Sunbeam Mini Pie Maker

I love finding new "toys" for my kitchen.  My husband thinks I'm crazy, but since he usually enjoys what is created with those toys, he doesn't complain ... too much.

I had seen a cake pop maker at one of the warehouse stores a few weeks ago and debated about getting one, but I didn't.  I kept thinking I should go back and see if they were still there.  As luck would have it I was going through the Target sale catalog last night and saw similar machines that make donuts and cupcakes and mini pies.  I kept going back to the page with the mini pie maker and finally decided that I wanted to get a close up look at it.  This morning I ran to Target and found .........

I have to say I like this red color too - just really makes you smile.

I 

They are so easy to put together.  I know you can make your own pie crust and filling, but for this experiment I used some store bought pie crust (the refrigerator kind) and some canned fruit pie filling.  I wanted to see if this was basically fool proof or at least for the culinary challenged.  I rolled out the pie crust (my first pass, with these below, were too thin but even these were great) to an even thin piece.  I plugged in the machine and sprayed each cup (top and bottom) with Pam.  While the machine heated, I cut out my crusts using the handy dandy tool provided.  When the machine was ready (less than 3 minutes) I put the bottom crust dough in each well, filled the crusts with some of the canned filling,

Put the crust top on top of each filling and closed the machine.  Literally 10 minutes later, I had mini apple pies. 

I had a little dough left over from the 4 apple pies, so I put it all together and rolled it out again.  I was able to make another pie with the leftovers.  I thought I would see if you could do a savory pie just as quick and easy with leftovers from the other night.  I made this dough a little thicker, mixed up a meatball with some gravy and a little onion and added that to the well, covered it with the topper and cooked that one for 10 minutes too. 

I love how these look on the plate. The one on the right is the apple with the very thin crust, the one on the left is the meatball with a little thicker crust.
Even with the thicker crust (which I liked better) it was still light and tasty - not heavy or gooey.





These would make a great quick meal that would use up some leftovers and have it on the table in less than 20 minutes. And you could make dessert too!

What a way to be a star!  I am so very glad I found this little gem.  I know I will be using it often - even if its just to use up leftovers in a "creative" way.

If you are looking for something different for your kitchen - I definitely would vote for this one.  With a $5 off coupon in the flyer and the sale, I was able to pick this one up for $20!  So worth the money.
 
I wonder if I made a batch and froze them if I could have my very own frozen pot pies ??  Hmmmm I'm thinking that will be my next test, although being able to make these in about 15 minutes may eliminate the need to freeze them.

iTunes Card - Reader Appreciation Giveaway

Yesterday I received word that I had been named "Hot Blog of the Week", which really made me smile.  I also just realized that this is my 3rd anniversary of blogging - so I really needed to do something.  That something would be for my readers just from me, something that I would love to have ...... just because. 

So I went looking for something that I could easily send out to one reader, that could be sent quickly and easily through the mail.  Something that they could use either for themselves or as a gift or as a stocking stuffer.

To celebrate my "award" and to hopefully add to my followers I am holding a giveaway for my readers of  $40 in iTunes Gift Cards, that they can do whatever they want with.  Because there are 4 - $10 cards you can use them as 4 gifts/stocking stuffers or 1 gift or just for yourself.

I also picked up a Simple Pleasures 16 month Calendar with a bonus downloadable electronic calendar widget that really looked neat.

I know my daughter would love to have these ........ but she's not going to get them this time.

I would love to see my followers over the 300 mark before the end of this giveaway - especially since this is my anniversary, so anything you can do to help spread the word and get that number growing would be appreciated.

Since I've received a few comments below about not being able to find my Facebook page ... maybe this will help Facebook Page

The Rafflecopter makes it so much easier for everyone to enter - and for me to select the winner.  I'm so glad I was able to start using this 

I'm the Hot Blog of the Week!!!

Well I just found out that I am being honored as the Hot Blog of the Week as part of  Follow us Monday Morning over at Frugality is Free and Being Frugal and Making it Work!

I am pretty EXCITED about this one and VERY SURPRISED. 

So take a look around, check out some of the things I have been writing about and let me know what you think.

Make sure you enter my current giveaway for MyMemories Digital Software. 

