Girls With Goodies

Smoky Mountain Minerals Review!

2012-01-05T16:25:00.005-06:00

First of all, let me say this, I am a total makeup junkie! So, when Smoky Mountain Minerals sent me some of their products to review, I was over the moon! I could not wait to play with everything!

Here is some information on Smoky Mountain Minerals:

They do not use Bismuth Oxycholoride in their products. This is the ingredient several national brands use that can cause itching and redness. And since they do not use bismuth oxychloride, you do not have to "buff" your minerals in like you would other brands. Just apply as you would a regular face powder. Superior coverage!

Their minerals give you a very natural look. They are weightless and glide on like silk while still giving excellent coverage.

Stays on all day and is water-resistant. Swim, perspire, watch a sad movie. Just blot wetness don't wipe.

Natural Sunscreen.

Virtually no allergy risk because minerals are inorganic and contain no moisture.

*All information taken from the About Us section on their website.

Now, let me tell you about my experience with the products that were sent to me.

I was sent:
*Light Foundation
*Medium Foundation
*Tan Foundation
*Be Flawless Veil
*Pink Radiance Veil
*Illusion Veil
*Joy Blush
*Vision Blush
*Bronzer

I have pretty light skin, so I went with the Light Foundation. I absolutely loved it! It went on so smooth and felt great on my skin. The coverage was good. It hid my blemishes without leaving me feeling like I had ten pounds of makeup on my face.

The Veils illuminated my skin better than any other product I have ever tried! I felt like my face was glowing all day, and I adored it. I also loved the subtlety of the Veils.

The Blushes were my absolute favorites out of everything I tried! The color payoff is amazing and my cheeks looked flawless! They went on effortlessly and the colors are just gorgeous!

I really hope everyone reading this review will head over to the Smoky Mountain Minerals website and check them out! The quality of the products is amazing and the prices are very affordable!

I would like to thank Smoky Mountain Minerals for allowing me to do this review. I have found a new favorite cosmetics company! :)

*I was not compensated for this review. Products were sent for review purposes.

Introducing Bragadocious Bows!

2011-06-14T11:28:00.001-05:00

*BRAGADOCIOUS BOWS*

My Sister-In-Law and I have started making hair bows and just started our own fan page on facebook.
If you like handmade bows go to http://on.fb.me/kuyfdk and "LIKE"
We just started so there aren't a whole lot of bows up yet but there will be!!!!

Easter Themed Fun!

2011-03-15T11:26:00.011-05:00

Today I have something really cute to share! An easy, fun, very affordable, Easter craft!

I have a 3 year old niece, Isabelle. She's very smart and creative. She was coming over on a Saturday, so I had to think of something fun for us to do!

Of course, I had to go to my favorite place, Dollar Tree! They have so many crafty things there!
The possibilities are endless! So, I picked up some Easter themed foam shapes. (bunnies, eggs, baby chicks, etc.) I also picked up Spring themed foam stickers. (flowers and butterflies)

Izzy loved it! We spent the afternoon decorating the foam shapes and we had so much fun. She enjoyed matching colors and shapes! (So in a way, this is also educational!)

I'll insert some pictures of the finished products! She did a great job! I'll also include some pictures of her Easter adventures from last year. I hope you enjoy! And Happy Easter!!!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

2011-01-15T13:19:00.000-06:00

An homage to the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, this cake is for the true peanut butter and chocolate lover.

Time: about 1 1/4 hours, plus time to make frosting.

Yield: Makes one 9-in. cake, serving 16

Ingredients

Cake
2 1/4 cups cake flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
About 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup milk
Peanut butter filling
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
Assembly
Fudge Frosting
2 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, quartered
1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and peanut butter until creamy. Crack eggs into a small dish (do not beat) and add vanilla. Add eggs to the butter mixture 1 at a time, scraping down the inside of the bowl as needed. Beat in flour mixture and milk in alternating batches, starting and ending with the flour and making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.

