TRIBUTE TUESDAY: CHARITY BEGINS WITH YOU

Tribute Tuesday is to honor charities, charitable groups and those who go above and beyond for their charities.


BEAR2CARE2009


Bear Hugging the stuffing out of childhood illnesses!

Bear2Care2009, founded by Jeff Cooper,is an organization th at wants to bring joy to children who are battling Life-threatening Illnesses by bringing them teddy bears..

They also have a list of children who are in different states that they mail teddy bears to.

Bear2Care wants to raise awareness on childhood illnesses, in hopes of finding a cure for those illnesses that currently do not have one.

It is the Mission of Bear2Care to reach every child across America and bring a small amount of joy into their lives.

On July 31st, Bear2Care will be meeting in Chicago at Childrens' Memorial Hospital for their first ever Bear Hug Event. At that time, 250 bears will be delivered to the children at the hospital.

If you would like to make a donation:

http://bear2care2009.blogspot.com/

You can contact Jeff on twitter: @jeff0134

Or mail it to:

Bear2Care
1120 Cedar
Michigan City, Indiana
46360

All donations are used by Bear2Care2009 to mail out bears, cards, and for the general cost of running a charity.




Bear Hugging the stuffing out of childhood illnesses!

You can contact Jeff at @Jeff0134
Mr. Linky is here, so you can post your own Tribute Tuesday or you may also nominate the charities of your choice by giving me their link, once done, enter a comment telling me that you nominated them and give me your contact information. I will then contact them, collect the information needed and feature them. I will place links to your blog and let people know that you are the one honoring them.

We Have Our Winner!

Congratulations to Carol Dziuba on winning the Lil' Baby Cakes diaper cake giveaway! Go to @cdziuba and Congratulate her.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Stay tuned! Another giveaway is standing by to be posted!

Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Folks, you haven't had barbecue until you have had The Neelys' Memphis Style barbecue. The Neelys have their own show on the Food Network.

Of course, barbecue is just done better in the South.

Now, you Northeners, I know you do barbecue a little different, but have an open mind and give this a try.

Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Neely's Dry Rub:

* 1 1/2 cups paprika
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder
* 2 (about 4 pounds each) slabs beef spareribs
* 2 (about 3 pounds each) slabs pork spareribs
* 2 cups Neely's BBQ Dry Rub
* Neely's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

For the rub:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal.

Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.

Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.

For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.

For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ sauce, cut and serve.

Neely's BBQ Sauce:

* 2 cups ketchup
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
* 5 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
* 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
* 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

TRIBUTE TUESDAY: CHARITY BEGINS WITH YOU

I know that, recently, I have been neglecting my Tribute Tuesday post. Life sometimes just gets crazy.

What I want to share with you, is that, from now on, Tribute Tuesday will be to honor charities, charitable groups and those who go above and beyond for their charities.

Mr. Linky is here, so you can post your own Tribute Tuesday or you may also nominate the charities of your choice by giving me their link, once done, enter a comment telling me that you nominated them and give me your contact information. I will then contact them, collect the information needed and feature them. I will place links to your blog and let people know that you are the one honoring them.

So, sound good?

Great! Here we go:

LIL' BABY CAKES GIVEAWAY

*************This Giveaway is CLOSED*****************

You're planning a baby shower and all you ever find are the same old, same old, everyday items offered at your local discount stores and party shops.

NOT ANY MORE! I give you Lil' Baby Cakes:

Lil' Baby Cakes is an online gift store featuring unique, baby diaper cakes. Each diaper cake is created by Candy, the owner and creative director. The designs are handmade, using the finest ingredients such as Gund plush baby products, Burt’s Bees, Johnson & Johnson, and of course, plenty of Pampers Swaddler diapers.

Candy has been kind enough to offer one of these fabulous diaper cakes to one of my readers.


Candy says "Our 4 tier "Captivating" features Gund's Manni bear. Manni is the most lovable, huggable bear with a sweet smile on his face."

This 4 tier cake is a sweet version of the 6 tier.

What's included in the "Captivating Cake", Baby 4 Tier Diaper Cake?

* Approximately 70 Pampers Swaddlers brand diapers
* Gund Ultra Soft, Babies New Best Friend Manni
* Silk Daisy Flower Accents
* Burts Bees Luxury Baby Soaps, Shampoo & Lotions
* Cute Embellishments & High End Ribbon & Bows

Each Lil’ Baby Cake comes beautifully wrapped with premium ribbon, bow & white tulle - ready for giving.

So, who wants to win this astonishing work of art?

This contest will run until midnight CST on June 22nd and is open to all US and Canadian residents.

Make sure I have your contact information or your entry will be disqualified.

MAIN ENTRY:
Visit Candy at Lil' Baby Cakes and tell me which cake is your favorite. If this entry is not completed, your comment will be disqualified.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
You must complete the main entry to qualify for the extra entries.

