Ducks 'n a Row--the beauty of an organized life.

Cheesecake Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

This classic recipe for cheesecake can be made with just 10 minutes prep-time and 40 minutes for baking. It tastes simply delicious.

Perfect served with whipped cream and/or fruit pie filling toppers--try blueberry!

Ingredients

2 8 oz. packages Philadelphia® brand cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

graham cracker crust

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.
Blend 2 packages of cream cream cheese together with sugar & vanilla, using an electric mixer.
Add 2 eggs and mix till blended.
Pour the creamy batter into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust.
Bake for 40 minutes or until center is almost set.
Cool and refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
Serves 6-8.

TIP: Get all of the lumps out, first, before adding the eggs. It will minimize, even prevent, surface cracks.

TIP: Though the recipe calls for refrigeration, take your cheesecake out of the refrigerator at least one hour prior to serving. Let it come close to room temperature. The texture will be creamier and it tastes awesome!

Tips For A Great Looking Cheesecake

When you bake a cheesecake, does it crack on the surface? Want to know how to stop that from happening? Give it a bath! Here is a tip from Diana's Desserts on just what to do:"Tips For Cheesecakes"

Cheesecake lovers...you need a cookbook just for you!

Cupcakes on Parade #1

Cupcakes on Parade #2

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #26

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

This Wonderful Wednesday comes with six great features.

Sew Much Crafting and Enchanting Beginnings

tied for the most viewed from last week's hop with a great

June Monthly Meal Plan post and Chipotle Chili Recipe.

We had a grand total of 186 links last week.

What do you think, 200+ this week? Let's go for it!

This Week's Featured Posts

MOST VIEWED
Stay on track by using this great

JUNE MONTHLY MEAL PLANNER

by Sew Much Crafting

MOST VIEWED
Enchanting Beginnings shares a great recipe for

CHIPOTLE CHILI

Don't these muffins look great? They came from Lambertslately blog

BARBEQUE MUFFIN RECIPE

This one is a keeper. You need to bookmark it for Father's Day and other "Dad Occasions". You can thank Semi Sweet Designs!

HANGING MUG NECK TIE COOKIES

Amazing how something simple as polka dots can bring a planter to the next level. Aren't they pretty? Southern Scraps shared this great post.

DIY POLKA DOT PLANTERS

Do you believe that this is a CAKE? It is and it came from Living Well Spending Less.

HOW TO MAKE A SANDCASTLE CAKE

And now for this week's Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.

SPECIAL NOTE: beginning in JULY we will take this blog hop to the next level with co-hosts!

If you would like to be a co-host, just email Sinea at ducksnarow1@gmail.com

Put "CO-HOST" in the subject line.

Be sure to stop by Ducks 'n a Row this FRIDAY for Cupcakes on Parade #2

Click here to view

Cupcakes on Parade #1
Cupcakes on Parade #2

♥

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Ducks 'n a Row

♥

Simple Guidelines:

Please follow Ducks ‘n a Row. (Email or Bloglovin')
In addition, like us on Facebook and Pinterest (Twitter and Google+ would be nice, too, if you are in a “liking” mood!)
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like,
no giveaways please.
Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there!
If you are new, be sure to let me know in the comments. I will definitely reply and would love to visit you. ♥

With Love,

Facebook Frenzy is Here! Link Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

WELCOME TO THE FRENZY!

Facebook Frenzy hop #14

Welcome to the "Likey" party! Where we build each other up and give each other high five's through Facebook! Here are a few important reminders:

PLEASE "LIKE" FROM YOUR PERSONAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT! Facebook will not count "Likes" from other PAGES.
If someone "Likes" your page, it is not necessary but strongly encouraged that you "Like" Them back. That being said, there is absolutely no room for bullying others who don't "Like" you back.
It is perfectly acceptable to send a friendly note to someone who likes you from their facebook's blog page as opposed to their personal account requesting that they share a "Like" from their personal page.
REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO "LIKE" BACK AT LIGHTNING SPEED. We are busy. We are all busy and it may take some longer than others to "Like" you back. I have to admit that I myself am still trying to catch up on "Likes" from 2 weeks ago! Give it a little time before getting frustrated.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR "LIKES". While it is not a requirement to "Like" everyone that "Likes" you, it is definitely encouraged. I personally have absolutely no problem clicking a button if it means helping another blogger out. My personal intent is to "Like" Everyone who Likes my page. (If I have unintentionally overlooked you, please feel free to send me a tap on the shoulder because I would be glad to "Like" your page). This is after all, a FACEBOOK HOP.
Be kind, be courteous, be patient.

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

<div align="center"><a href="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com" title="Dysfunction Junction"><img src="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MH900439081-final-e1363558432779.jpg" alt="Dysfunction Junction" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

3. Tweet this hop!

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) if you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to

"Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team! Welcome aboard!

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION (HOST)

My Personal Accent (CO-HOST)

Safari Roo(CO-HOST

KCL IDesign (CO-HOST)

The Kid Pep(CO-HOST)

Ducks In a Row (CO-HOST)

Be sure to come out and join us every Friday to support our new bloggers on "Feature Friday"!

Beautiful ...

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:24:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31

♥

Cupcakes on Parade #1

Cupcakes on Parade #2

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♥

Stop by every Wednesday for

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

with specially featured blogs.

A treasure in every click.

Photo from PIxabay by JensEnemark

Pixabay photos are free to use, copyright free.

10 Simple Ways to Save Money PART 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Did you miss part one of 10 Simple Ways to Save Money?

START HERE

6. Make your coffee at home. You all know that I am a great proponent of skipping the coffee shops, except for an occasional special treat.

Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts have great coffee but what are you paying for it? If you spend $2 per day on a cup of elite coffee, that is $730.00 per year. $5 per day? That is $1,825.00.

Let me say that out loud,

"ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS!"

You can finance a lovely Christmas--or a vacation--with that!

You get the point. Check out the links at the end of this post about how you can get DIY coffee to taste good and keep it fresh!

7. Restaurants I am NOT going to say that you should stop going to restaurants. We need to go to restaurants from time to time. Sometimes it is for a change in scenery. Sometimes it is so that someone else will do the cooking, and cleaning up. Certainly, if you frequent restaurants, cooking at home more often will save money. But when you do go to a restaurant, how can you "have your cake and eat it too"?