2. Butter and flour 2 round 9-in. cake pans. Divide batter evenly between pans.

3. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

4. Cool cakes 5 minutes. Invert onto a rack, remove pans, and let cool to room temperature, at least 40 minutes.

5. Make filling: In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and fluffy.

6. Assemble cake: Dollop 1 tbsp. peanut butter filling onto a cake stand (to hold cake in place). Place 1 cake layer on stand. Spread with remaining peanut butter filling. Top with second layer. Starting with the top, then working down the sides, frost cake with fudge frosting. Decorate the top edge with candy pieces and peanuts.

Emily Needs Your Help Fighting Cancer

2011-01-10T12:49:00.002-06:00

Some of you may know Shannon from Coupon Mommy of 3. This precious little girl is Shannon's 3 year old daughter Emily, who took ill on December 18, 2010. Symptomatically she looked like she had a bad stomach flu but several tests down the line the family received the shattering news that Emily has Stage IV cancer.

Read more about her story, with updates on the Caring Bridge Site Page created just for Emily by Shannon.

Please lift up this family in your prayers.

We believe the family will also need all the financial support they can get. So to help out, Shannon's friends Karen from Mommy Times and Nancy from Arizona Mama have helped set up this ChipIn account for Emily.

(ChipIn is a Web-based service that simplifies the process of collecting money from groups of people. They make the process quick, easy, and secure, and provide organizers with numerous ways to get the word out about their ChipIn event.)

The last thing this family should worry about at this time is finances and I honestly believe if all my readers could chip in with a little we can help this family.

(No contribution is too little. Every dollar counts at a time like this)

You can click on the "ChipIn" button below to have your contribution pooled in out of your paypal account.

Please, take the time to share this information with others. Repost, e-mail, retweet.... This is a very troubling and heartbreaking time for this family. Their choices should not be made harder based on their ability to pay.

Retweet: RT @ebmommy 3 year old Emily Needs Your Help http://bit.ly/eduwN9 #chipin #fightcancer #prayer #30daygive #give #sponsor #cancer #faith

'The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight & Eating Great' - Book Giveaway

2011-01-03T17:31:00.008-06:00

Contest is closed! Congratulations Judy - @jbafaith

After a few 'minor' delays, our new look is here! We would love to know what you think about it and will reward one of you with a prize:

Your very own copy of 'The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight & Eating Great' by Pam Anderson! What a perfect time of year for this. How many people make a New Year's resolution to lose weight? I'd be willing to bet it's the leading resolution made each year. Well, this year, I want to help you be successful. I want you to keep your resolution and I'll make it easy for you with this book.

The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight & Eating Great is all about simplification in the kitchen and satisfaction at the table. You'll be lighter and you'll feel better, but you'll never feel you're on a diet.... Because you're NOT!

Pam will take you on her journey to lose weight. One that took her through all the diet plans that didn't work. Save yourself the trouble. Learn from her mistakes. See what works.

Pam is truly an inspiration to many who know about battling with their weight. It is my honor to give this to a reader. I hope it changes YOUR life.

Giveaway

I will be giving away (1) copy of this book to a winner that will be chosen by Random.org. Winner will be drawn from all valid entries. You must complete the mandatory entry to be eligible for additional entries. This giveaway will run until January 16th at 11:59 CST.

Good luck to you all.

Mandatory Entry

You must be a public follower of Girls With Goodies.

Additional Entries

(1) Leave a comment about our new design. Be honest. What do you think?

(2) Follow @TabithaMichelle on twitter.

(3) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter.

(4) Publicly follow one or all of our other blogs. (2 entries for each, listed on right)

(5) What is your weight loss goal?

Disclaimer: I was not given any products for this post. I purchased this book to give to my followers.

Cake Balls

2010-12-23T12:22:00.001-06:00

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

Directions

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

RUM BALLS

2010-12-19T11:58:00.002-06:00

Enjoy this delicious recipe for RUM BALLS and make everyone's Christmas 'Bright'!

