Events

  • Family Recipe: Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

    My mother in law, Kay, is a wonderful cook.  I didn’t grow up making cheesecakes but have made a few since marrying into the family.  Kay makes amazing cheesecakes, however, her Luscious Chocolate Cheesecake is my favorite!  For those of you who enjoy chocolate and cheesecake this is a recipe you need to try, it’s delicious!  Add a few fresh strawberries to the finished product and you have an awesome dessert ready for when guests arrive or to celebrate a special evening with your family.

    Luscious Baked Chocolate Cheesecake:

    • 1/3 cup Margarine or Butter, melted
    • 1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
    • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 3 – 8 oz packages Cream Cheese
    • 1 – 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 1 – 12 oz package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, melted OR 8 – 1 oz squares of Semi-Sweet Chocolate melted
    • 4 Eggs
    • 2 teaspoons of Vanilla

    Preheat the oven to 300°.  Combine margarine, crumbs and sugar; pat firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan.  In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add condensed milk and beat until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes or until the cheesecake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool to room temperature.  Chill.  Remove the side of the pan.  Garnish as desired.  Garnish Ideas – chocolate curls, syrup, fresh strawberries, white chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, or anything that compliments the chocolate cheesecake.

    Photo by CEThompson

  • Summer Activities: The Girls First Greenville Drive’s Baseball Game

    Greenville Drive Stadium - Fluor Field

    We were able to get tickets to a Greenville Drive Baseball through a work contact so we decided to take the girls to their first Greenville Drive’s Baseball Game.  The Greenville Drive is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox’s Team.   Like with any outdoor event such as baseball you are subject to the weather conditions. The girls were super excited but after the game got delayed followed by wind, rain, hail, and thunder they had to cancel the game for the night. Although it was a fascinating experience watching the workers drag the huge tarp out onto the field the game being cancelled was a disappointment. The girls handled it fairly well and we were managed to squeeze in a few minutes of another special activity. We were able to get another set of Drive tickets for a double header so their first Drive game was postponed temporarily.

     

    Having fun on the playground at the Greenville Drive Stadium!

     

    Saying "HI" to Reedy the Greenville Drive mascot before the game!

     

    You guessed it! The girls first Greenville Drive baseball game and was pouring rain and hail. The giant tarp was not coming off the field that night!

     

    Brina had a moment of sadness because it rained and the baseball game was cancelled.

     

    Daddy trying to cheer up Karlie despite her obvious disappointment that the game was rained out!

     

    Since the game was cancelled we managed to squeeze in ice cream sundaes and a little bit of play time at McDonald's indoor play area! Can you find them? (Hint - look at the ceiling)

     

    WAY up high!

     

    They like to be up in the high towers, can you tell!

  • Fun Activities on the Last Few Days at School

    I was able to go spend a morning volunteering at the girls school recently. Thankful that I have had a number opportunities throughout the year to participate in their classroom. One of the benefits to having twins in the same classroom is you don’t have to split your time between several different rooms. The girls LOVE it when Mommy hangs out with them at school and Mommy is excited they still want to have me be a part of their school group. The last several days of school are always busy with extra activities. One of the days I was able to help out with was their annual Field Day which is a full day outside competing in a variety of kid games.

    Karlie working at a picture for one of her friends!
    Brina thrilled that Mommy is taking a moment to watch her draw while helping with their class!
    Karlie and Brina resting in between games on Field Day!
    Brina's turn to carry the bean bag in the relay for her team on Field Day!
    Karlie was one of the few kids that made it all the way hopping down and back without losing the ball between her knees. I was pretty impressed, probably couldn't do that myself!
    Brina doing the sack race, she was a trooper for her team!
    Almost to the finish line! Go KARLIE Go!!!

    It is hard to believe the school is done and they are out for the summer.  We have many fun activities already planned for the summer and I know we’ll come up with even more stuff to do.  They have already listed several things that we did last summer tat they want to do again (guess that’s good because last summers memories were positive)!  Glad they enjoy hanging out with Mom because I love these months at home with the kids!

  • Bass Pro Shops: Free Family Summer Camp Events (Activities / Workshops / Crafts & More!)

    Starting June 4th through July 10, 2011 Bass Pro Shops will be having Free Family Summer Camp Events.

    There are plenty of fun activities, games, crafts, and workshops to participate in at Bass Pro Shops.  Some variations may occur at the individual stores participating in the Free Family Summer Camp Events.

