Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates

Time was when Marie Cavanaugh spent hours in her South Dakota farmhouse each Christmas season making pecan rolls and homemade chocolates for holiday gifting.

"It started when my aunt sent her pecan-rolls recipe," Mrs. Cavanaugh recalled. "I gave the recipe my own touch and started making the yummy specialties. Then I began dipping chocolates. Our friends and neighbors loved these treats, encouraging me to start a candy business. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea.'"

Her husband George and children Carla, Lorraine, Calvin, Colene and Genise rallied, helping Mrs. Cavanaugh fill demands for her homemade sweets.

...In 1972, the family moved to Utah, leaving good friends and their beloved cattle ranch.

"It was a difficult decision, especially for George," Mrs. Cavanaugh said. "He was excited about making our new venture, which we chose to call Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies, a great success. We felt Utah was blessed with good chocolates and that we would enjoy - and could compete with - those who pride themselves on making excellent chocolates."

Millions of pounds of chocolates later, Mrs. Cavanaugh's candies have earned a reputation for unquestionable excellence....
Ask chocolate aficionados. They will direct those seeking the best chocolates to the popular Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies. My readers receive Buy 1 lb Get 1 lb FREE of Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolates use promo code: usfamily14

 http://www.mrscavanaughs.com/

RECIPE: Garlic and Lemon Chicken with Green Beans & Red Potatoes

Ingredients
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons, 1 thinly sliced, 1 juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound trimmed green beans
8 small red potatoes, quartered
4 chicken breasts (bones left in, with skin, about 3 1/4 pounds)

Directions:
 Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large baking dish or cast-iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Arrange the lemon slices in a single layer in the bottom of the dish or skillet.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper; add the green beans and toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the green beans and arrange them on top of the lemon slices. Add the potatoes to the same olive-oil mixture and toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, arrange the potatoes along the inside edge of the dish or skillet on top of the green beans. Place the chicken in the same bowl with the olive-oil mixture and coat thoroughly. Place the chicken, skin-side up, in the dish or skillet. Pour any of the remaining olive-oil mixture over the chicken.

Roast for 50 minutes. Remove the chicken from the dish or skillet. Place the beans and potatoes back in oven for 10 minutes more or until the potatoes are tender. Place a chicken breast on each of 4 serving plates; divide the green beans and potatoes equally. Serve warm.

Share for others to enjoy ! More recipes, motivation and healthy tips can be found at click here => Angelia Mitchell or Coach Angelia 90 Day Fitness Challenge

TRAVEL: Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico

My husband and I had a beautiful 4 days visit to  Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico in October.  (Sorry, I am just getting around to posting about it).

It was a very simple 10 minute ride from the airport and I found the location to be instantly quite welcoming. Upon arrival, you gasp at the natural beauty around you. The lobby is open air and you could look straight back and see the ocean from the drop off area.  On the right of the hotel entrance, you will see the exotic birds in the cage.  The staff was pleasant and professional.  The views of the ocean was breathtaking. . Our first room was a king sized bed with balcony but I hated the view of the rooftop so I called down to the front desk, spoke to Veronica and was given a complimentary ocean view in the Garden side of the hotel.  Beach access was terrific and other patrons quite friendly and low-key, which I liked. All of the pools were clean. I enjoyed this hotel because both the pool and beach are open until 9pm. Even when they close, you can still utilize the boardwalk and lounge in the wicker chairs to partake in the beauty of the ocean.


The internet is not free unless you are using it in the lobby of the hotel which alot of the travelers seemed to be doing.

 Hotel Grounds

 Front Desk

 Open air lobby

Food:



The food at the hotel is expensive. For example, my husband and I ate at the Pina Colada Club and our bill came to almost $60 for fish tacos, burger and fries, mango smoothie and a virgin pina colada.  Side note:  They will ask you your room number so the bill can be charged to your room.



There is a Subway across the street from the hotel. If you walk past the Subway at the corner , walk by where they are constructing a new resort on the left, go to stop light, make a left and walk over the bridge, you will come to a strip of stores and restaurants.  Over there, you will find Chilis, Dennys, Ben & Jerrys, more Subways and authentic Puerto Rico food. If you keep walking down the strip, there is a Walgreens to purchase drinks and snacks for your room.  There is also a Gucci, Louis Vouitton, Coach , Cartier along with other high end stores on this strip. This area is known as Condado.



If you are staying at the Caribe, Mike and Charlie's Pizza and Sub Shop.  Their phone number is 787-723-0242 and they deliver to the hotel.  The pizza was sooo good and was delivered to us within 22 minutes.  Yes, I timed it.  It was nice, hot and frankly some of the best pizza I have tasted since moving from the New Jersey/New York area in 2002. We ordered a large cheese pizza and soda and it did come to $22 and change but worth it for the convenience. If you don't want to have it delivered, Mike's Pizza is located on Ashford Ave which is near Walgreens that I previously mentioned.



Transportation:

When possible, take the bus rather than a cab.  The bus costs 75 cents.  They do NOT accept dollar bills so make sure you have change.

Take the bus to Old San Juan. You can catch the number 21 or 53 bus to the bus terminal and walk the pier.  There are CVS, Gap Senor Frogs along with other stores and restaurants.  If it is a weekend, you will see the local vendors selling their wares. They are not aggressive so don't feel pressured.

Puerto Rico has a beautiful mall.  They do not call it a mall.  The correct name is Plaza La Americas. It has three floors and there is a Ponderosa and Pizza Hut Express inside. If you are hungry, you must visit the Pizza Hut on the third floor.  It is totally different than what I am used to and they have delicious desserts.  Again, you can take the bus there.  You take the number 21 to the bus terminall and then transfer to the number 22.........  When you get to the bus terminal if you are going to be using the transportation system, it is wise to purchase a bus card.  You can buy a 30 day unlimited one for $30.

