Huge Giveaway: A Giving Thanks Giveaway!

Holy frijoles, it was heart warming to see all of these vendors offering to share for this giveaway. You gotta take a peek at htis going on right now from Imajen Backdrops

http://imajenbackdrops.com/blog/giving-thanks/#comment-413

and join their FB!
http://www.facebook.com/imajenbackdrops

A breakfast worth crying over, LOL

http://www.phemomenon.com/vanilla-french-toas/

Sugar Crusted Vanilla French Toast
Adapted from La Phemme Phoodie
1 smallish baguette or crusty loaf of bread, cut into 1-inch slices (about 1 lb loaf)
FOR THE CUSTARD:
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
FOR THE SUGAR COATING:
1/2 cup (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
1 Day Ahead:
Butter a 9×9-inch pan on the bottom and sides. Place the bread slices, standing up, in the pan. Set aside while preparing the custard.
In a large measuring cup or pitcher, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over all the bread slices in the pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Next Morning:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the french toast casserole from the refrigerator and set it on a baking sheet.
In a large microwave safe bowl or heat proof large glass measuring cup, melt the butter in the microwave till just melted (about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on high). Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, whisk well to combine. Microwave on high again in 30-second bursts (two to three times should be enough) till the sugar is melted and the mixture is bubbly and hot. Gently whisk in the vanilla extract. (Alternatively, you can do this process in a pan on your stovetop.)
Carefully and evenly pour the sugar mixture over the french toast casserole, covering each slice well. Place the casserole, on the baking sheet, into the oven and bake until puffy all across the pan like a good bread pudding, and is golden and baked through, about 40 to 45 minutes depending on how packed your pan was. The casserole will deflate as it cools. Serve warm with mixed berries.

Thanksgiving for Toddlers......

How do we teach a toddler that Thanksgiving is more then turkey and mashed potatoes?
I'm not sure a whole history lesson on pilgrims and the harvest festival will work out but we can start by teaching them that its a time for being thankful, spending time with family and giving to those less fortunate.

I often point out the less fortunate to JoJo and show him that we can give by offering food or money to the homeless. Last week we gave a cheeseburger meal to a guy on the corner.....sure were not saving the world but JoJo is only 2 and he realized what the lesson was. He was so happy! He understood when I told him that man had no money and can share what we have with him!

We also made a collage out of magazines of things he likes and asked me to cut out. I incorporated those things he liked into ways to be thankful......for example he had me cut out a lollipop and I reminded him that we are so lucky to have a Grandma who always has a lollipop to offer.......yes it sounds silly but he understood what we were doing.

So this Thursday while were all gathered with our families to celebrate don't forget to show your little loved ones that the holidays are a time for sharing and spending time with our beloved. I know thats tough when you've got 20 people in your house and a bird to cook!

Keep those little ones busy......


Here are some fun Thanksgiving print out that require will keep them from underfoot!
There are tons to choose from!

http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/thanksgiving.html

Newest of the new.......