Then come on back tomorrow for another giveaway that I will host in honor of this status.  Yes I am very excited :)

Zaycon Foods Giveaway WINNER

I have the pleasure of announcing the winner of my $65 credit to Zaycon Foods this afternoon.

There were 164 entries (and helped to increase my readership) for this giveaway. I want to thank everyone who entered.

The winner has been notified by email and my contact at Zaycon Foods (one of the owners) has also been notified.

And the winner is ................ 

Entry #70 Barbara Evans

Congratulations Barbara!

I hope you can use your credit very soon.

DIY Spices and Mixes from Frugal Families

You may have been seeing recipes that have Apple Pie Spice in the ingredients, I know I have.  But I have to say I have yet to see this spice in my grocery stores, so it was time to find a way to make my own.  I found it at a wonderful new friends website Frugal Families.

There are some FABULOUS mixes to be found on her site, so I think I will be spending a lot of time wandering around her posts for sure!

Here are just a few of what I have found on a quick wander - that I want to make sure I keep for me and share with you.  But she has so many great ones I know I will be going back often.

Apple Pie Spice Mix


-1/4 cup cinnamon
-2 tsp nutmeg
-1 tsp allspice
-1 tsp ground ginger

Mix together and store in airtight container.

Homemade Taco Seasonings


-3/4 cup dried minced onion (I also have used 1/4 cup of onion powder)
-3 TBS of salt (original recipe called for significantly more and I lowered it to this)
-1/4 cup of chili powder
-1 TBS oregano
-2 TBS of ground cumin
-1 TBS garlic powder
-2 TBS of cornstarch

Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
To use:  Brown hamburger meat or use diced leftover chicken (my boys LOVE chicken-based tacos!) or turkey burger and add 2 TBS of the mix with 1/2 cup of water and cook a moment longer until taco sauce thickens up.  Add additional mix for larger batches.

Oh NO it's Black Friday

I always dread today.  I love spending time with family and friends for Thanksgiving, but the next day is ALWAYS, ALWAYS a major problem for me.  I'm not usually worried about crowds, but somehow when I see this ..............

I just want to run in the opposite direction.  Usually I do.  

I don't know if you enjoy this fiasco or not but since I'm not big on shopping in the first place, all this hustle and bustle and chaos just puts a damper on everything for me.  Oh I love trying new things and buying new and different things, I just don't enjoy the major headaches this day brings. 

Enjoy your Black Friday Sales ......... I'll start shopping next week.

You can fill me in on some of the good buys you found, once you recover.

Oh and don't forget my giveaways ...... you can find the links are up in the top right corner.

Happy Thanksgiving

From my family to yours

I hope it is a wonderful day for you, filled with family, friends, good food and good times.

Hope you are able to enjoy the Annual Parade.

Hampton Duraceramica - THE kitchen knives you MUST have

I was in Costco (the Warehouse chain) recently picking up a few things before the holiday rush started and saw something I had been looking for since watching the PBS cooking show with Chef Ming Tsai.  White Ceramic Knives.  Yes I did say Ceramic Knives.  And I confess, they are sexy.

I had thought that I could never afford to have these beautiful knives unless I sold my first born.  But lucky for me (and him), there was a coupon and a VERY REASONABLE pricetag on this great set of 4 ceramic knives.  Yes I thought I had gone to heaven  -  then I heard someone calling to open another register and I knew this was real!

The press release back in March said, "Hampton fabricates DuraCeramica with a breakthrough manufacturing process that turns high quality ceramic into an ultra strong, ultra sharp blade that should never need sharpening."


The box it came in says that it is 10 times sharper than steel, forever sharp, stain and rust proof, resists bacteria and top rack dishwasher safe.  All of which are great qualities for knives that will come in contact with food and the fact that it can go in the dishwasher and still stay sharp  ... heaven.


I remember, while watching one of  Chef Tsai's cooking spots, that he said something about how sharp these knives were to one of his guest chefs, and I thought to myself - how sharp can they be?  Well I have to tell you, they are really really sharp.  Definitely NOT something that should be in the hands of a child, of ANY age.  They even come with their own blade guard that is color coded to match the knife itself.

