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Monday, January 31, 2011

Cleavitz Review and Giveaway CLOSED



I was bummed that I recently had bought some clearance down tops at Target that I didn't think I was going to wear. When I put them on, they were so low cut I might as well not have even wore a top. I don't like wearing layers and layers of clothes. Sometimes when I'm shopping I pass by any tops that I think I will need to wear a tank top under, especially summer clothes. I don't want that extra layer of clothing when it is 90 degrees outside.

This is where Cleavitz is your friend. It is a half tank top worn under your shirt, jacket, sweater or blouse. It is comfortable to wear and helps stretch out your wardrobe.


With the Cleavitz patent-pending design, the top ends just below the bra. This means that there is:



• No bunching around the front and rear mid-section!


• No more tugging and adjusting your camisole or tank top!


• No roll up -- provides a slim, neat appearance!


• No elastic band for maximum comfort!


• No clips, snaps or tape!


• No added bulk with as much coverage as you want!


• No sweat - The Cleavitz is much cooler than a full tank top or camisole!


• No money wasted – Expand your current wardrobe fast with one simple purchase!


I love how there are 2 lines.

Everyday

white
pink
black
red

Executive

Lace: black, white, red and ivory
Shimmer: navy, charcoal and ivory

I had a hard time choosing what to get, but went with 2 basics. Everyday white and black lace.

Here is one of the tops that has just been sitting in my closet




                                                                           Black Lace





                                                                                  white
                                                          
I was so happy to receive this to review. They even came beautifully packaged





BUY IT
20% off everything until Feb. 14th use code VALENTINE


WIN IT
One winner will receive 3 Cleavitz of their choice!!!

Mandatory Entry
1. Go to Cleavitz and tell me which tank is your favorite. Make sure you are a blog follower and leave your email address or you entry won't count.

Extra Entries

2. Sign up for Cleavitz newsletter (right side)
3. Like Cleavitz on facebook
4. Like me on facebook  (3 entries)
5. Follow me on twitter
6. Blog about this giveaway
7. Add me to your blog roll
8. Add my button to your blog (3 entries)
9. Share this on facebook
10. Tweet about this giveaway
11. Tell me which collection you like best (everyday, shimmer or lace)

Contest ends 2/12/11. Open to US and Canada. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or new winner will be chosen.

I received 2 Cleavitz to review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Goodwill Goodies

More Goodwill Goodies...




I loved this, I keep buying these things. But this one was $9.99! Too high a price for me for thrift store.





This cracked me up. I have no idea what it is? Pokemon something?





The marriage didn't last too much longer after the husband bought this for his wife for their anniversary. Hence the reason it is now at the Goodwill.





I wanted this! I was just afraid it wouldn't work. And the bowls were pretty scratched up inside. $24.99, good deal or not?


apron thrift girl
coastal charm
wednesday window

30min Psychic Reading WINNER

And the winner is....


leanne_mac said...



I follow you on twitter as

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Feed Me Friday~Email Subscription Hop









Welcome to Feed Me Friday Blog Hop, hosted by Oh So Savvy Mom and From Chalkboards to Strollers! It's a Blog Hop to help you meet new bloggers and build your e-mail subscription. Want to be a part of Feed Me Friday? Just follow these simple rules:

Add your blog link to the linky


- Subscribe by email and follow via GFC the two hostesses (Oh So Savvy Mom and From Chalkboards to Strollers) and the Blog of the Week. Make sure to leave us a comment and we will return the favor.
- Visit as many blogs on the list as you can. If you like the blog subscribe to their email (feel free to follow on GFC too, if you want)
- Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Feed Me Friday. Be sure to confirm your subscription!
-Subscribing back is not mandatory, but it is recommended. It is a great way to build blogging relationships.
Since this is an e-mail subscription blog hop, your blog must have a place for people to subscribe to your email. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky. 


Every Friday we will put up a new Feed Me Friday linky, so be sure to stop by and add your blog. Each week we will choose one participant from the previous week’s blog hop to be the Blog of the Week.


This week's featured blogger is... ME!




The housewife's handbook to recipes, giveaways and thrift store finds.


Special Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies




I got bored one night and looked through the Tasty Kitchen blog and found some cool recipes to try. Here is one yummy cookie.

Ingredients
•1 cup Butter, Softened



•1 teaspoon Baking Soda


•1 teaspoon Salt


•¾ cups Packed Brown Sugar


•1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding


•1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract


•2 whole Eggs


•2-¼ cups Flour


•1 package (12 Oz. Package) Chocolate Chips


Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375F.

