Black Friday!

Photo Credit

Are you one of those crazy folk that camp out in long lines? Have you been caught playing bumper cars with your shopping cart just to walk out of the store with a steal of a deal? If so, this post is for you! I however, will be snuggled up in my warm bed at 4 a.m. on Black Friday and wish the rest of you the best of luck!  So shop til' you drop and don't forget to play nice! Here is a compilation of this years Black Friday ads: (thanks to theblackfriday.com)

Click on the following links to find this years ads:

Best Buy Ad      Sears Ad      Old Navy Ad     Costco Ad     Walmart Ad      Kohl's Ad     Toys "R" Us Ad

JCPenney Ad      Target Ad,       K Mart Ad      Sam's Club Ad      Macy's Ad

 Did you score something AWESOME this Black Friday? Tells us about your finds.

-Lauralee

12 Monthly Scrapbook Pages

Monthly Scrapbook Page

Several years ago, I was trying to come up with a Christmas present for the Grandparents (our parents).  Scrapbook Calendars were really popular.  I decided to take a little twist and instead of adding the calendar to it, I just made 12 scrapbook pages that could either be put in a 12 x 12 frame or put on an easel for a monthly decoration. If you enjoy scrapbooking this will be an easy project for you. (even though it maybe a  little ("hehe") time consuming.  If you are thinking to yourself I don't have pictures of the kids for each season then this will give you a great idea to start for the next year.  Happy Scrapping!

 

Jan





What's for dinner?

This is one of my favorite go to meals. I mean what's not to love? It's got cream cheese, steak, bread and vegetables! Pretty much the food guide pyramid in a sandwich. Minus the lentils of course. This meal is quick and easy; definitely my kind of cooking. 

 You don't need the expensive cuts either, I just used some rib steak. There isn't a ton of meat on there because of the rib bones but you don't need a lot. Unless you're cooking for a football team, then you should probably throw up your hands and make pancakes instead.

Slice up your meat and season as desired. I went the Brazilian route and just sprinkled on some Kosher salt. This makes the meat tender and delicious. Pop your strips in a hot pan on medium-high.

While your meat is cooking chop up the vegetables. For our family of three, I use 1 pepper, 1/2 an onion and a handful of mushrooms, but you can put as many as you like. Chop them into thin strips. 

When your meat is half-way to doneness, (if you like rare then that's going to be sooner than later) add your vegetables. Cook them together until the veggies are crisp tender and the meat is cooked to your liking. 

Slice your straight-from-the-oven homemade rolls (ha ha who are we kidding?) and slather each side with a generous amount of cream cheese. Don't be skimpy. Remember there's vegetables in there too so you did the healthy part already. 

Insert your meat and veggie combo into your roll and enjoy! 

~Maren

10 Baptism Day Ideas

On this blog we share ideas that are generated by what is going on in our lives, homes, and families. We won't be religious here very often, but we won't hide it either. We are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

In most religions there are significant and special things that happen at certain ages. There is the first communion in the Catholic Faith, and Bar Mitzvah in the Jewish Faith. In our Church, children get baptized when they turn 8.

This is an extremely important day because we make promises or covenants with God. I want my children to understand that baptism is extremely significant and special in their lives. I want them to feel and remember happiness and love. 

My oldest daughter was baptized last Saturday, and here are 10 things we did that I hope made the day memorable for her. These ideas would work for any extra special birthday or occasion.
 

 1. First, I found her a white dress (although she's wearing a black cardigan to make it a bit warmer for the weather).  I have a limited budget, and was SO grateful to find it for $20... marked down from $64!! Thank you Sears! 2. Then I took her on a photo shoot.  I'm not a photographer, but I'm trying to learn. She enjoyed modeling for me :).

3. I spent hours and hours putting together all of the pictures I've taken of her since she was born, and made a movie using Windows  Live Movie Maker. It's free and a GREAT resource. My daughter absolutely loved it. (Extra thanks to my good friend Jan who stayed up all night long helping me get it to work since my computer flopped!)

