Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Cookies #LMDConnector

This New Years Eve we decided we would add some home baked goodies to our evening treats. We were looking for quick and easy recipes as we have already baked up a storm throughout the month and I am also on a mission to use up our food in the pantry and freezer.

I found a few cake mixes that need to be used so we decided to make mini cupcakes in A's new cupcake maker (post to follow) and also Snickerdoodles! 

Can you imagine I have never made snickerdoodle cookies before? I have baked many types of cookies, cakes, pies and bars but not snickerdoodles. I have put them on the to be made list many times and then never made them. 

This weekend I decided it was time to try them out and we found a super simple 5 ingredient recipe on Life Made Delicious website that uses a Betty Crocker white cake mix. Being a recipe with only 5 simple ingredients the kids were able to put them together by themselves with little help from myself. They love to bake and as A says bake all by herself.

Preheat oven to 350, mix cake mix with 1/2 melted margarine or butter and one egg. In a separate bowl mix 2 Tbsp white sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Roll into 1-inch balls (this will make about 42 cookies) or you can make bigger ones like we did. We ended up with 22. Roll the ball in the cinnamon sugar mix and place on cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire rack and consume! 

The cookies turned out nice and fluffy and very tasty! I look forward to making other cookies with cake mixes as they are just so quick and simple. Great for last minute desserts or treats for the kids to take to school.

To find more great recipes check out the Life Made Delicious website and their Facebook page that offers quick and easy meal and treat ideas.

Happy New Year!
 
~*Disclaimer: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.*~

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Made for Two by Karen Lenfestey - Book Review

Made for Two (A Romance Novella) 

Diane acted on instinct when she broke up a fight at the inner-city school where she teaches. When the superintendent suspends her, Diane returns to her hometown of Foxworth. Almost immediately she finds herself tracking down her old boyfriend, Tim. Just seeing him rekindles her love and she realizes that her life, just like her tandem bike, was made for two.

Unfortunately, Tim keeps pushing her away, claiming it will never work out. After all, she still wants to live in the city and he can’t imagine leaving his family’s bakery. But Diane discovers there’s more to it than that. Tim has been hiding in this small town because he has a secret.

Purchase Amazon/ GoodReads

My Thoughts: 4.5 out of 5 Stars!

This is a short Novella about 52 pages. It is a fast, fun and light read great for a chilly night by the fire. It is the first book I have read of Karen Lenfestey and I am sure it wont be the last. Right away I enjoyed the main character and really felt for her when she was put on an investigation for what she thought was helping a student as she tried to break up a fight at the school she works at. In the end this allegation was likely the best thing to happen to her and also her mother.

Diane goes to spend sometime with her mom in her hometown where she helps her mom reconnect with an old flame. Diane also reconnects with her old love and rebuilds her friendship with his sister. I loved this story line as I can totally connect with it. It is very believable that we can reconnect with a past love as I have with my husband. Karen writes a fabulous story that you feel part of, just enough detail to get to know all the characters and a bit of the past. The book finishes on a happy note but also to me leaves more to the imagination and maybe another novella? If you like clean romance and something that you can read in an afternoon or right before bed, I highly recommend this great story from Karen.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Stranded (Night Calls, #1) Book Review

Stranded: Night Calls #1 

Burned, Felix Sinclair has all but vowed never to get seriously involved with another woman as long as he lives. After a long day’s work, Felix is looking forward to getting back to his luxury apartment in the city. When he detours onto a road less traveled in order to shave off some travel time, the last thing he expects is to wind up stranded in a roadside ditch in the middle of a downpour–or to fall into the arms of a beautiful woman.

Recently divorced, jobless, friendless and utterly alone, Poppy Montgomery is struggling to convince herself that single life is what she wants–needs. Then a handsome stranger staggers into her life and sparks fly. Riding out the storm together, their instant connection seems like the perfect opportunity to explore a night of passion, but will one night be enough to satisfy their craving for one another?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Stranded is the first in an interconnected series of erotic romance. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but you will find that each new character has been previously introduced in some way. As an introduction to the series, Stranded is a novella, but rest assured each new addition will be a full length novel worth sinking your teeth into. 

