ABC! (The Autumn Blog Challenge.

Yup. I decided I wanted to do the Autumn Blog Challenge. Too bad it started on the first. Guess I have some catching up to do.

September 1 - Why have you decided to participate in The Autumn Blog Challenge (The ABC)?

I enjoy a good challenge! (And I always loved those little about me survey things. Duh.)

September 2 -  What is your favorite thing about Autumn?

I'm looking forward to soups. All soups.

Oh, and maybe falling leaves and chilly weather. That kinda thing.

September 3 - What toys do you remember playing with as a child.

Ha! I had so many toys, I couldn't list all that I remember here. My favorites consisted of Mr. Bunny, PeeWee and various dolls. Aaaaand my TMNT action figures.

I was an awesome little girl.

September 4 - Have you ever met a celebrity?  If not, which one would you like to meet?

Alf. He counts, right?

September 5 - Write about your favorite play or concert you've attended.

Deathcab for Cutie has been my longtime favorite concert. Mostly because I love concerts with comfy seating.

I love comfy seating.

September 10 - What was your favorite subject in school?

English. Though I'm fairly certain most of my former English teachers would have heart attack if they read my blog sometimes. ;)

Whew!  Tomorrow I'll get up prompts 6-9 and the 11th.

So until then, Happy Monday!

6 Things Sunday. Desserts.

I don't know what it is about the end of summer time that makes me crave sugar.

Okay... That is giving me a lot of credit.  I crave sugar 97.3% of the time.  But it's worse at the end of summer.  Seriously.

So today I'm giving you the best 6 Things Sunday ever.

6 Dessert Recipes That Make Me Glad I'm Not Dieting. 

Chef in Training

1. Oreo Truffle Brownies.

No explanation is needed as to why I want to make this.  Fortunately, it looks simple enough for a busy mom to make!

The Girl Who Ate Everything

2. Cake Batter Muddy Buddies

Move over, Chex Mix.  Move over, boring Muddy Buddies. This recipe looks perfect for a kids party snack. (Or late night snack for mama.)

Sugar Cooking

3. Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate Peanut Butter Chips

I want to make these... like, now.

So, How's it Taste?

4. Knock You Naked Brownies.

Apparently, these are so good that they nearly knock your clothes off.  Um, I'm game.

Minimalist Baker 

5. Oreo Pancakes.

Okay, this technically isn't a dessert. It's a breakfast. But it looks good enough to be dessert... And it's for breakfast. Why would I argue about so much sweetness to start off the day?

Baked Perfection

6. Apple Cupcakes with Caramel

Nothing welcomes in fall better than apples.  And caramel.  Especially when it's in cupcake form. 

There you have it.  Six recipes that will contribute to my eventual battle with the scale. Instead of diving right in, though, I'm going to light my Chocolate Truffle Diamond Candle. Maybe that'll hold my cravings at bay.

Speaking of which, have you entered the Diamond Candle Giveaway?  If not, get yer bottom over to the Diamond Candle Giveaway and ENTER! I'm giving one lucky reader a Watermelon Wedge Candle.  Woohoo for giveaways! (I even made it easy... Just click underlined text to get there!)

Until next time, Happy Sunday!

Diamond Candles. A Review.

I like that title.  It makes this sound ridiculously important.

Okay, so I've been after a Diamond Candle for a while.  In case you don't know what this amazingly girly product is, it's a 100% Natural Soy Candle with a ring hidden inside.

Awesome, right?  I'm thinking this is a no fail gift for most guys to get their significant others.  Candles, rings... can you really go wrong?  Not to mention it's almost like grown up lady girl (Thanks, Mr. Man, for the new term for women.) Cracker Jacks.

And lucky me, I got my hands on a few to try.

So this particular candle is Carnival Candy.  When I opened the jar, I was not thrilled.  The smell was almost too sweet.  However, I lit it and continued on.

(And the pics above are crappy. I took them at night, aka with the worst lighting ever.  But then again, who burns candles during the day?  Okay, Okay... most people will and do.  Whatever.)

See that little gold circle?  Behind that is the ring.  It wasn't too far down, thank goodness.  And surprise, surprise! That too sweet candle smells AMAZING lit.  Seriously.  My house smelled like delicious cotton candy while this baby was burning.

 A few hours later and some foil started to show! Woohoo!  So the ring is protected from the soy wax by a pouch of foil.  And a little plastic pouch as well.

I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said I didn't want to dig.  I wanted to dig.  But I resisted and waited.  Eventually I was able to pluck the little foil packet out with a pair of tweezers.

I was going to use my fingers cause I'm airheaded like that.  Luckily, I noticed that the candle says to use something OTHER than your fingers for removal or I'd have ended up with an awesome burn.

Thanks for the reminder, Diamond Candle.

