Wishing my oldest boy a very happy 12th birthday! (which is a bit extra special since it’s a snow day with no school!)

Tomorrow I’ll share the copycat recipe for the Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake we had to celebrate!

Can someone send some sunshine & warm weather to North Dakota cause 32 BELOW zero sucks!

Save on your heating bill

In winter, keep drapes & blinds on south facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight & heat to enter your home.
Close drapes at night to help reduce heat loss.

Living in North Dakota where the windchill can get 15 BELOW zero, this tip works!!!

What’s your best tip to save on the winter heating bill???

I’ve been a little MIA for a few weeks but its been a CRAZY busy few weeks!

I GOT A JOB!

Before Christmas I was cruising the internets, looking at the job market in our new town (not really expecting to see much). I’m quickly scrolling down the page when my little town of Aber showed up! I was like “WHOA! Who the heck is hiring in this tiny town?”

Turns out it was the phone company 2 blocks from our new house! I knew it was serendipity so I applied…and got the job!!!

Now while the kids are at school, I spend my days filing, reviewing spreadsheets, answering phones & looking out for Superman!

Oh & we got the flu…all. of. us! Not a fun way to ring in the new year! ;(

How’s your month been?

Christmas is synonymous with peppermint.

Once the Thanksgiving feast is over, I’m all about the peppermint. I crush it and put in my hot cocoa, add it to my coffee, add a peppermint disc to my water glass…

I love it.

This year I want to make peppermint marshmallows. Last year I made plain Jane ones which were really good but this year…yep, it’s time to dress it up with some red n white peppermint.

I guess I’m not the only one with a peppermint obsession this time of year.

Marie Callendar’s has a new Peppermint Cream Pie that combines the yumminess of THE holiday taste of peppermint with delicious silky cream filling and a chocolatey cookie crust. MMMMMMMMM

(excuse me while I wipe the drool from my face!)

The best part of this pie…other than it’s got peppermint and chocolate…I just pull it from the freezer, let it thaw (if I can resist the temptation) and eat. (I’m REALLY good at the eatin part!!!)

I’m not gonna lie and tell you this pie is low calorie, low fat, or some other mumbo jumbo to make you wanna go buy it. Cause it’s not. It’s not “health” food. It’s not make you skinny. It IS good for the soul (in my opinion) and a very simply way to get a great dessert on the table during these busy holiday times.

So, what about you; what special treat SCREAMS the “Happy Holiday’s” for you?

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine alone.

Super easy afternoon craft kids will have fun making & grandparents will love to get in the mail! This is a great little craft the kids can work on during winter break or a boring snow day!

Make your Gingerbread Man Hug

Grab some poster board & either cut it down to paper size (8.5″ x 11″) or make a giant hug.

Draw a gingerbread man to fill the page & cut out. have the Kidlet cut out the shape to practice their fine motor skills.

Lay out some wax paper that’s at least a few inches larger than the gingerbread man then loop some tape & tape the cut out gingerbread man on top of the wax paper to hold it in place. It helps with the mess!

Grab some water color, acrylic or finger paint and let them go nuts with either a paint brush or their fingers. You can tape the wax paper to the table if it moves too much while they paint.

The wet paint makes the gingerbread man’s hands curl like he’s giving you a hug!

Allow the paint to dry then grab a variety of notions from buttons to foam shapes to nuts or anything else you have lying around & glue in place. We happened to have googly eyes, a peanut (for the nose), wire ornament hanger (for the mouth), a mini bow & some Pom Pom’s!

Once the glue and paint have dried (I left ours overnight) remove the gingerbread man from the wax paper & BAM, your Gingerbread Man Hug is ready to go!!! Send to grandma, hang on your tree or put on your wall.

Jill Martin was on the Today Show with another holiday round of Steals and Deals. From Philosophy gift sets to cook books to steak knifes to Crocs to American Girl (just $50), there’s something for everyone!

All the deals listed below have delivery options for Christmas arrival.

1. Neither Jill Martin, Frugal Front Porch or TODAY profit from these sales.
2. The exclusive deals last about 24 hours, but check the specific retailers’ sites for specific terms and conditions.
3. Prices below do not include tax, shipping or handling.
4. Due to the popularity of these deals, some of these sites may experience technical difficulties but they are constantly working to resolve the issues.

