The Li'l Bird » Featured

Have you seen the size of this snowman?

Annie O. — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:44:04 +0000

It is the biggest snow(woman) on record. It sets a record in the Guinness Book of Records. To get an idea of scale, Olympia is about 30 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty (without the base). Her arms consist of 27-foot-tall evergreens.
Her “carrot” nose, painted by schoolchildren, is 8 feet long. Her eyes are made from giant wreaths.
Olympia’s eyelashes are made from skis and her bright red lips are painted tires.

So if you are ever in Bethel Maine - check her out!!

" width="450" height="350" />

" width="640" height="480" />

" width="350" height="450" />

50mm Gotta have it! I have people ask how I get...
Red Mountain Spa Do you need a vacation? Do you love the outdoors? ...
The Hot Chocholate Maker This is my new love!!! [caption id="attachment_861" align="alignnone" width="351" caption=""][/caption]...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Hot Chocholate Maker

Annie O. — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:27:41 +0000

This is my new love!!!

" width="351" height="500" />

This thing is so cool! You just add your milk/water and your hot chocholate powder. This is my favorite

" width="220" height="262" />

You turn it on and it mixes and heats it for you to the perfect temp. It will continue to keep it warm until you are ready to drink/sip it. Love it!!

Say “Boo” to the Flu!! [caption id="attachment_470" align="alignnone" width="141" caption=""][/caption] I love this time of...
V8 V-Fusion I’m pretty sure “I” have made my son a picky...
Organic Peppermint Brownies These are the most tasty peppermint brownies, and, they’re good...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Christmas Goodies 101

Annie O. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:56:31 +0000

One of the best things about Christmas is it’s an excuse to bake and eat as many treats as you want. hahaha! Here are some fun treats to make this year.

Cake Pops

Okay - These are adorable! I love them! Wouldn’t these be so fun to make and give to your neighbors. If anyone wants to make me some, feel free! Find out how to make them at Bakerella.

" width="466" height="700" />

" width="500" height="333" />

" width="466" height="700" />

Snowman

These snowman are so fun! Try them, your kids (or husbands) will love them.

" width="300" height="400" />

Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

These cookies look really good and beautiful - like you would buy them in a little cookie shoppe! If you like chocolate and peppermint try these! Find the recipe here.

" width="320" height="240" />

Organic Peppermint Brownies These are the most tasty peppermint brownies, and, they’re good...
Tummy Yummy! If you haven’t tried this, then you HAVE to, it...
Thanksgiving ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Scentsy bar + Warmer = mmmmmmmm

Annie O. — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:15:28 +0000

Have you tried Spiced Orange Harvest? I love it! It makes my house smell yumm-O! If you like the smell of Hot Cider then you will love it too! If you don’t have it, get it! If you have it, BURN IT!

" width="350" height="350" />

For fall and winter scents I also love Spruceberry, and Pumpkin Roll. I also love the warmer! If you don’t have a warmer you can go here and find a consultant near you.

" width="350" height="350" />

Say “Boo” to the Flu!! [caption id="attachment_470" align="alignnone" width="141" caption=""][/caption] I love this time of...
The Hot Chocholate Maker This is my new love!!! [caption id="attachment_861" align="alignnone" width="351" caption=""][/caption]...
Thanksgiving ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tummy Yummy!

Suzee Q. — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:30:12 +0000

If you haven’t tried this, then you HAVE to, it is definitely a tummy yummy!!!

" width="150" height="150" />

My friend introduced me to Dreyer’s *Slow Churned* Peppermint Ice Cream a couple years ago, and I haven’t had it again until now, and I love it! It is only seasonal, so I think they put it on the shelves in October, but I’m not sure when they take it off.

" width="450" height="338" />

Anyway……….Think of a warm gooey brownie, with a scoop (or two:) of Peppermint Ice cream, and then Mrs. Richardson’s Hot Fudge on top!! Yum Yum………You will love it if you like chocolate and peppermint!!!

*Slow Churned = 50% less fat and 30% fewer calories than regular ice cream. It’s a reminder of why this is the most wonderful time of the year!

" width="375" height="500" />

Enjoy!!!

Free Ice Cream on your Birthday! My favorite ice cream place is Cold Stone Creamery. Have...
Christmas Goodies 101 One of the best things about Christmas is it’s an...
Thanksgiving ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Recipes for your Holiday Parties!

