1 box of jiffy mix
3 hot dogs

Make mix according to instructions on box.
Pour mix into mini muffin pan.
Slice up hot dogs and poke inside each muffin.
Cook according to instructions on box.

You can also make more batches and freeze them.

My kids would love these!

I was doing some research for my mother who has Chronic Pain and came across this article:

By Maureen Pratt

Chronic pain can make us feel isolated and helpless, especially if its cause is an illness or physical condition for which there’s no cure or effective medical treatment. At times of deepest despair, finding ways to nurture our spirits can help us not only cope with the pain, but also discover nuggets of grace, comfort, and productivity that can move us through and beyond the helplessness and hopelessness we feel. Here are ten spiritual tools that can help you get started toward peace in spite of and in the midst of pain.

1. Find Quiet

When we are in great pain, finding true peace and comfort is not easy. But it is possible, if we first try to still our worries and fears, both external and internal. Finding a place where there are no noisy distractions is a great start. Enjoying the outward quiet, we can then calm our inner selves and nurture peace within.

2. Just Breathe
The act of breathing is not only a physical process, but it can also be a tool to move our pain, negative thoughts, and worry out of our bodies and hearts, replacing these with a better sense of self. In a quiet place, breathe in slowly and deeply, then let the breath out, expelling stress and pain with it. Feel the sharpness of pain subside as relaxation and calm take its place.

3. Listen to Music

A beautiful piece of music can inspire our spirits and soothe our pain like no other sound. It can also help us get in touch with the absolute joy of living, even if we live with severe pain. Put on your favorite piece of music - instrumental or vocal - sit back, and close your eyes. Let the music carry you away from your immediate pain to a place of calm.

4. Lose Yourself in Prayer
So often when we pray, we ask for relief from our pain and leave it at that. Perhaps more effective when pain is oppressive is lifting up our pain and then resting quietly with the comfort that our concerns are being tended to by One greater that ourselves and we do not have to take them back again.

5. Reflect in Nature

Pain can isolate us and make us feel very much alone. But in reality, we are part of an amazing world. A walk in the outdoors, a glance outside at a garden, a quiet moment with a beloved pet - each of these things can renew our sense of belonging to the world, help us to feel less alone in our pain, and make us grateful for our lives among such wonder.

6. Laugh More

Pain itself is no laughing matter, but the act of laughing can be physically and spiritually healing. It helps us breathe deeply, cleanses tense pain from our bodies, gives key muscles beneficial exercise, and lets us travel to an uplifting place of joy. Whether it’s a joke, a cartoon, or the antics of a pet, find laughter and enjoy it often!

7. Reach Out to Others

When we are in pain, it can be easy to feel as if no one cares. But there are many in the world who feel the same thing - and we can make a difference in our lives and in others’ lives by reaching out in comfort and care. A phone call to a hurting friend, a visit to someone in need, even an email to an online support group - all of these can help us become less isolated, and help others in the process.

8. Live in the Light

It’s easy for our souls to be flooded with darkness when pain is sharp and overwhelming. We can combat this darkness by bringing on light. The flicker of a candle, the warm glow of one small lamp illuminating a dark room - light can help focus thoughts and bring comfort. Even in the darkness, be conscious of the light all around, and let it guide you to greater calm.

9. Take Care of Yourself
Often, there is no cure for what causes our pain. This can make us feel as if our lives are out of control. But the better we take care of ourselves, the more we will feel at least a little control over our circumstances - and our attitude toward pain. Taking time to follow a healthful regimen reflects on our spiritual health, too, and gives us a chance to rise above our pain and feel better - inside and out.

10. Never Lose Hope

Each day, there are new developments in medicine and in therapies to ease pain, inside and out. Hope is not just a feeling that things will be better - it is a tangible tool to motivate and guide us through the frustrations that accompany pain into positive actions that can make our lives better now and in the future. Without hope, our spirits wither. With hope, as with the Creator, all things are possible!

Maureen Pratt is a speaker and author who focuses on spirituality, faith and wellness. Her most recent book is “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness” (Doubleday Religion). Her website is www.maureenpratt.com.

http://www.beliefnet.com

Tags: HEALTH, pain

Rubbermaid Configurations 4- to 8-Foot Classic Custom Closet Kit
List Price: $189.99
Price: $69.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $120.00 (63%)

*Expandable wardrobe organizer kit for closets 4 to 8 feet in length
*Includes shelves, expandable single and double hang rods
*All mounting hardware included for easy installation
*Shelves and hanging rods are adjustable
*White finish won’t snag or rust

Tags: ORGANIZATION

6 3/4 Carat Blue Topaz and Rhodolite Sterling Silver Ring
List Price: $150.00
Price: $75.00
Sale: $38.00
You Save: $112.00 (74%)


This would make a great Valentine gift for this price! I might have to send this link to my husband, lol! This is in the Amazon Friday Sale so I’m not sure how long this deal will last.

Tags: , amazon friday sale, jewelry sale

Altec Lansing FX4021 2.1 Powered Audio Speaker System
List Price: $167.90
Price: $59.99
You Save: $107.91 (64%)

This Beauty is More Than Skin Deep
*Crisp, clean sound: Custom-designed two-way speakers deliver a great performance.
*Understated Elegance: Contemporary design with removable cast-metal stands looks terrific next to your flat-panel screen or mounted on wall (satellite speakers are magnetically shielded.)
*Feel the Bass: Isobaric-configured dual 5.25″ woofers deliver bass comparable to systems twice as large.
*SFX Technology: Sound Field Xpander Technology delivers a wider stereo image for bigger sound at the touch of a button.
*Wireless Remote and Control Pod: Volume, bass, treble and loudness controls are at your fingertips. Just sit back and enjoy!
*iPod/MP3 Player Jack: Connect your iPod, MP3 player, or CD player at the same time as your computer.
*Headphone Jack: For private listening.

