We had a cupcake decorating playdate last week in which the kids could decorate their own cupcakes.  Boy did they have fun.  

I let the kids use these small Pampered Chef icing decorators and they were perfect  for their little hands plus the icing only comes out of the decorating tip.  With an icing bag, one end is open (you twist it or fold it as you ice) and icing would be everywhere with these little munchkins.  

We put all kinds of sprinkles and candies out for the kids.  I love this divided glass platter.  Each section is a separate dish that lifts out.  My husband actually found this at a thrift store and it is one of my favorite things.  

Rue La La, the destination that delivers everything for a life of style - at private sale prices. Members discover new offerings daily - each available only for a short time.  Use this invitation only link to discover for yourself.  Rue La La is offering a $10 credit for new members (it's free) over the next few days.  Use the link to sign up and your credit will show up in your account within 48 hours.  

Here is a new pampers gifts to grow code worth 10 points.
SEP3PGW7NRKYWXK
Thanks Coupon Geek for sharing!

¾ cup butter, softened 
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
½ tsp. almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
red and green gel food coloring
1/3 cup raisins
1 tsp. sesame seeds



1.     In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Beat in egg and extract.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.  (I used my electric mixer to make dough.)  Set aside 1 cup of dough.  

2.     Tint remaining dough red;  shape into a 3 ½ in. log.  Wrap in plastic wrap.  Tint 1/3 cup of the reserved dough green; wrap in plastic wrap.  Wrap remaining plain dough.  Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. 

3.     On a lightly floured surface, roll plain dough into an 8 ½ in. X 3 ½ in. Rectangle.  Place red dough log on the end of a short side of the rectangle; roll up.  Roll green dough into a 10 in. X 3 ½ in. rectangle.  (Don’t worry about exact measurements, just roll until it looks like it will cover the dough log.)  Place red and white log on the end of a short side on green dough; roll up.  Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  

4.     Unwrap and cut into 3/16-in. slices (just less than ¼ in.).  Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Cut raisins into small pieces.  Lightly press raisin bits and sesame seeds into red dough to resemble watermelon seeds.  (I omitted the sesame seeds.)

5.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9 -11 minutes or until firm.  Immediately cut cookies in half.  Remove to wire racks to cool.  Yield 3 doz.  (I double the recipe)


This recipe came from a Taste of Home Summer Grilling cookbook - one of my favorites!  They have a wonderful delicate almond flavor.  I left the sesame seeds out when I made these so they are an optional ingredient.

I am entering this recipe in the My Wooden Spoon Food Challenge for February.  http://mywoodenspoon.com/february-food-challenge/

Here is a new pampers gifts to grow code.NC3XPM9YRD49EMT (10 points, expires 2/26)
Hurry - this one expires 2/26/11.
It is worth 10 points.

Thanks Freebies4Mom for sharing!

Udder Covers™ Reusable Nursing Pads will protect your skin from irritation by absorbing all moisture. You will LOVE them!

Product Benefits:
Leaking milk and moisture is drawn away from skin by 5 layers of absorbent cotton fabric 
Machine-washable and reusable 
Soft layers conform to breast shape for a natural look under clothing 

Product Features:
100% Cotton 
5 Ply 


This giveaway is for a package of 4 nursing pads (2 pair).  These are good nursing pads.  I have used this brand and liked the quality of the pads and the convenience and economy of being able to machine wash them and reuse them.  

Here’s How To Enter:
NOTE: Beneath this posting is the word “Comments.” This is where you’ll put your entries. Only entries on this posting will be counted.

1) To enter the giveaway, leave me a comment letting me know that you want to win these nursing pads.  

After you have commented, here are some other ways to enter: (Please, make sure that you submit extra comments if you do these.)

2)  For three extra entries, subscribe to my email newsletter or RSS Feed and leave separate comments letting me know that you have done this. Leave a separate comment for each entry (3 comments).  If you are already subscribed, thank you and make sure you leave comments letting me know.  You will need to activate your subscription by clicking on the link in the email that feedburner sends you.

3) Blog, Tweet or Share on Facebook about this giveaway . Make sure you come back and leave a separate comment letting me know that you’ve done this.

Entry is open to US residents only through 11:59PM CST on Monday, March 14, 2011. Winner will be chosen using random.org and contacted by email. If you’re the winner, you’ll have only 48 hours to respond or an alternate will be chosen.
 Good luck to all of you who enter!

This is one of our favorite Go-to meals when we have nothing planned and need to get dinner on the table fast.  

Simply make canned tomato soup with milk instead of water and add drained  canned butter beans.  You can add freshly ground pepper.  We like to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.  Another one of our favorite Go-to meals is bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches.  In fact the other night, we just had big salads topped with crumbled bacon and tomatoes.  So quick and easy and so delicious!

Here is a new gifts to grow code for 10 free points - but hurry - this one expires 2/19/11

4W34A9BD99YDFWY 

I was inspired when reading Hoosier Homemade by the love buckets she creates every year for her sons.  I thought this would be a fun tradition to start with my little guys.  I had some buckets that I bought at a yard sale last summer for 10 cents each and put M & M hearts, Valentine Peeps, and a Valentine card in each one.  My boys haven't seen these yet.  I can't wait to see their little faces when they see these on the table in the morning.