Go out for dessert. Instead of a full meal, enjoy the change in venue and fun of dining out but limit yourself to ordering appetizers or dessert. You'll save a bundle and still have a good time.
Skip the beverage. Stop spending on soft drinks, cocktails or coffee. Ask for ice water instead. You will save at least $2.50 per person.
Take it out! Some of the dining out expense is hidden in the extras: beverages, appetizers, dessert and tip. More and more restaurants offer take-out service. Call ahead, place your order, pick it up, eat at home. Still need a change in atmosphere? Eat it outdoors or at a park. Just stay out of the restaurant!
Switch it up and go to a fundraising dinner. Most communities have churches and other organizations that host spaghetti dinners and chicken barbecues to raise money. The food is delicious, price is reasonable and you are helping a good cause .

8. Seek cheap entertainment. We have already investigated some FREE or nearly-free possibilities in

10 Fun Things To Do With Kids For Free (or cheap)

and

Simple Summers-12 Staycation Ideas

but here is a quick list to prompt some ideas:

See a play

(high school? community theater?)

Find some community concerts in the park

Go fishing

(remember your fishing license!)

Go for a car ride in the countryside

Biking

Hiking

Visit a petting zoo

Go out for an ice cream cone

Make homemade ice cream at home

Make some popcorn and watch a movie at home

Play board games or cards

Go to the library

Go on a picnic

Watch a little league baseball game

9. Shop Thrift Stores. Gently used clothing can be as good as new, you just have to make regular stops at Good Will or your local thrift store. There are treasures to be found. Many a family has outfitted themselves this way. The savings is tremendous and no one would know that new piece you're wearing isn't brand new, unless you tell them!

10. Shop at home. This is fun. Rather than grocery shopping (or gift shopping), take stock in what you have.

GROCERIES: Go through the refrigerator and pantry (or your closets) and find out what you have. Make meals with as much as you have on hand as possible. You may be surprised at what you find there. I just bought a bottle of Teriyaki sauce not realizing I already had two unopened bottles in another cupboard. Whoops!
GIFTS: find something new that you can re-gift. Just be sure the original giver isn't going to be there!

10 Simple Ways to Save Money PART ONE

Got any good money-saving ideas?

Please share them with us!

♥

Cupcakes on Parade #1

Cupcakes on Parade #2

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Cupcakes on Parade #2

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:24:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

The Cupcakes are coming! The Cupcakes are coming!

This week's parade features nine amazing cupcake recipes with original designs from some of the best food bloggers ever.

Each has her own flare that makes it a little bit of
"Cupcake Heaven"
for those of us who like to look...

and stare...

and dream...

and maybe even bake and EAT cupcakes!

If you missed our first installment of Cupcakes on Parade, please stop by: Cupcakes on Parade #1

This parade includes 9 wonderful posts and a bonus...red wedding cupcakes (yes, red) made by my dear daughter, Shannon.
So, let's get started...

Key Lime Cupcakes
by He Married Me For My Cooking

So Much Better With Age made these beautiful
Spring Cupcakes
l

Baseball Cupcakes
Created by Worth Pinning

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
from Sweet 2 Eat Baking

Sewing Barefoot created these imaginative cupcakes
CUPCAKE FUN

Lemon Lime in the Coconut Cupcakes
by Turnips 2 Tangerines

Best Carrot Cake Cupcake
from So Much Better With Age

Hungry Harps presents these delicious
Mint Oreo Cupcakes

Another cupcake masterpiece from Sweet 2 Eat Baking
Cupcake Bouquet

Bonus Cupcake Photo...

My granddaughter, Sara, had a destination wedding. She and her husband, Bob, were married at Red Canyon, near Las Vegas. Most of us live on the other side of the country which made it too far away to attend.

So, a few weeks later, we celebrated with them at a wedding reception locally, using a Casino theme for a Las Vegasie feel. Colors: red white and black. My daughter, Shannon -mother of the bride- made these beautiful red cupcakes for the occasion. It was her very first time making cupcakes for an event. I think she did a great job!

Join us next week for Cupcakes on Parade #3

WERE YOU FEATURED? If you were featured in any of the cupcake posts, please grab an "I was featured" button on the sidebar of this page with the code below.

Cupcakes on Parade #1

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Craft Buttons - Create Unique Greeting Cards They'll Cherish for a Lifetime!

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Button, button, who’s got the button? Where’d that saying ever come from anyway? If you really want to know, Click HERE for ANSWER!

I've always loved beautiful, decorative buttons. They are more like jewelry than buttons. And, to combine them with crafts is even better.

How about greeting cards? Don’t you love to give and receive unique greeting cards…something original? Have you ever seen a button greeting card? They have that artsy flare!

Button Baby Announcement

Making a craft button greeting card:

Is a great outlet for the craft-genius in you!
Is inexpensive. Especially if you have a great assortment of buttons at home already
Is so personal. No one else has one like it!

I have a writer-friend, “Random Creative”, who wrote a great article on craft button greeting cards with lots of beautiful photos.
Check it out here:

Button Greeting Cards: Ideas for Handmade Homemade Card Making

Mother's Day Card

If you want to try your hand at it, here is a guide for making valentine button greeting cards...which really works for any occasion. And some links to supplies plus a cute video tutorial "how to".

DIY Craft Button Greeting Card Guide

How to Make Valentine Button Greeting Cards

Get Your Supplies Here

Martha Stuart Button Punch and more…

Craft Buttons
Blank Greeting Cards

"Cute as a Button"

Video

Recent Posts:

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Photo of Baby greeting card by June Campbell Flickr.com

Photo of Mother's Day Card by Etsy Ketsy on Flickr.com

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #25

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Welcome to the 25th Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!

It keeps getting bigger and better.....thanks to you.

♥
MOST VIEWED!

This week's most viewed link is a great post by Nan of Mom's the Word.
Lazy Mom Organizes Food Storage

Do you love Red Lobster's cheddar cheese biscuits?

When you can't go there, you can now make them at home with Bonnie's copy cat recipe. Just click on over to The Pin Junkie to view it.

