My Little One-Room Schoolhouse **Takeover #6**

*** Takeover #6 ***

Let's welcome Amy from My Little One-Room Schoolhouse as she is next to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

Hello fellow Bella readers.  I'm Amy and I blog over at My Little One-Room Schoolhouse. I blog about activities I do with my 6 kids as well as crafts and recipes that I make.

Just like a teacher in the one-room schoolhouses of old would teach a little bit of everything, I include some of this and some of that in my blog. I was happy to give Bella a helping hand and this is actually my first guest post. Today I'm sharing one of my family's favorite Christmas recipes.  This is a recipe I grew up making every year and now I make these cookies with my children.

Candy Cane Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp almond extract

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp red food color

crushed peppermint candy

1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar

 Cream together the butter and shortening.  Add powdered sugar.  Mix in egg and flavorings.  Beat well.

Blend in flour and salt.

Divide dough in half.

Blend food color into one half.

To make cookies, take one tsp of each color dough.

Roll each into a 4-inch rope by rolling carefully back and forth on lightly floured surface..

Place ropes side by side and press together lightly.  Twist.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet and curve top to form the candy cane shape.

Recruit some helpers to make the assembly go quicker since each cookie has to be formed separately.

Bake about 8 minutes at 375 until very light brown and set. Crush peppermint candy.  Mix with granulated sugar.

Remove hot cookies from sheet and gently roll or sprinkle with sugar mixture.  Place on waxed paper to cool.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies if you can keep the dough-eating monsters away. :) These can be time consuming to make, but the kids have fun making them and they always get "oohs and aahs" when served.

**Thanks so much Amy**Those do look incredibly tasty, and the kids look so cute baking with mama. That is always so much fun!! Good luck with the giveaway girl!

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MagdaMagda **Takeover#5**

*** Takeover #5 ***

Let's welcome Magda from MagdaMagda as she is next to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

Say hello to my friend Magda. She's awesome, she's Romanian, lives in India (married to an Indian just like me), and an incredibly talented clothing designer. You can find her blogging over at MagdaMagda where she shares her love of fashion. 

I love cakes! And sometimes I just feel like making a cake! Normally you need an oven to bake a cake - but if your stove is oven-less like mine you don’t have to give up! I found a yummilicious recipe online here  - you can check it out if you speak Romanian or if you want to see how to bake this cake in any pot right on the stove!

Ingredients and method: 

** You mix one egg with 8 full spoons of sugar till it turns white

** Add some vanilla sugar

 ** 6 spoons of wheat flour mixed with baking powder and 12 spoons of milk (alternating flour and milk)

** Then add 2 spoons of cocoa! 

** I did not use just any pot - I had the awesome help of my idli steamer! If you are in India or love Indian food you surely know what that is - here’s mine- it has 2 pans inside with indentations. 

** With a spoon the batter is poured into the round indentations of the idli pans.

** I added some raisins on top- sometimes I put nuts.

** In the empty vessel I poured 4 cups of water, placed the pans inside, covered with the lid and lit the stove. 

** Once steam started coming out I turned the flame to minimum and waited for 20 mins without raising the lid. 

** Then I put off the stove, left the steamer there for another 15 mins before raising the lid. 

** You can serve it like it is or with cream- always delicious and so easy to make! 

What better way to say thank you Bella for a wonderful challenge- than with my new mehndi inspired "Thank you" cards:) I'd love to know this recipe brought more cakes into your homes and idli steamers and bellies!:))

**Wow Thanks Magda**Those look so yummy, and I simply can't wait to try them out. I have an idli steamer, he he, so I'm in luck :)Your cards are so beautiful too girl, love it all!Good luck with the giveaway Magda!

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Mommy Made **Takeover #4**

*** Takeover #4 ***

Let's welcome Maria from Mommy Made as she is the first to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

Hello Bella before & after readers! I am Maria-Isabel. :) 

You may know me from Agape Love Designs, but today I am going to be sharing something

I would normally post on my Mommy Blog, Mommy Made! Mommy Made is the place I share kid adventures, memories, activities and of course all things Mommy Made.

Today I would like to talk about some silly things that happen in a Mommy's world. In a Mommy's world there is NO SUCH THING as PRIVACY!

Let me share with you a few stories... < This is Bruce. So to set the scene, I will just say.. I am in the bathroom. Brucey: Momma, Look at my shorts!! Me: Brucey.. I'm going to the bathroom. I'll look when I am done. Brucey: Ok, I'll just be right here by the washer.  (I was in our laundry room bathroom)So he stayed right there until I was done... not quietly though.He stuck his fingers under the door. Momma! Can you see me!? Brucey... Go Away!! The sound of little feet hitting the tile slowly fades as he runs away... Then gets louder as her runs back to my door.