Place your butter, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, vanilla pudding, vanilla extract and eggs into a large bowl and mix until creamy. Gradually add the flour and mix until combined. Add chocolate chips.
Scoop onto cookie sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.


Whats cookin thursday
full plate thursday
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Designs By Gollum
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Tidy Mom
Fingerprints on the fridge
The Grocery Cart Challenge

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Caramel Pecan Rolls



Yeah the picture looks nothing like the recipe. Have you ever had a hankering for something, but didn't quite have all the ingredients on hand so you get a little experimental? That's what I did here. First off, any desserts that call for nuts, I omit them. I like nuts, just not in any desserts.
Secondly this recipe uses Pillsbury crescents, I didn't have any. So I used a tube of biscuits and just cut each biscuit into quarters and arranged in a round cake pan like monkey bread. So be creative, the tasty part of this recipe is the sauce (brown sugar, butter and corn syrup).

Here is the original recipe

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 375. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup; blend well. Spread in bottom of ungreased round cake pan.

2. Separate dough into 4 rectangles, firmly press perforations to seal. In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Spinkle mixture evenly over rectangles. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the pecans over each rectangle.

3. Starting at shorter side, roll up each rectangle, pinch  edges to seal. Cut each roll into 4 slices. Place cut side down over brown sugar mixture in pan.

4. Bake at 375 for 20 - 27 mins. Cool in pan 1 min. Invert onto serving platter.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Amish White Bread




This is one of the top rated recipes at www.allrecipes.com

Amish White Bread
Ingredients

2 cups warm water 
 2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
6 cups bread flour (I use all purpose flour most of the time)


Directions


1.In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.


2.Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.


3.Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.


4.Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
 
 
This bread is so good it's like having dessert!

Tuesday at the Table
Tempt My Tummy
Whats Cooking Wednesday

Monday, January 24, 2011

Meet Me On Mondays





Questions:




1. What is your favorite kind of fudge?  Bubblegum Fudge, yes it exist and it's wonderful.




2. Is there snow outside your window? Unfortunately yes :o(




3. What is your favorite meal of the day?  Whichever one I get to eat without a baby in my lap or a child begging for my food.




4. Do you text on your cell phone?  Yes, I love to text.




5. Waffles or pancakes? I really don't eat either, unless Kashi waffles or on sale or I make protein pancakes. Don't care much for heavy carbs in the morning.

Goodwill Goodies

I have some more Goodwill Goodies for ya!




Just weird looking





For some reason merchandise with self proclamations crack me up. We have all seen the women wearing shirts that say "Too Hot For You" or "Sexy Mama". It takes a certain type of confidence to buy this type of merchandise, or delusion...either one.





Someone had depantsed this bear. Please, he is already at the Goodwill, let him have his dignity!





I have no idea. Have you ever seen things at the Goodwill and thought,"Who made that and why?"

Tune in next time for Goodwill Goodies


Can be seen at Wednesday Window

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Egg White Omelet with Spinach (Low Calorie)



This is my new favorite breakfast.

I remember making omelets on Sunday morning with my grandmother. Just kidding, I learned how to make omelets by watching youtube videos. If you don't know how to make omelets, check the videos out.

I use only egg whites and stuff this with baby spinach.

This makes a great filling breakfast especially paired with greek yogurt or some oatmeal.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Weight Watchers Soup (Low Calorie)



6 cups of broth
2 carrots peeled and diced
1 large onion diced
4 teaspoons of garlic
1/2 cup cabbage chopped
1/2 pound frozen green beans
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt

Bring the broth to a boil in the microwave. (This is a time-saving tip that can be skipped if there's no hurry.)



Spray a large pot with cooking spray and heat on medium high. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients except the zucchini and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add the zucchini and cook until the zucchini are tender


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mom trends
joy in my kitchen

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Boiron's Cold/Cough/Flu Pack Winner

Thank you for the entries. This is an awesome prize pack, as we have been using it this week with everyone being sick with sore throats, ear infections and strep throat.


Congrats Winner....



esluka said...



FB follower @ erinn arena sluka

Baked Tilapia (Low Calorie)

sorry for the bad picture lol

I've been eating 1200 calories a day and trying to increase my protein. Baked fish is very low cal and high in protein and zero carbs.