Wanna know what I got?  Wanna???

Yessss!

I was expected something big.  And gaudy.  Turns out I got lucky with this pretty little number.  It almost fits perfectly and it's simple enough for me to wear without looking like a weirdo.

Guess what? I'm. Hooked. And after trying the Chocolate Truffle and Sunwashed, I can tell you that even if you're not that into jewelry, these candles are awesome for the scents alone. And at $24.95, it's not a bad gift for that certain someone you don't know what to buy for.  Everyone likes candles, right?

And guess what else? Because I love you all, I'm going to do something fun today.

I'm giving this away...

One Watermelon Wedge scented Diamond Candle.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter, enter!  But don't forget to head over to DiamondCandles.com to check out their awesome selection.  And they really are awesome.  Just ask their 17K+ Fans on Facebook.

Until next time, Happy Saturday!

Who needs to buy new stuff?

Hey, everyone!  Did you miss me?

So I took a break from blogging.  Turns out there's a lot to do the last week of summer vacation.  But summer vacation is officially over and so is my break time.

As much as I'm going to miss having the kiddos here to play all day, I am looking forward to falling leaves and pumpkin pies.

Okay, mostly pumpkin pies.

So you want to know what I did last week?  If you follow me on Facebook, you know I took on a big project.  Today is the BIG reveal.

A while back, Jon picked up this huge entertainment cabinet set.  The price was right, it was in great condition so he brought it home.  And since then, it's sat around the house being kind of useless.  Until last week.  I finally came up with the perfect idea for the most annoying piece.

This is most annoying piece. It's the part of the set that a TV is supposed to go in.  Maybe it looks better with the doors open.

Ack! No!  It doesn't even have shelves in there!  So beyond the cutout back and the brassy hardware, this cabinet is just not... right.  It's big and masculine(ish?) and just too heavy.

Would you believe some paint and creativity would completely transform this?

Hello, Spiffy new computer hutch!  Remember when I said I had ideas for my work area?  Turns out this was it... And here I thought I was going to have to scour craigslist for something.

I'm so in love with this.  Paint and new MDF for the back really made this.  The crystal handles pulled it together.

I covered the back with fabric and I love how that came out.  Super easy and it really adds interest to the cabinet.

Special thanks to Jon for all his help.  Especially the slide out keyboard shelf!  I'm currently working at the hutch and this is the first time a keyboard shelf has been where it needs to be for me to type comfortably.

One more time, because I am in love with the difference!  Wooo!

Now I have 800 other pieces of furniture that I want to make over.

Until next time, Happy Thursday!

Winner!

Did you enter giveaway? You know... the one for the copy of Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables?  Well, I'm about the announce the winner.

Right. Now.

I know you're dying from the anticipation.

Should I make you wait anymore?

The winner is...

Rachel K!


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Congratulations, Rachel!  An email has been sent to you!

If you didn't win the giveaway, don't fret! Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables is available at Copy-Kids.com.  Be sure to swing by their Facebook page and Hi!

Until next time, Happy Thursday!

Copy-Kids. The Final Chapter.

It's been a month since I started watching Copy-Kids.  Well, not really me.  I eat my vegetables. But my kids didn't.

Please note the usage of the word didn't.

So, Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables is this amazing DVD developed with the belief that children are more inclined to do something if they see another child doing the same.  This theory makes a lot of sense since children are parrots.

Seriously. My kids will copy nearly everything they see.

Anyway, after a month of using Copy-Kids in our home, I can genuinely say that Copy-Kids has earned it's three awards.  In case you missed it, Copy-Kids has won a MACT Excellence Award, a Dr. Toy award and one from Parent Tested, Parent Approved.

This isn't a huge surprise to me given the success we've had around here.  It's managed to get Mr. Man to eat tomatoes and Mr. Mister ate bell peppers.  Who would have thought that a DVD would manage to get the worlds most picky boys to eat?

Not only that but would you believe that we've even made several trips to our local farm stand.  Why?  Because the boys requested it!  We've had corn on the cob, beets, eggplants and beans.  It has been a HUGE change considering most of the time they're requesting pizza or mac and cheese.

I couldn't be happier.

If you're suffering with a case of the Picky Kid Syndrome, I HIGHLY recommend Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables.  The DVD is available through Copy-Kids.com for $19.95!

Don't forget to show them some love on Facebook and Twitter.

And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the giveaway winner announcement.

Until next time, Happy Wednesday!

We have bugs! (No, the good kind!)

So the other day, we were on our way out and Mr. Mister spotted one of these hanging out in front garden bed.

In case you didn't know, 5 year old boys love caterpillars. 

Apparently, 30-something year old men do too since Jon quickly swooped in to check it out. Within minutes, he had brought it in the house and put it in a container. Shaking my head, I got in my vehicle and continued my day.

