Easy Guide to Planning Thanksgiving: Part Two Cooking Timeline

Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family not cooking all day in the Kitchen. Here is a great info-graph that I created to break the cooking down into an easy timeline.  This is just as example on how our family does our Thanksgiving cooking. For those of you that love to bake, we cook everything but the pumpkin pie the day before to give us more time to spend enjoying everyones company! 

Happy Cooking!! 

Planning for Turkey Day: Defrosting the Turkey

The countdown has begun. We are now three days away from a day filled of good food and family. I have to admit this will be my first time hosting our family in our new home and cooking for more than five people. I without a doubt am going to need some help and planning to make sure our turkey day goes without any bumps in the road.

After researching (well Pinteresting) Thanksgiving, I have compiled what I think will help me and others host a great Thanksgiving Day.

My husband has insisted on doing the Turkey this year. This means we will be frying our Turkey in the driveway while the men do whatever it is they do. Don’t turn up your nose just yet. We fried our Turkey last year and I have to say I have never tasked a Turkey that was so moist and full of flavor. The only draw back to frying a Turkey is that it has to be completely thawed or it will blow up in the fryer, and I would really like it if that did not happen! Here are the rules on how to defrost a turkey:  

• Put turkey in fridge to thaw
• Put turkey on large tray to catch any juice
• Keep turkey in packaging
• It takes 24 Hours per 4-5 lbs of Turkey to thaw

Come back tomorrow to see part two of "The Easy Guide to Planning Thanksgiving"!  

maternity holiday must haves

We are entering the time of holiday parties and family photos don't let your baby bump get in the way of looking fabulous! Above are a few of my favorite pieces that won't break the bank. Check out where to buy below: 

Maternity Lace Dress
loft.com

Maternity Fair Isle Sweaters
oldnavy.gap.com

Maternity Colorblock Ponte Pants
loft.com

Stripe ponte dress
gap.com

Metallic print ribbed sweater | Gap
gap.com

Wool biker jacket | Gap
gap.com

You Know You Are A Parent Moment

I am not going to lie, I do this probably once a day. It saves me from either pulling my hair out or screaming along with my kids. The only problem is I usually have two toddlers and two dogs on the other side of the door.

Have you found yourself doing this? 

Yummy Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

I love Pumpkin! Especially during the Fall and the Holiday season. With only a few weeks until Thanksgiving my Pumpkin cravings are starting to coming in full force. I am not the best at making pies so I thought I would try something new. Why not do a Pumpkin flavored cake…. and let me tell you this cake is AMAZING!!!!! It is the perfect combination of sweet, rich, creamy, and moist. 

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 
  
• Cake Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, being sure to scrape down the edges after adding each egg. Beat in the vanilla. 
  
• In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and pumpkin spice. Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Once mixed,
  turn the mixer off and gently fold in the pumpkin puree. 
• Scoop batter equally into the cake pans and level with a knife. Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for several minutes. Gently remove the cake from the pans and place on a cooling rack. 
• Frosting Ingredients:
• 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup butter, softened (I used 6 Tbsp salted 6 Tbsp unsalted)
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 - 5 cups powdered sugar

Frosting instructions:

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add cinnamon, vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined. Once combined increase to medium and whip until pale and thick. 

Tip: If frosting comes out runny, place in refrigerator for a few hours to thicken. Then place on cake

• Frosting and Cake inspired by Cooking Classy

Veteran's Day Deals and Freebies

Veteran’s Day isn’t about the 4 day weekends or BBQs with friends before it gets cold out. It is about thanking those who have risked everything while risking their lives for our freedom and rights as Americans. I am so lucky to have a husband that has given so much for his country! This year Veteran’s Day is Tuesday, November 11^th, 2014. On this day many retailers and restaurants want to thank those who have served and continue to serve. Below is a list of deals and freebies available to Veterans and active military:

54^th Street Grill: All Veterans and military that show a valid ID will receive a FREE meal. Valid only on November 11, 2014

Applebee’s: All retired and active duty military receive a FREE meal! You can select any item from the Veterans Day menu.

Bailey’s sorts Grille: FREE cheeseburger for veterans and active military. Only valid on November 11, 2014

Bar Louie: From Monday, November 10^th and Tuesday, November 11^th all veterans and military personnel get a FREE meal up to a $12 value when they show a valid military I.D. or other proof of service.

