the Pumpkin Patch to the Kitchen: Favorite Recipes

I fell in love in Fairbanks, Alaska—the land of the midnight sun—with sweetest girl in the valley. All five of our children were born there. We lived on a three-acre plot overlooking the Tanana Valley and the University of Alaska; a plot that backed up to old mining claims. With the kids, Merri Ann and I wandered those mining trails and explored old diggings. On our lot, where the slope banked into the summer sun, we cleared off the birch trees for a garden. We hauled in a truckload of peat and tilled it into the soil making it rich and thick. And then we read everything we could about gardening in the far north.

With banked beds, ground cover to capture the summer heat, and over-ambition, we were awash with summer produce. We had beans and peas and broccoli. On the deck in planter boxes, we grew tomatoes—ripe by the Fourth of July. Potatoes thrived. We built a room to store potatoes, squash, and canned goods. But we never grew pumpkins.

That didn't mean that pumpkins didn't thrive in the valley. Prize winners at the fair were over 50 pounds. But these were show pumpkins, not the sweet little meaty pumpkins that you want for pies. These we bought at the farmer's market or at the store.

In this article, I’ll tell you about pumpkins, how to choose them and puree them and I’ll share great pumpkin recipes with you.

All about Pumpkins

Pumpkins are versatile. You can bake a pumpkin, steam a pumpkin, sauté a pumpkin, make puree out of a pumpkin, and more. But where a pumpkin really comes into its own is in your kitchen. Pumpkins make favorite pies, moist cakes, interesting breads, and delightful cookies. The flavor is mild, maybe a little earthy. Typically, pumpkin is the canvas for an array of spices. When we think of pumpkin, we think of mixtures of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves found in pumpkin pie.

There are two types of pumpkins—the decorative pumpkins intended for jack-o-lanterns and sweet, pie, or eating pumpkins. The larger decorative pumpkins used for jack-o-lanterns tend to be watery and stringy and are not very good for baking. Pie pumpkins are much better—meatier, smoother, and sweeter.

When choosing pumpkins, select those that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid those with soft spots or any signs of decay. Inspect carefully any areas that may be soiled with dirt from the field. The rind should be hard. Choose one that is small enough to use at one time since cut pumpkins will not keep as well.

In the right conditions, your pumpkins will keep for two or three months. Store them in a cool, dry location. Space them so that the air can circulate around them. Ideal temperatures are 50-55 degrees.

Once you cut into a pumpkin, it should be refrigerated. Chunks can be kept in your crisper where the atmosphere is moist or in perforated plastic bags for a week or more.

For longer storage, cook your pumpkin, puree it, and freeze the puree. Properly frozen, your puree will keep in the freezer for six months.

Raw pumpkin can also be frozen. Clean and peel the pumpkin. Cut the flesh into one-inch cubes. Place the cubes in freezer-type bags and freeze. Measure out what you need for your favorite recipes. Use within two months.

Pumpkin and Spices

Pumpkin is mild and it’s gently earthy flavor is often used as palette to deliver other flavors--most often, spices. The most common spices are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Cinnamon is the mildest of the quartet and often hides behind the others. Yet, many times, I prefer to use cinnamon alone. A really good cinnamon melds perfectly with pumpkin.

Just as there is a stark difference between good cinnamon and cheap cinnamon, so is there a marked difference in types of cinnamon. There are three major types of cinnamon and I recommend that you keep all three in your cupboard:

Korintje Cassia Cinnamon This is the most popular cinnamon used in the United States. A good cassia is pleasant, not astringent, and you can dip your finger in it and taste it. If you have a good cinnamon, you can use much more than what the recipe calls for—two or three times as much.

Sri Lanka Cinnamon This is a very mild, sweet, woodsy cinnamon—a true cinnamon. It almost has a honey tone to it. It will get lost behind stronger spices like cloves or nutmeg but melds perfectly with earthy pumpkin.

Vietnamese Cinnamon This is an exciting cinnamon. It packs a punch and fills your kitchen with sweet aroma when baking. Vietnamese cinnamon has more volatile oils and has a tone associated with cinnamon oil more than the ground spice. I love this cinnamon in an apple pie. You don’t need cloves and nutmeg when you use this spice.

How to Puree Fresh Pumpkin

Can you use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes. We prefer fresh but we suspect that we're biased. Quite frankly, in many recipes, we have a hard time telling the difference. And we often use commercially canned pumpkin for the convenience.

Cut a sugar or pie pumpkin in half. Remove the seeds.

Place the halves in a baking pan, flesh side down with 3/4-inch of water in the pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees or until the flesh is tender. (For small quantities, you can cook the pumpkin in the microwave.)

Let the pumpkin cool until you can handle it without burning. Scoop the flesh out of the pumpkin and place it in a blender, food mill , or food processor.

Process until smooth. If you have a Victorio-type strainer, you can process the cooked pumpkin with the skin. The strainer will separate the skin from the pulp.

Often, especially from smaller or immature pumpkins, the puree will not be thick enough—a spoon should stand upright in the puree. To thicken, place the puree in a saucepan and cook, stirring often, until the puree becomes thicker.

The Recipes

Pumpkin and Corn Fritters

This is one of Merri Ann’s favorite pumpkin recipes. We've been making these fritters for a long time. These make wonderful breakfast fare but we've served them often on chilly fall evenings served alongside a soup or a salad. Mostly we have served them drizzled with maple syrup but they are also wonderful with cinnamon apple syrup, maple cream syrup, cinnamon cream syrup.

You deep fry these pumpkin fritters just as you would French fries. The fritter batter mixes together quickly so this is a quick dish to put together for those evenings when you just don’t have a lot of time. It’s also very economical.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
3 cups grated, raw pumpkin
1 cup frozen or drained canned corn kernels

Directions

Mix the flour, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Add the milk and eggs and stir until mixed. Add the pumpkin and corn kernels.

In a deep fryer or heavy pan, heat enough vegetable oil for deep frying. The oil should be very hot, 375 degrees.

Drop three or four large spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Let them cook for three or four minutes, turning once, or until they just start to brown.

Remove them to dry on paper towels. Serve immediately drizzled with maple syrup.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

When we were first married, Merri Ann started making Pumpkin Pie Squares—I think from an old Farmer's Home Journal recipe. Over the years, we tweaked it a little here and there and adopted it to different sized pans.

It's like a pumpkin pie on a baking sheet with pecans added and has been a go-to recipe when we've needed to feed a crowd.

Except for Ben who doesn't like nuts, our kids prefer this over pumpkin pie.

This recipe is designed for a small, a medium or a large batch. The chart below sets forth the ingredients for each. Use the ingredient amount in the first column for a small batch. Use an 8 x 8-inch baking pan for the small, an 8 1/2 x 13-inch pan for the medium, and a 10 x 15-inch pan for the large.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

For the crust, cut the butter into the sugar, oats, and flour until crumbly. Press the ingredients into an ungreased baking pan, across the bottom and up the sides. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.

For the topping, cut the butter into the nuts, flour, and brown sugar. Set aside.

For the filling, combine all ingredients in and whisk until smooth and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Pour into the baked crust. Bake for twenty minutes and remove from the oven.

Immediately, spoon the topping over the filling and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until a knife stuck in the center comes out almost clean. Cool on a wire rack. Garnish with whipped cream.

Cinnamon Chip Pumpkin Snacking Cake

Pumpkin has a neutral, earthy flavor. Typically we rely on spices to deliver the flavor—most notably, cinnamon. I recent years, we’ve taken to adding cinnamon chips to our pumpkin recipes from pumpkin bread to cookies. The burst of cinnamon in every bight is delightful.

To get more recipes using cinnamon chips, download our free guide, “The Magic of Cinnamon Chips.”

3 1/2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1 cup cinnamon chips
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon lemon juice
water

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. If you are using a dark pan, preheat to 300 degrees.
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice tighter in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Cream the shortening and sugars together. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
Add the maple and pumpkin and combine.

