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Girl Birthday Party Ideas ~ Webkinz

May 28, 2009 By Tiffany 10 Comments By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

My dear friend had a fabulous idea for a little girls birthday party. Like all elementary school age children, her daughter and all of my girls are really into Webkinz. The little stuffed animals that you can register on line and play with.

She sent out darling little invitations that asked the girls to bring any Webkinz they had, if they didn’t have one the Birthday girl has one they could borrow.

Ahead of time my friend Kelly, sewed “beds” for the Webkinz out of fleece and tassel’s she found at Walmart. She didn’t finish them completely so the girls could work on them. Each girl picked her colors and Kelly showed them how to stuff them with batting and whip stitch them closed. A BIG hit with 8 year old girls! This is my daughter’s below, she sleeps with it and her Webkinz. They played games with the Webkinz and Kelly set up her computer to their T.V. so that it had a big screen where all the girls could see. They went to the Webkinz website and let all the girls show each other their pets online. Another BIG hit!

I was able to make Adi her cake and I think it turned out cute! This is the back, I added the Webkinz “tag” on the frog’s rear end! Kelly bought a large cookie cake from Sam’s for the base.

I used the Wilton teddy bear cake pan as a mold and used a heavy pound cake batter.

Next, I cut and shaped the teddy bear into a frog shape with a narrower nose. I used extra thick buttercream frosting to build up the back part of the frog to give him his “frog” shape. I decorated him on the cookie so I didn’t have to move him later. I made the lilly pad he is sitting on out of frosting but next time might do it out of colored chocolate. I think it turned out cute and looked just like her Webkinz!

My daughter LOVED this party and talks about it to this day.

With 6 kids I have a lot of parties to do. My kids only get a “friend” party on their even birthday’s. They get a family one every year. So they spend a good deal of time trying to think of exactly what they want to do. I also usually only have them at home as I refuse to pay the enormous amount party places charge. I have found the parties at home to be more fun for the kids although more work for me!

What have been you kids favorite birthday party ideas and theme’s? What was a success and what didn’t work out so well?!

10 Comments

Food Network Immersion Blender ~ Giveaway!!

May 27, 2009 By Tiffany 115 Comments By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

Every morning I drink a smoothie for breakfast, always with whey protein powder and banana, depending on what is in the fridge is how it ends! Usually some spinach and frozen fruit as well. I always use my Vita Mix but when we are camping I can’t drag that so I bring my handy immersion blender! I have had a few and use them for soups and all kinds of things and I think this one is the best! So I grabbed one for one of you LUCKY WINNERS!

Here is the professional review:

This Food Network hand blender makes creations worthy of a standing ovation. * Handheld design allows you to blend, whisk and mix ingredients directly on the stove. * Nonslip control button and comfortable grip handle keep the blender securely in hand. * Kneading blade and whisk easily attach for versatile use. * Included measuring beaker guarantees you add the correct amount of ingredients. * Details: * 4-piece set * Set includes: blender, kneading wand, whisk & measuring beaker * 150-watt motor.

You know the drill… Leave your name, a comment and email and my kids (if they are good!) will pick a winner on June 10th! Hey, I should be able to get it to you by Father’s Day, you could wrap this baby up! If you follow this blog or want to, let me know and I will throw your name in twice!

115 Comments

Prize winner of Defiance… Winner of Giveaway! Hubby drew name!

May 27, 2009 By Tiffany Leave a Comment By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

I just reread this book over the weekend, I still LOVE it! My 11 year old is reading it now and likes it also.

The kids are normally very well behaved when we go places. I always get compliments when we are in restaurants, people for some reason are surprised when a large family is well behaved… Tonight we had a team party for one of the kids. It think it turned into a mob mentality but my kids were HORRIBLE. I was embarrassed, the other kids there were acting badly and I think mine just figured it was a license to run wild. We came home and everyone went to bed early. My husband agreed to draw a name, so if you didn’t win it is his fault!

