tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80855517951592290372024-02-18T21:28:00.787-06:00Mama Bear Bedtime BooksA super kid friendly blog for moms about awesome books that make learning fun, plus tasty treat recipes, crafty ideas, child rearing tips, health and fitness motivation, and educational strategies I've learned along the way!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-19130408644583477412017-12-20T12:56:00.000-06:002017-12-20T13:02:02.516-06:00Fun Christmas Ideas with Build-a-Head!Looking for a creative and fun way to celebrate Christmas with your family? How about custom cutouts of your children from <a href="https://buildahead.com/" target="_blank">Build-a-Head</a>!<br />
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You can make Christmas tree ornaments, surprise grandma and grandpa with a fun Christmas card, take fun photos with family, use as decoration, and give them as gifts!<br />
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Is super easy to create your own!<br />
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First, go to <a href="https://buildahead.com/" target="_blank">Build-a-Head</a> and upload your photo, text, or design.<br />
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Then, choose your size. <a href="https://buildahead.com/" target="_blank">Build-a-Head</a> offer sizes from 12x18" to 2ft or 3ft, or life-sized! They also offer keychain or mini ornaments as well!<br />
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Next, decide how many you want! Prices start at $5.99, and they offer affordable packages as well!<br />
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The process is easy and quick, and takes 5 minutes to order. Their products are high quality, and they ship next day!<br />
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I received the cutouts of my children from <a href="https://buildahead.com/" target="_blank">Build-a-Head</a> as a gift and was amazed how quickly they shipped the package to me! It only took a few days after I submitted the photos of my two sons!<br />
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The package was sealed in a nice cardboard envelope and contained 12x18" big head cutouts and wood sticks with adhesive. It's super easy to glue them on the wood sticks, with instructions written on the back of the head cutouts.<br />
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My sons loved the big head cutouts! Since I had extras, I had the idea of making Christmas ornaments out of two of the head cutouts and place them on our Christmas tree.<br />
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I also have 2 more head cutouts, so I decided to surprise grandma and grandpa with a creative and unique Christmas card! All you have to do is trace their head cutouts on a piece of paper, cut the paper, and glue it on the back of the photo. Ask your children to write a loving message to their grandparents, and it will be the best Christmas card ever!<br />
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Be super creative this Holiday season and have a blast celebrating with your family with <a href="https://buildahead.com/" target="_blank">Build-a-Head</a>!<br />
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*Disclosure: I received big head cutouts from Build-a-Head as a gift. All opinions are my own.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-5846884376903625442017-11-26T19:54:00.001-06:002017-11-26T19:54:16.599-06:00How to Make Brazilian Brigadeiro Chocolate Truffle<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 2rem; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do you want to WOW your family and guests this Holiday Season? How about treating them with a decadent Brazilian chocolate dessert? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Brigadeiro (BREE-GA-DEY-RO) is a popular soft chocolate sweet made with condensed milk, powdered chocolate (or cocoa), and butter. It's common at Brazilian parties, from birthdays to Christmas, and even weddings! If you ask Brazilians about brigadeiro, they will tell you how amazing and delicious it is! </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Brigadeiro comes from a presidential candidate in Brazil in the 1940s named Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes. His wife would make this chocolate fudge sweet and serve it at parties as part of a fundraising campaign. The guests loved the treat and started asking for it at events: “Where's the Brigadeiro chocolate sweet? Can we have more of Brigadeiro's chocolate candy?" Since then, brigadeiro became a sensation throughout the whole country! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I make brigadeiro pretty often in my house and everybody who tries it (husband's family, sons' friends and teachers, co-workers and friends), loves it!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While the brigadeiro recipe is simple and easy, it can be tricky to get the perfect consistency. No worries! My son and I created a how to video with a simple step-by-step guide and a few tips, so you can make a perfect brigadeiro dessert to WOW your guests! </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here's the video:</span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4F3eZPkgKps/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4F3eZPkgKps?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This article is part of <a href="https://www.nestleusa.com/"><span style="color: #551a8b; letter-spacing: 0px;">Nestlé</span></a> Hispanic Holiday campaign, #JuntosConNestlé, so we're going to use <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/LA-Lechera-Condensed-Milk-Sweetened-14-oz/10804327"><span style="color: #551a8b; letter-spacing: 0px;">La Lechera</span></a> condensed milk, which is available at <a href="https://www.walmart.com/"><span style="color: #551a8b; letter-spacing: 0px;">Walmart </span></a> stores. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My son and I had a blast making this video! 😃 The fun part about brigadeiro is that you can get your kids involved in the cooking and decorating process! We hope you enjoy this video, and let us know how your brigadeiro turned out!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Here's the recipe: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Brigadeiro</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Serving: 9-20 (based on size)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Total Time: 25min<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Prep Time: 5min<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cook Time: 15min</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 can of Nestl</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">é </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">La Lechera (sweetened condensed milk)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6 tbsp of Nestl</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">é Nesquick </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">chocolate powder </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 tbsp of unsalted butter</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>chocolate sprinkles</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-stick pan</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>wooden spoon</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>mini baking cups</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Avenir Next'; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: -0.30000001192092896px;">Cooking Instructions</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #231e20; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Set stove on medium heat</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Put 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a non-stick pan</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Add a whole can of Nestl</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">é </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">La Lechera condensed milk into the pan</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Add 6 tbsp of Nestl</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">é Nesquick </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">chocolate powder chocolate into the pan</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stir with the wooden spoon for about 15 minutes. Don't leave the pan unattended</span> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brigadeiro is ready when it starts leaving the pan (the video will show this!)</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When your brigadeiro is ready, remove from the stove and stir it for a few seconds</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take the pot to the freezer for about 5 min</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">If the pot is too big, transfer brigadeiro into </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">a container and put it in the freezer</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You want it nice and creamy before you roll it into balls</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To make the balls, spread a little bit of butter on your hands </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Using a spoon, scoop some brigadeiro, and using your hands roll it into a ball</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Roll the ball in the chocolate sprinkles to cover it completely</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Place finished brigadeiro into a banking cup and roll some more</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">•</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Makes between 10 to 20 </span>brigadeiros, depending<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> on the size of mini baking cups</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Enjoy!</span></span><span style="color: #606060; font-family: "avenir next"; font-size: large; letter-spacing: -0.30000001192092896px;">😋</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Avenir Next'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "chalkboard"; letter-spacing: 0px;">*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by </span><span style="font-family: "chalkboard"; font-size: 16px;">Nestlé. All opinions are my own.</span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-37810071416937986052017-11-22T12:49:00.001-06:002017-11-22T12:49:42.417-06:00 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Pop Fashion Deals on Amazon!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking for amazing Black Friday deals? Look no more! <a href="https://popfashion.co/" target="_blank">Pop Fashion</a> is offering tons of amazing sales on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/13221049011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Pop%20Fashion&ref_=w_bl_sl_ap_ap_web_13221049011" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for Black Friday and Cyber Monday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Don't wait! Shop now at Pop Fashion</span><span style="background-color: white;"> on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/13221049011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Pop%20Fashion&ref_=w_bl_sl_ap_ap_web_13221049011" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for jewelry, handbags, clothing, scarves, women and men's apparel, and accessories!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Get your Christmas shopping done right now without breaking the bank!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDESIrCbOZch8VUzgAb_Jj7N72TDisGRbMkKmOPNiwla4sFt_coZOpPYPRFmwHftEYYDg9uHoKAs4Hu7NfkINasuiswvyM9Tb5OMJWOTMlVVeQ4DAA8E8_xd_sxZOKZfa3dsdgt_eDzrT/s1600/popfashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDESIrCbOZch8VUzgAb_Jj7N72TDisGRbMkKmOPNiwla4sFt_coZOpPYPRFmwHftEYYDg9uHoKAs4Hu7NfkINasuiswvyM9Tb5OMJWOTMlVVeQ4DAA8E8_xd_sxZOKZfa3dsdgt_eDzrT/s640/popfashion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a list of exclusive Black <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619526" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> and Cyber Monday offers from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/13221049011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Pop%20Fashion&ref_=w_bl_sl_ap_ap_web_13221049011" target="_blank">Pop Fashion on Amazon</a>:</span></b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Yes!!! Take Big Discounts Off Already Low Sale Prices!!!! </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFER:</b> <span style="color: red;">20% OFF</span> Pop Fashion Womens Shapewear High Waist Strapless Panty <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">MSRP: $24.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SALE PRICE: </b>$11.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>USE CODE: </b>HWB20OFF<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CODE EXPIRES</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619528" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12/2/2017</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SALE LINK: </b><u><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LE3JR3M&source=gmail&ust=1511459134508000&usg=AFQjCNH5bXQylUCbIG92_UTj_zVBxUccrw" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LE3JR3M" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>dp/B01LE3JR3M</a></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAedxHrpUMIPuUL_8Zq4ZQrnjsmQz5tRI3OKrt0MOQlgc-kZNG0J9hu1T2jj9xMYWslTZRRgBEgXVp_ZrRwyltC8b-LFDlVximlRlVVkK2LCm_QRFVhbbBwc6BkxayOfIr6YcGXD0RGPXF/s1600/B01LE3JR0U-2_1e6ad7b2-7351-464e-a35d-789ad198d0ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAedxHrpUMIPuUL_8Zq4ZQrnjsmQz5tRI3OKrt0MOQlgc-kZNG0J9hu1T2jj9xMYWslTZRRgBEgXVp_ZrRwyltC8b-LFDlVximlRlVVkK2LCm_QRFVhbbBwc6BkxayOfIr6YcGXD0RGPXF/s320/B01LE3JR0U-2_1e6ad7b2-7351-464e-a35d-789ad198d0ee.