Alternately add the flour in three additions and the milk in two, starting with the flour. (Adding the flour and milk in stages will better balance the batter.) Add the chips. Scrape the batter into a well-greased 8 1/2 x 13-inch pan.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the cake tests done. Cool on a wire rack.

For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating. Add the vanilla and lemon juice. Add just enough water to bring the frosting to a spreadable consistency. Frost the cake after it has cooled.

Free! “The Prepared Pantry Pumpkin Baking Guide”

Learn more about cooking with pumpkin and get recipes with this free guide available for immediate download: “The Prepared Pantry Pumpkin Baking Guide.”

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Dennis Weaver is the president of The Prepared Pantry. The Prepared Pantry sells baking ingredients and tools including the kitchen tools and spices and other baking ingredients that you will need for baking with pumpkin. They also sell baking mixes including mixes for pumpkin bread, cookies, pancakes, and muffins.

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Review and Giveaway - Boogie Wipes and Saline Soothers For Cold and Flu Season

2011-10-02T13:12:00.001-07:00

Snot Your Average Wipe! These wipes are made with natural saline and alcohol free
Introducing Boogie Wipes, a nice alternative to the average everyday kleenex tissue...

My experience with the boogie wipes was pleasant. I honestly could not believe how they effortlessly soothed my nose. They are extraordinarily super soft! And they leave you feeling fresh and clean.

I even used the fresh scent to wipe over my whole face. Awesome moisturizer! I really could not believe how soft they really were. Definitely much better than regular alternative tissues. Leaves the nose healthy and moisturized. :)

Something else I noticed with the wipes after use is how much easier it was to breathe. Especially using the minty menthol scent. Shear genius of the two Mothers from Oregon that invented these wipes! A huge plus with babies, toddlers, and all ages.

Just like a kleenex dispenser with a convenient plastic cover that clicks when you close it.

Comes In The Following Scents

Great Grape

Fresh Scent

Minty Menthol

Simply Unscented

The Fresh Scent Is My Favorite! :-)

I will be purchasing some boogie wipes for my grandson for the flu season. :)

Recommended By Pediatricians!

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Introducing Saline Soothers

The Saline Soothers Website

The cool menthal scent is awesome! If you have a bad cold or flu, these are much more effective than using vicks! They are definitely a big thumbs up!

My favorite of the Saline Soothers is cool menthol. In fact, I'm going to be purchasing some cool menthol. Since the flu season is here, I will be prepared for the worst. These wipes will make being sick a better experience for sure!

And for the people that suffer from allergies, these WONDERFUL SOOTHING WIPES simply cannot be beat!!

Comes in cool menthol, light lavender, and fragrance free

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The Winner Will Receive ---- Saline Soothers - (2) packs of 15-count wipes (cool menthol and fragrance free).

RULES FOR GIVEAWAY
Rule #1 - No posts relating to drugs, alcohol, gambling. Period!!

Rule #2 - No posts with slander or hate. Period!!

The Following Counts For 1 Entry, and You Have To Do Both

* Follow Grandma's Home Blogger Place using friend connect (far right column)

* Comment on products and leave (both) your name and email address

The Following Counts As Extra Entries

* Tweet about this giveaway and then make a comment on the blog and leave the URL of your tweet

* Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL to the blog post

You can tweet and blog about this review/giveaway as many times as you like for extra entries and a much better chance of winning the giveaway! ;)

Like https://www.facebook.com/SalineSoothers
Follow http://www.twitter.com/salinesoothers

This giveaway will run until October 21st!!!

Thanks Tamena for sponsoring and all the coupons!!! :-)

Winner of this giveaway is Darlene Demell...Congrats to you!

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

October Is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2011-10-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating 25 years of awareness, education and empowerment.

Click here for an easy and free way to help fund mammograms for those in need at The Breast Cancer Site!

Fund Mammograms For Women In Need ~~ They Need Your Click!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday I went to Walmart and was greeted and given this pretty piece of paper with the Domestic Violence logo and ribbon on it. ;)

It just reminded me of how fortunate I am and also very thankful I have a gentle, loving, and caring husband that loves and supports me 100% !! :-)

So Comforting!!!

However, not all women are as fortunate...

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime.

http://www.dvipiowa.org/

Prepared Pantry- Weekly Food Column - Discover a New Dimension for Your Cookies, Scones and More

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of receiving an email with an invite to partner with The Prepared Pantry. :-)

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I will be posting their "Weekly Food Column" for my readers on a weekly basis. Excellent resource! Stay tuned for more exciting weekly details, links, and photos! You will like...

What Can You Make With Cinnamon Chips?

From The Prepared Pantry -- Dennis Weaver

Add Pizzazz...

We were in Salt Lake, stopped at a bakery, and bought their cinnamon chip bread. It was great.

When we got back to the office, we called a food broker and said, "Find those cinnamon chips." He did. It took him about a month. He found them at a small chocolate maker in New England. They made them the same way that they make their chocolate chips. But these were mini chips—which we liked. That way, we got a burst of cinnamon in every bite. They weren’t available to consumers. They sold them by the pallet to commercial bakeries. (We figured they had to be good or the commercial bakeries wouldn’t use them.)

We loved them. We put them in cookies and cakes; pancakes and bread. We decided to package them in consumer-sized packages. And they took off. We sell a lot of these chips. We sell them online but our local customers—they’re really passionate about their chips. They are our best selling product in our store in Rigby, Idaho.

Favorite cinnamon chip recipes get passed around in our local community. Some have been published in our local paper. Cinnamon chip zucchini bread and cinnamon chip banana bread are the most popular recipes. The zucchini bread recipe is so popular in the Idaho Falls area that we advertise it on the radio.

You’ll find both the zucchini bread recipe and the banana bread recipe in this article along with a link to more recipes. More importantly, you’ll learn how to use these chips in your favorite recipes. Nearly any recipe that calls for cinnamon is a candidate for cinnamon chips.

How to Use Your Cinnamon Chips in Your Recipes

Put cinnamon chips in breads, scones, muffins, cookies, and pancakes. Add them to almost any recipe that calls for cinnamon—you'll add a burst of cinnamon in every bite.

To add cinnamon chips to breads, muffins, cookies, and pancakes, use the following amounts:

· For yeast breads, add 3/4 cup per loaf
· For sweet breads, add 1 cup per loaf
· For cookies, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups per 4 dozen batch
· For muffins, 1 cup per twelve muffins
For a sheet cake, 1 to 1 1/2 cups per large cake
· For pancakes, add 2/3 cup for each pound of pancake mix

Always add the cinnamon chips right at the end of the mixing or kneading process.
Do not over mix. These are mini chips and may melt with extended mixing.

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The Recipes

Here you will find the banana bread and zucchini bread recipes I mentioned earlier. For more cinnamon chip recipes, download this free guide to cinnamon chip baking

Cinnamon Chip Banana Bread

Everyone loves banana bread. But we’ve found that it’s hard to get enough flavor with only bananas. It needs a boost from banana flavor. We added a touch of lemon to contrast and make the banana flavor sharper.

We added cinnamon chips to provide a burst of cinnamon in every bite.

This is scrumptious bread. Like most quick breads, it improves after being refrigerated overnight.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup quick oats
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Korintje Cassia Ground Cinnamon
1 1/4 cups mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1/3 cup butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon Marsden and Bathe lemon flavor or equal
2 teaspoons Marsden and Bathe banana flavor
3/4 cup cinnamon chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan by greasing the pan well and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.

Carefully measure the flour and then combine with the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and flavors together.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and combine. Add the cinnamon chips and nuts.

Scrape the batter into the loaf pan and bake for fifty minutes or until the bread tests done with a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf.

Place the pan on a cooling rack. After five minutes, remove the loaf from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack.

Baker’s note: We debated adding the lemon flavor; we’re glad that we did. It really sets the banana flavor off and even with 1/2 teaspoon is noticeable.

Cinnamon Chip Sour Cream Zucchini Bread

This recipe came to us from Kara Orgill who visits our store and is an excellent baker.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated zucchini squash
1 1/2 cups cinnamon chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together. Set aside.