The winner is:

Mama Hill

Thank you for all the great book suggestions, I wrote them down and am slowly reserving them

at the library.

Look for my next giveaway it is a good one!

0 Comments

Prize winner of Defiance… Winner of Giveaway! Hubby drew name!

May 27, 2009 By Tiffany Leave a Comment By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

I just reread this book over the weekend, I still LOVE it! My 11 year old is reading it now and likes it also.

The winner is:

Mama Hill

Thank you for all the great book suggestions, I wrote them down and am slowly reserving them

at the library.

Look for my next giveaway it is a good one!

0 Comments

Target and Wal-Mart Deals Week of 5-24

May 26, 2009 By Tiffany Leave a Comment By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

~BABY ITEMS

Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers, $9.72 $3/1 prinable $6.97 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

~ FOOD ITEMS

Hershey’s Syrup (26-oz.), $1.68 $1/2 Hershey’s Syrup Bottles, exp. 6-30-09 (SS 5/17/09) $1.18 after coupon! (Thanks, Laina!)

Kraft Mayo, $2.58 $1/1 printable $1.58 after coupon!

Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (8-ct.), $1.50 $1/2 Kelloggs Pop-Tarts, exp. 5-31-09 (V 4/5/09) $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Briana!)

Nabisco 100 Calorie Snack Packs, $2.78 $1/1 printable $1.58 after coupon!

Sargento Natural Sliced Cheese, $1.78 $1/2 Sargento Deli Cheese, exp. 7-15-2009 (SS 4/19/09) $1.28 after coupon!

Triscuit Crackers, $2 $1/1 printable $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

VitaminWater10, $1 $1/1 VitaminWater10, exp. 6-03-09 (SS 4/5/09) FREE after coupon!

~ HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bodycology Antibacterial Hand Soap, $2.47 $1/1 printable $1.47 after coupon! (Thanks, Heather!)

Johnson & Johnson Reach Dental Floss (55-yards), $1 $1/1 Reach Dental Floss (RP 4/26/09) FREE after coupon! (Thanks, Michelle!)

Sure for Men Deodorant, $1.78 $1.50/1 Sure Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant for Men, exp. 630-09 (SS 5/3/09) $0.28 after coupon! (Thanks, Sheila!)

~ HOUSEHOLD/CLEANING

Cottonelle Toilet Paper (4-pk.), $1 $1/1 printable (take the pledge) FREE after coupon!

Glade Lasting Impressions, $5 $4/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder, exp. 6-20-09 (SS 5/10/09) $1 after coupon! (Thanks, Kristen!)

~ WEEKLY DEALS ~

Vitaminwater 10 – $1.00 each
Use $1/1 in 4/5 Smart Source insert
FREE after coupons

SmartFood Popcorn Clusters – $3.00 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/1 manufacturer’s coupon here and in 5/3 Smart Source insert
$1.00 each after coupons

Hershey’s Bliss Candy (9.6 oz bag) – $2.99 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/1 in 5/3 Smart Source insert
$0.99 each after coupons

Strawberries – $2-3 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
$1-2 each after coupon

Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal & Granola Bars (6 ct) – $2.88 each
Use $1.50/2 here
$2.13 each when you buy 2, after coupons

Kellogg’s Cereal – $1.99 each
Use $1/1 printable coupons available on Coupons.com recently (no longer avail.)
$0.99 each after coupon

Quaker True Delights Granola Bars (5 ct) – $2.50 each
Use $1/1 in 5/10 Red Plum insert
$1.50 each after coupon

Quaker Fiber & Omega Granola Bars (5 ct) – $2.50 each
Use $1/1 in 4/19 Red Plum insert
$1.50 each after coupon

Pepsi (12 pk cans or 6 pk bottles) – $3.33 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
$2.33 each after coupon