Copy Cat Red Lobster Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Sara Howe shares her struggles with getting organized in this post. She found a great solution and it starts with the book pictured above.
I want one, don't you? She tells you how to get one.
Let's Get Organized Now

Broccoli salad is one of my favorites. It adds such nice variety to a buffet or picnic and it's healthy, too! A Pinch of Joy's creator, Charlene, shares her recipe with us.
Sunny Broccoli Salad

Day 2 Day Supermom's Marcy shared a DIY teacher gift idea with us in this post.
Not only will it bless TEACHERS...how about Dad's and Grandpas on FATHER'S DAY?
There is a Workman's Hand Scrub in here for the men in your life.

Easy Last-Minute Hand-Made Teacher Gift

Be sure to stop by Ducks 'n a Row this FRIDAY for Cupcakes on Parade #2

Click here to view Cupcakes on Parade #1

♥

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Ducks 'n a Row

♥

Simple Guidelines:

Please follow Ducks ‘n a Row. (Email or Bloglovin')
In addition, like us on Facebook and Pinterest (Twitter and Google+ would be nice, too, if you are in a “liking” mood!)
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like,
no giveaways please.
Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there!
If you are new, be sure to let me know in the comments. I will definitely reply and would love to visit you. ♥

With Love,

Fabulous Facebook Frenzy Link Party

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

WELCOME TO THE FRENZY!

[pinit]

Facebook Frenzy hop #13

PLEASE "LIKE" FROM YOUR PERSONAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT! Facebook will not count "Likes" from other PAGES.
If someone "Likes" your page, it is not necessary but strongly encouraged that you "Like" Them back. That being said, there is absolutely no room for bullying others who don't "Like" you back.
It is perfectly acceptable to send a friendly note to someone who likes you from their facebook's blog page as opposed to their personal account requesting that they share a "Like" from their personal page.
REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO "LIKE" BACK AT LIGHTNING SPEED. We are busy. We are all busy and it may take some longer than others to "Like" you back. I have to admit that I myself am still trying to catch up on "Likes" from 2 weeks ago! Give it a little time before getting frustrated.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR "LIKES". While it is not a requirement to "Like" everyone that "Likes" you, it is definitely encouraged. I personally have absolutely no problem clicking a button if it means helping another blogger out. My personal intent is to "Like" Everyone who Likes my page. (If I have unintentionally overlooked you, please feel free to send me a tap on the shoulder because I would be glad to "Like" your page). This is after all, a FACEBOOK HOP.
Be kind, be courteous, be patient.

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

<div align="center"><a href="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com" title="Dysfunction Junction"><img src="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MH900439081-final-e1363558432779.jpg" alt="Dysfunction Junction" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

3. Tweet this hop!

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) If you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to "Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team!

Welcome aboard!

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION (HOST)

Ducks In a Row (CO-HOST)

My Personal Accent (CO-HOST)

Safari Roo(CO-HOST

KCL IDesign (CO-HOST)

The Kid Pep(CO-HOST)

Be sure to come out and join us every Friday to support our new bloggers on "Feature Friday"!

Thick 'n Delicious Strawberry Banana Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

I had the pleasure of guest-posting for Lisa on Sweet2EatBaking a couple of weeks ago. This is the recipe I shared --a delicious calcium-rich, high protein smoothie. You can make it with regular milk and sugar or specialty milks (I used soy) and low calorie sugar substitutes like Truvia (stevia).

Smoothies are like milkshakes without the ice cream.
That's why we love them!

This Strawberry Banana Smoothie is a tasty delight
and a healthy meal, besides.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Tools
Electric Blender

Ingredients
1 cup vanilla soy milk or 2% milk
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1 tsp. Truvia baking blend sweetener or 2 tsp. sugar
3/4 cup chopped frozen strawberries*
1/2 frozen banana*

Directions
Pour the milk into the blender container.
Add whey powder, sweetener and frozen fruit.
Blend till thick and smooth...no lumps.
Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving
(For those who care to know, Weight Watchers Points: 4)

Tip: Pre-freeze fresh strawberries and bananas. If you cut them into pieces, it will be much easier to mix them in your blender.

Freezing Bananas: Peel the banana, cut into 1-2 inch slices, lay out on a small cookie sheet or freezer safe plate, freeze and then put into a plastic bag to store in freezer.

Freezing Strawberries: Wash, pat dry and trim off leaves. Cut in halves or quarters and freeze in the same manner as above. Store frozen berries in a plastic bag or container in the freezer.

Join us Fridays for our salute to cupcakes...

Cupcakes on Parade

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Photo credits:

Purple Cupcake by Debbie's Sweets

Smoothie photo by Sinea Pies

Strawberry by Ambro on Freedigital Photos

Cupcakes On Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Cupcakes, wonderful CUPCAKES. They are simply beautiful, don't you think? I do! It's not necessary to be a frosting-lover in order to value them. Appreciating the artistry, alone, is enough to become a real fan.

So, I wanted to celebrate cupcakes. I decided to put the cry out to the experts--yes,that would be YOU--asking who would like to share their favorite cupcake posts with the rest of us.

I was overwhelmed with your generosity! At this time, I have received 47 links. Wow! What I had imagined to be one wonderful post will become a series. What fun! ♥

So, welcome to the first installation of Cupcakes on Parade!

You can view the new parade every Friday, until the parade passes by.
Want to get in on it? Email me your cupcake post: ducksnarow1@gmail.com

Be sure to share it with your family and friends!

Everyone loves CUPCAKES.

These beautiful and elegant "Forget-Me-Not" cupcakes were created by
Jessica of Such Pretty Things.
Forget-Me-Not Cupcakes

Lisa of Sweet2EatBaking created this campfire cupcake, a viewer favorite!
Campfire Cupcakes

The Partiologist (otherwise known as Kim) made this totally fun cupcake in a jar, appealing to the youngster in all of us!
Inch Worm Cupcake in a Jar

The amazing Pina Colada Cupcake was fashioned by Christie of A Kitchen Hoor.

Pina Colada Cupcake

OK...for those (like me) whose vocabulary may be lacking, the title of this blog may not be what you think.

