National Cookie Day

Holidays usually involve cookies and today is the day. This is one recipe I build upon and everyone loves them.

I use chocolate covered raisins, I use old fashion oats because they are bigger and less processed than quick oats.

I always bake one cookie at a time to make sure they look the way I want. This means I may need to add more flour to produce a fluffier cookie. (not sure fluffier is a real word, but I like it)

For an extra added touch I dip an edge into melted chocolate or chocolate flavored almond bark. From here you can add sprinkles or chopped nuts.

Quaker Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

* Ingredients 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
* 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
* 3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
* 1 cup raisins

Preparation

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Kids and Holidays

Growing up my family had certain things we did every Christmas and so did my husband's family. We don't live any where near our families so we have tried to carry on the traditions with our own kids.

1) Every Christmas Eve we make homemade pizza and bread sticks from my mother in laws recipe. Our kids love designing their own specialty pizza and being drenched in butter from the bread sticks. I let them wear Christmas aprons and have a pizzeria type table cloth for them to work on.

2) Christmas Eve is my grandfather's birthday and we always had a family party and the kids got to open a gift. Even though we don't live there we still open the family gift that shows up from my extended family, just like we would if we were there. My kids love that. What's better than a present opening practice?!

3) My family always drove around Christmas eve to look at Christmas lights. The kids love it and when we are out in the country my dad always honked his horn (totally embarrassing for me) so Pie does it for our kiddos (still embarassing for me)! Everyone giggles and our cheeks hurt by the time we get home. Our family usually does this before Christmas eve now because of all the traditions meshing together and the fact we don't have to leave the house Christmas eve to go anywhere.

4) On Christmas day we open all the gifts from Santa if he wrapped them and then sit down to a large breakfast. My father always makes french toast (the best french toast ever!), but I am not able to make mine taste the same so I make pancakes and my husband makes his grandmother's waffles. We have bacon, sausage, eggs, toast with homemade jam, and homemade syrup. Then we open the rest of the presents and call all the grandparents to tell them about it all.

5) New years eve is the last big thing we do. The kids love to have non alcoholic sparkling berry punch with us (as we are not drinkers). They also love trying to stay up until the clock hits 12. They haven't made it yet, and we haven't for the past few years either. They aren't quite into the countdown, but watching the ball drop was always my favorite...maybe this year?

TwitterMoms wants to know "What are Your 5 Favorite Holiday Activities to do with Your Kids?" in participation to the Dora Christmas Carol contest.

Don't forget to watch Dora’s Christmas Carol premiere on Nickelodeon on 12/6 @ 8PM EST!

My tips for bedtime...Yep!

What are my five tips & tricks for getting my 3 kids to bed on time and getting them to stay in bed? Glad you asked...

All my kids are different so bed time can be super hectic. So I have a few things set in stone (or close to) for the Holidays.

1) I always announce bedtime at 7pm (6:45 if they have been super unruly). This doesn't mean I am the meanest mom ever it just means they have time to prepare themselves. Mad hates everything so it gives her time to tell me how she isn't going to go to bed. Sometimes it is amusing. I never say bedtime, I say Jammy Time (want a year worth? check out St. Eve contest at www.dramau.net)and usually they come back prepared. Sometimes they don't come out again...Peaceful.

2) Because I have 2 18 months apart, I can make bedtime a contest. Who can get there pj's on the fastest, brush their teeth, go to the bathroom, fall asleep first...This is so helpful on naughty nights.

3) I read a story or have The U read one. We usually read one as we tuck Mad into bed because she is less likely to get out if we are in her room. I let The U keep a lamp on in his room in case he wants to read a bit longer. He is my sleepy head.

4) Bedtime isn't always perfect. The U will get up to get a drink or tell me he heard a noise. I always say one sip (even if it isn't followed) and make up a story about something if I need to. Mad makes frequent trips out to tell me about how she isn't sleepy or she is hungry. I let her eat a bowl of cereal or toast and take her back and tell her about how much fun she can have in the morning if she goes to bed. If she gets out again she has to go back alone...She hates that. I pretend I can't hear her. Drives her and Pie (hubby) crazy, but it works.

5) The earlier you start the less stressful it is. I hide the clock and just say time to climb into bed. If they procrastinate I tell them as long as they are ib their rooms then I don't care how long they stay up (that can backfire, but usually they fall asleep because they are alone).

I can usually be kid free by 8pm every night. My kids think they can sleep on the couch Christmas eve, I've told them Santa can't come if they do, but they insist. I have just decided that they can and if I need to then I can carry them to bed. I hate the fight and it is one time a year.

Check out their stories and animated shorts or share your own at DramaU by St. Eve Kids and you can win Sleepwear for a year. St. Eve Kids is available at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bealls, Kohl’s, Sears, and JC Penney.

Thankful "H"s

What the heck can I say today...Finally home, safe and sound.