In a smaller bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla together. Fold in the sour cream, oil, and zucchini.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Stir in the cinnamon chips. Do not continue stirring.

Pour the batter into two well-greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until done. Cool for ten minutes on a rack before removing the loaves from the pan.

Where can you buy cinnamon chips?

When we first started selling these cinnamon chips, they were hard to find. We were and may still be the only retailer for our little chocolate maker in New England. But other producers have jumped in. Cinnamon chips are now available in some grocery stores and
online. Hershey makes them for the fourth quarter.

Which are the best?

We would like to think ours are. The online reviews, on our site and elsewhere, suggests that ours are best. But try them and see. Wherever you buy them, be sure and get mini chips. They work much better than larger chips.

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This food column is written by Dennis Weaver, owner of The Prepared Pantry

For more great ideas for using cinnamon chips by Dennis get the free e-book The Magic of Cinnamon Chips

Copyright © Dennis Weaver :: The Prepared Pantry :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Grandbaby's Big Birthday Bash Photos

2011-09-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

I've been a slow moving Grandmother with this one...However, I finally have pics downloaded for the big 1st birthday for my grandson! Took me long enough. LOL

I'd like to share them with you, a few of my readers have been asking me about them...sorry for the delay. ;)

My Sister Inside

With Cake - (he didn't want to dig in too much) LOL

Gifts Inside

This One You Can See My Hand In The Bottom Left Corner Doing The Video Camera lol

Family, My Hubby In Green T-Shirt and Me Behind Him With My Hand On His Shoulder (not Great Grandma in the white) lol

The 3 ladies on the left are my Sister-In-Law (my hubby's sister and her 2 daughters)

:-)

YOUR SUCCESS IS A MATTER OF EXPECTATION

2011-09-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

YOUR SUCCESS IS A MATTER OF EXPECTATION

You must first expect to succeed if you want to succeed.
When you expect good things to happen, strangely enough, they will happen.

Expectation energizes your goals and gives them momentum.

Your life will always respond to your outlook, so set your goals high. The dreams you choose to believe in will come to be.

You can't expect to succeed beyond your wildest expectations unless you begin with some pretty wild expectations.

© 2010 YourDailyMotivation.com

Letting You (my readers) In On A Fabulous Fall Special From The Menu Mom

2011-09-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Grandmothers and Mothers...

If you love the fall season, love being in the kitchen, and you love using your slow cooker, keep reading...this offer is for you!

Specially Prepared Culinary Fall Resources -

(12 Ebooks)

New Fall Bundle ~~ 12 Ebooks ---> 90% Off ~~ Lmited Time Offer

Look At What You Get! ~~ Included in the bundle are the following:

- All About Apples (Valued at $5.97)

- All About Pumpkins (Valued at $5.97)

- Delicious Fall Recipes (Valued at $8.97)

- Eat Whole Foods - For the Health of It (Valued at 12.97)

- Halloween Week Menu (Valued at $6.97)

- Halloween Fun Recipes & Party Games (Valued at $5.97)

- School Lunches Made Easy (Valued at $8.97)

- It's Sleepover Party Time (Valued at $6.97)

- Slow Cooker Recipe Book (Valued at $14.97)

- Spooky & Fun Halloween Recipes (Valued at $5.97)

- Seven Simple Steps to a Super Halloween Party (Valued at $7.97)

- Thanksgiving Planned for You (Valued at $12.97)