Click for definition: Hoor

Whoohoo...the best of both worlds!!!
Cupcakes and Ice Cream
Pink When's author, Jennifer, created them for all of us ice cream lovers.
Ice Cream Cupcakes

When I was just a little girl, my romance with Oreo's began.
They are more than just taste, you know...there is an art to eating them.
All that aside, when I saw that a cupcake was made with Oreo frosting,
it was a must-read!
Paula of Call Me PMc is the genius behind this delicious recipe.
Oreo Frosted Chocolate Cupcake

So, how's that for a parade?

Come back again next week for Cupcakes on Parade #2!

Please share this post with your fans, followers, friends and family.
♥
When you are PINNING, be sure to click the direct link first.
Pin the photos from there!
♥

See you next week,

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I'm partying here.

Stop by every Wednesday for

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

with specially featured blogs.

A treasure in every click.

10 Simple Ways To Save Money

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:02:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Prices have risen astronomically yet paychecks are not growing to keep up with it all. So, what's a family to do? Find ways to save! In fact, find ways to get out of debt.

If you were debt-free, it would feel like you got a raise, wouldn't it. Well, wouldn't it? Yes, it would! Time to start taking steps toward being debt-free.
Let's talk about 10 ways to make a major dent in your financial heap.

This is PART 1.
Click here for PART 2

1. Cut up the cards. Really? Really! How well do you control your credit card use? Are you aware of how much you are really spending if you keep a balance? If you cannot say "no" and are tempted to use it “just this once”, it's time to say "goodbye"

Save a bundle on interest payments and service charges by switching to CASH! LIFE LESSON: When people are taught first-aid for accident victims the first primary objective they are taught is to “stop the bleeding.” That’s what you will be doing by getting rid of all credit cards now…you’ll stopping the bleeding.

2. Use the “Envelope Method” for your spending. When you get paid, cash your check and put that money into separate envelopes.

Your envelopes should be labeled, something like this:

car payment

mortgage/rent

groceries

insurance

medical

clothes

giving

entertainment

savings

taxes

tuition

him

Stay true to your envelopes, that way you won’t over-spend.

A sub-category of this item would be to start an "emergency fund". That is a savings from which you will pay for the unexpected events that could cause you to turn back to credit cards. Car repairs, etc. We'll talk about that in a future post.

How much gas do Lamborghini's use?
I have absolutely NO idea!

3. Drive less. We all complain about the cost of gasoline. One way to save money on gas is to drive much less than you used to. How? Plan ahead. If you have business to do in one part of town, try to schedule it all for the same day. Minimizing return trips to the same vicinity will really save money on gas, time and wear & tear on your car.

4. Get rid of your cell phone. Cell phones are expensive to keep up. They've become "essential" to many of us ... but just how essential are they?

Unless they are a primary tool for your business, get rid of the one with the high monthly bill and opt for a pay-as-you-go that you will use only in emergencies.

It should be no-frills. No texting. No voicemail. Nothing that will tempt you to use it more. The monthly bill should be under $10, if you don't over-use it. Someday, when you are debt-free, you can buy a "frilly one" again!

5. Get rid of that land line. "No real cell and no land line? What are you kidding?" No. I'm thinking you'll save money and lots of it.

Assuming that you do have high-speed internet at home, Magic Jack is a great telephone alternative. It costs less than $40 for the entire year and you get free unlimited long-distance within the US and Canada plus several other countries. The newest versions do not require a computer to operate it!

And now, for PART 2 CLICK HERE

Coming FRIDAY: Cupcakes on Parade

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Stop by every Wednesday for

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

with specially featured blogs.

A treasure in every click.

Photo credits:

Sports Car, Piggy Bank and Envelope courtesy of Freedigital Photos dot net

Telephone and Smart Phone by Pixabay

Cupcakes by Sinea Pies

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #24

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Do you blog hop when you're hungry? If you do, the first post you visit will probably be some delicious RECIPE!

Can blog hopping make you gain weight? Only if you eat everything you see! LOL

The Top Viewed Post from last week's blog was a yummy French Toast recipe submitted by Lynn of Turnips 2 Tangerines! Truly, if you aren't hungry, now you will be after you see this picture. How can you resist? Mmmmm.

And our other features?....well, they are simply captivating! Enjoy!

Most Viewed Post: Favorite French Toast

DIY Father's Day Cards by Life As We Know It By Paula

Tangy Orange Tempeh and Asparagus Rice Bowl by The Roxx Box

Pina Colada Ice Box Pie by Kitchen Meets Girl

DIY Monogrammed Onesies for Twins by Just a Girl and Her Blog
(Aren't they the cutest?)

I can hardly wait to see what you have to share with us THIS week! Last hop we had 168 entries.
Do you think we can hit 200 this week?
Let's try :)

♥

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop on

Ducks 'n a Row

♥

Simple Guidelines:

Please follow Ducks ‘n a Row. (Email or Bloglovin')
In addition, like us on Facebook and Pinterest (Twitter and Google+ would be nice, too, if you are in a “liking” mood!)
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like,
no giveaways please.
Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there!
If you are new, be sure to let me know in the comments. I will definitely reply and would love to visit you. ♥

With Love,

Facebook Frenzy Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

WELCOME TO THE FRENZY!

[pinit]

Facebook Frenzy hop #12

IMPORTANT!

Please read before linking up!

The Facebook Frenzy was created to be a positive experience for all participants. I LOVE this hop!!! :) It was meant to be an enjoyable way to get to know other bloggers and grow the participants Facebook pages by sharing "Likes". I have received TONS of positive comments about this hop and have heard from so many excited bloggers! I have also as of late received a couple of informative emails which made me feel the need to remind everyone what the purpose of this hop is and how it works, so here are a few important reminders:

PLEASE "LIKE" FROM YOUR PERSONAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT! Facebook will not count "Likes" from other PAGES.
If someone "Likes" your page, it is not necessary but strongly encouraged that you "Like" Them back. That being said, there is absolutely no room for bullying others who don't "Like" you back.
It is perfectly acceptable to send a friendly note to someone who likes you from their facebook's blog page as opposed to their personal account requesting that they share a "Like" from their personal page.
REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO "LIKE" BACK AT LIGHTNING SPEED. We are busy. We are all busy and it may take some longer than others to "Like" you back. I have to admit that I myself am still trying to catch up on "Likes" from 2 weeks ago! Give it a little time before getting frustrated.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR "LIKES". While it is not a requirement to "Like" everyone that "Likes" you, it is definitely encouraged. I personally have absolutely no problem clicking a button if it means helping another blogger out. My personal intent is to "Like" Everyone who Likes my page. (If I have unintentionally overlooked you, please feel free to send me a tap on the shoulder because I would be glad to "Like" your page). This is after all, a FACEBOOK HOP.
Be kind, be courteous, be patient.

