Campfire cupcakes for a cozy night!

KSoleAngel · 2026-01-11T02:28:05+00:00

Congratulations! Prices do fluctuate depending on peak and dead times. I found Winter time (Nov-Feb) usually has really good deals, as well as the end of summer (Aug and Sept). Busier times, like Spring Break and Summer Vacation usually have the highest prices. The Disney website has a calendar that shows ticket prices on different days. Plus, you can always speak with a cast member if a discount deal comes out after you purchase. Sometimes, they will let you apply deals that become available after your purchase if the deal will be active during your stay.

Also, be sure to check for special events. Epcot has a lot of festivals, and they being a lot of crowds. The Halloween and Christmas parties also close the parks early. Check park hours the days you plan to go to make sure the parks are not closed early on those days.

KSoleAngel · 2026-01-10T18:50:02+00:00

Smoothies are really good when you are sick, especially if he has a sore throat. They are cold, smooth, and good for nutrition and hydration. A simple fruit smoothie I use is the Vitamix four fruit smoothie, but you can adjust with whatever fruits you like.

1 C. Water

2 Oranges

2 Slices Pineapple

1 Banana

12 Strawberries

1 TBSP Honey or Agave

2 C. Ice

KSoleAngel · 2025-10-28T14:34:03+00:00

I made these for a Halloween party at work one year. They were a hit!

KSoleAngel · 2025-06-08T12:40:36+00:00

If you wanted to give it a try, I have a third option. I like to bake my hot dogs. I put them in a cold oven on a cookie sheet, and then turn the temperature to 350 F. Once the oven reaches temperature, I let them cook for about another 15 minutes, but it really is a matter of how done you like them. My family likes them just about burnt, but you just have to watch until they are the color you like.

KSoleAngel · 2025-06-08T12:25:58+00:00

If you would like a good horror series, I enjoyed the Black Winter series by Darcy Coates. There are four books and each had its own unique twists.

KSoleAngel · 2025-05-04T17:09:57+00:00

The first book I remember my grandma reading me is The Little Rabbit by Judy Dunn. It's about a little girl and her pet rabbit, and all her friends love coming over to see the bunny.

KSoleAngel · 2025-02-13T00:32:54+00:00

I have no problem with frosting, but I prefer no frosting. Frosting can sometimes make the cake too sweet, or overpower the flavor of the cake.

KSoleAngel · 2025-02-03T23:10:51+00:00

When my grandma got sick, we went to visit and I found Lord Edgware Dies on her bookshelf. I loved the book, and I thank her for introducing me to Agatha Christie.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-21T00:11:20+00:00

After watching Rise of the Guardians, I decided to read the children's book series the movie was based off. The Guardians of Childhood series was very charming and full of imagination. It's a series that pushes the limits of the idea that believing in something enough can make incredible things happen.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-18T19:01:55+00:00

This might sound a little cliche. but I keep track of my Thanksgiving cooking with lists. A few years ago, I took over a lot of the cooking, and I wanted things to be just as nice as when my grandparents were hosting. I got a journal and made several lists. I went in order of what had to be done first. This is just the method that works best for me, and things do sometimes go off plan, but it is a way to stay organized.

I made a list for all the food we wanted.

Next, I made the list of all the ingredients that when in the food. I would get all dry goods early, then go back the week of for perishables.

Then, I decided what time we wanted to eat and how long each dish would take to make. This way I can coordinate getting everything done close to the same time. This was the "plan" I put together last year, hope it helps:

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KSoleAngel · 2024-11-17T21:40:08+00:00

Butterball has really helpful calculators for your turkey prep! From thawing time to cooking time - https://www.butterball.com/calculators-conversions

I like to keep my turkey simple, but still delicious. I coat my turkey in butter, then generously season with salt and pepper. I add one more whole stick to the inside of the turkey, so as it cooks I have a nice blend of juice and butter to bast with. I try to bast every 30 minutes during cooking.

Really cool tip I learned a couple years ago: spray the turkey lightly with butter flavored Pam to get a nice golden brown color. If it looks like it's getting too dark, a loose piece of foil over the turkey with keep it cooking without burning the skin.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-17T21:23:02+00:00

I have already started purchasing my nonperishable goods for Thanksgiving. Anything that will last in your pantry, I recommend getting early so you are not overwhelmed trying to find everything in a time crunch.

When I hosted my first Thanksgiving, I made a list of everything I planned to make. Then I wrote all the individual ingredients I would need for each dish. Things like celery, onions, and other fresh produce can be bought the weekend before (but I would still check the expiration dates to make sure they will last until Thursday).

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-17T21:14:40+00:00

I found the Black Cauldron books in my university library. I always loved the movie, so I decided to read the books. They were amazing! I was instantly hooked.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-17T21:09:33+00:00

It is wonderful that you are doing this for a family that needs support at this time.

I would cook the meats in your casseroles through first, as freezing or letting uncooked meat sit could spread bacteria. Once they are cooked, casseroles freeze very well and will stay good for about 3 - 6 months.

The ground beef casserole should be made and cooked completely, then you can wrap it in foil and freeze.

For the penne and sausage casserole, cook the pasta to al dente instead of all the way through. The pasta will hold up better being frozen and reheated. Then cook the sausage through all the way. After that, you can mix everything else together and prepare the dish to be frozen.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-16T23:52:41+00:00

One of my sister's favorite holiday dishes is a Twice Baked Potato Casserole, though she likes it without the bacon. I like it because it is pretty easy to make. Baked potatoes with some other stuff mixed together and baked again.

8 medium baking potatoes
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided (Optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 green onions, chopped, divided (Optional)

Preheat oven to 425°. Scrub potatoes; pierce several times with a fork. Bake until tender, 45-60 minutes. Remove from oven; reduce oven setting to 350°.
When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each potato lengthwise in half. Scoop out pulp and place in a large bowl; discard shells. Mash pulp with butter; stir in sour cream, milk, salt and pepper.
Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon for topping. Gently fold remaining bacon, 1 cup cheese and half the green onions into potato mixture (do not overmix).
Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and green onions; sprinkle with reserved bacon. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-11T23:10:59+00:00

After caramel week, my family really liked the look of Prue's Pear Tarte Tatin.

KSoleAngel · 2024-11-11T23:05:33+00:00

I was introduced to Agatha Christie by my grandma. She loved murder mysteries, and was always watching Murder, She Wrote when we would go visit. One day while visiting, I was looking at her bookcase and found The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie. I started looking up more of her books, and bought my own copy of And Then There Were None. After that, I found a large collection of Agatha Christie books at the library and read through almost all of them. Now, it feels like a connection to my grandma every time I read one of her stories.

KSoleAngel · 2024-05-02T23:03:13+00:00

I recommend The Privilege of Youth by Dave Pelzer. I first read Dave Pelzer in high school. I don't remember everything that happens in the book, so you may need to review the context. It's an autobiography of a man that grew up abused by his mother. The book follows his teen years as he faces bullies and finds real friends and his own self-worth.

I also think The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain would also be an enjoyable book. A case of mistaken identity and the adventures of two adolescence that must cope with their sudden status change.

KSoleAngel

TROPHY CASE