Suzee Q. — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:32:29 +0000

1. This is a Pumpkin Pie recipe from Paula Dean (I love to watch her on Food Network)

Pumpkin Pie

" width="540" height="405" />

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 cup half-and-half

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

1 piece pre-made pie dough

Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place 1 piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan and press down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges together to make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shell completely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans (about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried out and beginning to color.

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half-and-half, and melted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount of whipped cream.

2. Everybody has their own traditional food that they make, but here are a few of my favorite yummy appetizer dips!

Shrimp Nachos

" />

1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
4oz. can Green Chilies (diced)
2 1/4oz can Sliced Olives (drained)
1/4 cup Mayo
Shrimp (rinsed and drained)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together, put in a microwaveable dish, and microwave until cheese is melted and gooy! (you could also put it in the oven on broil) Serve with tortilla chips.

Chili Queso

" width="139" height="185" />

1 can Chili (with or without beans)
1/2 package of Cream Cheese

Directions

Cube cream cheese and put in a microwaveable dish with chili. Mix and serve with tortilla chips. Or you can always do the Chili and Velveta Cheese dip……

Spinach Artichoke

" width="300" height="400" />

1/2 cup Mayo
1/2 cup Parmesane Cheese
chopped Spinach
1-2 cans Artichokes

Directions

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or bread.

or

2 cans Artichokes
1 cup Mayo
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesane
1Tbl. Worstershire Sauce
dash of Garlic Salt
handful of Spinach

Directions

Drain and slice artichokes, mix together. Bake and 350 degrees for 20 Min!

Enjoy!!

" width="315" height="400" />

Chicken Enchiladas This recipe is quick and easy. We usually have frozen...
Pumpkin spice muffins This recipe is really easy and really good! I got...
Chicken Wraps I found this recipe while blog surfing, okay stalking. I...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I want one…

Lou E. — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:32:55 +0000

It seems they are constantly coming out with cuter, more practical, smarter ideas for, well everything, but babies! I so love these. And I really want one. I love that they go on the back and front, and that they are so cute too. You can design your own here. Where was all this cute stuff when I was having my first baby!?

" width="365" height="152" />

Yay for Yakkay! Sometimes I wonder how/why I didn’t think of that! These...
What are we going to do with your hair today? This is a common question in our home everyday! With...
Halloween part II I’ll say it again - I LOVE HALLOWEEN!! There are...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Thanksgiving

Annie O. — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:11:30 +0000

The weather has turned cooler, the days are getting shorter, and fall is in the air. I have had hot chocolate three times this week, and we are already seeing Christmas merchandise everywhere. Which can only mean one thing. THANKSGIVING is just around the corner. I hate that this wonderful holiday is overshadowed by Christmas! THANKSGIVING is one of the best holidays ever! When else do you get to eat whatever you want and as much as you want, lounge around all day (unless you are the one doing all the cooking) & be surrounded by family without worrying about presents. I am lucky enough to have two sets of in-laws and my own parents who we are invited to spend this day with every year. Which means no matter where we spend the Holiday, I don’t have to worry about all the cooking, I just get to enjoy it! And boy do I!!!!

" width="480" height="422" />

I though I would share with you a few cute THANKSGIVING ideas/crafts.

First one is Buy a plain tablecloth and have each guest at your Thanksgiving table sign the tablecloth and tell what they are most thankful for this year and date it! Each year your guest will enjoy reminiscing about the previous years “Thanks.” I love this idea, and how fun to keep using it every year.

" width="180" height="166" />

This Corn on the cob treat is so cute, and how fun to let the kids help! For instructions on how to make these go here.

" width="185" height="126" />

I love this Cornucopia idea. You can also steam the sugar cones for just a second to get them soft and then bend the ends to make them look more like a Cornucopia. Go here for all the details.

If you are looking for a cute Thanksgiving coloring page go here. This is one of my favorites - the turkey is just so cute!

" width="372" height="482" />

" width="360" height="450" /> Martha Stewart always has such cute ideas too! I love these napkin ring (Slash) Indian Headdress. How adorable for the kids to wear them while they are eating! Go Here for all the know how. I thought these cookies looked like a lot of fun and pretty self explanatory. " width="278" height="202" /> Looking for all of these ideas gets me really excited for Turkey Day! I can’t wait for Ham (I prefer this over Turkey any day) Dixie Salad, Mashed Potatoes with Noodle Gravy (YUM!), Banana Cream Pie, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, and Homemade Rolls. -I capitalized all of these because they deserve R.E.S.P.E.C.T!! Related posts: What are we going to do with your hair today? This is a common question in our home everyday! With... I want one… It seems they are constantly coming out with cuter, more... Aren’t these soooo cute! YUMMY MUMMY DOGS I love fall. And, I love HALLOWEEN!!!... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Do you get your 3-a-day?