Purchase on Amazon/Goodreads 

My Thoughts: 4.5/5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I love reading novella's or shorter books as I don't have a lot of time to sit down daily to read. This was a prefect sized book. The author has really thought out a fun story line for this series and I look forward to reading them all. 

This is definitely a book of heavy romantic fiction, how many people would invite a complete stranger into their house in the middle of nowhere at night? On top of that ask the guy to strip down naked and draw him a warm bath? I love how the characters have an instant connection and bond over the night they spend together. I also enjoyed how very seductive this book is. I instantly fell in love with both characters, Poppy and Felix and enjoyed how the author wrote from both of their sides of the story. I look forward to seeing how the author builds the characters of Poppy and Felix.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Stocking Stuffers: Clear & Vaseline + Giveaway

Can you believe Christmas is just about here? I promised myself this year I would be ready the week before Christmas and guess what? I am still running around getting last minute gifts and stocking stuffers. I will also be trying to squeeze in some wrapping today and a nap before work tonight.

Do you need some ideas for stocking stuffers? Do you have teens or adults on your list that you may need one or two more things for? I have two products that would be a great addition to their stockings - Clear Hair care and Vaseline lotion or minis.

Clear Hair care comes in gender specific formulas. Both lines help with dandruff and scalp concerns and are a great addition at this time of year. 

Clear Men Scalp Therapy helps the scalp by feeding it moisture and controlling the dandruff right at the source. They are offered in a 2 in 1 bottle of Shampoo/conditioner and just Shampoo. Formulated with Bio-Nutriu, 10 which is a rich blend of nutrients and botanicals that include Ginseng, Tea Tree and Natural Mint. Moisturizing in three layers leaving hair with the deep clean sensation and up to 100% free of visible flakes. Clear Men Scalp Therapy is now available in Canada with six varieties. They retail from $5.68-$8.49

Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy is the women's line of hair care which offers six shampoos and 5 conditioners to meet a variety of needs - Total Care for All Hairs Types, Moisturizing Dry Scalp, Volumizing Root Boost, Damage & Colour Repair, Strong Lengths and Anti-dandruff. New Clear Beauty shampoos and conditioners will not only give women stronger, more beautiful hair in seven days+, but also feed the scalp with hydrating nourishment. They are clinically proven to help restore the scalp's natural moisture balance. The women's line is infused with Nutrium 10 technology which is an advanced moisture complex of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin B5, C & E, sunflower, almond, soybean, coconut oils and also aloe vera. These also retail from $5.68-$8.49.


Another great stocking stuffer is from the Vaseline line. This year they have introduced a Vaseline Lip therapy in cute mini containers. They come in original or cocoa butter. The cocoa butter smells great and moisturizes like the original. They retail for $1.99. They are the perfect size to pop in your pocket or purse when you are out on the ski hill or out for a walk.

Don't forget that the Vaseline Lotions are another great option for stocking stuffers. This is likely my favorite lotion for a number of reasons, they are inexpensive, come in many sizes and varieties. A newer lotion is the Vaseline for Men. This is going in my husbands stocking and I am sure he will love it! He isn't afraid to use any of my lotions even the scented ones (don't tell him I told you that) but he will love the man scent from this new line. It's has a noticeable scent but not overpowering.


My favorite Vaseline lotion? I would have to say the cocoa butter and the aloe fresh. They are great at moisturizing, absorbing right away but not leaving the skin greasy. I also love the cocoa butter smell. I work in health care and my hands are horrible throughout the winters if I don't keep them moisturized. We keep a big bottle a work and also I have tons around the house.

Head over to Vaseline.ca to see the whole line of Vaseline products. 


