Super Easy Ice Cream Cake

I am sorry to keep you all waiting for this!  I made this ice cream today,but was running late and couldn't post it up. This is my new summer get together dessert. It was EASY and YUMMY and looked like a professional made it.  Did I mention it was Yummy!  :)
 
The original recipe is from Allrecipes and was submitted by KLONGMORE.  The best part of this recipe is that is can be changed up a bit and still be awesome!  I used chocolate sundae syrup and crushed Oreos, but you can add any flavors you'd like!  Check out the recipe reviews.  There are a gazillion different ideas there!   The ingredients can easily be doubled for a bigger cake, too!

Easy Ice Cream Cake (Ali's version)

Submitted By: KLONGMORE Photo By: silversong Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes Servings:  10

Ingredients: MY additions are in BLUE

16 ice cream sandwiches (I used 10) 1 (16 ounce) container frozen non-dairy whipped topping (I used 8 oz Cool Whip thawed) 1 (12 ounce) jar chocolate fudge topping, room temperature

1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy bar, grated (I substituted a row of crushed Oreos) 1 small container of Vanilla ice cream, soften

Directions:

1.

Line a loaf pan with wax paper.  The wax paper allows you to lift the cake out of the pan.  2.  Combine vanilla ice cream and cool whip.  Don't eat too much of it, you will need it for the cake! 2.  Place 5 of the ice cream sandwiches side by side across the bottom.    3.  Add hot fudge topping, crushed cookies, and whipped topping.  4.  Repeat with 5 more sandwiches and toppings.

5.  Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving. Keep unused portion covered and frozen. I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the cake before we ate it.  It was so good!  Everyone wanted the recipe.  Should we share it?  Maybe we'll keep it our little secret! This cake is a hit and my new summer dessert.  The ingredients didn't break the bank (everything can be purchased at Target or Walmart).  I could put the cake together while my 3 kids ran all over the house.  And I didn't have a huge mess to clean up!  SCORE!  I think I am making this again tonight!

"I Like Turtles!"

My oldest son started saying this a few months ago.  It was always totally unrelated to anything going on.  He would yell it out the front door.  Out the car windows.  At little league.  I just thought he was silly and weird.  (I mean that in the nicest, motherly way possible.)

Then I went into his class for his end of the year party.  His friends drew turtles on his shirt.  "They must know he likes turtles," I thought to myself.  "How sweet."  Then I noticed all the boys had turtles drawn on their shirts.   

Where did this infatuation come from?  Well, you know when you have an older sibling, you sometimes see different shows.  Or if you have kids, you can't stay up to watch any shows because you're so freakin' tired.  Anyway, I digress...
 
This is why the boys in my son's class liked turtles so much.

This was actually shown on Tosh.O.  If you don't know about Daniel Tosh, he is a comedian on Comedy Central (Tuesdays at 10PM) who makes fun of You Tube Videos.  He is raunchy.  Really raunchy. However, some of the videos he finds are hysterical. 

Most of his material is NOT APPROPRIATE for kids, however, this was one of his milder skits.  Every show he chooses a You Tube video and gives the "star" of that video a chance to redeem himself.  Believe me, some of these videos NEED a redemption. 

What are thsee people thinking?  And they recorded it too!  Crazy! 

Here is the Web Redemption for the "turtle boy".

Sorry about the link.  I was having trouble copying the video from Tosh's website.  I had to "You tube" it instead. 

The point of my story.  I realized my kid was not "weird".  People knew why he was shouting "I Like Turtles!"  It was totally a joke between him, his buddies, and the rest of Tosh's audience. 

I was out of the loop! 

My son, the comedian.  He's one funny kid!

Terrific Thursday Blog Hop

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Organize, Smorganize AKA How I get everyone where they need to be

I try to stay organized.  I really do!  It's not easy being the CEO of the household.  I have 5 different schedules to manage.  And as many times I share the schedule with DH, he never seems to remember it.  Annoying!


MomAgenda is an amazing website with tons of organizing planners and items to make a mommy's life a little more manageable.

Every year I "arm" myself with a new momAgenda (this year it will be this). The momAgenda Mini-Daily is great to carry in your purse and allows you to keep the family's schedule at your fingertips.  The calendar runs from August to August, so it is perfect to pick up when you are shopping for all those school supplies.

