Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday-Baby's First Christmas


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Making Tuesday Tasty-Brie En Croute

Here is a simple but, tasty way to serve up a party appetizer for guests.  In a few short days will be New Years parties galore!  Enjoy.


Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, pre-packaged
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Crackers, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Defrost puff pastry for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and unfold.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the walnuts in the butter until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Add the cinnamon and stir until walnuts are coated well. Place the walnut mixture on top of the Brie and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Lay the puff pastry out on a flat surface. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Gather up the edges of the pastry, pressing around the brie and gather at the top. Gently squeeze together the excess dough and tie together with a piece of kitchen twine. Brush the beaten egg over top and side of Brie. Place Brie on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
Serve with crackers.


*recipe courtesy of Food Network*

Monday, December 26, 2011

Mama Share Mondays-Potty Training

These tidbits I want to share today are from my experience only, which means that there are plenty of ways to teach your children.  Please share your own personal experiences and if you are getting ready to teach your children, then by all means glean from these experiences.


  • Naked training was a great tool I used with my own daughter.  She didn't really catch on to the sensations of urinating and pooing until she was nude.
  • If you don't naked train, use regular training underwear or underwear.  Pull ups are essentially a glorified diaper and most children don't see a change in feel and use them as a potty.
  • LOTS of praise.  When I say lots, I mean it!  Especially little ones, they love knowing that they can get you excited and like to "perform".
  • Teach them young.  If you see that they are showing any signs.  Try to ease them in.  Children are less emotionally resistant when they are little, whereas after 3 they can speak their mind and refuse to do what you ask.
  • Incentive-I went to the dollar store and bought tons of stickers for my daughter. That was a great way to give her something special without doling out candy all day.  You can pick something that you think will motivate you little one.
  • Ask them to go potty frequently.  Every ten minutes to twenty minutes for sure.  Watch them for cues that they need to go.
  • Be CONSISTENT.  If you do this half-hearted, don't expect your child to be Gun ho about it and just do it.  You need to follow through until he/she knows how to go potty.
  • Try to put your child on the toilet without the pressure of training at first.  Some children fear the potty and so they don't want to get on it. I put mine on the potty many times as a game at first.  I showed her that I went on it and put her on it to get a feel of what it was like.  I let her get down when she wanted.
  • Practice makes perfect!
  • Don't be lazy.  By that I mean, once they have it down at home, try to go somewhere close to home without a diaper on.  Bring extra underwear and clothing just in case.  Let your child get used to knowing they need to use the potty.
  • Lastly, HAVE FUN!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  Praying for peace and good health for the new year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wordless Wednesday-Crazy Lashes


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Making Tuesday Tasty-Super Easy Microwave Fudge

My grandma gave me this recipe a few years ago.  I just made some this year with a couple of different flavors and it's so easy and delish!  I have also replaced the two cups of marshmallows with a 7 oz tub of marshmallow cream. Both are equally good.

Ingredients

1 stick of butter
2/3 C evaporated milk
2 C sugar
2 C mini marshmallows
1 tsp Vanilla
1 12 oz package of chocolate chips(or any flavor of chip you like)

In a large glass bowl melt the stick of butter in the microwave. (usually around a min or so).  Add sugar and evaporated milk and mix well.  Put in microwave on high for three minutes, take out and stir.  Put back in microwave and cook on high for two minutes, then remove and stir.  Put back in microwave for the last three minutes, stir thoroughly and add vanilla, marshmallows, and chips.  Stir thoroughly allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to melt in the mixture.  Once a creamy, thick consistency, pour into a cake pan and allow to cool.  Cut into small squares and serve.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Mama Share Monday-Christmas Tradition Ideas

When I got married I decided that I wanted to make a few new traditions for my own. I had no children of my own but, I got a step son in the deal and thought it would be nice for him and my own children to have a memory of each year. Below are some ideas on how to make a tradition for your own family.