All For One Low Price = $10 - Nowhere Can You Beat That!!

~~~~ Hurry, Special Price Expires October 3rd ~~~~

Special Fall Bundle - Get Your Copy Now!

From - Christine Steendahl

Instructions On Being A Fun Grandma

2011-09-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

I worry about that word "fun" A LOT, am I doing it right? lol ;)

Why do I worry about this?? Well, my grandchild gets bored very easy! I mean VERY easy. :/ He's inquisitive, too intelligent for us grandparents, (I guess that's how they come these days), and he takes pride in letting us know that he's in charge. LOL! So, keeping our little guy occupied is quite challenging.

The toys we have here at Grandma's house are yesterday's news, that is most of the time. He'd much rather play with a box, an old magazine, a tag on a piece of clothing, or Grandma's already folded laundry. I guess we need to update and get some new toys. ;) LOL

He giggles to himself as he takes my folded laundry and tosses it back into the basket, piece by piece. I just mumble to myself, "You little s***." And you know what he does with that comment? He laughs, and not quietly! He hasn't mastered that comment, (or I should say word) yet, but it won't be long. ;)

Instructions on being a fun grandma? I do have a few...

There really isn't those specific instructions in a book per se, at least I haven't found them yet. lol However below I've included a few tips. Perhaps you other Grandmothers out there share the same with your grandchildren. And IF you have additional tips, PLEASE send them my way!! :-)

* Dance around and act silly - I do a lot of this lately. This would be something that my grandchild would watch on video and snicker at when he gets older. Did I say "snicker?" Hmm, I meant ROTFLMAO!!

* Play the pick up game - This is where he tests me. He plays the pick up game mostly while in his high chair eating a snack or lunch. See, I have to bribe him with a ton of toys on the tray just so he don't freak out when I put him in the chair. So, what does he do with these toys Grandma bribes him with? You guessed it, he drops those yesterday's news toys on the floor and fusses (just a little, not loud fussing) to see if I'll pick them up. Of course Grandma hesitantly picks the toys up after specifically telling him "I'm NOT picking those up!" As long as I play the pick up game with him, he's having fun, and of course I'm being a fun grandma, maybe not a smart one, however a fun one. LOL

* Play Peek-a-boo - All babies love peek-a-boo! I have lots of fun with this one, as I get him giggling loud. I use cloth diapers that I place over my head and face. And he just loves it. :-) These are the same diapers I used for spit up rags.

* Sing Christmas songs - Who would have thunk it? Singing Christmas songs is being a "fun" grandma. Especially Jingle Bells. You know the lyrics..."Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, or the fields we go, laughing all the way." (And I HAVE to LOL hard after that last line) This gets him smiling and laughing. When I start out with that first line;" Dashing through the snow," he knows what's coming and he grins real big. Again, FUN Grandma! lol

* Getting down on the floor - All kids love it when you get on the floor with them. And guess what?? Dada has taught my grandchild to hit and to pull hair. So, being the fun Grandmother that I am gets down on the floor and lets him hit me and pull my hair. What us Grandmothers won't do for our grandchildren?! * snicker..snicker *

These 5 activities I guess is being a "fun" Grandmother, at least it's working so far. But you know what? All kidding aside...I can't wait until my little guy can say, "You are the best grandma ever!" :-)

Holiday Planning Tips for WAHMs

2011-09-20T08:28:00.001-07:00

Need Help Now?: Click here for a free consultation

Ahhh, the Holidays…… The Thanksgiving turkey comes out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that fills the entire house. All the china is in pristine condition and not a single piece in the set is missing. The family is gathered for holiday pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot… you wake up!

Let's be realistic ladies. Without proper planning, the holidays are anything but a holiday. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.

Let me clue you all in on a few key questions that you should ask yourself in order to have a holiday season free of stress and worry, and instead filled with fun and laughter:

What types of holiday celebrations do you want? For example: Do you want to have an immediate family only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you've thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.

If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:

Holiday Cards: Start early! I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.

Holiday Gifts: There's nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it – your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.

Wrap it up: Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.

Baking & cooking: If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure

Delegate: This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.

Enjoy: Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season if you are not spending it pulling your hair out.

Article By: Aurelia Williams is a Certified Life Coach that specializes in helping women achieve balance and less stress in their busy lives. Get a free consultation here.

Zumba Gold for Ages 50 and Older and Grandmothers Too - Guest Post

2011-09-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Anyone who wants to dance with the stars but doesn’t have a partner doesn’t need to give up on the dream. Instead, sign up for a Zumba Gold class.

Zumba Gold, a version of the hot Latin-inspired dance-fitness craze modified for those older than age 50, takes advantage of the sustained movement of salsa, samba and cumbia. This exercise also relies on the moves of belly dance, flamenco and cha cha.

The aerobic exercise produced by those who participate in Zumba Gold likely is a good step toward controlling heart disease or its onset. Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer.

A regular fitness regimen, such as Zumba Gold, also helps control high blood pressure, diabetes and the formation of blood clots, which also can be factors present in heart disease.

Joining a Zumba Gold class also affords a senior the chance to get out and be social. As men and women age, it's easy to become more sedentary and as a result, more lonely. Getting out and being active is not only good for the heart, but good for a healthy disposition.

Zumba Fitness, considered the world’s most successful dance-fitness program with more than 10 million participants worldwide, started in 2001 in Cali, Columbia when fitness instructor Alberto Perez forgot his usual aerobics music. Improvising, he developed a new dance-fitness style, that can be specially tailored for audiences from children to seniors.

Some consider Zumba Gold “exercise in disguise” because of its highly social element and the feeling of attending a dance party. Many people report they slip into the energy and the rhythm of it so effortlessly, they forget the time.

Zumba Gold takes the dance rhythms at a slower pace, at a lesser intensity and with easier choreography to accommodate the varied physical abilities of beginners and seniors. Depending on the intensity, an hour of Zumba Gold can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories.

Unlike many other forms of exercise, Zumba Gold does not require special clothing or equipment. All participants need is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and aerobic or court shoes.

Some places that have offered Zumba Gold classes include the YMCA. Depending on who is offering the classes, they can be paid individually or by multi-class sessions.

Danielle is an advocate of Zumba and their affiliate programs, such as Zumba Gold, ever since experiencing positive impacts on her own health through participation in a local Zumba class. Read about her focus on health and active living at eatbreatheblog.com

A GOAL CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

2011-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

A GOAL CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE

A life without purpose is like a ship without a rudder. Goals are dreams that are written down.

The purpose of a goal is to focus your attention. Your mind will reach toward achievement only when it has a goal.

There is no achievement without goals.

Establish a goal worth working for. Your goal will keep you going in tough times.

Always have something ahead of you. Continuously visualize your next step. Keep moving after you achieve your goal and set another. Momentum is maintained by always having something to look forward to. Constantly give yourself something to work for.

Do what you can do well, and do well whatever you can do and you'll achieve any goal that you set for yourself.

You can plant your dream with a goal.

© 2010 YourDailyMotivation.com

Review - Faith Filled Food For Moms and Grandmothers

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was happy to oblige when Shari emailed me about a review, as she is an inspiration to all women, Mothers and Grandmothers. Shari has overcome many years of painful addiction May her website and testimony be a blessing to all. Thank you Shari for giving me this opportunity! :-)

Encouragement to Moms AND Grandparents alike!

I've enjoyed reading through the pages of Faith Filled Food For Moms and Grandmothers, as it truly inspired me. I'm not sure if any of my readers know this, but I deal with depression every single day of my life. Yes, it's true! Currently, it may be menopause making it worse. However, I originally inherited some of my Father's characteristics. He's faced anxiety and depression for about the last 40 years of his life.

Do I want pity...NO, not at all! I'm trying to tell you how Shari's website was a blessing and an inspiration to me, as well as it was for many others. It was created with Moms, Grandmothers...and ALL women in mind that currently have broken spirits, loss of loved ones, depression, addictions, or anything else negative in their lives.

I especially enjoyed reading through the Blended Families series, starting with Part 1 :)

A scripture and an excerpt from that page below:

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Hang in there!

“For I know the plans I have for you.”declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 19:11

None of us would ever choose the heartaches and ups and downs of a blended family and yet I would not change the growth that it has forced me to have. God knows every inch of our hearts. He chose me to be the stepmom to my stepkids just as surely as he chose me to be the mom to my biological kids.

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Shari offers some awesome content, inspiration, and life experiences through her website Faith Filled Food For Moms.com. Everything from "health and fitness," "parenting," "laughter," "food," "women and recovery" and much more.

Shari also shares a page about Earning Extra Cash. Check that out a little later. :)

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About Shari and a little from her experiences.

Shari Lynne is a happy stay at home mom to 7 children (3 of which are home still). She's also blessed with 3 wonderful grandchildren, and thrilled to be caring for one of them every day. Life is filled with rewards! :-)

However, life wasn't always this joy-filled and happy for Shari. The pain and abuse started early on. Shari let the demons of drugs and alcohol into her life.