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFER:</b> <span style="color: red;">20% OFF</span> Pop Fashion Scarves for Women Infinity Scarf with Zipper Pocket <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">MSRP: $44.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SALE PRICE: </b>$9.59</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>USE CODE: </b>QIS20OFF<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CODE EXPIRES</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619529" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12/2/2017</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SALE LINK: </b><u><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZD7CNI&source=gmail&ust=1511459134508000&usg=AFQjCNGWNPgewlWumdrFkTBE6OSGgGhgoQ" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GZD7CNI" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>dp/B01GZD7CNI</a></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3VtTLL4eWahRWVhuOPAaQYw0UjhTwNF5q9IRwh4gHEA9pqf1sElaAHgYKusqlbyuwXWTOq1Vn8wL8v_JF3vf5cIDDj9HwZnBH6pmb-uC6oAIwOcHmO8YxeqHH6omHPAl-Relfapc0rJ6/s1600/PF1117-BK-1000x1000_1d92d9d3-1eb3-4e70-89e5-fd53f76eafdb_500x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3VtTLL4eWahRWVhuOPAaQYw0UjhTwNF5q9IRwh4gHEA9pqf1sElaAHgYKusqlbyuwXWTOq1Vn8wL8v_JF3vf5cIDDj9HwZnBH6pmb-uC6oAIwOcHmO8YxeqHH6omHPAl-Relfapc0rJ6/s320/PF1117-BK-1000x1000_1d92d9d3-1eb3-4e70-89e5-fd53f76eafdb_500x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFER:</b> <span style="color: red;">20% OFF</span> Pop Fashion Womens Greek Key Pattern Infinity Scarf with White Zipper Pocket, <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">MSRP: $44.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SALE PRICE: </b>$9.59</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>USE CODE: </b>GKS20OFF<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CODE EXPIRES</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619530" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12/2/2017</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SALE LINK: </b><u><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWJU0Y8&source=gmail&ust=1511459134508000&usg=AFQjCNFDrGjROvsEWcFaSmTGv_gdmMjaoA" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWJU0Y8" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>dp/B01LWJU0Y8</a></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpWzUXWvQIkLGM4t4otoqdZ2kdL7gwdGhVxCvAo48HLsp5eEvTwYCtSt3BuCMlAyS0PSFcBwYHHAPgQiDJ-Va-8FGyjYYi1za1DHjnB4chiR_EWrHteRW-Tm2V9h95wzrW1OY2YZlOWtN/s1600/PFYQ1154-BK-2-1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpWzUXWvQIkLGM4t4otoqdZ2kdL7gwdGhVxCvAo48HLsp5eEvTwYCtSt3BuCMlAyS0PSFcBwYHHAPgQiDJ-Va-8FGyjYYi1za1DHjnB4chiR_EWrHteRW-Tm2V9h95wzrW1OY2YZlOWtN/s320/PFYQ1154-BK-2-1000x1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFER:</b> <span style="color: red;">20% OFF</span> Pop Fashion Mens Compression Shirt Undershirts<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;">MSRP: $24.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SALE PRICE: </b>$11.99</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>USE CODE: </b>MCS20OFF<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CODE EXPIRES</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619531" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12/2/2017</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SALE LINK: </b><u><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LE1L9TE&source=gmail&ust=1511459134508000&usg=AFQjCNH34j7wAtwIQElpcy2JGY2OdARFxA" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LE1L9TE" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>dp/B01LE1L9TE</a></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>OFFER:</b> <span style="color: red;">40% OFF</span> Pop Fashion Womens Designer Crossbody Handbags<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MSRP: </span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$59.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SALE PRICE: </b>$17.39</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>USE CODE: </b>CBB40OFF<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CODE EXPIRES</b> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_148619532" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12/2/2017</span></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-56009683617778765862017-11-21T15:06:00.001-06:002017-11-22T00:24:34.836-06:00"Berry" Your Sweet Cravings With This Simple, Easy Snack!It's 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and your stomach is growling embarrassingly loud! You're getting so hungry that the last stale donut left on the table in the lounge looks like a million dollar dessert. Or, the cookies in the pantry you swore you wouldn't touch, since they're for your kids' lunch, are now on the endangered species list. Perhaps the ice-cream in the freezer reserved for surprise guests or special occasions, now changes to reserved for your "not-so-welcome" hungry tummy guest.<br />
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So, caving to your cravings, you go ahead and eat them! It might taste amazing at first, but 30 minutes later, you notice you're hungry again, tired, and moody. Why? While these sweet snacks might seem like a good idea at first, they lack the satisfying nutrition your body actually needs!<br />
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Instead of going for the first empty calorie snack you see in front of you, make plans ahead of time and opt for a healthy snack full of protein, simple carbs, and healthy fats. It will boost your concentration, provide energy, and keep you fuller, longer!<br />
<br />
This snack recipe is really simple, quick, and easy to prep! You can store everything in a container, leave in the fridge, and grab when you need it! Plus, did I mention it's absolutely delicious?<br />
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It's composed of berries, greek yogurt, nuts, and a drizzle of raw honey. That's it!<br />
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Berries will help provide you with some of the quick energy you need, plus they're full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, such as C, B, and K. Greek yogurt has protein, which is good for your focus. It also has calcium, vitamin B-12, and probiotics, which contributes to a healthy gut.<br />
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Almonds contain healthy fats that will satiate your hunger. Besides keeping your tummy happy, almonds have vitamin E, which is great for your skin and helps to regulate hormones!<br />
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Raw honey is a natural energy source, antioxidant, and a great substitute for sugar!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzawSR1gUZh8MlXr69IVtxpPquMKhvC1jhJaCCdysojZJHlX9pRzBV2gcu62UXS8xe90BuwlsGL4fJ-OCemCZMqiQe-EucY1uGCdt1u53m2Fd4Yid5ss2YXunc4s3X0O4Rv1WFhHtE8jvu/s1600/23244524_1340825682692977_1408047567007163991_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzawSR1gUZh8MlXr69IVtxpPquMKhvC1jhJaCCdysojZJHlX9pRzBV2gcu62UXS8xe90BuwlsGL4fJ-OCemCZMqiQe-EucY1uGCdt1u53m2Fd4Yid5ss2YXunc4s3X0O4Rv1WFhHtE8jvu/s640/23244524_1340825682692977_1408047567007163991_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">What you need:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup of 2% fat greek yogurt </li>
<li>1/2 cup of strawberries</li>
<li>1/3 cup of blueberries</li>
<li>1/4 cup of blackberries</li>
<li>12-15 almonds (chopped)</li>
<li>1 Tbsp raw honey </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVHC6J1H3ZiqzJTenEpePgs1ZeixC-VWG_31nzBJSl5pNn8SI9kobNiOhySTVNmAojxhw7uvvbAb97i7U-l9UyiDksy8pILlE_-SonQ__QEJpmwtoNAaa6yUn8f9vZnQJQ-N02lGkUBUa/s1600/afruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVHC6J1H3ZiqzJTenEpePgs1ZeixC-VWG_31nzBJSl5pNn8SI9kobNiOhySTVNmAojxhw7uvvbAb97i7U-l9UyiDksy8pILlE_-SonQ__QEJpmwtoNAaa6yUn8f9vZnQJQ-N02lGkUBUa/s640/afruit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">How to prepare:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Wash your berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) thoroughly with water</li>
<li>Remove the strawberry stems and slice the strawberries in half</li>
<li>Add strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries in a bowl</li>
<li>Top the berries with greek yogurt </li>
<li>Chop the almonds (*tip: place them on a cutting board, take a knife, place the tip of the knife on the board, above the nuts, and slice the almonds in a "paper cutter" motion, from up to down. Keep slicing the almonds until they are all chopped)</li>
<li>Sprinkle almond pieces on top of the yogurt</li>
<li>Drizzle honey on top</li>
<li>Enjoy!😊</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYnWGUCIsemXCbCZZ2cV6VqCy1C0kRQykfiNeg5bos7oqrhQ0ltNdV0Sspvq9ldpKSaVw_2oXQW42hRWn-y-M40FHR3OShaRUuCuO5FWaMff3dMN6WaHi_FTVVXdN7PVR0RLzNcYEkuDq/s1600/abfruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYnWGUCIsemXCbCZZ2cV6VqCy1C0kRQykfiNeg5bos7oqrhQ0ltNdV0Sspvq9ldpKSaVw_2oXQW42hRWn-y-M40FHR3OShaRUuCuO5FWaMff3dMN6WaHi_FTVVXdN7PVR0RLzNcYEkuDq/s640/abfruit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-26858878244238911042017-11-12T15:51:00.001-06:002017-11-12T15:51:15.459-06:00Iced Lemon WaffleWho is hungry for waffles? How about a waffle topped with a bright and citrusy, sweet and zesty lemon glaze? Sounds amazing, right?<br />
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This light and fresh lemon glaze recipe is simple, quick, and easy! Your family will love a new twist on waffles and will definitely ask for more!<br />
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All you need for the lemon glaze is 1 can of condensed milk, lemon juice from 2 lemons, and lemon zest! That's it! Simple as that! The trick is in the lemon juice. As you add lemon juice to the condensed milk, it will thicken. Continuing to stir, it turns into a beautiful, creamy glaze.<br />
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It's unbelievable on top of waffles, pancakes, cakes, and even fruit salads!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy this recipe! Here's a video on how to make it:<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oyvaU7WQJoU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oyvaU7WQJoU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">Iced Lemon Waffle</span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'avenir next'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Serving: 3-4 (based on size)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Total Time: 25min<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'avenir next'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666;">Prep Time: 10min<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cook Time: 15min</span></span></div>
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<u><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></i></u></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Waffles</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups cold water</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 tbsp vegetable oil</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Lemon Glaze</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>lemon juice from 2 lemons (drained, without seeds)</li>
<li>1 tsp of lemon zest</li>
<li>1 can of condensed milk</li>
<li>1 lemon to use to garnish</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><u><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Cooking Instructions:</span></u></i></div>
<div>
<i><u><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Lemon Glaze</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>*Prepare lemon glaze first, before cooking waffles</li>
<li>Add 1 can of condensed milk into a bowl</li>
<li>Add lemon juice slowly into the bowl with condensed milk </li>
<li>Stir until it starts to thicken</li>
<li>Lemon juice will thicken the condensed milk and turn into a glaze</li>
<li>Add the lemon zest and stir </li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Waffles</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Blend all waffle ingredients together in a bowl (pancake mix, water, egg, and oil)</li>
<li>Grease waffle iron with vegetable oil (*tip: use a cooking brush to brush oil on the waffle iron)</li>
<li>Preheat waffle iron</li>
<li>Cook waffles until golden brown</li>
<li>Set waffles onto a plate</li>
<li>Drizzle lemon glaze on top of waffles and garnish with lemon (see video to learn how to make an easy lemon garnish)</li>
<li>*Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon juice from the garnish over the glaze just before eating for an extra pop!</li>
