THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!

Disney is giving away a FREE day.  They just ask one thing in return, and it is easy.  Give one day of service and Disney will give you a FREE day to say 'THANK YOU'!

If you perform a day of volunteer service for a participng organization beginning on January 1, you’ll receive a one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park. When the program launches, it’ll be as easy as signing up, volunteering and then redeeming your ticket.


In upcoming weeks, we’ll be spreading the volunteer message throughout the nation. We’re working with Southwest Airlines to provide transportation for a 20-city tour that’ll include a few surprises. We’ll be posting updates on the @DisneyParks Twitter account and on The Disney Parks Blog.

Here are some details you need to know: Must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see disneyparks.com in the United States and Puerto Rico. In Canada, see disneyparks.ca.




Happily Posted by

DEAL DAY

Panda Express: Free SweetFire Chicken Breast Entree

 (Friday, September 25, 2009)

Print this coupon here and bring it to any Panda Express locations tomorrow (Friday, September 25, 2009) and you'll get a completely free SweetFire Chicken Breast Entree. One coupon per person. While supplies last.

Thanks, FreeStuff4Free.com!

Saturday, September 26, 2009 from noon until 3 p.m. Toys "R" Us stores around the nation are celebrating Geoffrey's Birthday Party. There will be fun activities, freebies, and more!

I recommend that you call your store ahead of time to verify that they are participating.

Thanks, Tomorrow's Plight!

Don't forget that Saturday is Free Museum Day!

 Check out what local museums are participating here and then print your card to get up to two free museum admissions.

American West Heritage Center
Wellsville

Art Access Gallery
Salt Lake City

Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery
Cedar City

Brigham City Museum
Brigham City

Eccles Community Art Center
Ogden

Fort Douglas Museum
Fort Douglas

Hutchings Museum of Natural History
Lehi

Ogden Union Station Museums
Ogden

Orem Heritage Museum at Scera Center
Orem

Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center
Payson

Rock Cliff Nature Center
Kamas

Springville Museum of Art
Springville

St. George Art Museum
St. George

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
St. George

* Just read that Farmington will participate and Centerville will as well.

Thanks, Frugal Living and Having Fun!

Looking for a fun date night idea for tomorrow?

How about listening to some free music under the stars?

Hear some of your favorite Opera and Broadway songs in the cool autumn air at the Gallivan Center Friday night.

Classics from Cats, Les Miserable, Carmen and more will be performed throughout the night to create a magical and romantic evening.

Event is free and goes from 7:30pm- 9:30pm Friday, 9/25! More info here.

Thanks, Utah Deal Diva!

Sign up for the Dairy Queen Blizzard Fan Club (it's free) and receive an email with a coupon to get a free 16oz. Blizzard treat with the purchase of another 16oz. Blizzard treat. Good until September 30th.

The stories and legends people have seen in the night sky over the centuries will be the focus of Antelope Island’s upcoming star party, which will start at the visitor’s center on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. The event itself is free, but those who attend will have to pay $9 a carload to enter the island.

Visitors will hear some of the myths behind some of the more well-known constellations, then head outside with a guide and binoculars to learn how to find them in the night sky.

Thanks, Davis County Clipper!

Happily Posted by

PLATES & PALATES

PLATES & PALATES

It is Plates and P A L A T E S, (as in the enjoyment of tastes and tantilizing to your palate).  AND this place does have great taste!  Everyone enjoys food but how many of us truly savor the things we eat and seek out fresh alternatives to our favorite meals. Developing a good palate not only enhances the eating experience but broadens one's tastes so that variety as well as quality can be appreciated.  Plates and Palates delivers !  Located in Bountiful on the southeast corner of 400 North and 500 West, the brothers Christensen and their wives have a real gem that delivers on both taste and eye appeal.

They mainly serve gourmet salads and sandwiches with a ever changing daily soup.  Their desserts are killer.  They create their own recipes.  The Lemon Terragon Chicken Pasta Salad (pictured above) is absolutely fabulous either as a side dish or by itself.  I've enjoyed various lunch spots in my travels, and this place is one of my favorites .. anywhere!  They also do take out, and catering.

So, go check it out.  Whether you live in Sandy or Sunset, it's worth the drive.

