This was definitely a lazy weekend.  I think after all the drama of sick children, my body just gave out and said REST. So that’s what I did. Me and Mr. Two hung out on the couch most of the day Saturday, and didn’t do a lot more on Sunday.  Except Sunday I felt like being in the kitchen. Probably because I watched Julie & Julia on Saturday during my couch marathon. I didn’t realize the movie was about a girl who blogged! Very cool. So Sunday morning I made these….

I heart molasses.  And pancakes. And gingerbread for that matter. I realize I just posted Gingerbread Cranberry Muffins (and still have some in the freezer), but that didn’t deter me. I wanted pancakes.

from allrecipes.com

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground dried ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 egg *I used an egg replacement of 1 T. vinegar, 1 T. milk, 1 t. baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup molasses

1 1/2 cups water

Directions

1.Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the egg in a separate mixing bowl with the vanilla and molasses until smooth. Whisk in the water until completely incorporated. Stir the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until just combined — a few lumps are okay.

2.Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

I have learned that when making egg free pancakes, they do pretty well if you leave them plain, but when you start adding different things, they are not going to be very ‘fluffy’.  So these are kind of dense, but have a very good flavor. If you want a good, egg-free pancake recipe, check here.  I have very good luck with these.

So anyway, I now have gingerbread pancakes and gingerbread muffins in the freezer. I’m beginning to worry. Before you know it, I’ll be on Hoarders. A food hoarder. A hoarder of gingerbread and pumpkin. Okay, I’m starting to freak my own self out. I also made more Hawaiian Bread.  If you don’t hear from me for a while, it’s because I’m in a carbohydrate induced coma.

I hope that everyone in my house is about over the sickness, and hopefully everyone (anyone?) reading is well too.  Being sick really does suck.  I also hope everyone had a great weekend!  The weather was really nice on Sunday, it was sunny and probably in the 60’s. Of course, I was outside all of 10 minutes. I know I’ve said it before, but I am SOOO ready for spring! (Then you’ll get to hear me complain about my allergies…remind me how much I wanted spring to get here!). 

I’m submitting this recipe to the following:

At the end of yesterday’s post I said I needed a cupcake.  And I wasn’t kidding.  I realize I’m an emotional eater, but recognizing the problem does nothing to squelch the desire to fall into something like this
when I get stressed…

However, I have the solution!  It’s actually a win-win situation for my family, b/c I have found how to make a low fat cake (or cupcakes!) that is also EGG FREE, so Mr. Two can eat them as well!

My daughter’s birthday was a couple of weeks ago and I knew my 2 y/o would not understand why everyone was eating cake and ice cream, and he couldn’t have any.  (He is allergic to eggs and nuts for anyone new here)  Also, I’m trying to lose 20 lbs (well, I don’t know how hard I’m actually trying, but that’s a different story).  My point is, I was looking around for an egg free option for Mr. Two and I remembered a friend telling me she had heard of using a can of diet soda with a box of cake mix.  No eggs, no oil, just a can of soda.  I was skeptical, but willing to experiment.  Sure enough, I found several places on the web where people have done this successfully.  I thought, SCORE, low fat and no eggs.  A cake just for me and my little one!

But it works!  I used Dunkin Hines chocolate cake mix, and a 12 oz can of Coke Zero.  Mixed them together and baked cupcakes.  That’s it! I then froze the extras, for when Mr. Two needs an egg free alternative.  Or when I have a chocolate crisis!  Which I did last night.  I should have taken pics of that….I topped a cupcake (okay TWO cupcakes) with fat free Redi-Whip, some chocolate syrup and toasted walnuts! Yep, I am so weak.  But, I don’t feel too guilty.  Now, is it the best cake I’ve ever eaten?  No.  It’s not the dense cake you get with oil/butter/eggs.  It’s a light, airy and just slightly crumbly cupcake.  However, Mr. Two loved it.  I topped his with vanilla icing and sprinkles and gave him some frozen yogurt to go with it.  He was a happy boy!

  This week you link your Twitter account

I’ve read on several blogs that people are sick, sick, sick.  And it has made it’s way to the Mo’Betta household. Both my daughters were out of school Monday, my middle daughter also missed Tues. and Wed.  They have had the sore throat, headache, stomache, cough.  Spent 70 bucks to have them strep tested, just to be told it was a virus.  Anyway….then yesterday, I get Mr. Terrible Two up from his nap to go pick the girls up from school, and he is burning up.  I thought, great. (inject bitchy, sarcastic tone)  I figure he has the same thing the girls had. 