Philosophy refresh and glow set

Retail price: $100
Discount price: $32.50
Percent discount: 67.5% off
Discount code: TODAYBEAUTY
(To purchase the set, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code and click, “enter.” On the next page, click “Buy now.” Then, enter the quantity you want to purchase and click “Add to cart.” Next, complete the checkout process.)

Philosophy is offering four of their bestselling skin care products including a holiday twist. The refresh and glow set includes 2 ounce hope in a jar original formula daily facial moisturizer for all skin types, 7.8 ounce hope in a jar for body, which is their advanced skin smoothing body lotion inspired by hope in a jar facial moisturizer, 7.5 ounce purity made simple foaming 3-in-1 cleansing gel for face and eyes, and 16 ounce candy cane all in one shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath that is peppermint fresh.

Philosophy says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only, not including Alaska and Hawaii. The estimated shipping cost is $9.95 and the product will arrive within 2 weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $100 set for $32.50, click here. Contact the company at this email address: feedback@philosophy.com.

Crocs Neria 

Retail price: $39.99
Discount price: $15.99
Percent discount: 60% off
Discount code: TODAYCROCS
(To purchase the Crocs, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, choose your size and quantity, then click “Add to cart.” Next, click “Checkout” and on the following page enter the promo code where it says “Enter coupon code here.” Complete the checkout process.)

Crocs is offering their lightweight Neria style, a new take on their classic clog. It’s designed with a closed heel that’s comfortably loose to allow your heel to move freely up and down as you walk. The style comes in three different colors including black, navy, and espresso.

Crocs says the product will only be shipped to addresses within the U.S., U.S. Territories, and APO/FPO/DPO addresses. The estimated ground shipping cost for delivery by Christmas is $4.99 with free shipping on orders over $75. The product will arrive within 5 to 7 business days. Delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands may take 3 to 4 weeks via Economy delivery and APO/FPO deliveries may take 4 to 6 weeks via Economy delivery. You can view the Crocs return policy here. For more information and to buy the $39.99 Crocs for $15.99, click here.

Contact the company here.

Random House cookbook multi-book collections

Retail price: $89.95 to $100
Discount price: $27
Percent discount: 70% to 73% off
Discount code: TODAYBOOKS
(To purchase the collections, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code and click, “submit.” Next, click “Add to cart” next to the collection you wish to purchase. When you are done adding items to your cart, click “View cart” in the top right corner. Then complete the checkout process.)

Random House is offering three cookbook sets from Julia Child, Martha Stewart, and Giada De Laurentiis. The Julia Child collection is a 2 book boxed set, the Martha Stewart collection is a 4 book set, and the Giada De Laurentiis collection is a 3 book set.

Random House says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only. The estimated shipping cost is $9.95 and the product will be shipped out within 2 weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $89.95 to $100 book sets for $27, click here.

Contact the company at this email address: info@todayshow-randomhouse.com.

Stokes Laguiole gourmet steak knives

Retail price: $100
Discount price: $29.99
Percent discount: 70% off
Discount code: TODAYKNIFE
(To purchase the knives, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code and click “enter.” Then click “Buy now” under the set you would like to purchase. On the following page click “add to cart” and then complete the checkout process.)

Stokes is offering one of their best-selling handmade sets of 4 Laguiole stainless steel gourmet steak knives. They are available in your choice of a beautiful brown or black wood handle and each includes a storage box with magnetic closure. Crafted from polished stainless steel, each knife has three visible rivets and a serrated blade.

Stokes says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only not including Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. Shipping is free and the product will be arrive by December 24, 2012. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $100 knives for $29.99, click here.

Contact the company at this email address: todayshow@stokesstores.com.

Peace, Love, or Joy Pendant by Mary Margrill

Retail price:  $135
Discount price:  $39.90
Percent discount:  70% off
Discount code: M2TodayShow
(To purchase the necklaces, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, click on the image of the necklace you’d like to purchase. Then click “Add to cart.” On the following page, enter the promo code where it says “Promotion code.” Complete the checkout process.)

Mary Margill is offering her Instant Heirlooms collection. Each circle pendant is made of hand cast of solid sterling silver and heavily plated with 14K yellow gold. Chose from beautifully etched words Peace, Love, or Joy, and accented with a precious white sapphire. Honor a special moment or create one instantly with this lovely piece of  Mary Margrill jewelry.  No doubt these pendants will become Instant Heirlooms.

Mary Margill says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only. The estimated shipping cost is $10.95 (additional charges may apply for Puerto Rico.) The product will arrive within two weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $135 necklaces for $39.90, click here.

