Find the ingredients

Measure the ingredients

Mix the ingredients

Bake the cake in the oven

Grape Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 (18.25 oz.) box White Cake Mix (or a homemade white cake you like to make)
1/3 cup Pure Canola Oil
4 large eggs
Food coloring (purple or red and blue)
3/4 cup Grape Jelly or preserves

Directions:

Preheat oven at 350°F. Coat bottoms of two 8-inch round pans or like we did a 13 by 9 inch pan lightly with no-stick cooking spray.

Mix the cake mix, oil, eggs and 3/4 cup grape preserves, and the die until you are happy with the color in large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed 1 minute. Pour batter evenly in prepared pans. Bake 30 to 34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans.

Then you can ice it with your favorite icing, we made a Tinker Bell cake and the directions to that will come soon.

Since there is a lot of Valentine’s stuff circling blogs and the internet and all other technological mediums, here is what is happening at our house……..

There are a lot of different Valentine’s cards out there. My husband and I have always thought it’s all commercial anyways; we’ve never done anything “special” for Valentine’s Day … and really, if he didn’t do it any time before now, why do it on February 14 over any other day? March 2 is a nice enough day too.

So when Valentine’s Day comes, I hit our printer. My preschool-aged son gets to make Valentine’s cards for each of his friends. This year he loved coloring a picture on each one and I got to make cute little saying for our “gift”. Since a card isn’t enough anymore, we give “Cutie” brand clementine oranges; they’re eco and dental-medical professional friendly.

For the teachers I purchased chocolate (which I know they might get a lot of) but I didn’t buy the cheap stuff rather a bar I’d want to eat myself and is “good” chocolate.

Remember your footprint when you can. Happy Valentine’s Day from me and my family! ~Summer

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

As some of you may know, I’ve been growing my hair for a couple of years. After my hair got so long, it seemed like such a waste to cut it off a little at a time and just sweep it up and throw it away. So I thought it would be a great idea to cut my long hair all at once and donate it to a cause that would turn it into a wig for someone who had lost their hair due to illness or accident. My friend Rachel suggested a charity called Wigs for Kids, which creates custom cranial prosthesis for children at no cost to the child’s family. I couldn’t think of a better use for my hair than to give it to a child!

According to the Wigs for Kids Website:

When Children lose their hair, whether as a result of medical treatments, health conditions, or burn accidents, they don’t just suffer physically. The change in their appearance can drastically undermine their self-image and sabotage their self-esteem. To combat this additional trauma, Certified Cosmetic TherapistTM Jeffrey Paul founded Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit organization that has been serving children suffering from hair loss since 1981.

Photo of Angie’s hair after it was cut

Wigs for Kids is a cooperative effort among Certified Cosmetic Therapists throughout North America who share a common goal. "Children shouldn’t have to worry about how they look, especially when they’re in the middle of a health crisis," says Jeffrey Paul. "We want to give these kids the opportunity to feel good about themselves again."

Each wig costs about $1800 in labor and materials to make, not including the hair Angie is donating. Like I said before she’d like to send as much of that money along with my hair donation as possible and she needs our help to reach that goal. Can you help her reach her fundraising goal of $1800? I have over 20,000 Twitter followers, and 1800 Facebook friends and almost 5000 Facebook fans, we should be able to help her easily. She set up a fundraising page at FirstGiving.com to raise that money and you can send it directly to Wigs For Kids to if you like. Thanks for any donation you can make!

First you cut the bread and cheese into hearts with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Then you butter one side of the bread and place in the skillet.

At the same time you need to be grilling your hot dogs so they are hot. When they cool a bit slice into pieces.

Then assemble your grilled cheese hot dog hearts and serve with fresh vegetables.

When asked if I wanted to go on a trip to Kissimmee, Florida, I said yes, of course. I was expecting Disney World, I’ve never been there before. Next thing I know, I’ve signed myself up for ICE, bi-plane riding, and zip-lining. UHHH, the nerves kicked in at the words ziplining and bi-plane riding. Hmmm. Ok, here we go, I wasn’t going to back out. I put on the gear and felt quite adventurous.

Then we climbed the stairs, the rickety stairs up to our first line. Now we’re talking rules and don’t touch this and don’t’ do that, my hearing glosses over as I’m noticing how high we are and that we have to be unhooked for a brief time as we get ready to jump/fall/sit into our glide across the trees. My nerves kicked into high gear and I wasn’t sure what to do.

As I watched everyone go before me I was wondering if I could really do this? The thrill seeker in me won out. I did it, I flew through the trees like a bird and loved it. It wasn’t until about four lines into it that I was actually able to really enjoy it. I’m pretty sure I’m afraid of heights but I have a closet thrill seeker in me that rides mechanical bulls, runs through the streets of New York in a ball gown, and fly down zip lines over Alligators.

