Puking up Monster High...

Is your daughter into Monster High? My Emily is. So much, that I fear it's an addiction. I admit though, that I enjoy finding a "hard-to-find" doll with her. Maybe I'm addicted too. Anyway, she started getting into collecting them since last year, and she got all her friends into Monster High as well. Sorry, parents of those children!

Right now, she has dolls, ten outfits, their play makeup, purses, shoes, posters, and list goes on. She probably dreams in Monster High.

Here is a photo to show you how her barbie house was taken over by these monsters.

Crazy, huh?

We just might be spoiling her a bit-just a bit.

Every time there is a holiday, I dread taking her to school. Why? Because she wants to be the first to get the latest doll. If one of her friends gets a doll that she couldn't, I do NOT want to be that girl...

I'm hoping the makers of Monster High toys slow down a bit, because I fear that I will have to get a second job to support this girl's habit.

Yes, this is a plea-PLEASE STOP MAKING NEW TOYS!

Pretty please???

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter!!

I have so much to fill you in about our lives. I've been away for too long! I'll be posting this week about everything I've been up to, but for right now, here are photos of what the kids got this morning...

Emily got a pink basket, of course. We would be in trouble if we didn't include a Monster High doll. Oh yeah, you don't know about her Monster High addiction...

The hubby got a basket-yes, he is a kid. Had to include his favorite candy...

Rock candy!

The grand babies got matching baskets, and the tiny one got some chocolate bunnies. Did I tell you about him???

Okay, if you are the slightest bit interested in our adventures over the last couple of months, stay tuned.

In the meantime, have a great holiday!!!

Changing the way you think about your detergent

I dont know about you, but I'm picky about what detergent I use. I believe that certain detergents (mainly cheaper ones) can make your clothes fade. I'm also big on how a detergent makes your clothes smell too. I love detergents that make your clothes smell fresh.

I don't have just one kind of detergent I use as well. I like to experiment with different brands. Especially if I've found special discounts for detergent. I love coupons! Lately, I've been wondering if I should change the type of detergent I use.

There are three different types of detergent- powder, liquid, and now pods. Choosing which one is right for your needs might be easier than you think. Powder, pods, and liquid detergents all have pros and cons, and since they have similar cleaning power, people usually choose which type to use based on personal preference.

Let me break down the pros and cons of each…

Powders

People may find that powders might be the best route to go when money is tight. Finding out the pros and cons helps in deciding if this is a wise decision.

Pro: They're generally cheaper.

Pro: The cardboard packaging is more eco-friendly.

Con: Some people think they don't dissolve as well in water. This may have been a problem with some of the first powdered detergents, but these days, most powders are designed to readily dissolve in water.

Con: Sodium sulphate can wreak havoc on septic systems.

Con: Powders contain more chemicals compared with liquids, due to the filler.

Liquids

Some people feel that liquid is the best route for their own reasons. Liquid definitely has its benefits.

Pro: The detergent is already pre-dissolved.

Pro: You can pre-treat stains by pouring it directly onto clothes.

Con: They're usually more expensive than powdered detergent.

Con: They have plastic packaging, which is less eco-friendly.


Pods

Pods are a fairly new way to conveniently clean your clothes.

Pro: More convient

Pro: Easy to use.

Pro: Less mess and less room to store.

Con: Very expensive compared to others.

Con: Limited to amount used-can’t break up amount for small load.

What do you use to wash your clothes. Liquid? Powder? Pods? Inquiring minds want to know!

Why Not Visit London?

Have you ever wanted to visit London?
Do you want to visit London for the Olympics 2012?
If you visited London in the past did you enjoy it?

With the upcoming Olympics being held in London this year, what a great time to make it a family vacation! I never vacationed in London before, but would love to some day.

One thing I found to be helpful is to not have to worry about finding a place to stay. With everyone jetting off to London for the Olympics, there might be a problem finding available lodging during that time.

Have you ever thought about using a London Apartments stay in?

Robert And Polly Arnold offer a great service to people wanting to visit London – they are Londoners - having lived there all their lives with their 3 children Rachel, Jonny and Mike, Using their vast knowledge of Central London sights, locations etc., they offer a personal service to fit the clients needs, thus taking the aggravation out of finding suitable London Apartments

Do you come for business and would like relevant information about locations and places of local interest?

Just think, you can visit the sights of London easily and hassle free during the day, relaxing in your own London Apartment in the evening.

Polly and Robert have 22 years of experience in London Apartments and want to help people have the best possible visit in their city!

Say "Cheese" for Cheesecake!

I love cheesecake.

Cheesecake is my weakness. I'm not biased to any flavors, but if it has chocolate in it, I might pick it over a strawberry cheesecake. I think I found my love of cheesecake when I was little and my mom would make it often for dessert.

With summer approaching, cheesecake would make a great summer dessert, or a yummy snack!

I especially love the no-bake recipe. In fact, I would love to share this recipe with you!

NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

30 graham crackers
2 tbsp. sugar
3/4 stick butter, melted
1 3 oz pkg. lemon Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
juice of 1 lemon
1 large can evaporated milk (chilled)

Combine graham crackers and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan, saving half of the crumbs for the top. Dissolve Jell-O in hot water and cool.
Beat together sugar, cream cheese, vanilla and lemon juice for 1 minute on medium speed.

Using clean beaters and bowl, whip evaporated milk and slowly add Jell-O and cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. Sprinkle crumbs on top.

Fruit may be added for variety (blueberries, peaches, sliced strawberries, etc). Stir in just before pouring into pan.

Makes about 12 servings.

So easy, you can't go wrong!

All this talk about cheesecake is making me hungry-for cheesecake!