http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php en Fri, 24 May 2013 23:26:01 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=77 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:03:43 GMT We're quickly counting down to "Take it Off Day" for 2009! The event will take place on October 24th at the Nelson Trading Company, starting at 10:00 am.

I wish my hair grew faster so I could donate it again this year. Alas, I will have to wait another year. It's often hard to know just what to do to help those fighting cancer, so it felt so wonderful to be able to host this event and donate my hair -- knowing that it would help someone who lost their hair because of their cancer treatments. Last year, I started the event as a sort of tribute to my sister who was battling cancer -- sadly, this year the event will be in her memory.

Even if you can't donate your hair, come down and join us! The Lion's Club will be cooking up a hot dog lunch starting at 11:00 -- proceeds to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. We will have raffles and door prizes, craft and colouring tables for the kids -- as well as a few other suprises for you!

If you are wanting to donate your ponytail (or know someone who does), give us a call at 250-354-2000 so we can book a time for you -- we will have hairdressers and all the supplies -- all we need is your hair! Call us or go to www.anniesboutique.ca for more information.

If your hair isn't quite long enough, you can wait and have your own hairdresser cut your hair later -- make sure they know you wish to donate it -- then drop off your ponytail at the store anytime and we will send it off for you!


Help spread the word by passing this e-mail along to family and friends -- or tell them to subscribe on our website at www.anniesboutique.ca. You can also check us out on Facebook - just search for Annie's Boutique and become a fan! Take It Off Day is featured on our page there too.

If you are thinking of donating your hair, please remember that in order to make the most beautiful, realistic and durable wigs, donated hair must meet the requirements below:

* Donated hair must be a minimum of 8 inches long (measured from just above the elastic band of the ponytail to the ends).
* Wavy/curly hair texture is fine—you may straighten hair to measure.
* Hair should be freshly washed and completely dry, without any styling products.
* Hair may be coloured with vegetable dyes, rinses and semi-permanent dyes. It cannot be bleached, permanently coloured or chemically treated.
* We have good news for those with grey hair wishing to donate -- we have found a program that accepts grey hair too!

If you are wanting to donate your ponytail (or know someone who does), give us a call at 250-354-2000 so we can book a time for you. Go to www.anniesboutique.ca for more information. ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=77 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=76 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:12:44 GMT A Meat and Potatoes Meal that You'll Love

Here's a meal that my family loves and the foods compliment each other really well. The food items aren't necessarily new for us, but the flavors are and that makes a big difference.

The Meal:
~ Honey Barbecue Meatloaf
~ Ranch Mashed Potatoes
~ Your choice of vegetable (I just heat up a can of green beans or corn)
~ Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Honey Cinnamon Butter

Make Ahead Tips: You can make the Honey Cinnamon Butter ahead of time and refrigerate until serving. You can also prepare the meat loaf and refrigerate it before baking.

The Recipes:

Honey Barbecue Meat Loaf
I'm not usually a meat loaf eater but I love this one and the family does too.

1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 egg
1/2 cup oats -- quick cooking
1/3 cup barbecue sauce -- honey flavored
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard -- prepared
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 pound ground beef
ketchup

In a large bowl, stir together soup mix, egg, oats, barbecue sauce, onion, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper and chili powder. Add beef and mix well. Press into an ungreased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350* for 1 hour.? Top with ketchup. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and a meat thermometer reads 160*. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Make regular mashed potatoes but with the following changes:
~ Omit the butter
~ Replace some of the milk with Ranch dressing (I prefer either Uncle Dans or Hidden Valley Ranch mixes, prepared)
~ Add 2-3 Tbsp. of cream cheese
~ Top with shredded cheddar and, if you wish, bacon bits

Apple Cinnamon Muffins
My kids love these (so do I) so there's never any leftovers. We also make them for breakfast. Be sure to try them with `Honey Cinnamon Butter' (recipe follows).

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons applesauce
1 medium tart apple -- peeled & grated
topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter or margarine -- cold
1/2-cup oatmeal -- old fashioned

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add the egg, milk, oil and applesauce and stir until just moistened. Fold in apple. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. For topping, combine brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in oats. Sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 400* for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm with Honey Cinnamon Butter (recipe follows). Yield: 1 dozen.

Honey Cinnamon Butter

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Serve with muffins, toast, bagels, French toast or pancakes. Refrigerate any leftovers. Yield: 1 1/3 cups.