***Disclaimer: if you have a weak stomach, you may want to stop reading now!***

ok, don’t say I didn’t warn you….
We get to school, sitting in the car line, where he proceeds to vomit.  In the car.  Since I was only planning on running to school and back, I am vastly unprepared for vomit.  So, I do what no one in their right mind any mom would do…I catch the vomit in my hand while grabbing the travel blanket I had in the car.  Don’t tell me I can’t multi-task.  So, I save the car, the carseat, his clothes and catch everything in the travel blanket (and of course, my hand).  He pretty much emties his stomach-or so I think, how much can this little tummy hold?!  (it will be a while before we eat apples and Goldfish again) so I’m thinking it’s safe to ball up the travel blanket.  By now, the car is smellin’ pretty rank, and I’m still waiting to pick up my girls, plus another little girl.  I had some plastic bags (that I haven’t remembered to recycle) so I wrapped everything up and opened a window a crack.

Okay…so everything is under control right? 

Mr Two is feeling pretty bad, he has a fever, and he has complained a couple of time of his neck hurting.  This is where being a nurse sucks.  Because all I can think of is stiff neck+cold/flu symptoms=meningitis=death.  Because I’m dramatic like that.  So after I clean up puke, I’m on the phone with the pediatrician’s office.  An hour away.  Of course they want me to bring him right in.  I get girl Number One and go off to the next school to pick up girl Two and friend.  And of course, Mr. Two decides to puke again.  My daughter is trying to hold a plastic bag under his chin, without getting puke on her hands and I’m DRIVING at this point.  Fun times, let me tell ya.  So this time, Mr. Two is covered in vomit, it’s on his car seat and I’m supposed to leave straight from school to get to the dr’s office. 

Obviously we had to run home, yank off dirty clothes, wipe vomit off the seat as best as we could, and haul a*s to the doctor.  Not to mention, I’m in sweats, no make up, hair is a wreck and now have puke on me.  I take all FOUR kids now, with me to the doctor.  By this time, Mr. Two is pale, lethargic, and I’m having an internal cow – cause I don’t want to scare my girls. 

So long story….long….we get to the doctor, they check him out, check for flu, and say he’s okay.  It’s a virus.  The logical part of me knew this, but the crazy part of me was flippin’.  But, in the end, he’s okay (just sick).  I met my friend to pick up her kid at 6:30 or so.  I had to tell her, sorry…your child has not had dinner, she missed her dance class, and she hasn’t done any homework. 

Ugh! What a day!!  I need a cupcake.

and since I want more people to “like” me, I’m doing some Facebook hops/links today!  After yesterday, I need to feel some love!

I am so excited, and surprised, that I have been awarded not one, not two, but THREE blogger awards!!!!  And I feel terrible that it has taken me a while to do this post.  Sorry peeps.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  But I want y’all to know how much I am really flattered and appreciate the bloggy love!  I mean, I know I’m awesome, but it’s nice to know that other people think that I am okay too.  Ha ha.  and no, you can’t take the award back.

Seriously, it’s an honor.  So, thank you to !!  Check out her blog for some really nice photographs.  , she has a fun blog with giveaways, kids crafts and more.  Last, but not least,  – a new blogger who gives us the low down on lots of savings!  Please head over to their blogs and show them some love, since they were so nice to give me the Stylish Blogger Award!

The rules for accepting the stylish blogger award….

1. Thank and link back to the person who sent you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this on to 15 other wonderful bloggers.
4. Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their award.

So…seven things about me.  hmmmm….

1.  I am a control freak.
2.  I am very emotional – I cry over almost everything – commercials, the news, if I see someone else crying, etc.
3.  I really enjoy my blog.  and yours is okay too (haha)
4.  I am brutally very honest. I only lie when necessary and pretty much suck at it.
5.  I am a registered bone marrow donor and think everyone eligible should be one too ( for more info!)
6.  Shopping is my therapy.  seriously.
7.  A lot of people don’t get my sense of humor.  According to my husband, the things I find hilarious don’t jive with the general population. hmmm.

Now, the 15 other bloggers I’d like to present this award to….

1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
10.
11.
12. 
13.
14.
15.

This was not as easy as you may think!  There are so many great bloggers out there and I could have easily chosen more.  And I guess I could have since technically, I got the award on 3 separate occasions, but let’s be honest…that’s a lot of work.  Just know that I appreciate everyone who reads my blog, and love reading everyone else’s too!

Cinnamon Rolls

• One tube of crescent rolls (we used reduced fat)
• 8 large marshmallows
• cinnamon sugar mixture

***I’m also looking for some low carb recipes (for the hubs). If anyone has any good ones to share, I’d love to have them (you could even do a guest post if interested!)- or if you know of a good site, holla at me!

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m tired of being COLD.  The weather is grey and yuck.  My kids are sick with the yuck.  I’m just ready for SPRING!!!  I want to start my garden, and open my windows, and not wear 10 layers of clothing.  But until then, even though the holidays are over, it is perfectly okay to warm your house with the comforting smells of….gingerbread!  It’s sugar and spice and everything nice 🙂

Cranberry Gingerbread Muffins with crystallized ginger and toasted walnuts….oh yeah.

