Tasty Tuesday - Cookies & Cream Fudge

Today's recipe comes from one of my favorite sites:  VeryBestBaking.  I get so many delicious recipes from there!  This one is a goody!  I have made it a few times at Christmas and everyone love it.  Best part is it is fast and easy!  Kids will love making it too!


Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème
1/2 cup finely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 cup crumbled cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies


Directions

LINE 9-inch-square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE sugar, butter and evaporated milk in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in morsels, marshmallow crème, finely crushed cookies and vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle crumbled cookies on top. Gently swirl cookies into fudge using a knife without touching bottom of pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. ;

All In All:  This is so delicious!  You can even make some and give as a gift!  Once you make it, it will become a regular recipe that you use!  For this and many more recipes, check out Very Best Baking!

Make It Monday - How to Jazz Up a Christmas Present

There are so many easy ways to make a present look more "jazzy".  The best and easiest way is to add on an ornament.  Just attaching an ornament such as a snowflake or disco ball ornament is all you need to make them look perfect.  Plus you can usually always find them in sets for cheap!

Here is a bag of candy for my UPS driver.  I found these adorable ornaments that say Merry Christmas in glitter at the dollar store.  They came in a pack of 4.  Attached that and a bow to make it look more festive!

 

All In All:  Be creative!  Your gifts will look amazing!

Thrifty Thursday - BOGO Free Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Attention:  Starbucks Fans 

December 13-16, from 2-5pm, buy one holiday beverage and you'll get a second one of equal or lesser value to share. 

At participating US stores only.

View all Starbucks holiday offers and more at Starbucks.com/Rekindle 

What Do You Think Wednesday - December Stork Stack

Everyone knows what a HUGE fan I am of Stork Stack.  For those of you who do not know about Stork Stack, here is the scoop...they are a monthly subscription service filled with 5 high quality products for baby & mommy.  They have products from great brands like J.J. Cole, BabyLegs, WubbaNub, and many more!

Stork Stack is $28.00/month for a box valued at over $50.00 worth of products.  Each month has a theme. This month's theme:  Rock, Roll 'n Roar!

So what was in the box you ask.  Here are the goodies:

- Rockabye Baby "Good Day, Good Night" 2cd set ($24.98)

 - BearHands & Buddies Fleece Mittens ($12.99)

- EDUSHAPE Maracito ($3.25)

- Rubbabu Educational Ball ($6.95)

- Rockin' Green Detergent for 4 loads ($1.25)

Box Value Total:   $ 49.42

This box featured great products that I haven't seen before.  The cd set is instrumental lullabies but based on songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Metallica and more.  The gloves are adorable and my daughter looks like a little bear wearing them.  She loves the maraca and ball.  I haven't tried the detergent yet, but I am sure it will be a winner.

All In All:  I absolutely love this monthly subscription company.  They have me looking forward every single month to this little package!  Not only do they have products I have never seen before, their customer service is one of the best I have ever experienced.  To me that says a lot about a company.  Once again, they did not disappoint with the product selection.  My daughter loved everything.  She looks like a little bear with the gloves & shakes the maraca non-stop.  To sign-up click here.  Check them out!

Tasty Tuesday - Eggnog Cookies

I love these cookies!  If you love eggnog, then this will defientely be a new favorite cookie for you!  This recipe comes from Very Best Baking.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (about 1/3 tub) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Tub Dough, slightly softened

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 325º F. 

STIR cinnamon and nutmeg into cookie dough. Refrigerate for 15 minutes for easier handling. Roll dough into 18, 1 1/4-inch balls; dip in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. 

BAKE for 14 to 16 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

TIPS: 

• Dip eggnog cookies halfway into melted NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels. 

• Shake off excess; refrigerate. Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger batch. 

• Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger batch. 

All In All:  So yummy and so fast to make!  This is a must have for the holidays!!!

Make It Monday - Cupcake Ornaments

Did you ever see those adorable ornaments that you absolutely love?  Then you look at the price tag...and you are horrified?  I love all those cupcake ornaments that are so cute but range anywhere from $10-$15 each.  So I decided to go to Michael's and get myself some supplies to re-create it for way cheaper.  Here is what you need:

-Any color ornaments you want your "cupcake" to be

- Paint in the color frosting you want.  

