Thanks Thanks and Thanks

Today I am thankful for whole family. How wonderful they really are and how lucky I am that they are very loving, fun, and supportive!

Thanks Thanks and Thanks

Every day this month until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it. Either make it your status on your facebook, myspace or put it on your blog. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it gets! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.

Keeping the Kiddos Occupied!

Are you planning an event of any kind that involves children or need something to occupy your little one? Then here is an inexpensive, quick and veeeery easy idea for you!

Create coloring sheets for the tikes to be occupied with.

If you are planning a Wedding and want to keep the children occupied, select a clip art that would go with the theme of your Wedding. Celebrating your Child's Birthday and need an activity for them to do? Try this!

For Boston's birthday we will be doing a Circus theme and print outs will be of circus animals in action. These little works of art are keeping the kiddos occupied and giving you a new piece to hang on the fridge!

What you will need:
You need a program that gives you a Clip Art option, such as Microsoft Word. You'll need black ink in the printer, paper and crayons of course!

If you want to take it one step further and laminate the coloring sheets, you'll either need to take them to a Kinkos or store alike and have them laminated or invest in your own machine. You'll also need non-toxic dry eraser markers instead of crayons.


I hope you enjoy!!

Finance update

About a month ago, I posted something about reaching your finance goals. I am proud to say that my husband and I reached our first goal of painting our home! Now, we'll be saving up for decorating and then of course, our larger goals of paying off a credit card and vehicles! If you didn't get to see the Finance Post, click here and check it out!

Mom's Daily Inspirations

Some things only a mom can fix. Like Hamburger Helper with no hamburger. Like a broken shoestring, or a broken heart, or a breaking out on your face. Moms can handle that. moms are a breed apart.

-Mark Lucado

Mom's Daily Inspirations

If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.

-Anonymous

Mom's Daily Inspirations

A family is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refueling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be.

-Marianne E. Neifert

Food Of The Month

October is both Cranberry AND Apple Month! So celebrate by creating an Apple Cranberry Popover Puff in your own kitchen today!

If you would like more information on apples,

visit www.usapple.org and cranberries at www.uscranberries.com.

Popover Puff

3 tbsp butter or margarine, divided

1 cup milk

6 eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

Apple Cranberry Filling

1 orange

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 pkg (3 oz) vanilla cook and serve pudding and pie filling (not instant)

1 tsp Korintje Cinnamon

4 firm, red baking apples, such as Jonathan Apples

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Cook's Tip below)

Powderd Sugar

Vanilla Ice cream thawed or Frozen whipped Topping (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. For Popover Puff, melt butter in the microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds or until fully melted. Measure 1 tbsp of the butter into bottom of a Deep Dish Baker; then brush over bottom only using a Pastry Brush. In a batter bowl/mixing bowl, combine remaining butter, milk and eggs using a whisk. In a small batter bowl/mixing bowl, stir together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to egg mixture; whisk 1 minute or until smooth. Pour batter into Baker. Bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F; continue baking 10-15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

2. Meanwhile, prepare Apple Cranberry Filling. Using a Zester/Scorer, zest orange to measure 1 tbsp. Squeeze the juice from the orange. Add water to the juice to measure 1 cup. Place in a microwave safe bowl (or a Micro-Cooker) orange zest, orange juice, cranberries, pudding mix and cinnamon. Mix well. Core Apples. Then slice them into eights (cut into quarters and then cut quarter pieces in half). Seperate the slices into the pudding mixture. Microwave, coverd, on HIGH 4 minutes; stir gently. Continue Microwaving 4-5 minutes or until glaze is thickened and clear; stir gently to evenly coat apples with glaze.

3. Remove puff from oven to a cooling rack; let stand 3 minutes or until puff begins to fall, forming a shell. If necessary, use a Paring Knife to cut around sides of puff to loosen from the baker.

4. Spoon filling into the center of the puff. Sprinkle toasted almonds around edges of filling. Sprinkle entire puff with powdered sugar using. Slice and serve. If desired, serve with ice cream or Whipped topping.

Yield: 12 servings

Cooks Tip: Ground cinnamon can be substituted from the Korintje Cinnamon.

To toast almonds, spread them in a single layer over the bottom of a cookie sheet or stoneware piece. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown. To cut off time, you can place the almonds in the oven during the last 10 minutes while puff is baking. Another option is to put the almonds in a nonstick frying pan and put them over medium heat until the edges are light golden brown.

Nutrients Per Serving: Calories 190, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 115mg, Carbohydrate 28g, Protein 5g, Sodium 210mg, Fiber 2g.