390 N. 500 W.

Bountiful, Utah 84010

801-292-2425

Happily Posted by Auntie An

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Mom & Me Scrapbooking Sale
September 24-26, 2009
2199 East 3300 South Salt Lake City
10-6

What a Women Wants Show
September 25-26, 2009
South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State Street, Sandy
10:00 a.m.
Weekend price $5.00

Xterra USA Championship
Running
September 26-29, 2009
Snowbasin Resort, 3925 E. Snowbasin Rd. Hunstivlle
8:00 a.m.
The is culmination of a series of more than 50 qualifying events across the U.S. Come and watch these world-class atheletes compete or if you've got what it takes, sign up for the Utah race.

Enviormental Science Merit Badge Workshops
September 26, 2009
Utah Botanical Center, 920 S. 50 W. Kaysville

ADA Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes
Hogle Zoo 2600 East Sunnyside Ave. SLC
Saturday, September 26, 2009
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Beginning at This Is The Place monument and ending at the Zoo, this is your chance to make a difference in the lives of all people affected by diabetes, including over 154,000 Utahns. Bring your family, friends and co-workers as we impact our entire community. Visit http://stepout.diabetes.org/ to register and for more information.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus
Energy Solutions Arena
301 West South Temple, SLC
September 24 – 27, 2009
Energy Solutions Arena
Ticket Prices $11-$82

The Scarlet Pimpernel
Hale Center Theater
3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City
L A S T W E E K  Ends September 26, 2009

Happily Posted by Auntie An

VEGETABLE PARMESAN (courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis)

Here is a wonderful healthy twist on Italian Chicken Parmesan ...
Cut up into medium size strips 1 each Red, Yellow and Orange Pepper
Cut up into medium size strips 3 Portabello Mushrooms
Peel 2 small to medium size Eggplants and then cut into 1/4" to 1/2" slices
(Optional .. cut up 1 large or 2 small Fennel Bulbs into 1/4" slices)

Put all the vegetables on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and then drizzle Olive Oil on top of the Vegetables and roast in an oven at 375 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender

In a 9 x 13 baking dish (glass or ceramic), butter the entire inside of the dish.  In the bottom of the dish, spread about 3/4 cup Marinara Sauce on the bottom of the dish.  Put on top the roasted Eggplant so that it covers the entire bottom of the dish.  Put on top of this about 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese.

On top of that layer of Eggplant and cheese, spread another 3/4 cup of Marinara Sauce, then place the roasted Peppers on top of the sauce.  Then put on top 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese.

On top of that layer of roasted Peppers and cheese, spread another 3/4 cup of Mariana Sauce, then place the roasted Portabello Mushrooms and Fennel.  Then put on top 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese.

On top of this layer, sprinkle Panko Bread Crumbs.  Drizzle with Olive Oil.  Put in the oven (already at 375 degrees) for about 40 minutes until all the cheese is bubbly.

(As a note, we've tried the Barilla Tomato & Basil Marinara sauce, and it is really good !!)

Enjoy !!

Happily Posted by the husband of Auntie An

IT IS THAT EXCITING TIME ONCE AGAIN!!!!!

MAKING MEMORIES FALL WAREHOUSE SALE
Fall Warehouse Sale 2009 Edition
 
Location: 1168 West 500 North Centerville, Utah 84014 (Centerville Exit, West of I-15)

Dates and Hours:   Saturday, September 26: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
                             Monday, September 28: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
                             Tuesday, September 29: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Happily Posted by Auntie An

THINKING ABOUT HOLIDAYS...

I keep thinking it is October and Halloween is in a few weeks, which is funny because I don't usually get so excited for Halloween.  I guess it is because all the magazines have all their covers full of Halloween ideas.  I thought these cupcakes were really cute from Better Homes & Gardens.  These are just 3 out of 18.

Peeking Monster
1. Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.
2. Insert sour candy corn in frosting for hair.
3. Cut 1 Necco Wafer in half and place at the top of baking cup for eyes.
4. Use frosting to stick two blue mini M&Ms to Necco Wafer for pupils.

Spider Crawler Cupcake
1. Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.
2. Place purchased truffle in middle of a frosted cupcake for spider head.
3. Use melted chocolate to adhere two red mini M&Ms to truffle for eyes.
4. Cut eight pretzel sticks in half.
5. Dip pretzels in melted chocolate to adjoin broken sticks for spider legs.
6. Insert pretzel sticks in cupcake around the truffle for legs.

