Holiday Baking- Maple Pecan Pie

I recently tried this new recipe for a pecan pie, the pie was gone that night! It was delicious and defiantly a holiday comfort food. Below is the recipe, I hope you try it and enjoy!

 Ingredients-
1/2 cup Karo Corn Syrup
1/2 cup Maple Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
 2 tablespoons butter, melted
 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) pecans (whole)
1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen  pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix corn syrup, maple syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust. (Tip: don't over fill pie crust)
3. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 minutes (Tip: if the crust starts to get to dark just pop a piece of aluminum foil over it loosely). Cool , serve with Ice cream or whipped cream and Enjoy.

***Please leave feedback if you try it or if you have a tasty holiday recipe.

24/7 in the Kitchen with a Sprinkle of Daily Advice!

My new home has become my kitchen. As my son has gotten older the bottomless pit which is his stomach is always hungry and looking for me to replenish it! I'm always in the kitchen getting a snack, milk juice, meals etc. His first word was cookie, i should have known then that there was an evil worm lurking in his belly always wanting more!

Lately i have realized even though he is asking for food all the time when he does sit down to eat it he never finishes.

The light bulb went off (BING!)

Maybe more verity in each meal is key for him in keeping his interest in what he is eating. I purchased plates that had separators so that i could add three different things to the plate instead of one. I also decided do get Tupperware just for his food which i can then cut up fresh fruit, roll up cold cuts or make individual servings of different healthy snacks. It ended up being the best thing ever, once he had gone to sleep for the night i prepared his snacks and lunch for the next day so that i was ready and all i had to do was give it to him, no more rummaging through the fridge and trying to through things together before he had a melt down because he was hungry.

Us moms usually have to do are errands with our kids which can be a hassle. One thing i now do that can make it a bit easier and save you some money is bring your lunch ,water and snacks with you. I purchased a great Rachael Ray lunch bag which keeps everything nice and cold or hot. By doing this i not only save money, I'm also able to feed my son healthier choices as a pose to fast food.

From a person who has invested in just about every brand of tupperware the beast in my opinion is Lock & Lock which can be purchased on Amazon.com, or Qvc.com

P.S. Please post any tips tricks or stories!

Daily Advice- Getting through the Holidays without breaking the Bank!

Us moms always end up doing the bulk of Christmas shopping and end up being stressed with the long lines, crazy people, and the empty wallet at the end of the day.

The holidays can be done stress free while keeping your budget down and still producing a out of this world holiday!

I believe in only giving the most important people gifts and anyone else can receive a card. I think that way because if you ended up buying every person you knew a gift you would be broke! Big families can always do a grab bag for the adults so that everyone has one person to buy for which will save on having to buy every adult in your family a gift.

Always begin with a realistic budget of how much you really can afford to spend on gifts decor and any extras you may need (by chopping your tree down at a tree farm instead of purchasing one at one of those side lots can save you a few dollars) . Don't go over board Christmas isn't only about gifts, many people go in to debt around the holidays buy trying to get every little thing.

Once you have made out your budget start shopping no later then November 1st, this will insure you wont be crunching by Christmas.

I suggest you browse the Internet and get some ideas of  what you are going to get for each person and make a list this will help you stay on track. Always browse the clearance aisle which usually has some great stocking suffers if not some bigger gifts,(Target and Walmart always keep clearance items on the inside ends of the aisle).

If your up to it shopping on black Friday it can be a plus. ( I usually do not !)

Try buying Christmas gift bags for everything that way you eliminate the wrapping paper mess and you can keep reusing the bags for years to come ( I do this every year, i save a lot on recycling Xmas gift bags, I purchased a huge set from QVC.com with different size bags, wrapping paper, bows and a organizer and after all the toys are opened i fold up the bags and save them for next year!)

Homemade gifts are always a money saver and are very thoughtful.(a great homemade idea is my snowman hot coco cup, directions are below, you can also make a pie, bake cookies and put in a nice tin from the dollar store, or make Christmas chocolate lollipops and all the ingredients for that can be found at Micheals and is SUPER EASY!)

Remember the holidays are about family and you don't have to shower your family with gifts for the holiday to be amazing. You can bake cookies together, watch a Christmas themed movie with popcorn, play some board games, or decorate stockings to hang.

Enjoy the Holidays with family!

Directions for Snowman Hot Coco

I start off by buying a great Christmas mug from the dollar store, i then go to a grocery store and purchase Land O Lakes individual packets of hot chocolate which come in different flavors, I then grab a bag of real store brand mini marshmallows, a candy cane, bow, snack size zip lock baggies and cellophane.