I am soooo Thankful for
1)HOME (so glad to get to it)
2)Heaven (home is heaven on earth)
3)Here (better than there)
4)Hair (nice right)
5)Hands (typing musts)
6)Help (can't ask for enough even though I don't want to)
7)Hangers (clothes on floor...no)
8)Hard (soft is nice, but not for walking)
9)Hammock (for moments your there)
10)Hot (cold is getting old)

No this isn't my home, but it is close. Not sure if I can ever call NoWhere home.

Holiday Sugar Scrub Giveaway 12/12

Why Flavors? Because they are 100% decadent, drool-worthy & downright dreamy delicious.....Yep, It's that Good! Made with amazing ingredients and topped with candy sprinkles.

I love all the options they have in their shop. Sugar Scrubs, Souffle' Cremes, Cream Soaps, Body Mists...Oh My!!! All their orders ship fresh. Better hurry because Christmas Holiday Scents are selling quickly! Check out the deals.

Are you a sugar scrubaholic? Do you enjoy pampering yourself? Well Sugarcandie Beauty Bar has been thinking about you... Join the Sweet Rewards Pink Club and receive 50% off, free full sized products, and free sample flavor...just to name a few. I know what I am asking for this Christmas!

Check out the tropical scents just in time for a tropical getaway during winter.

I keep my scrub by my kitchen sink so I can use it whenever I need a pick me up, I am hungry for candy, or my husband has rough hands (Yes, manly enough for your hubby). I don't use lotion often and I don't need to with this wonderful scrub. My hands are as smooth as...well my baby's hind end and smell better too, lol.

♥The Giveaway♥
10 oz jar US Only

*NEW!* Fa La La Frosting:.....Be jolly this Christmas with rich indulgent sweet french vanilla frosting swirled with vanilla cream frosting....kissed with touches of sugary sweet honey drizzles......Fa La La La fuN

♥Mandatory Entry♥
Head over to SugarCandie Beauty Bar and tell me your favorite scent.

♥Extra Entry♥
♥Blog about this contest (5 entries)
♥Follow me (3 entries)
♥Tweet (1 entry per tweet 4 times per day)

Contest will close on 12/12 at 11:59pm Central using Random.org.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any product or payment for this review.

Congratulations to the Pretty Please Press Book Winners!

Congratulations to the YourPictureBook.com Winner!

Congratulations to the Bella Sara Winner!

Thank you to everyone that entered. I greatly appreciate all of you. As always the winners have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. You have all be contacted by email. Thanks again.

Thankful Thanksgiving

Well, I was going to go with the next letter I was working on, but...

I am so thankful that my family is alive! That's right...We were in an accident Wednesday (that's why there is no Wednesday posts).

My husband was driving and he lost control in a mountain pass. He didn't realize it at the time, but our cruise control was on and instead of slowing down as he turned the wheel into the spinning chaos that our Chevy Suburban was continuing to pick up speed...

We were so lucky that there were no on coming cars because we would have been toast. 3 families had already perished in the same area last week and in the past years I have seen countless more accidents there.

I have never been so grateful for a tree stump in my life! After fishtailing over and over and over again we did a 180 into oncoming traffic and off the side of the road at 55 miles per hour careening towards a wall of mature pine trees. As I was certain that Mad and my side of the Suburban was going to plow into it and our lives would be over there was an abrupt cracking noise (the same noise I heard in 2008 when we were hit broadside by a car traveling 65mph). I knew the tire was gone, but I also knew we were all okay. Shaken and Stirred.

Thank goodness. Uncle Army was just 20 minutes behind us and he stopped to help us. A wrecker was called in because the passenger side of the car was buried in the snow and the tire was ruined. Thank goodness for Chevy. After being pulled out Pie and Uncle Army replaced the tire and we continued on the 60 miles left to reach our destination.

As we gassed up The U noticed that little baby Cord's seat was not buckled into the SUV. I am hoping that she was buckled in before the crash, but now I don't know. I am just so grateful that we are all okay and we made it here in time for the wedding...sore but all in one piece!

I love my husband and family!

This is not the actual Picture as I was stuck in the car, but the sun was shining and there were more trees in the area we went off in.

Talk About - Leslie Blodgett

Bare Skin, the first fragrance from Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Exclusively for Sephora

Leslie Blodgett has kept journals since her childhood with details about many aspects in her life. Bare Skin is just the first in her new perfume line. Bare Skin represents Mexico for Leslie...sun and fun.

I have enjoyed this scent. I was unsure when it first showed up, but it has reminded me of those girls from high school that were out enjoying life, vacationing on the beaches. I was a mountain kind of girl, but through the years the beaches have been calling me...I miss the sun of California (I have never been to Mexico).

Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries is a limited edition fragrance collection. Stay up to date by becoming a a fan on Facebook or following on Twitter.

