School and organization

Today I started my new class online! I almost feel like I'm drowning in stress just talking about it. I am presently trying to achieve my BA in science majoring in criminal justice. With one class under my belt today and many many last year I feel like I'm on my way.
   Today I am motivated to clean my lower level of my house and try will finish one organization project. Since I am always sooo busy I will finish here and post many pics when I am finished.                 

Super-V to the Rescue…and a $1,000 Gift Card for YOU!

Super-V to the Rescue…and a $1,000 Gift Card for YOU!

Capri Sun Super V is the perfect juice to throw in the cooler for your child’s big game!

 

Grand Prize: $1,000 Visa Gift Card!

Runners up: $500 Visa Gift Cards!

Please enter the giveaway at

Blogher.com

T.g.i. Fridays Jack Daniels Grill Glaze

T.g.i. Fridays Jack Daniels Grill Glaze

• 1 head garlic


• 1 teaspoon olive oil


• 2/3 cup water


• 1 cup pineapple juice


• 1/4 cup Kikkoman's teriyaki sauce


• 1 teaspoon soy sauce


• 1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar


• 3 teaspoons lemon juice


• 3 teaspoons minced white onions


• 1 teaspoon Jack Daniels Whiskey


• 1 teaspoon crushed pineapple
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

 

 

Directions:

1. 1
   To roast garlic--------------.
2. 2
   Cut about 1/2” off the top of the garlic.
3. 3
   Cut the roots so that the garlic will sit flat.
4. 4
   Remove the papery skin from the garlic, but leave enough so that the cloves stay together.
5. 5
   Put garlic in a small casserole dish or baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and cover with a lid or foil.
6. 6
   Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1 hour.
7. 7
   Remove and let it cool until you can handle it.
8. 8
   For Glaze-------------.
9. 9
   Combine water, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium high heat.
10. 10
    Stir occasionally until mixture boils, then reduce heat to simmer.
11. 11
    Add remaining ingredients to pan and stir.
12. 12
    Squeeze out 2 t of roasted garlic and whisk to combine with pan mixture.
13. 13
    Let simmer for 35-45 minutes or until sauce has reduced by 1/2 and is thick and syrupy.
14. 14
    Make sure it doesn’t boil over.
15. 15
    To use, grill meat until almost done, then use the glaze otherwise it will burn.

Red Lobster's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Red Lobster's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Red Lobster's Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Serving Size: 6

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh mushrooms - (abt 35 to 40) you may use your favorite mushroom1/4 cup finely-chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely-chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely-chopped red bell pepper
1/2 pound crab claw meat
2 cups oyster crackers -- crushed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup water
6 slices white cheddar cheese

Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Saute celery, onion, and pepper in butter for 2 minutes, transfer to a plate and cool in the refrigerator.
While vegetables cool, wash mushrooms and remove stems.
Set caps to the side and finely chop half of the stems.
Discard the other half of the stems or use elsewhere.
Combine the sauted vegetables, chopped mushroom stems, and all other ingredients (except cheese slices) and mix well.
Place mushroom caps in individual buttered casseroles or baking dishes (about 6 caps each).
Spoon 1 teaspoon of stuffing into each mushroom.
Cover with sliced cheese.
Bake in oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is lightly browned.

Hiatus but Im back

 Its been so long since I have posted much about anything let alone about organization. I was putting my efforts into cleaning and cooking and taking care of my family. I am so excited to start my journey again with blogging and to touch bases with so many people in this great world we live in. I personally wouldnt know what to do without reading some of my favorite blogs. Today is a milestone and a new chapter in my life and I am thrilled to share it.

                                             Have a joyful day 
                                    Amy                                  

Amazon and some great Christmas last minute deals

Amazon has some good deals going on right now...

TOYS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS:

Fisher Price Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – Pooh’s Musical Pop Up Choo Choo - $16.19 (regularly $32.99) – 52% off

Fisher Price Disney’s Winnie the Pooh – Honey Pot stackers - $12.14 (regularly $22.99) – 47% off

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Storybook Rhymes - $12.99 (regularly $18.99) – 32% off
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy – $29.99 (regularly $39.99) – 25% off

Fisher Price Little People Builders Classic Shape Blocks – 12.14 (regularly $29.99) – 47% off

Leap Frog Learn & Groove Musical Table - $32.99 (regularly $44.99) – 27% off

Playskool Lullaby Gloworm – $6.29 (regularly $12.99) - 50% off

Playskool Poppin’ Pound Park Carnival – $8.99 (reguarly $22.99) – 61% off

Playskool Weebles Playset – $16.19 (regularly $34.99) – 54% off

Sesame Street Elmo’s Find & Learn Alphabet Blocks - $20.69 (regularly $35.99) – 43% off