(I did some with chocolate, strawberry and some vanilla.)

- Glitter for sprinkles

- Cupcake foil liners

- Something for a cherry on top

- Paint Brush

- Hot glue

- Ribbon (optional)

Step 1:  Paint the "frosting" onto the ornament.  You don't want this to be perfect.  You want it to look like frosting dripping.

Step 2:  Sprinkle glitter on top of paint while it is still wet.  Let dry.

Step 3:  Add some hot glue to the bottom of a cupcake liner.  Position ornament on a tilt in the liner.  Be careful as the foil liner will be very hot.

Step 4:  Glue "cherry" on top.  Add some ribbon to hang from the tree.

All In All:  This is such an easy and fun ornament to make.  My son had a blast making them.  Best part is that I re-created them for less than $2.00 each!  If you wanted to, you can even purchase ornaments at the dollar store and save even more money.  Happy cupcake ornament making!

Tasty Tuesday - Frosted Gingerbread Martini

With the holidays approaching, I am always trying to come up with a tasty drink to serve at Christmas.  So when I received Sugar Free Gingerbread Syrup from Torani  to test out compliments of She Speaks and Torani, I figured this was a perfect chance to test out some drink ideas.

Torani syrups are great because you can change the flavor of any drink to make it more flavorful.  You can add to things like coffee, cakes, iced tea, specialty drinks....the possibilities are endless.  Be creative!

Here is a recipe I came up with for a frosted gingerbread martini.


Frosted Gingerbread Martini
1 oz. Smirnoff Iced Cake Vodka
1 oz.  Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur
0.5 oz. Kahlua Liqueur
0.5 oz Torani Sugar Free Gingerbread Syrup

Shake over ice.  Serve in chilled martini glass.  You can rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie.  Garnish with whipped cream and a gingerbread man cookie.

Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream

Ever have your hair look like this?  Then you need Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream.  I received a sample of this product in my Beauty Blogger VoxBox from Influenster for testing purposes.  Thank goodness!  This product lives up to its claims...my hair has never been smoother.  Here is the product info:

Got Frizz? Straighten up and tame that mane... or whatever you call it. SMOOTH MOVES™ is your call to fighting out of control hair and will help reduce your styling time. Infused with natural coconut & silk extracts this salon formula will keep you thinking straight all day.

PRODUCT FACTS
- De-frizzes and straightens hair
- All day performance
- Adds shine
- Coconut & silk extracts add shine and strength to hair

STYLING TIPS & EFFECTS
Apply Smooth Moves™ to damp hair, distribute evenly with a comb and then blow-dry to reveal straight, frizz-free hair.

They also forgot to say that it makes your hair smell oh so delish!  Check out their website here!

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candles

I Love Bath & Body Works candles, always have.  So when I received one of their fall mini candles in my Beauty Blogger VoxBox compliments of Influenster for testing purposes, I was super excited.  I received the Cider Lane scent and it smells just like a trip to an orchard.  It has that apple and cider with mulling spices scent.  It is the true scent of fall.  Here is the product info:

Mini but Mighty! Our Mini Candles provide an amazing fragrance experience exclusively developed and tested by our team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers. Now in an elegant glass container, these are the perfect size for trialing all our fall home fragrances! Mini Candles burn approximately 15 hours.

15 hours!  That is crazy for such a little guy but it is very true!  The mini candles are perfect for the bathroom.  They even have little jar covers for them which are too cute!!!  The mini candles make the perfect little present or party favor for the upcoming holidays.  Check them out at Bath & Body Works.  If you purchase online, use the code RMNNOVBBW by 12/4/12 and receive 20% your entire order.

Thrifty Thursday - 10 FREE Holiday cards from Cardstore

For today only, 11/8, Cardstore.com is offering 10 free holiday cards and free shipping!  Hop over there now to snag your deal.  Just enter the code CCN2433 at checkout!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins

I received these Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins in my Beauty Blogger VoxBox and have to say that I am blown away at how well these little guys work.  I have relatively think hair and when I saw these pins, i thought to myself they were not going to work for me.  Boy was i wrong!  Here is the product info:

The Goody brand is the most widely-recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world. Through proprietary brands such as DoubleWear™, QuikStyle™, Simple Styles™, Slide-Proof™ and Ouchless®, Goody has introduced smart innovations like the exclusive Spin Pin and Quik Style Brush. With products inspired by the latest designer trends and innovative solutions, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and styling tools.

