Crock Pot…Roast and veggies

One of my favorite all time meals is pot roast. I love to just toss it in the crock pot and let it go for the day and the smell from it just makes your mouth water. So I thought I would share with you my recipe for crock pot roast and veggies.

1 (2-3 pound eye of round roast)
2 TBS of olive oil
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 TBS of Worcestershire sauce
1 package of lipton beffy onion soup
32 oz of beef broth
1 can of sliced mushrooms undrained
3-4 med red potatoes
1 bag of baby carrots
Salt, onion powder, garlic powder to taste

I season the outside of the roast and then put the olive oil in a pan and brown the roast on all sides. I mix together the soups, broth, and worcestershire sauce, put the roast in the crock pot, and and dump the soup mixture on top and toss in the mushrooms. Turn the crock on high for 8-9 hours, and add your potatoes and carrots about 3 hours before the end of your cooking time and wahlah!! This is a great meal and the leftovers are just as good the next day!

Visit from Grampy

The boys are having such a fun time with their grampy and getting a little spoiled too.  They just got a police car and a motorcycle.  The only problem is that each one always wants what the other one has.  It is so hard to teach a toddler the concept of sharing, and in fact it is almost impossible!   Anyway we are enjoying our visit and the boys are enjoying someone new in the house to look at!

Prima Princessa Winner

Here is the official winner of the Prima Princess DVD giveaway here on Double Bugs.   It is such a fantastic DVD you are sure to enjoy it with your special little someone.

Congratulations to Brian S. Winner of the Prima Princessa DVD!

Check back often for more fun giveaways here at DoubleBugs!!!

Tomorrow is Trick-or-Treat

I am not sure who gets more excited me or the boys, but we are heading out for Trick-or-Treat tomorrow! I think the boys are going to be into this year and have been practicing saying “Trick-or-Treat!” I bet when the time comes they will act like the cat has their tongue. I know they are going to love all the candy!

All Star Buddies bounce into the virtual world

As a mother to twin boys, as you can imagine, my boys naturally love balls.  I actually think they were born with a football and soccer ball in their hands!   So, when I got the chance to experience All Star Buddies, I knew they would be a big hit.   Bubs is a huge fan of Blitz (the football buddy) and quickly exclaimed “ohhhhhh footballllll.”   Monkey is my little soccer ball guy and loves Striker (the soccer buddy).  He carried his soccer ball dude all around the house and would sit him next to him on the couch.

The All Star Buddies world was created by two moms who share a passion for sports, fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.  They have managed to create an online world that is safe for kids and creates a way to have fun through learning.    Each buddy comes equipped with a hang tag that has a code on it, which unlocks a fun new virtual world of games and bonuses.  The games are wholesome and perfect for kids and it can all be monitored by their parents through a separate account.  I think this is a huge plus.

The games and activities are interactive and fun and helps to encourage your child to use their thinking and reasoning skills in an exciting way that makes learning fun and captures their interest.  I thoroughly enjoyed playing some of these games myself!

All Star Buddies would make a perfect gift for any child 6 years and up and if they are stuck inside on a dreary day or are into computers, this is a perfect way to introduce them in an educational way.  And after a long day of learning you can tuck them in with their Buddy!

DoubleBugs would like to give its readers a chance to win an All Star Buddy of their own. and all in perfect timing for the holidays!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!!

Here’s what you gotta do!

Visit the All Star Buddy site and tell me which buddy you would choose and what you like about the site and its concept.

Leave me an email so I can contact you if you win

If the winner does not respond in 2 days a new winner will be chosen

Contest ends November 10th, 2008

Good Luck!

Ready Set Shop! Holiday Shopping Tips and Treats

The holiday shopping season is fast approaching us with a little less than 8 weeks before Christmas (eek!). Since having the boys it seems that time is just flying by, and I cannot believe we are at the the end of October already….where does the time go?