It wasn't until later that evening that I got interested in the little crawly that Jon had stowed on top of a shelf.

Mostly because of this.

In case you can't tell, that is the same caterpillar.  In chrysalis form.  That red and black knobby looking critter decided to start his transformation here. 

I'm in awe.  This picture does NOT do it justice. This thing is gorgeous. 

But it doesn't end there.  Jon found another caterpillar of the same variety and brought it in too.

Bam! Another chrysalis.  

So I guess as an end of summer project, we're raising butterflies.  Variegated fritillaries to be exact.  And it looks like we'll get to see them soon since apparently it only takes 10ish days for them to emerge from the chrysalis.  

Um, I am excited.  

It's times like this that I'm glad that I married someone who knows a bit about entomology.

Copy-Kids Takes on Mr. Mister.

It's week 3 of Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables in the Sugar Crumbs household.  If you read last weeks post, you already know that it was a HUGE success with Mr. Man, my uber picky 4 year old.

He ate tomatoes. I'm still in shock.

But this week, Copy-Kids had a tougher opponent.

Mr. Mister.

Mr. Mister is my 5 year old.  He's a great kid...but has a willpower of steel.  Once he's decided he doesn't like something, he doesn't like it forever. End of story.  No amount of bribery works, hidden veggie are always caught and promptly picked out.  The kids outsmarts me on his hated veggie list every single time.

So here you go, Copy-Kids, your ultimate challenge.

Can you get Mr. Mister to eat his most loathed veggie?

That's right.  Mr. Mister would rather do anything than eat a plate of bell peppers.  (Even if it is straight from our own garden... like the one up there!!!)  He'd even clean his room without a fuss if it meant he could get out of looking at them.  He hates them that much.

So I popped on the DVD for the umpteenth time... only this time, Mr. Man went to color and Mr. Mister had a plate of bell peppers on the coffee table.  He didn't do much but watch for a while.

Maybe his will power is too great for even Copy-Kids.

But wait!

He picked one up.  And he's... smiling?

Oh. My. Gosh.

He ate them.  He ate peppers.  

Copy-Kids, yet again, you get a million gold stars.  I am about to drop dead from shock.  Where in the world have you been all my life?  

So, Moms, if you're struggling to get your Little One to eat some form of veggie give Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables a try.  It works SO WELL and is only $19.95.  This three award winning DVD is available at Copy-Kids.com.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter!

And in case you forgot, we're giving away a copy of Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables!  Head over to the giveaway to enter!

Next week, we'll be finishing up a month of Copy-Kids and giving a final review.  Check back on Wednesday for the update and Thursday for the winner of the Giveaway!

Until next time, Happy Wednesday!

6 Things Sunday. Snack time

Remember how I promised to devote three whole Sundays to Back to School?

I actually meant it.  For real.

It's Sunday #2 and I have a list that cannot be beat (I hope...) After School Snacks.

Seriously.  The after school snacks are nearly as important as the supplies.  Learning makes a youngster hungry!  So here you go.

6 After School Snacks That Will Make the Children Sing Your Praises

1. Carrot Patches (From Family Fun)
This makes me squeal.  I love this.  So so much.  It's just adorable.  Baby carrots stuck in hummus make this awesome little snack.  Curled parsley in the top of the carrot adds to the whimsy of it.  The little terra cotta pot is optional... but seriously... you should use it.

2. Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Cups (From My Bride Story)
Okay, so I saw this and couldn't help but think this would be perfect for that fall day when your child not only comes home but brings a hoard of famished friends with him.  Grill some sandwiches and heat some tomato soup and woolah!  An awesome fall snack.

3. Veggie Boats (From OhHappyDay.com)
Amazing.  What little one wouldn't want this?  Half a veggie, filled with some tasty treat (I'm thinking hummus...) and a cheese sail.  Or in the little boats case, slivers of cucumber.  Healthy AND cute!

4. Fruit Bug Snacks (From Snack Picks)
I wanted to call these fruit flies... but I guess that makes them sound gross.  I don't think I even need to explain this one.

5. Kabobs (From The Children's Corner)
Nothing will make an ordinary sandwich more fun than putting it on a stick.

6. Safari Dip (From Michigan Mommas)
Peanut butter and honey fill the celery, while an animal cracker creature stand atop and feasts on bits of apple.  I know a few little boys who would L.O.V.E. this.

So there you go.  6 awesome snacks that will leave your kids happy and you feeling like super mom.  With very little effort, mind you!

Don't forget to check out my Copy Kids giveaway going on now!  Maybe you can sneak some veggies into those snack!

Until next time, Happy Sunday!