<li>Eat and enjoy! 😋</li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-26487456279607445012017-11-01T17:14:00.001-05:002017-11-08T10:20:31.912-06:00No (Wo)man Left Behind: Completing My First Spartan Race Super in Hawaii<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/19166599/?claim=xbtcz3pgw24">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Arriving not long after sunrise, I’m ready to race my first Spartan Super, roughly 8 miles long with 25 obstacles. Looking around the Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, Hawaii, I am in awe at the breathtaking mountain ridges featured in many movies like <i>Jurassic Park </i>and<i> Kong: Skull Island</i>. Joining me are 24 other women in the elite heat, ready to charge into challenges, dirt, pain, and victory. The excitement is palpable as we hear the inspiring pre-race speech: “Look at the Spartans on your right and your left. You will draw strength from them, as they will draw strength from you. You will not let them fail!” These words seem magical! They seal our common purpose to overcome together and bind us into a family of warriors. Yes, we’re competing, but we’re also encouraging and inspiring each other! I experienced this powerful camaraderie when two selfless Spartan women wouldn’t let me fail. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After our battle cry, “Aroo! Aroo! Aroo!” we take off running. The two top racers, Rea Kolbl and Alyssa Hawley, take off like they’re being chased by velociraptors. I splash into the creek, alternating between jogging and swimming. Rounding the creek-bend, I see the two top elite women for the last time. Wow, they’re fast! I learned later they beat the top elite men’s time! I dash out of the creek and see the 7ft wall. When I reach the wall, I grab the top, do a muscle-up, and swing my legs over. I’m feeling great and think, “Wow, I’m still in the lead group!” Little did I know that my euphoria was about to suffer a Kong-sized hammer fist! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I arrive at the Atlas Carry. Rookie mistake #1: I grab the first Atlas stone I see; not realizing it’s the men’s. “Dang! This is heavy!” I carry it halfway to the flag before I see a woman carrying a lighter one. I quickly turn to look back and twist my ankle! “Crap!” I double back and switch stones, return to the flag, do my 5 burpees on just one leg, and complete the obstacle. I feel less pain now, so I pick up the pace again. I reach the Bucket Brigade, a grueling obstacle!Rookie mistake #2: I don’t notice the holes at 2/3 and completely fill the bucket instead. I’m focused on carrying this overfull bucket up the hill. It’s killing my back while returning downhill, but I still manage to stick my tongue out while passing the photographer. He laughs.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Halfway through, my ankle is sore, but I keep running. I make the 8ft wall, fail the spear throw (30 burpees penalty), and succeed on the Hercules Hoist. Then, just when I settle into a good running pace, I roll the same ankle again! The pain is excruciating! Almost in tears, I try to stand but fail, so I’m forced to sit. Two athletes, Stacie and Elizabeth, see me in distress. Learning I have a sprained ankle, Elizabeth extends her hand saying, “Put your arm around my shoulders; I’ll help you walk.” I tell them I don’t want to ruin their race. “Nah, I need a break,” Elizabeth says. “I did the Beast yesterday and could use some rest.” These two awesome women didn’t have to pause their races to help me. Elizabeth walks with me until I tell her to go on. They’d let the volunteers know I need help. That’s the meaning of not letting your fellow racers fail. Forever respect and thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My ankle hurts like hell; I drag my foot like a zombie<i>. </i>I stop at the Twister and ask for medics. The volunteer radios them and offers me a chair and water. While I wait, other racers go by, and some cheer me up. The nurse wraps my ankle. She asks if I’m going to continue. I say yes, but in my head, “I will crawl, if I have to! I will finish!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Six obstacles remain. I’m resolute about getting my trifecta goal. I feel confident with my ankle wrapped. Too confident. As I speed up to finish strong, guess what, I roll my ankle yet again! AHHH! I sit down on a log and cry. Not sure if that’s more from pain or frustration. Another volunteer hurries over to check on me. “How much farther?” I ask. He replies, “Just a few more obstacles, and you’re done!” Olympus is the next obstacle; I have to keep my feet against the wall, ignore the pain and alternate between holds and holes. I ring the bell! Done! Climb over the Bridge, four more! Grit and grip strength to beat the Multi-Rig and Rope Climb! Digging deep to conquer the Inverted Wall, and finally, the Fire Jump with a perfect “zombie lurch” finish! With a hefty clank, the Super trifecta piece and medal feel amazing together around my neck. As I’m leaving, there’s Elizabeth, and I hug her! I hope to see her and Stacie at future races. Next race, I’ll emulate their example: I won’t let my fellow racers fail, and no woman left behind!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-53077749795818994112015-02-16T15:20:00.000-06:002017-11-09T11:25:19.900-06:00Banana & Cheese French Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Yes!!! It is THAT good!!! :D You can make it in less than 10 minutes!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "verdana"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">INGREDIENTS (*for 1 serving):</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 slices of wheat bread</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 banana</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 slice Gouda cheese</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">1 egg</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 tbsp milk</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 tsp ground cinnamon </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">1/2 tsp butter (room temperature)</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">1-2 tbsp maple syrup</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">powdered sugar (about 1 tbsp)</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "verdana"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">HOW TO MAKE IT:</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">In a 8-inch skillet, add butter and spread evenly onto skillet. Set aside. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">In a bowl, add the egg and milk. Beat the mixture in the bowl with a whisk or fork until they're well blended. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Take the slices of bread and dip them in the bowl of egg and milk. Turn the slices of bread and dip the other side. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Place banana in a bowl and smash the banana with a fork.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Spread the banana paste on one slice of bread and then top it with cheese. Cover with another slice of bread. Set the sandwich aside.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Heat skillet at medium heat for 1 minute.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Slowly place sandwich in the skillet with the melted butter. Sprinkle one side of the sandwich with 1 tsp of cinnamon. Fry one side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Using tongs or spatula, carefully turn sandwich over and sprinkle it with the remaining cinnamon (1 tsp). Fry the other side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Remove sandwich and place it on a plate. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Drizzle maple syrup on top of the sandwich.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pour powdered sugar into a strainer and gently tap the side of the rim to dust the sandwich with powdered sugar. </span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Enjoy!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-80581575432025334662015-02-02T21:48:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:26:00.926-06:00Ditch the Tablet and Take a Hike!My sons are now finally old enough that we can go places without having to constantly "squat down and chase," "hold on to their hands for dear life," or bellow a familiar panicked parent's two word chorus, like "Watch Out!" or "Be Careful!"<br />
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This is the best age ever, pre-teen, where they still think it is cool to hang out with their parents, where they're more independent, more adept problem solvers, and have more stamina to go on adventures or long hikes without us having to give them a piggy back ride on the way back (however, I already miss those piggy back rides...)<br />
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This is our goal for this year! Long hikes, canoe trips, camping, rock climbing... Away from all the tablets, annoying apps, and the "how to" videos about building a whole city out of blocks...<br />
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If you haven't gone on a hike, you must! It's an awesome adventure and workout at the same time! When we go on hikes as a family, we lose track of time! You get so enchanted by cascading waterfalls, majestic lakes, unusually twisted trees, unstable creek rocks you have to cross, scurrying animals you find on the way, that everything else (including all your worries!) just goes away, and it is just us enjoying God's creation, our family, and taking in each and every little bitty experience we have along the way.<br />
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Plus, if you are thinking about losing some extra pounds this year, why not hit the trail? Did you know you can burn up to 1,000 calories for a two hour hike?<br />
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So, a few weeks ago, when the cold weather finally decided to break for a weekend, we went hiking at the Artist Point Falls Trail.<br />
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Artist Point Falls is located about eight miles north of Mountainburg on scenic Hwy. 71, AR. This is a private trail, about 1.2 miles roundtrip, but the owners welcome hikers! The trail is located behind the Artist Point Gift Shop (the shop and trail belong to the same folks), so there's a place to park in front of the shop. Make sure to stop at the gift shop first to sign in and buy some rich and chocolatey, homemade fudge! It's melt in your mouth delicious! We bought one for our hike, and the fudge was so yummy that we bought two more pieces when we got back!<br />
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Once you sign in, and start the hike, you will see a gorgeous view from the back end of the gift shop overlooking some of the Lake Ft. Smith valley. Spend some time there and take some pictures! The trail is a bit steep heading down to the woods and waterfall area, but it's so worth it! There are some Indian carvings in the rocks along the way, a natural bridge of stone, and two waterfalls! Because of the cold weather, there wasn't much water when we went; however, near the waterfall there were some huge, spectacular icicles, quite breathtaking! Since the trail back is steep, you'll definitely get a great workout from this hike!<br />
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What's next? Well, we're planning for some more hiking and camping trips to several falls in the Ozarks! And guess what? A few years from now, my husband and I are committing ourselves to a 3 week non-stop journey hike of the Ozark Highlands Trail! That one will take more prep... I know... and probably without our boys...well, who knows? Maybe they will join us and still think we're cool to hang out with!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-33242279493270593162014-12-02T13:06:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:27:02.911-06:00Twelve Days of Christmas: "THE MOM VERSION"<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the first day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">A Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the second day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">a Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the third day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries (They found them in my car)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the fourth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (MAMA!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the fifth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (HELP!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the sixth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (OUCH!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the seventh day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (OOPS!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the eighth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">8 Spilled Milk Wipings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (MINE!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the ninth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">9 Goofies Dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">8 Spilled Milk Wipings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (MORE!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the tenth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">10 Legos Stepping </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">9 Goofies Dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">8 Spilled Milk Wipings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (WHAT?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the eleventh day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">11 Poopers Pooping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">10 Legos Stepping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">9 Goofies Dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">8 Spilled Milk Wipings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (C'MON!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy Dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;" />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the twelfth day of Christmas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">my sweet boys gave to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">12 Plumbers Plumbing (Finally!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">11 Poopers Pooping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">10 Legos Stepping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">9 Goofies Dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">8 Spilled Milk Wipings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">7 TP Rolls a Swimming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">6 Cheese a Cutting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">5 Soap Scum Rings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">4 Letter Words (LOVE!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">3 French Fries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">2 Muddy </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Dogs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">and a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Basket Full of Laundry Just For Me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">JUST FOR ME!!!!! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-79401842357249295052014-11-11T17:45:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:27:42.843-06:00Quick & Easy Brazilian Black Bean Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We could all use a few cooking shortcuts, right? With the chaotic work schedule, kids, homework, house cleaning... By the end of the day, we just want to drive through the first fast food place we see and grab food to go! We just gobble it down and barely taste what we just ate...<br />