Bare Skin Product Offerings

* Bare Skin Eau de Parfum 1.7oz ($55): With emotional undertones throughout, the scent takes you from day to night with top notes of Black Pepper, Freesia and Anise that evoke the morning breeze coming through the window and the anticipation of the day ahead. The heart notes of Iris, Vanilla Orchid, Plumeria and Patchouli conjure walking to the beach and being on hot, hot sand. While the dry down notes of Sandalwood, Labdanum and Musk tell of the soft, sexy chatter between couples and the music that surrounds. Leslie recommends spraying the fragrance on your pulse points and behind your neck – the heat from these areas will permeate the scent with every breath.
* Bare Skin Solid Perfume Compact ($35): This pocket watch captures a moment of time in Leslie’s life and interprets it into a heady scent. Dab on pulse points for the ultimate exhilaration.
* Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream ($30): To perfectly compliment the fragrance, a luxurious body cream has been created. To extend the fragrance sensation, apply the hydrating body cream after showering and follow with a fragrance spritz near your heart.

Permission Slips Review and Giveaway (5 winners) 12/12

I am not really a fan of reading when I have a deadline, so I only choose to review books that seem to connect with my personal wants, needs, and desires. I am a super busy mom. If you know me personally, you know I am here, there and everywhere all the time. I have never been good at taking "Me Time". This book clearly states it is "Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself A Break"...Well, I need one...sign me up.
From the Publisher: Covering topics such as "It's Jesus or Jail," "Marriage, the Hard Way," "Children: The Gift You Can't Give Back," and "All the Things I Don't Know...And All the Things I Definitely Do," stand-up comedienne, actress, and ABC's The View co-host Sherri Shepherd comically chronicles her struggles to keep up with the many roles-professional, wife, mother, daughter, and friend-that women must play in today's world. Sherri urges women to pursue their most important dreams and to never give up, but also let's readers know that it's okay to give themselves "permission slips" when things don't always work out the way they want them to.

My Take: This book is an easy read. It is broke up in 1-2 page snippets of Sherri Shepherds life. She has stories about her sisters, diabetes, TV appearances, I did catch breast pump in one (now I can't find it because it was too funny at the time)...story of my life, lol. She follows up by suggestion what you should give yourself permission to do...You know the stuff us moms forget to do.

I found this book fun, inviting and just a break from my own insanity. I can sit and read one whole thought while I wait for the kids at school. No having to go back a few pages and reread it all to pick up a week later. Plus you can read them again and again in any order because they are not connecting stories. Each chapter has a main idea, but after that all bets are off. She is so easy to relate to even if you came from Idaho.

Must Read!!!

♥The Giveaway♥
Permission Slips by Sherri Shepherd (5 winners)
US and Canada

♥Mandatory Entry♥
Tell me what you need a permission slip for. (mine...sleep)

♥Extra Entries♥
♥Tweet (unlimited)
♥Blog (5 entries)
♥Follow in any form (2 entries)

This giveaway will end 12/12 at 11:59pm central using Random.org Good Luck!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. It has not altered my personal beliefs.

Mini Vignette - Butterflies and Bears

From the Publisher: In One Hundred Butterflies, photographer Harold Feinstein showcases butterfly varieties from around the world, turning exquisite details into mesmerizing works of art. Feinstein's breathtaking photographs capture the color, vibrancy, and infinite variety of patterns that occur on the wings of these ornate insects. One hundred impeccably reproduced, oversized photographs allow viewers to appreciate the Blue Morpho of Central America, the African Birdwing, and the Asian Swallowtail at a scale and depth impossible to experience in nature. An elegantly printed deluxe gift book, it is a treasure for butterfly enthusiasts and art lovers alike.



From the Publisher: A top celebrity portrait photographer, Jill Greenberg has a unique ability to coax powerful emotions out of her subjects - whether human or animal. Her portraits of bears, collected here for the first time, surprise and engage. We encounter cubs as cute as a child's Teddy, grizzlies that look like they might swallow you whole, and Polar bears seated in Sphinx-like tranquility.
Full-grown brown bears, grizzlies, black bears, Polar bears, and bear cubs are photographed on location against a portrait backdrop. The poses and facial expressions are at turns oddly comedic, pensive, terrifying, and sometimes unexpectedly human. Alive with Greenberg's signature lighting and seen through the unique perspective of her lens, these startling bear portraits bring us face to face with our fears and fantasies.

Both of these books are amazing. They are so detailed. It is very different to see a picture of an animal or insect in a portrait. With the backgrounds removed you can see the object with "new eyes". These books are fresh and inviting.
They are also great conversation starters. That's why they are receiving my Coffee Table Award...leave these out and you have the opportunity to take family conversations in a new direction. I have noticed my 5 yr old making up her own stories about the different bears and the 7 yr old analyzing the butterflies and wanting to know if he will ever see them in person.
These would make the perfect gift for anyone of any age. Just amazing!

Disclaimer: I received copies of these books for review purposes. It has not altered my personal beliefs.