Review - Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough

Since going gluten free nearly a year ago, real baking has kinda, well, not happened in our home.  But for Valentine's Day, I wanted my daughter to experience cut-out cookies.  Even though Mommy and daughter wouldn't eat any, there's always Daddy!

We turned to the pre-made Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough.  At Christmas I saw a sweet TV commercial of a mom and little girl baking cut-out cookies with the Pillsbury Sugar Cookie dough.  Images of simple, quick fun danced in my head as we opened up the plastic roll of dough.

Straight out of the fridge, it was solid and cold.  (My rolling pin is still packed, SOMEwhere, so we had to use plastic cups!)  Quickly, the dough began to thaw, but we got a full pan cut out and into our pre-heated oven.  I put the other half of the dough back into the fridge to harden again.  5 minutes into cook time, we clicked on the oven light to take a quick peek.  Uhm...the cookies were HUGE!  That pan of cookies swelled up, blending into each other.  *sigh*  The cute, pressed Valentine's designs were barely recognizable.

We got the dough back out of the fridge and hoped for better results.  This time, I took pictures!  For pan #2, I used 4 cookies, and on pan #3 only 2.  Maybe this way they'd at least keep their shape.  Nope.

Just in the oven.

5 minutes into baking.

Final product, complete with toddler's icing!

 Well, these aren't exactly beautiful cut-out cookies!  But I don't think Daddy will mind.  Truthfully, we had a blast - so we did get the fun part.  But Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough for cut-out cookies gets a huge "thumbs down" from me.

On a positive note, the dough makes a super yummy cobbler topping if you're in a rush!  Mix your berries or fruit with some sugar and a hint of lemon juice.  Thickly, roll out the cookie dough.  Spread that a'top your berries.  Then, just sprinkle on some coarse sugar and you've got a fast and simple dessert!  Don't forget to bake it at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or so.  You may need to cover with foil after the cookie has browned and cook a bit longer, to help your fruit finish softening.  Enjoy!

Review - Gluten Free Favorites

When starting out on the gluten free path, it can be overwhelming.  Overwhelming AND expensive actually.  Baking those sweet treats and pasta are often the most difficult to give up.  (What DO you eat for breakfast other than scrambled eggs when you're gluten/dairy free, anyway?  *shrugs*)

Most local grocery stores and finally, even Wal-Mart, are carrying large amounts of gluten free products.  The only thing I'm not thrilled about with nearly all gluten free products is that wheat is replaced primarily by corn with rice as a close second.  "What's corn good for?" Our nutritionist will ask you, "Nothing, other than to make cows fat."  *smiles*

So even though these items are tasty, we still have to eat them in moderation.  Funny, at first all I could think was, "FINALLY, there's SOMETHING I can actually EAT that's not meat or vegetables!"

Well, here are some my personal favorites.  Hopefully this list can save you from a headache when you're out shopping.  And save you a few dollars too!  Oh, and don't forget to check the mark-down section of your grocery store.  Often it's tucked away in a corner on a shelf or tables.  Frequently, you'll find gluten free or organic products at a great price buried there!

• Udi's Chocolate Muffins - They freeze well!  Perfect for that chocolate fix.  Can be found at Amazon or your local store. 

• Udi's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - They also freeze well.  Taste like the "real" thing!  Certainly a comfort food.  Can be found at Amazon or your local store.

• Rudi's Multi-grain Bread - This tastes the most like "real bread."  Soft.  Toasts well.  Found online or at your local store.

• Hodgson Mill Pancake and Waffle Mix - We sweeten these with Agave and fresh blueberries!  Top with maple syrup and yum!  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.

• Hodgson Mill Apple Cinnamon Muffins - We sweeten with Agave.  These do not save for very long and tend to be a bit "heavy."  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.  

• Bob's Red Mill Corn Bread Mix - Even if you're not GF, you will LOVE this corn bread.  It's better than any other box mix - amazing.  Can be found on Amazon or your local store.

• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta - This pasta is the BEST GF pasta we've tried.  (We've tried Tinkyada's other varieties as well, they're great!)  It cooks well - even if you over cook, it's just fine.  Taste is marvelous.  Can be found on Amazon or at your local store.

• Annie's Mac and Cheese -  If you're ok with including dairy in your diet Annie's will satisfy that quick mac 'n cheese craving around lunch time.  Taste really isn't far off from the traditional "Kraft" taste.  (And sometimes you can snag 'em for $1 each on sale!)  Can be found on Amazon or at your local store.

• Larabars - If you're a fruit lover, you'll enjoy these quick snack bars.  The flavors are subtle.  Ingredients simple and straightforward.  Can be found at Costco, Amazon or your local store!  (And do look for the sales.)

Valentine's Mantel and Napkin Wreath

With most of my decor still in boxes, it's a challenge to decorate.  Thus far, my mantel is the only thing I've tackled.   There's not one picture hanging on a wall anywhere!  Granted I'm enjoying the de-cluttered look, and am trying to take this time to scour Pinterest for ideas.

We've owned this home for about 6 months.  2 of those months we were not living in the home - smashed out walls and cabinets, torn out flooring and fresh paint kinda made me stay out.  *smiles*  Then, a couple weeks after moving into a home with renovations still in progress, I hit my head.  And now, I am under doctor's orders to do as little as possible.  Having a concussion sure takes a toll on one's life!  3 months down - and doc says 9 more to go!  *sigh*

Here's what the mantel has looked like since we got here...

Original mantel was finished wood.

We painted the mantel white to match the new crown moulding we  put in  the living room!

And yes, there was a Christmas mantel.  But Miss Concussion Brain forgot to take a pic!  This is the only pic I took of my Christmas decor.

This is my Christmas napkin wreath!  It's one of the most easiest projects I have ever tackled!

Simply get cocktail napkins (dinner napkins if you'd like) and unfold them.  Next, grab the middle of the opened napkin - like you're going to use it as tissue paper in a gift bag.  Twist the "end" just a tad and tuck it into your wreath!

It'll take 1-2 packs of napkins, depending on how full your want your wreath/the size of the wreath.  Play around with color combos, solids or even a rainbow!

As you can see, for Valentine's Day I merely squashed in a few pink napkins and added a heart!  Since my daughter's craft supplies are basically my only unpacked supplies, I find myself raiding them all the time!  This adds a bit more whimsy than I usually use, but since there IS a young child in my house, it works!

Art in the back was made by my handicapped Aunt, and given to family members one Christmas!

Share a link on this post if you ever decide to create your own napkin wreath!  Maybe in the colors of an upcoming baby or wedding shower?  It's such a cheap and simplistic way to get a lot of "wow!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. Linking up to...

Product Review - L.L. Bean's Fleece Slipper Mocs

**Don't forget about my on-going giveaway!  The Courageous DVD given by Focus on the Family is waiting to find a home.  Giveaway entries open through this Friday, February 18, 2012.**

  My Treasure Book was featured on ByStephanieLynn.  This is my second feature on her site.  Thanks, ByStephanieLynn!

L.L. Bean's Slipper Mocs

After much thought, these slippers helped me cross three guys off my Christmas list!  One of those guys, was my husband.  He had been asking and asking for slippers for Christmas.  That's all he wanted.

Here's what he has to say about his L.L. Bean Slippers Mocs...

"They are extremely comfortable.  I want to wear them every day.  Actually, I miss them when I don't have them on!  I don't like not wearing them.  They make me feel prepared at any moment - I can run out of the house, etc.  They can perform like a shoe if necessary.  When I'm home, have you seen me without them?

On the down side, the sole pattern too intricate, anything sticks to it.  If you go outside, you have to brush them off before going back inside.  Picks up more "debris" than a regular shoe.  Also, I wish the slippers weren't made in China and that there were more, nice color options available."

