Did You Know You Can Have A Birthday Party at the Museum?

Did you know you can have a birthday party at the museum?

I've not done this before, and I bet it is one party that has not been over-done. These parties are available at the Houston Museum of Natural Science for kids ages 4-12 with a maximum of 20 kids. The party lasts two hours and includes a craft to go along with the theme, a tour of the museum hall, party room rental, a craft, an interactive classroom presentation (which may include live animals/insects) and a party coordinator. You bring your own food and/or cake (or you can order from the McDonald's inside the museum and have it delivered to the room.) Birthday parties are available on Saturdays and Sundays and weekday evenings. Party themes to choose from are: Dinosaurs/Fossils, Egyptology (Mummies), Insects, Native Americans, or Malacology (Shells).

Did You Know About Rankrz?

Did you know about Rankrz?

I love blogging with lists. I have a "favorites" blog where I list all my favorite things about anything and everything. My sis has a list blog which is a lot of fun to read. And another of our friends keeps one too. I know many other people like keeping lists; they are fun, they are easy and they help us to outline what we like and dislike about things in life.

I just discovered Rankrz , which is a community based ranking site. It's a fun little site where you can go and see just how your list (either favorites or worsts!) compare to other folks' lists. Right now Rankrz is in "beta" so they are just getting underway. You can go in and read the other lists-including mine -and you can add your own.

Did You Know How To Make Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls?

Did you know how to make easy mini cinnamon rolls?



A couple weeks ago we celebrated St. Lucia day . The kids dressed up and we made the "S" shaped rolls. As we made these, I thought this would be an easy dough to work with for mini cinnamon rolls.

Last weekend, I made up the dough recipe, took small pieces and rolled them into logs. Then I flattened out the logs, spread them with butter, and topped with cinnamon and sugar. Finally, I rolled them up and cut them in half (using plain dental floss works wonderfully for this!) I baked them for about 15 minutes at 375. When they cooled, we topped them with icing. They were a hit and I plan on making them again Christmas morning.

Here is the dough recipe:

5 cups biscuit mix
2 eggs
6 Tablespoons cooking oil
3/4 cup milk

Combine in the order given. Divide into small amounts to roll into logs. Then proceed as above.

Icing recipe:

1 1/2 powdered sugar
5 teaspoons milk

Mix together. Top warm cinnamon rolls with icing.

These recipes can be halved.

Enjoy!

Did You Know If Its a Good Idea to Buy Travel Insurance?

Did you know if it's a good idea to buy travel insurance?

It can be confusing when considering buying travel insurance. Being able to check out differing policies and compare rates make the process a bit easier. When we took our cruise this summer, we opted to buy the travel insurance. Just in case anything were to happen, we wanted to be sure that we would have coverage and restitution.


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Did You Know I Wish You A Merry Christmas?

Did you know I wish you a Merry Christmas?

We had a good time yesterday making up some Christmas cookies. The kids decorated and of course ate them up as quickly as I would let them. I decided to join in on the decorating a bit. I thought it would be fun to write "Merry Christmas" in different languages. As the cookies were rather small, I was only able to fit four Christmas greetings. So here is my Christmas wish to all...

Did You Know How to Make Black Bean Salsa?

Did you know how to make black bean salsa?

I posted yesterday about the black bean salsa that I made up. I found a recipe on a can of black beans and thought it sounded good. As I am lazy and did not feel like chopping up all the veggies (and I just cannot chop onions, they really bother me) I adjusted the recipe a bit. Besides, I wanted to make a lot more than the original called for. So here is how I went about making this delicious salsa:

3 large cans black beans
5 cups corn (I used frozen)
3 cans Rotel
2 bottles Italian Dressing
1 1/2 cup chopped onions (I bought pre-chopped, it's the only way I can do them!)
1 can chopped jalepenos (yes, I wimped out and bought the canned ones!)

Drain the beans and Rotel. Mix everything well. Let marinate at least 1 1/2 hours. This recipe made up 8 jars (well, 7 jars and one yogurt container.) Enjoy!

