Save Time at Breakfast – Quick and Easy Cinnamon Roll Waffles
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day but if your like my family, sometimes breakfast just doesn’t happen like it should. I always feel so guilty as my kiddos run out of the house to catch the bus with a piece of toast or a granola bar in hand. ( Yes, I said granola bar.) With the onset of cold winter mornings I find it even harder to get my kids out of bed and going in the morning. So we are typically running on less time these days. Then there are the mornings that are just so busy it seems that the only breakfast we have time for is a quick bowl of cereal and milk. My four growing boys on the other hand would much rather have a made to order hot breakfast.
I’m always on the look out for things that make my life a little simpler. Quick breakfasts are a plus and if they are healthy that is a double plus. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of anything packed with preservatives. My children however are in love with the cinnamon rolls that are prepackage in a tube. When I found this simple trick on the internet I figured there is no real harm in letting them consume these greasy treats once in a while. So as a compromise I decided to try it. It’s something they love to eat and looked like it would involve a minimal amount of time. All you need is a waffle iron, package of cinnamon rolls and just about 3 minutes of your time.
This is a simple breakfast with an easy clean up for the days you really don’t have time for much more. In an attempt to make this breakfast a little healthier I served it with fruit and milk. I thought this might be a great option on Thanksgiving Day when you really don’t want to dirty any more dishes than you have to.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Step 1 : Heat the waffle iron.
Step 2 : Coat waffle iron with a light coat of non stick spray.
Step 3 : Break out the cinnamon rolls.
Step 4 : Place cinnamon rolls in the waffle iron.
Step 5 : Press the lid down until closed and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6 : Remove from the waffle iron, frost and serve.
All the taste of a cinnamon roll in just a few minutes. My kids have been begging for me to make them again ever since we tried it. Enjoy!
Decorate Cupcakes With DIY: Marshmallow & Sprinkle Flowers
Celebrating my nieces first birthday we were looking for a fun way to make a decorative birthday cupcake. I came across this fun flower cupcake idea and thought I’ll try that. It is a simple process and all you need are some sugar sprinkles and mini marshmallows.
Here’s how to sugar your marshmallows.
Step 1.Begin by placing sugar sprinkles on a small plate or in a bowl.
Step 2.Cut the mini marshmallows on a diagonal.
Step 3.Press the freshly cut sticky side of the marshmallow into the colored sprinkles. The sprinkles will stick easily to the marshmallow.
Step 4. Set each one aside to be used when you are ready to decorate your cupcakes.
When you are ready to design your cupcake, begin with a good layer of frosting for the marshmallow to stick to. Next, start in the center of the cupcake and working in a round place the marshmallows sprinkle side up, filling the top of the cupcake. Viola! When you have finished the process your cupcake will resemble a small dinner plate dahlia. Easy right? I do not claim to be any kind of cake decorator but I thought these turned out pretty cute.
While trying to create these cupcakes I thought this could easily translate into a fun way to decorate a cake top or sugar cookies. With some red sprinkles and large marshmallows, I think these could easily resemble a poinsettia. Wouldn’t that look great as a part of your next Christmas party spread? Try to cut the marshmallows into different shapes, use different colored sugars and be creative!
New Twist On Traditional Thanksgiving Flavors – Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Crunch
If your celebrating Thanksgiving this year, you have probably started to plan your menu. Or maybe you’ve just thought about all the favorite traditional foods that will garnish your table. Planning and preparing everyones favorite Thanksgiving foods is all part of the holiday tradition and what makes it so special.
Every year we make quite a few pumpkin pies along with some of our other favorites. Most everyone that will sit at our dinner table loves the traditional pumpkin pie but there are a few who could do without it. So I was thinking why not change it up a little. It is possible to enjoy the same flavors of the holiday while using a totally new recipe. I love looking for recipes online and many creative cooks have come up with interesting twist on the traditional favorites of the season. Here is one I found on www.mccormick.com that I though I might give a try.
Pumpkin Pecan Crunch
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
6 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice, divided
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (18 1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
Whipped cream (optional)
Spiced Pecans, recipe link below (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugars, 5 teaspoons of the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and salt in large bowl until well blended. Pour into 13×9-inch baking pan which has been sprayed with no stick cooking spray. 2. Mix cake mix and remaining 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in medium bowl with wire whisk. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle with pecans. Drizzle evenly with melted butter. 3. Bake 50 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serve with whipped cream and spiced pecans, if desired. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.
Make Ahead: Prepare as directed. Cool completely; cover. Refrigerate overnight. Let stand 30 minutes before serving. To serve, cut into squares with sharp knife.