Boston Market: FREE pie with purchase for all VIP members

California Pizza Kitchen: November 11^th, 2014 veterans and active military are invited to enjoy a FREE entrée from a special Veteran’s Day Menu

Carraba’s Italian Grill: Veterans and active military personnel can enjoy a FREE appetizer. Valid November 6-11^th

Cattlemens: Receive a FREE steak dinner on November 11^th. Valid military I.D. required

Champps: Get a FREE burger and fries on November 11^th. Military I.D. required

Cheeseburger in Paradise: FREE All-American Burger and fries with a beverage purchase of $1.99. Military I.D. required.

Chili’s: Get your meal FREE on November 11^th. Valid I.D. required

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: All military can get a FREE double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake dessert!

Denny’s: Get a FREE Grand Slam between 5am -12pm. Available to all active, non-active and retired military personnel.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: All military personnel can get a FREE coffee on November 11^th. I.D required

Famous Dave’s: Retired and active military will receive a FREE Meat Salute. This does not include a Beverage. Valid November 11^th from 11:30-4:30pm

Fox & Hound: FREE cheeseburger for Veterans and active military. Valid only on November 11^th

Friendly’s: Active and retired military personnel can enjoy a meal anytime during the day. For breakfast, choose from the Big-Two-Do’s breakfast options. For Lunch or Dinner, get an All American Burger with fries and a beverage (soda, iced tea, or hot beverage). Only valid on November 11^th.

Golden Corral: All members of the military can receive a FREE buffet (with proof of I.D.) Offer is valid November 17^th from 5-9pm

Great Clips: Anyone who visits for a haircut on November 11^th will receive a FREE haircut card which you can give to any military member (active or retired). This card is good for 51 days.

Hooters: All retired and active duty military can receive a FREE entrée on November 11^th.

Houlihans: On November 11^th military personnel will receive a FREE meal and beverage from a select menu

HyVee: Get a FREE breakfast at any location with in-store dining. Valid ID required on November 11^th

IHOP: Military personnel can receive a FREE order of Red, White, and Blue pancakes on November 11^th from 7am – 7pm

Krispy Kreme: Receive a FREE doughnut and a small coffee with a valid military ID. Offer available all day on November 11^th

Longhorn Steakhouse: November 11^th receive a FREE Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Military ID required

Max and Erma’s: Enjoy a FREE Best Cheeseburger in America combo with military ID.

Menchie’s: All military personnel with a valid military ID or dressed in uniform will receive a free six-ounce yogurt

National Parks: Get FREE entrance to all America’s National Parks

O’Charleys: November 11^th military members who show valid ID receive a FREE meal from the $9.99 menu.

Olive Garden: All military personal who show valid ID will receive a FREE entrée from a special Veteran’s Day menu

On the Border: Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a FREE meal. You can choose 2 or 3 selections from the On the Border Create Your Own Combo menu. Will have to show ID at time you place order

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt: Get a FREE cup of FROYO on November 11^th. Show military ID

Outback Steakhouse: November 11^th all active and retired military personnel will get a FREE Bloomin’ Onion and beverage. Show military ID at time of order

Perkins: Get a FREE breakfast on November 11^th. The meal includes 2 eggs, 3 buttermilk pancakes and a choice of 2 bacon strips or sausage links (doesn’t include beverage). Valid ID required.

Ponderosa Steakhouse: November 11^th military personnel can get a FREE buffet. ID required.

Red Lobster:  Active and retired military can receive a FREE appetizer (select menu only). Offer valid November 10^th-13^th

Red Robin: All veterans and active duty service members can enjoy a FREE Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11^th.

Shoney’s: Get a FREE All American burger. For all veterans and active military. ID required

Sizzler: Veterans and active military can enjoy a FREE lunch and beverage (select menu only). Offer Valid on November 11^th until 4pm

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill: Get a FREE entrée from a special menu for military personnel with a valid ID

Starbucks: Get a FREE tall brewed coffee on November 11^th. Offer is available to all military members, active or retired, and their spouses. ID required.

Texas Roadhouse: November 11^th get a FREE lunch from the Veteran’s Day menu. ID required

TGI Fridays: Grab a FREE lunch on November 11^th with a valid ID between 11am – 2pm

Tim Hortons: Get a FREE doughnut with military ID on November 11^th

Village Inn: All veterans and active military can receive a free breakfast: buttermilk pancakes, French toast or Belgian waffle. ID required

Shopping:

World Market: All active duty, DOD, Reserves, Guard, Retirees, Veterans and military spouses can enjoy 20% off of your entire purchase November 8-11^th. Valid ID at time of purchase.

Bed Bath & Beyond: All active duty, DOD, Reserved, Guard, Retirees, Veterans and military spouses can enjoy 20% off of your entire purchase Nov. 8-11^th. Military I. D. is required at time of purchase.