Did You Know About Black Bean Salsa?

Did you know about black bean salsa?



Living in South Texas means Tex Mex food is almost considered a staple. I came across a nice black bean salsa recipe and thought it would make great gifts for friends and my husband's secretaries. I adjusted the recipe to make it even easier to mix up. I love how it turned out and should be a nice switch to banana or pumpkin bread!

Did You Know About Our Bathroom Lights?

Did you know about our bathroom lights?

Our bathroom lights are the kind that are the small globe bulbs that fit in a strip of six. Sometimes the lights really irk me. I do like the brightness it brings to the bathroom, but it seems as if they all burn out at once! And I can never remember if they are the frosted globes or clear ones. So we almost always have some of both!

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Did You Know One of My Kids' Favorite Gifts?

Did you know one of my kids' favorite gifts?

About three years ago I learned about Feed the Children . What I like about this organization is that they function year round helping the poor and needy children in this country as well as those worldwide. I like how you can donate any small amount to help. By donating just $7 you can help transport 50 pounds of food to needy children right here in America.

I made a donation in my children's behalf the first time three Christmases ago. I then made a certificate on my word processor, printed it out and put it under the tree. It was very simple, stating that I had made a donation in their behalf to help feed hungry children in the U.S. They both agreed that was the best gift they received under the tree that Christmas morning. Since then, I have continued this tradition.

Did You Know Audio Racks Could Make a Great Holiday Gift?

Did you know audio racks could make a great holiday gift?

Do you have media crazed folks on your list? Those who are always glued to the TV? Do you know someone who is getting new home theater equipment this year? A great gift accessory to go along with that could be a mount or stand for their new toy. And if you can find selected items for less online, you will be given that price plus another $10 off.


Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know Saving Blog Posts as Drafts May Result in Rejected Ad Opportunities?

Did you know saving blog posts as drafts may result in rejected ad opportunities?

Just recently I began having trouble with receiving rejection notices on several of my paid blog posts. I could not figure out why. After conversing with someone a payperpost, I think I have finally figured it out. I often write several posts at one time and save them as drafts for future use. This way I have a post ready when I am short on time, and it helps me to remember just what I want to say. But then I began to have several rejections (though I've been saving drafts for a while.) Come to find out, this can be considered as "time shifting" and is not accepted by paid blogging sites like payperpost. So to any bloggers who make money blogging and like to save posts as drafts, you may want to re-consider that practice.

Did You Know How To Make a Paper Bag Mini Pinata?

Did you know to make a paper bag mini pinata?



We had a great time today making mini pinatas from paper lunch bags. These are the perfect size for any student to make. We started with a brown paper lunch bag. We filled it with a little candy. We stuffed a page of crumpled newspaper inside to "stuff" it a little better, making it easier to work with. Then we folded the top over, stapled it and punched two holes in the top. We threaded a piece of yarn through the holes. Next, colored crepe/tissue paper was cut into long strips. Cut fringes along the bottom edge of the strip of colored paper. Be sure not to cut completely to the top; cut only to about the middle, leaving a fringe along the bottom. Put glue along the top of the strip of colored paper. Adhere around the bottom of the bag. Cut another strip of colored paper in the same fashion. Apply glue. Place this piece of paper a little above the previos one, overlapping a bit. Continue in this fashion until the bag is covered. You can hang your pinata and break it open to get the treats out of the inside.

Did You Know About Mac Poker Online?

Did you know about Mac Poker Online ?

My sister is a Mac user and is always letting us know that everything about Mac and PCs are completely different (with Mac coming out on top of course!), so I was not surprised to see a website dedicated for Mac using poker players.

It seems as if poker playing has taken the world by storm. There are the casual weekly games in homes, there are online games, and even televised tournaments. The only time I have really even been involved was with some other parents while we were waiting for our children. Someone suggested a game of Texas Hold’em. I did not know how to play, but joined in anyway. It was just a friendly game for fun. But if I ever want to hone my skills, I know that I can find all I need at Mac Poker online.