1) Follow my blog or tell me if you already do.
2) Join Lil' Baby Cakes' site
3) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments
4) Follow Lil' Baby Cakes on twitter: @lilbabycakes
5) Tweet this giveaway, include @SereneMoments in the tweet to ensure that I see it.

Best of luck to you all!

Winner of the Kudos Kookies Giveaway

Congratulations to Erica, from "But Mommy...", comment #5 chosen by Random.org! She is the winner of one dozen custom cookies from Kudos Kookies!

Stop by and Congratulate her at http://ehaggins.blogspot.com/ or visit her on twitter @erica_h

KUDOS KOOKIES - Review and GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! STAND BY FOR WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!


Yes, it is official. Today is my VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY right here and just in time for VGNO.

Last week, I gave you a bit of a teaser about the giveaway and I truly hope you have been singing Cookie Monster's cookie song all week! heehee

Now, to the review:

Kudos Kookies - Don't just say congratulations, say "Kudos"!

I have to say, my mouth has been watering since the day I spoke with Renee at "Kudos Custom Favors". You just can't believe how much I LOVE COOKIES!

This morning, the package arrived! Neatly and securely placed inside were these beautiful, individually wrapped Kudos Kookies, hand decorated as a Hibiscus flower


Aren't they gorgeous?

Now we all know, I spent 2 seconds looking and the rest of the time ripping off the wrapper! I HAD TO HAVE THAT COOKIE!

I have to say, the cookie was magnificient! It had a cake-like texture that seemed to melt in my mouth and just the right amount of sweetness to ensure you being able to EAT THEM ALL! The icing was thinly placed on the cookie, enough to cover the cookie but not enough to come off and get plastered around your mouth like Saturday night's leftover lipstick. It, too, was not overly sweet or too rich to eat. The decorations, yes, I looked at the decorations.....of the others as I was eating mine.........were delicate and exquisite.

It was an absolute pleasure eating that cookie! It is also a pleasure speaking with Renee. She is so friendly and customer conscious. I encourage you all to stop by and visit her at www.kudoskookies.com and, if you really want to catch her, give her a tweet: @KudosKookies

Here are a few more examples of Renee's work at Kudos Custom Favors:

Oh, look, could it be, yes, it is, COOKIE MONSTER!



How would you like to serve these at your next BABY SHOWER? Everyone would want to attend.





For your little PRINCESS!



Here's one for GIRLS NIGHT OUT!



And, don't forget the happy couple's ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING DAY





Renee's message to her customers:

Kudos Kookies - Don't just say congratulations, say "Kudos"!

"Kudos" means congratulations and recognition. It's the perfect reason we call ourselves Kudos Kookies. Our unique cookies will commemorate any special occasion, any special reason, or any special person you'd like to celebrate or recognize in a unique and delicious way.

We truly appreciate our customers and enjoy the personal touch we have in meeting your special needs and preferences. Please, always feel free to contact us with questions, comments and suggestions regarding your order. We want you happy and completely thrilled with your cookies, enough so that you'll tell your friends and family about Kudos Kookies and how we helped to make your celebration a tasty success.

So remember, don't just say congratulations... say "Kudos", where repeat customers are our specialty and new customers are our goal!

Thank you so much, Renee, for allowing me to review your fabulous cookies! They were a treat, even though you would not let me eat them ALL!

And, now, to the GIVEAWAY!

I lucky person will win one dozen KUDOS KOOKIES decorated as HIBISCUS FLOWERS!



How To Enter:

One winner will be chosen, at random, to receive the dozen cookies. You must complete the Main Entry requirements to be considered.

For the Main entry, you must take a journey to Kudos Kookies and leave a comment on which is your favorite.

For Extra Entries:

1) Follow my blog publicly (1 entry)
2) Follow me on twitter (1 entry)
3) Follow Kudos Kookies on twitter (1 entry)
4) Tweet this giveaway, include @SereneMoments so I can verify (1 entry)
5) Grab my button. Make sure you leave your link so I can go see it.

I will run the contest through Thursday, June 11th, @midnight CST. Make sure I have your contact information.

Happy Blogging and Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Oh, yeah, if you're in the market for CANDLES, I am having a CLEARANCE SALE below!

ALL NATURAL CANDLES - CLEARANCE - Save Big, Now on Jars, Votives and Melts

Hello, my friends! As most of you know, I have a candle business, Serene Moments. From time to time, as we add new scents to our lists, it becomes necessary to retire or discontinue other scents. So, while quantities last, I am having a Clearance Sale on these scents.

If you are looking for an all natural, clean burning (soot free) candle with a long burn time and CLEARANCE PRICED, you are at the right place.