Enter to win either a Clear gift basket or Vaseline gift basket. I will keep this giveaway simple. Please enter the rafflecopter form below for which one you want to enter or both. The giveaway is open to Canadians and will end at 11:59pm Est on January 4th, 2013.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Clear and Vaseline. I received the above products in return for a feature post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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IAMS Holiday Singing Pets Video

Please take a moment and watch the video below. Each time someone watches this video IAMS will be donating a meal to a participating shelter in the Home 4 the Holidays campaign until January 2, 2013. Please share this with family and friends! Thank You.

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Holiday Gift Ideas & Treats with Kraft Canada

Christmas is my favorite time of year, decorating the tree, spending time with friends and family, eating way too many yummy meals and treats. I also love to bake for the holidays. I love to bake year round and share our treats but there is just something very special about the Holiday treats that I love so much.

This year we were asked by Kraft Canada if we would like to take part in their #DessertMoments holiday program and choose three desserts to make and share with our readers. Kraft Canada sent us a beautiful basket full of goodies to make the three different treats for ourselves and gift giving. Thank you Kraft Canada for the personalized cookie jar! 

We decided to make two of the treats for the kids teachers and their bus driver. The third treat we will be making Christmas eve as it is a peanut treat and we will be sharing when we go to a family dinner on Christmas. Hopefully Santa doesn't come by Christmas Eve and consume them all since I heard He and Mrs. Claus LOVE peanut butter snowballs!!
 
I love how simple Kraft recipes are and find myself heading over to their site time and time for not just desserts but for quick and easy dinners also. If you haven't checked out their new site First Taste I wrote a little post about it on Monday.

I choose to make Chocolate, Caramel Oatmeal Bars, Two-layer Cookie Crunch Fudge and Peanut Butter Snowballs. I will say one thing about all these recipes they are easy to read, require very little ingredients and taste so YUMMY! They are prefect for gift giving and of course keeping some for the family. 

I am sure all the teachers and the kids bus driver will love their gifts. The kids helped make the squares and we picked out some holiday mugs, hot chocolate and packaged everything together in a nice Christmas bag. 

Check out the Dessert Centre for your holiday baking. "Like" Kraft Canada on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @KraftCanada and check out what everyone is making with #DessertMoments hashtag.  Enjoy!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Kraft Canada. I was invited to take part in their Holiday #DessertMoments 2012 program. We received a gift basket to make all these yummy treats. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Kellogg's Holiday Rice Krispies Treats

As we have entered the last week before Christmas we have been working away at holiday crafts and baking. I wanted to share what kept the kids busy today as their school had a teacher walk-out and I kept them home. 

We decided our teachers & bus driver gifts needed one more special touch, so with a surprise box from our friends at Kellogg's we set out to make some fun Holiday treats. 

Using our Christmas cookie cutters the kids choose which ones they wanted to make and away they went on decorating their treats. 

Enjoy our pictures. I would love to see your Holiday treats, please share a link in the comments below or come post on my facebook page. 

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Kellogg's. I am part of the Kellogger's network and receive special perks in exchange for my honest opinions.*~

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IAMS Holiday Giveaway!

As you know our pets love IAMS and we have done a few posts in the past about IAMS and also their program over the Holidays called Home 4 the Holidays. Recently our friends at IAMS sent us this great Christmas gift and we would love to share some of it with a lucky reader.

I will make this a really simple giveaway please leave a comment below with a funny story about one of your pets. Which ever comment makes my kids laugh the most will be the winner! We always love to hear what other peoples pets do as we know ours can do some really silly things. Please make sure to leave a contact if you are picked. Also please let me know if the comment section if you mind if I can re-post your funny story on my blog.

You will win - full price coupons for one bag of cat food and one bag of dog food, a brush, bandana, scoop, poop bag holder with bags. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, and will end on January 2nd at 11:59pm est.

And please don't forget to check out the Home 4 the Holiday post and help if you can.

I also want to leave you will some inspiration. Kids and boxes are fun but throw in a 9 month old pup and this is what happens.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Promo Blitz - The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich

YA Fantasy

Date Published:11/19/12

Evolved Publishing presents a wild journey to a sister planet of Earth, in "The Silver Sphere" by Michael Dadich. [YA Fantasy/Sci- Fi] Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father... when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy). His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere. With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless.... Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?