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Alright, but sometimes, don't you crave something a little bit more homey? Something not loaded with grease? Then you'll say, "Yes, but I don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen and then hours cleaning up all the mess!" I get it! Me too! I love, absolutely love a Brazilian dish called, "Feijoada." It's a savory Brazilian black bean stew, usually with pork, served with garlic rice, sautéed collard greens, and a chunky dressing with cilantro, tomatoes, and green onions. It's amazing!!!! But, when I make it for my family on Sundays, it usually takes me all day to prep and cook. It's wonderful but very time consuming...<br />
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So, a few days ago after taking the boys to football practice, it was already getting dark, and I was craving feijoada. I really didn't want to get the usual, drive-thru or pizza, for us. I knew I didn't have hours to cook, so I thought, "Maybe I can pull it off with a can or two of black beans." I know canned is not exactly like cooking from scratch, but probably better than pizza or chicken nuggets from a fast food place. Right?<br />
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I asked my husband to stop at the grocery store to grab a few ingredients (really, it took us 5 minutes), and when I got home, I was able to prepare a pretty yummy dish in about half an hour.<br />
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Now, for this post, I will show you how I was able to prepare the Brazilian black bean stew in a super easy way, where the additional ingredients masked the somewhat unpleasant can taste. I'm not going over the other dishes like sautéed collard greens, garlic rice, or dressing, but if you check out my other recipe post called "Hungry for Brazilian Food?" under Brazilian recipes, I listed the garlic rice and dressing recipe over there.<br />
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Ok, for the Brazilian black bean stew you will need the following ingredients:<br />
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<ul>
<li>2 cans of low sodium black beans</li>
<li>2 Tbsp of Olive Oil</li>
<li>2 Tsp of minced garlic</li>
<li>Half small onion (chopped)</li>
<li>2 Beef Smoked Sausages or Turkey Smoked sausages (slice them in quarter-inch circles) </li>
<li>3/4 cup of chopped cilantro</li>
<li>2 Tsp Beef Flavor Bouillon (I use Knorr-Caldo Con Sabor de Res)</li>
</ul>
HOW TO PREPARE:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Sauté the olive oil, garlic, and onions in a 3qt pot in medium heat until it caramelizes (yellow color). </li>
<li>Stir in the sliced smoked sausage circles and cook for about 4-5 minutes over medium heat. </li>
<li>Add the 2 cans of black beans and half can of water. </li>
<li>Add the cilantro and beef flavored bouillon.</li>
<li>Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The ingredients plus the bouillon help get rid of the unpleasant taste from the can. </li>
<li>Remove from heat and serve just like that, or serve with rice. Another option, is to serve with garlic rice, sautéed collard greens and the dressing on top (check my other recipes... :D). </li>
<li>You can also add a little bit of Cayenne Pepper Sauce or Tabasco Sauce on the beans to "kick it up a notch!"</li>
<li>Next time, I will show you a great crunchy ingredient to add to the black beans and rice. It's a modified version of an amazing and delicious dish called "Farofa". Since we don't have the manioc flour, I tweaked a little bit, but it's still amazing!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytUlX-kyBL6cFgdSAMYhpr2FcMUhC7QBm-V9uhp5a9ox2egKGD153AVbxcU_kVi6sOS4Xw-yHpQ1HDbOsrK0X4j57r2iHJ0NS8EIzVFiLAabjP5QKuKQE4Tknt3m43QM4vimA1gMxqMfP/s1600/Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytUlX-kyBL6cFgdSAMYhpr2FcMUhC7QBm-V9uhp5a9ox2egKGD153AVbxcU_kVi6sOS4Xw-yHpQ1HDbOsrK0X4j57r2iHJ0NS8EIzVFiLAabjP5QKuKQE4Tknt3m43QM4vimA1gMxqMfP/s640/Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-36658553108238279502014-09-03T16:02:00.001-05:002014-09-04T14:30:54.174-05:00Things I Probably Wouldn't Do if I Wasn't a Mother...<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Things I Probably Wouldn't Do if I Wasn't a Mother...</span></b></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sing Barney's "I Love You" song to my kids over and over again...</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Wake up at 6:00am on weekends</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Dig into a soiled diaper with toothpick to find my son's favorite car wheel swallowed by my youngest...</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Go to Chuck E Cheese and have a blast</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Believe that "The Lego Movie" is one of the best movies of the year and have the theme song, "Everything's Awesome" stuck in my head</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Buy Happy Meals and see myself playing with the toys that come with it</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Watch the Disney channel even when my kids are not watching</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Have a stack of children's books on my nightstand</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Snack on Goldfish and on crackers with Nutella </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Child proof locks everywhere in the house, including toilets</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Remove all the nice decorations from the living room</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Find, step on, and kick Lego pieces on the floor, all the time...</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Give kisses and wish goodnight to my children's favorite stuff animals</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Homework...</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sing the song, "Let it Go" from the movie "Frozen" in the shower</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Turn my bathroom into my only sanity place in the house</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Last and most important of all: </span>Love unconditionally<span style="font-weight: normal;"> :)</span></span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-15789525612707723062014-08-22T14:44:00.001-05:002017-11-09T11:31:38.296-06:00How to Make a Pencil Box out of a Swiffer BoxSchool started this week, and the boys already have homework! Yay... You can see my excitement there, right? Well, for getting homework done, you've got to have supplies: pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, scissors, ruler... So, here I am are at home, hunting for those darned leftover school supplies. I'm thinking, "I know they're somewhere in this closet, packed away with previous years of art projects, drawings, school pictures, grade reports, the kids' letters to me and my husband, old notebook journals with their illegible but cute handwriting...<br />
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While looking for a pencil in decent shape for my boys, I'm faced with this time consuming distraction, struggling to get them to actually sit down at the table to get started with their homework.<br />
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So, when cleaning my house the other day, I noticed how wet Swiffer boxes make pretty good pencil boxes. The size of the box is great (not too small or not too big), and the lid is pretty resilient and easy to open and close. I had one of those "Aha!" moments, and thought I could use it as a pencil box.<br />
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This was a super easy project. I wanted to decorate the box, so that way it would be more exciting for the boys when getting supplies to do their homework. Hey, anything that makes homework time more exciting is a plus! I got out my bag of colorful craft popsicle sticks, and I also used Glue Dots (glue lines are perfect for the popsicle sticks, but you can use the craft style circles as well).<br />
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The design is up to you. You can create patterns, use just one color, or make it colorful like mine. At home, we called ours, "The Box of Many Colors". My kids really enjoyed the colorful pattern and even gave me some suggestions on adding some thin popsicle sticks at the top. Although they did not do this project with me, this was so easy to do that you could make this art project with your child if you wish.<br />
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Now that the box is done, it's already sitting on the corner of the kitchen counter, full of school supplies, peacocking... When the boys are ready to do their homework, all they need to do, is open the "Box of Many Colors" and get to work! A simple, cheap, and easy way to make our lives a little bit easier.<br />
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<u><b>Pencil Box</b></u><br />
<u><b>What You Need:</b></u><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Empty Swiffer box (wet Swiffer)</b></li>
<li><b>A package of popsicle sticks</b></li>
<li><b>Glue Dots (glue lines)</b></li>
<li><b>Your and your kid's creativity!</b></li>
</ul>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNDfVLim8ojqUok1RgBe6V-RUM0dRMQ2oFUxGxgac5iCN_PtBV8ukmxionc5OYMZISHFKqHM_lVgPTXyZiWkjcgaHn3pOYGjEjDddAt047O15njGplgHa-VHGwjw8MUDOZJZWuIFiTKA2/s1600/Pencil+Box+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNDfVLim8ojqUok1RgBe6V-RUM0dRMQ2oFUxGxgac5iCN_PtBV8ukmxionc5OYMZISHFKqHM_lVgPTXyZiWkjcgaHn3pOYGjEjDddAt047O15njGplgHa-VHGwjw8MUDOZJZWuIFiTKA2/s1600/Pencil+Box+Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJq7lTyCEKzUSQSvfat1sP7G6oEix05-eQf1tjwuj8o74u6zQaJjL8DrxTihaC0SCmiPqEW79RB5ecsWB8YtvWmQ4UqH6-6xtTRAIUps5JUy72rTkqjJY6N4AgeK48U0QQ6Cvo5TvmBl3/s1600/pencil+Box+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJq7lTyCEKzUSQSvfat1sP7G6oEix05-eQf1tjwuj8o74u6zQaJjL8DrxTihaC0SCmiPqEW79RB5ecsWB8YtvWmQ4UqH6-6xtTRAIUps5JUy72rTkqjJY6N4AgeK48U0QQ6Cvo5TvmBl3/s1600/pencil+Box+Inside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-7372727766162920622014-08-16T19:10:00.000-05:002014-08-16T19:10:31.889-05:00Operation Go to Bed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aaahhhh! Summer Time... Eating watermelons and ice-cream, swimming, riding bikes, walking barefoot, playing with the hose, staying up to almost midnight... Wait! Did I say it out loud? Yep, every year is the same old story... I tell myself, "This Summer is going to be different! No matter what, we're going to bed early every night!" But, getting my boys ready for bed early when the best time to ride their bikes in the Summer is 8:00pm, is like getting cows to dance the tango... it ain't happening...</div>
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Then comes August, and my husband and I think, "Finally!" But then, the first day of school approaches and we go, "Huh, we're in trouble!" All of a sudden we have school supply lists, meet the teachers day, parent-teacher meetings, soccer kickoffs, boys scouts meetings, volunteer for snacks, and birthday parties. By the time I see my calendar, it's so full of notes and reminders that I can barely see the dates anymore... I look at it and go, "Wait, what day is that again? I can't see it under all these '@' symbols, locations, and the list of snacks to bring!" </div>
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Now, besides all these changes, the most difficult thing for us is returning to a decent bedtime routine. We usually, "theoretically," start waking the boys up a little earlier in the morning a few days before school starts. That way, we can gradually put them in bed earlier at night, about 9:30-10:00pm. Did I say "theoretically"? Yep, because many times we look at the clock and it says 11:00pm, and the boys are still chatting, annoying our poor cat and dogs, asking for water or chocolate milk, needing to go potty... It's that endless story... </div>
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We do have reading time! My husband usually reads chapter books to our oldest son while our youngest reads easier books for beginner readers. Still... </div>
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So, this year I thought about a better plan that I'm calling, "Operation Go to Bed!" Simple and easy. No uneccessary nagging needed. I'm planning on starting today. That's right! Today! Three days before school starts. If it works, we can stick to it, and, like experts say, after six months, the new routine will become automatic. *Hope* Alright, so here's my "Operation Go to Bed" plan. Ready? It's not complicated at all! Easy as 1, 2, 3! Wish me luck! </div>