The set included:

-   6” Chef Knife with a Raspberry Red comfort handle.
-   5” Santoku Knife with a Mint Green comfort handle.
-   5” Utility Knife (Serrated) with a Lemon Yellow comfort handle. (I couldn't tell it was serrated)
-   4” Parer Knife with a Citrus Orange comfort handle.

I have to say these knives are fantastic.  I have been using these every chance I get since I picked them up and I am in love with them.  Yes they are super sharp.  Yes they are dishwasher safe (top rack).  Yes they are comfortable to use.

I won't get rid of my other knives - they are good knives but I have a feeling I will be reaching for these when I prepare meals for a good long time I think.  If they stay as sharp as they are today, it will be a very long time.

If you see these in your local warehouse or store, it is my recommendation that you pick them up, you won't be disappointed.

 Don't forget to enter my Zaycon Foods Giveaway 
and My Memories Digital Scrapbook Giveaway

Thanksgiving Dinner

I just had to share this one with everyone since my girlfriend Karen sent this to me for Thanksgiving - it is perfect!  I wonder how it would go over with my family?

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!

You should try this!

Sure to bring smiles from your guests!

Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully.  (see picture for details)

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces... as you put the turkey on the table (scroll down to view)

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes

I just happened to "stumble" upon this giveaway that I think everyone "needs" to enter.  I mean serioulsy who couldn't use the grand prize of $25,000?  I know it would make a HUGE dent in college tuition ............

ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes

ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes

Maxine and Your Second Chance

Another perfect gem from Maxine.

Don't forget to enter my Zaycon Foods Giveaway 
and My Memories Digital Scrapbook Giveaway

Lenox Giveaway

I don't know about you but I really like Lenox, not that I have alot of pieces, but I do like the pieces with the elegant look to them.

I have a very pretty vase that is actually holding artificial flowers - I know I know, but it really does look nice.
And I have a small swan basket that is sitting in my China Hutch.
Oh and 3 small but very pretty bowls with a Christmas Holly pattern. 

I really need to look at some more pieces. 

But I got an email the other day with a link for a fantastic giveaway that Lenox is having, shopping sprees, 2 iPad2s, 3 Kindle Fires, products - so of course I had to share with all of you.  Lenox Giveaway

I'm in  ... how about you?  Have you entered yet?

I just won 10 points on the SuperLucky Button!

I just won 10 points on the SuperLucky Button!: Superpoints is a members-only club where you earn great rewards for doing things online like taking surveys, watching videos or shopping.

I know that you would like a little information about what the Superpoints Network is so here are some of the points addressed in their "About Us" tab on their website

• The Superpoints Network is a collection of sites where you can win and earn Superpoints™ that can be redeemed for great rewards.
• Our goal is to build the best rewards program in the world by offering the best sites to win and earn points, the biggest payouts, and the most rewards.
• You can finally do something with all those connections you've amassed on MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bebo, Hi5, Tagged, Flicker, etc. etc. etc. because at the Superpoints Network, "every connection counts"!
• You can use the Superpoints Network with confidence. We're accredited by the Better Business Bureau and Truste, and many of our advertisers are brands you know and trust like The Gap, Target, and Macy's. 

Take a look at all the great sites in the Superpoints Network, and find out how you can get big rewards by searching, shopping, or recruiting.They  can't do it without you!

And who knows, with your accumulated points, you could end up giving your family all the wonderful gifts they want for the holidays without having to spend a small fortune.

Told you SuperPoints Network is THE best!  What are you waiting for?  HURRY over to SuperPoints Network and join

My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbook - Review and Giveaway

 I had the pleasure of reviewing a fabulous digital scrapbooking software that I really think everyone should own.  It is super easy to use and so much fun.  
I think if I had My Memories Suite when my kids were little ...... my family would have all kinds of annual memories to look at and remember accomplishments, vacations, milestones.  I have to say I LOVE this product!  No doubt about it.
I was having so much fun putting together a book of milestones for my parents for the holidays ...... I almost forgot to post this review and giveaway.  Yes it is that much fun - its addicting!  Here is the first thing I did, right out of the box.  

You can Buy this great product (and I really think you should own it) and received a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!). 