Sesame Street Rockin’ Shapes and Colors Elmo – $16.19 (regularly $22.99) – 30% off

Tolo Toys Rolling Shape Sorter - $14.99 (regularly $24.99) – 40% off
TOYS FOR PRESCHOOLERS:

Educational Insights AlphaMagnets Letters & Numbers Combo Set (multicolored) – $10.79 (regularly $19.99) – 46% off
Fisher Price Disney/Pixar Cars 2 doodle Pro – $12.05 (regularly $21.99) – 45% off

Fisher Price GeoTrax Disney/Pixar Cars 2 RC Spy Mater – $15.99 (regularly $25.99) – 38% off

Fisher Price Geo Trax Disney/Pixar Cars 2 RC Grem - $12.94 (regularly $25.99) – 50% off

Fisher Price Geo Trax Disney/Pixar Cars 2 World Grand Prix RC Set - $35.31 (regularly $64.99) – 46% off

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway – Rocky - $19.99 (regularly $32.99) – 39% off

Thomas the Train: Take-n-Play Thomas and the Lion - $12.54 (regularly $21.99) – 43% off

Tonka Chuck Get Ready to Race - $10.52 (regularly $22.99) – 54% off

Vtech Disney’s Cars – Lightning McQueen Digital Camera – $19.99 (regularly $59.99) – 67% off

Vtech Tote & Go Laptop & Web Connect - $13.49 (regularly $29.99) - 55% off
BOYS:

Campfire Kids Wildnerness Tent – $20 (regularly $39.99) – 50% off


Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker – $13.49 (regularly $29.99) – 55% off

Erector Build & Play Mechanical Construction Bucket – 120+ pieces – $19.99 (regularly $29.99) – 33% off

Hot Wheels RC Stealth Rides Racing Car – Black with Red Flames - $14.99 (regularly $24.99) – 40% off

KRE-O Transformers Sideswipe – $11.99 (regularly $21.99) – 45% off

Marvel Captain America Ultimate Vehicle - $11.99 (regularly $34.99) – 66% off

Nerf NStrike Barricade RV-10 - $12.99 (regularly $21.99) – 41% off

Spy Net Video Watch 2.0 with Night Vision - $19.99 (regularly $59.99) – 67% off

Tonka Ricochet R/C Rampage Flip with Roll Cage - $13.99 (regularly $27.99) - 50% off
GIRLS:

Baby Alive Dolls - as low as $5.99

Cinderella Disney Princess 2-in-1 Ballgown Surprise Doll - $12.99 (regularly $20.99) – 38% off

Crayola Tabletop Easel - $13.49 (regularly $24.99) – 46% off

Lalaloopsy Dolls – prices start at $16.99 (32% off)

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Sparkling Charms – $13.99 (regularly $24.99) – 44% off

Unicorn Pillow Pet & Book – $13.99 (58% off)

Whipple Party Deluxe pastry set – $14.57 (regularly $34.99) – 58% off

Thanksgiving Organized!!

1st Week of November:

Issue Invites: If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to make those phone calls. People feel more welcomed and comfortable if plans are made ahead. No one wants to feel like a last minute guest.

Make your menu: Pull out your cookbooks and recipe files. Create your menu. If you are having guests bring a dish, you might want to do this before you call them. That way, when they ask what to bring, you will be prepared.

Think ahead: Note on your menu which dishes can be prepared ahead and frozen. These often include casseroles, the stuffing, and cakes without the frosting or other desserts. Pull out your calendar and divide those make-ahead dishes up among the next three weeks.

Go Gobble: If you traditionally call ahead to order a turkey, pie or other food item, pick up the phone and do it now.

2nd Week of November:

Count heads and seats: You should now have a head count. Figure out where everyone will sit. Decide if you need to arrange to borrow or rent chairs or tables.

Check Linens: Do you need to wash or press tablecloths or napkins? Once pressed, fold the table cloth horizontally to fit on a hanger and store it hanging until you set the table.

Shine Silver: You might not have had out that silver all summer. Check now to see what items need polishing. If you have dishes stored away, like that turkey platter, take the time to get them out now and make sure they are clean.

Plan the Centerpiece: Decide now what you will put on the middle of the table(s). If you intend to order from a florist, do so. If you plan to pick up flowers, fruit, pumpkins or gourds and make your own, choose your containers. Add a note to your menu so that you will remember to shop for those items.

3rd Week of November:

Grocery List: Take your menu and create a grocery list. Don’t forget to add beverages to your list. If you are having company at your house for the holiday, take time to make a menu for those other meals and add those items to the list.

Cooking List: Take your menu and create a food-time cooking list. On your paper, list each dish, the temperature it needs to bake, and the length of time it needs to cook. Decide what time you want to serve dinner. Based on that, you can now list on the paper what time of day each dish should go into the oven or on to the stove.