Witch Legs
1. Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.
2. Use black marzipan to make the shape of the witch's boots.
3. Stick yellow mini M&Ms on each boot for the buckles with frosting.
4. Mold each boot around a peppermint stick to create the legs.
5. Top cupcake with coconut dyed with green food coloring.
6. Insert the peppermint sticks into the cupcake to create the witch's legs.

Happily Posted by Auntie An

FUN THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER

I live in Utah and am always looking for fun things to do.....so if you are living in the Salt Lake Area, here are some ideas for the month.

Utah State Fair
September 10-20, 2009
155 N. 1000 W. SLC
Regular Admission Prices
Adult
$8.00
Senior (62 & over) $6.00
Youth (6 - 12) $6.00
Children (5 and under) FREE
All-You-Can-Ride Day Carnival Wristband $25
Season Admission Pass $35
Parking Daily $6


World of Speed
September 16-19, 2009
Bonneville Salt Flats (East of Wendover)
$10/day or $20/event

Cirque de la Symphonie
September 17, 2009
Val A. Browning Center, Weber State Ogden
September 18, 2009
Abravanel Hall, SLC

Dew Tour
September 18-20, 2009
Energy Solutions Arena 301 W. South Temple, SLC 12:00 The Dew Tour returns for three days of extreme sports.  See the best of FMX, BMX, and Skate Competition.
Tickets range from $5.00 -$100.00

Scientist in the Spotlight: Becca Rowe
September 18, 2009
Utah Museum of Natural History, 1390 E. Presidents Circle, SLC
2:00
Meet local researchers, and explore current science through hands-on activities and demonstration.

Ring Around the Rose: Flamenco Dance
September 19, 2009
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 S., SLC
Repertory Dance Theatre's wiggle-friendly series of performance for children. Today, learn about flamenco dances and rhythms with the dancers of Tablado.

Third Saturdays at UMFA
September 19, 2009
Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Dr., SLC
2-4p.m.

Pirate Day at the Zoo
September 19, 2009
Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., SLC
Admission Prices
Regular
Adults $9.00
Seniors (65 and older): $7.00
Children (3 to 12): $7.00
Children 2 and younger: Free

What a Women Wants Show
September 25-26, 2009
South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State Street, Sandy
10:00 a.m.
Weekend price $5.00

Xterra USA Championship
Running
September 26-29, 2009
Snowbasin Resort, 3925 E. Snowbasin Rd. Hunstivlle
8:00 a.m.  The is culmination of a series of more than 50 qualifying events across the U.S.  Come and watch these world-class atheletes compete or if you've got what it takes, sign up for the Utah race.

Enviormental Science Merit Badge Workshops
September 26, 2009
Utah Botanical Center, 920 S. 50 W. Kaysville

Happily Posted by Auntie An

THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES OF BLOGGING

I thought this was interesting, just after my entry yesterday, I saw on Facebook from Christi Williams a link to this on MMB.


The 5 Love Languages of Blogging
MomBabe


Alright, alright. so there's 5 love languages in life, blah blah blah.


But do you know about the 5 love languages of BLOGGING?


That's right. I believe there are 5 love languages in this crazy blogging world...


The thing is, we all speak a different language. And we go through phases, where sometimes one is more important than another. Most of us speak all the languages, but it's the order that can get us into trouble. Not every blogger is going to speak your same language. And feelings can get hurt when our blogging needs are not met by the people we blog with.


So to shed a little light on the situation, I give you:




*Lurkers


Lurkers: (def.) someone who regularly reads your blog, but does not participate.
(They're just like secret admirers.... kinda)


Some lurkers have blogs. Others do not. Some may subscribe to your feed, others have no idea what a feed is. But they come. Every day. For you.


In real life, a lurker may be "delurked" through routine conversation. Because they may mention something that you wrote about, but did not receive this information from you. This is when you call them out and demand them to comment. (Because we know you're there, PEDER.)


Lurkers generally admire the bloggers they so quietly stalk. Sometimes, lurkers may be your ex-boyfriends wife. (Hi.) Sometimes they're people you've never even met. (Hi.) But they stumbled onto your blog, and they are here to stay.


Lurkers are nervous about leaving comments. Sometimes they feel like they do not have anything witty to say. Or they disagree with you. Fear not, dear lurkers. We would probably love to hear what you have to say. But you don't have to say anything. You have permission to lurk as long as you like.