    Free Activities (Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM):

    • Free Shooting Gallery
    • Free Shooting Range
    • Free Casting Targets
    • Free Photo (on Saturdays & Sundays)
    • Free S’Mores Cookout (Saturdays – 7 to 8 PM)

    Free Workshops (Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM):

    • Archery
    • Bird Watching
    • Shooting Basics
    • Camping Basics
    • Plants & Insects
    • Animal Identification
    • Hiking Basics
    • Outdoor Pets
    • Fishing Basics

    Free Crafts (Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4 PM to 6 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM):

    • Camp Scene Doorknob Hanger – June 4 & June 5
    • Camping Photo Frame – June 7, June 9, June 11, June 12
    • Leather Keychain – June 14, June 16, June 17, June 18
    • Paint a Wiggle Fish – June 21, June 23, June 25, June 26
    • Design Your Own Birdhouse – June 28, June 30, July 2, July 3
    • Stamping Fun Animal Tracks – July 5, July 7, July 9, July 10

    To learn more information go to Bass Pro or to find a location near you!

  • Family Outings: Family of 4 “Playcation” Package – Greenville Drive, Children’s Museum, Camelot Cinemas, Hotdogs & Drinks ($40)

    The Greenville Drive is offering a “Playcation” Package this week on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.  The package is $40 for a Family of 4 which includes:

    • 4 Tickets to the Greenville Drive’s Game on May 31, 2011
    • 4 Hot Dogs
    • 4 Soft Drinks
    • 4 passes to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate
    • 4 passes to the Camelot Cinemas

    You can order you “Playcation” Package by going by the Fluor Field Box Office or calling them at 864-240-4528 (there is an additional $5 charge for ordering by phone).  For more information please go to the Greenville Drive website.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of May 25 – 31, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   There are a lot of great deals for grilling out, here is a delicious homemade ice cream recipe to go along with your Memorial Weekend activities Blessings Multiplied – Family Recipe:  Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream, you could pick up the ingredients at Save A Lot this week!  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Beef Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb

    Holten Beef Patties (24 oz, 6 patties) – $1.99

    Fairgrounds Hot Dogs (12 oz) – $0.69

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (14 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1/1 coupon from Hillshire Farms
    $0.99 each after coupon

    Ocean Market (Flounder, Tilapia, Lemon Herb Tilapia, Pollock) (4 oz) – $1.00

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Libby’s Steam Bag Vegetables (12 oz) – $0.69

    Coburn Farms Dozen Large Eggs – $0.99

    Sunny D (48 oz)  – $0.99
    Use $0.25/1 coupon insert from 5/15 Smart Source (Expires 8/31/11)
    $0.74 each with coupon

    Reser’s Potato and Macaroni Salads – $2.99
    Use $1/1 printable coupon from Coupon Web
    $1.99 each with coupon

    Fudgsicles or Popsicles – $1.00

    Borden Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.50

    McClary’s American Singles – $0.99

    World’s Fair Junior Pops – $0.99

    Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.29

    Coburn Farms Dip (16 oz) – $1.39

    Coburn Farms Yogurt – $0.50

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.00

    Pert Paper Towels – $0.69

    First Force Pine Cleaner – $1.00

    Produce

    Idaho Potatoes (5 lbs) – $1.49

    Jumbo Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb

    Jumbo Vidalio Onions – $0.59 per lb

    Grocery

    Summerset Tagless Ice Tea Bags (100 Count) – $1.19

    Kool-Aide (assorted variety) – $0.20 each

    Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans (16 oz) – $0.79

    Cowboy Billy’s Pork & Beans (16 oz) – $0.50

    Kurtz Dill Pickles (32 oz) – $1.59

    Kurtz Yellow Mustard – $0.69

    Kurtz Ketchup – $0.89

    J Higg’s Butter Round Crackers – $1.69

    Port Side Chunk Light Tuna – $0.53

    Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69

    Hargis House Beans & Franks – $0.69

    O Days Mac & Cheese – $0.39

    Maruchan Ramon Noodles – $0.89

    Portmann’s Salad Dressing – $1.29

    Save-A-Lot Brand Soda – $0.69

    Crisp Lemonade – $0.99

    Thirst Quench’r Drink Sticks – $1.19

    J. Higg’s Cornies Corn Chips – $1.29

    J Higg’s Potato Chips – $1.19

    J Higg’s Cheezie Puffs – $1.29

    Gourmet Onion Rings – $0.99

    CK Cheese Balls – $1.29

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Family Recipe: Grandma’s Homemade Ice Cream

    It is the season for Homemade Ice Cream! There is something about spending time with family and friends followed by homemade ice cream.  The fellowship is enjoyable and the food delicious!  I am looking forward to dusting off my ice cream maker, picking up the ingredients and eating the tasty ice cream.  The recipe I am sharing is one that my Grandma Willa has made for years.  We used to make this recipe in the hand cranked ice cream maker, the one you got a work out from before eating the ice cream.  We are spoiled now with electric ice cream makers!