2009 The Pampered Chef used under license. This recipe was developed and tested in The Pampered Chef Test Kitchens by professional home economists.

If you are interested in having this recipe emailed to you or would like more information about products that may be used to assist you in making this wonderful recipe, please email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com

Changes are coming!

This morning I am having another Marketing Meeting and we will be discussing some big changes for "The Nifty Mom's Notebook". We have big plans in the works and I'm very excited and can not wait to share. This past week has been a little crazy with Marketing meetings, a Birthday get-away, my Mothers Birthday and a Wedding today. Next week is filled with excitement! Filming for the new cooking web-isode will be on Sunday and Wednesday!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,
Danielle

Jewelry Jewelry Everywhere!...But it doesn't have to be!!

A couple of weeks ago, I did a post about how to organize your jewelry using a cork board or even your wall at home. A lovely fan of The Nifty Mom's Notebook contacted me telling me that she loved the idea, but that she had her own spin on it.

Below is what Bettina had sent to me. Her partner was over seeing her earrings all over the place and she knew she had to do something about it. So she used a canvas, painted it and lined the border with ribbon and it looks great!
So not only is she showcasing her beautiful and amazing collection of earrings, but she's doing with art that she created.

This is a wonderful idea and a great way to stay organized while incorporating this into the style and decor of any room!

(Photo Courtesy of Bettina M.)

If you see something you like and you create it yourself or have a spin on it, email me (DanielleS.PC@gmail.com) and with pictures!!! I love to see great ideas at work!

Mom's Daily Inspirations

The ultimate goal of parenthood is to allow your children to become the persons God intended them to be.
-Author Unknown

Mom's Daily Inspirations

The worst things about work in the house or home is that whatever you do it is destroyed, laid waste, or eaten within twenty-four hours.
-Lady Hasluck

Mom's Daily Inspirations

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs, since the payment is pure in love.
-Mildred B. Vermont

Mom's Daily Inspirations

Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break!
-Jane Wells

Mom's Daily Inspirations

Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children's eyes.
-Lawana Blackwell

Mom's Daily Inspirations

Making the decision to have a child--is momentous. it is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

--Elizabeth Stone

Finances a little crazy?!

Today, everyone is affected somehow in their life by a Financial woe. We are in or know someone who is. Not to mention that money is the NUMBER ONE argument between couples. So let's not make it an issue, start preparing for the future even more so than what we have before, and prepare ourselves for those random events that just pop up in our life.

I'm pretty savvy when it comes to creating budgets...I LOVE IT! It's a part of my sickness with organization and numbers. But I took it upon myself to take an online Credit Counseling Course and I feel rejuvenated! So I would LOVE to share some of the things that I learned and that I also already implement into our family finances. Sharing is Caring :) So this is going to be the start of a series of Financial & Budgeting Posts that I will be doing. I want you to set your goals and most of all.... to achieve them!

Some find it crazy, but I have a budget sheet that I update weekly, if not daily and I know where we'll be sitting financially up to February of NEXT YEAR! So if we want to spring for a vacation or birthday trip...I know just how it will affect us..even 4 months from now!!

There are wonderful tools for us to use and to have. To be on a budget does not mean that we are poor or do not have enough money. Even those who make over 7 figures should have budgets. If not, who would know what was in the account, what's coming in, where it's going and what all has already left?!

So for your first step to creating Financial relief..create goals.

I know it sounds crazy, and it seems too fictitious, and you will never reach your goals...but you can and put your mind to it and YOU WILL!

Have three categories for your Financial Goals..

1. $1-$500 Goal
2. $500-$3000 Goal
3. $4000+ Goal

These could include everything from buying that new Coach bag to purchasing your own home. But write them down on a card or a sticky note and put them in your wallet. So every time you go to make that spontaneous purchase, you see what your goals are and can make the right decision from there!

I would love to share what our three goals are:

1. $1-$500 Goal: Paint and decorate the new home
2. $500-$3000 Goal: Pay off our Dicks Sporting Goods Credit Card
3. $4000+ Goal: Pay off the Truck (then my SUV and then my school loan!!)


What are your financial goals?! I would love to hear them!
If you don't want to post them, feel free to email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com

Microwaved Chicken...that's NOT a typo

I love Stoneware and this just completed me. The Deep Covered Baker not only cuts down your cook time, but also your clean up time and gives you delicious food!

IN THE MICROWAVE...Pork Tenderloin in 10 minutes...Whole Chicken 20-30 minutes...Chicken Breasts 10-15 minutes...Meat Loaf 17-20 minutes

These are before and after pictures of a WHOLE chicken that took me 25 minutes in the MICROWAVE! So while getting my side dishes done, this bad boy was being cooked and made to look roasted! The meat was just FALLING off the bone.

Can we say AH-MAY-ZIIIING?!

Before:
Notice...no juice added and only seasonedAfter:
Looks roasted, meat falling off the bone and juice! Good enough to add a little flour and make yourself a gravy with it!
If you are interested in learning more about the Deep Covered Baker (aka..the Magic Pot)...email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com

Jewelry Jewelry Everywhere!...But it doesn't have to be!!

As you may find from post to post that I love to organize things. Whether it's organizing a drawer, room, box or even under the sink...I love organization. I feel that it helps your everyday life run a little smoother. Having your jewelry hanging up, not tangled and visible, you are able to see what you have, what you want to wear..can grab and run out the door without having to untangle or dig through a box. This is an inexpensive project that will save you time and even money!

Materials needed:
Jewelry (OF COURSE)
A cork board (You can use cork board tiles or even a blank wall space)
A box of Push Pins (As many as you have jewelry..as of now at least!)

1. Lay out all the jewelry that you have. Untangle those pieces that may be knotted up!

2. Begin with your longest necklace first and place it on the push pin before you put it up on the board. This is done so that you are able to distance the necklace from the edge so it's not hanging off. And when you begin to hang other pieces, you will need to know the distance necessary between each piece.
**This is where you can get creative! You can put your gold with your gold, silver with silver, etc. I hang mine from long to short and from skinny to chunky.

Once you have filled up the entire top row, move to the second row. The second row will begin at the length of the longest necklace from the top row.
Then finish off the rest of your necklaces3. Next is to hang up your smaller items, such as your rings, earrings, bracelets, watches and anklets. This is done in the same fashion as above.
4. Now put up the earrings! I have kept most of the plastic hanging pieces that came with mine. If you did not, then you can simply hang your earrings on a push pin, like I did with a couple of mine. If you have studs, you can just push them into the cork board and they will stay secure.

Make sure that you leave room in between your jewelry so you can always add more! I leave a few extra push pins on the board and that way I'm not digging through a drawer trying to pull more out.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION WHILE DOING THIS TASK! You can either plan your attacks before placing anything on the board/wall, you can just place as you go. Cork board is very forgiving. Be sure that you make it so that you WILL utilize it.

If you have any questions, you can email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com

No Allspice..No problem!

I found myself in a small bind when I was going to be making Mini Carrot Cake Cups...it was late at night, munchkin in bed and could not leave to go to the store to pick some up. I, amazingly, had everything BUT what I needed! So I found, at Chef2Chef Portal, a way to create your very own Allspice.

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:
Combine all three ingredients

This creates 1 tsp of Allspice

Source: Oregonian FoodDay, Food Tip column; typos by Dorothy Flatman
1996

List It!

I have always been big on making lists. Whether it's a to-do list, grocery list, packing list, etc. I am always making lists! My family calls it OCD, but I call it ASSISTANCE! These bad boys have become very helpful, not only to myself, but to my husband since our little boy Boston was born.

They say that baby brain kicks in again and stronger when your youngin' turns Seven Months of age..they weren't lying. I became even more frazzled and yet I over loaded my plate like I usually would and went back for a second helping!

But ways to ease my crazy mind has been making a list. I have a daily to-do list that I begin, usually the end of the night prior to the day (Monday night for Tuesday To-Do's). This way, when the house is quiet, I can think of everything that I need to do the next day. As the day goes on, I tend to add to the list when I think of something. I even keep a notebook in my car with a pen handy in case I remember something I had forgotten (which has been happening often).

This past month we have been traveling A LOT! But to help remember all of the things I needed for my little man, I made a list and even counted the number of items that we had taken. This way, when I was packing back up (after all had been scattered throughout our room and the house) we knew just what we took and what we were missing. (This included our phone charges, which tend to be the first thing forgotten at home).

I went ahead and created a master copy and left it on my computer. So if the trip is longer or shorter, all I have to do is add something or take it off and print it out and I'm good to go!

So I know that it may sound crazy...even a little obsessive compulsive...these lists are a blessing in disguise!

Below: This is what I did for our week long Georgia Trip

Keep one in your car for those last minute reminders!


I keep one next to my keyboard on my desk


What type of a list do you use on a daily, weekly or even a monthly basis?