MOMMA! Look!

He slips a piece of paper under the door.

Did you get that?!

Bruce, get out of here and let me have some peace! Goodness!

I'm half annoyed and amused at the same time.

But he gets quiet. And I finish my business in peace.

*sigh*

I open the pocket door to find him direct in front of me.

*oye*

Example #2

Meet Zander > Zander is still so much a momma's boy. When he wakes up in the morning, he likes to lay with me in bed until I wake up. Sometimes he is patient and just cuddles with me, other times he like to "ache me up". He still wants me to pick him up and hold him. And I love that... but he is almost 3 and getting heavy for me! Plus when I get up in the morning, first thing I want to do is pee and brush my teeth! My bladder wont allow me to hold anyone or anything heavy. :) So I convince him to hold my hand, and TRY to convince him to just wait for me while I'm in the bathroom. Does that ever work? No! So as I pee, he barges in and whines for me hold him.

No buddy... Im not gonna hold you right now.

Hold my hand?

Oh goodness, buddy... go wait for me on my bed. Then I will pick you up and get you some breakfast! 

*pouty lip*

Hold my hand, momma, pwease!

Gracious... so I held his hand as I pee'd....

Yes, you read right.Thank goodness this isn't an everyday occurrence, but obviously this isn't something I can let happen for very much longer!! Is it just me, or does it seem like having boys gives you lots of potty stories?! Maybe this is just part of the joys of having boys...  Because with my Kiah girl, I've never really had a problem with privacy, SO FAR!

Since having boys though, my privacy has become non-existent! What about you? Can you relate? Do you think this is more of a boy thing too.. or have you had similar situations with your little girl? :) I'd love to hear from you, and hopefully you will stop by and say hello on my blog Mommy made! :)

**Thanks Maria, that was super funny**

I can so relate, and yes for some reason boys are so much more clingy than girls, he he. Totally made me laugh!!

Good luck with the giveaway mama!

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C.R.A.F.T. **Takeover #3**

*** Takeover #3 ***

Let's welcome Jamie from C.R.A.F.T. as she is the next to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

from

I 'm super excited to barge in on Bella's lovely blog today and share a fun kid project...

What kid doesn't love shaving cream? This project is sure to be a winner and can be done with any age. First read the book: Polar Bear, Polar Bear What do you Hear? Discuss where polar bears live? What they eat? Why there is fur looks white? National Geographic for Kids has a lot of great information. Then, make a polar bear head with stuff around your house!

Materials: Shaving cream, glue 2 face pads, 2 googly eyes, black craft ball, paper plate

Here is how to make the  3D puff paint:

Add equal-ish parts of shaving cream and glue in a large mixing bowl. Add a handful of batting to the bowl to give the polar bear texture. Spoon on to paper plate and add accessories. We used 2 face pads for the ears, 2 googly eyes, and a black craft ball for the nose. The side view really shows you the 3D effect!

Be sure to check out all of C.R.A.F.T.'s kid friendly projects, our kid stuff board on pinterest, and C.RA.F.T. on facebook! Good luck with your move, Bella :) 

**Totally adorable Jamie, THANK YOU**

My kids actually love that book, so it will be super exciting for them to create their very own polar bear. 

Good luck with the giveaway Jamie!!

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Luxe Boulevard **Takeover #2**

*** Takeover #2 ***

Let's welcome Stephanie from LUXE BOULEVARD as she is next to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

Hi Bella readers! 

I'm Stephanie, over at Luxe Boulevard, the place for all things whimsical and girly.

I'm not going to go into a whole bunch of typed out gibber jabber because I've got a video tutorial to share with you. Bella seemed quite interested in my "smokey eye," so I thought I would share it with you while she's taking care of business. I don't call it a smokey eye because my idea of a smokey eye contains charcoal colors and I don't use any, only blacks and whites. So we're going with "smoldering." Smoldering's hot, right? I mean sexy hot, not temperature hot. You know what I mean! Here it is!

Luxe Boulevard on YouTube

Thanks for tuning in, all. I would love it you stopped by, said hi.

Thanks for having me, Bella. I can't wait for everything to get back to "normal" for you and get you back here.

**Aww Steph, you are just the cutest**I loved seeing your video, I so wish we were closer, so we could hang out, I seriously love ya girl. That was an awesome video tutorial, and you look beautiful as always mama :)Good luck with the giveaway!!