Shari began using alchohol and drugs at the tender age of 11. Wow, I can't even imagine! Fast forward to 25 years old. I admire the courage she had to begin taking the steps to turning her life around. Shari began the healing process. What inspiration!

Through her recovery, she learned that not all pain is bad. Some of that pain she endured was good; it impacted her life in such a way that it impelled her to make a change. It has also molded her into the strong person she is today. :-)

"But be encouraged because as many tears that were shed, there was greater laughter and joy that came from the freedom of healing! "

Some Excerpts From The Testimony Page

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"I began to rebel. I started smoking, drinking and taking drugs when I was 11 years old. I started running away from home."

"On so many occasions I just wanted to die. I was so dead inside. I had no hope. I continued drinking and taking drugs through out these years. I moved out the day I graduated."

"Well I have been sober now for 27 years. By the Grace of God."

"My prayer is that my recovery would give hope to the hopeless"

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You can read the full story and testimony Here!

And Remember...

Be All That God Created You to Be No Matter the Season

May Faith Filled Food For Moms be a daily resting place where you find the ”Food”you need to be the best you can be. Let’s encourage one another and build each other up!

Awesome website Shari! :-)

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Grandma Fitness @ 5:00 AM

2011-09-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

I've gotten back into my morning workouts. Been negligent in this area for the past couple of months. ;)

I always feel better when I workout!

Just wanted to share with you the workout I do every morning. Watch the short video below...

:: Cher Fitness ::
A New Attitude

My first tape has worn out and I had to purchase a new one! LOL

Working out with videos in your home is great. However, whenever you get a chance, and the weather is good, get out and take a brisk walk. The weather right now is ideal for this with fall approaching. :-)

I have to keep working out to keep up with my grandson! lol

Crafts With Grandparents

2011-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

I thought the following(request for contribution) was a lovely post about family and a fun craft idea. Thank you Olivia. :-)

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With all of the technology around, it may be hard for some grandparents to get their grandchildren to put down the laptop or game controller and convince the children to spend more time with them. Here are two crafts you can do with your own grandchildren that will engage them and perhaps pave the way towards a closer relationship with them.

The Story of Mom/Dad

By creating a book of what their parent’s life was like growing up, they’ll not only learn something, but will feel closer to your and their parent. What you’ll need is a scrapbook, decorative paper, scissors, glue or tape, family photos through the years, and markers or pens. You can get any of these supplies at your local craft store. Bring your grandchild with you so they can help pick out the scrapbook and paper.

Go through old pictures of your son or daughter and share stories about what your grandchild’s father or mother was like. Start from when he or she was a baby and work your way up to the present. Each page in the scrap book can contain either one picture or a bunch of pictures cut out with a part of the story written out. Decide who will cut pictures, who will write the story and who will glue everything down. If you don’t have a picture for a particular story you’d like to share, ask your grandchild to draw what he or she think happened and include it in the book.

When it’s finished, it can be something your grandchild and you can treasure together or it can be used as a Mother’s Day/Father’s Day gift or as a birthday present. Be sure to include your grandchild’s name and yours on the title page.

Where Do I Come From?

Another craft you can do with your grandchild that is educational and entertaining is centered around sharing your nationality. Whether you come from one country or several, it’s important for children to know where they come from. And who’s better suited to teach them than you? For this craft you’ll need poster board or a large map of the world, pictures from photo albums or magazines that depict your culture, scissors, glue or tape, a frame big enough to display your board or map, and something to hang it on.

What you are going to make together is a wall decoration that will display the pride of your family’s heritage. First, discuss with your grandchild what countries you come from. Talk about what makes each country unique and what it has to do with your family. Then ask if he or she has any ideas on where to get pictures showing these aspects. You can use family photos, images from magazines or pictures you find online.

Once you have all your pictures ready, cut them out and place them on your board. If you are using a map, try to place the pictures near the country they belong to. If there isn’t enough room, spread them out and draw arrows or lines going from the pictures to the country. If you’re using poster board, create any design you want.

When you have everything where you want it, use glue or tape to attach all your pictures. This is something your grandchild can do on his or her own. Once everything is glued down, wait for it to dry, then place it in the frame and hang it up where everyone will see. Be sure to sign your names at the bottom so everyone will know who created such a wonderful piece.
These two ideas can go a long way to bridging the gap between grandparent and grandchild. Give them a try and see how well you bond together. Have fun!

Olivia Nicholas is a writer, blogger and mom. She manages her home business of Plug In Candles and in her spare time loves to read, write and travel.

ALL GREAT ACHIEVEMENT TAKES TIME

2011-09-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

ALL GREAT ACHIEVEMENT TAKES TIME

"Keep trying" is the rule that must be followed to be successful at anything.

Your success will always be connected with your actions. Just keep moving towards your goal.

You'll make mistakes but don't ever quit. You may even have to hang on after others have let go.

Persistence means taking pains to overcome every obstacle, to do all that's necessary to reach your goal. In the end, the only people who fail are those that do not try.

Your future is a big adventure. Just remember, all great achievement takes time.

© 2010 YourDailyMotivation.com

Review -- Personalized Books, Music CD's & DVD's for Kids - The Perfect Christmas Gift Idea

2011-08-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary - Customized Gifts For Children

Children Are Unique - Make Yours A Star!

As a parent to a 15 month old boy, we take pride in our definitive library of personalized gift items. Offering a wide variety of fun and educational music CD's, DVD's, and books from ages NEWBORN to age 12. :-)

Make reading fun with our individualized collection of over 40 books including child's name, age, hometown, and friend's names. Some of the names of the books are; Little One, Little One, Ballerina Princess, My Christmas Wish, My Tea Party, and Train With No Name.

We also showcase an array of music CD's offering thousands of names to choose from. All relating to: Celebration and Encouragement , Holiday , Play Time, Popular Characters, Religious, and Sports. A few of the names here are; Disney Princesses, Mickey, Minnie & Goofy sing-a-long, Elmo, Barney, and You are my Friend.

Also our personalized music DVD and photo personalized DVD collections are sure to please, and just to name a few include; Silly Songs with Veggie Tales, Dora, Diego & Me, Dora the Explorer Who's Birthday Is It, My Christmas Adventure, and My Party With Barney.

What child would not want a DVD for Christmas with there very own photo on them!? :-)

Gift Certificates Available As Well

BEST SELLERS

Review Our Best Seller Items Here

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Make JustKidsGifts.com your one-stop shop for Christmas gifts for all the kids on your list this year!

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Assistance offered with all endorsement issues before placing orders

JustKidsGifts.com also has a passion for working with fundraising groups and charities. Daycare centers, cub scouts, brownies, and church groups are just a few of the many fundraiser and charity organizations they love to work with that need to raise money.

Subscribe TODAY for the best deals and coupons!

Types Of Payment Accepted

We accept several forms of payment including:

* Visa
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You may also make your payment by Certified Check or Money Order.
You are also welcome to place your order by phone or mail.

See Site For Details

Find Just Kids Gifts on Facebook and Twitter!

Thanks For Visiting JustKidsGifts.com! :)

Copyright © Tammy Embrich :: Grandma's Home Blogger Place :: All Rights Reserved

Sacked Out With Grandpa and Grandma

2011-08-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Isn't this pic adorable? That is my grandson and his mommy getting a little shut eye.

This post will be leading up to a controversial topic. As I go forward with it, you will realize what the popular topic/subject is, and why I'm posting about it. As controversial as it seems, it's about bonding, growing up, and somewhat about letting go. ;)

There's nothing sweeter than snuggling up with your newborn baby and getting some rest yourself at the same time. It's part of the bonding process as babies grow and learn.

However, there comes a time when parents, and grandparents as well may or may not draw the controversial line as children reach a certain age and their sleeping arrangements. Ahh, you may now begin to see what this post is leading up to.

Read On...

Here is the meat of the story...and a little later on, my personal opinion. I'll give you the chance to add yours if you like.

Approximately two/three weeks ago, our grandbaby spent the better part of a weekend with us, while Mommy and Daddy went on a little getaway. All parents need those, now don't they?!! LOL

I was so excited about the weekend and enjoyed our whole Saturday with him. We had the greatest time with play, laughter, and lots of fun. :-) It really was a perfect day and we enjoyed having him.

We had kept him overnight once before and that was a good experience. He woke up once at 3AM and had part of a bottle and right back to sleep. :)

However, this particular Saturday night didn't go as smoothly! lol ;)

Grandbaby was restless the whole night, maybe missing Mommy and Daddy, or just wanting to be in his own crib, not sure. Don't you wish little babies could actually tell you why they are discontented??

The night actually started out good (for about an hour). Then he sort of half woke up, LOL, and was just really, really restless. Was crying and sort of not, all the while somewhat crawling and rolling in the crib.I could see his eyes were closed the whole time. Well, I was able to pat him back to a comforting sleep for about another hour.

The restlessness went on, off and on for about 4 hours. I had made up my mind to sleep in the spare room where his crib was, I just didn't trust me sleeping in another room. ;) Well of course, Grandma was not getting any sleep herself, and was very tired from the previous day.