Florida Eco Safaris take care of everything you need. They provide tour guides who help you along the way. They are quite prepared for any and all occasions and ours even provided some quick witted much needed humor to lighten the tension of something so adventurous. They of course provide the gear and keep up with all ziplining standards. I had an amazing time and can’t wait for round two. At Florida’s Eco Safaris you can choose from four amazing ways to explore Forever Florida: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari, soar over it all on Florida’s biggest and All New Zipline Safari™, or pedal through the treetops on the New Cypress Canopy Cycle. We also did the Cypress Canopy Cycle, it’s a lot of work and I was a little too close to really large spiders for my taste but I did really enjoy the workout.

Travel Expenses were covered by Kissimmee CVB, Global Resort Homes and Florida Eco Safaris. Special thanks to Kas pictured above for helping to organize the event.

We eat pasta a lot … okay, like once a week (which is a lot to me). My sons love pasta, and they have just reached the stage where they slurping up their spaghetti noodles. What could be more fun?!? And my 5YO doesn’t like sauces, so it’s not too messy. I can’t help but think of Lady and the Tramp whenever I watch my children suck spaghetti through their puckered lips. I wonder if they think of this memorable scene too?

Your children haven’t seen Lady and the Tramp? Well, Disney is releasing Lady and the Tramp from their vault today, Tuesday, February 7! This release is Disney’s “Diamond Edition” which is a Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy release. You’ll want to get it as soon as you can, since the best deals on DVDs can be found on the Tuesday of their release and the remaining part of the week (through the following Saturday), but also because once these Diamond Editions are sold out Disney will again lock-up the Lady and the Tramp vault until its next release!

IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN LADY AND THE TRAMP: The story centers around a Cocker Spaniel dog named Lady. She is a privileged pup who is owned by a young couple; she is their first “baby”. The owners – “Darling” and “Jim Dear”, as they call each other – baby Lady providing her with all the luxuries a dog can have such as sleeping at the food of the bed, fireside preferences, treats, a collar with license, and daily walks. Lady’s world changes a bit as Jim Dear and Darling are expecting their first child, but nothing changes Lady’s world more than when her owners leave her and the baby with Aunt Sara for a weekend away. Aunt Sara isn’t a dog person and her two curious Siamese cats wreck the house blaming it on Lady, and then Lady’s barking earns her a muzzle and new sleeping quarters in her dog house. Luckily, she runs off and is rescued by an acquaintance and stray dog known as Tramp. SPOILER ALERT: Tramp is stricken by Lady and changes his ways as a tramp to become a family dog; not just collared and licensed with Jim Dear, Darling and baby, but with pups of his own with Lady!

My sons love Lady and the Tramp. My 2YO likes it because he’s really into animals, so a full movie about dogs is right up his alley. My 5YO likes the story, but his favorite parts are the beaver at the zoo (which is why I think Disney added a beaver to the their Winnie the Pooh cartoons) and the “Song of the Siamese Cats”.

In the Diamond Edition DVD combo packs you get the movie plus bonus features including never-before seen deleted scenes, a never-before-heard deleted song, a look inside Walt’s story meetings, Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad mini documentary, the making of Lady and the Tramp, The Siamese Cat Song: Finding A Voice for the Cats, and more. Purchasing the Diamond Edition also scores you and your family access to the Disney’s Second Screen feature where you can get more information about the movie and even play games using your family’s computer. (You may remember Mom Start’s experience with Second Screen from The Lion King Diamond Edition release.)

Though Lady and the Tramp isn’t my FAVORITE Disney movie, it is a classic. My whole family enjoyed watching Lady and the Tramp; even my Jack Russell Terriers go a little coo-coo for the movie with their real dog barks like when the rat is coming into the house near the end of the movie.

My Mom Start Review Grade for Disney’s Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition DVD Combo Pack: A

Lady and the Tramp is a great addition to any person’s Disney collection. Lady and the Tramp is also one of the few popular classics without a Princess (and is pure Disney magic). Just a reminder, be sure you score a copy before Lady and the Tramp is no longer available again!

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm

After buying the tickets we were able to catch the end of the diver feeding the fish and her interview. My kids were fascinated and amazed, it reminded me of how much my kids loved going to the aquarium in the first place. Of course Finding Nemo brought out a love of aquariums in all kids (which by the way Finding Nemo comes out in 3D September 14, 2012), but my kids loved looking at fish way before they saw the movie..

The aquarium used the familiarity that children have and created an activity where the kids had to find different fish from the movie. Not all the fish we had to find were prominent in the movie but Nemo and Dori were both on the list. My kids had a blast searching through the fish and different tanks to find Nemo and the other fish on the list. What a great educational opportunity taking your kids to the aquarium was. 

After our fish hunt we went to see the baby otter. To get to the otter l we had to go through the puffin house. Wow!! there was a puffin in there that was going a little crazy I think. Quoting Finding Nemo, “Fish don’t belong in a tank, it does something to them”….I was thinking that actually applied to this crazy puffin. The kids loved it though, they thought he was just putting on a show for them. Seriously, I’m happy the aquarium does what they do, the educate the kids and myself in so many different ways.Look at this seahorse it’s amazing!