42 Servings
Prep: 40 min.

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 75 wafers)
1 cup ground pecans
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1/4 cup rum
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons water
Additional confectioners' sugar and/or crushed vanilla wafers

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, pecans, confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Combine the rum, honey and water; stir into crumb mixture.
Shape into 1-in. balls. Roll in additional confectioners' sugar and/or wafer crumbs. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 rum ball (calculated without additional sugar and wafers) equals 61 calories, 2 g fat (trace saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 21 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

I Just LOVE Christmas!

2010-12-18T18:30:00.000-06:00

My Apologies But New Things Are Coming and a Giveaway

2010-12-17T22:11:00.001-06:00

Hello. I'm glad to see you're still stopping by. I want to apologize for the absence. We've had 'issues' with the blog but.... Now, we're not only back but we're getting a Brand New Look! That's right! Girls With Goodies is scheduled to have its new look this weekend, thanks to 'Princess Jenn' and me being lucky enough to win the new background. I can't wait for you to see and comment (please) on our new look. We really, really like it.

From there, we'll be back with full participation and continuous posting, which includes a Brand New Giveaway to go with our Brand New Look! So, stick around! It all starts..........NOW!

Oops! As you can see, still a blog issue. Everything should be fine once the update is complete. Thanks for stopping by!

Blooming Popsicle Parfaits and Popsicle Giveaway - 10 Winners

2010-04-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

First, check out this tasty treat Popsicle has posted on their website. Sounds perfectly delicious! Then, go ahead and sign up for the giveaway and maybe make some for yourself ..... uh, I mean for the kiddos!

Blooming Popsicle® Parfaits

Try a tasty treat the kids young and old will love! Blooming Popsicle® Parfaits are fun to eat and so easy to make! The kids can even help you make them!

•1 cup slices banana

•2 cups your favorite Breyers® All Natural Ice Cream

•½ cup crushed chocolate wafer cookies

•4 Popsicle® Scribblers®, unwrapped

•4 gummy worm candies

Into 4 small ramekins or custard cups, evenly place banana. Evenly top with Breyers® All Natural Ice Cream, then sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Freeze 30 minutes or until firm. Garnish with Popsicle® Scribblers® and gummy worms. Serve immediately.

TIP: To serve a crowd, line a clean, unused flower pot with plastic wrap, then layer as above, adding additional ingredients as needed.

Giveaway

Now for the best part. It's time to enter to win your very own box of Popsicles. Make sure you complete the mandatory entry first or all entries will be removed. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.

This giveaway will end on May 19th at 11:59 PM, CST. Good luck!

Mandatory Entry

Take a stroll on over to the Popsicle website and tell my your favorite pick from their "On The Go" line.

Extra Entries

(1) Follow Popsicle on twitter. They just love talking to fans and can sometimes be generous.

(2) Follow TabithaMichelle on twitter

(3) Follow SereneMoments on twitter

(4) Be a public follower of this blog (3 entries)

(5) Want more chances to win? Run over to my blog: Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! and enter to win 1 of 20 boxes of Popsicles. Come back and tell me you did and take another 5 entries.

Chipolte Bacon Jam Recipe

2010-04-07T00:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a different kind of recipe that should be quite a hit for all the bacon lovers. I found this in Saveur Magazine online.

Chipotle Bacon Jam

1 pound of bacon

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 sliver of onion

1-4 chipotles en adobo (depending on the level of heat you can tolerate)

2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the can)

2 teaspoons ancho chile powder

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground Mexican hot chocolate

1 cup of brewed coffee

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Black pepper to taste

Method:

Cook the bacon until fat is rendered, but not too crisp. Cut cooked bacon into two-inch sized pieces.

On medium heat, cook the onion and garlic in one tablespoon of rendered bacon fat in a medium-sized pot for two minutes. Add the cooked bacon, spices, apple-cider vinegar and coffee. Simmer on low for two hours, stirring occasionally. If jam starts to get dry, add water, 1/4 cup at a time.

After two hours, place bacon jam into a food processor, and puree for two or three seconds, tops. You just want to bring it together but still have some chunks.