OK, Now baby was up at 1 AM, wide awake and was eagerly wanting out of the crib. Another diaper change, I thought that's all it would take to get him back to sleep. Wrong! He was sitting up laughing and wanted to just play with his toys. Hmmm...Grandma tried her best to coax him back to sleep with a bottle and tried rocking him. He DID NOT want any part of it. LOL

Sooo, Grandma let him play for about 30 minutes, and he started getting tired. Then it took me forever to get him back to sleep. I'd say it was about 3 or 3:30 when he was finally back in his crib again. :/

20 minutes later, he was up again and this time standing up in the crib just watching me. He was sort of fussing but not too bad, about 30 minutes or so. So, I lay there with one eye open and one eye shut, watching him just hoping he'd end up going back to sleep. No such luck....and about that time Grandpa came in and asked "What's wrong with my little buddy?"

Well that did it, he was laughing, wide awake, and was sooo happy to see Grandpa in the wee hours of the morning! Grandpa picked him up and said, "Let's try something." He started in our room and I knew what he had in mind. ;)

By this time I was totally exhausted! LOL And was willing to try anything, and of course despite my reservations, he ended up between us. He did lay there for about 15 minutes or so and was keeping an eye on both of us and making little funny noises. I was mighty slap happy about that time, and was laughing myself. lol...

Grandpa rolled him over on his side and began patting his back gently and then off to sleep he was. Finally! I guess I got about 1 hour of sleep that night/morning! lol...He woke up at 5:30 and that's about the time he normally gets up.

So, I rolled out of bed and we started our day with a bottle, a diaper change, and cartoons. :-) I sure didn't need to be rocked to sleep the following night!

Now...here is my question. What percentage of parents, and grandparents let's their children sleep with them?

I know with my own son, to my recollection...he was always a good night baby and normally it was not an issue with him.

However, I do have an opinion. I don't think it's a bad idea for parents to let their children sleep with them...as long as it doesn't become a habit. When it becomes a habit, then yes! It will be a big issue and a hard habit to break. ;)

What is your opinion? I'd love to hear your thoughts about this.

Thanx! :-)

Review - Real Life Guidance to Helping Your Teen in High School

2011-08-17T03:38:00.000-07:00

Product Name: Real Life Guidance to Helping Your Teen in High School
Rating: 9
Where to Buy: Real Life Guidance Website

Description: A very straightforward report on how to help your child make it through those high school years. This informative report gives you insight from helping your teenager figure out who they are to dealing with bullies and peer pressure.

Review: Being a parent can have it's ups and downs. It is not easy and unfortunately they do not come with a manual. In my day, you either asked your own parents for help, a good friend, or just had to wing it and hope in the end you did the right thing.

For today’s parents there are many opportunities available to help with certain types of situations and most parents are willing to look for and find the information they need. If you’re looking for some guidance in helping your teenager make it through high school then you need to pick up a copy.

This guidance is some of the best I have read. The author, Aurelia Williams, gets right to point of the matter and leaves nothing to chance. With experience herself she knows and has used this information with her own children. It had to have worked because as honest as this report is I would never imagine her giving it to anyone else if it didn’t.

Dealing with a teenager can be very stressful. First off, they are a teenager and have no idea what is going on in their mind or with their bodies. If that’s not enough they also have to deal with other teenagers who are going through the same things. I didn’t have a clue how to help my children at this age. As I was reading this report I found myself saying things like, "Yes, that would have worked! Why didn't I think of that?"

This Report deals with helping your teenager find out who they are. To me that’s probably the most important part of a teenager’s life. It’s not easy. How many of us still don’t have a clue who we are? With the information in this report you can help set your child on their way to figuring this out and being proud of who they are and what they stand for.

It also gives you some insight into how to help your teen deal with some pretty tough things. Things such as peer pressure and the bullies they might be facing in their school. It even goes into dealing with relationships and how to handle dates and the dating rules you set as a parent.

Helping Your Teen in High School is just full of great information on helping your child through their high school years. Even if you don’t have a teenager yet this report can help you. If you're like me, your teenagers are grown and on their own but I needed it to be able to deal with my grandchildren and the things they will be going through as a teenager.

I’m really glad I have this report and it will come in very handy when it’s Grandma’s time to help.

Enjoying being a Grandmom

2011-08-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

History has a way of repeating itself. My boys are grown and have been on their own for a long time. My husband and me have been doing our own thing and rambling around in our house without thinking about small kiddies. If we left things like medicine laying around it was no big deal, we don't have small children living in our house anymore. Well, I looked around and look what I saw in my house, the pictures say it all and it took 37 years of marriage to get it. Ha, Ha! Even my backyard has kids wrote all over it. I love every minute of it and wouldn't change a thing.

Soups for Summertime

2011-08-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

By Bethany Booth @ DVO.com

From: A newsletter I get monthly DVO Newsletter From Cookin

Chilled soups make a refreshing start or finish to any summer meal. Filled with plenty of diced and pureed fresh fruits and veggies, summer soups are as healthy as salad and surprisingly satisfying.

Create rich flavors and textures by adding ingredients to your own taste. Don’t be afraid throw in lentils, beans or nuts for protein, or create a heartier soup by adding grains such as rice or barley. Use lemon juice to bring out flavors and bright colors. Add a dollop of yogurt or fat-free sour cream for a smooth texture and more filling meal.

Impress dinner guests with just the right garnish. Try fresh berries or or mint leaves to top cool fruity soup. Herbs such as cilantro and parsley or avocado slices add nicely to a bright tomato gazpacho.

No matter how they are dressed up, these soup recipes will impress and refresh.

Mango Gazpacho

2 cups 1/4-inch-diced fresh mangoes
2 cups orange juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 seedless cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or cilantro
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Process mangoes, orange juice and oil in a blender or food processor until pureed. Transfer to a medium bowl, along with remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Can be made several hours in advance.)

Serves 6
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Roasted Roma Tomato Soup

2 pounds Roma (plum) tomatoes, quartered
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 quart chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Place the tomato halves, cut side up, on a baking tray with the garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 375 degrees F for 1 hour.

Remove tray from oven. Snip the ends off the garlic cloves, and squeeze the insides into the bowl of a food processor along with the entire contents of the baking tray. Add stock, basil, and vinegar; blend until smooth. Season to taste. Serve either hot or cold.

Serves 4
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Chilled Avocado Soup

2 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tomato - peeled, seeded and diced

Puree avocado in a blender or food processor until smooth. Sauté chopped shallots in olive oil until tender but not brown; set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together avocado with chicken stock, heavy cream and shallots until smooth. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg; adjust seasonings to taste.

Chill for at least half an hour before serving. Garnish with diced tomato.

Serves 4
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Hot or Cold Zucchini Soup

2 tablespoons margarine
2 onions, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
8 zucchinis, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup dry potato flakes
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed

In a large frying pan, melt butter or margarine; add onion and saute until translucent. Add diced potato, zucchini, thyme, rosemary, basil, and white pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.

In a medium-sized cooking pot, add broth and bring to boil. Add zucchini/potato mixture; reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes.
When cooked, puree in food processor or blender in batches. Return to cooking pot, add milk and bring just to boil, but do not boil. Add instant mashed potato flakes and soy sauce and stir well. Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with dill weed. Soup may be served hot or chilled.

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Just Peachy Soup

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, thawed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup peach nectar
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Place raspberries in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain and discard seeds. Cover and refrigerate puree. Place peaches and lemon juice in the blender; cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a bowl; sit in nectar, yogurt, add sugar as needed according to tartness and extract.

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

To garnish, drizzle 1 tablespoon raspberry puree in a 3 in. circle on top of each serving. Use a toothpick to draw six lines toward the center of circle, forming a flower.
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Make every meal feel like a special occasion with an original and elegant chilled soup dish.

This article and soups were from the newsletter from DVO.com

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All Rights Reserved ~ This Article and Recipes May Not Be Reprinted

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Looking for New Shoes? Don’t Sacrifice Fashion for the Sake of Comfort - Guest Post

2011-08-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

With all the things going on in your life, whether running after a few hyper grandchildren, attending social events, shopping or gardening, it’s important to get around in comfortable, supportive shoes that won’t have you groaning by the end of the day.

While supportive and comfortable shoes are carried by many retailers, supportive, comfortable AND fashionable shoes are another story. If you’re looking for the benefits of an orthopedic shoe without looking like a nurse from the 1950’s, check out the following options. These manufacturers have their share of stylish shoes that also lend plenty of support.