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<u><b>OPERATION GO TO BED</b></u></div>
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<u><b>Step 1</b></u>: Announce out loud the operation to the boys</div>
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<u><b>Step 2</b></u>: Write down the rules on a big chart (with the boys of course... they need to practice some writing...) and post it in their bedroom</div>
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<u><b>Step 3</b></u>: Write down: </div>
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<ul>
<li><b>ALL Electronics OFF- 6:55pm</b></li>
<li><b>Dinner - 7:00pm</b></li>
<li><b>Bath/Brush teeth - 7:45pm</b></li>
<li><b>Reading - 8:10pm</b> </li>
<li><b>Bed/Lights OFF - 8:45pm</b></li>
</ul>
<u><b>Step 4</b></u>: STICK TO IT<br />
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<u><b>Step 5</b></u>: If in case someone blows it one day, be cool and forgiving and start fresh the next day</div>
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<b><u>Step 6</u></b>: If it works, wake up mom, because you might be dreaming...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g22tNJhMHR9eS5L4WChbqu759u_QFv9QyHS96L2CkQFAOny5MXATPhX_TKlJcFm7Bo1WzjEJ4MQ2w54N7gI09gzJ8rig_zunqdrRDWYuGtCarsnDYzpghWije6xRmmSSHl1pD8WilVdm/s1600/large_4272153318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g22tNJhMHR9eS5L4WChbqu759u_QFv9QyHS96L2CkQFAOny5MXATPhX_TKlJcFm7Bo1WzjEJ4MQ2w54N7gI09gzJ8rig_zunqdrRDWYuGtCarsnDYzpghWije6xRmmSSHl1pD8WilVdm/s1600/large_4272153318.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lotzman/4272153318/">Lotzman Katzman</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-47387306054844400342014-05-06T13:10:00.001-05:002014-05-06T13:10:26.245-05:00Mother's Day Treasure Hunt! Aye!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Arrr... Ahoy there, me hearty! Looking for some fun ideas for Captain Mama on Mother's Day? Aye! How about helping mom look for buried treasures around the mysterious <b>Family House Island! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your job is to help mom search for the most amazing Mother's Day treasures hidden on the island! However, watch out for dangerous spots along the way! Like the gigantic <b>Loch Ness Dog </b>(some say it's a cat...), the sinister <b>Forest of The Dark Closet</b>, the scary <b>Couch Mountains of Doom</b>, and the <b>Haunted Tent Castle</b>... Shiver me timbers! But, if ye and your matey, Captain Mama, overcome all these challenges, an amazing sweet surprise awaits ye at the last destination: <b>The Kitchenland!</b> Aye matey, what're ye waiting for? Welcome aboard the ship!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello folks, this is a silly but fun idea for moms and kiddos to enjoy on Mother's Day. Feel free to use the map (print a copy if you'd like) around your house. Start by going ashore to explore the island (parents' bedroom). There, mom will find her first hidden treasure: balloons. Watch out for the sinister "Dark Closet"! Then, move on to the bathroom. A few or more items will be hidden in that area. It can be anything from a perfume to bath soap, nail polish, or make-up... your choice! If you have a pet, it can be the "Loch Ness Monster"! If not, use your imagination and creativity! Next stop: the children's bedroom. Perhaps a beautiful purse could be hidden there? Then, it's time to go to the living room. Heads up! Must avoid the scary "Couch Mountains of Doom"! After avoiding the dangerous mountains, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers will be waiting! Lastly, the final stop: Kitchenland. However, before heading to where "I Heart U Mom" marks the spot, you must first go through the haunted "Tent Castle" (c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">over a couple of chairs with sheets or blankets, if you don't want to set up a real tent for the castle). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you see some ghost pirates? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crawling will be a necessary skill to avoid them... just go with it!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After courageously overcoming the chilling castle, you finally arrive at the Kitchenland! Wow! You made it! You helped Captain Mama have the best Mother's Day Quest ever!!! How about a delicious, yummy cupcake to celebrate this victory? Don't forget to give her a thoughtful and inspiring card, a BIG hug, and of course... don't forget to tell mom the three most important words she ALWAYS loves to hear: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I LOVE YOU! :D </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Mother's Day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLBjApAaJD-EhZUb_2QeH9MFxGwslJMsATwEu2isu9oZuH7keotzJQRMnnLl15DjLXXdLZybPCGGbLLcU_2nU65xm2WJtHkpDQTACgC6aIazrboWCy5ekpz7511GmjSKsnl_AFVW7L5ha/s1600/TREASURE+MAP+MOTHER'S+DAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLBjApAaJD-EhZUb_2QeH9MFxGwslJMsATwEu2isu9oZuH7keotzJQRMnnLl15DjLXXdLZybPCGGbLLcU_2nU65xm2WJtHkpDQTACgC6aIazrboWCy5ekpz7511GmjSKsnl_AFVW7L5ha/s1600/TREASURE+MAP+MOTHER'S+DAY.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-68191951383903845962014-04-23T13:26:00.000-05:002017-11-09T11:29:16.522-06:00Caramel Hazelnut Stuffed French ToastSuper easy, yummy, melt in your mouth french toast recipe that you can make in about 10 minutes! Wishing you and your kiddos a happy tasty brunch! Or breakfast! :D<br />
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INGREDIENTS (*for 2 servings):<br />
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<ul>
<li>4 slices of white bread</li>
<li>4 tbsp Jif Caramel Hazelnut Spread</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 tbsp milk</li>
<li>1/4 tsp ground cinnamon </li>
<li>1 tsp butter (room temperature)</li>
<li>6 medium strawberries (washed and without stems)</li>
<li>powdered sugar (about 2 tbsp)</li>
</ul>
HOW TO MAKE IT:<br />
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<ul>
<li>In a 10-inch skillet, add butter and heat at medium heat. </li>
<li>Spread 1 tbsp of caramel hazelnut spread on one slice of bread and then cover with another slice of bread. Repeat the steps with the other 2 slices of bread. Set both sandwiches aside.</li>
<li>In a bowl, add the egg, milk, and cinnamon. Beat the mixture in the bowl with a whisk or fork until they're well blended. </li>
<li>Take the sandwiches and dip them in the bowl of egg, milk, and cinnamon. Turn the sandwiches and dip the other side. Slowly place sandwiches in the skillet with the melted butter. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until golden. Using tongs or spatula, carefully turn sandwiches over and fry the other side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden.</li>
<li>Remove sandwiches and place them on a plate. </li>
<li>Pour powdered sugar into a strainer and gently tap the side of the rim to dust each sandwich with powdered sugar. </li>
<li>Add 2 tbsp of caramel hazelnut spread in a microwave safe bowl and heat it for about 40 seconds. </li>
<li>Using a spoon, drizzle the warm caramel hazelnut sauce on top of the sandwiches.</li>
<li>Slice the strawberries in half and place them either on top or next to the sandwiches (3 whole strawberries per sandwich). * I know half of a strawberry is missing from this picture... I ate it...</li>
<li>Serve them immediately. Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsMyp5kWGHeYrv2GGIPOkFdvTfprcmU043BfydIir2nqgnNZbIxDZyXQlDQRXiTW-e8uhZAaphBfvcZupb0Lj2xr0hQu5JbTlxOkNIS1D0F-IKAuKZDK8HYYp_YU2jo3-XkWvX9eh-QXG/s1600/caramel+hazelnut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsMyp5kWGHeYrv2GGIPOkFdvTfprcmU043BfydIir2nqgnNZbIxDZyXQlDQRXiTW-e8uhZAaphBfvcZupb0Lj2xr0hQu5JbTlxOkNIS1D0F-IKAuKZDK8HYYp_YU2jo3-XkWvX9eh-QXG/s1600/caramel+hazelnut2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-76397120564997840922014-04-11T08:03:00.000-05:002017-11-09T11:29:53.762-06:00Easy and Fun Waffle Recipe: "Puppy Eggo" <div class="p1" style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: , "helvetica neue light" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year, I submitted this fun, easy, and yummy recipe called "Puppy Eggo" in Kellogg's "The Great Eggo Waffle Off!" contest. The inspiration came from my boys and their love for chocolate chip waffles. It became an instant hit at our house! </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: , "helvetica neue light" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: , "helvetica neue light" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remembered the first time I made this special treat for them... They laughed and said, "It's a puppy!" That's how the name came about. Of course, they stared at the puppy waffle for a few seconds and went straight for the chocolate candies. The taste is amazing! The sweet creamy whipped cream blends delightfully with the chocolate syrup and the chocolate chip waffle with Nutella. Plus, a yummy salty bacon is added to balance the sweet. Of course, to make it a more complete and "healthy" meal, bananas and strawberry were included. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: , "helvetica neue light" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope this special breakfast treat becomes your kids' favorite puppy too! Have fun! :)</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: , "helvetica neue light" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">INGREDIENTS</span></strong></div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Eggo Chocolate Chip Waffle</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hazelnut/chocolate spread</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tbs whipped cream</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chocolate syrup</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 slices of banana</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 slice </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of a small strawberry</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 chocolate candies</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 slices of bacon</span></li>
</ul>
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<strong>DIRECTIONS</strong></div>
<ol style="border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 10px 0px 10px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Toast the Eggo Chocolate Chip Waffle.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spread the Hazelnut chocolate on the waffle.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spread the whipped cream on the waffle in the shape of a small circle.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Eyes/Pupils: place 2 slices of banana about one square apart and put one chocolate candy on top of each banana slice.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mouth/Nose: carefully pour the chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream to resemble a dog’s mouth/nose.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cut the 1 strawberry in the shape of a tongue and put it on top of the whipped cream (under the nose).</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ears: cook 2 slices of bacon (or turkey bacon) in the microwave for about 1-1/2 minutes. Place 2 slices of cooked bacon on the left and right sides of the waffle.</span></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Enjoy!</span></li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-45094065691505926042014-03-20T16:39:00.000-05:002017-11-09T11:30:25.905-06:00Molten Fudgy Flourless Chocolate CakeINGREDIENTS CAKE:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips</li>
<li>2/3 cups of butter</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups of sugar</li>
<li>8 eggs</li>
<li>1 egg yolk</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder</li>
</ul>
INGREDIENTS TOPPING (GANACHE):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>7 oz Hershey's bar chocolate milk</li>
<li>1 can of table cream (creme media)</li>
</ul>
HOW TO MAKE THE CAKE:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave both the butter and eggs out of the refrigerator (in room temperature) for at least 30 minutes </li>
<li>Butter a 9 inch round teflon baking pan</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit</li>
<li>In a bowl, add the chocolate chips and butter and heat it in the microwave for 40 seconds</li>
<li>Remove bowl from microwave and stir it until smooth</li>
<li>In a bowl, add the sugar, chocolate powder, and the mixture of chocolate and butter</li>
<li>Use the mixer at low speed and stir it until blended</li>
<li>In this bowl, add the eggs and the egg yolk slowly and continue mixing at low speed, gradually increasing the speed to medium high</li>
<li>Increase the speed to high and keep mixing until all ingredients are well mixed</li>
<li>Pour the batter into the buttered pan and bake in the oven for 25 minutes</li>
<li> Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes</li>
<li>With a knife, separate the edges of the cake from the baking pan</li>
<li>Place a serving plate on top of the cake and flip the baking pan</li>
</ul>
HOW TO MAKE THE GANACHE:<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Break the chocolate bar into small pieces (rectangles) and place them in a bowl</li>
<li>Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 40 seconds</li>
<li>Remove bowl, stir, and place in the microwave for an additional 40 seconds</li>
<li>Remove bowl from microwave and stir the chocolate until smooth</li>
<li>Add the table cream (remove the liquid that comes inside the can) and stir it until well blended</li>
<li>Pour the ganache over the cake and let it fall on the edges of the cake (to create the "meltdown" effect)</li>
<li>Smooth the top with a spatula</li>
