Christmas Breakfast

I thought I'd share the breakfast recipe that our family has for breakfast on Christmas morning. Besides being yummy, I love that I can make it the night before and then just stick it in the oven before we open presents. By the time we're done with presents, we've got a warm breakfast waiting for us.

Oven French Toast

1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
2 T. light corn syrup
5 c. Peeled, sliced apples
1 1/2 T. Minute Tapioca
Additional brown sugar
4 eggs
1 c. Milk
1 t. Vanilla
10 pieces day-old bread (approximately)

Microwave first three ingredients together on full power for 2-3 minutes. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Distribute apples on top. Sprinkle tapioca over the apples and then additional brown sugar.  Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla. Dip bread into egg mixture and place on apples. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. When serving, cut into pieces and flip upside down onto plate so the apples are on top. Enjoy!

Lisa

Albondigas "Mexican Meatball soup"

With all of this cold weather I thought I'd share my mom's recipe, she makes this often when someone in our family is sick, or when the weather starts to cool down. Cameron requests this anytime he has a cold!
Ingredients:
1 lb of lean beef (I like to use 93% so you don't have to skim fat off your left overs)
1 egg
1/2 medium sized onion- any color will work
4 red potatoes, or 2-3 large russet cut up thick.
1/2 cup of long grain rice
1 can of tomato sauce (4 oz/smallest one)
2 tsp of beef bouillon
2-3 carrots peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/3 cup of cilantro coarsely chopped
1/2 cup of frozen corn
salt and pepper to taste
Serves about 4-6 people (add more veggies to make it go further)

Bring 8-10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and allow bouillon cubes to melt while water is heating up, add can of tomato sauce. Add all of the vegetable ingredients including half of the cilantro, as well as half of the rice. In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg, the remaining 1/4c of of cilantro, remaining 1/4c of rice  and a dash of salt and pepper. By hand mix the beef mixture, it will be a little wet, that's ok. Make a meatball just smaller than a golf ball and roll the meatball in a little bit of flour (this will help the meatball keep it's shape) . Your vegetable will have started cooking (don't allow more than 15 minutes for them to cook before adding your meat) Now add the meatballs one by one spacing them out in the pot. Cook an additional 20-25 minutes or until vegetable and rice are tender, and of course the meat.

* You can really add whatever vegetables you'd like. Traditionally this do not have any vegetables, only rice but my mom incorporated vegetables over the years and I think it adds to the dish. I recommend using squash when it's in season. Growing up my mom had a vegetable garden so we often used whatever she had growing at the time.

I hope you enjoy, this dish brings back tons of childhood memories, and is overall pretty nutritious! Even  Jack gobbles this stuff up!

-Cecia

FREE Wristbands @ MOA

The wristbands aren't exactly FREE, but if you do your Christmas shopping at MOA and spend over $250 between now and Christmas, you can bring your receipts in to a little booth on the east side of the Nickelodeon Universe and get 2 free wristbands for every $250 you spend (up to $72,000!!!)  The receipts don't have to be from the same store or same purchase--or even from the same day.  They just have to total $250.  We redeemed our receipts yesterday and we are excited to use the wristbands as an awesome stocking stuffer!

Camie

Groupon New Hope Cinema Grill

Groupon Link for New Hope Cinema Grill

Today's Groupon is a great deal! $12 for $25 worth of food and admission into New Hope Cinema Grill. Admission for adults is $4 or $2 on Tuesdays and children ages 2-11 are $3 every other day. You get to eat dinner while you watch a movie of your choice. Right now Despicable Me is playing as the kids movie but others are playing as well. They have a pretty decent menu, not just your average hot dog and pizza, they have a variety of sandwiches,  full entrees, salads,  and of course a kids menu with pizza and other goodies.

-Cecia

Maple Grove Playgroups

Hello, ladies---

I was chatting with Kimberly about some local playgroups I've joined recently. I thought I'd pass them along in case any of y'all are looking to meet up some other places & times, as well. One is found on MeetUp.com (an awesome place to find all sorts of people with similar interests!) It is called Maple Grove Moms. The other is called MOMS Club, and much like our ward, is based on your location.