A-1 Steak Sauce – $2.09 each
Use $2/1 in 5/10 Smart Source insert or $1/1 here
$0.09-1.09 each after coupon

Baked Cheetos & Selected Others – $3.00 each
Use $1/1 here
$2.00 each after coupon

Dove Body Mist or Ultimate Clear Deodorant – $3.29 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon in the Afullcup.com Target Coupon Generator
PLUS
Use $1/1 or $1.25/1 in 3/15 Red Plum insert OR $1.50/2 here
$1.04-1.54 each after coupons

Bounty Paper Towels (6 pk, big rolls) – $6.49 each
Use $1/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $0.25/1 in 5/3 P&G insert
$5.24 each after coupons

Wet Ones Wipes (40 ct canister or 24 ct single pk) – $1.87 each
Use $0.75/1 in 5/17 Smart Source insert or $1/1 here
$0.87-1.12 each after coupon

Zyrtec Kids (4 oz) – $9.99 each
Use $4/1 Target Home Mailer (if you received it)
PLUS
Use $4/1 in 4/26 Red Plum insert
$1.99 each after coupons

Aveeno Baby Care (5 or 8 oz) – $3.49 each
Use $2/1 here
$1.49 each after coupon

Johnson’s Baby Care (9-22 oz) – $3.49 each
Use $1/1 in 4/26 Red Plum insert or here and here
Use $2/2 here
$2.49 each after coupon

Aveeno Sun Care (4 oz Baby, 3 oz Face, selected others) – $7.99 each
Use $1.50/1 in 5/17 Red Plum insert
Use $2/1 here
$5.99-6.49 each after coupon

John Frieda Conditioner – $4.99 each
Use $2/1 in 4/5 Smart Source insert
$2.99 each after coupon

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color – $5.99 each
Use $2/1 in 5/3 P&G insert or $4/1 in 4/19 Red Plum insert
$1.99 or $3.99 each after coupon

Formula 409 Cleaner – $2.50 each
Use $0.75/1 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.75 each after coupon

~ GIFT CARD DEALS ~

Get a $5 Target Gift Card When you buy 5 of These Products:

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts (12 ct) – $2.33 each
Use $0.50/1 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/2 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.33 each when you buy 2, after coupons
It’s like getting 5 of these for $0.83 each with Target gift card (using 5 Target coupons)

Cheez-It Crackers (9 oz) – $2.33 each

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies (11.5 oz) – $2.33 each
Use $1/2 in 4/5 Red Plum insert
$1.83 each when you buy 2, after coupon

~ ONGOING DEALS ~

Kraft Mayo – $1.99 each
Use $1/2 Target coupon here
PLUS
Use $1/1 here or in 4/26 Smart Source insert (use 2)
FREE after coupons

Kraft BBQ Sauce – $1.00 each
Use $1/1 here
FREE after coupon

Kraft Velveeta Shells and Cheese – $1.50 each
Use $1/1 (for boxes, not cups) here
$0.50 each after coupon
*Note: This was $1.84 at my store

Del Monte Fruit Chillers – $2.00 each
Use $1/1 here
$1.00 each after coupon

Crunch n Munch (4 oz boxes) – $1.00 each
Use $1/2 here
$0.50 each when you buy 2, after coupon (Thanks, Michelle!)

Banana Boat Sunscreen (trial size) – $0.99 each
Use $1/1 in 5/3 Smart Source insert
FREE after coupon

0 Comments

Campin’ in the rain, what a glorious feelin’, just campin’ in the rain!

May 24, 2009 By tiffany Leave a Comment By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

Thank goodness for DVD’s, SUV’s and Redbox! Back in the olden days my parents would have made us play cards or actual thinking games in the tent while it rained, spending some quality family time fighting and yelling at each other!

I hate to even tell anyone where we went, it was soooo beautiful that I don’t want to advertise for them! I want to keep the place a secret!