Contact the company at this email address: customercare@marymargrill.com.

American Girl dolls and accessories, and half-canopy bed

Retail price: $125 to $129
Discount price: $50
Percent discount: Up to 61% off
Discount code: JILLOFFER
(To purchase these American Girl items, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, click “Save now.” Then, click “add to cart” on the product you’d like to purchase. Complete the checkout process.)

American Girl is offering their Marie-Grace doll, book, and Meet Accessories, Cecile doll, book and Meet Accessories, and Marie-Grace and Cecile’s Half-Canopy Bed in an unprecedented deal.

The Marie-Grace and Cecile historical dolls are 18″ tall, with hair that can be styled and eyes that open and close. Both dolls are soft and huggable, and arrive in an outfit and accessories authentic to 1853 New Orleans. Plus, girls can discover their inspiring stories of friendship in the first two paperback books in the series, Meet Cécile and Meet Marie-Grace.

American Girl says the product will be shipped within the U.S. including Puerto Rico and will ship to Canada (additional fees and surcharges apply). The estimated shipping starts at $7.95 and this will increase for each additional item. The product will be delivered by Christmas. They will promptly exchange or provide a merchandise credit for any returned product. A refund is available with your original proof of purchase from American Girl. Shipping and processing fees are non-refundable.

For more information and to buy the $125 to $129 American Girl dolls and half-canopy bed for $50, click here.

Contact the company at this email address: service@americangirl.com.

If you have any questions about the details, the products’ websites or inventory, please check with the retailers making the offers.  You can find their contact information on the sites — this is your best and fastest option.

Jill was back on the Today Show today with more steals and deals. The deals are PHENOMENAL just in time for Christmas (up to 85% off on some things)!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jill’s idea of using older photos for the photo canvas! I know several family members who would LOVE having a black and white canvas of relatives who left us long ago. Talk about a priceless gift on a budget, $15 to $30 ain’t bad!!!

If you have a comment for TODAY, submit it here. Please note that TODAY staffers are unable to respond to every email.

1. Neither Jill Martin, TODAY Show or Frugal Front Porch profit from these deals.
2. Deals are only valid for approximately 24 hours.
3. Check the retailer’s site for offer terms and conditions.
4. Prices do not reflect shipping or tax.
5. Make sure to note processing and shipping time frames if ordering for gifts.
6. Bookmark the retailer’s site so you can easily contact their customer service for order inquiry.

Follow TODAY on Facebook so you don’t miss any of these great offers!

The Best of The Body Shop 10 Piece Moisturizing Body Care Collection

Retail price: $124
Discount price: $39
Percent discount: 69%
Discount code: TODAYJOY
(To purchase the body care collection, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, click “Add to cart.” On the following page, enter the promo code where it says “Add a coupon code.” Next, complete the checkout process.)

The body care collection will include 100ml Hemp Intensive Hand Butter, 200ml Satsuma Body Butter, 200ml Vanilla Body Butter Duo, 200ml Satsuma Body Polish, 100ml Almond Hand & Nail Cream, 250ml Almond Conditioning Hand Wash, 10ml 100% Natural Lip Roll-On Coconut, 60ml Satsuma Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer, Bath Lily Ultra Fine (White), and 250 ml Brazil Nut Shower Cream.

The Body Shop says the product will be shipped within the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. The estimated shipping cost is $5.95 ($15 for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii). The product will ship within 10 business days and is guaranteed to be delivered by December 12, 2012. All sales are final and individual items cannot be returned. For more information and to buy the $124 body care collection for $39, click here. Contact the company at this email address: weborder@thebodyshop.com.

Marquis by Waterford Crystal Glass Sets

Retail price: $100
Discount price: $27.50
Percent discount: 73%
Discount code: TODAYCRYSTAL
(To purchase the glass sets, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code. On the following page, click “Add to cart” under the product you’d like to purchase. When you have added all the products you’d like to purchase to your cart, click “Shopping cart” in the top right corner. Then complete the checkout process.)

Marquis by Waterford is offering four different sets of crystal glasses from their classic Brookside Collection. Options include the 12 ounce double old fashioned glasses, 16 ounce hiball glasses, champagne flutes and all-purpose white wine glasses. They feature the classic Waterford cuts on dishwasher-safe crystal.