You place the packet of hot coco in the mug, add mini marshmallows in a zip lock add in mug, place a candy cane in mug wrap in cellophane, tie with string and add bow. Wallah! you have a great gift  for about
$5.

Please post any tips, tricks, advice or story. Thanks!

Attention Attention: Christmas is Coming!!!

 I have officially kicked off my Christmas shopping today. I'm tired and over whelmed trying to figure out what gifts to get  for everyone. I have to start early because i don't like to rush or shop on black friday.

I feel Christmas has become less about the tradition and family gatherings but more about getting gifts. I don't want my children growing up spoiled so i have decided this Christmas i want it to be more about being together as a family rather then focusing on only gifts.

We defiantly will be cutting our own tree down this year which will serve as a great family outing and be decorating it together (instead of me just doing it ) while listening to Christmas carols. I want my kids to be in the spirit and enjoy the time we share together.(while sipping hot coca w/ mini marshmallows, of coarse)

It's so important as parents to bring your family together and enjoy each others laughs and smiles because we can all tend to get lost in the monotony of everyday life which can consume us to the point we don't even realize you really haven't spent any time together!

Please comment with any Christmas ideas, tips, advice, or stories!

Good Luck Moms on your holiday shopping, I know it can be stressful !

Daily Advice- Places to Take your Little ones for fun!

It can be hard to find great places to take your toddler on a day-cation. Below is a list of places i have been to and have found that are great and not expensive to take your little one. Have Fun!

*Jumpin Jakes (Fun)

*Sesame Place

*Park

*Adventure Aquarium: Camden, NJ (Amazing Place)

*Children's Garden: Camden, NJ

*Max Brenners Restaurant: NYC (Amazing, Like the real Willy Wonka)

*Maritime Aquarium: Norwalk, CT (Good)

*Children's Museum: NYC (So Fun)

*Please Touch Museum: Philadelphia, PA (So fun)

*Great Wolf Lodge: Poconos, PA (AMAZING, We go once a year)

*Bronx Zoo: Bronx NY

*Turtle Back Zoo: West Orange, NJ

***If you do go to any of these places please leave feed back on your adventure, or if you need any info or feedback on any of these places feel free to comment with questions and i will give you my review. Thanks!

***Please comment with any tips, advice or stories,

Busy Bee!

Sorry Moms no post today! I'm off with many things to do. Catch up with me tomorrow for another dose of  daily topics and a new recipe i have just for you!

Enjoy your TGIF and have fun with the little ones, there only little for so long!

*Please comment with advise, fun stories, or just a tip.

 Thanks for following!

Daily Advice- Rainy day blues!

As you look out the window and see the rain pouring down I'm sure your screaming quietly NO! (as i did this morning when i saw it was pouring) You have now come to the realization you will be inside all day with your energetic toddler!

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With a little planing you could have an amazing day and you wont find your self going crazy. Below are a few fun ideas you could try if you ever find yourself stuck inside.

1. Throw a sheet over the kitchen table it will be a magical castle to them. This will keep them busy for a while. (I just did this and he is still amazed)

2. Give them a bath with tons of toys.

3. Art projects, weather its just gluing, coloring, or even finger painting with paint or pudding they will have loads of fun.

4. Reading story books

5. Good old fashion pots and pans, they will love to drum and bang on them.

4. Flash light, i give my son the flashlight turn off the light in his room and he loves to see the light on the walls.

5. Indoor Picnic for lunch

6. Enjoy popcorn a snuggle and a cartoon/disney movie

Hope you have a great rainy day!

*Please post any comments, tips or advice. Thanks!

SUPER MOM!

In today's times a mother is expected not only to carry the child, bare the child and take care of the child but keep a home maintained, organized, clean, and a husband happy and full. I feel like mothers have to be in a million places at once and making sure everyone is happy and healthy. Us super moms ones who stay home or not deserve an award for all that we do. Most bread wining husbands who work all day and come home to a warm meal and a semi tidy house (we all know that with kids your home will never be spotless!) don't always give us the praise we deserve and need.

How many times have you been waken up at 5am. How many times have you spent a whole day in your pj's. How many times have you changed a diaper How many times have you had to watch dora and not your show. How many is two MANY!
Remember that things can wait, don't kill yourself trying to get that last toy picked up or the towels folded, tomorrow will be a new day and a fresh start


We as mothers need to throw in the towel once and a while and let those dads take the rains. We need to start taking care of our selves and our sanity. Below are some things that you can do to keep yourself from going crazy!