They had this beautiful, I mean horrible, spring fed pool. You wouldn’t want to swim there the water is really cold and clear, it would be miserable in the Texas summer!

They have wonderful LARGE campsites, but who likes that? I like to be cramped and camping on my neighbor.

Look at this happy boy… I mean miserable child. What little boy likes to play in the water with sticks?? Keep them at home with video games, don’t bring them here.

I will be honest though… this is the face of a child that is unhappy about not being allowed to go down to the river unsupervised. Horrible parents aren’t we??

Just in case you wondered what you swim in when you forget your swimsuit… here it is, tada, your clothes!

Now, all Mother’s out there can appreciate this one… I sent my husband back to the campsite to do a few things and sent the baby with him. A COUPLE hours later I could not find him. So I went wandering around the campsite looking for the two of them.

I found this beautiful spot in the butterfly garden, this wind chime is NOT in the foreground, it is directly above the hammock. It must be about 10 feet long, it has the most beautiful sound. I have never seen anything like it. Imagine my surprise when I find this below the wind chime:

My husband and baby asleep in someone else’s hammock! How cute are they though! Yes, the baby did wake up with hammock marks across his face.

This is the large spring fed pool that you wouldn’t want to waste your time visiting… Not very pretty huh? 🙂

The kids under the waterfall that is directly below where we camped. Geeze, this place sucked, gorgeous waterfall and all… you sure wouldn’t want to visit this place. I must have 20 pictures of this pose over the past 11 years, with all the kids on different trips. Paul with the backpack and a sleeping baby. Why don’t they make these things for adults?

Tucker’s nick name is El Tortuga, The Turtle. He puts it on all this baseball stuff. True to his name he spent most of the time catching turtles in the water. It was pretty amazing how he swam up under them and caught them.

Another view of this miserable place… 🙂

My crazy 9 year old daughter flying through the air on the rope swing. Yep, thats her in mid-air!
I wish I had a wide enough angle to capture all 6 asleep on the drive back. But here are 4 of the cutest kids on the planet. Isn’t it fun to be a parent? We wore these kids out!

So this horrible place is called Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas. I can understand if you want to come out and see how bad it is for yourself, just make sure we have reservations first!

0 Comments

Campin’ in the rain, what a glorious feelin’, just campin’ in the rain!

May 24, 2009 By Tiffany 3 Comments By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

We are back, a day early! Your choices are severely limited as to entertaining 9 children, in the mud and rain, and preserving your camping equipment when it has been raining for 12 hours and the forecast calls for 48 more hours of rain. Thank goodness for DVD’s, SUV’s and Redbox! Back in the olden days my parents would have made us play cards or actual thinking games in the tent while it rained, spending some quality family time fighting and yelling at each other!

I hate to even tell anyone where we went, it was soooo beautiful that I don’t want to advertise for them! I want to keep the place a secret!

They had this beautiful, I mean horrible, spring fed pool. You wouldn’t want to swim there the water is really cold and clear, it would be miserable in the Texas summer!
They have wonderful LARGE campsites, but who likes that? I like to be cramped and camping on my neighbor.
Look at this happy boy… I mean miserable child. What little boy likes to play in the water with sticks?? Keep them at home with video games, don’t bring them here.

I will be honest though… this is the face of a child that is unhappy about not being allowed to go down to the river unsupervised. Horrible parents aren’t we??