<li>Serve with some strawberries if you'd like. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1HFbVr6-w8GrUuRWjomL3eAenm2Rt53ft7APfv22avCTueJU-IuRRve_N7duaEHscOvj8l9WsEZcBeC_3bbcv9-9eX7Nm2ByHDDplKgevMOyChC8tmpjNUlC00KUYWLyxaA8c-vtk8oD/s1600/cake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1HFbVr6-w8GrUuRWjomL3eAenm2Rt53ft7APfv22avCTueJU-IuRRve_N7duaEHscOvj8l9WsEZcBeC_3bbcv9-9eX7Nm2ByHDDplKgevMOyChC8tmpjNUlC00KUYWLyxaA8c-vtk8oD/s1600/cake4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-89442376927996593182014-02-14T18:26:00.002-06:002014-02-14T18:27:38.748-06:00Be my Monster! Valentines OR Party NecklacesToday is Valentine's Day, and I just wanted to share a cute and easy necklace I prepared for my sons' classmates today... I know you all probably helped prepare something for your kiddos already, but this "Be my Monster" necklace still would make a great party favor! This is how to make it:<br />
<br />
YOU NEED (for 1 Monster Necklace):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 inch pom-pom (any color you want)</li>
<li>2 wiggly eyes (any color you want)</li>
<li>5 1/2 inch chenille stem-any color you want (for the ears/antennae)</li>
<li>2 1/2 inch chenille stem-same color as the antennae (to make the small ring)</li>
<li>20 inch neon necklace with connector (to close the necklace)</li>
<li>40 beads (assorted colors) I like to use the *Perler Beads</li>
<li>5 1/2 by 4 inch card (any color you want)</li>
</ul>
HOW TO MAKE IT:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Take the 2 1/2 inch chenille stem and make a small ring. </li>
<li>Take the neon necklace, make a loop around the ring and tie a knot (see picture).</li>
<li>Glue the ring with the necklace on the back of the pom-pom. I like to use *Glue Dots Adhesives (*1 inch Glue Lines).</li>
<li>Take the 5 1/2 inch chenille stem and fold it in half (see picture). Bend the two edges in the shape of small ears/circles (or antennas). </li>
<li>Glue the chenille stem on the front of the pom-pom. I again use the *1 inch Glue Lines. </li>
<li>Glue the 2 wiggly eyes on the top of the chenille stem (see picture). I use the *Glue Dots 3/16 inch Mini, or you can buy the peel-&-stick wiggly eyes. </li>
<li>Insert the 40 beads in the necklace (20 for each side). After adding the beads, tie a knot to keep the beads in place (see picture).</li>
<li>Insert the connector inside the neon necklace.</li>
<li>Use a hole punch to punch two holes on the top of the card (about 1 inch from the edge or 3 inches apart).</li>
<li>Attach the necklace to the card (see picture).</li>
<li>Write "Be my Monster!" or any other lovely personal message you and your kiddos want!</li>
<li>Have fun!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBmn2lI070puyAqyWVRJnTDJ3KR_NEiAVG0nOFuvKKuFvzYm2qm39suONs_zvvJcr9yEh68PbJOpCVXV7FJ5TlWYEYr1ohISnbMiR9Xc7r8Fqm3TPa4ej94c97z8T7WwSchyKwm6zUb2_/s1600/monster+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBmn2lI070puyAqyWVRJnTDJ3KR_NEiAVG0nOFuvKKuFvzYm2qm39suONs_zvvJcr9yEh68PbJOpCVXV7FJ5TlWYEYr1ohISnbMiR9Xc7r8Fqm3TPa4ej94c97z8T7WwSchyKwm6zUb2_/s1600/monster+back.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-88740737339879460862014-02-10T14:43:00.000-06:002014-02-10T19:41:08.135-06:00Blog Hop: Why Do I Write?<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of you (especially if you're somewhat newbie like me) might be asking, "What's a blog hop?" Well, I was in the same boat as many of you until recently an amazing blogger named <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/stop-and-blog-the-roses/about/" target="_blank">Fern Ronay</a> invited me, or should I say, "tagged me" (yep, still learning the bloggers' vocab folks ;)) to do a blog hop. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The steps are as follow:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #e06666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">Step 1: Acknowledge the person and site that involved me in the blog hop.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">Thank you <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/stop-and-blog-the-roses/about/" target="_blank">Fern</a> for inviting and acknowledging me and for believing in my work! This is Fern's blog post when it was her time to shine last week: <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/stop-and-blog-the-roses/2014/02/blog-hop-why-do-you-write/" target="_blank">Blog Hop: Why Do You Write?</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Step 2: Answer 4 questions about my writing process.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; line-height: 25px;"><b><u>Question 1</u>: What am I working on?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Right now, I have two projects in my head and one that I'm actually doing. I'm currently writing a Christian themed children's book for intermediate readers (more words and less illustrations) and after publishing it, my plan is to dive in head first and write a novel. It's a big risk, since it will be my first novel...but, I have this story completely done in my head and it's bugging me everyday! I can't stop thinking about it! :D </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79; line-height: 25px;"><b style="background-color: white;"><u>Question 2</u>: How does my work differ from others of its genre?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">For my children's books, I try to create the themes from my experiences with both my former students and my two boys. For example, when I wrote </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Howl-Vanessa-Rouse-Ph-D-ebook/dp/B00B7R3P9I/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1392058121&sr=8-1&keywords=dragon+howl" style="line-height: 25px;" target="_blank">Dragon Howl</a><span style="line-height: 25px;"> I was thinking of how my students were judged based on their appearances or their label as "special". Even though they were special education students, they were incredibly smart, caring, funny, and clever. However, somehow they were not challenged enough or seen as a less </span></span><span style="line-height: 25px;">capable group by other students. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">My alphabet book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Town-Upside-Down-Alphabet-ebook/dp/B00DRERFWC/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1392058567&sr=8-1&keywords=crazy+town+upside+down" style="line-height: 25px;" target="_blank">Crazy Town Upside Down: An Alphabet Book</a><span style="line-height: 25px;"> is different from other alphabet books because </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">the child becomes part of the action by following and tracing each character's own adventure around a letter. It also utilizes</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">memory enhancing techniques (rhyming, alliteration, and humor) and engages the learner across multiple learning styles (kinesthetic, visual, and aural). These strategies really help the child </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">remember both the sound and shape of each letter. T</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">he idea of this book came to me when I was teaching alphabet letters to my students and later my youngest son. To help them differentiate between letters "b" and "d" or "p" and "q", I was creating funny stories while they were tracing the letters. For example, for the letter "b", I used to tell them that a skinny man ate a big melon and got a big belly (emphasizing the sound b made on "big" and "belly"). That became really helpful when my students were writing words or sentences. I noticed how they were making less mistakes and remembering how a certain letter was formed. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">The idea for my first book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silly-Potty-Story-boys-ebook/dp/B00BJL4M8U/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392061469&sr=1-1&keywords=the+silly+potty+story" target="_blank">The Silly Potty Story (for boys)</a> came when my oldest son was a toddler. My husband and I had a very difficult time potty training him. So, one day, while I was bathing him, I came up with this story about a little boy who becomes aware of his need to go potty, so his mom engages him in a silly talk about where to go potty. Since it's silly, it entertains the child and makes toilet training easier and less stressful. Also, in the story, the decision to go potty in the toilet comes from the boy himself, which is a critical step in the potty training process.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79; line-height: 25px;"><b style="background-color: white;"><u>Question 3</u>: Why do I write what I do?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">I write and illustrate children's books because it's fun! It has been a dream of mine to write stories since I was a child. When I came to the U.S. in '95 on a tennis scholarship, I thought I couldn't become a writer. I thought, "There's no way I can major in English or Journalism...", so I decided to follow a different path and become a teacher. While I was a special education teacher, I was doing many projects with my students where they were creating photo or video assignments to tell stories. It was a way to motivate them to write. They really enjoyed these types of projects and were so involved that many times the bell would ring and they wouldn't want to leave for their next class! </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Being a special education teacher requires many, many hours after class filling out IEPs and having meetings. After a while, I noticed how I was spending almost 12 hours a day at school and proportionately less time at home. During that time, my youngest son was a toddler, so I decided to devote more time to my family and help children in a different way. I'm blessed that I have an amazing husband who has studied 5 languages and has an amazing knowledge of the English language. So, with his help as an editor and co-author, I was finally able to fulfill my dream of becoming a writer. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79; line-height: 25px;"><b><u>Question 4</u>: How does my writing process work?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Well, let's see... The ideas first pop in my head while I'm doing something like playing with my boys, vacuuming, taking a shower, etc. Then I write some notes down and run to my husband to tell him my ideas. For both "Dragon Howl" and "Crazy Town Upside Down", I had the help of my husband to develop the rhymes. Then, I sit down with my husband, and we plan together how/what illustrations will go on each page, characters, colors, background etc. Then with the "not-so-much" help of a digital illustration program, I draw, edit, redraw, change, write, edit again, rewrite, change fonts and formats, change characters' positions and colors, edit some more... It's a constant editing process... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">Now, for "Dragon Howl" I didn't have a digital art program at first, so I drew all the illustrations by hand, tried at first do all of them in watercolor (didn't really work that well...), and then decided to go digital. I did my research, bought and learned how to use a digital art program, scanned all my pencil sketch drawings, traced and colored them (very hard and detailed process), and after a year of work, I published my book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">For my "soon to be novel", the idea came into my head, and each day more of the story was developed "in my head", to a point where the whole story is now completed "in my head"... I might be shy around strangers, but I'm very verbal around the people I know and am comfortable with, so I just talk nonstop about the story to my husband, mom, godmother, mother-in-law, and close friends. I know...they know...I'm annoying... But this is not the only story I already have completed in my head! Many years ago, I had already created one and told the whole thing to two of my best friends (that was way before I was even a teacher), and my friends were telling me that I should write and publish the story. It's a love story that takes place in the past (mid 1800's), and it's in my plans to write it in the future... :D</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 25px;">Step 3: Introduce my 4 lovely guests for next week's Blog Hop.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 25px;">Here we are.. I'm proud to introduce you to...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">LEILA BOUKARIM</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Years before I had children, I never thought I wanted them. But the day I had my first, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. My children have made me who I am today. They are my heart, they are my soul, they are the air that I breathe. They are my everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My four year old is a Highly Sensitive Child. My husband and I didn’t always know that. We knew that he always stood out in every group he was a part of, in ways that were both good and not so good. And although we knew how amazing he was, not everyone could see it. He is often misunderstood by family members, other children, and his teachers. We finally put our finger on what this was when I discovered Elaine Aron and her book, <i>The Highly Sensitive Child</i>. After having read the book, it all started to make sense. I started to speak with other parents of Highly Sensitive Children, and it was like hearing our story over and over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After four years filled with challenges, worry and also lots and lots of joy, I am now confident that I know my child better than anyone else does. I know why my son acts the way he does in certain situations. I know what causes him to be anxious. I know what he enjoys. I know that he reasons like an older child. I know that he loves deeply. I look at him in awe and admiration. He has made me a better person. He is my inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started this blog in hopes of being able to reach not only other parents of Highly Sensitive Children, but also teachers, caregivers, and anyone who knows a Highly Sensitive Child. This topic is still unknown to most, making it especially difficult on our Highly Sensitive Children to fight their way through life while being completely misunderstood. It is our responsibility to help bring to light the fact that these children are not just normal. They are extraordinary!