Marquis by Waterford says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only. The estimated shipping cost is $9.95 and the product will arrive within 2 weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $100 glass sets for $27.50, click here. Contact the company at this email address: info@todayshow-waterford.com.

Baby Genius Ultimate Children’s Library

Retail price: $129.80
Discount price: $29.95
Percent discount: 77%
Discount code: TODAYMUSIC
(To purchase the children’s library, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code. On the following page, click “Buy now” on the item you’d like to purchase. Next, click “Add to cart.” Then, complete the checkout process.)

Baby Genius is offering one of their most popular sets, the Ultimate Children’s Library, which includes 10 DVDs and 10 Bonus CDs for over 15 hours of music. The set features popular CD’s like favorite nursery rhymes, sing-a-longs, counting songs, Mozart and friends, and more.

Baby Genius says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only. The estimated shipping cost is $5.95 and the product will arrive within 2 weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $129.80 children’s library for $29.95, click here. Contact the company at this email address: todayshow@babygenius.com.

Onna Ehrlich Maya Bag

Retail price: $650
Discount price: $98
Percent discount: 85%
Discount code: TODAYONNA
(To purchase the bag, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code. On the following page, select the bag color and click “Add to cart.” Then, complete the checkout process.)

This modern day tote is made with the finest leather and gold hardware. Its roomy interior is cotton-lined with a zipper pocket, cell phone holder and an extra convenience pocket. The bag is available in 6 colors: black, gray, red, green, cognac and navy.

Onna Ehrlich says the product will be shipped within the U.S. only. The estimated shipping cost is $15.75 and the product will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. All sales are final. For more information and to buy the $650 Maya bag for $98, click here. Contact the company at this email address: sales@onnaehrlich.com.

MyPix2Canvas Personalized Canvas Prints

Retail price: $60.83 to $129.08
Discount price: $14.95 to $29.95
Percent discount: 75% to 76%
Discount code: TodayCanvas1128
(To purchase the canvas prints, click on one of the two links above. On the landing page, enter the promo code where it says “Enter TODAY promo code” and enter the quantity you want to purchase under each item. Next, click “Buy now.” Then, complete the checkout process.)

MyPix2Canvas allows viewers to turn their digital photos into works of art.  Each photo is printed on high quality canvas material and then stretched around a wood frame reinforced with tongue and groove stapled corners.  A UV coating is applied in the final step to protect the canvas from color fading. Viewers don’t need their image ready today; you can purchase a voucher for an 11×16, 16×20 or 20×30 canvas that must be redeemed any time before December 1, 2015. The voucher will arrive in the customer’s email account within 48 hours of purchase. That email will also include detailed instructions on how to redeem it.

We’ve just moved into a new house (& I’m STILL unpacking). I’m still recovering (remarkably well) from September’s stroke. And now we’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for any of our holiday stranded trucker friends!

While I’m über excited to have everyone here, I know it will be pretty daunting since I need to get the downstairs guest worthy organized as well as clean & cook for everyone in time. But how do I ‘do it all’ while being able to visit with our guests & not feel isolated, cast off to the kitchen?!?

With a few cheats, um…shortcuts!

• cook & prep a day (or two) ahead
• have my guests bring a dish (cuts down on my expenses AND the number of dishes I have to cook)
• go store bought instead of all scratch cooking (I do enough scratch cooking the other 365 days a year)
• get the kids to help with smaller tasks
• clean as I cook
• disposable pans, plates, cups & cutlery are my best friend

This year’s shortcuts include store bought freezer dinner roll dough, Marie Callendar’s Apple Pie (her line of pasta dishes are sooooo good & the pies are de.li.cious) and cooking/carving the turkey the day before (it reheats faster after its de-boned).

What are your tricks to savor your time AND food on busy holidays?

2 Winners will Win a $25 Visa Card

(conditions apply)
In order to receive the gift card, giveaway winners must participate in Marie Callendar’s virtual focus group on December 18 at 1p ET.

Comment

This post is sponsored by Marie Callendar’s to encourage everyone to slow down & savor the holiday but the opinions expressed here are 100% my own!

I finally got Big D’s bedroom unpacked!!!

I made use of his toddler bed he’s not ready to part with (but no longer sleeps in) plus an extra deep window sill to create a cozy reading nook! His twin bed (with spiderman comforter & batman pillow) is off to the right with a little white two drawer mini dresser as a bedside table. I need to repaint his dresser a red/navy blue color but it’s pretty much done!

What do you think???