Hot Dog Grilling Tip: Try spiral cutting your hot dogs

o   How?

  Put a skewer directly from one end of the dog, right down the middle and out the other end

  Using a serrated knife, cut the dog at an angle starting at one end and rotating the dog as you cut

  Remove the skewer, and you should have an accordion-like spiral-cut hot dog

o   Why?

 First, it looks cool and adds a little style to your dog!

  Second, it allows the dog to caramelize more, really bringing out the delicious flavor of a great hot dog

  Finally, the spiral catches toppings in every crevice, making for a more complete taste in every bite!

I am excited to partner with one of my favorite stores to give you the opportunity to win cozy pajamas for your family (up to six pairs of pajamas for two winners) to celebrate the 3rd annual National Family Pajama Night™ on Saturday, November 2, 2013.



As in years past, families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses, a “home-away-from-home,” across the U.S. will gather in The Company Store PJs for a night to remember. The Company Store will be donating 3,000 pairs of pajamas to RMHC guest families caring for a sick child. In addition, The Company Store will donate $1 to RMHC for every pair of pajamas purchased from October 2 through to December 2, 2013. This year, a record-setting 54 Ronald McDonald Houses across the country will be participating.

“That feeling of home is something that we all look for during the holiday season,” said Karen Feldman, Director of Marketing, The Company Store. “This is why we began National Family Pajama Night three years ago. As a company constantly focused on giving back, we truly love creating a feeling of warmth, fun and comfort for these families who are dealing with illnesses while they are away from home. And who doesn’t love a comfy pair of PJs?”

Family pajamas are available in an array of six different holiday-themed styles, including The Company Store’s most popular “Woodbridge Plaid” and “Winter Forest” family pajama lines. Sizes are offered for the entire family, including the family dog. To participate, visit The Company Store’s National Family Pajama Night™ website to purchase pajamas and support care for RMHC children and their families.

I chose the Night Watch Family Pajamas for the Hines. I love all the patterns, but my daughter has a special fondness for owls.


We'll see you in your pajamas for a good cause on November 2.  Winners for this giveaway will be drawn at random on Thursday, October 24. 

About The Company Store:

The Company Store and Company Kids are renowned for providing 100 years of quality, comfort and care through the best US-crafted comforters, fashion bedding, home décor, and apparel for adults and children. Six-generation experts in comfort, The Company Store produces its signature LaCrosse down comforters in LaCrosse, WI, while sourcing the latest trends and styles from around the world. The Company Store and CompanyKids offer comfort and style at every price point for the quality-minded consumer. To learn more, visit www.thecompanystore.com.

This giveaway will end at 12 a.m. on October 24. Two winners will be selected. Rafflecopter will be managing entries.

For those needing extra help with Rafflecopter
1. Click on "Use Your E-mail" or "Sign in with Facebook"
2. A box will pop up. Enter your name. Enter your e-mail address or Facebook ID.
3. Click on "Log In".
4. A box will pop up with choices to enter.  Put your mouse on the +1 button. Click it.
5. Hit "Enter" and your e-mail address should be in the system, and you will have one entry. You will have several ways to earn entries. 

As parents, it’s our responsibility to teach our children that Christmas is about more than just presents.  It’s also about giving, reaching out, and helping others in need.  Sure, teaching him to give is easy, but teaching him why some people need help isn’t as simple, especially, when your own child has pajamas, a coat, food, and a warm bed to sleep in every night.  Unfortunately, some children are not as lucky.  It’s hard for my five-year-old to comprehend that another child may not have these necessities.  These things, as well as holiday presents, are always there for him in his home. 

Holiday Guest Post by "Mr. Cool Hines", age 5. 


Meet Kate.  She's in my class at school.




Jack, her twin brother, is in another kindergarten class at our school, but we play together on the playground. 




They were selling hot chocolate in order to help kids in our area who really need our help.  The money that Jack and Kate raised will buy Christmas presents and groceries for children who don't have homes. 




Some of my other friends from school came, too.  Jack and Kate sold hot chocolate for two hours.  It was really good, too.  I'm happy that I could help support their cause.  My mom tells me that my donation will help other kids have a merry Christmas, too.




Back to you, Mom!


I think the kids enjoyed selling the hot chocolate, but they also got in some great playtime, and left their mom and dad with their hot cocoa stand in-between customers.   This deed was a great way for these parents to teach a wonderful message to their children.  All proceeds from the hot cocoa fundraiser will benefit the Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network.  This organization accepts donations all year, and also has a list of material needs on its wish list.  It's touching to see all the services that they provide to families. 


Have a great weekend, and I'll talk to you next week.  Don't forget to join me on Facebook or Twitter, if you haven't done so already.   I also offer e-mail subscriptions to my posts.  I'm going to reduce my posts over the holidays, but I will still be around on those social media sites.   Also, my giveaway for a Mascot Children's book will end on Sunday.   We will be selecting five winners! 

These adorable Baby Prints cards are designed by Karen Thaxton, a nurse who works in the Newborn Critical Care Center at N. C. Children's Hospital  All of the tiny hand and foot prints on these cards are the actual size of the babies who donated them.


All proceeds from these Kids Cards are used to fund novel and unique programs aimed at enriching the lives of pediatric patients and their families at the North Carolina Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  This card called "Rejoice" is beautiful, and is the artwork of a pediatric patient.


These children have such talent.  I pray that they are now well, and are at home with their families this holiday.   A child from Raleigh,who is the exact same age as my son, designed this special Christmas tree.   I  get a lump in my throat when I think about it because I feel so blessed that my children are currently healthy.


Since its inception in 1985, Kids Cards has funded such programs as: camperships for burn victims, bilingual education materials, special car seats for children in full body casts; and memory book supplies for neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

Take a moment to browse through the wonderful card collection this year, and learn more about this wonderful program.  Cards can be ordered online. They can also be purchased regionally at Harris Teeter, and other retail outlets.   There are so many beautiful ones that it is hard to have a favorite, but I love this one.



Have a wonderful weekend! Hope you are getting your holiday shopping complete.  I still have more to do because it seems that I am a last-minute gal.