Aerie.com – 20% off site wide until November 12^th. Use code GOODNEWS

American Eagle- 20%off site wide until November 12^th. Use code GOODNEWS

Old Navy- up to 50% off everything in-store & online until November 12^th. Take an extra 25% off order online until November 11^th.

Jcrew- 25% off in stores & online fall favorites. Plus an extra 30% off fall sale styles until November 11^th. Use code GETWARM

Carters: 50% off everything + 25% off your $49 purchase (in store coupons). Use code VETDAY25 until November 11^th.

OshKosh- 50% off everything + extra 25% off clearance in store and online. Use codes VETDAY25 for 25% off your $40+ purchase or 15% off your entire purchase: VETDAY15. Get in store coupon  until November 11^th.

Mayborn Museum: A Great Family Afternoon

Today my family and I went on one of our weekend family outings. At my husband’s request we went to the Mayborn Museum on the Baylor University Campus in Waco, Texas. I have to admit I wasn’t to thrilled to be going as I am not a museum person, and I didn’t think it would hold the attention of our 1 and 2 year olds. WOW! Was I wrong!

This is one of the better child-focused Museum’s that we have been to lately.  It is not one of the largest places, but don’t let that fool you. We spent 3 hours there and we only saw half of the exhibits. We decided to start our journey off on the Left side of the Musuem, or the Discovery side. This is where they have all of the interactive exhibits for the kids. Unlike the Austin Children’s Musuem, the Discovery exhibits were perfect for younger children ages 12 months – 5 years old.

My children were more interested in the exhibits on the second floor. They absolutely loved the transportation and the music room! I think we spent a good 35 minutes in the Transportation room just having them run back and forth between the School Bus and the Fire Engine.  They also thought the floor piano in the music room was fun. They would run from one side to the other amazing by the sounds that were coming out as they stepped.

They had other Discovery exhibits that focused on trains, water, the body, the west, a sensory room, fish and reptiles, dress up, and a little play town. On the other side of the museum, which we didn’t even get to see due to sleepy kids, they have the Waco at the Crossroads of Texas, Strecker’s Cabinets of Curiosities, and a Historic Village consisting of 9 wood frame buildings. 

Not only is this a great place for a family outing, it is also very reasonably priced.

General Admission

Adults: $6.00

Children (18 months to 12 years old): $4.00

Seniors: $5.00

Traveling Exhibit Admission

Adults $10.00

Children (18 months to 12 years old): $5.00

Seniors: $9.00

For Active Military they offer a discount. With Military ID you can get in FREE plus $1.00 off all the other people in your party.  For our family, my husband got in for FREE, my daughter FREE, my son for $3.00, and myself for $5.00. We got a day of fun for only $8.00.  It doesn’t get better than that!

Here are the Museum Hours:

Monday – Saturday

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday

1:00 AM to 5:00PM

With the Historic Village closing daily at 4:00PM

They are Closed On Game Day:

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

If you have ever been there I would love to hear what your favorite part is! 

Orange Is The New Black

Target scarf $10.00 / Old Navy Quilted Vest $25.00 / Loft Denim Maternity shirt $59.50

After battling mom fashion for the last few months, I've decided to make pregnancy fashion worth while! With a few basic pieces and some non pregnancy clothes I am determined to rock fall fashion! 

Easy DIY Mike Wazowski Costume

What you will need:

Lime Green Fleece 

White felt

Black felt

Fabric glue

All for under $10! 

I made this costume for a two year old so everything is to scale for him. You might have to adjust the sizes given on whom the costume is for

I used a dollar store laundry basket for a guide to the circle for Mike's body.

I am not a circle cutting pro, so i had to do a little trimming. 

I used a medium sized Pyrex as a guide for the white in his eyes. 

Put a good amount of fabric glue on the back of the eye and firmly press to the body. 

Used a coaster for the color of Mike's eye. 

Mike's eye seemed naked without an eyelid so i used some extra lime green fabric to make an eyelid. 

For the pupil i used a glass as a guide for the circle. 

Loved how the eye turned out!

The teeth are the fun part. Make them fun!

I used the teeth as a guide for the smile length. You can decide how big you want your Mike to be smiling. 

It just didn't seem right with only top teeth so i added some bottom ones.  

To finish off Mike's face I added black felt to the mouth. 

To make it an easy costume to put on I added lime green straps by using the left over green fabric. I cut out an identical lime green body circle for the back of the costume. I then cut out two straps from the fleece fabric each one about the depth of 3 fingers. To insure the straps would stay in place I sewed them by using some green thread I had leftover from a previous project. 

Tada! You have a Mike Wazowski costume for under $10!