This hop has been so incredibly positive and enjoyed by so many! Let's keep it that way! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

<div align="center"><a href="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com" title="Dysfunction Junction"><img src="http://dysfunctionsjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MH900439081-final-e1363558432779.jpg" alt="Dysfunction Junction" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

3. Tweet this hop!

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) If you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to "Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team!

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION (HOST)

Ducks In a Row (CO-HOST)

My Personal Accent (CO-HOST)

Safari Roo(CO-HOST

KCL IDesign (CO-HOST)

The Kid Pep(CO-HOST)

Interested in Co-hosting with us? We still have openings for July! Co-host spots a $5 for the entire month! Contact us for details!

dysfunctionjunctiondaily@gmail.com

Grilled Scallops with Bacon

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:34:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Grilled scallops are so easy to make. I love the taste of bacon with scallops but wrapping them takes lots of time and lots of bacon. You can get the same great flavor by placing pieces of raw bacon on top of the scallops and closing them within a kabob grilling basket, which keeps the bacon pieces in place.

Tools
Kabob Grilling Baskets
Kitchen Scissors
Gas or Charcoal Grill
Cooking Oil or Spray

Ingredients
1 - 2 lbs. Frozen or Fresh Sea Scallops
2-4 slices raw bacon

Directions
Prepare the grilling baskets by generously coating them with oil or spraying with cooking spray.
Rinse the scallops and place them inside the basket leaving a bit of space in between.
Cut 1-inch pieces of raw bacon and place one on top of each scallop.
Close the baskets and put them on the hot grill.
Turn the baskets every couple of minutes, laying them on each of four sides of the baskets.
Depending on the heat of your grill, they should be ready in 10-12 minutes.

Remove the baskets from the grill, open and remove the scallops and bacon.
Serve with rice and veggies.

Get Organized!

My Recipe Magic

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Say It With Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Concert, graduation and recital season has arrived. As a grandma of 15 (yes, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren--mostly girls), we have a lot of celebrations year 'round. At the end of the school year, though, there are more than just a few.

This year we "escaped" graduations (I have no idea how THAT happened) but we do have several birthdays, a family reunion plus a school play (the Jungle Book), a piano recital, a dance recital and a gymnastics meet...all in just the next few days. Oh yes, and Father's Day nestled in the midst of it all. Busy, busy, busy!

THE SCHOOL PLAY: Instead of giving the girls whole bouquets, I decided to simply dress up a single carnation for each to give them after the performance of The Jungle Book. MacKenzie (age 7) was an elephant and Madalyn (age 6) played a wolf. Each of them did such a great job!

So, here is what they looked like...

simple and sweet...just like their lovely recipients.

The way I kept the flowers fresh was to wrap the stems in a piece of a damp paper towel and then some aluminum foil.

The flowers looked as nice hours later as when I first bought them.

Flowers aren't the only congratulations gifts you can give.

What do you like to do?

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #23

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 28 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

We had a three-way tie this week for the most viewed. One was my own Jam Thumbprint Cookies. You've seen that one plenty so we'll move on to the others.

The very first entry, Strawberry Lemon Marmalade by Angela's Sewing For Sanity tied with Danielle's Blog Planner Series from Sew Much Crafting. (Hmmm...two sewing sites!) Congrats to you both...now on to all of our features and this week's Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.

Strawberry Lemon Marmalade by Angela's Sewing For Sanity.

Sew Much Crafting's Danielle shares a great Blog Planner Series with us.

We all could use a little help in the format and design dept. I sure can.

Serenity You teaches us how to make headers and blog buttons. Yipee!

Remember my post "Organized or Organizers"?

These beautiful labels grace the frontage of the OxoGood containers that I love!

The post "I WILL Get Organized" by Leopard and Plaid walks us through her success story and the making of these lovely labels.

Love and Kisses...the Partiologist shares some great bridal shower favor ideas.

And finally, Niki of Niki's Sweet Side makes an amazing Strawberries n Cream Pie...and you can, too

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

We are all so busy.

Me, too.

But please take the time to select at least 3 links to click on and leave a nice comment.

Blogging & hopping is time-consuming.

Let's appreciate each other's hard work!

♥

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop on

Ducks 'n a Row

♥

Simple Guidelines:

Please follow Ducks ‘n a Row. (Email or Bloglovin')
In addition, like us on Facebook and Pinterest (Twitter and Google+ would be nice, too, if you are in a “liking” mood!)
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like,
no giveaways please.
Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there!
If you are new, be sure to let me know in the comments. I will definitely reply and would love to visit you. ♥

With Love,

Finishing the School Year Like a Champ

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 28 May 2013 00:30:00 +0000

One year ago on Ducks 'n a Row...
By Sinea Pies/ Follow her on FACEBOOK here.

Finish Like a Champ!

Feel like you're in a race against time? The final months of the school year can seem like an endless marathon of events and obligations.
Two important goals should be to:

1. Finish the race, and

2. Finish it well!

Nothing feels worse than rushing through life and not enjoying the scenery along the way! Wonderful people, whom we love, have great milestones taking place in their lives. Instead of really enjoying each moment, though, we hurry along just counting the time till it's all over!

Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you don't even remember the drive? I'm serious! On a rare occasion, I have found that my car got me there but I don't remember how. A little bit scary, I would say.

So, combat Springtime Burnout and enjoy the journey! Make a plan.

As we said in Part One: "Preparing for the Rest of the School Year", get out your personal planner, family calendar and the school calendar. I am adding one more thing. Bring out your children's book bags, as well. There may be nuggets of valuable information stuffed in there. :)

SCHOOL EVENTS:
Start with the school calendar. What are the important dates on that calendar that you have to plan for?

Spring Concert?

Teacher Appreciation Day?
Field Trips?

Science Fair?

Field Day?

Prom?

Final exam week?

Sports banquet?

School play?

Graduation?