I found myself thinking about all the things that I have to get done. There are holiday pictures, cards to send out, shopping to do, gifts to send, traveling, baking, and decorating to do, just to name a few. I love this time of the year in spite of the hectic times ahead. There is nothing like the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the twinkle of the lights or the crackle of the fire. My husband always makes fun of me when I turn the Christmas music on a little early.

This past weekend I made about a half a gallon of homemade applesauce, and 4 apple pies, and I found myself getting in the mood for the upcoming holiday rush. I have been on the look out for what is at the top of the lists for gift giving this holiday season, and thought I would start it off with a bang!

If you are going to get out there and brave the crowds, I have a few tips for you.

• Take your time and compare prices.  I know it may not get you instant gratification of snatching up the last few what nots, but I have found that researching prices both in stores and online may save you more.
• Black Friday!   This is a great way to find deals.  You can find many places that post retailers ads early so you can get your game face on the day after Thanksgiving.  My husband is just brave enough to stand out in the cold for a great deal…like my new laptop I’m getting this year!
• Try and pay cash when you can, this will help you keep track of your spending and you don’t have to pay credit card interest rates.  You will be feeling much better in the long run
• Get your easy gifts out of the way early and this will allow you more time to focus on the tougher ones.
• Make a list!  This will help so you aren’t meandering aimlessly through the stores trying to figure something out.  This is a huge time saver in the end.
• Think outside the gift box.   Try having a family gift exchange and buying for one person instead of 12!  You can get that someone a very nice gift worth all 12 and everyone is happy.
• Be creative
• Look ahead to next year…write down ideas that you hear your special someone talking about so you have something to go by.  I always find myself forgetting what my husband said he really like then I am stuck trying to figure stuff out.  If you write it down and keep the list somewhere you have a ton of ideas come Christmas time.
• Count that change…all those pennies add up and you’d be surprised how much money you can save for just such things as gift giving.
• Stress relief!   Take a time out to do nothing related to the holidays.  Go to a movie, have lunch, take a nap or just read a book.  This helps to deflate all the pressure of getting things done and helps to quiet the mind and regenerate.
• Divide and conquer.   If you have a willing partner…hand them half of the list and send them to get those things while you do the other half.  It will take you half the time and then you can go out and have a nice dinner!

• Lastly, have fun!  Don’ let the Grinch in you come out.  If you aren’t having fun..just stop for awhile and recharge.  All the weary holiday shoppers and people at the stores will thank you! these great Walmart coupons

Soooo, to kick off the holiday season! DoubleBugs is doing it right! Go do a little shopping, have a hot cup of joe, and relax at the movies on us: With a $25 gift card from Wal-Mart, $10 gift card from Starbucks, and 2 AMC movie passes!

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!

Here’s what you gotta do!

Leave me a comment on what you love about the holiday season, or leave a favorite recipe ( I am a sucker for good recipes!) and why you want to win.

Leave me an Email so I can contact you if you win.

Grab my badge for an extra entry or post about my contest on your blog or site.

Contest Starts October 27th, 2008 and Ends November 19, 2008

Good Luck and Happy Shopping!!!!

In the Kitchen with Calphalon

One of my most favorite things to do is to get in the kitchen and cook, especially if I can open up a recipe book and find a new dish.   They always say that the kitchen is probably one of the main hubs of the home, and having a family to feed, means I am in there at the very least, three times a day.

We just recently went apple picking with the boys and of course this means that there is baking to be done!   I went right to work looking for the perfect apple pie recipe to try with my new Calphalon ceramic deep dish pie pan.  I have almost always associated the Calphalon name with my pots and pans that I own, and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that they had a new ceramic bake ware line.  I had the chance to try out their pie pan and 9×13 covered dish.   Of the things I use most, it would have to be the 9×13 rectangular baking dish (perfect for casseroles). I currently do not own one with a lid however, so this was something unique to me.  I know that there may be others, but this is the first time I have laid eyes on one and I love this feature!  Not only that, their ceramics can go from fridge or freezer and straight into the oven or microwave.  This is great for make ahead dishes, then all  you have to do is take it out of the fridge or freezer and just pop it in the oven.  Calphalon ceramics are dishwasher safe, which is also a nice feature especially for families like mine who are always on the go.