Go to  http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software  and use the code STMMMS93575

OR

You can WIN it.
Yes MyMemories.com has graciously provided 1 digital scrapbooking software for my readers.
I will again be using Rafflecopter for this giveaway.

Friends

My girlfriend Cindy posted this on her Facebook page ........ 

just makes you go hmmmmm this is just sooo right.

Luck decides whom you meet in life, 

your heart decides whom you want in life 

and time 

decides who gets to stay in your life.

Don't forget to enter my Zaycon Foods Giveaway

Microfiber Mop and Cloth System

I don't know if you have seen this product on an Infomercial or in one of those Warehouse Stores but I have to say the Microfiber Mop and Cloth that I have is a real gem

I originally saw this product when I was looking for some replacement pads for my "quick clean" spray and wipe mop (I know you know which product I mean).  I have to say I was a bit intrigued by the thought of not having to constantly purchase wet or dry pads or the spray solution, which were costing me an arm and a leg.

I stood and watched as the product was promoted 'cause I do things like that.  You knew know what you may find that will make your life easier or fun.  You can watch an example of what I saw on Jesco's website for the euroclean microfiber products

Of course I had to try it right away.  First I used the dampened mop cloth on the laminate flooring in my wood stove room and saw how much nicer it seemed to shine, although the pad didn't seem to be dirty.  Then I went right into my kitchen.  I have to say I "thought" my kitchen floor was clean but this was able to pick up even more "stuff" that was stuck to my floor.  That alone was enough to sell me on this product.

The fact that I don't have to constantly bend over / kneel down and replace the pad like with my other mop system is an added bonus.  And all of this works with plain tap water - no more need to stock up on chemicals!  When its dirty all I need to do is pop it in the washer with jeans or work clothes and tumble dry on low -  tada - ready for another round of cleaning.  I just need to remember that I don't want to use fabric softener.  They say these will last for 300 washings!  Think of all the money you can save over those one-time use pads.

I got the package with the mop and cloth.  The cloth will be in constant use in my house I am sure.  It will become a fixture in my kitchen so that I can clean up without having chemicals in my food prep area.  No chemicals near my food!   I'm thinking I need to pick up a few more for the bathrooms ...... you know how the mirrors are always "spritzed" with toothpaste - these would be perfect.

Yes this was a very good purchase, but I will pick up a few more cloth pads so that I will not have to wait if one is in the wash.   Just having one or two more will make mid-week clean-up so much easier - and may just make weekly cleaning a breeze!

5 Ingredients / 15 minutes "cookbook"

I have to publicly admit my addiction.  I do this because they (whoever they really are) say that admitting something is the first step in recovery.

I have a love affair with cookbooks.  

I'm obsessed with them.  

I must have hundreds of them.

Here are just a few of the many that are on a shelf in my kitchen for "easy" access.  I do rotate them so that I get to use different ones (yes I have boxes of these babies to rotate every few months)

Ok I feel better but I really don't think I want to recover.  You see, just because I feel better doesn't mean that I will stop picking them up when I see something that interests me.  I've just moved to "collecting" some of the magazine type cookbooks that take up less room but still have some FABULOUS recipes.

One of my latest purchases was from Hearst Magazines.

5 Ingredients 

15 Minutes 

New family favorites

One of the things I like about this cookbook is that it is a consolidation of recipes from many different magazines that Hearst publishes.  They picked some really fast easy recipes for a weeknight meal that won't feel like you are skimping or short changing your family because you have been rushed (you know those days, I know you do)

There is a Lemon-Oregano Chicken recipe on page 16 that I will be making tonight.  How easy is this for ingredients - chicken, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a grill pan.  A new recipe for me to use some of those great Zaycon Chicken Breasts I picked up last week.  And I think I will make the Carrot Coins found on page 44 as a side with rice.  Yes a complete meal that won't take more than 20 minutes total to put on the table.

It is still on Display until December 6th, so if you want to get this one you really need to hurry. 

Have you entered my Zaycon Foods Giveaway? There's still time so jump on over there too.

Look for the good ...

 in every situation.  If you look for it, you will see that there is always something to be thankful for.

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.  She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.