Personally, I was a bit disappointed that the fleece began balling up quickly.  L.L. Bean's quality is usually exceptional, (my husband has had the same L.L. Bean backpack for oh, going on twenty years) so this surprised me.   Granted, these are their cheapest men's slipper.  But still, with a price tag of $34.95, you hope they would stay in their original condition for at least a few months!

L.L. Bean offers three colors for their Fleece Slipper Mocs - bright navy, burgundy and charcoal heather.  I chose "charcoal heather" for all three gifts.  Reviewers on L.L. Beans website give these slippers 4.6 stars out of 5.  Slipper size seemed to run true to my husband's shoe size.

When I ordered back before Christmas, I Googled "L.L. Bean coupon," and was able to get an additional 15% off my total.  Plus, they already had a sale running AND as always, free shipping!  It was a good day.  *smiles*

Have a blessed Sunday, Friends!
"MommieJoys"

P.S. Linking up to Petite Hermine with my Treasure Book today.

Courageous DVD Review and Giveaway

Thrilled, I am announcing my next giveaway right now!

Focus On The Family generously sent the newly released Courageous DVD for to me to give to one of MommieJoys readers.  Will that reader be you?  *smiles*

Fairly new to the blog scene, I am going to try out Rafflecopter for this giveaway.  Seems a tad more "up to date" than having my daughter draw names from a bowl!  *winks*



Here's what other people are saying about Courageous...

"...Fathers are intentionally front and center inCourageous, the latest project from Sherwood Pictures (Fireproof,Facing the Giants). Set in Albany, Georgia, the small city that’s home to all things Sherwood, we’re immediately introduced to four local deputies who are facing their own giants, namely a substantial increase in local gang activity and drug-related problems...


...No doubt, in an era of particularly disposable entertainment, the efforts behind a film like Courageous are certainly appreciated. Not only has the overall production quality improved considerably from Sherwood’s previous efforts, but the action scenes and several attempts at humor, are a welcome addition. "


by Christa Banister from Crosswalk

"...The opening scene uses action and danger to provide a metaphor for what heroic fatherhood is all about: Nathan has just filled his truck up with gas and is about to squeegee his windows when a gangster hops into the driver's seat and rams the vehicle into gear. Nathan dives into the window and fights for control as they move down the road. It's a harrowing fight that ends with the truck hitting a tree and the thief fleeing on foot. A shocked onlooker remarks, "Don't worry about the car!" "I'm not worried about the car," Nathan says, opening the truck's back door to reveal a squealing infant. 

Adam and Shane soon arrive, and afterward they discuss whether they would have acted so heroically. "Would you have held on?" Adam asks his partner.

That question fully frames Courageous' look at fatherhood: What does it take? And what will you do?"

by Adam Holz from PluggedInOnline

Have you seen Courageous?  My husband had to run out and rent it so I would feel "worthy" of this giveaway. *hehe*  Without a doubt, the movie held our attention.  A sweet story line, the situations each man encounters are real-to-life.  At the infamous "Snake King" scene we laughed and at the loss of the little girl (won't say more to spoil it!) we cried.   The Gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly presented.

Because of the drug and violent content, this isn't a movie for younger kids.  But, they handle these topics quite well.

Honestly, there were a few times I chuckled at something I considered "cheesy."  The script could have used some tweaking here and there.  Actors are not Emmy Award Winners.  But hey, there are no bedroom scenes or curse words!  

I kept flashing back to my own High School drama attempts (school and church) and was seriously impressed how far Sherwood Pictures has come!  Night and day quality difference from Flywheel to this.  For a church to produce this level of film is a marvelous testimony.

Overall, Courageous is a good film.  The message is timeless and needed now more than ever in our society.  Definitely, I will recommend Courageous to others.