To keep my hubbie on track, I use a Family Planner.  I copy the schedule from my Mini-Daily to the Family Planner that is magnetically attached to my fridge.  There are no questions about who belongs where because everything is posted.

If you can see the picture clearly, the Family Planner has the same format as the day planners.  There is a large section at the top for my appointments, where I also include all family events as well.  There are four smaller section below.  I use one for each child and DH.  In addition, there is small box to plan for dinner.  The Desktop and Mini-Daily also include monthly calendars, which I use to keep track of bills due and birthday parties, an area for party lists, vacation planning,and holiday calendars by year.  There is also an address book that is detachable, which is transferred between planners easily.  Can you get anymore organized than this?

I also have the Kitchen Folio.  I use this to keep track of the kids' physicals, class lists, doctor information, and important phone numbers for the babysitter (in the unlikely event I mighty actually go out WITHOUT the kids!)

I can't say enough great things about momAgenda.  Its products have helped keep my family "on track" and me where I have to be.

Luckily for you, momAgenda is a offering a great deal! 

Take 10% off all orders of $65+ at momAgenda! Code: MOM10OFF65 Offer Expires 8/31

Can't wait to get my Mini-Daily in the mail!

What systems do you use to keep the family "on track"?

Tipsy Tuesday Volume II- Forza Moscato

As I was perusing the alcohol aisle at my local Costco, I was stunned to see a favorite of mine for $6 for 1.5 Liters. (Yes that's a BIG bottle, my friends!)

 Forza Moscato

For those of you who have not tried Moscato, it is a light flavored white wine.  It tastes like a sweet and sugary dessert!  Forza Moscato is described as a "refreshing wine product."

Check out its review on What's In Your Glass?

I think I am developing a pattern here.  Most of the "beverages" I prefer tend to be light and easy to consume.  Forza Moscato is great on a hot, humid evening (we've been having LOTS of those here on Long Island- not good for your hair, but JUST FINE to drink in). 

It is easy to serve and "likeable" (I'm giving it a "thumbs up" in my head.)

It is also an AMAZING value at $6 for 1.5Liters. 

I DOUBLE HEART Costco!

Cheers,

Monday Morning Freakout AKA Thank GOD for Vacation Bible Study

I was thinking this weekend that I never properly introduced myself to you- my "friends in my head".
I am Ali, 34, mother of three.  Two boys ages 7 and 5 and a little girl, 10 months old.
I am a Speech Pathologist.  I work in a special education school for children with varying degrees of autism and behavior disabilities.  I work September though June and am off the summers.
DH is in the restaurant business.  He works alot!

So there's my background.  DH has been working 2 to 3 days out of state for the last month and a half.  It wasn't so bad when the kids were at school and I was at work.  Life continued as usual. 

This summer we were lucky to take a family vacation the first week of July.  It was the first time in years that we spent a full week together.  It was wonderful!

Now that we have returned, it's back to reality.  I KNOW it's not easy to be at home all day long with the rugrats.  However, can't these kids give it a rest!  My days consists of fighting about Wii time, who hit who, and trying to get everyone out of the house in less than 45 minutes to food shop. Did I mention the girl is teething? 
FUN! (Do you hear the sarcasm in my voice?)

This morning started as every morning does.  The peanut girl is up at 7.  Then the boys wake up and start asking to play video games.  I lost it!

Can't they wake up smiling? 
Where is the "Hi Mom, did you have a good sleep?" or "Let's eat breakfast outside?  Let's go to the beach."  Nooooooooooo!

"I want to play the Wii!"

Why did "Santa" get them this again?  What was "she" thinking!
Insert my freak out here

Thank GOD for VBS.  The church down the block is having camp for 9:30 to 12.  All I want is for these kids to get out of the house for a bit, learn a little about Jesus and have some activity in the day (that I am not in charge of.)

I was almost dancing in the registration line.  The boys were happy.  They recognized some friends.  And I took a drive to Starbucks for a Iced Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte for free (I had a coupon) and only 160 calories.  Did I mention that the peanut girl was sleeping?  I truly believe that the clouds have parted and the angels in Heaven are singing. 