Monica is the founder Homemaker's Journal E-publications, the growing home of many fun and informative home and garden e-books, tip sheets, articles and more!? http://homemakersjournal.com/
Get a FREE Slowcooker Recipe E-book when you subscribe to Monica's FREE e-zine for homemakers!? To subscribe and receive instructions for picking up your FREE e-book, just send a blank e-mail to HomemakersJournal-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=76 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=75 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:09:50 GMT PINEAPPLE SALSA 1 Pineapple diced 1 mango diced 1 sweet red or orange pepper 1 green bell pepper 1 yellow or orange pepper 1/4 cup minced... PINEAPPLE SALSA

1 Pineapple diced
1 mango diced
1 sweet red or orange pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow or orange pepper
1/4 cup minced purple onion
1 habanero pepper - or you can use a jalepeno if habernero is too spicy
3 TBSP minced fresh cilantro
2 TBSP Lime juice
1 1/2 TSP of Seasoned Rice Vinegar ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=75 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=74 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:04:36 GMT Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake This recipe is baked in an angelfood cake pan. Make and serve for a special occasion -- or “just because” when you want... Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

This recipe is baked in an angelfood cake pan. Make and serve for a special occasion -- or “just because” when you want a delicious treat!

2 cups warm water
4 teaspoons of bulk yeast (or two packages of yeast)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup canola oil (or other cooking oil)
2 eggs
5 to 6 cups of flour
6 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 cup of sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let stand for a couple of minutes. Stir in sugar, salt and cooking oil. Beat in eggs. Add 1 cup
of flour and stir until smooth. Add 2 more cups of flour and stir until smooth. Add remaining flour -- enough to make a dough that is a little sticky.

Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

While the dough is resting, grease the angelfood cake pan. Mix up the
sugar and cinnamon. Melt the butter.

Tear off chunks of dough the size of a small egg. Roll the dough between your palms to make it smooth. Roll in the melted butter. Roll
in the cinnamon and sugar. Place in the bottom of the angelfood cake pan. Don’t fit the dough balls into the pan too tightly. They need room to rise. Line the bottom of the pan, then add more layers until
the dough is all used.

Allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn the coffee cake out onto a large cake plate.

To serve, use a fork to separate pieces of the coffee cake. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=74 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=73 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:38:31 GMT One evening an old man told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said: 'My son, the battle between 'two wolves' goes on inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old man simply replied: 'The one you feed.' ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=73 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=72 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:25:40 GMT LADIES!!! Remember...a layer of dust protects the Wood beneath it.

'A house becomes a home when you can write 'I love you' on the furniture .'

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect 'in case someone came over'.
Finally I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!
NOW, when people visit, I don't have to explain the 'condition' of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun.

Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must ......... but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter,bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time . . .
with lots of wine to drink, rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,old age will come and it's not kind. .

And when you go - and go you must - you, yourself will make more dust! ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=72 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=71 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:06:47 GMT I had to share this... A Prayer For The Children We pray for the children who sneak popsicles before supper, who erase holes in math... I had to share this...

A Prayer For The Children

We pray for the children
who sneak popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never "counted potatoes,"
who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.
We pray for the children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.
And we pray for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can't find bread to steal,
who don't have rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.
We Pray for the Children
who spend their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed,
who never rinse out the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at and
whose smiles can make us cry.
And we pray for those
Whose nightmares come in the daytime,
Who will eat anything
Who have never seen dentist,
Who aren't spoiled by anybody,
Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
Who live and move, but have no being
We pray for the children
Who want to be carried and for those who must,
Who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance.
We pray for those we smother and for those who will grab the hand of
anybody kind enough to offer it.

Ina Hughs
Newspaper Reporter for the Knoxville News
Author of the book: A Prayer For Children ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=71 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=70 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:56:30 GMT Solution to the crisis...... In a small town on the south coast of France holiday season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too... Solution to the crisis......

In a small town on the south coast of France holiday season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too much business happening.

Everyone is heavily in debt.

Luckily, a rich Russian tourist arrives in the foyer of the small local hotel.

He asks for a room and puts a Euro100 note on the reception counter, takes a key and goes to inspect the room located up the stairs on the third floor.

The hotel owner takes the banknote in a hurry and rushes to his meat supplier to whom he owes E100.


The butcher takes the money and races to his supplier to pay his debt.

The wholesaler rushes to the farmer to pay E100 for pigs he purchased some time ago.

The farmer triumphantly gives the E100 note to a local prostitute who gave him her services on credit.

The prostitute goes quickly to the hotel, as she was owing the hotel owner for her hourly room use to entertain clients. She place the E100 note on the counter.

At that moment, the rich Russian is coming down to reception and informs the hotel owner that the proposed room is unsatisfactory and takes his E100 back and departs.