He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'  The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.  The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her.  She hadn't expected that.  The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.  Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around.

Did you enter my Zaycon Foods Giveaway?

Zaycon Foods Giveaway

Happy Veteran's Day to each and every Veteran and his/her family.  Please accept my heartfelt "Thank You" for your service - I know you don't hear it enough.  

OK on to the Giveaway.

Last week I was able to pick up my win from Zaycon Foods ........ Boneless/Skinless chicken breasts which were so unbelievably beautiful I had to try and get a giveaway for you, my readers, so that you too could "share the wealth" of these babies!  Mike Conrad has graciously granted a giveaway for you to try their products.  I have the pleasure of offering  a credit of $65 to Zaycon Foods.  You can use this for chicken or any other product event they hold in your area.

 Rafflecopter makes entry easy for you to be in the running.

Out of the mouth of babes ........ always believe

The ultimate price is also paid by the family of an American Soldier.  As we honor those who serve and have served this country, let us not forget the families as well.

Her hair was up in a pony tail.

Her favorite dress tied with a bow. 

Today was Daddy's Day at school.  

She couldn't wait to go.   

But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. 

Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. 

What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today. 

But still her mother worried for her to face this day alone. 

And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. 

But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all,
about a dad she never sees,
a dad who never calls. 

There were daddies along the wall in back for everyone to meet. 
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called a student from the class, to introduce their daddy.

At last the teacher called her name and every child turned to stare.  Each of them was searching for a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'  she heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,' another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.' 

The words did not offend her as she smiled up at her Mom and then looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.   

With hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.   And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. 

'My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.   But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.   And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know, all about my daddy and how much he loves me so. 

He loved to tell me stories.   He taught me to ride my bike.  He surprised me with pink roses,  and taught me to fly a kite.  We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone.   

And though you cannot see him.   I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, "He'll forever be in my heart' 

With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.   Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.   And from somewhere here in the crowd of dad's her mother stood in tears.   Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. 

For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.   Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.   And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.   She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. 

'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far. You see he is an American soldier and died just this past year, when a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Americans to fear. 

But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.   And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.   And to her mothers amazement, she witnessed with surprise, a room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes. 

Who knows what they saw before them, 

Who knows what they felt inside. 

Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. 

'I know you're with me Daddy,'   To the silence she called out.   And what happened next made believers of those once filled with doubt.   Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.   

But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.   And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. 

And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

Zaycon Chicken

If you recall back in early October I had told you that I won a great prize from ShainasDeals.  I had won a credit of $67.50 to be used on a purchase from Zaycon or a check for $30 if I was not in their delivery area.  Well as luck would have it I was close to the only delivery location in New Jersey (although they could be expanding here too).

I was able to use part of my credit to purchase 40 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts that I picked up on Saturday.  I know what you are saying . WOW 40 pounds! That's a lot of chicken!  And it is but it really isn't.  We like chicken and this is beautiful chicken.

  I guess I was really excited because I needed to be in Livingston between 12 and 1 for pickup....but I got there at 11:30 and was the FIRST one in line ... yes I was pretty excited.

I got to talk with Mike Conrad, one of the owners, about some of the great things this company has in store for its clientele.  Like I know the next event will be for ground beef (which from the website is 93/7 - super lean), and I know they just made some arrangements with 12 boats in Alaska to be able to provide Sockeyed Salmon (although I don't know when that will happen yet).  And then they also have connections for blueberries and cherries for sure, that I really can't wait to see.

Mike and his traveling companion (sorry I don't know what his name was) were so nice to talk with and so very helpful.  Mike put my box of chicken in the trunk of my car for me - I didn't even have to carry the box, such a gentleman, (they definitely aren't from around here ... but I loved it).  After a little more conversation about possibilities for the future, off I went.

When I got home, of course I had to bring it into the house - and I have to admit 40 pounds of chicken is heavy.

When I opened the box I saw there was a sealed bag, that had individual bags inside that bag that held my chicken.  I really liked the extra packaging.  The inside bags weren't sealed but they were "overflowing" with chicken.  The sealed outside bag, made sure that there wasn't any "leakage" in transport.