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Scene of Sublime **Takeover #1**

 *** Takeover #1 ***

Let's welcome Laurie from Scene of Sublime as she is the first to takeover my blog for the month of November. Are you wondering what's going on? Check out this post where I explain what's happening. A very special thank you to ALL my friends who have so willingly stepped in to TAKEOVER my blog for a couple weeks :)

Hi there and Happy Holidays! I’m Laurie from Scene of Sublime. Totally happy to be here today at Bella Before and After (Bella is so the sweetest blogger, isn't she?!) ~ I have something super cute to share with you!

In the mood to try some new holiday decor this season? Try experimenting with some fresh colors – even if it’s only on a small project like this one. You may find yourself a new festive color scheme!

This project was très simple and cost almost nothing! Just a little time and crafting effort. Basically, the only supplies I used were a 25¢ candle platter from Goodwill, a candle, dollar store turquoise floral wire, acorns from the yard, craft paint, glitter (fine and chunky). I didn’t actually BUY anything specifically for the project :) that makes momma happy!

I love blue and green together – I have lots of it in my home, in fact. So, I was drawn to using these pretty colors in this holiday project. Retro holiday decor like the gorgeous topiaries in the image above inspired me to create a home accessory project with some retro, funky, colorful pizzazz!

The process itself was a basic - paint the parts, glitter the parts and hot glue them together (the candle platter and acorns, that is) - type of thing. I also modpodged and glittered the candle.

Last, I used the floral wire to create a twist of a holiday tree effect twirling off the top of the candle – fun!

I have loved being here at Bella Before and After today and would love, love, love for any and all of you to come see me anytime over at my blog Scene of Sublime!

Chronically Yours, Laurie

**Thank you SOOOO much Laurie**

I enjoyed having you share this great project with us today.

Good luck with the giveaway girl :)

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Hi-Jack my blog PLEASE-- I need HELP again $50 - $100 giveaway

Ok, sorry for not putting up the party Monday night. It completely slipped my mind, I wonder how that happened. Oh I know, I'm busy packing, moving, and all that good stuff, he he. 
So too keep my mind sane, and give myself a small little break, please note that the party will be on hold until NEXT year, which luckily is just around the corner, so don't be too sad :)
The next couple weeks will be the worst as we are planning on moving by Dec 1st. So if you could all just hang in there for a couple more weeks, I can promise that SANTA will bring tons of goodies for my most loyal friends. YUP that huge giveaway that was supposed to happen in September, will now take place just in time for lots of great Christmas presents.
Still with me? 
Life can take you in the most unusual places sometimes, and this is just another road I need to go through, to get to where I need to be. I appreciate all the support, and kind words as always. You are an awesome bunch of friends, truly!!
NOW, I am once again calling ALL bloggers to lend me a hand, and a blog post or two :)
I am opening up my blog to all of you, so send me your COMPLETED post ( please include the ENTIRE HTML code)
I am looking for NEW content please.
** Any kind of awesome tutorials** Any kind of yummy recipes** Anything else you think I will like
FOR YOUR HELP, and IF SELECTEDI will give EACH of you a chance to win:
$50 - $100 to spend with my sponsorsHere are the RULES1. Must submit an ORIGINAL NEW blog post2. Submit as many as you want, but I will limit each blog to TWO possible blog posts. 3. Must promote Bella Before and After, on your blog, and facebook, twitter if applicable.4. Must be a follower of Bella Before and After
* If you have 2 blog posts picked, you will double your chances to win the prize. Depending on the amount of submissions I may not be able to pick 2 blog posts at all, UNLESS they are THAT GOOD in which case I will have no choice :)
Depending on the turnout, the amount of new followers, facebook fans, and overall traffic, the $50 prize will go up, and if you know me, I will be more than happy to spoil you guys, but I just need some help right now, and am turning to you for it. 
Can't wait to see what you all come up with. 
I will start going through emails today, and start setting them up within the next few days. I will notify you of the date yours will be posted. Please make sure to promote Bella Before and After before, on the day of and after your post. The more followers, fans, and friends, the more money will be given to the winner. 
Also please note this giveaway is ONLY open to persons who's blog post gets accepted and posted on my blog.I may need 2-3 weeks of material, so your chances to win, will be pretty darn good ladies. GOOD LUCK
Giveaway will be set up in the next week or two.
There is not a DEADLINE, but the sooner I get the posts ready and set up the better, and I can get the giveaway started. Remember I am looking to fill the rest of NOVEMBER, so keep the submissions coming, and if I get enough posts I will kindly let you know that I have enough. Until further notice, keep them coming :)

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