♫ ♪ Online Christmas Boutique ♫ ♪ ~Day 3 ~ Contest Closed

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today, we're featuring

Donna Sanford

with Uppercase Living!

Donna's favorite family Christmas Recipe:

(She bakes it in six small loaf pans to give to friends as gifts.)



Mississippi Mud Cake

2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
1 3/4 c. strong coffee
1/2 c. bourbon

5 oz. bitter chocolate

1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla


Sift together flour, soda and salt. Heat coffee and bourbon in top of double boiler for 5 minutes. Add chocolate and butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, stir in sugar and cool for 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Add flour mixture to chocolate 1/2 cup at a time. Continue to beat for 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth. Butter 9 x 3 1/2 inch tube pan, dust with cocoa. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour 30 minutes. Serve with whipped cream. Serves 12.


♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Donna ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

"The Art of Self Expression


Make your space a reflection of the unique individual you are. Whether you identify with a deeply motivational thought, a beautiful embellishment, a bold image, or a combination of these, Uppercase Living® expressions let you be who you are and let you express that uniqueness in your surroundings. We call this the art of self expression." (taken from the website)

UL makes great gifts as they are an inexpensive & easy way to decorate your home!

Donna's top picks for the Holidays:

1) Photo Memories Kit #80010 $44.95

Pictured as "Believe in the Magic of the Season" The green board comes already painted, making it easy to complete the kit. You just apply the expression desired. I recommend using the alternate expression "Family, Always & Forever" as you can keep this up even after the holidays.

2) Photo Prints

Uppercase Living can enlarge your favorite photo placing it on removable & reusable vinyl!

Donna is offering $5 off any order of $50 or more!

Also, Get a FREE Value Pack with the Purchase of a Photo Print
Now you can express what’s uniquely you in your small spaces, too! Beginning
November 16 at noon (mt) until December 8 at noon (mt), you’ll receive a FREE Value Pack
(regularly a $14.95 value) with the purchase of a 4' x 4' or larger Contour-Cut Photo Print.*


Find out more about Uppercase Living: http://inspirationalliving.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m

Today's Giveway:

7.5 x 4 inch Expression that says: Believe
(looks alot like the picture, but says "Belive" instead)









To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.




EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)


1. Check out Donna's website: http://inspirationalliving.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m and comment about your favorite product.


2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win an Uppercase Living Expression!  http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/


3. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here


4. Follow this blog!


5. Become a  fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )


6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!


Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )

Every mom who does this will receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.



Entries will be accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 2~ Contest CLOSED

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is                  Jen Malcom with Isagenix

Jen's Holiday Recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bark



- 1 bag of chocolate chips
- 1 bag of peanut butter chips
- 12 oz. of cocktail (party) peanuts
- 2 cups of crushed pretzels
- 2 tbsp. of peanut butter
Melt together the chips and the peanut butter - you can do this either in the microwave or on the stove. Then add the pretzels and peanuts, stir together. Spread onto a cookie sheet and put in the fridge. Once it has set break it apart into smaller pieces.

Mini Pumpkin Cakes


1 box of pumpkin quick bread
2 eggs
3 tbsp oil
1 cup of Apple cider or water

Preheat oven to 375; grease mini bundt pans or you can use a muffin pan. Fill in half way with the batter as they will rise; bake for 12-14 minutes. Enjoy!




♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Jen ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪


Why would Isagenix be a great Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one?


- With the new year quickly approaching and wellness/weight loss being the #1 resolution that people make every year - order a 9-day or a 30-day program and be ready to take control of your health! OR ...

- Try our remarkable skincare line. Combining nature's most powerful anti-aging ingredients with highly advanced skincare technologies, IsaDermix infuses skin with supportive antioxidants, highly effective peptides and potent age-reforming hydrators.

About the products ...


We have several, but what you can expect from a couple of our key products:

- Whole body cleanse that aids the body's natural ability to remove impurities that you're exposed to on a daily basis. With Nutritional Cleansing, you can transform your health, boost your energy and lose extra pounds and inches.

- Our healthy meal alternative is a balance of the highest quality undenatured whey protein from New Zealand, with active enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients and building lean muscle.



Why do people love the products ...

- It's nutritionally-complete "super food"!

- Convenient!

- Tastes amazing!

- Keeps you looking and feeling great!

**Want more information? Visit: http://www.jenmalcolm.isagenix.com/

Today's Giveway:

1- 45 serving canister of Want More Energy, Citrus flavor ($28 value)

Get the nutrients you need for peak mental and physical performance


Want More Energy?® is a refreshing drink powder loaded with electrolytes and nutrients that replenish essentials that are lost during stress and exercise. The B vitamins and ionic trace minerals safely charge your body with natural, caffeine-free energy to support peak mental and physical performance.