Calphalon Ceramics Features

• Contemporary Design for sweet and savory baking

• They can go from the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the refrigerator…allowing for complete versatility through the cooking to storing process

• Glazed interiors — red and cream exteriors

• For oven, broiler and microwave cooking

• Dishwasher safe

• 10 year warranty

Calphalon ceramics would make such a wonderful addition in any cook’s life and is simply a must have if you enjoy cooking as much as I do.   My Beef shell pasta casserole turned out awesome in the 9 x 13 dish and the leftovers, I just put on the lid, and shoved it in the fridge for the next day.

As if Calpahlon’s ceramic line wasn’t enough, I got the privilege to experience their LX series cutlery line.  And I say experience, because it was the ultimate pampering session while I was using their 8 inch chef knife.  If you are one who loves to cook, you can appreciate a good knife.  My husband could hear me ohhing and ahhing from the kitchen while I was chopping my onions for the chili.  I am simply in love with these knives and I actually tossed out my old chef knife because it pales in comparison.  Chopping through that onion was like chopping through melted butter!  I couldn’t believe what I have been missing all these years with my 10 year old knife set.  You would think a knife is just a knife…but it isn’t and Calphalon’s LX Cutlery will prove the point. It even fits comfortably in your hand and you just know that you are holding a well made piece of cutlery simply by the sheer weight and feel of it.  I am completely spoiled now, and I don’t think I will ever go back to my old knives!

Features

• Each knife is made from high carbon German no stain steel

• sharpens more easily than stainless and maintains it’s edge longer. The ergonomic handles  has each knife’s identification etched on the bottom of the handle for easy knife selection!

– Blade:

• German steel—high carbon, no stain steel with Molybdenum and Vanadium

• One piece of metal for blade, bolster and tang

• Fully forged blade

• Full tang for balance and strength

• Fully tapered from cutting edge to spine and from tip to heel for superior strength

• Tempered- heat hardened to 1000 degrees C
  
• HRC 54-56 (Hardness Rockwell “C” scale – a standard measurement of hardness)
  

– Handles:

• Full tang—first ever ergonomic handle which shows the full tang
  

• Made from fiberglass reinforced poly-resin—won’t split, crack or harbor micro-organisms

• Ergonomic handle

• Knife identification etched on the butt of the handle

• Classic triple riveted handle updated with modern ergonomic design

Lifetime Warranty
I am thoroughly impressed with both my Calphalon ceramics and cutlery.  These would make perfect holiday gifts for the cook in your life and come backed by the Calphalon name you can trust.  I still have my pots and pans that are at least 10 years old and they are still just as wonderful as the first day I used them.

In The Kitchen With Calphalon

One of my most favorite things to do is to get in the kitchen and cook, especially if I can open up a recipe book and find a new dish. They always say that the kitchen is probably one of the main hubs of the home, and having a family to feed, means I am in there at the very least, three times a day.

We just recently went apple picking with the boys and of course this means that there is baking to be done! I went right to work looking for the perfect apple pie recipe to try with my new Calphalon ceramic deep dish pie pan. I have almost always associated the Calphalon name with my pots and pans that I own, and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that they had a new ceramic bake ware line. I had the chance to try out their pie pan and 9×13 covered dish. Of the things I use most, it would have to be the 9×13 rectangular baking dish (perfect for casseroles). I currently do not own one with a lid however, so this was something unique to me. I know that there may be others, but this is the first time I have laid eyes on one and I love this feature! Not only that, their ceramics can go from fridge or freezer and straight into the oven or microwave. This is great for make ahead dishes, then all you have to do is take it out of the fridge or freezer and just pop it in the oven. Calphalon ceramics are dishwasher safe, which is also a nice feature especially for families like mine who are always on the go.