~Rebecca :)

P.S. Any questions about them? You can email me directly :)

Groupon

Groupon deal today:  $25 for $50 at Nordstrom Rack with an expiration date of December 31, 2010.  Great deal for Christmas shopping!  Must act quickly as there are a limited number of these groupon coupons.
http://www.groupon.com/minneapolis-stpaul/

Les Miserables at the movies - tonight only

Today is the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables.  For one time only you can watch a production of the London cast (Nick Jonas as Marius + London Symphony orchestra).  This is my all-time favorite broadway musical.

Below is the link to buy tickets.  The closest showing is a Brooklyn Center theater.

 http://www.fathomevents.com/search/eventsresults.aspx?zip=55311

-Adrienne

Free Uddercovers (+ S&H)

I just received an e-mail from Uddercovers.com  for a free nursing cover, all you pay is $9.95 shipping and handling.


Use Promo code- Thanksgiving

I have purchased these in the past and have also purchased from their sister site sevenslings.com they have great products!

They will go on backorder or sell our quickly FYI! These make a great baby shower gift!
-Cecia

Utah dentists buy back candy and help troops | Mormon Times

 What do with the unwanted (aka unused!) Halloween candy that it's over?  You can sell it to a local dentist office for $1/pound and they, in turn, will send it to our troops overseas so that they can hand it out to their little friends.  Our local dentist office is the Elm Creek Dental office on Main Street.
Please refer to the link below to read the article.

Utah dentists buy back candy and help troops | Mormon Times

Pump it Up Deal- great winter activity

$8 for Three Pop-In Playtimes or Family Jump Sessions at Pump It Up ($18 Value). Choose One of Five Locations. (I am purchasing for the Plymouth location.)

Go here for more info or to purchase through Groupon.

-Adrienne

Fall Festival on Main Street

Saturday, October 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From Elm Creek Boulevard to Arbor Lakes Parkway

Trick or treating for children ages 1 to 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (look for "trick or treat" signs on Main Street)

Free photos from Clix portrait studio

Support CROSS foodshelf--bring a non-perishable food item to the Maple Grove Arts Center

Free pumpkins and decorating at 3 Squares Restaurant

Free kids' activities


--camie

Joann's Moonlight Madness Sale

There are some great deals on fabric. If you are not a crafty person, they also have their Halloween stuff market down 60-75% off. 
http://www.joann.com/joann/common/content_noleftnav.jsp?catName=moonlightMadnessSale&icn=Home&ici=Slot1

-Maren

Little Folks Halloween

The Three Rivers Park District is hosting a fun event called "Little Folks Halloween" for kids ages 2-7 on Saturday, October 23 from 10am - 1pm.  Call 763-559-6700 to register.

Here is the description:

Search along the hidden pumpkin woodland trail.  Meet costumed characters and enjoy a puppet show.  Meet live animals, play in the Bat Cave, decorate a mini pumpkin and win prizes at Feed the Bat, Halloween Bowling, and Pumpkin Toss games.  Face painting and refreshments are available.  Ages 2-7 with adult.  Cost is $7.


- Kimberly

Halloween Fun!

Fall Festival on Main Street

October 30, 2010, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm

Bring the kids in their costumes to this fun, trick or treating event along Main Street.  Enter in the Costume Contest, do a fun craft, get a free pumpkin (while supplies last). Visit all the participating businesses on Main Street for treats. Bring a non-perishable food item to the Maple Grove Arts Center (Costume Contest) to support C.R.O.S.S. Foodshelf's food drive.
Sponsored by the Arbor Lakes Business Association. Visit these businesses for treats on Saturday, October 30, 9:30 - 2 pm on Main Street Arbor Lakes.
On Main Street:
3 Squares Restaurant
Belladerm Medspa
Buca di Beppo
Calico Barn
Claddagh Irish Pub
Dunn Bros. Coffee
Edward Jones
Elm Creek Dental
First Class Mortgage
Kid’s Hair
Lavish
Maple Grove Arts Center (Costume contest located here)
Maple Grove Eye Clinic and Opticians
Mark Michael Diamond Designs
MarcDaniel Salon
MODE
Nails & Spa
Noodles & Co.
Sawatdee
SportClips
Sylvan Learning Center

At the Plaza by 3 Squares and by Schuler Shoes, visit these booths:
Snip-its & Little Feet Childrens Shoes
Step by Step Montessori
Mongo’s Grill
KleinBank
-Kari

40% off at Gap

-Adrienne

Plymouth Fire Station open house (& free pumpkins!!)