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sensitiveandextraordinary.com/" target="_blank">The Leila BK Blog: Sensitive and Extraordinary Kids</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>CHRISTINA BROCKETT</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My name is Christina (or Tina if you prefer) and I am a working mom with a son and daughter. Each day is a carefully orchestrated balancing act of being a wife, mother and working professional with the occasional bit of me time thrown in. I’m the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Missing-Pages-Parent-Handbook-ebook/dp/B00D8QW19G/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=" target="_blank">The Missing Pages of the Parent Handbook.</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Missing Pages of the Parent Handbook is a product of two years of interviewing a cross-section of American parents about times when parenting threw them a curveball. I believe that I am a work in progress and document that evolution as a person, and mother, at my blog <a href="http://www.momevolving.com/home/" target="_blank">Momevolving.</a></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">SELAH CAMBIAS</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I’m an award-winning author of a parenting book that helps parents get along better with their kids by learning their personality types, or archetypes. I was working as an Archetypal Consultant – someone who helps adults figure out their life’s purpose - when I figured out that it works brilliantly with children. When parents figure out what their kids’ personality types are telling us, things get a whole lot easier. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">So, to help share the nuts and bolts of what I learned and now use as a Family Coach, I wrote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Types-Better-Parenting-Personality-ebook/dp/B00HSAZIDE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1392069362" target="_blank">Family Types, A Guide to Better Parenting Using Personality Types.</a> When I’m not working on teaching videos to share on my new blog, I’m running around my three tween and teens, trying my best to soak up every moment. You can find me at <a href="http://selahcambias.com/" target="_blank">Selah Cambias-Live Action Parenting.</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>JODY CANTRELL DYER</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jody Cantrell Dyer is a mother, author, and speaker in Tennessee.
After struggling to conceive for six years, then clumsily (yet successfully) adopting, to now navigating an open adoption with her child's birth parents, Dyer felt compelled to write <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Adoption-Jody-Cantrell-Dyer-ebook/dp/B00BRMIPBG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1392069867" target="_blank">The Eye of Adoption.</a> She felt that someone needed to "tell it like it is" so others would be better equipped to handle the turbulent and triumphant, mysterious and magical, beautiful burdensome blessing of adoption. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jody calls herself a "compassionate humorist" and is a natural storyteller. Readers laugh and think "outside the barn" weekly on Jody's humor blog, <a href="http://www.jodydyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Theories: Size 12, Go on and get mad but you know I'm right.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Links:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.jodydyer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Author Website</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Eye-of-Adoption/109059019282956" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Eye of Adoption on Facebook</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheoriesSize12" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Theories: Size12 on Facebook</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-46038895324380343212014-02-02T15:29:00.000-06:002017-11-09T11:35:47.469-06:00Portuguese Pizza! Eggs and Ham, Yes I am! I absolutely love this pizza! I was craving it so much that I had to call my mom to get the recipe. She also gave me 2 nice tips to make the pizza even more tasty! In Brazil, we call this pizza a "Pizza Portuguesa". What a delicious fusion of flavors from the ham, onions, boiled egg, and kalamata olives! Many might be tempted to leave out one of the ingredients like the boiled egg, onions, or olives, but please don't! All these ingredients are essential, as they work together to create an amazing, savory blend!<br />
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INGREDIENTS:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 individual size "ready to bake" pizza dough</li>
<li>1 tsp of olive oil</li>
<li>1 can of undrained whole peeled tomatoes (should create enough sauce for 4+ small pizzas; you will only need approximately 4 tbsp for each)</li>
<li>4 tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>2 thin slices of ham</li>
<li>1 hard boiled egg, sliced</li>
<li>5 round slices of yellow onion</li>
<li>14 half slices of kalamata olives</li>
<li>1 tbsp of oregano</li>
</ul>
HOW TO MAKE IT:<br />
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<li>Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit</li>
<li>Brush olive oil on the top of the pizza dough</li>
<li>*TOMATO SAUCE: Pour the entire contents of the can of undrained peeled tomatoes into a bowl and squeeze them with your fingers leaving some thick, irregular chunks of tomatoes to make the sauce more robust. Spread approximately 4 tbsp of this sauce onto the pizza dough, making sure to add some of the tomato pieces</li>
<li>Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce</li>
<li>Top with the 2 slices of ham, onions, egg slices, and olives</li>
<li>*OREGANO: Pour the oregano into your cupped hand and then rub the oregano using both hands over the pizza, making sure to sprinkle the oregano on all the toppings. By rubbing the oregano in your hands, you enhance its flavor.</li>
<li>Place the pizza directly on the rack into the oven and bake for 9 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before eating.</li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-6661381263464072122014-01-31T12:15:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:32:37.272-06:00The Harm of Artificial Colors in Our Children's Diet: A Guest Post by Troy Ampalayo from Organic Superfoods<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continuing my topic about the harmful effects of artificial colors and dyes in our children's diet, I'd like to welcome guest Troy Ampalayo from <a href="http://organicsfs.com/" target="_blank">Organic Superfoods</a> and his helpful insights:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The public know that our bodies are affected differently by several food products, especially with preservatives and colors. Some of the common effects might include caffeine that is known as energy booster; red wines and aged cheeses triggering headaches; or high fat or even acidic foods that cause heartburns. But what is worse about this scenario in which most people don’t know is how these preservatives, artificial food colors and flavors affect our growing children. It is also a reason why </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">organic superfoods </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">advised to be part of our children’s diet. These </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">superfoods </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">can actually preserve a healthy lifestyle. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are studies conducted in the year 2007 by a team from known university proves that a variety of usual food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate – an ingredient found in many soft drinks, salad dressings, fruit juices and other foods – causes some of the children to be more hyperactive and distractible than usual. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The research discovered that children aged three, eight, and nine-year olds were practically more hyperactive. They showed shorter attention span if they drink or eat foods containing preservatives and colors. However, this study didn’t point out that such preservatives and artificial colors and flavors cause ADHD or that the impact of these foods is only children with ADHD. In response to the raised questions about the matter, research points out that there is no exact evidence that the food additives cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there are a number of studies which show that certain food preservatives and colorings may worsen the behavior of hyperactivity in some of the children. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Given recommendations include the consumption of foods with health benefits such as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">superfoods. Organic superfoods </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are now commonly produced in local organic farms. Children can benefit from these foods for they are full of vitamins and minerals that could help them in their daily activities. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Train the children to practice a healthy lifestyle with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">organic superfoods </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as part of their diet. You can organize healthy fruits such as blueberries with a glass of lemon juice as part of their recipe. We know that children love colorful set up. You can read some </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">superfoods </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so that you can serve it with style in their plates. Be more aware of the benefits as well as the taste. Keep in mind that children also observed the taste of the foods they are eating. They really love the taste. Be passionate in serving them. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-39279352782885998272014-01-27T20:08:00.000-06:002017-11-09T11:33:13.949-06:00Why are Artificial Food Colors and Dyes Banned in Europe but NOT in the U.S.???<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm a big advocate of eliminating artificial colors (aka food dyes) from our children's diet. Why? Well, it's because I have first hand experience with the negative effects on my two sons' behavior and attention span. It started when my oldest son was only two years old. I noticed how he would go from cooperative and having an active (i.e. busy but not atypical </span><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">for a 2 year old child</span><span style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">) behavior, to bizarrely defiant and hyperkinetic behavior for the next two or three days. At first I thought that too much sugar might be the culprit; however, after eliminating sugar from my son's diet for a month, I couldn't see any positive changes in his behavior. Then, I started doing my own research and found out how artificial colors and dyes (such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.) were banned in Europe due to their adverse effects on children's health. In addition, food products containing artificial colors are required to have a large warning label in the U.K. They are even getting rid of </span><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">artificial</span><span style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;"> food dyes and replacing them with natural colors (anatto, beet, carmine, etc.).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I decided to do my own test. I eliminated all foods containing artificial colors from my son's diet, and the results, although unscientific, were amazing. After about a week without food dyes, my son was more focused, stopped throwing unreasonable tantrums, and had the typical energy level of a 2 year old (instead of bouncing up and down nonstop). My son was a different kid! His attitude and behavior had changed tremendously! From that point on, my husband and I took label reading at the grocery store very seriously, and wouldn't buy any fruit juices, yogurts, snacks, or even marshmallows(!) that contained artificial colors. We still permitted caramel color, anatto, and other natural colorings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, you may be wondering... How do you know if it is really the artificial dyes causing the behavior problems? Your son might really have ADHD! Right? Hold your horses! The symptoms of ADHD don't come and go as they please... My son was fine for days or even weeks at a time, and then he would suddenly change his behavior. It was odd. Even nowadays, I can easily tell when my son eats something with artificial color at school or special events (it's hard to monitor every food he consumes at other places besides home). For example, my son, on a regular basis, is focused, does his homework without any problems, obeys, plays outside like any other boy at his age would play, etc. Then, all of a sudden, after consuming a product with food dyes, he comes home extremely defiant, can't concentrate, can't stop moving, etc. Suspicious, I ask him what he ate at school for lunch and bingo! Usually a dessert or cupcake containing food dyes. It usually takes a few hours for the food dyes to affect his body (usually 2-3 hours after consumption), and it also takes about 48 hours for the artificial colors to get out of his system. After 2 days, my son goes back to his normal self again. The same is also true with my youngest son. It's even more strange because normally, my youngest is even more focused than my oldest one. However, as soon as he eats something containing food dyes, his behavior is also altered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have discussed the issue with many mothers who come to me presenting a similar case, and I even have some of the mothers agreeing with me and seeing a positive result in their children's behavior after eliminating food dyes from their diet. I'm not here to say that artificial colors affect every child, but we ought to think, why are dyes banned in Europe but not here in the US? Money perhaps? Dyes may be cheaper than natural coloring...