Copy Kids vs Mister Man

So you remember last week I told you all about an awesome DVD called Copy-Kids Eat Fruits and Vegetables?  Well I tried it out on my VERY picky 4 year old, Mister Man.

His brother got in on the action.

Once you hit play on the DVD, you end up with a menu to choose a food.  Mister Man wanted avocados.  No surprise.  He likes those.

However, I decided to try this out with one of Mister Man's LEAST favorite foods.  In fact, I chose one that I know for a fact he loathes with a fiery passion.  One that makes him gag when I say I'm eating one.

I chose tomatoes.

Plop.  Both boys sat in front of the TV watching this adorable little girl happily munch on tomatoes.  No real interest in the plate beside them though.  Mister Mister, my 5 year old, will eat tomatoes so it was no surprise when he picked one up... But Mister Man still seemed hesitant.

Has Copy Kids met it's match?

Sigh.  I left the room.  Only to sneak in on this...

What the...  Is he actually going to...

Success!  He finished off the plate of tomatoes before the tomato section even ended.

And then he caught me looking (and snapping pics from across the room...) and proceeded to ask if he could watch the carrot one next.

He hates carrots.

Copy-Kids... you are a miracle.  But let's see how you fare against Mister Mister next week as we take on...

Bell Peppers.

Seriously. My kids hate the best tasting veggies...

If your Little One has a Big Distaste for all things fruit and veggie and you'd like to try Copy - Kids, visit Copy-Kids.com! Each DVD is a mere $19.95.  Well worth it for a 3 award winning DVD!

Oooor you could enter the Copy Kids DVD Giveaway!

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Oh... and today's Summer Blog Challenge totally relates.

What the hardest part about parenting?

Ha.  Getting them to eat veggies. ;)

Actually it's realizing that the time is flying by.  And one day, they won't need me to sneak them veggies.  They'll be off somewhere else, teaching their little ones to eat veggies.

Until next time, Happy Wednesday!

Pie.That is all.

You ever find a recipe online and you know you're going to make it right away?  Not a recipe that you'll save for later or even one you wait to make for a meal in the upcoming week but a recipe that will make you drop what you're doing to rush out for supplies?

Yeah.  That's exactly what I did when I came across a recipe for Banoffe "Danger" Pie on Brooklyn Limestone.

Oh yeah.  I made that pie.  And I had a slice after breakfast,

So what exactly is Banoffe Pie?  Simple. Graham cracker crust, sliced bananas, toffee and whipped cream.

Did I mention that it took me less than 5 minutes to assemble?  The toffee took 2.5 hours to make but that's just boiling time.

Seriously.  I just took a can of sweetened condensed milk and boiled it for 2.5 hours.  Did you know that will make an amazing caramel/toffee?  Delicious.

So here's my adaptation of the recipe.  (Brooklyn Limestone has it from scratch.  Too. Much. Work. For Me.)

Banoffe Pie

• One graham cracker crust

• 3 bananas, sliced

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

•  whipped topping

First, prepare your toffee/caramel.  Remove the label from the can, place it in a pot of water and bring to a boil.  Once it boils, reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 2.5 hours.  Allow it to cool before opening.
You can also do this step the day before.  Put the can in a crock pot of water for 8 hours on low.
Okay, so then you're going to assemble this amazing masterpiece.  Layer the sliced bananas in the crust.  Pour the toffee over the bananas then top it all off with whipped topping.
Chill for an hour.  

Eat.  Eat it all before anyone else can.  It that good.

Did you notice I've been slacking on the Summer Blog Challenge.  No good.  So here's today's prompt.

Give a good piece of advice to first time parents.

Enjoy the ride.  It's going to be hard, exhausting and exasperating at times.  But it is SO worth it.

Until next time, Happy Tuesday!

What a weekend!

It's Monday and I feel like it should be Saturday.

I had a looooong weekend.

It wasn't a bad one, just really busy.  The funny thing is that I didn't get a lick of work done.  Guess I know what I'm doing today... After all, I did just buy golden yellow yarn.

If you follow Sugar Crumbs on Facebook, you know we ventured out to a local craft show. Okay, not just any craft show... THE craft show.  The big one.  The one Jon and I are planning on for next year.  It'll be our first show since having Little Mister.

As you can see in this picture, it calls a HUGE crowd.  I'm excited.

So not only did we do that, we headed to a local, awesomely pretty area to get family photos.  After the session, we wandered...

... And got a lesson on cicadas.  Mister Man enjoyed this lesson a bit more than anyone else.  Until the cicada shell broke apart.

Hey! Remember the garden Jon posted?

Yeah... it looks like this now.

And back to the weekend... I ended it with this.

Some of that amazing Puddin' Head frosting (chocolate flavored this time), sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies.

Yep.  Awesome weekend.  So now it's back to work!

Until tomorrow, Happy Monday!