I noticed that the MG fire stations aren't giving out pumpkins this year--here is the information for the Plymouth open house.

Next Saturday, October 16, from noon-3 p.m. is the Fire Department’s Open House at Fire Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Lane. 

§  $3-15 bike helmets will be for sale
§  free food samples will be provided by Qdoba Mexican Grill and Target
§  free pumpkins provided by Missy’s Farmer’s Market in Loretto,  are available for those that bring in a non perishable food item or fire safety poster (supplies limited)
§  Home Depot will sponsor a kids “build a fire station“ woodworking activity
§  Batteries Plus will provide free 9-volt batteries (supplies limited)
§  North Memorial AirCare Helicopter hopes to land at 12:30 p.m.

We hope you can join us!
Sara Cwayna | Plymouth Police and Fire Department
City of Plymouth

Wilton Candy Melts 50% off at Joanns

This one is a little random but I figured with the Holidays nearing people might be doing some baking!
Joann's had Wilton Candy Melts on sale for $1.50 a bag (regularly $2.99). Sounds minimal I know, and maybe something you might not really use. But just in case,  these are great for cake pops (what Bakerella recommends) and any other type of drizzling, all colors are on sale. The deal is only good through today and I didn't see a limit. Happy Baking!!
-Cecia

Coupons for FREE Pillsbury Cookie Dough

Matt brought home about 30 coupons for free packages of refrigerated cookie dough today.  The only catch is that they expire this FRIDAY.  If you are interested in any, email or call me and I can leave them out on my porch for you to pick up if I'm not home.  I would love to share the love, so please take advantage if you are interested! I'm going to buy several packages tomorrow.

Camie

Another Halloween Deal 20% off PLUS free 2-day Shipping

Diapers.com has a limited time deal (my e-mail was sent just this afternoon) for 20% off Halloween costumes plus FREE 2-day shipping.
There are a ton of costumes, the adorable (yet sometimes pricey) baby bubble costumes by Carters starting at  $19.99 , Toy Story Characters starting at $22.99, and every other animal or character you can think of.
Here is the Link use promo code SPOOKYSALE at checkout.
Happy Shopping!

9/27 Groupon Halloween Costumes!

If you aren't a subscriber to Groupon, today's deal is perfect if you haven't purchased costumes yet.  Spend $15 and get $30 to use on CostumeHub.com.  They have a large selection of infant, kids, and adult costumes. They also have a clearance section so be sure to check it out!

Groupon

Plymouth on Parade 9/25 Tomorrow!

The City of Plymouth is having a family friendly parade and and afternoon of  family activities. The event is free and it looks like their will probably be some local vendors their as well.

Starts at 11:30 on Plymouth Blvd and 34th Ave. It runs to Plymouth Blvd and 37th Ave .
Post Parade activities start at 1:00 pm.

I plan on going tomorrow!

Plymouth on Parade

-Cecia

Plum District Deal - $10 for $30 worth of Agoo Apparel

If your not familiar with Plum District it's kind of like Groupon or Living Social. They have a daily deal and I'm noticing that many of them are targeted towards families and kids. I recommend subscribing if your a deal junkie like myself.
Today's deal seems pretty good considering Agoo is suppose to be a really good brand of outerwear for rain and cold weather (aka Minnesota). Agoo is a little pricey but this deal gives the opportunity to try out their products without spending full price. Check out the $10 Baby Leggings for inexpensive options.
 The Certificate can be used towards tax and shipping.

Plum District

-Cecia

Southwest Flights on Sale

Just thought I'd share that Southwest is having a sale on flights to Utah (and many other places).  We were able to find tickets during the holidays for around $260 including tax.  As an added bonus Southwest allows you two FREE checked bags per person.

-Darci

Excelsior--experience it for yourself!

This week I took a little field trip to downtown Excelsior, MN and I had to share it with all of you.  It is gorgeous--right on Lake Minnetonka, and not very far away (Co. Rd. 7 exit off of 494).  The main road is called Water Street, and it is filled with awesome boutiques with clothing, home decor etc.  They had the cutest things!  The best part about it is that it's not too fancy (or expensive) for any of us to be able to shop at!  I highly recommend taking a trip there sometime--I promise you will be glad you did!