Chicken Melt

2010-03-26T00:20:00.000-05:00

An English muffin sandwich made with sauteed onions and rosemary chicken, oozing with melted Swiss cheese.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter

1 onion, sliced into thin rings

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup red wine

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

4 slices Swiss cheese

4 English muffins, split and toasted

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the grill for high heat.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the onion slices in the skillet, sprinkle with garlic powder, and saute until onions are translucent. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the chicken breast halves on the grill, and sprinkle with wine, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for about 8 minutes. Turn, and continue cooking 8 minutes, or until juices run clear. Place a slice of cheese on each breast half, and top with onions. Cook until cheese starts to melt. Serve on toasted English muffins.

The Irish Pirate (Adult Shamrock Shake) Cocktail

2010-03-15T21:58:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk

1 pint mint chocolate chip ice cream

1 teaspoon pure mint extract

3 tablespoons dark rum

Directions

1) Put milk, ice cream, mint extract and rum into a blender. Mix until smooth.

2) Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint.

3) Optional: Drop the rum and you've almost got a Shamrock Shake

Gift Ideas: Valentine's Day

2010-01-28T15:47:00.003-06:00

Hey ladies!

V-Day is just around the corner, and if you are like me, you are beginning to get stressed about what to get your guy! Well fear not! I am going to provide you with some gift ideas that will satisfy the man in your life!

Let’s start off with some pretty simple things:

*A CD filled with songs he loves
*An indoor picnic for two
*A cute homemade card
*Cook him his favorite dinner
*Give him a massage

Or:

*Cut out several hearts from different colors of paper. Write cute little sayings on theme. Like: “I love you” “Be Mine” “XOXO”….the possibilities are endless. Then tape them up EVERYWHERE! In your bedroom, his office, his car….He’ll love finding them throughout the day!

*Fill his wallet with confetti hearts!

*Hide love notes in his pockets!

Get creative ladies! Gifts don’t have to be expensive. Just give your guy something from the heart and he will love it no matter what!

I hope you all have an amazing Valentine’s Day!

Warm Chocolate Melting Cups Recipe

2009-12-31T12:37:00.000-06:00

10 Servings
Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 egg white
10 fresh strawberry halves, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, cocoa, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in the chocolate chips, coffee and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
In another bowl, beat eggs and egg white until slightly thickened. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Fold into chocolate mixture.
Transfer to ten 4-oz. ramekins coated with cooking spray. Place ramekins in a baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or just until centers are set. Garnish with strawberry halves if desired. Serve immediately. Yield: 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 131 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 49 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 2 starch.

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Pie

2009-12-10T00:11:00.005-06:00

Pumpkin Pie

1 15oz Can Of Pumpkin
1 14oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Eggs
1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Mix all of the above
Pour into 1 frozen unbaked pie crust
Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes
Reduce oven to 350 degrees
Bake for an additional 40 minutes
Cool Completely

And that's it. I like to serve mine with some whipped topping.
This is a definite favorite in my little family! I've made it several times and it's always a hit!
So hopefully you'll bake this for your family/friends this Holiday Season!

Happy Holidays!

P.S. I might have burned the edges just a little. hee hee.

Easiest Fudge Ever - 2 Ingredients

2009-12-09T09:12:00.001-06:00

No joke! This is absolutely the easiest, no fail fudge you will ever find and it is SO GOOD!

Here's what you need:

2 bags of Creme Drops candy
1 cup of Peanut Butter

What to do:

Place the Creme Drops in a microwave safe bowl and melt them down.
Add 1 cup of Peanut Butter.
Stir well.
Pour onto wax paper and let reset.

That's it, Folks! You now have fast, easy, cheap fudge that people will think you slaved over!

Cinnamon Crumb Cake

2009-11-25T18:35:00.001-06:00

This is one of the goodies I am making for Thanksgiving. I am so hooked on this.

Makes 24 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut into chunks
1 package (18 1/4 ounces) white cake mix
1 egg
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugars and cinnamon in large bowl. Cut in cold butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

2. Beat cake mix, egg, sour cream, melted butter and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or just until mixed.

3. Spread evenly in greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle evenly with topping mixture.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan. Cool on wire rack. Cut into squares to serve.

Hiccup Reliever - Who Doesn't Need That?!