There was no profit or income.

But everyone no longer has any debt and the small townspeople look optimistically towards their future.

COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO THE Global Financial Crisis....? ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=70 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=69 Wed, 27 May 2009 17:34:53 GMT ;-) I, Anne , being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be... ;-)
I, Anne , being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers / doctors interested in simply running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:
Cheezeburger
Chocolate
Margarita
Chocolate
Italian Food
Chocolate
French Fries
Chocolate
Pizza
Chocolate
Ice Cream
Chocolate
Chinese Food
Chocolate
Sex
Chocolate
It should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the "fat lady sing". . And call it a day! ]]> Annie http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=69 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=68 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:33:47 GMT White Bean Salad With Lemon and Cumin 2 cups (14 ounces) dried Great Northern beans 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 large red onion,... White Bean Salad With Lemon and Cumin

2 cups (14 ounces) dried Great Northern beans
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
6 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 large lettuce leaves

Place beans in large bowl. Add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Let beans soak overnight.

Drain beans. Place in heavy large saucepan. Add bay leaves and enough cold water to cover by 2 inches; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes. Add salt and continue to simmer until beans are tender but still hold shape, about 15 minutes longer.

Drain beans and place in large bowl; discard bay leaves. Add onion and parsley. Whisk oil, lemon juice, cumin, and cayenne in medium bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Pour over bean salad; toss gently to combine. Do ahead Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Arrange lettuce leaves on individual plates or on large platter. Spoon bean salad into lettuce and serve. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=68 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=67 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:32:50 GMT Orzo Salad 3 cups hot cooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked) 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped... Orzo Salad
3 cups hot cooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 garlic clove minced

combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss well to coat. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour. serve. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=67 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=66 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:31:23 GMT 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound elbow macaroni 8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup shredded muenster cheese 1/2 cup... 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded muenster cheese
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar chesse
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
2 cups half and half
1 cup (8 ounces) velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a deep 2 and a half quart casserole dish.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add the oil, then the macaroni and cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

In a small saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of the butter. In a large bowl pour in your macaroni. Add all cheeses (saving 1/2 cup of cheddar for the top). Stir in eggs, half and half and salt and pepper. Transfer to buttered baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.

Bake until bubbling around the edges about 35 minutes.

you might not want to add all the half and half if you want a stiffer dish. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=66 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=65 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:30:29 GMT *Spicy Thai Coconut Shrimp* INGREDIENTS 2 cups uncooked white rice 1 1/2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 teaspoons red... Spicy Thai Coconut Shrimp INGREDIENTS
2 cups uncooked white rice
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons red curry paste
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
cooking spray
2 1/2 cups (1-inch) sliced asparagus
1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (14 ounce) can light coconut milk

DIRECTIONS
Cook the rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While the rice is cooking, combine the water and curry paste in a medium bowl; add shrimp, tossing to coat. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add the shrimp mixture, and saute for 4 minutes. Add sliced asparagus and green onions; cover and cook for 3 minutes or until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in salt and coconut milk. Cook for 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice.
__________________ ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=65 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=64 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:29:15 GMT Banana Banana bread INGREDIENTS * 2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 cup butter ... Banana Banana bread

INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup butter
* 3/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas i used 5 bananas

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=64 http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=63 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:27:24 GMT SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage 6 tbsp. butter 1 c. diced onion 1 tsp. minced garlic 6 tbsp. flour 1 c. dry white wine... SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP

1 lb. sweet Italian sausage
6 tbsp. butter
1 c. diced onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
6 tbsp. flour
1 c. dry white wine
2 (13 oz.) cans low salt chicken broth
4-5 c. peeled diced potatoes
3 c. half & half
4 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Few dashes of black pepper (to taste)
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (can be omitted & still win)

Pan roast sausage with some water until thoroughly cooked. Set aside meat to cool. Discard the grease. When sausage is cool, cut into medium dice. A bit bigger than the potatoes.
Melt butter in large pot and cook onion and garlic over medium low heat until onions have given off their moisture and are soft but not brown. Stir in flour and cook 10-2 minutes over low heat.

Add wine, stirring constantly, mixture will be very thick. Immediately add the broth, stirring constantly until soup comes back to boil. Add sausage and potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and still firm. If a very thick soup is desired, allow potatoes to cook until soft and break them up by stirring often. Add half & half, parsley, pepper and Worcestershire sauce and return to simmer. Correct seasoning. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it has melted. ]]> Recipe http://www.maternitycorner.com/community/blog.php?b=63