    Homemade Ice Cream Recipe: (makes 1 Gallon)

    • 5 Eggs
    • 1 1/2 Cup Sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
    • (beat together)
    • Add: 2 cans of can milk (or use 2 cups cream and 1 carton 1/2 & 1/2 in place of can milk)
    • Pour mixture in container and fill to the line with whole milk
    • Freeze

    If you want a specific flavor instead of vanilla add it to the cream before freezing.  We have added fresh fruit, crashed up candy bars, cookies, peanut butter, or chocolate syrup to the ice cream (strawberries, peaches, butter finger bars, snickers, oreos and more)!  When you are serving a large crowd I have found it is easier to do vanilla ice cream and offer a variety of toppings – hot fudge, fresh fruit (blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, etc…), crushed candy bars, cookies, caramel, sprinkles and whatever else you want to add.

    Now I just need to find a good “excuse” to make homemade ice cream!  Anyone having a party soon?

    Photo by jeffreyw

  • Father’s Day Gifts: $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools (Amazon)

    Amazon is offering $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools now through June 20, 2011.  Are you looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift?  Many of the Bosch tools are on sale plus you can add the additional $25 savings at checkout.  Some items are more than 60% off prior to applying the additional $25!  Pictured above is the Bosch PS20-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Pocket Driver with 2 Batteries it is normally marked down to 66% off plus take an additional $25 off!

    I have “secretly” been looking for a new tool set for Jake, maybe he’ll get one for Father’s Day this year!  Shhhhh……don’t tell him!  To see the other Bosch tools that qualify for the $25 and more information on the Terms & Conditions please visit the $25 Off Bosch Cordless Tools page on Amazon!

    For additional savings use your Amazon Gift Certificates from Swagbucks to get this gift at a lower price or even free!!!

  • Recipe: Liege Waffles (Gaufre de Liege)

    My cousin Renelle made these waffles a few weekends ago and they are AMAZING!!!!  You don’t even need to put syrup on the waffles!  I ate mine with blueberries on top.  Later that weekend I had them just plain and they were sweet and tasty. You may want to make these the night before if you are planning on an an early breakfast otherwise they would make a great brunch since the dough has to rise.  They are just as delicious reheated as well.  Renelle made deep Belgian waffles for everyone, thanks Renelle for sharing such an awesome recipe with us!!!

     

     

    Liege Waffles:

    Sponge –

    • 4 1/2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
    • 1 1/3 cups warm Milk
    • 1 3/4 cups Flour
    • 1 tablespoon granulated Sugar
    • 1 Egg, lightly beaten

    Batter –

    • 9 tablespoons unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • 1/4 cup Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • Pinch of Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
    • 3/4 cup Pearl Sugar
    • Extra Flour (for sprinkling)

    Directions

    Sponge –

    1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over the milk.  Add 1 tablespoon of flour and sugar; set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy.
    2. Sift remaining flour into a large mixing bowl.  Make a well in center and add yeast mixture and egg.  Stir well to make a smooth batter.
    3. Cover with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place and let rise until doubled or tripled in bulk, about 2 hours.

    Batter –

    1. Place butter, flour, vanilla, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and pearl sugar into a bowl and work with back of a wooden spoon to form a paste.
    2. Work butter mixture into a sponge mixture until well combined.  Cover, and set aside for 10 minutes
    3. With floured hands, shape dough into 10 balls.  Flatten one slightly and dust it with flour.  If dough seems too wet to handle, just pour the batter directly onto the waffle iron.
    4. Heat a waffle iron until medium hot.  Place a flattened ball in the middle of the iron; close top.  Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.  If waffle iron is too hot, sugar will burn.  Continue baking until all the waffles are done.  Waffles may be kept warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

    Yields:  10 Waffles

    Photo by EvinDC

  • Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive with United States Postal Services (Sat, May 14)

    You can help food for families in your local community who are in need of food.  All you have to do is leave a bag of food at your mailbox and it will be delivered to your local food bank. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is another great opportunity that allows you to demonstrate to your kids what it looks like to share with others and be generous, better yet have them pick out their favorite non-perishable items to put in a bag and have them help you carry it to the mailbox.

    Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Details:

    • Date: Saturday, May 14, 2001
    • What: Bag of Non-Perishable Food Items (Can and Boxed Goods)
    • How: Leave your bag at the mailbox for pickup by your mail carrier
    • Where Does it Go? The USPS will deliver your Food Items to your local Food Bank to benefit people in your community
    • More Information: Stamp Out Hunger

    We are blessed as a family.  Yes we have a family budget, use coupons, and shop clearance racks or buy used items but by being smart with our money it allows us the opportunity to share what we have with others.  The girls love participating in this event and I am thankful they enjoy giving to those within our community.