This site is eye-catching and filled with all the poker information you need to become a better player. At Mac Poker, you can find online recommendations, you can read playing tips, and for newbies like me, find the basic poker rules. If you have been playing for a while, you may be more interested in the Full Tilt Poker or the Poker Bonus and the Online Casino Bonuses. You can find any poker accessory you need at the online poker store.

Did You Know About Heifer International?

Did you know about Heifer International ?

This organization helps people around the world to overcome poverty. I just learned about this organization recently, and I really like what I am hearing about it. Heifer Int'l goes into poor communities and offers hope by offering to give them animals to help provide better nutrition and working environments. They also come in and help to plant trees.

First, HI teaches the people they are reaching out to how to care for their land, including the planting of trees. Next they are trained in caring for animals. Then they are given their animals, with the understanding that they must give at least one of the offspring to another needy family in their community.

The animals range from chicks or honeybees to llamas and cows , depending on the need and customs of the target regions. I am so pleased to have found this giving organization. I love how they take the old quote of teaching a man to fish and make it into practical, modern day living.

I chose to buy trees, chicks, bees, and a basket of chicks, ducks, geese and rabbits to help some people who are in need. I love how this gift will keep on giving far past one meal. This is one of the charities I chose to donate some of my blogging money to for my end of year blogging challenge . I hope you will share your favorite charities here is as well.

Did You Know About Hardison and Associates?

Did you know about Hardison and Associates?

If you are in need of a Raleigh personal injury lawyer be sure to stop by Hardison and Associates. They pride themselves on their dedication to their customer and know that customer's recommendations are the best compliment they can receive. Their website is full of answers to many FAQ's, helping you to get the info you need up front. Hardison & Associates are dedicated to personalized attention.

Did You Know About My Blogging Challenge?

Did you know about my blogging challenge?

Often in blogging communities, there are blog challenges issued. I have never issued a challenge to other bloggers before, until now. At a blogging communati that I am a part of, I recently issued this challenge to all bloggers who are blogging for money.

I have been blessed to have made a little more than I expected in my first year blogging for money. It has been fun and fairly easy. But I wanted to do something with my money, something that would make a difference for someone else. Something out of the ordinary, besides what I normally give.

So this year, I began looking for new ways to give. I am issuing this same challenge to all bloggers who make money with their blogs. Give a little something more than you would normally give at this time of year. Find a new place to donate, or add a little extra to your regular giving. And please, share the places you are donating to. No need to disclose the amount you are giving, but let us all in on the great organizations, causes, establishments that are out there helping spread the love.

And for those of you who want to join who are not making money blogging, check out what my friend Merry has to say about it . You can still join in by spreading love, peace and good will to your fellow man.

All comments and posts related to this are appreciated. Let us all help pitch in a little something, and see what a difference we can all make together!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of blog!

Did You Know How To Make Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Sandwiches?

Did you know how to make Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer sandwiches?



These are super simple to make. My 11 year old daughter made them for her cousins. Simply make your ordinary PB&J sandwiches. Cut in half triangle-wise. Use raisins for eyes. Put pretzels at the corners for antlers. Add a red M&M nose. Enjoy!

Did You Know About LAGB Surgery?

Did you know about LAGB surgery?

I know one lady that had lap band surgery done. She is thin and healthy. She talks about having to stay on a healthy eating plan and exercising. Many people think this may be the answer to their unhealthy weight problem. You can find all you need to know about lap-band Houston with JourneyLite.

Did You Know How To Elf Yourself?

Did you know how to elf yourself ?

My mom sent me an email with all the grandkids computer animated with their photos of their faces inserted. It was a great laugh. We have now enjoyed sending these to friends and family. We have even inserted our dogs faces for an extra laugh! It is fun, fast, easy and free! It is a great way to spread a little Christmas cheer!

Did You Know The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion?

Did you know the perfect gift for any occasion?

Ok, guys, listen up. You have been wracking your brain, searching, wondering, just what is the perfect gift? Well, if you stop for just a minute and really think about it, you know you can never go wrong with diamond rings. These say all you can say. They are beautiful, they are precious, the circle represents never ending love. So stop searching and go out and find that perfect gift!