Links to Buy 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.

Website

Twitter

Facebook

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Entertaining Tips and Helpers from Metro

I love to bake especially at the Holidays. I just find that with all the rushing around getting everything ready, throw in work and regular everyday life I don't always have time to bake when we are having guest over or heading to family events. Also it is nice to have something in the freezer or cupboards just in case friends or family stop by over the Holidays at other times. This is where Metro helps out big time! They have a whole line up of Irresistible treats and appetizers to appeal to all your guest. 

On New Years eve we usually get the finger foods out for our family dinner. We find the kids look forward to this and love to be able to pick away at this and that. They also just love serving themselves from trays. We usually serve spring rolls, bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp mixes and other little hors d'oeuvres. 

This year will are going to add some of the Irresistible indian style delights, Spanish style tapas, Chicken/Pork Satay and maybe even try out some of the Coconut Chicken bites.

Do you have family and friends that like it Sweet and Salty? You can serve them Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels with Sea Salt, Maple Butter - my all time fave!, Dark fruit cake which is my husbands favorite, Chocolate Brownie Lava cookies, or even Panettone Ice cream!

If you look in the back of the basket there is a little head just waiting for some treats for herself!

Here are 10 tips for Holiday Fun from Metro:

1. Creative serving – Instead of communal bowls of nuts, try a more eye catching and hygienic presentation by putting snacks in clear-glass, narrow-necked decanters. Guests can pour nut and trail mixes themselves, and it looks great, too!
2. Stagger serving times – If all food is served at the start of the night, guests are likely to gorge and go home early. Keep your party hopping by serving your tasty hors d’oeuvres all night long.
3. Impress with a signature cocktail - Channel your inner mixologist and offer guests a unique signature cocktail for your holiday party. Be sure to have other non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to offer alongside this cocktail.
4. Prep in advance – The ‘day of’ for the party planner is always hectic! Between set up, last minute errands, and wrangling the kids – stress is high. Try prepping what you can a few days before. Things like fruit trays, cheese and cracker platters and Swedish meatballs can all be put together a day or two in advance. 
5. Presentation is everything – When preparing food trays and hors d’oeuvres platters, have fun! Use the Canadian winter landscape as inspiration by placing pinecones and frosted pine needles in your tray display. 
6. Fast and fancy – Limited time? Solicit the help of the frozen food aisle! Metro’s private label line,Irresistibles, offers delicious appetizers perfect for party planners, with selection and creativity covered.
7. Tidy as you go – No one likes waking up to a mess, by tidying bit by bit during your party, the house will be kept clean for your guests, too!
8. Set the ambiance – A beautiful candle display can never go wrong at a holiday party
9. Provide plenty of options – Be sure to provide an assortment of appetizer options at your holiday bash to keep all types of appetites full and happy!
10. Enjoy yourself – This is your party, too! You’ve worked hard and it’s important to enjoy the environment, interact with your guests and taste your delicious treats!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Metro. We received a gift basket in exchange for this post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Kraft First Taste Canada

Do you like being first to try out new recipes and products? Join the First Taste community with Kraft Canada and you will be first try out new Kraft recipes, add your own, leave ratings, reviews and comments on the recipes you try. While doing all those fun things you earn points that you can redeem for fun products - Kraft apron, oven mitt, coupons for free Kraft products and more! Joining Kraft First Taste Canada is easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

I have been a member since the fall and have had a lot of fun try out recipes and earning badges/points. I find when I don't know what to have for dinner I usually pop onto Kraft to see what I can make in less than an hour with what I have on hand. It has been great and we have gained some new favorite meals. 

If you are looking for easy, quick and tasty recipes don't forget to sign up for Kraft Canada's weekly emails. They will send you great dinner ideas along with some yummy treat recipes also once a week. You choose the day. Signing up is easy and free!

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn as part of SheBlogs Media. All opinions are honest and my own.*~