--CAMIE

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze

From the website: 
After years of farming, Bert Bouwman and family set out to have a corn maze of their own. To kick-off the inaugural year, Bert partnered with the Minnesota Twins to have a Twins-themed corn maze.  Already an experienced corn maze developer, Bert came up with the Twins idea, sketched his design out on a piece of grid paper and he and his team got to work cutting and planting. They plan to have a new theme every year on the 15.1 acres of land dedicated to the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze.

Location:
On the SE corner of 109th Ave and Highway 169 in Brooklyn Park.
Enter on 109th Ave
Directions

Attractions:
-Twins themed Corn Maze
-Kid Sized Maze
-Pumpkin Slinging
-Corn Pit
-Straw Bale Maze
-Food Vendors
-Climbing Wall
-Live Music
-Gunny Sack Slide
-Petting Zoo

Hours & Prices:
Saturdays & Sundays - September 18th to October 31st
10am - 6pm
$8 per person / Children under 36" free
*They donate a portion of every ticket sold to the Minnesota Twins Community Fund
*Early Bird Discount - $1 off ticket price from 10am to 12 noon
*Groups of 20 or more get $1 off each ticket - look in the "Contact Us" Section for more info

Twin Cities Maze 

We plan on going with my parents next weekend!
-Erin

Free Night of Theater 2010 (Yup, Another one!)

Mark your Calendars Ladies! Here is an opportunity for a FREE, that's right FREE night at the Theater! I am not familiar with all of the shows listed but their are a TON, and an option to view details about the shows plot. You can start reserving as of Sept. 29 and it sounds like these shows fill up rather quickly as you can imagine. Many of these shows are downtown and there are even some family shows by the Children's Theater Company. My advice would be look through them now and make a top 5 list so you are ready to request a reservation the day they become available.

Free Night of Theater

-Cecia

Target Free Family Concerts at the Minnesota Orchestra

Last year we took my girls to see "Hansel and Gretel" for FREE at the Minnesota Orchestra.  It was so much fun and  geared towards kids, probably ages 4 and up (younger could attend as well if they are able to sit for a while).   The performance we went to was shortened to be about an hour long and the audience was full of families.  Follow the link below if you'd like to register and get your name in the drawing for free tickets this season.

http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/target/enter.cfm

-Adrienne

Favorite Fall Recipes

For me, the arrival of fall means that I can start making a few of my favorite apple and pumpkin recipes! I wanted to share a few here, so you can enjoy some delicious fall food too!!

I'll start with some of my favorite breakfast recipes.  I'm a huge breakfast fan, and these are awesome!  Treat yourself to one of these this weekend!  You'll be glad you did!

Pumpkin Waffles

2 c. flour

2 T. baking powder

1 T. cinnamon

1 T. sugar

½ t. coriander

½ t. nutmeg

¼ t. salt

4 eggs-separated

1 ½ c. milk

1 c. pumpkin puree

¾ c. margarine-melted

1 T. vanilla

Preheat waffle iron.  Combine dry ingredients (I don’t usually have coriander, so I just leave it out).  Beat egg yolk slightly.  Beat in remaining ingredients except egg whites.  Add to dry ingredients.  Beat egg whites to stiff peaks; fold into mixture.  Bake in waffle iron until done.

Puffy Apple Pancake

**an easy breakfast-for-dinner treat at our house!** 

4 eggs

3/4 c. all purpose flour

3/4 c. milk

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. butter or margarine

2 medium apples thinly sliced

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 t. cinnamon

 Heat oven to 400.  Put a 9x13 pan in the oven with the 1/4 cup butter in it to melt.  Beat eggs, flour, milk and salt at medium speed.  Once butter is melted, arrange sliced apples in pan then sprinkle cinnamon/sugar mixture over top.  Then pour batter over.  Bake until puffy and golden brown--about 20-25 minutes.

FAVORITE PUMPKIN BREAD

**this makes 3 large loaves of bread**

INGREDIENTS
3 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 cups white sugar
6 eggs
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

Mini chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Mix in mini chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The top of the loaf should spring back when lightly pressed.