Treasure Book Craft for Kids

As I write this post, yellow Play-Dough traces are in my daughter's fingernails.  She is at her table beside me making all kinds of incredible creations.  She is learning how to roll the dough into a ball, and roll it out evenly.  Such great times. 



Treasure book by Véronique from Pichouline



For Valentine's Day, I wanted to make something "different" for a couple of little girls in our lives.  With 99% of my crafting supplies still in boxes, I knew I shouldn't tackle something too complicated or daring.  Meandering through blogs one day, I stumbled upon this great idea from Bloesem Kids - a treasure book!  While their version is much more sophisticated and professional, mine is made of what I could scrounge up from around the house.  



With the inside facing out, a cereal box became my covers.
Pages from a magazine I glued over top to add some interest.
The names I simply printed off on the computer and cut 'em out.

 

Five brown lunch sacks glued together, then cut to size made the pockets!

  

I stuck in a Valentine from my daughter and a note explaining what this book was made to do!
The flower stickers and jewels were from my daughter's sticker collection!  *smiles*

What was great about my version...

• I didn't have to buy any supplies.
• My toddler was able to help glue and cut the bags.
• My toddler put on the stickers.
• We used her ribbons and stickers so this was a gift from HER!

I enjoyed this mommy/daughter craft.  And she was so excited to see these books get wrapped up and popped into the mail.  Hopefully, the girls will stuff these full of great treasures - leaves, flowers, stickers and anything else that will fit!

Happy treasure hunting!  And let me know if you decide to create your own book...it'll be fun.

Oh, and don't forget to stop and enjoy your own little "Love" today.  Even with all the messes they make!

My Child's Voice

While being on bed rest with a concussion, my Mom, husband and a dear friend helped care for my toddler.  For 2 weeks I didn't get to spend nearly enough/as much time with her.  Instead, I got to listen to her little voice from afar. 

Our living room is ear-shot from the master bedroom, so I was blessed to hear all the cute toddler-babble.  She fed her Daddy with the plastic and wooden food from her kitchen, she let her caregiver know when she wanted a snack and exactly what she wanted to eat, she interacted with The Backyardigans, Curious George and Kipper on TV, she cried when she was in trouble, asked to "see Mommy," and played with her babies....a lot.

Then there was the baby monitor.  When our daughter was born, we chose to invest in a video monitor.  Best choice ever!  It's so worth the extra money.  (Sounds like that's a review for another post!)  Listening to her play in the mornings and after naps - and getting to watch her swaddle and feed her baby, take off her socks and clean between her toes was precious. 

Listening to her voice without seeing her face to face has brought several things to mind...

• After a difficult birth, finally hearing that first cry.  My heart melted.  That sound is embedded in my memory.
• I love my baby girl more than my own life.
• Not being able to care for her or play with her has put a hole in my heart - I miss my child.
• We can't see God, but we can hear Him speak.
• God longs to be with us!  Do I long to be with Him?

I also began considering the sound of a voice, it is so powerful!  The mere sound of a voice can...

• Let a nursing mom's milk down.
• Bring a sigh of relief when you hear your lost child in a store.
• Bring back old memories.
• Reconcile a relationship.
• Put fear into your heart.
• Create the Earth.  (If you're God.  *smiles*)
• Begin or end a fight.
• Fill your heart with romance.

Nothing can compare to a good singing voice - Frank Sinatra, Charlotte Church, etc.  What about Garrison Keillor or other radio favorites?  Clips of verbal history, President Kennedy saying, "You have nothing to fear but fear itself, " or President Regan, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

A voice is unique, just like my baby girl.  Her cute words like "harble" for "horrible" or "nakpin" for "napkin" or "bang bang" for "hammer" are also special.   I am purposing to be grateful for every sound she makes, yes, even the cries and whines!  Someday, I'll be longing for that sweet, baby talk again.  For right now though, I'm gonna enjoy it.  My child's voice.