The box has simple directions with a twist hair and pin situation.  It is that simple! They are like corkscrews for your hair.  I am loving these!  You should definitely check them out.  The retail for about $7.29 at stores like Walmart, Target and CVS.

I did receive these complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  Check out the Goody website here.

What Do You Think Wednesday - October Stork Stack

You know from my previous reviews that I love my Stork Stack.  To me it is completely worth the money.  ($28.00 a month)  The amount of things you receive in the box always surpasses that amount.  This was my 3rd month receiving this subscription.  Not my favorite month but still had some cute things in it.  The picture posted above is from their website because my camera is not working.  I was a little disappointed that I didn't receive the card that lists all the items, descriptions and cost.  However, a few days after receiving the package, I did get an email from Stork Stack containing the information.  The theme for this month was Imaginative Play.  So here is what was included in the box this month:

- North American Bear Co. -- Tinie Dinies $12.00

- Box Play for Kids -- Caterpillar  $5.00

- Harmonica Pocket CD - Apple Apple $14.00

- Green Toys - Twist Teether $10.99

- 2 KIND Healthy Snacks - KIND Bar $3.78  ($1.89 / bar)

Total Value of Box:  $45.77

All In All:   My daughter who is 11 month old did not like this box as much as the last two either.  But Stork Stack is still by far my absolute favorite monthly box.  I also am subscribed to Bluum Box, which is $12.00 a month, but their products are not nearly as great as Stork Stack.   Again I have to give them praise because they are the ONLY monthly subscription that I actually receive on or about the 1st of the month.  This is a great service...check them out here.

Tasty Tuesday - Caramel Apple Cupcakes

I haven't tried these yet but they are on my to-do list.  I think they look adorable and they have gotten great reviews.  The recipes comes straight from Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) spice cake mix or 1 package (18 ounces) carrot cake mix
• 2 cups chopped peeled tart apples
• 20 Werther's® Original Chewy Caramels
• 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
• 12 Popsicle sticks

Directions

• Prepare cake batter according to package directions; fold in apples.
• Fill 12 greased or paper-lined jumbo muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a small saucepan, cook the caramels and milk over low heat until smooth. Spread over cupcakes. Sprinkle with pecans. Insert a wooden stick into the center of each cupcake. Yield: 1 dozen.

Make It Monday - Black Tutu (Skunk Costume Part 2)

Making your own tutu skirt is inexpensive and easy to do.  All you need are the following things:

- Tulle any color you would like.  For my costume I am using black.
- Crochet headband
- Scissors

You 1st want to put your crochet headband around something round so it is easier to see the holes.  I used a small trashcan.  Then you want to cut your tulle into strips.  I made mine 2" wide by 12" long.  Keep in mind that the length is going to be cut in half because we are folding it.  I only wanted mine to be 6" long so I doubled that amount to get the length.

Once you have cut the strips and I believe I used about 80 pieces for two layers.  You want to start on the bottom row of holes.  Fold a strip of tulle in half and pull through the hole.  Here is how you want to make the loop.  (from http://www.skiptomylou.org)

Continue doing this all around until you have all the holes covered.  You then want to do the holes in the row right above the 1st layer.  You can continue up the headband as far as you want.

When you have the look you want you are finished.  You can do more than one color...the possibilities are endless!

Thrifty Thursday - "The Original" Dish Drying Mat

Usually on Thursdays I have a coupon code to save you some money.  But today, I have a product that is going to save you money!  On a usual trip to get paper towels I spend about $14.99.  Well this is going to change now because I received an Original Dish Drying Mat in my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster complimentary for testing purposes.  I am in love with this product.  Instead of placing about 10 paper towels underneath my dishes right after I wash them, I place the dish drying mat under and this puppy soaks up 4 times its own weight!  I wash my dishes, place them on the mat, come back in 15 minutes and they have drip dried themselves right on the mat.