Thanksgiving Week:

Saturday through Monday:

Grocery Shop

Pick up turkey or ordered items that are ready.

Pick up tables and chairs

Clean house

If the turkey is frozen, look at the weight and label instructions so that you can note when it needs to begin to thaw.

Tuesday:

Set tables, if possible. If not gather together everything you do need.

Get out food serving or buffet dishes. Use a sticky-note to label each dish. This will make it easier to get the food out and to make sure you have everything you need.

Do any food preparation that can be done ahead, such as chopping celery or onions.

Wednesday:

Work on dishes or prep work that you can do ahead.

Pick up last minute food items, such as that ordered pie.

This is a great day for dinner to be a big pot of soup in the Crock-Pot!

Finish setting tables for tomorrow. Add centerpieces.

Tidy up and do last minute chores.

Review your food-time list for tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Day

Give Thanks.

I've got big plans for this  weekend; I plan on cleaning out my office and reorganizing all bins, sample,  files, etc. Here are some tips that help me make the most with my small home office:



•Use bins and stylish storage containers to keep like items together.


•Create floor-to-ceiling storage by adding vertical shelving.


•Chose furniture on rollers or add casters to existing furnishings; this helps furniture become multifunctional and you can roll furniture around to fit your needs.


•Go wireless and as cordless as possible.
•Find furniture that multitasks. If you use the dining room table for a desk, see if you can add space in a nearby buffet for files and a small supply of office supplies.


•Find pretty accessories, filling cabinets, post its, pencils, etc. Your office is still your home so try to decorate it as you would the rest of your house, if you do you'll want to spend more time and be more productive in your work space.

Hugh Jackman sizzles in Real Steel releasing on October 7th



Fans of celeb Dad, Hugh Jackman, will be thrilled to see him tackle a new role in Real Steel which opens in theaters everywhere on October 7th. Here’s the official movie poster below. My sources working on this movie, tell me this film will appeal to the entire family so I’ll be excited to see what Parents & their tweens or teens think of it once it releases.

The combination of steamy Hugh on screen for the ladies and the fighting & robot action for the guys sounds like a hit to me.

Here’s the official scoop from DreamWorks Pictures:

A action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

“Real Steel” is directed by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum” franchise and “Date Night”).

“Real Steel” is about a former boxer (Hugh Jackman) who, against all odds, gets one last shot at a comeback when he teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to build and train the perfect contender for the new high-tech sport of robot boxing.

Halloween Crafts

While looking for some easy Halloween crafts for kids, I realized that Zack and Coles attention span may be just a little too short for anything beyond a coloring sheet right now! That said, I did find quite a few fun Halloween crafts for kids on Pinterest, and I might give a few of them a go.

 

 

 

I particularly love the first image, that features a glowstick Halloween lantern project. Apparently the fluid in the glowstick is nontoxic! What kid wouldn’t love a spooky glowing lantern? I am also really curious to know how long the glowstick fluid stays, well, glowy!

Hope you enjoy these easy Halloween crafts for kids!

If you're a member of Kraft First Taste, you can head over HERE and log in to get a printable coupon worth $1/1 Planters peanuts with no size restriction! Use it to purchase the single size bags available at the checkouts in many stores and they are FREE!


Kraft First Taste is a program that provides consumers with freebies and high value coupons several times per year in order to get our feedback. If you're not a member you can sign up HERE.

Coupons. com

Head over to Coupons.com for a few new coupons (zip 60606):




-$2/2 Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice

-$1/1 Burt's Bees body lotion 6-oz+

-$1/1 Morton's Ice Melt Jug, any

-$1/1 Welch's 100% Juice 6-oz 6-pk

-$2/1 Expo Washable Markers

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

With “The Big C,” a new dramedy starring Laura Linney, Showtime tries to find the humor in having terminal cancer.


Linney stars as Cathy Jamison, a teacher with an immature husband (played by Oliver Platt), a homeless brother, a spoiled son, and oh yes, stage 4 melanoma. After she’s diagnosed, Cathy takes a non-hysterical view of her situation, noting “We’re all dying, all of us… If you think about it that way, hey, I’m living the dream,” and chooses not to tell anyone about her condition. Instead, she embarks on a journey to discover herself and live life to the fullest.


If it sounds cheesy, take heart the Linney is knocking her performance out of the part. While reviews for the show as a whole have been mixed, the actress — who’s also an executive producer — has been getting raves for portrayal of Cathy, a woman who develops a backbone and has no trouble either forcing her husband out of the house or telling a surly and overweight African-American student (played by Gabourey Sidibe of “Precious”) that she can’t be mean and fat… Everyone’s laughing at your jokes, but nobody’s asking you to prom. You can be a fat jolly person or a skinny b—-.”