  • Make a special Christmas card each year with the children's photos and add yourself if you want.  They can see the progression of the family each year. Put it in a special album for the children to enjoy when they're older.
  • Sing Christmas carols together each year in a retirement home, or children's hospital.
  • Make a special cookie recipe together each Christmas.
  • Go look at Christmas lights together and play Christmas music on the radio.
  • Do a special handmade gift exchange for any of your family that wants to participate.


There are of course many different things that you can do to create a new holiday tradition for you and your family. It's so much fun to do together and your children will remember those with fond memories.

What traditions do you and your family have around the holidays?  Please share in the comment section :)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wordless Wednesday


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Making Tuesday Tasty-Peppermint Bark

My husband and I love peppermint bark.  I never realized just how easy it was.  Here is a Paula Deen peppermint bark recipe. Enjoy!


Ingredients

  • Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
  • 2 pounds white chocolate
  • Peppermint flavorings, optional

Directions

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Mama Share Monday-Breast Feeding

This mama share Monday is going to be just a few basic tips about Breast feeding for anyone who has ever wanted to do it or anyone that is preparing to do it.


  • Although it's natural, it's not as easy as it looks.  It definitely takes a break in period where you and your baby literally "camp out" and learn to work together as a team!  Practice definitely makes perfect for most moms and babies.
  • Buy a sports bra type of nursing bra while pregnant and get measured once the baby is born and your milk has come in.  Your breasts change in size greatly and you will want a comfortable bra that fits you correctly.  Trust me on this!
  • Get as much support as you can in the beginning.  It can be very difficult for some mamas and if they don't have spousal support, family support, or friends, it can get frustrating and even make you want to quit.
  • Make sure you are sure about your desire to breast feed.  Some Moms choose to breast feed for reasons other than wanting to give their baby the best start possible.  They don't realize that it can actually get difficult for a bit and want to quit easily.  Learn as much as you can about breast feeding and breast milks benefits.  I was sold on the idea well before I got pregnant and so when I did have my hiccups in nursing my kids, I just worked through them.
What is your advice for starting a nursing relationship with your baby?  Let me know in the comment section!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday-Baby cousins


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Making Tuesday Tasty-Eggnog Cream Pie

I love eggnog and I love cream pies so I would say this is a definite WIN!  I adapted my own a few times but, didn't use the eggnog I used milk. Not as intense a flavor.  ENJOY!


Ingredients

  • 1 (4.6 ounce) package non-instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups eggnog
  • 2 teaspoons rum
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine pudding mix, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and egg nog; mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in rum. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  2. In a medium bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks. Remove the cold pudding from the refrigerator, and beat until smooth; fold in whipped cream. Spoon into baked pie shell. Sprinkle additional nutmeg over the top for garnish. Refrigerate 4 hours, or until set.


*recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com*

Monday, December 5, 2011

Mama Share Mondays

I'm thinking of sharing some regular mama advice as a new meme. We will see where it takes me.  I know most of the things I share will not be new to most people but, they will be things that I have noticed or have helped me along the way.

I decided that my first mama share will be on meal planning.  I've noticed many times over now that women suggest planning a menu for the beginning of the week or even weeks in advance.  I know in some ways that can be very convenient but, it's not usually cost effective.  If you choose to do this you should really either plan the meals with what you have in the freezer and cabinet or you should be planning them based on the sales in your ads.

With money being terribly tight for most families, you make do with what you have.  I buy things that are on sale, especially meat and then look for recipes that will go along with them.  I also have a recipe box full of recipes that are go to.  Make use of your crock pot if you want ease, also your grill can be used year round for a quick meat and veg dish.

I know these things are "common sense" but, I think many busy mamas think it's too much of a hassle to plan ahead a little. Do this on a day off, it only takes a little bit of time and can save you lots of money.

In the comment section, please share any good mama share tidbits you might have for me!  I would love to hear them!!