I had my trusty FoodSaver waiting for me on the counter, along with a cutting board, poultry scissors, and 2 mixing bowls (one for the breasts and one for the scraps for broth).

 The FoodSaver made packaging for the freezer a wonderful thing - if you don't have one you really should look into one.  They really are worth every penny!



Here is one of the butterflied, boneless, skinless chicken breasts right out of the box, on my cutting board.

Basically all I needed to do was cut down the center of the breasts, trim off a little of the extra fat to clean it up just a little bit more and put it in the big bowl until I was ready to package them up.

 Look at the size of those breasts!  I can't believe how big these things were.  I don't think there are ever breasts this big in my local supermarket and definitely NOT at this price!

These were the breasts from one of the inner bags - I could only fix 1 bag in the large mixing bowl before I had to make my FoodSaver bags and package them up.  Aren't they so beautiful?  I can't wait to make a dinner with these babies!

Here are some of the bagged chicken.  Each package is between 2.5 lbs and 3.25 lbs. of pure chicken.  I have 12 packages this way and a few individual breasts (about .75lbs each) plus my "scraps" for stock.    I was able to put them all back into the box to carry to the freezer, where I laid them flat so that they take up the least amount of room in the freezer

It probably took me about an hour to separate the breasts, do a little clean up of the breasts, package them up into family sized packages, seal the packages with my Foodsaver and put in the freezer and clean up my "production area".  I will be making broth with the "scraps".  I am also looking for some different chicken recipes to try with my beautiful chicken.

I am also going to talk more with Mike and see if I can get a giveaway for you all to be able to try Zaycon products for yourself.  I know I will be looking forward to the next "event".  If you would like to open an account with them, you can do so here  or if you want to check out Zaycon Foods website and then open an account with them, if you could tell them that Kat Meller referred you to them - I would really appreciate it.  And if they see lots of people setting up accounts because of my referral ... that could really make it possible to have a giveaway really soon.

YES we are having a Zaycon Chicken Giveaway!!  check it out and enter at my  Zaycon Foods Giveaway!

Fall Back ....... Don't forget.

Hopefully you have already received this message a number of times today - so you don't forget before you go to sleep tonight.  BUT just in case you didn't get it 100 times already - Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight -- tomorrow at 2AM we get an additional hour to sleep!

Now I think Maxine has the right idea - instead of just an hour ......... I'm thinking of turning my clock back a few YEARS ...... maybe not to when I was 20 but.   Well my 30s were pretty darn good years!

I remember when we would turn back the clocks in October - sometimes right before Halloween and the kids were all "bummed" out because it meant they had a hour less to trick or treat.  I just keep saying ......... thank you for the extra hour of sleep!  Now if we could do away with the "Spring Ahead" day ...............

A little Good News for Your Day!

This is a wonderful news story that everyone needs to see.  I hope that this actually makes you more aware of what is going on around you.

A facebook friend posted this the other day - I saw it this morning and just knew I had to pass it on to you.  Thanks Bo and thank you Success Nation for posting this for all to see.

A little Good News for your day.

Way to go Jason!
Way to go Rochester New York!

Maxine on Elections

Oh I like this ...... I always thought there was some deep theological reason that we had elections in November.  I thought it was something I forgot from school, or something that was lacking from my eduction.  Now I get it.  How about you?

I like this new platform .... leave it to Maxine to put it sooooo precisely.  I really like her - her no nonsense, straight forward way is kind of endearing.  You know you would love to have a grandmother just like her.  Oh wait ... I did.  I really miss you grandmom.

My Fall Giveaway Winner

I used Random.org to draw the winner of My Fall Giveaway this morning, after eliminating the comments that had no way to contact the commenters.  As noted in the "rules" I needed to be able to contact the winner so either your email needed to be visible on your blog, or you needed to leave it in your post.  No way to contact - no way to win.

The winner was .................. 409cope, who was contacted by email and has already provided me with her mailing address.  I am very glad that she is as excited about winner this prize as I was in collected the items.

Thank you all for entering.

Stay tuned for the next giveaway ..... I'm thinking the holidays are coming so everyone needs another giveaway.  I will be thinking of something to have for this giveaway in the next few weeks or so.

If you have any "suggestions" I would love to hear them.