--CAMIE

Minnesota Children's Museum Family Pass $64 for 1 year

Savy Savings has a great deal on the Passport Deluxe Membership to the Minnesota Children's Museum.
Here are the details

The Details

• Enjoy the uniquely designed, hands-on, stimulating environment for children six months to ten years old
• Unlimited admission for one year for the two adults named on the membership and all children under age 18 residing in a single household; one complimentary guest per visit and $2 off admission for up to six guests per visit
• Invitations to exhibit openings, special member events, exclusive Passport Deluxe member events, and discounts on programs, seasonal events and museum birthday parties
• Receive the Discoveries bi–monthly calendar and newsletter and access to the Member Bonus Benefits website featuring special member offers at local businesses and attractions
• Reciprocal admission to more than 165 children’s museums nationwide

The Fine Print

Offer is available to only the first 500 buyers. Membership expires one year from date of redemption. A coupon cannot be combined with any other gift certificates, third party certificates, coupons or promotions, unless otherwise specified by merchant. The coupon is of no cash value, is non-transferable and cannot be purchased as a gift.

Click here to purchase 


-Cecia

DIY Wall Art for under $6 (4 pieces)

I'll just direct you to my blog for the details, I didn't want to repost it all :)


DIY Wall Art Under $6

$1 Jimmy Johns!

Just a heads up...

Tomorrow, Spetember 16, participating Jimmy John's locations are having a Customer Appreciation Day and selling their sandwiches for $1 fom 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

It sounds like most places are doing it...I know I am going to go check out the Maple Grove one tomorrow! 

~Wendy

Gleason Gymnastic School

Gleason Gymnastic's School has a great deal this week through Living Social. Spend $50 and get $100 to spend towards tuition. It looks like they have classes starting at age 2. Gleason Gymnasatics is located in Maple Grove.

Check out this link for more information on how to purchase. This deal expires in 5 days 9/19

* I will be calling this afternoon to find out how much the toddler class are, and post them here if anyone else is interested.


-Cecia

Junk Bonanza!!!

I saw this on the news this afternoon: Junk Bonanza I won't be able to go - my husband would kill me if I bought stuff for the new house before we even moved in!!! I can only imagine the cute things they will have there :) Here is more info from the website:


So, what is Junk Bonanza?
The Bonanza hosts more than one hundred juried "junk" vendors of vintage finds, beautiful antiques, one-of-a-kind and artisan-repurposed pieces. There's also a farm market with local harvest goods and gourmet treats, plus plenty of other activities and displays to explore.

General Info:
Thursday, September 16th: 10 am to 5 pm
Friday, September 17th: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday, September 18th: 9 am to 5 pm

Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Rd S
Shakopee, MN 55379
www.canterburypark.com
phone: 952-445-7223

Price is $8 per day

Let me know if anyone goes - I'd love to hear about it and see what you bought!

Erin :)

I'll go first....Clear Waters Outfitting Company

I ran across this deal yesterday, it's a Canoe Day Trip for Two in Clearwater, MN. $22 (reg price $45, that's a 51% savings!) expires 9/2011 and you can schedule it any day of your choosing, the deal is not specific to weekday use only. My idea with this one is when my in-laws come to town my father-in-law is an outdoorsy kind of guy, so this is perfect if he comes and visits us next summer! Send the boys off to have a fun day without breaking the budget!

See this link for info on how to purchase

How it works...

This blog has been established as an open forum. I will e-mail everyone info on how to access this blog as an administrator allowing you to post. We can all contribute to this blog in the following ways...

1. You hear about a local event like a family friendly activity in the twin cities such as a parade, festival, concert, great park etc.

2. You find a great deal on the web and can't help but share it with the rest of us. This can be anything from grocery deals, retail store deals, Groupon, BabySteals, KidSteals, ANYTHING you think someone else might be interested in as well.

3. You find a fun project (decor craft, kids project etc)

4. You have a book recommendation

5. You discover an easy household fix

6. You have a great recipe you want to share

7. You find the perfect solution to a mommy dilemma ( I'm keeping my eyes peeled for this one!)

... You get the idea!! Anything you want to share is welcome!

The only request I have is that since those who will have access are part of our playgroup I ask that we keep specifics on dates and locations of playgroups to e-mail only for our safety. Also, when you post please use your first name only. This will be a public blog so we are all able to view it on google reader, and keep up to date, but we need to make sure to be responsible and not share anything too personal to ensure our safety.

Please feel free to contribute, I come across a lot great deals/activities on the web, or from word of mouth and want to share with others but don't want to necessarily send out an e-mail to the whole ward. This is a great way to get that info out! I know that we all come across things we want to share, so let me reiterate, this is not my blog this is OUR blog, so everyone is encouraged to contribute!

-Cecia