This is too good not to share. I bought a bag of frozen Tilapia at Meijer's for $4.99. I put a filet in a sandwich bag and thaw it in a bowl of hot water (only takes around 5-10 mins). I then place the fish in a pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Then I spray the filet with zero calorie spray butter and sprinkle generously with seasonings. I've been using a garlic and herb season. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes.

This is great with a baked potato and a side salad!



Paisley Passions
Mom Trends

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

LAST CHANCE LOW ENTRY GIVEAWAY COLD/FLU PACK

BOIRON'S HOMEOPATHIC COLD/COUGH/FLU PACK GIVEAWAY

Goodwill Goodies

We took another trip to the Goodwill last night. It has been awhile since I have gone to any thrift stores. I was missing it. I hope I can make it to the Salvation Army on Wednesday this week for half off day.




How about a headless Genie? This can be yours for .99 cents. Store not responsible whether Genie can still give out 3 wishes or not. Buy at your own risk.





I loved this animal print lamp thingie. But it was $7. Yes $7. At a garage sale I can see spending 2 or 3 bucks on it. For $7 I can get brand new merchandise at Target.





Betty misses her family. They dropped her off at the psych ward and have never came back. She spends her time singing to her silverware and applying lipstick.





Sad puppy. If you took all of the sad puppies, angels, children and clown figurines that exist in all thrift stores you could build the bridge to nowhere.

Tune in next time for Goodwill Goodies!

can be seen at Apron Thrift Girl  Show and Tell Friday

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Don't Miss Out On These Giveaways!


Boiron's Homeopathic Cold/Cough/Flu Pack ends 1/19

This is awesome. My baby just had a bad cold and cough with ear infection. I was able to give her this medicine and not worry about side effects.




30 Min Psychic Reading With Cynthia Ann 1/30

Don't miss out on this. I still think about the things that she told me.





Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Cream (Baby Silk) 2/2

I love this cream and apply it throughout the day.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

I'm featured At Simply Stacie's

Simpy Stacie


Read Here

Thank you Stacie!

Mini Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes



Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pancakes. I love when recipes have the word "chocolate" TWICE.

1 cup of milk
1 egg
2 tbsp margarine, melted
1 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

In a bowl mix milk, egg and margarine. In a seperate bowl mix the rest of the ingredients. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture until well mixed. Batter may be lumpy. Cook pancakes in pan or on griddle as usual.

Can be seen at
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fat camp friday

Friday, January 14, 2011

Anyone looking forward to Valentine's Day? EdenFantasys Can Help!

Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys store


Valentine's Day is exactly one month away. Does anyone have any special plans? I love going out to eat for Valentine's Day and then spending some quality alone time. As for the candy and cards, we are rebels who wait til the 15th when everything is 50% off! Ha ha take that commercial holiday.

But hey, if it takes a commercial holiday for us to show appreciation for those around us, who at times may feel unappreciated, then I am all for it.

EdenFantasys has many unique items that will make your Valentine's Day extra special.

EdenFantasys offers a wide array of lingerie
1. Bra and Panties sets
2. Camisoles
3. Babydolls
4. Chemise
5. Gowns
6. Costumes
7. Accessories

Once you are looking sexy and confident, EdenFantasys offers many sensual products
1. Massagers
2. Lotions and Oils
3. Creams and Balms
4. Mood music and Videos
5. Lover's Games
6. Ticklers
7. Mood Candles

I love the idea of this chocolate heart gift set



Or how about a bed of roses?





Whatever you do this Valentine's with your sweetie, take time to let them know how much you appreciate them. Put a little romance in your day. As parents we don't always get the time to be romantic. Make it special, show your love and connect on a deeper level.



For a limited time get a free gift with any order. Read about it here. Also receive free standard shipping on any orders over $59.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Chess Cake






I have shared a wonderful recipe for strawberry chess cake (still my favorite), so I thought I would share regular chess cake in case strawberry isn't your thing.
Chess cake is wonderful because it consists of cake mix, cream cheese and 2 sticks of butter.


Ingredients
first layer
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted


second layer
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
4 cups confectioners' sugar


Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9 x 13 inch pan.


In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Put into prepared pan.
In another bowl, Beat cream cheese until smooth. Blend in 1/2 cup melted butter and 2 eggs. Gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar. Pour over the crust mixture already in the pan.
Bake for 1 hour. Cool.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pineapple Upside Down Cake



1 box of yellow cake mix
1 cup of brown sugar
1 stick of butter
1 can of pineapple slices
1 jar of cherries

Put 1 stick of butter in a 13x9 pan and put in oven heated to 350. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the brown sugar on top (you can use more or less depending on taste). Then align pineapple slices with cherries in middle. Pour prepared cake mix (prepare according to package directions) on top. Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

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Full Plate Thursday 
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Monday, January 10, 2011

Tips on Dropping Pounds in the New Year



Have you ever wondered why some diets work for others but not for you? Or why there are so many diets out there?