*Commenting


Bloggers have egos. Egos need to be stroked.


Comments are a wonderful way for bloggers to interact with their readers. And as any blogger will tell you, they read each and every comment, and appreciate each and every word. Commenting provides feedback for the author; it lets them know if their words encouraged you, inspired you, touched you, made you mad, made you laugh.... Your words offer perspective, and help build confidence which in turn inspires the blogger to write more.


Other considerations: every blogger loves comments, but not every blogger leaves comments. Some comment religiously, even when they have nothing to say, while others never comment, though your words have touched them on some core level.


Besides, every blogger I've ever met is a comment whore. ♫ They want it, they need it, they gots to! gots to! gots to! have it...♫




*Hyperlinking


hyperlink: the text that you can "click" on that will take you to another web page.


Hyperlinking is a simple service that shows you care. A link to another web page or site is exhilarating. It's like finding a hidden treasure. There are SO. MANY. GREAT. WRITERS. And most of them blog because they love it. And we would never have found them, if it wasn't for you, you hyperlinking fanatic.


Hyperlinking also lets the other bloggers know you love them. It physically shows them that you are a fan. That you notice what they say. That you think they're brilliant. Or funny. Or awesome. Hyperlinking is a recommendation. It's as if you're saying, "Hey, if you like me, you'll LOVE this guy!" It's the ultimate compliment.


Hyperlinking makes the world go round. I would have never found girls like this, if not for the hyperlink.




*Blog Rolling


There is no greater gift than to be added to someone's blogroll. (except for commenting...)


Blogrolls are delicate things. People pay great attention to who IS and who is NOT on your blogroll. It directly affects their self worth. (Especially if you know you used to be on someone's blogroll, and now you've magically disappeared.) ahem.


And while some of us may feel the desperate need to be included on the blogroll, we need to understand that they are beastly things and most are not updated regularly. (Even though after announcing you have updated and we're still not on it, we get our cyber feelings hurt and we try not to dwell on it, but for the love! What do I have to do to get on your stupid blogroll already?!?!?!) ahem.




*Subscribing


These are the serious blog readers.


Subscription to a feed makes bloggers feel warm and cozy. Especially when we see the numbers rising. (and falling. stupid unsubscribe button. grrrrr.)


And although subscription numbers may not match up to comment numbers, and may leave us wondering, who the heck is reading this anyways, we feel secure. Because while you may not publicly declare your love for us, you subscribe to our feed, because you have to read us. It's a simple act that declares your love. And you do subscribe out of love, and not obligation. Because people that have aggregators like Bloglines and Google Reader, are serious blog fanatics. They simply do not have the time to comment on every blog they read. But they are reading.... oh yes, THEY. ARE. READING.




*****




So there it is. The Five Love Languages of Blogging according to me, the MomBabe.


Which is your primary language?

Happily Posted by Auntie An

BLOGS!

According to Blogger:

What's a blog?
A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.

Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others.

How do I start a blog?  There are many decisions to make.  I think the only thing that works is trial and error.  You can start a blog with Wordpress, which I found was a bit more difficult than I thought.  Those who I have spoken with who use Wordpress love it.  I like Wordpress blogs because they seem clean, but I cannot for the life of me learn the tricks.  I think I am just too impatient.  Blogger on the other hand seems so easy to me to work with, like I am home.

Another decision to make or maybe the first one is what will you blog about?  Most of my friends have one about their families and what they are doing.   My friend Amy told me if you ever want to know what is going on at our house, just look at my blog.  She is AMAZING at keeping it up with their activities and also she has her children write about their experiences for the day or an activity they have just done.

BS or Blog Stalking is interesting.   Influential Blog Stalking is rewarding.  That is how bloggers get followers and you can get ranked pretty high for having followers.  This shows that one must be careful when blogging not to get too personal.

If you are considering starting a blog here are some links that may be helpful.