You can purchase this at Bed Bath & Beyond for $4.99 but you can always use one of those 20% off coupons that come in the mail saving you about $1.00.  Well worth is because I have noticed that I am using less paper towels which saves me money & causes less trash making it a green product idea!!!

What Do You Think Wednesday - LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer

I received a LypSyl lip balm in my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster a few weeks ago complimentary for testing purposes.  I have been addicted to it ever since.  When they say "deep penetrating moisture"  they mean it.  I hate when lip balms feel great when first applied but then within the hour you need to reapply.  This lip balm lasts for hours!!!!  It is crazy how long it lasts.  It is made with organic shea butter, pure vitamins A & E, and coconut oil.  It is also made of pure Swedish beeswax.  Another bonus is it is not tested on animals.

And how stinkin' cute is this bee slider to slide the balm up and down?  Too cute!  Check them out here on their website.

All In All:  This retails for around $3.00 and is worth every penny.  With winter around the corner, I will have this on hand at all times for those chapped lips.  I usually use Burt's Bees lip balm which I love...but this is my new favorite.  It  has a minty flavor just like the Burt's Bees but I have to say it is way more moisturizing then them!!!  Go and purchase this balm asap...you are going to LOVE it!!!

Tasty Tuesday - Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

With the nice fall weather, I always bring out my crock pot for some nice hearty meals.  I found this recipe on Allrecipes.  Here are the directions:


Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Directions

Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Here is the direct link to the recipe including review.  Click Here

Make It Monday - Skunk Headband (Skunk Costume Part #1)

This year is my daughter 1st Halloween and I decided to make her costume.  We call her our "Little Stinker" so she is going to be a skunk.  Each week I will be showing a different part of the costume until it is complete.  This week I am going to show how I made the headband.

Here is what you will need:

 1 - Pre-made Black & White feather pad

1- Black headband

1 - Black piece of felt cut into a teardrop shape

1 - Pink Feather embellishment

1 - Hot glue gun

Here are the instructions on how to make this simple fabulous headband:

 1.  Flip over the feather pad and have your hot glue gun preheated and ready to go.  

 2.  Place a little drop of hot glue at the tip of the feather pad.  Place your headband on top of the glue.  Run a strip of hot glue straight down the middle of the feather pad and glue the rest of the headband to the pad.

 3.  Place hot glue all over the rest of the black pad.  Place the piece of felt that we cut into a teardrop shape onto of the feather pad.  This will hide the glue and the headband making it look nice and neat.

This is what you should see from under the headband.

To add a little bit of color and bling to the headband...I got this hot pink embellishment.

4.  Place hot glue on the back of the embellishment and place on top of the black & white feathers.  

5.  Let dry.

Finished project on my daughter!  So cute!

Thrifty Thursday - Free Shipping from Stila

From now until 9/30, Stila is offering free shipping on an online order.  There is no minimum order!  Just enter the code FASHIONSHIP at checkout!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Shea Moisture Bar Soap

My baby daughter recently developed baby eczema.  I have been looking (and trying) so many different baby products that claim to help with the dryness.  I had no luck.  So I was so excited when I received my Naturals VoxBox compliments of Influenster filled with products to review.  In my box I received Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Baby Eczema Bar Soap.  WOW!!!!  After just one bath with this soap, her skin began to get some relief!  The soap contains raw shea butter, argan oil, extracts from Frankincense and Myrrh.  It has a great scent and leaves your skin full of moisture.  Finally, I have found something that really does help relieve the dryness of baby eczema!

All In All:  This product retails for $4.99.  I can't recommend this enough!  I have wasted so much money on trying to find something to help with my daughter's eczema.  I even went out and purchased their lotion which also helps!  This soap can be used for adults too!

Shea Moisture Website

Tasty Tuesday - Pumpkin Spice Bread

With the chill in the air and pumpkins everywhere, recipes with pumpkin are what fall is all about!  This recipe for yummy pumpkin spice bread comes from one of my favorite sites for recipes, activities and craft ideas for the family...Family Fun.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned pumpkin
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed.
2. Measure the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and ground cloves into separate bowl, then stir until combined (a great job for kids). Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating until smooth.
3. Grease two 9- by 5-inch loaf pans and dust them with flour. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove from pans by inverting them onto a rack and tapping the bottoms. Slice and serve plain, buttered or with cream cheese.
   