E-mail for pricing: ubrewme@yahoo.com

AVAILABLE SCENTS

Apples & Peaches Votives

Apricot & Freesia 16oz Jar

Apricot & Freesia Votives

Blackberry Sage 16oz Jar

Blackberry Sage Votives

Blueberry Cobbler Votives

Cinnamon Tea 16oz Jar

Cinnamon Tea Votives

Cotton Candy Votives

Ginger & Cedarwood 16oz Jar

Ginger & Cedarwood Votives

Hollyberry 16oz Jar

Hollyberry Votives

Hot Orange Danish 16oz Jar

Hot Orange Danish Votives

Mango Tea 16oz Jar

Mango Tea Votives

Melts - Apples & Peaches

Melts - Apricot & Freesia

Melts - Blackberry Sage

Melts - Blueberry Cobbler

Melts - Cinnamon Tea

Melts - Coconut Macaroon

Melts - Cotton Candy

Melts - Ginger & Cedarwood

Melts - Hollyberry

Melts - Hot Orange Danish

Melts - Mango Tea

Melts - Maple Syrup

Melts - Mountain Pine

Melts - Orange Creamsicle

Melts - Peppermint Truffle

Melts - Roasted Chestnuts

Melts - Tequila Sunrise

Melts - White Choc & Coffee

Norwegian Wood Votives

Orange Creamsicle Votives

Peppermint Truffle 16oz Jar

Peppermint Truffle Votives

Roasted Chestnuts Votives

White Choc & Coffee 16oz Jar

White Choc & Coffee Votives

Margarita Grilled Chicken

Nothing like a little Summertime Grillin' to make you want to get to partying! And, no party is complete without a little Margarita:

Margarita Grilled Chicken

* 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
* 2 cups bottled margarita mix


DIRECTIONS

1. Pour the margarita mix into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts, and press out as much of the air as possible before sealing. Marinate 4 to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Remove chicken from marinade, and discard the marinade. Grill chicken 8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear.

TRIBUTE TUESDAY - CANCER AWARENESS

Isn't it pretty?! I just received this Blog Award from my friend, Sandy, of Tales From A Shopaholic Mommy! I feel so honored.

Sandy has a wonderful blog full of FUN stuff for kids and adults, reviews and Giveaways!

Now, Passing it on! Please visit them and show your support:

My EXTRAORDINARY and AWESOME BLOGGERS are FIGHTING the BATTLE AGAINST CANCER

Meaghan @ I Kicked Cancer's Ass
Stacy @ My Cancer Scoreboard
Amanda @ Battle4aCure
Chrissie @ Welcome to Happy Valley
Beth @ Manic Mother

How Exciting! My First GIVEAWAY!

Yes, it has happened! I have officially received my first sponsorship for my blog from UPRINTING so expect to see something in the near future from them.

I have a second "sponsorship" that I have accepted and will be posting it very soon and I have other "sponsorships" in the works.

Isn't that exciting? I will keep you all "POSTED", literally! heehee

But, that's not why we're here.

COMING SOON!

Sorry, I know you want it now, but if you will show me just a little patience, soon I will have the "stuff" here, review it and get it posted for my Very First GIVEAWAY!!!

Want a HINT?

From my one of my favorite "guys" with one of my favorite "songs":





That's right my friends, I am going to GIVE AWAY a dozen, Custom Made, Hand Decorated COOKIES!!!

So, stay tuned. You won't want to miss this and they are GORGEOUS!

Note: I just got my official notice that I have acceptance to promote another product and CONTEST where you can win numerous prizes, one being worth $8,000. YES, you "heard" me right and NO, that was not a typo. So, give me a couple days to "pick and choose" how to present it to you and come back to enter!

Until then, stop by Ann's and join the party for Virtual Girls (and Guys) Nite Out, Happy VGNO.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

1. 3/4 cup hot fudge dessert topping, divided
2. 1 (6 ounce) HONEY MAID Honey Graham Pie Crust
3. 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4. 1 1/4 cups cold milk
5. 2 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
6. 1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided



1. Spoon 1/2 cup of the fudge topping onto bottom of crust. Place in freezer 10 min.
2. Mix peanut butter and milk with wire whisk in large bowl until well blended. Add dry pudding mixes; beat 2 min. or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Gently stir in half of the whipped topping. Gently spoon over chocolate layer. Top with remaining whipped topping.
3. Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup fudge topping just before serving. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.

Yield: 8 servings

TRIBUTE TUESDAY - Angel Food Ministries

What is Angel Food Ministries?

With a heart to help others and a generous spirit, Joe and Linda Wingo founded Angel Food Ministries in 1994 to provide food for friends and neighbors who were struggling financially. Today, they are still doing the same thing. The Angel Food program now is helping provide food relief to more than 500,000 families each month.

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order.

Everyone Qualifies

There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Some churches even encourage participants to apply the money they saved to help someone else in need.

Blessings by the Box

Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.

MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE

A TRIBUTE TO OUR SOLDIERS

There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa .

For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.

It was thought that the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.










Can't you believe this was done by a teenager!?!

Here's the artist Ray 'Bubba' Sorensen.



I've add a special TRIBUTE TUESDAY to this blog. Please scroll down to see it!