Mephisto brand shoes are a great start. The Mobils series has a line of sandals with details like slight wedges, and tortoise and faux crocodile straps. These sandals are extremely comfortable and can be dressed up or down for the summer months! My personal favorite is Candy in Pewter.

Aravon is made by New Balance, which has a history of producing supportive athletic and walking shoes. Aravon really does a loafer right. You won’t experience pinching or tough material with these. I think the Maura in Red Brown is a really attractive heeled loafer. Just by looking at them, you would have no idea they’re ortho-friendly. They’re chic and professional enough for the office.

Clarks as a company, has been making very comfortable and supportive shoes since 1825. Most companies can’t say that. While I can’t recommend a heel to everyone, Clark’s Gallery Ink boots are great. The velvety boot features a removable Active Air footbed, buckle hardware and a sturdy stacked heel.

If you’re looking to add some comfortable boots to your closet, these should be your first pick.

Next time you go shoe shopping, follow these tips by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society:

* Always shop at the end of the day; your feet tend to swell throughout the day.

* Look for a good fit; the shoe should be comfortable and shaped like your foot with more room in the toe area.

* The shoe should have a shock-absorbent sole. Shoes with a low wedge are best.

The material of the shoe should be breathable. Canvas and leather are good choices.

About The Author

Danielle spends the day on her feet and finds Mephisto brand shoes to be a perfect crossroad between style and support. See her musings on healthy, active and green living at eatbreatheblog.com

Cool Dude and a Crabby Saturday

2011-07-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just want to share a happy family gathering. It was a crabby Saturday. I mean that in a cute way. We celebrated my son's mother- inlaw's birthday with a big family gathering. Boy was it hot. The humidity was way up and temperature right with it. we all still had a good time and the children had a great time playing in the kiddy pool and lounging on their outdoor kids furniture. They were able to stay cool in their wet swim cloths. We had live crabs that my son steamed in the back yard and the little kids were fascinated by the crabs. All the kids were under 5 years old so seeing these live crabs was exciting to them. Then they got to taste the crabs, some like it and most wanted the usual hot dog. Even my 4 month old grandson was a cool dude showing off his new specs. Keeping the kids happy is what we are all about around here and us adults have fun doing it. Remember, "growing babies is our busy". Visit http://www.babiestotoddler.com we carry all your baby and toddler needs for your home and outdoors.

New Grandbaby Photos and First Birthday Celebration

2011-07-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

FINALLY...I gathered all my favorite new photos of our Grandson. He just turned 1 on June 28, 2011 :-)

He's handsome, he's adorable, he's a ham, and he's the man!!! LOL :) And did I mention, he's definitely in charge most of the time??! ;)

Enjoy the photos!

My Own Little Private Birthday Celebration With Him (since his actual birthday was not on the same day as his party will be). :-)

In Grandma's Purse! LOL

My Favorite Photo! :-)

WIth Grandpa! :)

Of course, I love this one, who wouldn't??!

Bath time with Mommy!

I love them all! :-)

“We must become the change we want to see.”

2011-07-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

"We must become the change we want to see."
Mahatma Gandhi

Too often in life I see people wanting to make a change in their life but making the mistake of focussing outside of themselves not realising that until they first make the change on the inside, nothing will change on the outside.

Whatever you wish to change in your life or your world, you first have to own it inside of you before it will be revealed outside of you.

The great lesson most people who chase down dreams quickly realise is that the prize or dream they were chasing soon becomes far less valuable to them than the person they had to become in order to achieve it.

Next time you find yourself desiring to change something in your life, first ask yourself what you must do to become the person you need to be to achieve it, then and only then will you start to see true, worthwhile, long-lasting change in your life.

Ask yourself today, ‘How might the results I see in my life increase dramatically if I first focus on changing and growing myself on the inside before I turn my focus to changing things on the outside?

Have an Outstanding Day!
Reprinted with permission of Alex Prez & Motivation in your Mailbox E-ZINE, for more information, visit www.motivationinyourmailbox.com

Grandmother Knows Best: Home and Natural Remedies

2011-07-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Katheryne Taylor has shared some tried and true home remedies. Some excellent information for health. Thank you Katheryne! :-)

Sometimes home and natural remedies are based on old wives' tales and are really just silly. On the other hand, there are times when it's a great idea to use those remedies that your grandmother might have used when she was a child. Now, there's more scientific evidence than ever to back up the efficacy of some natural and home remedies for conditions like asthma, morning sickness, and even depression. Here are a few natural remedies to try at home:

Remedies for Allergies and Asthma
One of the best remedies for allergies and asthma is to cut out dairy, according to Deborah Francis of the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. The reason for this is that dairy often produces extra mucus in the body, which can be a problem for asthma and allergy sufferers. If you suffer from asthma, try going dairy-free for a while to see if it helps, and if you're an allergy sufferer, cutting out dairy just during your worst allergy seasons might be beneficial, too.

Remedies for Morning Sickness
Ah, morning sickness. It's one of the classic signs of early pregnancy, and it's seriously annoying. It can go on all day, and it hits some women worse than others. Luckily, there are lots of excellent natural, home remedies for morning sickness. If your grandmother were from India, she might recommend sucking on some candied ginger to help calm tummy troubles like morning sickness, and recent studies have actually shown that ginger can help reduce morning sickness as well as prescription medications! You can usually find candied ginger in health food stores or in natural foods sections of your favorite grocery store.

Remedies for Depression
While severe depression can be serious enough to warrant medication and treatment from a therapist, minor cases of the blues pop up frequently and can often be treated naturally at home. There are all sorts of natural ways to treat depression, including some of the following:

Fish Oil: Fish oil supplements are full of helpful Omega-3 fatty acids, which seem to be able to help balance levels of certain hormones in the brain and to help the brain use its serotonin – the main feel-good hormone – more efficiently. Increase your intake of fatty acids like these by boosting your consumption of fish, nuts, and vegetables like avocado, but also take a fish oil supplement, which you can find at any old grocery store on the block!

St. John's Wort: This grandmotherly remedy for depression has been around for ages. According to Natural Health it also helps your body use serotonin more effectively, and it's been used for years to treat moderate or mild depression. This herb has actually been shown to be as effective as prescription antidepressants for treating problems like these.

Vitamin D: Grandma always said that the remedy for a case of the blues was some fresh air and sunshine, and now we know why – Vitamin D! This essential vitamin is produced naturally in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. While scientists aren't exactly sure how Vitamin D fights depression, it's clear that it does help. Especially in the winter when skin exposure to sunlight is rare, it's a good idea to take a Vitamin D supplement, since it's hard to get enough from your food.

Keep in mind that with any herbal-based natural remedies, it's vital that you talk with your doctor before using them, especially if you're taking other medications like antidepressants. Even though these remedies are natural, they still have powerful effects on the body, and they can interfere with your other medications. If your doctor isn't one to get behind natural remedies at all, consider switching practitioners or seeing a qualified naturopath alongside your regular physician.

Natural remedies don't always work for everyone, but they're certainly worth trying before you dump a ton of prescription chemicals into your body. Sometimes, grandma's home remedies really are the best solution, although next time grandma tells you to blow cigarette smoke in your baby's ear when she has an ear infection, you might want to skip the harmful smoke and go with any source of heat, like a warm rag laid over the hurting ear, instead!

Katheryne Taylor is a social media advocate with CreditDonkey, the credit card cash back website. She helps families compare offers to find the rewards right for them. Did your grandmother share a remedy? Leave a comment below. :)

An Invitation And Review - Knowledge Nests.com

2011-07-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to open my emails last week to receive an invitation to be an expert in the (Grandmother) category on The Knowledge Nests - NESTING.com! :-)

I will be submitting articles there as well as taking part in conversations and also networking with other members. They have a wide variety of categories, from...working at home, baby, beauty, fashion, nutrition, to travel.

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Just For Moms

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Things To Keep In Mind When Selecting Your Diamond

2011-07-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Are you in the market for a new diamond? Selecting and caring for a diamond can be a baffling task for the uninitiated, and no one wants to be embarrassed by walking into a jeweler not knowing what he or she’s looking for. Here are a few tips for selecting diamonds that will help you find that perfect stone. Note: bigger is not always better!

The first thing any potential buyer should be aware of are the 4 Cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight.

Color is rated on a scale of D to J, D being “colorless” and J indicating a more yellow color. People will tell you that colorless diamonds are the way to go, but the fact is when two diamonds of varying color grades are held up next to each other, very few people are likely to be able to tell the difference.

Clarity is a measure of how “clear” the diamond is. A diamond that has very few imperfections, or inclusions, is valued at a higher price. Diamonds that include small chips, cloudiness or fissures within the stone reduce the appearance and value of the diamond.

Cut refers to the way a diamond reflects light off of the facets within itself to produce the brilliance that’s so captivating about diamonds. The better the cut, the more sparkle you get.

And finally, diamonds are not weighed by the pound or gram, but by the carat. The higher carat diamond you have, the more it weighs. Larger diamonds are generally rarer, so stones with a high carat weight typically fetch a higher price.

Once you’ve chosen a diamond, it’s important to keep it looking as good as the first day you brought it home. Cleaning should occur once or twice weekly and can be performed by soaking in an ammonia based solution. Stay away from chlorine and abrasives!