Why the book bag? Schools send home newsletters with reminders, changes and details. Your child may be perfect at getting them to you on time (if so, please tell us your secret --- every parent and every teacher would love to know) but many times the newsletter gets squished somewhere between the Math book and remainder of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, never to be seen or read. Look in the book bag for hidden information that it would be good for you to know!
Next, add events generated by family and friends. Find the mail (which has been beautifully sorted and filed, right?) Or simply read the refrigerator door, if that's where you post invitations. Wherever they are, bring the invitations together and collect vital information.

FAMILY EVENTS:

Where do you have to be?

Birthday Parties

Bridal Showers

Baby Showers

Rehearsal Dinners

Weddings

Graduations

Preschool?

Kindergarten?

Middle School

High School?

College?

Retirement Parties

Awards Ceremonies

Charity Fundraiser

Dance Recitals

Concerts

HOLIDAYS:

Record the obvious and where you will be celebrating them, if you know where that will be.

Easter / Passover

Cinco de Mayo

Mother's Day

Father's Day

Memorial Day

Now, do not panic. Take a nice deep breath. Now, look at the calendar. Is there anything you need to do for each event, besides just showing up? Clothing that needs to be ready? Gifts to buy? Refreshments to be made? Invitations to send? Pieces of a future Science Fair project to be located or bought?
Think ahead. This is where a checklist comes in handy. In addition to your grocery list, a checklist is essential in keeping you on track with the finer details. As you make your list, questions may arise. If you can't find the answers that you need, now's the time to make that phone call or send a friendly note to find out.

When it comes to making food for an event, mark your calendar when to buy the ingredients and when the food should be made. Some recipes must be made a day or two in advance. Plan for it.

The most important thing to remember is that you are taking part in making memories for yourself and others as you travel through this event-laden season. Perfection is not possible, so don't even try. Do your best and enjoy it all as you go along!

Happy Spring!
Sinea

More for you...

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Photo Credits:

Supermom by Glitternsparkle.com
Girl Putting Hat on Bear by Stuart Miles Freedigitalphotos.com

Sugar and Slice Dessert Link Party

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Mon, 27 May 2013 00:57:00 +0000

It’s Sunday!

Welcome to Sugar & Slice Sunday Link Party
The only place where you can party on a Sunday and feel fresh on a Monday! ;)

I'm co-hosting Lisa's Sugar & Slice Sunday link party throughout May.
You can visit Lisa over at her blog, Sweet 2 Eat Baking.

I guest posted this recipe on Lisa's blog...

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie

(If you'd like to guest post too, why not submit a recipe?)
And I also made...

Peanut Blossom Cookies

<a href="http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/"></a>

<a href="http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/"></a>

Features:

The most popular submission…

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Oreos by A Taste of Madness

And some of our favourites...

{1} Bite Sized Birthday Cakes (Birthday Cake Oreos) by Couponing and Cooking

{2} Slutty Cheesecake Bars by Wallflour Girl

{3} Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Bites {Grain Free} by This Gal Cooks

{4} Cinnamon Cream Cheese Baklava by Making Memories with your Kids

{5} Mimosa Macarons by Yin Mom, Yang Mom

{6} Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes by Flavors by Four

If you were featured, grab the 'featured' button code above
and proudly display it on your blog post. :)

Guidelines:

Follow your host and co-host via:

Sweet 2 Eat Baking (Host)
Subscribe via RSS, email or BlogLovin'
Follow on Twitter
Friend on Facebook
Follow on Pinterest
Follow on Google+

Ducks 'n a Row (May co-host)
Subscribe via RSS, or BlogLovin'
Follow on Twitter
Friend on Facebook
Follow on Pinterest
Follow on Google+

Subscribe to your host and co-host via the links above. If you'd like, you can also follow us on our social networking links too.

Link up to your dessert posts only, not the homepage. No giveaways please.

Place the button code (above) either on your specific linked post or on a specific link party page. Link the button back to http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/

This is a party, let's rock n' roll folks! Spread the love by visiting other links, commenting and if you desire, pinning their creations on Pinterest.

Let's party!!

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Come back next week and see if you were featured! :D

Peanut Blossom Cookie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:39:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

All cookies are delicious to eat but some cookies are also beautiful.
Jam Thumbprints make a stunning display and so do Peanut Blossoms.

I decided to make some peanut blossoms, with a blog feature in mind, but hadn't planned on the entire batch disappearing in one day! Good thing I took my pictures before anybody found them. :)
Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Peanut Blossom Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

24-32 Hershey’s kisses milk chocolates

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional granulated sugar to roll the cookies in

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended.
Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy.
Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well.
Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheets or parchment paper covered cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges.
Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
Cool completely.

Makes about 24-32 cookies.

Adapted from the Hershey's kitchens recipe.

They estimated 48 cookies but I found it to be far less.

More Cookie Recipes:

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Simple Summers -- 12 Great Ideas for Taking Vacations at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Will getting away for a summer vacation be in your plans this year? If not, "staycations" are becoming more and more popular in place of the proverbial "Family Vacation"
Let's investigate the possibilities of things you can do...

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12 Great Ideas for Taking Vacations at Home

1. Backyard Carnival

Invite the neighborhood kids for a carnival right in your yard. Set up areas for bean bag toss, a wading pool for fishing for toys,
do face painting, serve fun snacks. Enlist the help of other parents and older siblings to get everyone involved!

2. Lemonade Stand
Set your kids up in business with an old-fashioned lemonade stand. Depending on how business goes, you may want to match the intake with some money from your own pocketbook and take the little guys to the store to spend it.

(If the money is destined for the piggy-bank, plan some kind of a celebration for a job well done. How about making homemade pizzas?)

3. Rainy Days
Summer is meant to always be sunny, isn't it? But sometimes it's not. On rainy days, get out the board games, have movies and popcorn or go outside to play in the puddles!

4. Visit a Petting Zoo

Free petting zoos are lots of fun for the kids. If you don't have a regular petting zoo
in your neighborhood, keep your eye out for the county fair where similar opportunities are available. Of course, you can always go to the "real" zoo, too. Look for discount coupons to cut the cost a bit.

5. Go Fishing
Do you have a fishing hole nearby? A creek, pond or lake will do. Bring your sunscreen, pole-hooks-bait, and for adults, a fishing license (most states require one) and have a great time outdoors. Keep the cell phone with you for emergencies, but turn it off for a quiet, uninterrupted time with the family.

6. Put on a Play
Do you have some young thespians in your household?
Suggest that they put on a backyard play.
Invite their friends and other siblings to take part ---parents can be the audience.

7. Water Day
Similar to the carnival, plan a water day. Set up areas with a wading pool, slip 'n slide, sprinkler, water balloons. Get 'em wet. Have lunch on hand...all that water and fresh air works up an appetite!

8. Family Picnic
Get out the cooler, stuff it with great food and cold drinks, load up the kids and the dog and go to a park for a family picnic. Bring frisbees and other "picnic toys", too.

9. Little League

Got any young ballplayers in the crowd?

Little league is not just for kids.

Make it a family occasion.

Plan more than just going to the game.

Add on a stop at the ice cream stand on the way home.

10. Homemade Ice Cream
Speaking of ice cream, have you ever made your own in an old fashioned crank-style ice cream maker? It is an experience that every child should have. Get the whole family involved!

11. Bike Parade
Invite the neighborhood to join in a bike parade. Get out the streamers and the camera for this colorful event. Tiny tots can ride decorated wagons with their parents pulling them along. Even pets can join in, but they must be "decorated", of course.

12. Camp Out
Pitch a tent in the back yard, or indoors, and let the kids have an overnight.

Set up a bonfire in the backyard and provide hotdogs and marshmallows to roast over the flame--of course you will want to make S'mores.

More ideas: 10 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids For Free (or cheap)

Need a night off from kids? Plan with another family to host an overnight at one house and another at yours.

Each set of parents gets a night to themselves.

What stay-at-home vacation ideas can you come up with?
Help us grow our list!

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Bake with your kids!

Photo credits:
Facepainting from MyTinyTots
Girl Slip 'n Slide from Thundafunda
Child with Ice Cream Cone by Stuart Miles Freedigital Photos
S'mores by OakleyOriginals Flickr creative commons

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #22

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:55:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

This brownie chunk cupcake recipe was the most viewed post from last week's blog hop!!!

Can't you just imagine anyone undergoing a chocolate-attack seeing this picture and clicking faster than lightning! No wonder it was most-viewed!

Brownie Chunk Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting by Oh Mrs. Tucker!

OK, I love, love, LOVE salmon.
This sandwich recipe is amazing...and so pretty, too.
Salmon Burger Asian Slaw Bento by The ROXX Box

My friend, Ashley, has a great recipe blog called Wishes 'n Dishes. One of her most viewed posts is her recipe for Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, and you can see why!

Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes by Wishes 'n Dishes

Every day is an opportunity to celebrate mom. Thanks to Shelly of Dolen Diaries, is a great last minute gift idea that may come in very handy. (You can send one to me!)

Last Minute Gift Idea for Mom or Teacher by Dolen Diaries

You know how some photos start showing up all over the place. Ducks 'n a Row is not the first to showcase this marvelous recipe but, no matter, I just have to feature it, too. Beautiful!

Avocado and Cheese Stuffed Buns By Dixie Chick Cooks

And last, but not least, some great tips from Connie of Family Home and Life. I just love learning nifty little things to do to stretch a dollar or save some time. This is a great post!

Simple Kitchen Quick Tips by Family Home and Life

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

We are all so busy.

Me, too.

But please take the time to select at least 3 links to click on and leave a nice comment.

Blogging & hopping is time-consuming.

Let's appreciate each other's hard work!

♥

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop on

Ducks 'n a Row

♥

Simple Guidelines:

Please follow Ducks ‘n a Row. (Email or Bloglovin')
In addition, like us on Facebook and Pinterest (Twitter and Google+ would be nice, too, if you are in a “liking” mood!)
Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like,
no giveaways please.
Visit three or more others. Let them know you've been there!
If you are new, be sure to let me know in the comments. I will definitely reply and would love to visit you. ♥

With Love,

Sugar and Slice Sunday Dessert Link Party

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:18:00 +0000

It’s Sunday!

Welcome to Sugar & Slice Sunday Link Party
The only place where you can party on a Sunday and feel fresh on a Monday! ;)

I'm co-hosting Lisa's Sugar & Slice Sunday link party throughout May.
You can visit Lisa over at her blog, Sweet 2 Eat Baking.

In case you missed it, this week I made...

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

This week, in addition to Lisa's banana bread loaf, Lisa made…

Smartie & M&M Oatmeal Cookies.
Orange Swirl Cheesecake bars.
Monster Sized Blueberry muffins.

But sadly she hasn't had a chance to post these recipes. Lisa has severe arthritis all over her body despite being only 31, she's having a huge flare up at the moment so in a lot of pain.
Because Lisa hasn't posted a recipe in a week or two, she didn't want her readers to think that she had neglected the blog. As she can't give an estimation to when she'll be feeling better, she still wants to keep the blog moving in the meantime.

Therefore Lisa would like to invite fellow dessert bloggers to guest post a recipe on Sweet 2 Eat Baking. As long as it is a dessert or sweet treat, it's all good. :)
If you'd like to help Lisa, you can filling out all the details, post title, post content, etc. and submit your guest post here. :)

<a href="http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/"></a>

<a href="http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/"></a>

Features:

The most popular submission…

Easy Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls by Crazy for Crust

And some of our favourites...

{1} Neapolitan Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones by The Partiologist

{2} Coconut Lime Dessert by Everyday Insanity

{3} New York Cheesecake by Bakewell Junction

{4} Red Velvet Cupcakes by Cath's Cookery Creations

{5} Mother's Day Chocolate Shortbread Roses by Pint Sized Baker

{6} Maple Bacon Cookies by The Velvet Moon Baker

If you were featured, grab the 'featured' button code above
and proudly display it on your blog post. :)

Guidelines:

Follow your host and co-host via:

Sweet 2 Eat Baking (Host)
Subscribe via RSS, email or BlogLovin'
Follow on Twitter
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Follow on Pinterest
Follow on Google+

Ducks 'n a Row (May co-host)
Subscribe via RSS, or BlogLovin'
Follow on Twitter
Friend on Facebook
Follow on Pinterest
Follow on Google+

Subscribe to your host and co-host via the links above. If you'd like, you can also follow us on our social networking links too.