1. Ladies Night (once a month at least)

2. Play dates (you get adult convo and kids can play)

3. Take a walk or Jog (by yourself)

4. Grocery Shopping (should ALWAYS be done by yourself)

5. Call a friend (my favorite)

6. Get a babysitter and go on a date w/ hubby

A friend recently told me you cant feel guilty for being a stay at home mom because we work just as hard and need to take care of ourselves to (Thanks Linda)! She was so right, just because we have become moms that dose not mean we have to give up our life, it means we just have to make the time to do something fun for ourselves.

 *I'm sure there are plenty more but that's what i could think of at 11pm! Please leave tips, comments, advise, or stories. Thanks

Daily Advice- Toxic Cleanging Products

As moms one of our many daily jobs is clean our home. As i strolled down the cleaning products isle i realized even the "ALL NATURAL" products have chemicals i cant even pronounce. These chemicals are inhaled and get on your skin when you are cleaning.They are harsh and harmful to your body and your child's body.

You may think that just because it is on a shelf in a grocery isle and labeled antibacterial bleach cleaner that that's the best way to disinfect your kitchen/home but research today is proving that these cleaners have become more and more harmful. I have noticed when i have cleaned with cleaning sprays once i have sprayed on to a surface, i cant breath well and the fumes over whelm the area that i then  must open a window. Is that the only way to clean!

I have researched to find a truly natural way to clean my house that disinfects everything, leaves a fresh fragrance and does not cause me to open a window every single time. Below you will find a link for cleaning with vinegar and natural products found in your home. As mothers we should be protecting our home from germs but not in a way that would harm us probably more then the germs. Do the research, and educate yourself on the products under the sink!


*Please check this link out its 1001 tips for cleaning with Vinegar
http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7
(Thanks to http://www.vinigertips.com/ for the helpful tips)

*Please comment with tips and advice!

Good Cooking is in your Mood!

I have recently realized that cooking is in your mood. There have been  many days when i have felt sad and down which then reflected in my cooking, things came out burned and unappetising. On the other hand when I'm happy and joyful my cooking comes out great! Like tonight, I'm feeling great right and happy with myself. As a mother you will find yourself on a never ending roller coaster of emotions. After cooking an amazing dish that i am proud of and enjoyed cooking i get the most amazing reaction. In those cases were i had  a bad day i get silence. I truly believe that your emotions flavor your food and translate into the minds of others which then feel what you did as you cooked it. Cooking is truly an emotional act and can be very therapeutic. I cook on a daily basis and i found that it is a time where i can be creative and add flare to different recipes. Below is a quick and delicious recipe for fish. It will make your mouth water and any child will be more than happy to gobble it up.

Baked Tilapia
w/ lemon garlic herb sauce.

4 pieces of fresh tilapia
1/2 Onion
Cilantro
Salt
Pepper
Fresh Garlic
1 Lemon
a couple of shakes of grated cheese
Flour
Olive Oil

>Begin by rinsing the fish and patting it dry, seasoning to taste and season flour to taste. Dredge fish in flour on both sides well, then dust off excess flour.

>Preheat pan to a high setting add olive oil (about 2 times around pan). Once you see it to slightly smoke add fish and let it crisp and flip to crisp other side. (approx.3min each side) Remove fish and finish cooking in oven at 350 for approx. 10min or until cooked through.

>In the mean time grab a pan on a medium to low temp saute finely chopped onion and garlic. Once the onions become translucent add the juice of  one lemon, chopped cilantro and grated cheese.

> Remove from oven pour sauce over fish and serve hot with whatever sides you like.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Daily Advice- Becoming a Stay at Home MOM!

Becoming a stay at home mom is not so difficult as people think, even in these times. However it does require to give up some luxuries that are not necessities to life. For example that cup of Starbucks in the morning or the lunch trip to the deli. Friends and family may look at you like you have lost your mind when you tell them you are leaving your job in order to be a stay at home mom


A budget will become your best friend fast. Budgeting is key in making it work. Living on one income can be hard but with the right budget and life style changes it can work. Look at me, i am a prime example that it can be done. My family is not rich but we planned and budgeted right so that it is possible for me to be raising our children and not be at daycare. Realistically if you really wanted to stay home but wanted to go back to work at some point, you could always start back once the kids start school. This does not have to be a permanent thing but being there for there most important years will be so rewarding for you and baby.

1.Create a budget and decide what expenses are unnecessary. Start cutting back immediately. Pay off as much debt as possible, and start saving if you have not been already.