Wordpress
Blogger
Weebly
Clearblogs
Wikihow Video
About - Starting a Blog
Niche Blogging
Problogger Incredible helps for bloggers
Problogger Link to new blogger beginners
Blogging Basics

Happily Posted by Auntie An

SWISS DAYS

On Saturday, my husband and I went to Midway, Utah for their Anuual Swiss Days.  There are over 180 vendors showing their crafts and fun ideas, entertainers, and food.  Swiss Days started in the 1940's when all the farmers would get together for a celebration of their bountiful harvests. What started as Harvest Days is now Swiss Days.  We watched a group from St. George young to old playing the violin, who have traveled all over the United States.  There are hamburgers, sandwiches, pies, and BBQ; all of them have the first name of Swiss in them there, i.e.  Swiss Hamburgers, Swiss Sandwiches, etc.  It was literally a beehive of activity, it has been a long time since I have seen so many people at one event.  As I mentioned earlier there were over 180 booths, after a while, we just walked down the middle and went to the side if there was a booth we REALLY wanted to see. 

One of the booths that I particularly liked was a booth that helps you display your family history. Stories by Me sells a Family Face 3-Dimensional Tree Kit with wooden blocks that you modge-podge your family pictures on and then hang from a rod iron table top tree; a LITERAL family tree.  They also have a Memory Tree Frame and on the frame can be lots of pictures of your family.  They also have a Family Button Box, Vintage Tins, Memory Candles, Memory Puzzle Blocks and other kits.  Their booth was VERY busy.  I don't have a big family and so any picutres that I do have of anyone, I LOVE to look at.  Check them out.

 Happily Posted by Auntie An

INSPIRE

Today I got an email that the first CD that was done by Susan Boyle, has gone to #1.  I was so inspired by her.  I was inspired that she took a chance and did something that she had never done before.  I enjoy listening to her voice. 

I am always thinking how can I be a better person????? How do and/or how can I be of help those I love.  I love to see my neices and nephews succeed, and they do in SO many ways.  I am proud of each and every one of them, even though I am not close to many of them.

I challenge you and mostly myself to look at those who you look up to and ask yourself, 'What makes them so great, special, or incredible to you?'.    Then ask yourself how you can be special in yours neices and nephews life.  One thing I think is to be thinking about them, praying for them, that they will have courage in their lives.   To be interested in their lives and listen positively to what they have to say.

Happily Posted by Auntie An

MAYBERRY

Over to the right I have a link to Mayberry Primitives. It is located in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Last November, my husband and I went to North Carolina to the Biltmore Estate for their Christmas Celebration. (Which is AMAZING!)  We took a 3 hours from Ashville to Mt. Airy to see Andy Griffith's hometown.  Some say that his show was modeled after this small town.  Andy Griffith himself said that it was not because all towns have problems and the ones on the television show were solved in 30 minutes and that is not realisitic.  I will tell you though, the people in Mt. Airy were VERY freindly.  We found this shop on Main Street there.  The owner Sonya Smith makes all of her own creations.  She is very talented.  Maybe someone you know loves the primitive look, I sure do.

If you like this or country looks, here are some other links:  The Country House, The Cranberry Cupboard, The Olde Country Fence.
Auntie An

HISTORICAL PLACES IN YOUR BACKYARD

Today I was reading an article in a magazine talking about how instead of watching the history channels to learn history, how about taking your children to see where history was made in your own state. That got me thinking about what historical places there are here in Utah. I recently moved back to Utah from Ohio, before that living in South Florida. I have heard people say they haven't taken the time to see something in their state and it took someone coming to town to visit to get them there.

When I was younger, I feel like my parents took us to many historical places, like the Golden Spike Museum where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met in 1869.  But I haven't taken the time to see anything else. Watching the history channel last week, there was a program on about the Civil War Battlefields.  They are being taken over by residential and commercial property.  My point is that the generation today isn't getting to see the great historical landmarks of yesterday and if we wait too long to show them these sites, they will be taken over by a gas station, or market.

So I pose the question.  What historical places are in your city, county, or state?  When was the last time you took your neices, nephews, and/or kids to see a part of history.  If you don't know what is in your area check these out.  National Historic Landmarks, National Register of Historic Places, and Civil War Preservation Trust.

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING UP

Today I was at a craft store and found this cute this cute little craft for $1.00 to do with my nephews for Halloween.  I love to do little crafts with the kids.  I use to be in charge of all the classes at a major retail craft store.  I would love to see how some kids would have to see the example and copy it exactly, some would look at it a bit and copy it a bit then do their own thing, and then there were those who just beat to their own drum.  It is interesting how their little minds work.

What do you do with your neices and nephews  for holidays?

Here are some links for ideas.  >Enchanted Learning , Family Crafts, Kaboose, and Disney.

Auntie An