2009-11-21T12:53:00.000-06:00

I was so happy to come across this little jewel. I am constantly getting the hiccups and everything I've ever tried to rid myself of them has never worked.

Until NOW:

Take 2 teaspoons to 1 Tablespoon of sugar or any dry drink mix (cocoa, Ovaltine, Tang...) and swallow it. Do not add it to anything, just swallow it dry, which isn't easy, but it will "short circuit" the hiccups.

All these years and it's as simple as this!

Yogurt and Oatmeal Deep-Cleansing Facial

2009-11-16T22:05:00.000-06:00

I promised you some very unique, homemade products to save you money and this is a great example. This cleanser will cost about $.50 to make. How much money do we normally spend on cleansers, toners, scrubs, moisturizers... and so on? More than we want to admit, I'm sure. Then, we get them home and they don't even work! What else is great about this product, besides the cost? The ingredients are more than likely in your house already and, if you don't like the facial, use the products in this one for breakfast.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
1 Tablespoon Yogurt (any kind)
1/2 teaspoon of honey

Directions

Before starting, clean your face thoroughly with any natural cleanser so that you can immediately apply the deep-cleansing facial mixture as soon as it's stirred together.

In a clean bowl, combine the yogurt and oatmeal, mixing to a spreadable consistency.
Place a small bowl into a large bowl of hot water, warm the honey and pour it into the yogurt and oatmeal mixture.
Using a spoon, blend the ingredients thoroughly.
Immediately apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eyes, and let it stay on for 10 - 15 minutes.
Wash it off with warm water.
Pat skin dry and apply a toner and moisturizer to your face.

Tomato Basil Salsa

2009-11-16T00:20:00.001-06:00

Mmmm........ you'll love this tasty treat, just in time for those Holiday Get-Togethers.

This salsa is perfect for those of us that cannot handle the hot salsas. It is an Italian variation of a party time favorite.

Ingredients:

1 pound ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil and basil.
Toss to combine all the ingredients.
Add salt and pepper.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
The salsa is best eaten on the day it is made but will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Banana Bread

2009-11-16T00:04:00.003-06:00

Banana Bread

Posted by Anne on November 4, 2009

INGREDIENTS

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

METHOD
No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4×8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches

2009-11-12T23:41:00.001-06:00

I borrow this Kid-Friendly recipe from Paula Deen. Hope you like it!

Ingredients:

For the Magical Peanut Butter Cookies:
1 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Ice-Cream:
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
2 cups half-and-half
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced strawberries

For assembly:
6 tablespoons strawberry preserves
Peanut butter chips or chopped peanuts, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, the egg, and vanilla, and stir well with a spoon. Roll the dough into balls the size of walnuts. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. With a fork, dipped in sugar to prevent sticking, press a crisscross design on each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from the oven, and sprinkle the cookies with some of the remaining sugar. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Strawberry Ice-Cream:
In a small bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Puree the strawberries in a food processor and add to cream mixture. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. After freezing in the ice cream maker, transfer to a container and place in the freezer, to freeze solid, for 6 hours before serving.

For assembly:
Spread the strawberry preserves on a peanut butter cookie. Top with a small scoop of strawberry ice cream and cover with another cookie. Roll sides in peanut butter chips or peanuts, if desired.

Make it Yourself - Women's Shaving Gel "Recipe"

2009-11-10T02:16:00.000-06:00

I battle dry skin year round. Particularly on my face and legs. Seems no matter what I do, I have dry, flaky skin.

I have a simple, easy to make shaving gel that will take care of the dry legs, leaving them soft and moisturized, not to mention, taking away the expense of buying. It can be made out of items already in the bathroom.

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Conditioner
2 Tablespoons Shampoo
1/2 - 1 teaspoon baby oil
1 teaspoon hand cream

Directions

Start with a clean bottle with a secure cap.
Pour 2 Tablespoons of conditioner into the bottle.
Add 2 Tablespoons of shampoo.
Mix together.
Add the baby oil and then the hand cream.
Secure top and shake until all the ingredients are well blended.
Let mixture sit for about an hour before using.