Make sure diamonds are kept in in a fabric-lined case and away from other jewels so they are not scratched. An annual visit to the jeweler is not a bad idea, as he or she can give your jewels a closer look and offer a more thorough cleaning.

Now that you’ve had a crash-course in diamond buying get out there and see what’s available! Current diamond trends include bracelets that magnify the jewel making it look extra-large and earthy tones that contrast with the inherent opulence of the diamond itself. But those looking for a more classic look can investigate the new styles of diamond studs on the market. It’s a very exciting time!

Danielle is a hippie at heart - a free spirit who strives to consider Mamma Earth in all decisions she makes, even when picking her jewelry and diamonds. Read her musings on eatbreatheblog.com

4th of July Cookout

2011-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Another year older! Our country that is. We had a wonderful 4th of July. Babiestotoddler.com friends and family celebrated with us with a big cookout and our grand kids had a ball. We have a nice big back yard with a big swing set and lots of toddler size furniture and a fire pit. We had a new swimming area for the kids this year. It is called the Cannonball Splash and the kids loved it. The cannonball splash is like a slip and slide but has a pool attached to it. It was a lot of fun watching the kids slide and splash. Even my little 3 month old grandson had his little swimming trunks on and was splashing with his feet. The day ended with wonderful fire works and making smors over the fire pit. The kids were pooped out and so was Grammy. The evening ended with a sleep over with the kids in a big tent in out back yard. Pappy was in charge all night and all the kids slept all night through in the tent without running in the house. It was great and babiestotoddler.com will do it all again next year. We are all about babies and toddlers around here so visit me at babiestotoddlerblog.com and we can talk some baby talk. lol!

Bring on Black Friday Madness

2011-06-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a nice article for budgeting and planning for the busiest shopping day of the year. Good points! Thank you Andrea :-)

We’ve all heard crazy stories about people getting trampled and going crazy on Black Friday. But are the shopping deals even worth waking before the sun? That really depends on what exactly you’re looking for and how organized you can be. Black Friday is a day designed for the sole purpose of consumerism. The name itself refers to the fact that historically on this single day retailers would go from spending more than they earn (red) to making profits (black). But the most ridiculous day for consumerism can score you some unheard of deals if only you know what to look for and how to go about shopping. If you wake up with a plan things will not seem remotely as stressful as they would otherwise.

Before even thinking about looking at Black Friday ads, make a budget. Discuss with your spouse (if applicable) and agree on a reasonable and practical budget. And no matter what you may find while out and about shopping, stick to your predetermined budget. Do not pick up something just because you can. There’s no sense in getting a ‘great deal’ if you have to go into debt to purchase it. And just because you have a specific number doesn’t mean you have to spend that much money. It is simply a number to keep in mind, a railing to keep you where you should be financially.

Make a list of gifts or items you are looking to buy. If you have specific products you need, it will make shopping much easier. Retailers often post their Black Friday ads online beforehand, and those that don’t post one often end up with a leaked version somewhere anyway. Or you can wait until a local paper comes out with the ads in it. Browse each ad and write down the items you are looking for and their prices. Different stores may have the same, or very similar, items. So be sure to look closely to find the best deal possible. Keep in mind the long wait standing in line while you are planning, and try to get the most shopping you can get done at the fewest number of stores.

Once you know what items you are after, it’s time to make a game plan. Start with the store that opens the earliest and work your way through the stores that way. If several retailers open at the same time, choose the one that has items most important to you. Also take into consideration the popularity of various stores and products. Big name stores are going to be crawling with people, meaning they will run out of hot items faster. Make sure you bring your written list of items and keep a copy of the advertisement with you if you can. You may have trouble finding a specific item and need to ask for help. You’ll make the lives of busy customer service reps, and your own, much easier.

When it comes to Black Friday, bring a friend with you if you can. The lines will be long and there’s no use in being grouchy about having to wait. Have someone with you to chat and make the experience fun, instead of one that’s dreaded. After all, you chose to wake up ridiculously early and go shopping. So create a new tradition with a good friend and go shopping together, scoring Black Friday deals each year. And follow up your shopping trip with a cup of coffee or big breakfast shared together. The lack of sleep will be worth it for the time shared and memories created with one another.

About The Author

Andrea Boley is a writer and blogger with http://www.storkie.com. She has been writing articles and blogging for over 10 years and is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work. Her educational backgrounds in psychology and journalism have given her a solid foundation from which to draw experience and expertise in an array of topics.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

2011-06-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's your first birthday...WOW!! How time flies. :)

Seems like just a few months ago we were all still at the hospital waiting for your arrival!

You are 1 today and you have learned sooo much, and you are so very smart...OFF THE CHARTS smart. Way Too Smart For Me (sometimes) lol

Tons of Love, Hugs, and Kisses...Your Grandma

Grandma's not proud is she??! :-)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!

June 28th 2010

Let us Relish life as we live it....

2011-06-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."
Thomas S. Monson

I received a card last week from one of my subscribers with the above quote on the front of it, and I took so much from it that I had to share it with everyone.

There are very few guarantees in life, but each of us can be guaranteed one thing, one day we shall all run out of tomorrow’s, the only part we can’t be guaranteed of is when that day will come.

It’s up to us to ensure that each and every day we make the most we can of this gift we’ve been given called life, that we unleash our spirit onto the world and we become the biggest version of ourselves we possibly can, never for a second putting off living for some time and place in the future which may never come, instead living in the moment every chance we get.

Ask yourself today, ‘Do I truly relish life and make the very most I can from each and every moment I’m blessed with on this earth?’

Have an Outstanding Day!
Reprinted with permission of Alex Prez & Motivation in your Mailbox E-ZINE, for more information, visit www.motivationinyourmailbox.com

Midnight Lullaby By Jane Roman Pitt (Album Review)

2011-06-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

As a new Grandmother, I was delighted when I opened my email to an invitation to do a review on a beautiful baby lullaby CD,Midnight Lullaby by Jane Roman Pitt. Kathryn Musilek from "Beautiful Day Media" was kind enough to send me a copy of it and I have to be honest here and tell you that I immediately fell in love with it. The music is so incredibly soothing and comforting.

Midnight Lullaby is a beautiful, consolatory collection of bedtime lullabies for babies and young children. The album was made out of love from the composer - Jane Roman Pitt for her grandchildren. A few of the writers of this album are Josh Ritter, Dixie Chicks, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Lennon/McCartney, and Jane Roman Pitt herself. My two favorites are "Baby That's Not All" and "My Darling."

In Jane's Words...

*** “It’s very fulfilling to know that something as simple as listening to a soothing lullaby before bed can have such a profound and far-reaching effect on the life of a child.”

"The album is a way for a parent to lovingly tell a child, I love you very much, I’m here, and please go to sleep now because I’m really tired! And the collection says just that." ***

There is an balsamic clarity in Jane's voice on this record. Crystal clear vocals. The first time I listened to it, tears welled up while thinking of my own grandson. ;) It is indeed an extraordinarily beautiful CD to have if you have very young children or grandchildren.

It actually lulled ME to sleep the night before I had some extremely dreaded dental work done. I was absolutely sure I would NOT sleep that night! I have a habit of listening to music at bedtime (with earphones of course, not to disturb my husband). I wanted to listen to the music one more time in preparation for writing this review. Lo and behold, I popped the CD in and before it was over, I fell asleep and slept the entire night straight through.

Just goes to show that it benefits adults as well!

This album would be an excellent gift for a baby shower, or for anytime after baby is born.

Have a listen to a few lyrics of the songs Here!

To Purchase This Album, Visit This Page

Please Note: - A portion of the proceeds from this CD will be donated to The Mary Benson House, a shelter for pregnant women and their babies in Asheville, North Carolina.

Below is Jane's official website including her Biography. It also showcases other music she has composed and recorded.

Janeromanpitt.com

Jane recently became Grandma to her second grandchild, a baby boy!
:-)

“Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway.”

2011-06-20T08:43:00.001-07:00

"Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway."
Dr. Robert Anthony
It’s often easy to make the assumption that those who act boldly and achieve great things did so due to a lack of fear, but the reality is that every single one of us has fears, the thing that separates those who do from those who merely dream is a willingness to act in spite of whatever we fear.

The terrible thing about fear is that it doesn’t steal our dreams from us in one giant swoop, but insidiously creeps in moment by moment and day by day stealing them away from us as the thing we fear grows unless acted on.

Your life and your dreams are worth more than giving up on them due to something which may or may not happen, but as with everything in life, the choice rests with you and you alone whether you’ll decide to join the winners in the arena chasing down their dreams and beating down their fears one day at a time, or whether you’ll forever sit on the sidelines and watch others live a life you know you deserve to be living.

Ask yourself today, ‘What could I do today to take action towards overcoming what’s been holding me back from giving my dream and my life everything I’ve got?’

Have an Outstanding Day!
Reprinted with permission of Alex Prez & Motivation in your Mailbox E-ZINE, for more information, visit www.motivationinyourmailbox.com