Place Cards – Save Some Confusion & Add A Special Touch to Your Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. As daily we creep closer to the holiday my mind has started to churn with ideas for our annual family feast. Which foods to serve, how to decorate and who will be on the guest list are just a few of the things that have been running through my head. Each year it seems that we add someone new to the table. No longer does our guest list only include family. It has now grown to include dear friends and neighbors.
With the days leading up to the big day we will spend time making important decisions in order to fit everyone in the house. Time will be spent deciding where to set up tables, how many chairs we can fit around them, and where to place the kids. This alone has become almost as detailed as a battle strategy with our ever growing list of loved ones that will crowd into the house in order to share this day.
One thing I never want is for our guest to feel uncomfortable. Every year it seems someone does not feel comfortable enough to sit down at the table with out asking, “Where do you want me to sit?” With such a large party we usually serve our food buffet style. Everyone seems to go through the line filling their plates with the traditional favorite foods and then comes the awkward scenario of our guest standing with plate in hand not sure where to sit. Maybe I’m a bit to casual because my first thought is for everyone to just grab a seat and we usually end up facilitating seating as everyone comes off the line. This year I am determined it will be different. We are going to use place cards.
Using place cards can be a great way to make sure that everyone has a seat and this way your guest know where they can sit and feel comfortable doing so. This eliminates the uncomfortable plate in hand scenario and gives direction to your guest.
There are not may guidelines for using place cards but there are a couple. It is appropriate to use place cards when there are more than 4 guest at a dinner party. Place cards lend to a more formal setting, which I think could qualify any special event where a meal will be served.
With the decision of using place cards comes another decision yet to be made for the big day. What to use? Should I be crafty? Do I have the time? Or is it easier to print off a free place setting and personalize it. All over the internet are great ideas for place card settings. Now I just have to choose one that works for me.
If your thinking about place cards for your dinner table and just don’t have the time to be crafty, check out a few of these free printable place cards available online.
Free Printable Templates Online
Acorn Place Card
Martha Stewart Turkey Place Card
Cute Thanksgiving Place Cards
Modern Folk Themed Card
Vintage Place Card
Elegant Card
For those of you wanting something a little more crafty check out these place setting ideas.
Veterans Day Discounts
Today we take a moment to honor all those who have served and sacrificed for our country. All over the nation, in schools and communities, there will be ceremonies and assembles to honor those who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military.
Many businesses also take time today to recognize and honor those who have served our country. Several companies are offering our Veterans a little extra special treatment today. Here are a list of restaurants and their offers to our Veterans in honor of thier service.
Free Offers to Veterans:
Applebee’s – Free Meal Nov. 11th for Veterans
Applebee’s invites you in for a free meal and offers 7 entrees to choose from.
BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11th
They are offering a complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service.
Chili’s- Free Meal Nov. 11th
Chili’s offers all veterans their choice of 1 meal, with 6 different meals to choose from.
Krispy Kreme – Free Doughnut
This offer is available to all active duty, retired and veterans on Nov. 11th
Little Caesars Pizza – Free Crazy Bread Nov. 11th
Free Crazy Bread to all veterans and active military members.
Subway – Free 6 inch Sub Nov. 11th
Subway is offering a free 6 inch sub to military veterans in honor of Veterans Day.
Texas Roadhouse- Free Lunch Nov.11th
From 11:00 am to 2:00pm all Texas Roadhouse locations will be offering a free lunch to all veterans including active, retired or former military members.
The Olive Garden- Free Entree Nov. 11th
Olive Garden is offering a free entree to all veterans including active duty military.
There are also several retail companies and websites that offer discounts to veterans to honor them on this federal holiday. If you know someone who is serving in the military or has served please share this information with them. Many of these companies require a form of military I.D. to participate in these offers. For more information about other offers to veterans, check out this website called themilitarywallet.com. They have tons of more information. Happy Veterans Day!
Campbell’s Soup Coupons
While surfing the web this afternoon I came across a few Campbell’s Soup printable coupons. Since Thanksgiving is not to far off and many of these items could easily be part of the shopping list for Turkey day, I though I would share this link. If you follow them on Facebook or get their emails you may already be aware of these.
Just some food for thought – Campbell’s Kitchen recipes also have a great collection of recipes for anyone out there required to bring a dish to the yearly feast and has yet to perfect their cooking skills. Happy coupon clipping!
Link: https://www.campbellkitchen.com/coupon.aspx?fbid=l8pDyNOwSgm
No Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Today
This morning I was suddenly awakened and sat straight up in bed. The alarm clock glowed 6:36. Yes, I had slept in and that meant that the rest of my house would be off to a late start also. After being up all night with an upset baby, I threw my head back into my pillow.
“Don’t worry,” I hear in the darkness from the other side of the bed. “I’ll take him to school.”
My early morning husband had already been up checking his work emails and getting his day underway. As he left the room, my heart was racing and I just couldn’t go back to sleep.