To Use

Lather legs or underarms with the gel, shave and rinse the skin thoroughly.
The shaving gel should keep for about a month in the bathroom.
If mixture separates, just shake it up before using it.

Mountain Dew Apple Cobbler

2009-10-26T16:23:00.002-05:00

Mountain Dew Apple Cobbler

2 yellow delicious apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 16 slices)
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 12 oz can of Mountain Dew
Cinnamon

Take slice of apple and roll up in a crescent roll.
Spray a 9x13 pan with Pam and place apples rolled in crescent rolls on the bottom of the pan.
In a separate pan, bring to a boil, butter and sugar
Pour over crescent rolls and apple slices.
Pour can of Mountain Dew over rolls and apples.
Sprinkle generously with cinnamon.
Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown.

This is delicious! I have made it several times and my family loves it!
Plus, it is super easy to make. You can't beat that!

So give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Bubble Pizza

2009-10-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground beef
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni sausage
1 (14 ounce) can pizza sauce
2 (12 ounce) packages refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough
1/2 onion, sliced and separated into rings
1 (10 ounce) can sliced black olives
1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Stir in pepperoni, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in pizza sauce. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Cut biscuits into quarters, and place in the bottom of baking dish. Spread meat mixture evenly over the biscuits. Sprinkle top with onion, olives and mushrooms.
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle top with mozzarella and Cheddar cheese. Bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Now, just go and enjoy all that ooey, gooey goodness! Yummy!

Money Saving Meals - Cookbook Giveaway

2009-10-11T22:25:00.001-05:00

Most of you who have seen the Food Network are familiar with Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. Now Sandra Lee has decided to take it even further with the Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money Saving Meals television show and cookbook.

Who doesn't like to save money on meals? We sure do and I know you do, too. This cookbook is full of delicious dishes, sure to please anyone on any budget.

Mmmm.......

The Giveaway

In honor of our new blog, Tabitha and I have decided to giveaway a copy of the Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money Saving Meals cookbook.

The contest will run until November 2nd at 11:59 pm CST. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or that your name links back to one, otherwise your entry will not be valid. Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Ooh! How Do I Win?

We are trying to draw attention to this brand new blog and round up some followers, so, if you want to win, it's as easy as following our blog publicly.

I Know... You Want Extra Entries

(1) Follow @TabithaMichelle on twitter

(2) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter

(3) Tweet the giveaway and leave us the link to see it. (Can be done once daily)

(4) Follow Tabitha's blog: All Things Tabitha

(5) Tell us your favorite, money saving meal.

(6) Follow Gena's blog(s): (leave an entry for each or tell me you already do)

Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!

Relax and Enjoy all your Serene Moments

Visions of Life: A Journey Towards Health and Wealth

Good luck to you all!

Grandma's Blackberry Cobbler

2009-09-30T22:53:00.007-05:00

This recipe was invented by my Grandma Bonnie. She was fearless when it came to food. And she loved to try new things. So, you'll notice in the recipe that this cobbler has a little twist.

You will need:

1 15 oz can of blackberries (drain, reserve juice)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon juice
1 roll of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Whipped topping (optional)

Dissolve cornstarch in juice of blackberries
Add lemon juice
Pour into bottom of a round cake pan
Add berries and layer separated rolls over top
Bake in 400 degree oven (375 degrees for glass)
13 to 17 minutes or until sauce in bubbling and rolls are golden brown
Add whipped topping and enjoy!
My family loved this cobbler and hopefully yours will too.
Happy cooking!

Welcome, Friends!

2009-09-29T19:03:00.005-05:00

Hello, I would like to welcome you to our blog. Tabitha and I, are joining together to bring you:

* Recipes for great eats and treats: Our own and some borrowed.

* New type of Recipes that will be for "Make at Home" products to save money.

* Tips to make life easier.

..... And anything else we can come up with to satisfy YOU, our reader.

We also plan on throwing in Reviews and Giveaways along the way. You won't want to miss those.

We are currently under construction so bear with the changes as they come.

We love followers and comments, so keep them coming. Please share us with your friends, too.