Benefits:

Natural energy boost from premium B vitamins and minerals

Improved physical and mental endurance*

Pinpoint focus and clarity*

Replace nutrients lost during exercise or stress




To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.
(please note: for whatever reason....blogger has a glitch when adding comments every once in a while. If you have trouble leaving your comment, just keep hitting "submit" until your comment is accepted. Sometimes it takes 3-4 times! Sorry about this!)


EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)


1.  Follow Jen on twitter: @jenmalcolm

2. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a canister of Isagenix, "Want More Energy" http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

3. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

4. Follow this blog!

5. Become a  fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

6. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!


Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??

add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )

Every mom who does this will receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.



Entries will be accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

♪♫ Online Christmas Boutique ♪♫ ~Day 1~

♪♫ Make sure to run on over to ReallyWorkingFromHome.com and do some holiday shopping to support a hard-working Christian Mom and start crossing things off your list!

You'll find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and stocking stuffers.

And the best part? ...

SHIPPING IS INCLUDED!! ♪♫

Today's featured Christian Mom is Arlene Gianelli with Discovery Toys

Arlene's favorite family Christmas Recipe:

Maraschino Cherry Bread

This is one I found in a magazine 28 years ago (still have the magazine) I make this every year, and give it as gifts. One year I even entered it into our county fair.



1 jar (16 oz) maraschino cherries
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Dice cherries and reserve cherry juice. Beat sugar and eggs together and add cherries, coconut and nuts. Combine flour, baking powder and salt and add flour mixture and cherry juice alternately to egg mixture. Pour into two greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans . Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Makes two loaves.
 
 
 
♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ Christmas Notes from Arlene ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪
 
As we enter into the season of the year when we do most of the toy shopping for our children, there are a few things to keep in mind as we shop. Most of us feel our kids have too many toys. In most cases this is partly true. If we take a good look at what our kids own, a lot of it can be eliminated by doing a good toy sort. After removing broken toys, games with missing pieces, toys that have been outgrown, or are not age appropriate, it is time to look at what is left. Organize toys in ways that make clean up time easier. Children are more apt to put things in their place if everything has a place.
Once you have sorted through all the toys and kept only the ones that are age appropriate and that your child still plays with and enjoys, you may discover that what is left does not provide a healthy play diet. Just as a healthy body needs foods from all food groups, a child needs toys from several learning pathways. Make sure to include books, toys that promote active play, thinking/problem solving toys, creative/imagination toys, games, puzzles& pattern toys, and sensory/exploration toys.
You may discover that you have specific areas that are not being met. It is much easier to shop for toys with specific needs in mind, than to be drawn to catchy box designs or advertising. Here are a few tips for when you are shopping for toys:


How to make a carefully selected purchase for your child

One carefully selected toy, book, or game can create learning moments that last a lifetime. The right item brings joy, raises your child’s self-esteem and helps create a learning environment that is as positive as it is priceless.

When making your choices, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Can my child play with this toy in several different ways?

2) Is the toy powered by my child’s imagination?

3) Will my child be engaged for more than just a few minutes?

4) Does this product offer genuine learning opportunities?

5) Will this product grow with my child’s developmental stages?

6) Is this product safe, fun, durable and attractive?


In these economic times, it is more important than ever to make sure that our toy dollars are spent wisely. Eliminating the clutter, assessing what is left, and then purchasing toys that will last through several developmental stages is a great way to save money this holiday season.

Be sure to check out Discovery Toys. We offer the highest quality books, toys, and games available that engage children in the love of learning. Multiple layers of play are crafted into each toy we develop. www.discoverytoyslink.com/arlenegianelli


Today's Giveway:

A $10 Gift Certificate to use with ANY of the Mom Businesses on ReallyWorkingFromHome.com!


To Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.



EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:
(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)


1. Add Arlene Gianelli as a friend on facebook and comment about it back here

2. Follow Arlene on twitter: @Toymommy2001

3. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a $10 Christmas Shopping Gift Certificate! http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

4. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

5. Follow this blog!

6. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

7. Make a purchase on our Online Christmas Boutique and receive 10 extra entries!!!!!



Would you like to win an INSTANT Mommy Bag full of goodies??
add our Christmas Boutique button to your blog! (To do this, copy our holiday boutique button on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ )
Every mom who does this will receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.


Entries will be accepted until Sunday 11/22/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

Friday Favorites Giveaway~Featuring Missie Shealey, children's book author ~Contest Closed~

And the winner is: Candie L

Today's Featured

ChristianMom is

Missie Shealey

Creator & Author of

Pookie Lookie

A Children's Book!

 
 
 
 
 
About Missie:
 
How long have you been a Christian & share a little about your faith: I've been strong in my faith all my life. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD WHEN YOU ARE DEVOTED TO PRAYING , LOVING YOUR NEIGHBORS, AND LIVING A PROPER LIFESTYLE.