Sitting in my bed my thoughts wandered to one of my favorite books form my childhood. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst.
Alexander the main character wakes up with gum in his hair, trips on a skate board while getting out of bed and drops his sweater into a sink of running water. All of this happens before he can make it to breakfast and his day doesn’t get any better from there. In the end Alexander feels better because he realizes other people have bad days too.
Laying in my bed and watching as the first rays of the sun light the sky I thought to myself, “My day is just beginning, get out of bed.” So I did, grateful I can choose to start over today before I ever really got started. Here’s hoping your day started out better than mine. Have a good day!
Fight Back Against Flu and Cold Viruses – Bleach Water Recipe
Cold weather has begun to push out the fair weather days of fall. As the chill in the air increases many of us find ourselves hibernating indoors giving germs more opportunities to travel. If your like me I do everything I can to keep my children and family healthy. This effort increases especially through the colder months of the year when it seems germs are more prevalent. Following a few simple steps can help prevent flu bugs and other viruses from invading our homes this year.
Get Outdoors – Just like your mother always told you, spending time out in the fresh air is good for your lungs. Breathing in clean air helps clean out the lungs and energizes the body with renewed oxygen. Find time to take the kids or dog for a brisk walk in the clean cold air.
Stay Hydrated – Keeping the body hydrated properly will help the mucus membranes work properly and fight off viruses. So reach for a glass of water.
Sleep – Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping about 8 hours a night will help make sure your body is well rested and better able to fight off viruses that may come your way.
Exercise – It’s true exercise not only strengthens your muscles. It also gives your immune system a workout, making it stronger and in turn better able to fight off germs.
Eat Healthy Foods – Choosing healthy foods will also help boost your immune system. Fruits, vegetables and garlic have all been shown to have immune boosting properties.
Disinfect – It may sound repetitive but washing your hands often is one of the best ways to keep germs from spreading. Think about keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your car or bag to use when you are away from home. Wipe down areas of the house that are frequently used like counter tops and door handles with sanitizers.
Get the Flu Vaccine – Yes one of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Check with your local medical provider to make sure that you are healthy and will have no complications from the vaccination.
Following these tips can help keep you and those you love on the pathway of health during the flu and cold season.
Just a side note-
As flu and cold season sets it seems that my cleaning supplies are constantly in use. I have to admit that I am a fan of Clorox Wipes and Hard Surface Disinfecting Spray. I use them to clean daily. However I am a “penny pincher” and always on the look out for ways I can save myself a few dollars. Recently when my Clorox Hard Surface Spray ran out I decided that I could make my own bleach water to clean my counters. This is great for cleaning toys and other surfaces that are touched often through out the day. Many of you probably have already done this but for those who haven’t I thought I’d share the recipe with you.
Bleach Water Recipe
Mix
1 Tablespoon of Bleach
1 Gallon of Cool Tap Water
For a smaller batch:
Mix
1 teaspoon of Bleach
1 22oz spray bottle full of Cool Tap Water
Store in a cool darken place.
Photo from freedigitalphotos.net :
C is for Celebrate! It’s Cookie Monster’s Birthday – Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
It’s true, today is the one and only Cookie Monster’s Birthday. This fun fact brings back memories of sitting in my child size rocking chair watching Sesame Street. I loved it then and my children love it now.
Each year on November 2nd Cookie Monster celebrates his birthday. You may never guess by his appearance but this year he turns 42. When he first appeared on the popular television show back in 1969 along side Kermit the Frog the public was introduced to this crazed cookie eater who at the time was gobbling down letters. This furry blue monster is known to eat just about anything but when he first joined the show he didn’t have an official name. His name caught on later when Cookie Monster became famous for saying, “Me eat cookies!”
So take a minute and celebrate Cookie Monster’s birthday! Whip up a batch of this American Icon’s favorite cookie, grab a glass of milk and enjoy an episode of Sesame Street with your preschooler. Happy Birthday Cookie Monster!
My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie – Nestle Toll House
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large egg
1 (12 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts
Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Tip: Substitute shortening for butter to achieve fluffier cookies.
Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween is quickly approaching and if your kids are like mine they are counting down the days. Many of us are making preparations for costumes, parties and a night of trick-or-treating. Children are usually the most excited about the holiday and this weekend may be a good time to review some safety rules with the family. Taking time to review safety guidelines for this Halloween will ensure that every one has a safe and fun filled night.
1.Safety in numbers
There is safety in numbers anytime you venture out of your home.
-Parents should accompany small children on their candy gathering adventure.
-Remember to go with children to the doors of homes you are unfamiliar with.
-Pin a small piece of paper to the inside of your child’s costume with their name and phone number in case you get separated.