Calphalon Ceramics Features

• Contemporary Design for sweet and savory baking

• They can go from the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the refrigerator…allowing for complete versatility through the cooking to storing process

• Glazed interiors — red and cream exteriors

• For oven, broiler and microwave cooking

• Dishwasher safe

• 10 year warranty

Calphalon ceramics would make such a wonderful addition in any cook’s life and is simply a must have if you enjoy cooking as much as I do. My Beef shell pasta casserole turned out awesome in the 9 x 13 dish and the leftovers, I just put on the lid, and shoved it in the fridge for the next day.

As if Calpahlon’s ceramic line wasn’t enough, I got the privilege to experience their LX series cutlery line. And I say experience, because it was the ultimate pampering session while I was using their 8 inch chef knife. If you are one who loves to cook, you can appreciate a good knife. My husband could hear me ohhing and ahhing from the kitchen while I was chopping my onions for the chili. I am simply in love with these knives and I actually tossed out my old chef knife because it pales in comparison. Chopping through that onion was like chopping through melted butter! I couldn’t believe what I have been missing all these years with my 10 year old knife set. You would think a knife is just a knife…but it isn’t and Calphalon’s LX Cutlery will prove the point. It even fits comfortably in your hand and you just know that you are holding a well made piece of cutlery simply by the sheer weight and feel of it. I am completely spoiled now, and I don’t think I will ever go back to my old knives!

Features

• Each knife is made from high carbon German no stain steel

• sharpens more easily than stainless and maintains it’s edge longer. The ergonomic handles has each knife’s identification etched on the bottom of the handle for easy knife selection!

– Blade:

• German steel—high carbon, no stain steel with Molybdenum and Vanadium

• One piece of metal for blade, bolster and tang

• Fully forged blade

• Full tang for balance and strength

• Fully tapered from cutting edge to spine and from tip to heel for superior strength

• Tempered- heat hardened to 1000 degrees C
  
• HRC 54-56 (Hardness Rockwell “C” scale – a standard measurement of hardness)
  

– Handles:

• Full tang—first ever ergonomic handle which shows the full tang
  

• Made from fiberglass reinforced poly-resin—won’t split, crack or harbor micro-organisms

• Ergonomic handle

• Knife identification etched on the butt of the handle

• Classic triple riveted handle updated with modern ergonomic design

Lifetime Warranty
I am thoroughly impressed with both my Calphalon ceramics and cutlery. These would make perfect holiday gifts for the cook in your life and come backed by the Calphalon name you can trust. I still have my pots and pans that are at least 10 years old and they are still just as wonderful as the first day I used them.

Briarpatch joins Thomas and Friends

Briarpatch has unveiled its first Thomas and Friends game!  I know my boys just love playing with all their little Thomas trains and saying “allll aboard!” when they move them along the track.  I was delighted to see that there is now a game that they can actually play.  They are both at a stage where they are getting really involved with counting, focusing on one thing for longer periods of time, and just really interactive with things.

The game is designed for children ages three and up so my two are just about at the perfect age for the game.  Not only that, it is so nice to get together as a family around the table and just interact with the boys.  I think this is of major importance, especially this day in age, when families are always on the go.

We took the game out of the box and Bubs the younger of my twins was like “OHHHH WOW.”  He is always saying this whenever there is something new to look at.  It is so cute how his face lights up.  Both of them recognized the characters right away and were ohhhing and ahhing over Thomas.  Both my husband and I sat with them to play the game.  Each of them are learning to count, so this game was fun and helped that along.  They are still a little young, when it comes to board games but I think this is a terrific start!  If anything, it teaches them the basics of following directions, counting and taking turns.

The Thomas and Friends Great Race Game retails for $24.99.  This would make a really great gift for a Thomas fan this holiday season! Doublebugs would like to give its readers the chance to win a Thomas Great Race game for your special little someone!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

Off for more apples!!

Well tomorrow I am off to pick more apples. This time they are the Fuji apples, which are some of the best apples you can get. It is supposed to rain this weekend so I need to get my apple picking in. I mostly enjoy just being in the outdoors and wandering through the orchard. It will be a cold one, but I am excited, this is definitely goin gto be a future family tradition!!

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