What are your hobbies? I love to read self improvement books, dance, and cook exotic, healthy dishes and creating positive affirmation products for friends and family.

How has your faith in God inspired and helped grow your business?My faith helps to keep me focused and encouraged.

How has GOD blessed you? I'm blessed everyday that I can get out of the bed in good health and see my beautiful and healthy daughter and her smiling face. Im blessed to be able to hear her soft voice and feel her warm and cozy good morning hugs!

What is Pookie Lookie about:  Pookie Lookie is a wonderful story that teaches children about love, self esteem and self acceptance. Its a story about a Pink- Spotted Panda Bear named Pookie Lookie who doesnt realize that shes different until she introduces herself to her panda peers at the Panda Pow-WowParty. Her peers laugh and make fun of her. She gets comfort from her mom who suggests that she get her peers to look passed her differences. Pookie Lookie decides to sing her song, WE ARE ALL PERFECT PANDAS on her panda piano. They all come back together in the end.

What special offers will you offer to moms visiting from ReallyWorkingFromHome.com? The retail price is $12.95 but I can offer it for 10.00 through January 1st, 2010. Purchase the book here: http://www.pookielookie.com/


 

More About Pookie Lookie:
 
Pookie lookie, The Pink Spotted Panda Bear

.*Pookie Lookie will give your child comfort and direction

*The Pookie Lookie song We are all Perfect Pandas will give your child courage

*Pookie Lookie will help parents, teachers, and family talk to their children about bullies and how to deal with bad situations.

www.pookielookie.com


The Giveaway!

1 Copy of the children's book: Pookie Lookie




To Enter:

Leave a comment on this blog along w/ a way for us to contact you.




EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN!!:

(IMPORTANT: leave a comment for EACH task you complete!)

1. Tweet this on twitter: RT @MariLeeParrish Enter to win a Pookie Lookie: A Children's Book http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.blogspot.com/

2. Find your favorite recipe or tip on our website http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com/ and comment about it back here

3. Follow this blog!

4. Become a facebook fan of ReallyWorkingFromHome.com (www.facebook.com/ReallyWorkingFromHome.com.fans )

5. Sign up for the Pookie Lookie newsletter and comment about it back here: http://www.cafepress.com/pookielookie





And...as always...to win an instant ~Mommy Bag full of goodies~
add our button to your blog! (To do this, copy one of our little houses on the sidebar and paste it in your blog. Make sure you link it back to http://www.reallyworkingfromhome.com// )

Every mom who does this will receive an automatic prize. To claim your Mommy Bag, You must e-mail me at marilee@reallyworkingfromhome.com with your name and a link to where the button is posted. Your links are checked randomly throughout the month. Our button must appear on your site the day we check your links to qualify for the Mommy Bag.


Entries will be acccepted until Sunday 11/15/09 at 10:00pm MT. Winner will be announced and e-mailed Monday a.m

The Countdown Begins! 4 More Days Until the Online Christmas Boutique!

November 15th-December 15th!

Get a TON of your Christmas Shopping out of the way.

Find $5, $10, $20 Gifts and Stocking Stuffers. Shipping is INCLUDED in all prices!

Make sure to check back every day during the boutique for a special Christmas feature, recipes, giveaways and more! ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ "It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...." ♪ ♫ ♪♫

Saving $$ on Groceries!

A friend of mine recently sent me a gift certificate for E-Mealz and it is absolutely awesome...so I wanted to share it with you!

It costs $15 for 3 MONTHS OF MEAL PLANS!! Saving you time and money! They even have low-fat meal plans, low-carb meal plans and weight watchers meal plans! They are family and kid-friendly foods....and I hope you'll take a minute to try it out!

Dave Ramsey (founder of Financial Peace University) endorses them, AND as an added bonus, if you use the coupon code:Dave, you'll get an extra discount!

Monday's Mommy Minute~The Homemaking Cottage~

The Christmas Extravaganza

at

The Homemaking Cottage

Have you ever visited The Homemaking Cottage?

Right now they are hosting a Christmas Extravaganza with tons of holiday tips, ideas and recipes....featuring quite a few recipes from MariLee!

Shiloah Baker is the owner and founder of this site. She has 7 children and one more on the way! How does she get it all done? Check out her site! This is what she has to say about The Homemaking Cottage: "We encourage, teach and support all homemakers and housewives! How do we do this? With recipes, crafts, and other inspirational articles, eBooks, and our exclusive Deluxe Edition . This website is updated regularly. We invited you to visit often for the latest articles.

The women featured here are women just like you- who run homes. We learn new things daily and share them in our articles. Don't forget to join our Deluxe Edition and enjoy original, longer, and more detailed homemaking articles exclusive to this website.

Relax, spend time reading, learning, and being inspired by homemakers just like you!