 Brownie dessert from Pizza Hut

 Strawberry cheescake to die for

Harlem Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics

If you like the Globetrotters, you'll love their Summer Basketball Clinics. Inspired by their show, these two-hour clinics for kids aged 6-12 are taught by actual Globetrotter players and jam packed with games, tricks and moves. Kids at the Harlem Globetrotters Summer Basketball Clinics will:

Spend two fun-filled hours with their friends being coached by two Globetrotter stars.

Learn more than just Xs and Os as the Globetrotters emphasize how to be a good teammate on and off the court.

Leave with an official certificate, personalized Globetrotter nickname and ticket voucher to the Globetrotters 2015 North American Tour valued at $40.

Have an autograph and photograph session at the end of the clinic.

 Spaces are strictly limited so register your 6-12 year old today! Save $5 Off any Harlem Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics via this exclusive link
http://globi.es/USFAMILY2014 code: USFAMILY5

Help your child getting reading success with the Reading Eggs program

As a mom, we know sometimes you have to push the children to read in their spare time.  If reading was fun and interesting, I think we wouldn't have to push children to do it.  It would come naturally.  Well, I suggest you check out Reading Eggs. It is a great online reading program.  We all know children LOVE computers.
The Reading Eggs program has been developed by a highly experienced team of teachers, educational writers, animators and web developers.
Reading Eggs focuses on a core reading curriculum of skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success and is great for preschool to fifth grade students.


My Readers receive a Free Five-Week Trial Offer. Register now for a free two-week trial of our program. No credit card required.

Click here for a free trial.

SAVE 10%on your next @GoApeUSA Treetop Adventure

Welcome to Go Ape, the country's #1 zip line and treetop adventure. You're just a zip away from experiencing our award winning zip lines, tarzan swings & obstacles. Book now to live life adventurously with us at one of our beautiful park settings today.

As a mom, I am always looking for fun activities to do with my family as a whole.  I don't want to leave a child out due to the activity, weight or height restrictions. GoApe is fun for the whole family and has gotten high ratings. If you get a chance this summer, visit one of their many locations.






Current locations - find one near you!

Lums Pond State Park, Bear, DE
Rock Creek Regional Park, Rockville, MD
Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis, IN
Creve Coeur Park, St. Louis, MO
North Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Freedom Park, Williamsburg, VA

SAVE 10%on your next @GoApeUSA Treetop Adventure! - Zip, swing, and climb through the trees at Go Ape!

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More info http://goape.com/
Follow us @GoApeUSA

Need a solution for labeling your children's camp gear this summer? Get 10% off

Label Daddy - The number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all the clothing, sports equipment and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep your belongings from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! . . . Pick from many colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Our exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide. Save 10% on Label Daddy labels! - Save 10% on your entire Label Daddy order.

 Use code USFAMILY10 at checkout.
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REVIEW:  I ordered a set of these labels to place on my daughter's book bag and lunchbox.  Delivery was fast and just what I ordered.  The labels were made of a good quality material and after being in the rain, they still adhered to the surface.  My daughter thought they were "cool" as they came in different sizes. Months later, these labels are still sticking to her bookbag.  I look forward to ordering more of these durable labels.

LITTLE WISDOM by Sumayyah

Little Wisdom is the debut inspirational book of poems from the mind of an eight year old girl. Some will inspire you and some will make you laugh. This book focuses on everything from loving yourself to family to death.

"Little Wisdom by the very young and talented author, Sumayyah, is a book of sunshine, wisdom, hope, and truth. You can tell that every poem was written straight from her little innocent heart. With clarity and purpose, Sumayyah talks about many aspects of life like having friends, family, happiness, loving yourself and appreciating life. She even touches... on the formidable topic of death which demonstrates the strong and courageous spirit that lives inside the mind of this young and motivational writer. It's always a joy to see children who are driven and excited about life and actually put in the time and hard work to achieve their dreams. Sumayyah is a shining star and I encourage every boy and girl to pick up a copy of her book and get inspired. 5 stars "-- UBAWA's Booksellers 







Sumayyah Muhammad is an eight year old straight A student who loves to write and read when she is not riding horses or playing with monster trucks. She is originally from Pennsylvania. She now lives in Virginia with her parents. She is the youngest of five siblings. She has an Italian Mastiff named Sharif who is her guard dog.

WEBSITE ~ AMAZON ~ BOOK TRAILER

REVIEW: Mobling® Premium Satin Hanging Bling Organizer by Mobling

This is a GREAT invention.  It is not made of the flimsy material you sometimes see these hangers being made of.  It has numerous compartments which makes it perfect for travel as you not only can put your cell phones, tablets and Ipods in it but jewelry and toiletries.  It makes travel easy.  Glad I have this item and hope it lasts for many years to come!

Here is the link for the item: http://www.amazon.com/Mobling%C2%AE-Premium-Satin-Hanging-Organizer/dp/B00GL4B2X8/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1389809546&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=B00GL4B2X8

Grandmothers Triple Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chunks

Syrup
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 teaspoon water

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour the cupcake trays
2. In a large bowl or a stand mixer; add the eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, sugar and whisk well until well combined and flufly. Gradually add the cocoa, flour, baking powder and beat well until well combined.
3. Finally fold in half of the the chocolate chunks and spoon the mixture into the cup cake molds.
4. Place tins in the oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove cupcakes from the oven - but don’t shut oven off - and distribute the other half of the chocolate chunks on top of each muffin. Place the cupcakes back into the oven and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
6. For the syrup. Add all ingredients to small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for about 3 minutes.
7. Drizzle chocolate sauce just before serving.

Original Triple Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes Recipe found at Grandmothers Kitchen Recipes.