It's because there is no one size fits all diet that will work for everyone. Yes, exercising more and eating less makes everyone lose weight but that doesn't mean it will stay off unless you realize what your main issue is.

The first step in losing weight is to use a food journal. You can use a website like www.fitday.com to make counting calories, fat, protein and carbs a little easier. I would do this for at least a week.

Analyze the results. Are you eating way too many carbs? Not getting enough protein? Eating too many calories?

Here are some tips for some common issues.

1. You are hungry all the time. This is me. I eat really good. I love vegetables. But I eat way too much. I'm hungry all the time. The best tip for hungry people like me is to eat smaller meals every 3 hours. I lost the weight from baby number 3 by writing out a food schedule and literally eating every 3 hours (ending at 7pm). As the day went on, the carbs got less and protein or fiber more. Because you are eating every 3 hours you are never really "hungry" so you have alot of control of what you eat. Also eating things full of fiber like beans will help keep you feeling full.

2. You are a junk food junkie. If your problem is eating junk food, sweets and fast food I think the best tip is to allow yourself a set number of calories for each day. Think of the calories as currency. Do you really want to spend 300 calories on a few M&M's or a whole plate full of healthy foods? Sometimes getting a visual of how many french fries you can have as opposed to a large salad or cottage cheese, fruit and almonds will help you make better choices. Especially if you are really hungry. Are you going to go with the order of fries that will still leave you feeling hungry or the big plate of healthy food.

3. You don't get enough protein/too many carbs. I think this is one of the most common problems. The average American diet is low in protein. Think about it. Say you wake up in the morning and you are rushed for work. You grab a donut at home or at the office, then have a diet coke and salad for lunch and then come home and have spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. Later you have a slice of cake for dessert. You just went the whole day without eating a lean source of protein. If you are not getting enough protein you can add a scoop of protein powder in your oatmeal in the morning. Hard boil a carton of eggs for the week and eat only the egg whites (great source of protein and only 15 calories each). Try to have one lean source of protein and one healthy carb each meal. I love to eat veggie sausage, turkey bacon or egg whites at breakfast. Lunch/dinner could be grilled chicken, tuna or fish. Great carb choices are brown rice, sweet potato, whole wheat bread and oatmeal. And of course veggies and fruit are fine anytime.

4. You freak out and eat more when you think you are on a diet. I do this as well. Don't think of yourself being on a diet. Think of it as changing your eating habits. Take baby steps and change your meals one at a time. First work on cleaning up your breakfast. Then work on lunch etc. Drink alot of soda? Try each day drinking one less can of soda and experiement with healthier, low or zero calorie drinks until you find one you really like. Change things one at a time so you are not so overwhelmed.

5. The little things add up. Take a look at the little things. The trips to Starbucks, the butter, gravy, juice, coffee creamers, syrup etc. I have switched to natural peanut butter as opposed to regular and now regular taste too sugary to me. I also switched to sugar free syrup (saves a ton of calories). I can eat a salad now with hardly any dressing at all. I have also realized I love green tea. Next up, switch out the sugar in my coffee for stevia. I also have a recipe for protein pancakes, way less calories than real pancakes..they won't hurt your diet at all. I'm use to the protein pancakes and now prefer them over fattening pancakes. Topped with zero calorie spray butter and sugar free syrup they are great for your diet.

There are many many more like having issues with portion control (measure out your food), bad habits, consuming high calorie drinks etc
What is your main issue? Leave a comment and I will try to help.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Toggle Bandz Review



We love these.


I have 3 girls, preteen, child and baby. Each with different hair. Preteen has a ton of thick long hair, child has thin, fine hair and baby hardly has any hair lol. These hair bands will fit each of them. And ME!


These are adjustable handbands, invented by a mama. Mom inventions always rock.




Toggle bandz come in many colors and patterns and you can order custom orders. Order them in school colors, your fave football team etc.





The baby would not stand still for a picture, but it's so cute on babies. I also put one in my hair and it looked really good. I never wear handbands, but I might start now.