Let's party!!

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A Tisket, A Tasket, A Green And Yellow Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

So where do you find a "green and yellow basket" when you need one?

You Google it and come up with this amazing cake creation by Brianna.

Green & Yellow Basket Cake

Yes, this really is a cake!
For more photos: Basket Cake

As I said in my Love Baskets! post, I love baskets. Every shape. Every kind. I used to have a great big one for my dog's multiplied marrow bones but it disintegrated with age. (Could have built our own museum exhibit with them--"This is what a cow looked like, kids".) We threw the bones away and started over.

So, I went on a search, looking for some really great examples of types, uses and styles of baskets. Here's what I found...

Bunny Basket

Wouldn't this make a beautiful centerpiece?

Easter eggs for the holiday.

Fruits or flowers the rest of the year.

Did I hear "cookies"? That's a lot of cookies, kiddo, but works for me!

Nesting Baskets

This is my favorite. I love baskets that fit inside each other and MATCH. I love matching things.

These furry friends are obviously enjoying my favorite baskets, too.

Fruit Baskets

Amazing what some green grapes can do to create just the right look!

And then there are...

CATS in a BASKET

Hey, if they can be "in a hat"...they can be in a basket. :)

Basket on Wheels

Professional Stunt Baby...do not try this at home.

Summer Flower Arrangement in a
BIG Basket
video by Pottery Barn
(If you are reading this by email, click on the post title and go to my page to view it.)

This wouldn't fit in my house but it is pretty.
Got a place in your mansion for one?

Hanging Flower Baskets

So, so pretty.
Do you use hanging baskets?
Share your flower basket photos with us on Facebook--CLICK HERE!

Denim Baskets

How to make a fabric basket: DENIM FABRIC BASKETS

Mail Basket

I like this but it needs something....a flower?
What do you think?

And, finally, there is the ever popular
MAKING A BASKET

Got skills?
(nope!)

Of course, we just grazed the surface in the world of baskets. There are laundry baskets, grocery baskets, Easter baskets...what other kinds of baskets can you think of?

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Stop by every Wednesday for

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

with specially featured blogs.

A treasure in every click.

Photos:

Green and Yellow Basket Cake from Jared Johnson Family (blog)
Rabbit Basket by Wickerfurniture - Flickr Creative Commons
Nesting Baskets with Stuffed Animals by Wickerfurniture - Flickr Creative Commons
Fruit Basket by Grant Cochrane - Freedigital Photos
Cats in a Basket by Stevep2008 - Flickr Creative Commons
Hanging Flower Baskets by Lackland Hardy - Flickr Creative Commons
Denim Fabric Basket from Threading My Way (blog)

Thumbprint Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Sinea Pies) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:18:00 +0000

By Sinea Pies

Jam Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

Adapted from Thumbprint Cookies recipe by Garrett McCord of Vanilla Garlic

Photos by Sinea Pies

TOOLS

Electric mixer

Cookie sheets

Parchment paper

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks salted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup of sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 cups of flour

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

3/4 cup jam – any flavor

DIRECTIONS

Cream the butter and sugar using electric mixer for 3 minutes on high.
Separate the eggs. Add yolks and vanilla Place the egg whites in a shallow dish on the side...to be used to dip the cookies before baking.
Add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
Place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 350°.
Whisk the egg whites till frothy.
Roll the dough into balls* about 1 inch in diameter and dip them in egg whites. If using nuts, then roll them into the nuts until covered.
Place the balls on parchment lined cookie sheets.
Press down in the center with your thumb to make a small indent in the center of the cookie. Do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart.
Fill with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

TIP: the dough will stick to your hands, big-time Leave your water faucet running slightly so that you can get your hands damp before each ball. The ball will smooth nicely and the stickiness will be greatly reduced.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

For more, visit our RECIPES PAGE.

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I'm partying here.

Stop by every Wednesday for

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

with specially featured blogs.

A treasure in every click.

Ducks 'n a Row--the beauty of an organized life.

Cheesecake Recipe

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #26

Facebook Frenzy is Here! Link Up!

Facebook Frenzy hop #14

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

3. Tweet this hop!

Tweet // <![CDATA[ !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); // ]]>

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) if you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to

"Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team! Welcome aboard!

Be sure to come out and join us every Friday to support our new bloggers on "Feature Friday"!

Beautiful ...

10 Simple Ways to Save Money PART 2

Cupcakes on Parade #2

Craft Buttons - Create Unique Greeting Cards They'll Cherish for a Lifetime!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #25

Fabulous Facebook Frenzy Link Party

[pinit]

Facebook Frenzy hop #13

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules: 1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages 2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

3. Tweet this hop!

Tweet // <![CDATA[ !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); // ]]>

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) If you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to "Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team!

Welcome aboard!

Be sure to come out and join us every Friday to support our new bloggers on "Feature Friday"!

Thick 'n Delicious Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Cupcakes On Parade

10 Simple Ways To Save Money

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #24

Facebook Frenzy Blog Hop

WELCOME TO THE FRENZY!

[pinit]

Facebook Frenzy hop #12

IMPORTANT!

Please read before linking up!

ON TO THE HOP!

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

3. Tweet this hop!

Tweet // <![CDATA[ !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); // ]]>

4. leave a comment (With a link back to your blog's Facebook page) If you would like a follow back.

5. "Like" those who are kind enough to "Like" you!

Meet our fabulous NEW June co-host team!

Interested in Co-hosting with us? We still have openings for July! Co-host spots a $5 for the entire month! Contact us for details!

Grilled Scallops with Bacon

Say It With Flowers

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #23

Finishing the School Year Like a Champ

Sugar and Slice Dessert Link Party

Features:

Guidelines:

Let's party!!

Peanut Blossom Cookie Recipe

Simple Summers -- 12 Great Ideas for Taking Vacations at Home

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #22

Sugar and Slice Sunday Dessert Link Party

Features:

Guidelines:

Let's party!!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Green And Yellow Basket

Thumbprint Cookies

Tweet

Here are the classic rules:

1. "Like" Your Host and Co-hosts pages

2. Grab the hop button and place it on your sidebar (or hop page)

Tweet

Tweet