If PBK is your style they are having a 65% off 3-Day Weekend Sale.

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/index.cfm~ then click on Winter Sale.

Have fun shopping.

Tags: pottery barn kids

from: http://www.momsmenu.com/

GREAT MEAL IDEA

1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 oz. package rotini or rotelle noodles
8 oz. sliced pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz.)
1/4 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook noodles as directed on package; drain. Meanwhile, mix tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in 3-qt saucepan, break up tomatoes. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir macaroni and pepperoni into tomato mixture. Pour into ungreased 8×8 square pan or 2-qt casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until hot and cheese is golden brown. Serves 6. Freezes well.

picture found at cookbookjunkie.blogspot.com

Tags: momsmenu.com, recipe

Every morning (okay maybe every other morning) I grab my cup of coffee and enter all these wonderful contests.

http://www.womansday.com/giveaways/12661/january-giveaways.html

You can enter every contest once-a-day all month long!

My favorite on is the VEGAS trip but my hubby wants the GPS system. There is something for everyone!

Good luck!

Tags: , CONTESTS, woman's day magazine

Very Easy Project~

Materials for each napkin:

13″ square gingham or other fabric, or plain finished napkins 1 1/2 yd lace trim Matching thread

Instructions:
1. Turn under edge of fabric 1/4″. Press. Turn under 1/4″ again; topstitch. Press.

2. Pin lace header to right side over hem, with lace toward outside. Start at a corner, folding small pleat to turn corners. Overlap and turn end under diagonally at last corner. Stitch around. Sew fold down.

Thank you~http://www.womansday.com! I love this site.

These reminded me of the fabric napkins my grandma always used. I would love to make some for our special family dinners.

Tags: , easy crafts

Omron HEM-637 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor with Advanced Positioning Sensor
List Price: $99.99
Price: $49.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $50.00 (50%)

TODAY ONLY!

Not only does the HEM-637 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor utilize Omron’s patented IntelliSense technology, but it also features the innovative Advanced Positioning Sensor (APS). With the APS system, this wrist unit will ensure correct cuff placement before your blood pressure is taken. The monitor is incredibly easy to use — simply wrap the cuff around your wrist, press start, and let the APS system guide the cuff to the proper placement at heart level. In seconds, your blood pressure and pulse are displayed on the large digital screen. Proven time and time again, Omron’s IntelliSense technology ensures accurate, clinically-proven, and comfortable readings. And with a 90 memory recall you can track your blood pressure and pulse progress as you work towards a healthier lifestyle.

Tags: amazon daily deal, healthy living

Valentine Fabric Postcards:

http://www.joann.com/static/project/0801/P488364.pdf

Yarn Sale:

http://www.joann.com/joann/

This easy no-bake dish offers the cheesy goodness of a traditional lasagna without the lengthy prep time.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups ricotta
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
1 (26-ounce) jar pasta sauce
6 oven-ready lasagna noodles
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, water, salt, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Set the mixture aside.

2. Brown the beef in a large skillet set over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Drain any fat, if needed. Add the zucchini. Stir in 2 cups of the pasta sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

3. Top the mixture with 2 lasagna noodles, set in the center. Break 2 more noodles into medium-size pieces and fill in the edges. Gently spread the cheese mixture over the noodles. (The noodles may begin to curl in the skillet, but the cheeses will hold them down.) Lay on the 2 remaining noodles. Pour the rest of the sauce into the skillet and spread it evenly, then sprinkle on the remaining cup of mozzarella.

4. Cover the skillet and simmer the lasagna over medium-low heat until the noodles are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the lasagna cool for 5 minutes. Cut the lasagna into squares and serve. Makes 6 servings.

This recipe came from one of my favorite sites: http://familyfun.go.com/

Lucien Piccard Women’s Rhodolite Gemstone Watch

List Price: $625.00
Price: $89.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $536.00 (86%)

A unique rounded rectangular shape creates the centerpiece of this lovely rhodolite gemstone watch from Lucien Piccard. This elegant timepiece features easy-to-read Arabic numerals and an eye-catching collection of diamonds inset into the mother-of-pearl dial. An embossed leather band fits comfortably on the wrist and highlights the burgundy gemstones adorning the vertical lines of the 32-millimeter, stainless steel case. An attractive and fashionable watch, the Rhodolite is also conveniently water resistant to 100 feet.

Tags: amazon, jewelry sale, valentine gift

Freshwater Pearl Watch, Necklace and Earrings Set
List Price: $66.00
Price: $35.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
You Save: $31.00 (47%)

This Freshwater Pearl watch, necklace, and earrings set is a classic gift for the stylish woman in your life. This beautiful set includes a pearl-detailed watch that features a 24-millimeter rose-gold and stainless steel case, a matching rose-gold and stainless steel bezel, and a luminous bracelet constructed out of freshwater pearls and held to the wrist with a bangle bracelet clasp. The beautiful pearl dial is protected by a durable mineral dial window, and features black Arabic numerals and gold-tone dial hands powered by dependable Japanese-quartz movement. This set also includes complementing pink freshwater pearl earrings and a necklace.

Tags: amazon, jewelry sale, valentine gift

If you love freebies then please check out this site:
http://www.frugalfreebies.com/

Updated daily and very organized.

Tags: FREEBIES