Check out Toggle Bandz website
or go to Toggle Bandz Facebook Page


If you put in an order, tell them Retro Housewife sent ya!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Stovetop Popcorn v/s Microwave Popcorn



There have been so many reports about the dangers of microwave popcorn and the chemicals used in the process. So one day at the grocery store I picked up the bag of kernels and read the directions on the back. I will admit, I had no idea how to pop popcorn without a microwave! I read how easy it is. Put a couple tablespoons of oil in a pot with a lid and add the kernels. Make sure lid is on. It really doesn't take much longer than microwave popcorn. You can have the popcorn popped in about 5 mins or less. You can choose to eat it plain (low in fat, high in fiber) or add zero calorie spray butter and salt. There are also many seasonings available on the market.

I feel like this is a much healthier choice for my family and the only downside to stovetop popcorn as opposed to microwave is I have a dirty pot at the end. But it's easy to clean and worth the time and effort.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Cream Giveaway CLOSED


I am in love with Tropical Traditions skin care products.

I am an essential oil junkie. I love the smells of essential oils. I was lucky enough to win the skin exfoliater on another blog and I could sniff that jar all day! Same thing with the moisturizing cream for hand, face and body. I want to apply it all day long. I chose the Baby Silk scent.

The moisturizing cream contains Tropical Tradition's virgin coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract, beeswax, organic virgin palm oil, essential oil of rosewood, organic essentials oils of lavender, ylang ylang, roman chamomille (my 8 year old pronounces this word more like Shamwow), geranium, and rose.

From the Tropical Traditions website:

Virgin Palm Oil contains high concentrations of a powerful form of Vitamin E called “tocotrienols” which published research has shown is 40–60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol (the most common form of Vitamin E found as an additive in most skin care products.) In addition to these powerful Vitamin E tocotrienols, Virgin Palm Oil is also rich in natural carotenes. It is one of the richest natural plant sources of carotenes with concentrations of 500–700 ppm. It is 15 times more retinol-equivalent than carrots and 300 times more than tomatoes, for example.



I love the way my skin feels after applying this cream. Even though I'm young, my skin still runs on the dry side, especially in the winter. I want a cream that makes my skin feel hydrated and feel smooth. I have such a problem with getting dry patches of skin on my face so I really need to take care of it.

Would you like to win your own moisturizing cream from Tropical Traditions?

Here is how to enter

Mandatory Entry

1. Sign up for the Tropical Traditions newsletter so that you will never miss a sale.

Extra Entries

2. Tell me what recipe you would love to try on Tropical Traditions free coconut recipe site

3. Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter

4. Like Tropical Traditions on Facebook

5. Go to Tropical Traditions Youtube page and tell me something you learned from one of the videos or one of your fave videos

6. Like me on Facebook (3 extra entries)

7. Follow me on Twitter

8. Add my button to your blog (3 extra entries)

9. Add my blog to your blog roll

10. Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)

11. Tweet about this giveaway

12. Share this giveaway on Facebook

Contest ends 2/2/11
I received this product for free to review. I was not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Free Psychic Reading Review and Giveaway! CLOSED

 


I had an amazing opportunity to receive a free psychic reading for review on my blog. Cynthia also is gracious enough to offer a free reading for one of my readers.

Here are the details

Website: Ask Psychic Cynthia Ann
About Cynthia Ann: "Cynthia Ann is a refreshingly honest psychic counselor and intuitive guide who understands your problems and will help you to avoid the effects of negative energy. She is direct and to the point. "-- From Website
Cost: $2 per minute, minimum 15 minutes
How to contact: c@askpsychiccynthiaann.com, website or address here
Payment Options: Any major credit card, money orders and PayPal are accepted.

This is not a call where you are charged on the phone while you are receiving your reading. You pay first by the above payment methods, then schedule a reading.

My Reading:

Cynthia was very easy to talk to considering I was a little nervous because I had never done this before. I also am more comfortable with face to face contact as opposed to telephone conversations for some odd reason, but I was immediately at ease.

One of the things that has been on my mind lately is career. I'm getting ready to complete my higher education and so I'm trying to start looking for jobs to get my foot in the door somewhere, figure out what I want to be when I grow up and make a resume.

Cynthia started right away with career, and told me I was going to do well in business.

My degree is Business Management.

She got that my personality is driven, that I like a challenge and will be successful in business. Honestly, I have been really having a strong feeling that I am eventually going to be very successful in business.

She also asked if I had a son, if he was the oldest and she guessed his age range correct.

I do not have how many kids I have here on my blog, what their genders or ages.