4. Her baptism was at 9:00 AM, so we had a brunch afterward with food she loves. (Again, thanks to Jan who made cinnamon rolls in the middle of the night).

5. Cute pictures of her displayed all over the house.

6. A pretty journal. W asked everyone to write her a note of advice or memories. Now we are using that journal as a 'mother daughter journal'-  here is where I found the idea. It's a way to really find out what is going on inside her head.

7. Salt water taffy skewers with notes that said, "chews the right" (I've seen that on Pinterest)

8. Skewer 8's out of two powder donuts. (These were appreciated by everyone :).   

9. She received gifts. The most important was a set of beautiful Scriptures with her name inscribed on them.

10. One of the most important things of all was taking a picture with her daddy {who baptized her}by the picture of Jesus. I hope that she will always remember that baptism is really all about a deep commitment to follow His example.

For me, this is one of the most significant parts of my children's lives. That is why I'm sharing it here. These special days, no matter what religion we belong to, allow us glimpses into the hearts of our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or neighbors. There are times when God gives us a small vision of the "immortal souls" we're with every day. We realize that no one is a "mere mortal." (See Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis)

How do you celebrate extra special landmarks and occasions?

XO, Nancy

Thanksgiving Traditions

I love Thanksgiving. Sadly, it gets overlooked sometimes because it's sandwiched between two other great holidays. Here are a few ideas to really help celebrate the Thanksgiving season!!

1. Turkey place mat by Fiskars  2 & 3. Decorative pie crusts by Martha Stewart  4. Mayflower dinner boats by Moore Minutes   5. Teepees and Houses by Parents Magazine   6. Candy Cornucopia by Simple Girl at Home   7. Sweet Acorns by Gracious Rain  8. Turkey Veggie Tray by Mom Endeavors

What do you do to make Thanksgiving important and special for your family?

Photo by Oh SO Savvy mom

Nancy: I like to start a "thankful project" with my kids 10 days or so before Thanksgiving. Sometimes we make a paper chain and write all the things we are thankful for on each link of the chain. Other years we make a tree out of a branch and construction paper for the leaves on which we write the thankful lists. This year I'm going to have my children write or draw what they're thankful for on our cupboard chalkboard. I love kids' handwriting and spelling. That's one thing I'm thankful for - so why not make it decor :).






 I also like to do different things every year to make it fun. Last year we went to the zoo to watch the elephants eat their pumpkin breakfast and then we went out to eat... Lest you think I'm a heathen for being "nontraditional",  I did not have to cook or clean or even wash a single dish. It was heavenly, and I got to spend every minute with my family. No stress at all, and we even spent waaaay less $$ than the years we've hosted it for the extended family. The most important part to me is having fun and happy memories with my family.

photo by Martha Stewart

 Jenn: One tradition our family has started within the last few years is having a pie eating party. Sometimes we have it the night before Thanksgiving, and other times we do it that night.  We all bring one or two different kinds of pies and sample them all. It's almost more fun than the actual Thanksgiving dinner!! 

   

Jan:  For the first seven years of marriage we went to Arizona with my husband's family to a Cabin.  We would usually spend  four or five days there with all of the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  We ate great food, played games and just relaxed in the Cabin.  Since then we have switched back and forth with each others' families.  The day is usually spent eating and playing games.  As for our little family,  if the weather is good we like to take a family bike ride before we go get stuffed.   This year we started November with our Give Thanks notes.  We have also done a paper chain like Nancy and write on the strips of paper what we are thankful for.

photo by Lidbeck-brent

Maren: Every Thanksgiving my dad stands up before we bless the meal and gives a little speech. Sometimes he talks about the origins of the holiday, past Thanksgivings or blessings and things he's grateful for. He is a great orator and it really sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Our family is massive (I'm the 15th child and the baby) and so the only place that can comfortably hold us is the church. One of my favorite memories was after the meal everyone was scattered throughout the church, playing basketball, tag, whatever and a bunch of us adults somehow ended up in the nursery with all the babies and toys. We just sat in a circle and told stories and talked for hours. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what you have or don't have (a mansion to hold all my kin) having your family is the best blessing of all. 