2.Research ways to save money on groceries, gifts, transportation, and utilities. This can include growing your own garden, making gifts, giving up a car, and taking efforts to conserve energy,

3.Calculate the money you would save by staying @ home. ex: lunch, gas, work clothes, dry cleaner, toll, daycare costs, and eating out (you should be able to cook now that your home,which saves tons)

4. Write a complete log of where all your money is going each month, this will help to find those missing dollars. Most people know how much they get paid and that there is not much left at the end of the month but as for where the money is being spent there clueless. Start reducing impulse shopping and always ask yourself is this something i need or just want to have.

*With these tools i am sure you will figure out if being a stay at home is possible for your family.

Example: Once i became a stay at home mom i cut out unnecessary shopping and bills. I cut down on TV (no HBO) Cut down on groceries by using coupons and looking for sales at different stores as well as making a weekly menu.

It is possible moms, Good Luck!

Cooking with AJ

Cooking with children can be really regrettable and messy but i gave it a try anyway since AJ showed interest in what i was doing. I had him stand in a chair and help me with the little things like putting bread in toaster and stirring pancake batter. I fully enjoyed watching his eyes light up as he did the most simplest things. As he helped i named things which he then repeated and learned. Not only was it helpful but he really was happy to help. Remember NEVER to leave kids unattended in a kitchen not only is it dangerous but you will end up with food on the wall and floor.(Trust me i learned this lesson the hard way!)

*If your a mommy to a younger child try putting them in a swing or a bouncer in the kitchen while you cook and interact with them it will be a special time for you and the baby!

*Breakfast is usually the easiest to prepare so start there. A little goes a long way when it comes to children so include them in little tasks around the house weather it be wiping a table of putting something away they will enjoy it because they have your attention.

Daily Advice- Children are like sponges!

I wanted to talk about something today that is so important and can and will leave your child affected for the rest of there lives. Children are like sponges they soak up everything that is around them. They like to mimic what they see people doing. Believe it or not when us parents, there most treasured hero's, get involved in an argument or bickering , or a fight (whatever you want to call it) in front of your child /children it does have an affect on them. They are soaking and gathering all that behavior and storing it in there little minds for later use. Be aware of your surrounding because when in the heat of the moment you don't realize the kids are there watching and listening to everything.

My best advice, as hard as it can be when your filled with emotions just  leave the room and talk in private, or distract your child by watching TV or a quick project. Make sure to keep your voices as normal as possible, children can feel mood shifts. Just keep in mind that these little children our are first priority and there health and well being are in or hands.

*As someone who is married and well aware of those times when husband and wife are just not seeing eye to eye remember those fights are not the problem of your child/children and there for should not be involved or exposed to them.

* Any questions, comments, advice, or experience's please post! Thanks Moms

Mom Jeans!

I have realized that as i became a permanent stay at home mother i have been grabbing things from my closet i would have never worn before motherhood. Sweats, loose jeans and whatever t-shirt is clean. No make-up and hair just pulled back. I thought it was me, maybe i had become lazy or just not content with my life. Wrong! i went shopping recently and counted how many moms with kids where just all a mess in sweats, mom  jeans and not put together. From the three stores i went to there were 38 moms who looked just like me. I always say the more comfortable the more easy my job will be. As a mother you sometimes you can loose yourself within raising your child. Although raising your child does consume you, you can still steal a few minutes to get out of those dingy sweats and into a nice pair of fitted jeans and a great blouse. By adding a little make up you can be looking fresh and awake. I guarantee that you will feel better about yourself, your day and your whole experience with motherhood. What i have learned is you don't have to put yourself last to be a good mother, you actually need to put yourself first so that you can be at your best ability to be a great mom! Your a mom not a bum in the street. Dress to impress and you will have more confidence then you can imagine.

Good Luck Moms, and stay away from those addictive mom jeans!

Daily Advice- Fun Project

*If you have any fun projects please comment, Thanks

A Nap & A Cocktail

I have had a light bulb go off today! A nap really is my best friend. Everyday my son loves to give me a hard time to take a nap. He kicks, screams, yells and tries to run out of his room. I really thought today i was going to loose my mind. Although being a mother is the most amazing thing in the world no matter if you work or don't it can be a very physically and mentally exhausting , but when your a stay at home mother you are with your child or children 24/7 with very little adult contact. (the wind is howling loud as I'm writing, LOL) Some days are pleasant and some days i would like nothing more then to just curl up in a ball in the back of my closet and scream! Fortunately when moments get like this a NAP is the best solution. I had to lay down with my son and as he wiggled trying to get away he got more and more tired and within 15min. he was sleeping. I was doing cart wheels in my head of course. I slowly crept out of the room and looked upon him from the door and  i thought to myself he is so peaceful and cute when he sleeps. I was so thankful he fell  asleep and i got sometime to kick up my feet and have a cocktail. (Even if your not a drinker like me, being a mother will defiantly make you need a drink!)