   
   For a direct link to the recipe, click here.

Thrifty Thursday - 3 Personalized Ornaments for only $7.99 shipped!!!!

Now through Oct. 19th, you can snag a great deal from ArtCow.  You can purchase and personalize any 3 single sided ornaments for $7.99 (usually $4.49 each) and that includes shipping!  These make wonderful gifts for your loved ones!  Click here for the ornaments options.  Even better, there is no limit to the amount you want to order!  Just enter the code  ORNAMENTS2012 at checkout!

What Do You Think Wednesday - Method Glass & Surface Cleaner

Method Glass & Surface Cleaner with plant based powergreen technology, is a glass cleaner that contains no ammonia or toxic ingredients.  Here is what their website claims:

powergreen™ technology is cutting-edge green chemistry that harnesses the strength of naturally derived, non-toxic ingredients to deliver a mighty cleaning punch. in our glass cleaner, a corn-based solvent eliminates dirt, dust and pesky handprints, so ammonia is but a distant memory.

If you head over to Target Coupons now, they are offering a $1.00 off any Method Cleaning Product.

All In All:  Hands down this is one of the best glass cleaners I have ever used.  It smells like peppermint and leaves a clean, refreshing scent.  There are no streaks and is so good that it looks like there is not even glass on the windows!  Best part is that my throat is not burning as I am spraying it as it does with Windex.  A must buy!

Tasty Tuesday - Spiced Pumpkin Fudge

With the arrival of fall this week, there is nothing that says fall more than the aroma of pumpkin and spice.  This recipe is for such a delicious fudge that is super easy to make.  The recipe is from Very Best Baking which is one of my favorite sites for recipes!

Here is what you need:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 1/2 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels
• 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème
• 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

LINE 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil. 

COMBINE sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin, butter and spice in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 10 to 12 minutes or until candy thermometer reaches 234° to 240º F (soft-ball stage). 

QUICKLY STIR in morsels, marshmallow crème, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until morsels are melted. Immediately pour into prepared pan. Let stand on wire rack for 2 hours or until completely cooled. Refrigerate tightly covered. To cut, lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Makes about 3 pounds. 

FOR BUTTERSCOTCH FUDGE:

SUBSTITUTE 1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Premier White Morsels. 

Make It Monday - Halloween Outside Decor

So with Halloween not too far away I have been looking for ideas on decor to make on my own.  I came across this awesome idea on Pinterest.

It comes from the Blog Inspiring Pretty (picture as well) and it says to basically just mold chicken wire into the shape of a dress.  Sounds easy enough....I was even thinking that I would then paint or spray paint the wire with glow in the dark paint so that you are able to see the "ghosts" at night!  Now I am on the hunt for chicken wire lol

September Stork Stack Review

Last month was my 1st box from Stork Stack and I have been eagerly waiting for my next one.  If you aren't familiar with Stork Stack, they are a monthly subscription box with full size items for baby & mommy.  It is $28.00 a month and well worth it.  The value of each box is at least $50.00!  Each month is a different theme  and this month's theme is "Lil' Learners".  Here is what was inside:

 - Tickle Time book (value $6.95)
 - Melissa & Doug Caterpillar Grasping Toy (value $7.99)
 - Baberoo Organic Cotton Hip socks (value $18.00)
 - Wee Can Too Edible Art Veggie Crayons (value $11.00)
 - Joe Jacket Boutique Collection (value $10.95)

Total box value = $54.89

All In All:  I am addicted to these boxes!  I get super excited when I receive an email with the tracking info.  Which I have to say that I do subscribe to other monthly baby subscriptions and Stork Stack is the only one that ships UPS and provides tracking information.  They are also the only one that sends out the box around the 1st of the month.  Other services are mid-month.  I love, love this company!  I have not been disappointed by any product in the boxes!  I can't wait to see what next month brings!  I am telling you...this service is definitely worth the money!  You will not be disappointed.  Head over to Stork Stack and subscribe today!