Just in case you wondered what you swim in when you forget your swimsuit… here it is, tada, your clothes!
Now, all Mother’s out there can appreciate this one… I sent my husband back to the campsite to do a few things and sent the baby with him. A COUPLE hours later I could not find him. So I went wandering around the campsite looking for the two of them. I found this beautiful spot in the butterfly garden, this wind chime is NOT in the foreground, it is directly above the hammock. It must be about 10 feet long, it has the most beautiful sound. I have never seen anything like it. Imagine my surprise when I find this below the wind chime:
My husband and baby asleep in someone else’s hammock! How cute are they though! Yes, the baby did wake up with hammock marks across his face.
This is the large spring fed pool that you wouldn’t want to waste your time visiting… Not very pretty huh? 🙂
The kids under the waterfall that is directly below where we camped. Geeze, this place sucked, gorgeous waterfall and all… you sure wouldn’t want to visit this place. I must have 20 pictures of this pose over the past 11 years, with all the kids on different trips. Paul with the backpack and a sleeping baby. Why don’t they make these things for adults?
Tucker’s nick name is El Tortuga, The Turtle. He puts it on all this baseball stuff. True to his name he spent most of the time catching turtles in the water. It was pretty amazing how he swam up under them and caught them.
Another view of this miserable place… 🙂
My crazy 9 year old daughter flying through the air on the rope swing. Yep, thats her in mid-air!
I wish I had a wide enough angle to capture all 6 asleep on the drive back. But here are 4 of the cutest kids on the planet. Isn’t it fun to be a parent? We wore these kids out!

So this horrible place is called Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas. I can understand if you want to come out and see how bad it is for yourself, just make sure we have reservations first!

3 Comments

My Birthday!

May 24, 2009 By Tiffany 4 Comments By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

Tiffany would never tell anyone it’s her birthday-but since she is gone for the weekend and I am evil and have her password (muahahaha) I thought I’d just send out a little note and let everyone know that yesterday was her birthday!!! I won’t tell y’all how young she is-we’ll leave that to be a mystery. But, feel free to leave birthday wishes for her and I know she is hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!!

Love from her sister,

Anna

4 Comments

All time favorite recipe: Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

May 21, 2009 By Tiffany 1 Comment By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

I have been wanting to post this recipe for a while but keep forgetting. This is our all time favorite dinner recipe. I would guess we have made it about every 10 days for the past few years and are not tired of it yet. It is so EASY!!

My little kids LOVE it. They will eat 2 tilapia fillets each. When we make it for the 8 of us we have to make 15 pieces. If you are looking for a fish recipe that EVERYONE will eat and enjoy, this is it! Try it! I promise you will like it, and if you don’t tell the kids it is fish they will love it also!

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder<
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
2 pounds tilapia fillets

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.

See how easy that is! Promise me next time tilapia is on sale you will try it. Even picky eaters like it.

Do you have a favorite fish recipe we can try? I will try any posted and let you know how it turned out over here. I have fed the kids fish since they were born, so fortunately my kids love it. We are willing to try anything new.

1 Comments

An Ode to Ike and other things!

May 20, 2009 By Tiffany 6 Comments By clicking on our links, we might make a SMALL commission - Thanks for the support! See our full DISCLOSURE here.

A small request… We will be camping a few times this summer and I am having to prepare a menu and do the shopping for an upcoming camping trip, and I am out of ideas for food! Can anyone please leave a comment and suggest what your kids will eat and like while camping? Also, any easy to prepare and inexpensive ideas are welcome!

Aren’t they cute? The little frogs.

Not when they are in your swimming pool…

Our pool has been damaged since hurricane Ike. It has been 8 MONTHS. We are still fighting with our insurance company, and are submitting for the third time three different estimates on repairs for it. I am furious! Not only are we usually swimming by now, but it has become a health and safety hazard. Anybody know a good lawyer?
Miller however is loving “Lake Ivanovsky” behind him. He drinks from the pool all day and eats tadpoles as appetizers.
I wish you could see Storie’s face, she is the happiest kid alive. This is her favorite thing to do, aside from catching tadpoles.
This is my little house with the lawn grown in from the new sod. It just isn’t the same without my two big trees that we lost. I am going to replant something in the fall. Any suggestions?? I was thinking maybe a red maple.
This is the morning after Ike. I am going to miss all the shade I had in the summer. Trees really are a blessing, they just can’t pop up overnight. They really change the feel of an area, my house seems naked without them.