Cheers Ladies!

*Naps: Can't live with out them
* Please post any of your tips on how to get your child/children to take naps, Thanks!

Daily Advice- Introducing Whole Milk

Whole milk should be introduced on or after baby's first birthday. It should be given mixed in with baby's formula 2ounces formula to every 1ounce of milk, until their is no more formula left. This can be easy and can be hard and all children are different and will react different. Please have patience with this its a major change for baby. I'm sure you would rather have them on milk which is around $3.50 a gallon apposed to formula which is anywhere from $20-$30 and who said baby's weren't expensive.


Example: At age one i was jumping for joy when the doctor had told us to start introducing whole milk in the same ratio as above. I was so tired of paying $28 for Soy Similac formula 3times a week which yes moms added up to over $4000 for his one year of life. I started and after a week there was no more formula in my sons bottle and gave me no fuss about it while me on the other hand i was jumping for joy. It wasn't only a mile stone in AJ's life but more money in my pocket!

When the time comes enjoy the savings!
Good Luck

The Joy of being a Mother

As i watch my son playing and laughing i can't help thinking how truly blessed i am to have a child. I believe that children are the joy of a mothers heart! Its an endless love that is so strong.

To all the mommies and mommies to be pat your self on the back you are all amazing and strong women and i know it's not always recognized.

Tip: Enjoy all the time you have with your child, time flies by so fast before you no it they will be all grown up!

Daily Advice - Potty Training

Potty training can be really easy or really hard, in my case its both. My son loves to use his potty but can't get the hang of wearing big boy underwear. So in my case i have resorted to letting him run wild naked from head to toe,which by the way loves so much.

My advice to Potty Training is don't rush them.You may want to introduce a toddler potty for them to see and take interest in but be for warned there will be a lot of oops moments! Remember to all was reward with a sticker and a high five, they will love using the potty for it.

Example: AJ decided he wanted to start a #2 in his pull up and then decided he wanted to finish in his potty. Well if you can only imagine what happened next, he flung his diaper in the air which landed directly on my carpet and then took it upon him self to step in it! A mothers nightmare, it took me 3hours to get it out of the carpet. My miracle solution which cleans and leaves fresh should always be kept on handy for oops moments like this. Below you will find the directions. Hope this will help when you little one is potty training.

1part water
1part vinegar
1/2 tbsp dish soap
1 whole lemon zest only
Heavy duty rag


*If your a mom with any tips or tricks regarding potty training please feel free to leave a message, we could always use more help!

6:30am WAKE UP!

My head rose off my comfy pillow this morning to a a dark room and the clock beaming 6:30am at me. I was woken up by my lovely 2year olds body on top of my head! As my hubby laid snoring away (aren't you so lucky), i made a yummy breakfast in bed for my two boys. Now Aj's breakfast is cold and sitting all alone on the table waiting to be gobbled up. Why is it ok that i get a kid on my head and my son is sleeping like the dead!

Off to buy Halloween decorations, check back later for an update of how the rest of the day went after this crazy alarm clock moment!

One day at a time!

Welcome to My World!

 Welcome to all stay at home moms. My story began two years ago on August 22, 2008 when i gave birth to a 8pound 8ounce 21inch bright eyed baby boy. It was the most amazing and scariest adventure of my life. To think i would be caring for this baby on my own was probably the most scariest thing i have faced. Well i guess i did a good job because my little 2 year old AJ is healthy and happy! I have been a stay at home mom since he was born and what a hard job it is. From the cleaning to the cooking to the play time with AJ, When do we ever get to take a shower or sit and watch a bit of TV. I find myself running back and forth to the kitchen for meals or a snack, the closet for a diaper or stopping him from braking something. Someone once told me that if a stay at home mom got paid we would make well over 100,000 dollars a year. I'm still waiting for my check. Most of what we do is under appreciated because we don't get paid for it. Well today I'm taking a stand for all of us to say we are the back bones of our families and without us our families probably couldn't function half as well. Today was spaghetti night and as Dora the explorer played in the back round and my son slurped down a bowl of spaghetti i watched him toss his plate from the table on to my cream carpet. It was like a slow motion part in a movie, the plate fell and i hit the floor trying to catch it. Instead of catching it, the spaghetti was now in my hair and my floor. For a second i wanted to cry but all i could do is laugh because i wouldn't have pictured i would be diving to the floor to save a bowl of spaghetti before i was a mom. As i assessed the damage of the red meat sauce on the carpet  my son just had to say "Funny Mommy, noodles in hair". AJ is  off for a bubble bath and Dino jammies.What a night!