So there is a little about me, my Monday freakout.
Wait, I forgot to add my weight for today.
As of 7/25, I am down 0 pounds.
I totally pigged out this weekend.  And I don't care. 
I am starting my diet again today.
Happy Monday Friends!

Anyone else have a freakout they want to share?
 Don't be shy!  This is a judgement free zone! :) 
 

Cool Kiddie Project that Won't Break the Bank

In an attempt to keep the boys off the DSi XL and Wii during the heatwave the Northeast is having, I have been crafting or cooking with them. 
Today I am posting about one of favorite crafts-

Sand Art!

How, you may ask, do you keep this budget friendly?

All you need is a few ingredients from you home:

Salt (table salt works better, coarse salt is hard to color)
Sidewalk Chalk
cups

Step 1:  Line up a bunch of plastic cups and fill with salt

Step 2:  Have the little ones pick their favorite color chalk.

Step 3: Swirl the chalk into the salted cups (sounds like a Margarita, but it's too early in NY for that- I'll take a Bloody Mary instead).  The longer your "swirl", the darker the color with be!

Viola!  Colored "sand"!

Step 4:  Find a container, make a picture, whatever you like! 

Sorry for the pictures!  I am trying to get posted before I bring the kids to the children's museum before it gets crowded.  My foot is in one of the pics.  Well at least my toes were painted!

What a cheap way to craft it with the kiddies. And it's nontoxic, so there's no freakin out if the little ones put some in their mouth.

What are you doing to keep the kids busy during this heatwave? 
Leave a comment, I'll comment back!

Let's Go to the Hop- Terrific Thursday Blog Hop

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"Hers-Day" Review Revisited- Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque and Concert pics!

This is an oldie I found from a few years ago.  It's is a favorite of mine! It is cooling and deep cleaning. Why do I need it this morning- read on and I will explain.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

First of all, this masque will not break the bank (you can find it at CVS, your local drugstore, or here). Secondly, it will remove all your blemishes, blackheads, and other yuckies. Third, you can use it on your face, neck, legs, arms, back (good for the hubbies), etc... Fourth, it is really refreshing after a night of vino and partying.



Why do I need that masque you ask?  Whadidyado  Ali?  Well...

I went out last night!

No kids, no hubbie (though I wish he was there).

I saw the most AMAZING concert of my life!

U2

OMG!

What a night!  Before U2 start their shows, "Major Tom"is played.  We watched video of the band walking onto the stage! Talk about the crowd going crazy!  U2 started the show with "The Real Thing".  The crowd was singing and dancing for the 2 hours they played  Every song they played was better than the other!  Bono's voice was crisp and clear.  I felt like I was in an MTV video circa 1980- remember when bands played music in their videos?  Just amazing!

Now for me.  I didn't feel like Mommy.  I didn't feel like Wifey. 

 I felt that Ali.

(Where the heck did that chick go?)

I drank beer and ate pizza and DANCED all night! 

Ali- I missed you. It's been too long!

Jump to the morning after.  I am slapped back into reality.  Peanut girl is up at 6:40- smiling as always.  The boys follow after. They need breakfast and I need coffee.  I am dragging a little (now you understand why I need the Mint Julep masque).  Don't get me wrong!  I am happy I am here.

 But it was fun revisiting me for a night!

When was the last time you revisited YOU?

Our Family's Favorite Banana Bread Recipe

I found the original recipe on Allrecipes.com.  I have altered it a little bit, but the basic recipe is a good foundation to start with. 

Our Family's Banana Banana Bread Recipe Adapted from Shelley Albeluhn's Banana Banana Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar 2 eggs, beaten 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas(or as many bananas as you have in your kitchen.  We usually use 6.) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor Granulated sugar to sprinkle on top of muffins

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Put liners into muffin pan.
2.	In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to combine.  The batter will be moist. Pour batter into muffin pan.
3.	Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.  Sprinkle granulated sugar on muffin tops after 20 minutes of cooking.  Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into center and comes out clean. Let muffins cool in pan for 10 minutes. What are your family's favorite recipes? Happy baking everyone!