-Choose to stay in familiar neighborhoods close to home.
Older children that parents trust to send out on their own should also be encouraged to be safe as well. These tips may be helpful when sending them out on their own.
– Have children go and stay with a group of friends.
Review safety rules with them and their friends so they know what is expected.
Plan a route that the children may travel.
Give older children a curfew.
Walk in well lit areas and never take shortcuts through isolated dark areas.
Stranger Danger
It important to review stranger danger with children. Halloween night seems like a party everywhere and a little reminder of these tips can help our children stay safe.
-Don’t enter homes of anyone you don’t know.
-Stay away from vehicles.
-Reinforce that it’s ok to yell and draw attention to themselves if someone they grabs them or makes them feel threatened.
Costume Safety
Costumes are one of the most exciting things about Halloween. Children are able to pretend and be creative. They are able to express their interest and creativity with their choices of costumes. As we can let our children be creative we can also help them to make sure their costume are safe.
-Wearing reflective clothing , glow stick or carry a flashlight will help them to be visible to cars and others out in the night.
-Make sure costumes fit well.
-Avoid facial mask if possible, make sure they can see and breath easily if they do wear mask.
-Limit accessories such as sharply pointed props, wands, swords and knives.
-Make sure costumes are flame resistant.
5.Safety at home
Keeping things safe around our homes is just as important as being safe when we go out. Making it a pleasant experience for all those celebrating Halloween who may come to our doors.
-Keep lights around the home on so the area is well lit.
-Make sure pets are under control, away from your front door and in a safe place.
-Give out well wrapped candy or alternatives such as stickers pencils or other small alternatives to sugar.
Alternatives to Trick or Treating
Trick or Treating may be the traditional way to celebrate Halloween but there are also may other ways children and families can enjoy the holiday. Many communities and schools sponsor activities where families can safely celebrate. Choose to attend a party or host one of your own and celebrate with your friends.
Using these tips to plan a safe and fun Halloween will make it a holiday to look forward to. Do you have tips of your own? Please share them in the comments. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
“Workaholic Stop and Smell Something Day”
Wait a minute, give me just one minute of your time. Today is a day designated for all of us who find ourselves busy squeezing every minute out of our day. From sun up to sun set we are busy and in the end still find there just aren’t enough hours in a day. You know who you are and yes today self proclaimed workaholics, and even those who don’t know they are one, are encouraged to “ Stop and Smell Something.”
If you fall into this category and are constantly in motion find a couple minutes to relax, you can do it. Take a break, and survey all that is around you. Ask yourself, “ What do I need more of? or What could I do without?” Today choose to indulge in something simple that brings you joy. Find a moment to evaluate what could be done to simplify life today. There has to be something that can wait until tomorrow.
Rejuvenate yourself with a few deep breaths. Go for a walk. Enjoy a favorite food at a meal, share it with someone who means something to you. Read to a child. Watch your favorite T.V. show. Take in the sun set or star gaze tonight and enjoy the feeling of fall. Whatever you choose take a minute to really find something that brings you joy no matter how simple it is.
I love the idea this quote relates.
“Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present, and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.”
— Audrey Hepburn
So today enjoy life and all it has to offer. Are you up for the challenge? You can go back to being overly busy tomorrow.
The Perfect Fall Cookie Recipe – Pumpkin Spice Whoopi Pies with Marshmallow Filling
Sweets are one of my favorite things. I must admit I am a lover of cookies and as mother of four growing boys who also love cookies, I am always on the look out for new cookie recipes to try. Sweet treats never last long around our house and I find that I save money when I make them at home.
Fall is here and I like to use ingredients that are popular for the season. Pumpkin is not the first ingredient that comes to mind when I think cookies. However when I came across a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Whoopi Pies I decided I’d try to whip some of these up. I must say these seasonal Whoopi Pies were a great alternative to chocolate.
These will definitely be added to the recipe file and I will be making them again soon. My boys loved them and gave them four thumbs up. They got raving reviews at our pumpkin craving party so I thought I’d pass the recipe along. Let me know what you think.
What you’ll need:
Cookies
1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup softened butter
1 package spice cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Marshmallow Spice filling
1/2 cup butter
1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
3 1/2 ounces marshmallow cream (half of a 7 oz jar)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
Cookies
Beat pumpkin and butter together with a mixer.
Add to above, cake mix, eggs, milk and blend together.
Grease cookie sheet and drop large mounds of dough onto baking sheet. ( Leave enough space for them to spread out a little while baking.)
Bake @ 375 for 15 to 17 minutes.
Marshmallow Filling:
Beat butter, and cream cheese together until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, marshmallow cream, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Blend until combined.
Chill until cookies are ready to be filled.
Spoon or pipe filling onto the bottom of a cookie and then top off with another cookie.