It all started because I spotted these babies at the grocery store –

They looked so inviting.  Bright and pretty and begging to be bought.  For which I obliged.  and the store was out of pomegranates. 

I was thinking cranberry, ginger and white chocolate.  Then I had visions of cranberry-orange (which is still weighing heavily on my brain).  But then I decided on recipe from Taste of Home.  It sounded so warm and comforting.  I just made a few additions.

Ingredients

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour *I used 1/2 whole wheat

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg *I used Egg Beaters, b/c I knew Mr. Two wouldn’t eat them anyway!

3/4 cup water  orange juice

1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt

1/3 cup molasses

1/4 cup canola oil

1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and quartered *I wasn’t going to quarter each and every cranberry – so I threw them in my little chopper

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the egg, water orange juice, yogurt, molasses and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in cranberries, walnuts and ginger.

Coat muffin cups with cooking spray or use paper liners; fill 3/4 full with batter. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Yield: 1 dozen *I got 18 standard size muffins

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I’ve decided what would make these muffins perfect would be a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, or even white chocolate.  But I don’t need the extra calories.  I had to stash some muffins in the freezer to keep myself from eating them ALL, since my kids are soooo picky and wouldn’t even try them.  Silly kids.

How do y’all warm up in the middle of winter?  I’m getting ready to fix me a latte and take girl Number Two to the doctor to see if she has strep.  Fun times.

Check out other fabulous recipes and crafts at these Tuesday linkys….

Ingredient Spotlight: Cranberries

You’ve probably heard the expression, a picture is worth a thousand words…..

How’s that for a ?  I think the pictures say it all!  These Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes really do work, and work well.  I begged for had the opportunity to review these wipes through Tomoson and my only complaint is that they didn’t send me a lifetime supply.  With 3 kids in the house, and one being a BOY, I can use all the help I can get.  I’m slightly embarrassed to even show y’all the before picks…but hey, it is what it is.

I received the above pack of wipes.  The top wipe is a wet wipe for cleaning and the bottom wipe is dry, so you can dry your screen without leaving lint or scratches.  And…the wipes help protect your screen by “imparting an invisible durable barrier that protects screens 50 times more from scratching. Helps protect screen against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!”  from the back of the box…but it’s true.  I used them on my phone as well, and it really seems to be staying cleaner than before.  (Of course, it could be that I’ve been slack and not wearing make-up as much…I’ll have to let you know).  My computer also does not seem to be attracting dust quite like before.  I swear, it’s not that I’m a poor housekeeper, it’s that everything in my house is a dust magnet.  yeah, that’s it.

These wipes also contain no alcohol or ammonia and are designed for your cell phones, televisions, computer screens and PDAs.  Obviously, I’m a fan!  Speaking of….

Check them out on and for more information!  Tell them you heard about them from Mo’Betta 🙂

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using . Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson & Disclosure.

in the form of sweet, yummy delicious Hawaiian Bread!

¾ cup pineapple juice *I used a combination of pineapple, mandarin and fruit cocktail juice from my fruit salad recipe

1 egg *I used 1 T. vinegar, 1 T. juice and 1 t. baking powder as my egg replacement

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 ½ Tablespoons sugar

¾ teaspoon salt

3 cups bread flour *I was out of bread flour and used unbleached all-purpose

2 tablespoons milk

1 ½ teaspoons yeast *I used yeast for the bread machine

Follow the instructions that came with your bread machine in terms of which ingredients to put in the bread machine first. Make sure you check on the dough after five or ten minutes of kneading. Just pop the top of the bread machine and see how the dough is doing. It should be a smooth, round ball. If it’s too dry add liquid a tablespoon at a time until it looks OK. If it looks too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it looks OK. Most of the time though, the above amounts should be just right. *Mine looked fine, after I remembered to check it, which was probably about 30 mins later.  oops.

I made mine with the bread machine set at medium crust. It came out a little darker than I’d like. The next time I’m going to use the light crust setting. *I just went ahead and set mine on the light crust setting.
*******************************************************************************
This turned out really well.  The entire loaf was wiped out in 24 hours.  Also, since I subbed out the egg, my little man could eat it too.  Guess I’ll be making more very soon.  I’m glad I found , since I need more bread in my life.  (where is that sarcasm font?!)  But seriously, if you have a bread machine, you should check her out!

Mouthwatering Monday at

Just Something I Whipped Up Monday at

My SIL sent me this in an email.  I thought it was too funny not to share!

*** Adult Truths ***

1. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

2. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger..

3. There is great need for a sarcasm font.  abso-freakin-lutely

4. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

5. Was learning cursive really necessary?

6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.

12. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

13. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

14. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

16. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option.

17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

18. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

20. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

21. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’d bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

23. The first testicular guard, the “Cup,” was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Ladies…..Quit Laughing