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The FDA keeps insisting on the need for more research... Ok, we will be here waiting patiently for the results. Meanwhile, if you are experiencing a similar situation with your child, do an experiment and remove food dyes from your child's diet. </span><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read the labels of the products. Find alternatives for products that contain dyes. Now, don't expect miracles happening in one day... it might take more than a week to notice any difference in your child's behavior. And even if the the smallest colorful candy containing Red#40, Yellow#5or#6, Blue#1or#2 gets eaten you'll be back to square one. But, if it means raising a healthier, happier child, it's worth the effort!</span></span></div>
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photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/broterham/38615433/">broterham</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">cc</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-27234609643252787132014-01-21T16:15:00.000-06:002014-01-21T16:15:47.103-06:005 Healthy Foods for a Healthy MomREALITY CHECK: According to Forbes, only 8% of people achieve their New Year's resolution... So, when our commitment to those New Year's diet and fitness resolutions seem to waiver and fail... How about a second chance by adding these 5 healthy foods to your diet? This list was created after much research and includes many notes from the time I was a university Fitness and Health instructor. There are, of course, many other healthy foods besides these five. This is just a short list to get your New Year back on the right track.<br />
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<li><b><u>FISH</u> </b>Preferably fresh, contains a large amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the amount of plaque that builds up inside the walls of your arteries. Plaque comes from bad cholesterol that sticks to your arteries. Both the FDA and the American Heart Association recommend eating fresh fish at least twice a week.</li>
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<li><b style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">NUTS</b><u style="font-weight: bold;"> </u>(mainly almonds and walnuts) - Nuts have flavonoids, an antioxidant that raises the levels of your good cholesterol. They also have a large amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E (antioxidant), fiber, *folate, and magnesium. Moderation is the key: It's recommended only a handful of nuts every day. Blue Diamond brand has tasty dark chocolate covered almonds. Dark chocolate also has antioxidants. *<i>Benefits of folate: (a) support red blood cell production and help prevent anemia, (b) allow nerves to function properly, and (c) help prevent osteoporosis. </i></li>
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<li><b style="text-decoration: underline;">BEANS</b> (any kind) - They're full of protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and potassium. They also don't contain any cholesterol. Among the health benefits of beans are (a) lower cholesterol levels, (b) lower blood pressure, (c) reduce risk of many cancers, (d) regulate functions of the colon. </li>
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<li><b style="text-decoration: underline;">TOMATOES</b> They have lycopene, a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation. *<i>Note: </i>Research studies show that by cooking the tomatoes, we can actually increase the lycopene levels; however, Vitamin C content decreases when compared to uncooked tomatoes. </li>
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<li><u><b>B</b></u><b style="text-decoration: underline;">LUEBERRIES</b> (raw) - Ranked in the U.S. diet as having one of the highest antioxidant capacities among all fruits and vegetables. Some of the health benefits of blueberries are (a) reduce bad cholesterol, (b) help control blood sugar levels, and (c) improve brain health. A low calorie food (about 84 calories in 1 cup), it's recommended 1 to 2 cups of blueberries per day. </li>
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photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mairag/6419364999/">maira.gall</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a><u><b><br /></b></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-23731870168737055412014-01-14T12:08:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:33:50.973-06:00Easy and Yummy Game Day Party Bites for Kids and Grown Ups: "Apple Pie" and Cheese Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious Super Bowl/game day <span class="st">party food? Or maybe just a fun afternoon snack for your kids? This yummy treat is super easy to do! Start with salty, crunchy, and buttery RITZ crackers, topped with both mozzarella cheese and </span>delicious, warm caramelized apples with cinnamon. I call it the "Apple Pie" and Cheese Bites. It takes about 15 minutes to do and serves 6-8 people.<br />
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INGREDIENTS:<br />
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<![endif]-->1 Gala apple (peeled) </li>
<li>1 Tbsp of butter
</li>
<li>1 tsp of raw sugar</li>
<li>1 ½ tsp of cinnamon</li>
<li>16 RITZ crackers</li>
<li>4 slices of mozzarella cheese (cut each slice into 4 squares for a total of 16 small squares)</li>
</ul>
PREP STEPS:<br />
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<![endif]--> Cut the peeled apple in cubes and put it in a pot. Add
the sugar, butter, and cinnamon, and sauteed until soft and golden (medium heat
for about 10 minutes-keep stirring).</li>
<li>Heat oven to 350F</li>
<li>Place crackers in single layer on baking sheet and top with cheese and about 2-3 small apple cubes.</li>
<li>Bake for 4 minutes. </li>
<li>Let it cool for about 1 minute before serving.</li>
<li>Have fun! :D</li>
</ul>
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</xml><![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04933375849027586315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085551795159229037.post-8096811517774398422014-01-09T21:01:00.001-06:002017-11-09T11:36:36.568-06:00Brazilian Ham Lasagna With Red Meaty and White Cheesy SauceA great friend of mine just had a beautiful baby boy, and BOY OH BOY, I know how tough it is to make dinner and take care of a newborn! So, I offered to prepare her favorite meal. She told me that her favorite dish was lasagna, even joking how she must be related to Garfield somehow... "Lasagna...", I said, thinking that I actually haven't had my mom's wonderful lasagna for a long, long time. I think the last time I ate her lasagna was 8 years ago, when she came to visit us to see her new grandbaby (my first son).<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I have eaten lasagna many times in these 8 years, but not her comforting, home cooked, hearty lasagna, filled with both red meaty tomato sauce and a cheesy white Parmesan sauce, layered with slices of ham and mozzarella cheese, and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Her recipe is very different from the recipes I have seen in the US. My mom doesn't use ricotta cheese or some veggies, instead, she uses both ham and mozzarella, and she also adds two sauces to make the lasagna noodles extra tender.<br />
<br />
When I called my mom to get her delicious recipe, she gave me three important tips about the noodles. First she said that I should go ahead and buy the 'oven ready to bake' noodles, since the ones that must be boiled first are harder to deal with and break easily. The second tip she gave me was to prepare the lasagna dish the day before, cover it, and let it set <b><u>in the refrigerator</u></b> for a day to allow the sauce to sink in and moisten the noodles (since we are using the 'oven ready to bake' ones). She also told me to make sure to really add extra sauce on the edges of the dish to avoid the noodles from becoming hard and chewy. The last tip she gave me (which came in late, a week after I had already prepared and eaten the lasagna) was to cover the dish with parchment paper instead of aluminum foil. According to my mom, the aluminum from the foil is released into the dish when baking due to the acidity of the tomato sauce. So, we're actually eating aluminum. I don't know about this for sure, and please don't hold me responsible for it. :) Do your own research. But I believe my mom because she has about 45 years of cooking experience... and some of the tips she gave me in the past I saw, years later, in cooking shows like Martha Stewart and Food Network.<br />
<br />
By the way, about my friend, I just received a wonderful thank you note from her saying how she loved it, and how her picky-eater son (he's about my oldest son's age) had three servings of it! :D<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe. My mom likes to go the extra mile and makes her sauces and seasonings from scratch. I, on the other hand, like to take short cuts. So, this is my "short cut" version of my mom's recipe. This savory lasagna dish serves about 6-8 people and takes approximately 45 min to prep and 1 hour to bake (better to do it the day before and leave it in the fridge overnight):<br />
<br />
INGREDIENTS:<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">2 Tbsp canola oil</span></li>
<li><span class="ingredient-amount" id="lblIngAmount">1 pound</span>
<span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">lean ground beef</span> </li>
<li>1 Tbsp meat seasoning (I like Chef Paul Prudhomme's Meat Magic)</li>
<li><span class="ingredient-name" id="lblIngName">26 ounces of tomato sauce (I like Ragu Traditional tomato sauce)</span></li>
<li>2 cups of milk</li>
<li>1 Tbsp of flour</li>
<li>1 Tbsp of butter</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese (1 1/4 cups for the sauce and 1 1/4 cups for the lasagna layers and topping) </li>
<li>1 can of table cream (<span class="st">Nestle Media Crema)</span></li>
<li><span class="st">18 'oven ready to bake' lasagna noodles</span></li>
<li><span class="st">18 slices of ham</span></li>
<li><span class="st">18 slices of mozzarella cheese </span></li>
</ul>
PREPARATION:<br />
RED SAUCE:<br />
<ul>
<li>Warm the canola oil in a large skillet at medium heat for a few
minutes (2-3 minutes). Add meat and sprinkle the seasoning on
top. Cook the meat until brown. Drain the fat.</li>
<li>Add the tomato sauce, stir, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer until you're ready to assemble the lasagna. Stir occasionally.</li>
</ul>
WHITE SAUCE:<br />
<ul>
<li>In a saucepan, add the milk and butter and cook at medium heat for about
1 minute. Slowly add flour into the saucepan and stir with a whisk. Keep
stirring and cook the sauce until the flour dissolves and the sauce
thickens (3-5 minutes).</li>
<li>Add the Parmesan cheese (1 1/4 cups) and keep cooking for 2 additional minutes (or until the cheese dissolves into the sauce). </li>
<li>Reduce heat to low, add the table cream and cook for one more additional minute. Remove from heat.</li>
</ul>
ASSEMBLING THE LASAGNA:<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce into the bottom of a</span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> 9x13 inch baking dish.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Arrange 4 noodles lengthwise and 2 on each side (you might have to break a few inches off of these 2 noodles to fit better) over meat sauce.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Top with 6 </span>slices of ham (3 on each side).</li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Spread 1/3 of the white sauce.</span></li>
<li>Top with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese.</li>
<li>Top with a 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. </li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Repeat layers 2x, topping with remaining 6 mozzarella slices and Parmesan cheese. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Cover with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge overnight.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">The next day, remove the plastic wrap and cover with parchment paper, </span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">making sure the paper does not touch the Parmesan cheese. </span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span>Remove from oven and let stand for about 10-15 minutes before serving (remove paper of course).</li>
<li>Enjoy! :D<br />
</li>
</ul>
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