Tasty Tidbits

If you are interested in receiving an emailed newsletter monthly that includes Host and Guest specials for each month, sneak peaks at products, sneak peaks at Specials for the upcoming month and a recipe of the month, please email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com. Please, Subject: Requesting Tasty Tidbits.

Please be advised that when my newsletters are sent out, that each and every person is BCC'd so that no one else will receive any of your information! I hold everyone's information as personal unless they request otherwise.

Have a wonderful evening!

The Beast

This is "the beast"! Probably some of the best cardio I have received in a while. We did girls vs. boys and we beat them at least 5 times. But they kept asking for a rematch! (Imagine that...lol!) All in all...it was a wonderful night with family and watching and enjoying the kids having a blast! We will definitely need to do it again. If you can find local places that are indoor inflatables, I suggest going with your tikes. It's inexpensive and you can not beat the exercise that you and your little ones will receive!

I found a couple in Florida....

Clermont, FL: Big Bounce Fun Zone
Mulitple Locations (Sunrise/Orange Park/Tampa): Jump Zone (You can choose your state)

Home Sweet Home

We are officially home today and it is so sad to say that Vacation is officially over tomorrow. So today we have tons of laundry and catching up to do and later having a delicious meat loaf dinner tonight at my parents house!
Sooner than later, Saturday will be here and off to Jacksonville we go for a Reeby Family Gathering.

Pictures from our GA Vacation have been posted on Facebook and I'm working my way around to getting them on here!

My very first Cooking Show should be ready and posted in a couple of weeks and a I will be having a Pre-Production meeting within the week for Cooking Show Numero Dos. I am super excited for big things to come and can not WAIT to share them!!


Boston ready to head out of Florida on his first road trip!!
We have arrived...The GA House

Georgia...Sweeet Georgiaaa!

I will be out of the "office" until Tuesday the 1st of September. We are heading to Georgia for a wonderful family vacation for some relaxation, fun and most of all, great family time! I'm going to get to meet my Brother in-law from Boston and his wonderful family! I hope everyone has a wonderful week and weekend!

If you would like to still email with questions about products or recipe questions, please email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com. I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Fully Cooked Gooey Brownies?!

Brownies...delicious little morsels of goodness that are sent from the man below...because they easily entice any dieter to stray!

Try to make them healthier by substituting your Vegetable Oil for some Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It does not alter the taste AT ALL!

And if you like Gooey Brownies but have a hard time with them not being fully cooked, there is a way around that!!!

Purchase Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (any grocery store and the brand does not matter) But they are approximately .5 calories per morsel. Sprinkle a hand full in your Brownie mix and pop in the oven for the full cooking time.

Your Brownies will not only be fully cooked but they will be sinfully gooey and delicious. My husband and I could NOT stop eating them!

Try it out and let me know how you like it!!

(Sorry there is no photo..I ate them before I even had a chance!)

Coming Soon!!

Friday was an amazing and yet busy day! I filmed my very first cooking segment and it was a blast. Crazy how you never really know how much work goes just into lighting until you watch it being done. Jesse Adair is head of the project and he really is and has done an amazing job. So many "thank you's" sent (and still sending) his way! Once we get into the swing of things, the cooking segments will be posted more often. Below are more pictures of our wonderful day!
Watching mommy work

Setting up lighting

Setting up sound...and being silly!

Wrapping it up!

-Photographs are compliments of Kenzie Shores Photography

A great haircut!

Gooood Morning everyone! Before I even noticed, Wednesday has arrived! New recipes are in the works along with grand ideas!

On Sunday I went to Mia and Maxx at Tyrone Square Mall in Pinellas County and Tara did my hair. She did such an awesome job changing up my hair and giving me the "mom" haircut that I needed! Still trendy and yet easy to take care of, fix and most of all maintain!! Want highlights but don't have the time to keep retouching them? Well, Tara fixed that. We darkened my hair a tinge to bring out my blues (and sometimes greens) and placed blonde highlights in the midsection that peek out. Subtle yet very stunning. Updating my color won't be an issue because the way she colored it, the color with subltly fade and so my roots will not be very apparent. This was the first phone call in a while that my family recieved after a haircut that was not filled with tears! So if you are looking for a new look, go to Mia and Maxx at Tyrone Square Mall and visit Tara! And I couldn't help but post a picture of my baby boy Boston

GOING GOING GONE!!!!

As of August 31st, 2009 These products will be officially retired and only some restyled! Grab your before you won't be able to anymore!!
Email me for more information or you can go to my personal website for online orders in a safe and secure shopping setting. Just click here!

Get some YUM Quick and Easy!

