I tried one of the recipes...

Tonight I made the Philly Cheesy Chili Dip, as mentioned in a previous post, and it was really good. We used the Taco flavored Doritos Chips for dipping and it was great. The dip may be easier to eat with Tostitos Scoops.

Knitting for a Cause

There is a new V for Victory scarf pattern online; this pattern will benefit Veterans of the National World War II. The National World War II Museum is accepting the scarves to give to Veterans from WWII. I like the pattern and think it is a great gift idea for any veterans you may know. The pattern doesn't seem too difficult. The site gives you the address to mail the scarf to when you are finished. 

(FYI: The site includes a pattern for knit and crochet.)

Philly Cheesy Chili Dip

Prep: 5 minutes

Microwave: 1 minute

• 1 pkg (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz.) Chili
• 1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro (optional)

SPREAD cream cheese onto bottom of microwaveable pie plate; top with chili and cheddar cheese.

MICROWAVE on High 45 seconds to 1 minute or until cheddar cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro.

SERVE with RITZ Crackers.

Makes 24 (2 Tbsp.) servings

Reference:

PHILADELPHIA web site

Philadelphia Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cheesecake

Another recipe I found in my PEOPLE magazine that sound so good:

Prep Time: 15 minutes plus refrigeration

Bake: 40 minutes

• 20 OREO chocolate Sandwich Cookies, crushed (about 2 cups)
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted, cooled

PREHEAT oven to 325F. Line 13X9 inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mix cookie crumbs & butter; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 min.

BEAT cream cheese, sugar & vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Remove 1 cup of the batter, set aside. Stir melted chocolate into remaining batter in large bowl; pour over crust. Top with spoonfuls of remaining 1 cup plain butter; cut through batters with knife several times for swirling effect.

BAKE 40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Use foil handles to lift cheesecake from pan before cutting to serve. Store any leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Makes 16 servings, one piece each.

Reference:

PHILADELPHIA web site

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

I found this recipe in one of my People magazines and wanted to share it so I don't forget it. It sounds really good.

• Prep time: 15 minutes plus refrigeration

 

• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel topping, divided
• 1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Pecan Pieces, divided
• 1 cup cold milk
• 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding  & Pie Filling
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tub (8 oz) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

POUR 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans.

BEAT milk, dry pudding mix, pumpkin & spices with whisk until blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread into crust. Top with remaining whipped topping.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Top with pecans and drizzle remaining caramel with fork. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

MAKES 10 servings, one slice each.

Reference:

JELL-O web site

Free formula, wipes, and more...

1. Stop Pain Sample
2. Cottonelle Wipes
3. GoodNites Sleep Shorts
4. Parent's Choice Milk Infant Formula
5. Freebies from WalMart

Need a product review?

So you just bought a new electronic device or you are thinking about buying one... Well, I found a neat web site where you can get research on the product before you buy it. Zinju provides product news, product reviews and videos to help people research, compare and shop for electronics.

For instance, if you were wondering about the XBOX 360 Arcade, read about it on here! It is pretty interesting..

A Dog's Soul Poem

A Dog's Soul by Unknown Author:

Every dog must have a soul Somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.
Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right,
And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.
A dog must have a secret place where every thought abides,
A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.
And when accused unjustly for himself, He cannot speak,
Rebuked, He finds within his soul the comfort he must seek.
He'll love, tho' he is unloved, and he'll serve tho' badly used,
And one kind word will wipe away the times when he's abused.
Altho' his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole,
Because God gave to every dog an understanding Soul!

This is not my poem, but I saw it on the site referenced and loved it! I receive their daily newsletter and this was in the October 9th, 2007, email. I am sure all of us dog lovers will enjoy this.

Reference:

Free hair care sample and more...

1. Hair Strengthening Sample
2. Glucerna Cereal for Diabetics (JOURNAL is the promo code)
3. Dog food Sample

Unfortunately my "un-vacation" continues...

I was anticipating returning to work tomorrow; however, when I went to see the doctor today he said my feet have not healed sufficiently and that I will need to stay home for a little while longer. The main issue is the amount of pressure that it takes to press the gas and brake pedals while driving to and from work. Most people would be happy to have additional "time off" work, but I was really looking forward to returning. Looks like my "un-vacation" continues...

Gone With the Wind

Today I watched "Gone with the Wind" for the first time! Yes, I know, I should have watched this classic movie a long time ago. I have always wanted to see this movie, but for some reason I never found the time. It was a beautiful story and the characters had gorgeous outfits. I would have loved to live in that era just to be able to wear the outfits. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable were great together. I will definitely be adding this movie to my list of favorites. Keep in mind Gone with the Wind is four hours long, so reserve an evening and watch this classic movie.

Goodfellow Dolls

I recently made an outfit for a Goodfellow Doll, with the help of my boyfriend's mom. This was my first sewing experience since I was probably in middle school. I was so proud of the outfit and how it turned out because it is super cute! I know you can't really tell from the picture, but the skirt has small imprints of dogs. The little girl who receives this doll is going to be so happy!

Needle Felting

The other day my boyfriend's mom and I needle felted; let me tell you, needle felting is a lot of fun! The picture to the left is a few of the many items we created. We plan to attach some of these to our felted bags, making magnets, and a beaded necklace (with the round beads). There is actually a variety of things you can do with needle felting, but this is what we did for a couple of hours. I really enjoyed this craft and it is very calming.  

Polymer Clay

I recently experimented with polymer clay and made beads and stitch markers. This was really fun and an interesting craft. However, I left many of my beads (prior to baking) on the kitchen table and my cat chewed up some of them. I can't wait to make more things using polymer clay. I was looking at some books on this subject and there are many of things you can make. I recommend polymer clay for anyone looking for a fun and creative craft project.

Free soap, pasta, and more...

1. Always Pads
2. Basis Soap
3. Nature’s Recipe® Devoted Dog Parent Kit
4. Bible
5. Dreamfield Pasta Box
6. Animal Poster

Free Cottonelle wipes and more...

1. Cottonelle Wipes (from Sam's; however, you do not need a member #)
2. Kotex
3. 5-Sheet Self-Stick Wall Pad