OOPS--I Didn't Do That, Did I ??

Yep, I did! I apologize for not getting the drawing/post done yesterday as I planned to! Please Forgive Me. Please?????

Here we go though...

The winner of the Amazon Gift Certificate


I had a total of 30 entries. I used the List Randomizer, and here are the results from Randomizer....

List Randomizer

There were 30 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. 28
Timestamp: 2008-11-18 23:50:56 UTC

So Number 28 is the winner....and that would be, DRUMROLL PLEASE.....

aBookworm from a book bloggers diary

Congratulations!!

Thank-you to all who commented...I loved reading your thoughts on favorite children's books!!

Small Investments Can Bring Big Rewards

The struggling economy is simply on everyone's minds these days. Businesses are filing bankruptcy, foreclosures are at their highest rates ever, and families are dealing with layoffs and loss of incomes. There is a program I read about today that provides a way for people to help rebuild communities and provide jobs at the same time.
Anyone that wants to can purchase a $25 Certificate of Deposits, which is FDIC Insured, and those investments will in turn be used to put people to work by revitalizing the construction and real estate industries. The goal of Rebuilding of America is to unite Americans through an affordable investment group program, that will get America working again in an industry that is profitable and where those profits are returned directly and equally to its investors.
When I think about how quickly I can spend $25.00 on fast food or other impulse buys, I know it is certainly possible to invest that money in a worthwhile cause such as this one. I do not know much about investing, but for $25 this sounds like an investment worth checking out not only because it is FDIC Insured, but because it has the potential to help rebuild our economy. I like the grassroots feel of this program...revitalize properties, give people jobs, and provide investment potential for people. If you'd like to learn more about this program, just click the link above.

Amazon Gift Certificate Give Away Ends Tonight!!

Last call....if you want to get in on Happy Healthy Families Amazon Give Away ($15 Gift Certificate), tonight is the final night! You just need to post a comment about your favorite children's book you like to read to your kids, or just like yourself, and tell me why it's your favorite. That's it. And one lucky winner will win a $15.00 gift certificate to spend at Amazon.
Tomorrow I will do the drawing, so be sure to stop by and see if you are the lucky winner. And if you don't win this contest, don't be sad....Happy Healthy Families will be having another fun giveaway shortly.

Speaking of giveaways, here are a couple more fun giveaways going on in the blogosphere right now--

A very cool Cleaning Package Giveaway at From The Desk of Melissa

"Because it's Christmas" giveaway (lots of great toys!) ongoing at What's That Smell

CurlyQ Cuties--Plush Monster Giveaway at The Mom Buzz

Signs of Christmas

Christmas count down is on! Are you counting days or weekends left till Santa comes? My kids are getting so excited, I have to keep reminding them that we need to celebrate Thanksgiving first, lol, but they just look at me like I am speaking in a foreign language.
Luckily I started Christmas shopping this weekend. I admit that I didn't get a lot done, but usually I haven't even started my shopping by this time in years past, so I'm pretty pleased with myself right about now! I have a couple of things on my kids lists, like th ewagon my 4 year old wants and a couple of games for nintendo my daughter wants, put away on Kmart Layaway and that alone relieves some stress! Mr.Bluelight is one of my favorite reminders that Christmas time is here, kind of like seeing the Christmas Tree lots getting set up. It's funny how certain things will become like rituals to us that make each season real for us. When I see the Kmart commercials featuring Mr. Bluelight and his advice for shoppers, I know it's Christmas. Just like when I see leaves turning colors, I know football season and Thanksgiving is here. Problem is, it seems like the two holidays overlap more and more each year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are intertwined in our thoughts and in the stores. Oh well. It is a great time of the year that always passes by too quickly for me anyway. I enjoy the kids being so excited and making lists, and I enjoy seeing Mr. Bluelight giving shoppers his sage advice!

Thanksgiving Crafts For Kids

Better Homes and Gardens has some great links for children activities that are you can download for free. There are coloring pages, games and cards that will keep kids happy and busy while Turkey Day preparations are underway!


Color Me Thankful

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

Thanksgiving Day Card


Thanksgiving Turkey Card (Very Cute!)

Turkey Tic Tac Toe

Turkey Day Games


Wild Turkey

My Friend The Entrepreneur

I am jealous. The green eyed monster has bit me, and bit me hard, LOL. I have a wonderful friend who is about to open a wedding consultant business. I love this friend, and wish her well, but I admit I am feeling a bit green. I have always dreamed of opening my own business in a real brick and mortar store. Living vicariously will have to do for now though. It is so cool being kind of close to an actual business about to open though, and watching her get ready to open her store/office, has taught me quite a bit. There is so much involved that I never gave much thought to before. For example, the shop will need security features, such as a digital security camera in case of break-ins and theft. Sites like IT Planet provide discount hardware for businesses, and also a large selection of security cameras and systems. Having a security camera visible is a great idea that will hopefully deter would be thieves.
So I really am excited for my friend, and hope her new business is successful. And if I am ever ready to open a business of my own, hopefully my friend can guide me!

Sharing A Thanksgiving Recipe--Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Pie

Ohhhh...this pumpkin chocolate cheesecake pie is so yummy, and actually quite easy to make! It's not really Thanksgiving time in our house until all the delicious baking starts, and this recipe is one of my family's favorite to kick off the holiday season with.

What You'll Need:

1 8 ounce package softened cream cheese

2 cups of pumpkin puree

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

3/4 cup finely chopped semisweet chocolate

9 inch pie shell (use your favorite recipe, or do what I do--buy already made pie shells at the grocery store!)

To Make:

Combine cream cheese and milk and beat until smooth. Spread in pie shell and sprinkle with the chocolate pieces.

In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, spice and eggs. Mix well, and then pour pumpkin mixture on chocolate layer.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle of the pie comes out clean (that's how my mom always checked on her pies...and it really works)

Enjoy warm!! Don't forget some whipped cream on top.....it's the holidays, time to splurge, right??