This is a very delicious recipe that was quick and easy! It took me less than 30 minutes to make and that was using frozen ravioli! No thawing necessary for this!! I had enough time in making this that I was able to whip up Banana Pudding so my husband was out the door with dinner and a dessert!
Be sure to click on the products to get more information. They really are a HUGE help in making this process go a lot faster!

The Pampered Chef ^® Zesty Ravioli
Skillet Recipe

Your Shopping List:
heavy whipping cream
fresh baby spinach leaves
6 oz (175 g) provolone cheese
olive oil (or clean it up by using Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 small jalapeño pepper
3 garlic cloves
2 cans (14.5 oz/398 mL each) diced tomatoes with onions
salt (Clean it up with Sea Salt instead of table salt)
coarsely ground black pepper
1 pkg (24 oz/700 g) small frozen cheese ravioli
Halved grape tomatoes (optional but delicious)

Ingredients:
1/3 cup (75 mL) heavy whipping cream
4 cups (1 L) loosely packed fresh baby spinach leaves
6 oz (175 g) provolone cheese, grated
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil (or clean it up with Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead)
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded
3 garlic cloves, pressed
2 cans (14.5 oz/398 mL each) diced tomatoes with onions, undrained
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
1 pkg (24 oz/700 g) small frozen cheese ravioli
Halved grape tomatoes (optional but delicious)


Directions:
1. Measure cream using Easy Read Measuring Cup. Wash spinach in large Stainless Mesh Colander; drain. Grate cheese using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with grating blade. Set aside cream, spinach and cheese.

2. Add oil to (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; heat over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Finely chop jalapeño with Food Chopper. Add jalapeño to Skillet; cook and stir 1 minute or until crisp-tender. Press garlic into Skillet with Garlic Press; cook and stir 15-20 seconds or until fragrant.

3. Add tomatoes, salt and black pepper to Skillet; cook and stir with Bamboo Spatula 1-2 minutes or until simmering. Add ravioli; stir to coat. Cook, uncovered, 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir cream into Skillet. Cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or until simmering. Sprinkle spinach over ravioli; cook, covered, 1 minute or until spinach starts to wilt.

4. Remove Skillet from heat. Top with cheese; cover Skillet and let stand 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with grape tomatoes, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 400, Total Fat 20 g, Saturated Fat 11 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 19 g, Sodium 870 mg, Fiber 3 g

Cook's Tip: Wear plastic gloves when working with jalapeño peppers. The juice from the peppers can create a burning sensation on the skin.

For a dish with more heat, do not seed the jalapeño pepper.

If you have any questions about the recipe, or are interested in receiving any of the products listed above for FREE, Email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com!

LOVE Pampered Cookware?!

Host a Cooking Show in August and you can receive up to 60% on up to TWO pieces of cookware! This is on top of your FREE products, DISCOUNTED products, HALF PRICED Products and FREE shipping on your order AND you receive your P.H.D. your Past Host Discount. Your P.H.D. will get you 10% off of any order for an entire year after your Show!

Not interested in Hosting but you want to be a Guest.
Than refer a Host and you will receive a FREE Gift when they hold their Cooking Show!
To check out the wonderful cookware, just click here!
Email me at DanielleS.PC@gmail.com
www.pamperedchef.biz/daniellesawyer

FREE Cookbook with Purchase in August

The Pampered Chef is offering a FREE Cookbook to those Guests of a Cooking Show who spend $60 or more! What a wonderful opportunity to start building your Cookbook Collection!

If you would like to be a Guest at a Cooking Show...refer a Host!
When they Host their Cooking Show, you will receive a Special Gift!
Email me: DanielleS.PC@gmail.com
www.pamperedchef.biz/daniellesawyer
To check out more of our wonderful cookbooks, Go to the Cook's Library

MY FIRST POST!!

I am VERY excited to say HELLO to everyone and welcome you to viewing my blog! My name is Danielle and I'm known as a "Jill" of all trades. But most importantly, I am a Mother to a BEAUTIFUL baby boy, named Boston who is 7 months old! I am also a Consultant for the Pampered Chef . I love to decorate, cook, bake, do things in a jiff, budgeting, creating small master pieces and I really wanted to share it with everyone out there!
Each week I will be posting a new recipe, tips for every occasion and how to make your everyday life a bit easier (which is always important)! Also, there will be a Pampered Product of the week and each Month there are Host and Guest Specials for those who Host and attend Cooking Shows.
Again, thank you to everyone for your support and please bare with me as I begin my journey of blogging. Make sure to come back throughout the week to check for updates!!

xoxo,
Danielle