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Or what do you want to try this year?

How to Make Chocolate Curls

If you want to make a cake or pie look extra awesome, here's a secret:

They're easy, yummy, pretty, and quick to make.

White chocolate has a different consistency than dark or chocolate. For both kinds though, all you need is chocolate (Baker's works well), and white shortening.
 For white curls:  8 ounces of chocolate and 1 tablespoon of shortening.
 For dark chocolate: 3 ounces of chocolate and 1 tablespoon of shortening.

Put chocolate and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second increments until melted. Stir well.

 Spread chocolate on the back of a cookie sheet.  Put in the freezer for 3 approximately 3 minutes.

With a spatula scrape the chocolate along the cookie sheet.

The chocolate should curl. If it's too soft, put back in freezer. If it's too hard, let it sit for a few more seconds. Then scrape chocolate again.

Try scraping different spatulas or knives. Or try moving your hand differently to vary the look of the curls.

Put them on a cake or something to beautify.... or just eat them :).

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

White Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake with Macadamia Nuts

I love everything about Thanksgiving, except one thing: PUMPKIN PIE. Every year though, I give it a new try. I still don't like it, but really wish I did. 

I also have a food I LOVE. It's been my favorite since I was in diapers (and that was looooong ago)... 

sweet potatoes. 

So, for me, this delicious sweet potato cake is perfect for Fall {and even Thanksgiving dinner for you fellow pumpkin pie haters}.

I found this recipe in a Martha Stewart magazine several years ago, and adapted it a bit. The white chocolate mousse on the spiced sweet potato cake is scrumptious, and the macadamia nuts make it heavenly. It's been a winner every time I've made it.

Want to give it a try?

Ingredients:

2 pounds sweet potatoes

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil, divided

shortening and flour for pans

2 cups cake flour

4 large eggs

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoons brandy extract (Smith's has it, Walmart does not)

1 1/2 cups unsalted macadamia nuts, toasted, coarsely chopped

1 pound white chocolate

2 cups heavy cream

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat potatoes with 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil. Place on baking sheet. Bake 40 minutes, or until tender. Cool, remove skin, and mash with fork. Taste it now because, wow, delicious. Then use the rest for the cake.

2. Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees. (Or put sweet potato puree in fridge, and make cake later). Prepare  2 round cake pans (8 by 1 1/2 inch)  with shortening and flour. Set aside.

3. In an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar together on medium high speed until fluffy (about 5 minutes).

Add 1 cup of vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed until combined.

Add sweet potatoes. Mix until combined.

4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix into batter. Add vanilla and brandy extract until combined. Fold in 1 cup macadamia nuts by hand.

5. Pour batter evenly into pans. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. After 10 minutes invert cakes on to wire rack. Cool about  1 hour and a half.

6. While cake is baking, chop white chocolate into small pieces. Bring 1 cup of heavy cream to a boil. Pour over chopped chocolate. Whisk until chocolate is melted. Chill 40-45 minutes.

7. When chocolate is totally cooled, pour 1 cup of heavy cream into electric mixer. Whip until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Stir whipped heavy cream into chocolate mixture. Mix well.

8. Cut each cake in half horizontally. There will be 4 layers. Set the first layer on a cake board (a cardboard circle which fits the cake- I also cover it with foil, just for looks).

9. Spread chocolate mousse on first layer. Then continue with each layer.

Continue to frost sides and top of cake.

10. Sprinkle remaining macadamia nuts on cake.

11. Make some chocolate curls. Find out how here.

Sprinkle on cake.

Serve and enjoy!!

XO, Nancy