She picked up on the fact that he is a very noble, loyal young man. He is. And I'm not just saying that because I'm his mama. This boy is a 13 year old boy and you should see him with his baby sister. Just melt your heart. She said he will do well.

She also asked me if I had a stinker. This caused me to laugh.out.loud. The answer to that would be YES. She is a cute stinker though, full of life, and honestly has been pure sunshine in my life.

We talked for 25 minutes and honestly you feel like you could listen forever. The time went by so fast.

Maybe you are reluctant to do this type of thing. I always was. I didn't know if I wanted to know anything. I could bury my head in sand and live there. But I'm at such a crossroads in my life right now with everything. Who I am, my marriage, my career... everything is up in the air and I was sooo tired of all the unknown. I just wanted a little piece of comfort, just a little piece of unknown to move to the known category.

I'm not the type of person that has to plan everything but I don't like to feel this uncertain. So for once, I was open to this idea. Oddly enough, about a week or so ago, I had done an online search for pyschics in my area. If there was ever a time for me to speak with someone who may have the ability to tap into things that not all of us see, it was now. I feel like I'm pretty intuitive myself, but as many will say...I'm not intuitive when it comes to seeing myself sometimes. It's so easy for us to see what others may be doing wrong, or what they should do when we don't see it in ourselves.

It was nice talking to someone when I'm in such unchartered waters that is capable of throwing out some suggestions on how to get to shore again. Sometimes it's nice to talk to someone different and get a fresh perspective.

Cynthia is someone that I would call again. Especially if I get confused in my career path because I felt like she picked up on that so well.

Would you like the chance to have a free 30 min Psychic reading? This is a $60 value!

Mandatory Entry
1. Must be a blog follower and leave your email address. Tell me why you would like to receive a reading. If it's something too personal just let me know if you have ever had psychic reading before.

Extra Entries
2. Like me on Facebook  (3 entries)
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Blog about this giveaway
5. Share this giveaway on facebook
6. Share this giveaway on Twitter
7. Add my button to your blog
8. Add my blog to your blog roll
9. Add this giveaway to any giveaway linky
10. Enter my other giveaways
  
Contest ends 1/30/11 Good luck. Winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked. I received my reading for free to review but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Showing My Picture

I haven't showed my picture on here before, so I thought I would show a day in my life.



Here I am doing the dishes. I cook so much, this is a never ending chore. No one appreciates it, I tell ya.




Here I am using my new vacuum cleaner. It works great considering I have lots of children and pets.



Awwww, this baby was upset. I gave it a kiss and now everything is all better. That baby does need alot of attention.




Now it's time to feed my children. They are always hungry.




Whew, I am tired but happy. Now I need to go soak in the tub and do something with this mess of hair. Tommorrow is a new day with lots of work to do.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Coffee Glazed Donuts




Many of us are back to the grind today with school and work so how about some coffee glazed donuts.

Coffee Glazed Donuts

For doughnuts
1 (1/4-oz) package active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons warm water (105–115°F)
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for sprinkling and rolling out dough
1 cup whole milk at room temperature
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
About 10 cups vegetable oil for deep frying


For glaze
1/4 cup boiling-hot water
5 teaspoons instant-espresso powder or instant-coffee granules
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make dough:
Stir together yeast and warm water in a small bowl until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If yeast doesn't foam, discard and start over with new yeast.)


Mix together flour, milk, butter, yolks, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and yeast mixture in mixer at low speed until a soft dough forms. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 3 minutes more.


Scrape dough down side of bowl (all around) into center, then sprinkle lightly with flour (to keep a crust from forming). Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Alternatively, let dough rise in bowl in refrigerator 8 to 12 hours.)


Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round (1/2 inch thick). Cut out as many rounds as possible with 3-inch cutter, then cut a hole in center of each round with 1-inch cutter and transfer doughnuts to a lightly floured large baking sheet. Cover doughnuts with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until slightly puffed, about 30 minutes (45 minutes if dough was cold when cutting out doughnuts).


Heat 2 1/2 inches oil in a deep 4-quart heavy pot until it registers 350°F on thermometer. Fry doughnuts, 2 at a time, turning occasionally with a wire or mesh skimmer or a slotted spoon, until puffed and golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain. (Return oil to 350°F between batches.)


Make glaze:
Stir together boiling-hot water and espresso powder in a medium bowl until powder is dissolved, then stir in confectioners sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Dip doughnuts into glaze, turning to coat well, then put on a rack set in a shallow baking pan (to catch any drips).

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