Through stories, hands on exhibits and information we had a very fun and educational day. I learned that the Great Pacific Octopus can get up to 400 lbs, at least that’s the largest recorded weight. And they can get into as small as a quarter size hole as long as their beak isn’t that big. It’s their only limitation.

We ended our day with fish hats and I leave you with this trailer of Finding Nemo in 3D.

Travel and Expenses were covered by 2daysinseattle, the Seattle CVB. And yes I do have an ongoing relationship with Disney and DreamWorks. I have permission to use their artwork.

Dan Laycock took us in depth with peripherals. Dan is the device guy for the Microsoft Ecosystem team You may be asking what does that mean, it means he makes sure your devices work with a Windows computer. You know printers cameras and TVs. We’re happy he does this because our TV has been hooked up to our computer for five years I think, maybe even longer. Dan’s job is to make sure the Microsoft partners create devices that enhance the Windows 7 experience. And he’s already looking forward to Windows 8.

Key Points to Consider:

Microsoft spends a lot of time working with partners to figure out how to make the PC experience great. By Finding the Windows logo on a product ensures you that it’s a legitimate MS product for hardware. The companies that put products in markets with the compatible with Windows 7 have been tested to ensure a great integrated experience for users. This ensures that the device you are buying will do all the things that it’s supposed to do.

It’s important to note that many products don’t have the Windows logo on their box even though they’ve earned it (companies are able to decide whether they want to include the logo or not). This is important for things like TVs because you don’t always see the box or think about it as something you will connect to a PC

You should also remember to use the Windows 7 Compatibility Center: The Windows 7 Compatibility site stores information on products that have earned the compatibility logo.

Now the exciting part, with Windows 8, there you will see more gadgets compatible with your PC. And I can’t wait for Windows 8 to come out.

The partners and Ecosystems will store apps in the market for easy access to users and to make installing easier. No need to add a CD.

There will be very little work on the your part as the consumer and I’ve noticed over the years that Windows has gotten a lot easier for us anyways. They are always making improvements.

And if you keep up with the Windows Champions during the #Win7Tech chat you will see new devices and more sneak peeks into Windows 8.

Dan’s favorite device: Logitech harmony remote. Dan tweets at: @DanielLaycock find him on #Win7Tech Tuesdays at noon PST.

I’m a member of the Windows Champion Program with Microsoft, this information was provided to me.

Offer good for one set of twelve cards per dozen purchased. While supplies last.

This is Krispy Kreme’s biggest day of the year since 2009 and their fans can send an e-card and watch a Valentine’s Day video during this promotion. Did you know that they have the best Facebook Fanpage I’ve ever seen by a brand. With over 3,000,000 fans they constantly have interaction with them. Get connected today at www.krispykreme.com, www.KrispyKreme.com/HotLightApp , www.KrispyKreme.com, Facebook, foursquare and Twitter, and KrispyKremeDoughnuts on YouTube.

Pair the best Valentine’s Day Doughnuts with any Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blend and it’s a recipe for love.

· Drizzled Heart: Nothing says ‘Be Mine’ like a decadent chocolate iced doughnut drizzled with red icing.

· Heart with Sprinkles: Treat your sweetheart to a heart-shaped treat topped with white icing and romantic red and white sprinkles.

· Chocolate Iced Glazed with Sprinkles: A classic chocolate iced doughnut showered in red and white sprinkles for your true love.

My favorite of the three. Nom nom nom

Travel and Expenses to Krispy Kreme were provided by Krispy Kreme.

This is a photo of the I Heart FedEx Office Gift Pack:
included in the FedEx Office Gift Pack is

Weekly/Monthly Calendar – Insert a special photo into the stylish calendar to remember your loved ones all day long and stay on track with your schedule. Calendar is lightweight and ideal to stick in your purse at 5.5 x 8 inches.

Glitter Flower Add-On Accessories – Spruce up a card or scrapbooking project with these sparkle, glitter add-on accessories.  (12 count)

Note Cards with Stripes Envelopes – Whether you’re writing a Valentine’s Day or a special note, these solid note cards with coordinating stripes envelopes are versatile and classy. (12 count)

Who Loves You Sticky Notes – A precious owl says, Who Loves You. Leave a note or a reminder with these cute stickies. (50 count)

Valued up to $25

I’m excited to say that FedEx Office is partnering with me to offer a giveaway to you guys so you can see what their photo quality is like.

Enter to Win:

The I Heart FedEx Office Gift Pack.

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what you would want a photo canvas of, your dog, landscape or kids? Me I want my kids on a full size canvas.

Extra Entries:

tweet:

Win great #FedEx Prizes @MomStart $25 #Giveaway http://bit.ly/xID3pH

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This giveaway ends February 20th I received a $100 gift card from FedEx Office to make this Canvas Art Print. I am solely responsible for selecting the winners for the giveaway (not FedEx Office). Also, the ideas in this blog post are entirely mine and I have not received ideas or advice from FedEx Office, All rules can be found under giveaway rules.