Annie O. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:43:22 +0000

I have heard so much lately about how important it is to get your 3-A-Day. (Referring to getting 3 servings of dairy a day.) As of lately I have found a new love for yogurt. As for cheese, who doesn’t love cheese?!?! But, I am not a huge fan of milk. I mean I love it on cold cereal, and I love chocolate milk. But I have no desire to go to the fridge and pour me a huge glass of milk. Although I try to incorporate dairy into our diet I dont think me or my kids get three servings a day. So, I decided to see what all the hype is about. And see why they say it is so important. I found This website. It is a great place to find tips & recipes and, it talks all about why dairy is so important to your overall health.

I know this is kinda long, but here are Nine Essential Reasons for you to consider including dairy in your diet everyday.

Calcium: the Building Block of Strong Bones

What could possibly be better for building and maintaining healthy bones than getting your daily intake of calcium by eating 3 servings of dairy foods each day? Eating 3-A-Day of Dairy and doing high-impact, weight-bearing exercises, or other activities like walking, jogging and weight lifting. Calcium plays a major role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. This is especially important when it comes to preventing fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

Phosphorus Helps Generate Energy

Phosphorus, like calcium, is a mineral that helps keep your bones strong. It also helps generate energy in your body’s cells. Many milk cheese and yogurt products are a good or excellent source of phosphorus.

Riboflavin for Muscle Function

Riboflavin — also known as vitamin B2 —is an essential nutrient that helps process food into energy. This process is crucial to your body’s daily muscle function; even more so when you’re exercising. Milk and most yogurts provide energy forming nutrients and are an excellent source of riboflavin.

Grant Yourself Immunity with Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining normal vision and healthy skin. It also helps regulate cell growth and helps maintain the integrity of the immune system. When it comes time to take your vitamin supplements, why not have a glass of milk? It already contains 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin A and helps the other vitamins go down more easily.

Help Build Your Red Blood Cells with Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps build the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to our muscles.Since milk is a good source of vitamin B12, stock up with a dairy treat that’s simple and portable when you’re on the go—including flavored milk in convenient, re-sealable plastic bottles.

Potassium Helps Maintain Normal Blood Pressure

You’ve probably heard that bananas are high in potassium, but milk and most yogurts are also a good source. Potassium helps regulate your body’s fluids and helps maintain normal blood pressure.

Normal Enzyme Function with Niacin

Niacin is important for the normal function of many enzymes in the body and helps metabolize sugars and fatty acids. An 8-oz glass of milk contains 10% of your Daily Reference Intake of niacin, so enjoy!

Vitamin D: Helps You Absorb Calcium

Why is milk such an excellent resource in reducing the risk of osteoporosis? It’s all about the nutrients it provides including vitamin D. Not only does this essential nutrient enhance bone mineralization—it also helps your body to absorb more calcium. Together, dairy foods’ nutrient package work to help build the strong bones that will support you throughout your life. Milk and some yogurts are an excellent source of vitamin D.

Dairy: the Complete Protein

Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and offers a source of energy during high-powered endurance exercises. A serving of milk, cheese or yogurt are all a good source of protein. What’s more, dairy foods are a source of high-quality, complete protein that has all the essential amino required to maintain good health.

So… Go pour you a glass and drink up!!! As for me - I think I’ll reach for the chocolate milk!!!

Health Benefits of the Acai Berry The Acai Berry which is commonly pronounced a-sigh-ee, is...
4 Rules to losing 20lbs. in 4 weeks without exercise Rule#1 Avoid “white” carbs like these: bread, rice, cereal, potatoes,...
Hugging Hugging is healthy: It helps the body’s immunity system, it...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Don’t miss out on this…

Lou E. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:30:24 +0000

This is awesome! I’m so excited. This was on the Oprah show, and I missed it. Thank goodness my friend tivo’d it, and then blogged about it! I love Oprah, but quite often miss it, since I’m usually chasing my kiddo’s around!!
So go HERE for your FREE PHOTO BOOK!!!! Offer ends Sunday, so get a move on it!

" width="540" height="490" />

One womans junk is another womans treasure 8 Do’s and Dont’s of Garage sales. 1. Do post...
Thanksgiving ...
Word Picture Art - Love it! I love these Word Picture art Frames. I think they...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.