Tipsy Tuesday- Hob Nob Pinot Noir Review

Here is my first edition of Tipsy Tuesdays!  Every week I will review a new "spirited" beverage. 
My first review is of one of my all time faves

Hob Nob Pinot Noir

Let me start by saying I love red wine!  It's great with a fancy dinner, appetizers with friends, or pizza with the hubbie and kids.  (The latter is typically my "wine scene" these days)  I used to drink primarily Merlots, but sometimes a vintage would be a little too acidic for my taste. A wine sommelier may differ in her interpretation of Merlot wine, but that's what I taste and I'm sticking to it!

I found Hob Nob during our yearly trip to cut down our Christmas tree.  After hours of walking through fields of pine needles and whiny kids, we stopped at a local  pizzeria to feed the beasts before our long ride home.  There DH and I enjoyed our first bottle of Hob Nob Pinot Noir.  (Do you hear the choirs of angels singing?  Believe me, it was a miracle that we all made it out of the tree farm without any injuiries.)

Hob Nob Pinot Noir is easy to drink and has a hint of fruitiness.  It blends easily with all types of food and doesn't leave you with that "cotton mouth" aftertaste that some "stuffy" wines do.  It's great for entertaining because it is a little sweeter that a typical red.
 
Hob Nob Pinot Noir was also reviewed Kelly of Kansas City Mamas. 
Check it out!

At $8 to $10 a bottle, it's a no brainer.  If you need an easy-to-serve red wine, that won't break the bank,  Hob Nob Pinot Noir is definitely worth a try. 

Cheers,

New contact info

Hi everyone!
Not sure if this is necessary, but my new blog name is Ali's Answers.
My new address is www.alianswers.blogspot.com.
It is great to start catching up with all my old blogging "friends in my head". It has been too long!
Happy Monday!

Don't Call It A Comeback, I've been Here For Years!

I have that LL COOL J song in my head- Mamma Said Knock You Out!  Cheesy I know!

It's been well over 2 years since I've posted.  Time flies!  I have been lurking on my favorite blogs, but just not in that "blogging state of mind".  Something just clicked recently and I felt like I needed to get get back on here.  I look forward to getting to know you all again.

Some major changes have occurred for me since my last post:

1.  Our family of 4 is now a family of 5.   Number 1 is now 7 1/2 and  Number 2 is now 5 1/2.  My Peanut girl is 10 months old.  It was definitely an adjustment going back to "baby" again.  The boys were well past diapers and sleepless nights.  Oh sleep- how I miss you so!
2.  DH is still working hard!  He works for a celebrity chef's casual dining chain and is traveling all over the Northeast! 
3.  I have been trying to lose weight.  (well some things never change after 2 years)  DH and I have been doing Medifast.  Of course he has lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks and I have lost 5.  Those men!  It's just not fair!
4.  I have decided to change the name of the blog.  Most friends say I am the Queen of Useless information.  I didn't think that would be a good blog title, so I changed it to Ali's Answers.

Hope I didn't bore you.  Onto my first post. 

Medifast Monday (-2 pounds)
I would like to lose 20 pounds by labor day.  I like Medifast.  It is easy to follow and there is little thought involved in staying on program.  I eat 4 medifast meals and 1 lean and green meal each day.  I can usually stay on program for most of the week and see a weight loss by Friday.  The problem I have are those darn weekends!  BBQs, parties, and hanging out with hubbie and friends.   It is so hard to stay on track!  Now I know what you are thinking.  (Insert motherly voice her)  Ali if you are truly committed you will not eat those chips and salsa and drink Jack Daniels and Coke Zero.  But (insert childlike whiny voice here) it's fun!!  Waaaaa!
Anyway, I am going to use my Monday posts for accountability.  I won't tell you the number I weigh in at, but I will tell what I am down.  Th plan is for 25 pounds by labor day.  Only 23 more to go.  Ugh!

On a positive note, I did run/ walk my first 5k this weekend!  It was a great feeling of accomplishment, crossing that finish line and not passing out!  There was a group of 9 of us from work.  Most have been training with Couch to 5K.  It is an amazing running program that helps you train from walking to running a 5K in 9 weeks!  For those who don't know about it, check it out!  Sasha (an old friend in my head) also blogs about it here! 
I have the app on my IPhone and am starting the program this week.  I just have to figure out what to do with my crazy kids when I run. 

What activities do you do to try to stay in shape?  And more importantly, what do you do with your kids?