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Did You Know How to Make Your Own Christmas Ornaments?

Did you know how to make your own Christmas ornaments?

I have not ever done this with my kids as I thought it would be too messy, too hard, too time consuming...but I went ahead and scheduled it for last week anyway. It turned out to be fairly easy, yes, a little messy, but lots of fun. I found the perfect salt dough recipe here . I love this recipe because as opposed to the others which have to sit for hours or days, you microwave your ornaments and then let them sit til cool. After they cool, you are ready to paint and decorate them. We used mostly water based paints, as well as some oil based ones, lots of glitter and glue too. We halved the recipe and ended up with 24 ornaments to decorate. The dough was great, easy to work with, and easy to paint. We all enjoyed this project. Here is a photo of our results.

Did You Know Where to Go For Your Las Vegas Hotel Reservations?

Did you know where to go for your Las Vegas hotel reservations?

I know lots of people love to go to Vegas, even for a short trip. My neighbors recently got married there. They stayed in a super nice, luxury hotel. I was amazed by their wedding photos! I did take a virtual trip to Vegas via my spinning class! We have a screen and each class we have a film playing of different sites from all over the world. Now I can say that I have virtually been to Vegas!



Thank you for reading this sponsored post.

Did You Know About Earthshell Disposable Plates?

Did you know about Earthshell disposable plates?

I had never seen these before. But I found them at our grocery store the other day. They are 100% biodegradable because they are made from the starches of corn and potatoes mixed with limestone. Now that is amazing! I was eager to try these plates out. They did cost a little more than regular paper plates, but they performed better than the ones I normally buy. These plates are laminated to add strength and durability. They are microwaveable. I did find, though, that as I used it for seconds and reheated it again, some of the laminate did start to peel off a bit. Not bad, and not into my food. These plates claim to not get soggy (mine didn't) and to also be cut resistant (haven't tried that yet.) They are naturally white with no chlorine bleach. I love using these plates, knowing that I can have both convenience and still be good to the earth is a win-win feeling.

Did You Know About Stylehive?

Did you know about Stylehive?

This is the place to go to find what's hot! Right now! Stylehive can keep you updated on the latest in fashion and trends. If you are looking for the top gift to give this holiday, join stylehive now. It's fast, easy and free. Soon you'll be building your own hive and buzzing about the latest and greatest!

You can find the most hip trend in fashion, accessories, handbags and luggage. Get the details you want on the handbags you want. You can read all about it, find the price and learn where to get these great handbags . And you can find it all at stylehive-the place to go for the latest buzz on what's hot.

Did You Know How To Put Your Faith In Action?

Did you know how to put your faith in action?

This past weekend several of the teenagers from our church got just such a chance. They went into downtown and made 500 sack lunches. When they finished they loaded a bus and went to some known gathering places of the "outdoorsmen". These are the folks we normally call homeless. They distributed the lunches, some blankets, and spent time talking and praying with these people. One of the teens even gave his shoes to one of the men. Many of the teens chose to give up their own lunches as well so they could make one last stop to some more people who needed it more than they did. I think the impact was great on the kids who participated. As for the ones who did not, I think they have heard lots of good stuff about this activity. They are already asking when there will be another time to do this again.

Did You Know About No Fax Payday Loans?

Did you know about No Fax Payday Loans?

If you are suddenly strapped for cash, you may be considering a payday loan. These are even easier to obtain now by simply filling out an online form. We all need a little extra help from time to time. A payday loan can help you get anywhere from $200 to $1500 in 24 hours. You can use the payday loan calculator to help you assess your need and ability to repay. Your money will be deposited electronically and you can pay back from your checking account on a mutually agreed upon date.

Did You Know How Fast Salt Crystals Grow?

Did you know how fast salt crystals grow?

If you saw my earlier post about our "Arctic Gardens" you know that the kids are growing salt crystals. The crystals started growing right away. They say they will grow for up to two weeks. After five days, here is how they look: