Perfect Night in - Chinese Dinner at Home and a Giveaway

I have been planning to make a Chinese dinner for my husband. He loves Chinese food. It is a rare treat for us. Today, I finally went to the supermarket and picked up Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken. It is a frozen complete meal packet which serves two. The dinner included jasmine rice with Asian- style vegetables and tangy, orange glazed chicken. Mr. White was nice enough to do the cooking. He used a frying pan and microwave. Everything was ready to eat in a short period of time.

To help with the ambiance, I laid out bamboo place mats, chop sticks and fortune cookies. The table looked inviting. Since the meal was designed for two people, Mr. White and Matthew (17) were chosen to enjoy the food. They have this tradition – every month or so, they get Chinese-take out and watch Monday night wrestling on Television. This time, they got to enjoy a home cooked meal!

Wanchai frozen meals are now available at Target. You can have restaurant quality meals at home!

Would you like a coupon for $1.50 off? Go to Wanchai Ferry. You will also find meal tips and more information about their product.

I have some great news! I received a Wanchai Ferry "Perfect Night In" prize pack that included one VIP coupon valid for a free package of any of the Wanchai Ferry frozen entrees. In addition, I received a set of great Asian-inspired rice bowls, chopsticks, bamboo placemats, flavored fortune cookies, and a $25 Target gift card. I also have another prize pack available for a giveaway. Would you like to win?

Here is what you have to do:

Leave me a comment telling me your idea of a perfect night in. You must include a way for me to contact you in case you win.

For additional entries:

1. Become a Public Follower of my Blog.
2. Subscribe to my blog in an e-mail through Feedburner.
3. Twitter about this.
4. Blog about this on your own blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

One random winner will be selected on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. (U.S. entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.

I am so excited about this gift pack. The next time I have company over for supper, I will ask, "Would you care for a fork, spoon, or chop sticks?" (smiles)

Disclosure: Wanchai Ferry provided me with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

February Winter in Vermont

February, in Vermont, is the coldest month of the year. Even though we have a cozy wood stove, it doesn't seem to be enough. I am doing my best to get through these bitterly cold days. I know things will get better in a couple of weeks.

The nice thing about Vermont, in winter, is the beautiful scenery. I was driving home from an errand yesterday and loved the quiet country, snow covered roads.

Next week will be Valentines Day. I never really cared much for "worldly" holidays until I moved here. Why? Because it gives me an excuse or idea to do something extra special here at home. It takes away some of the depression we tend to get when we are cold and hopeless!

I plan to get a pink tablecloth, from the dollar store. I will set this up on my dining room table. I will put out candles and napkins and flowers. I know Mr. White will be a treasure and buy me pink flowers. I will give him the money. (smiles).

I will serve a nice cake and root beer floats. The children will love it!

In a couple of weeks, my oldest (Rachel) will turn 22. I have to come up with some ideas for presents. I will buy her a few things and then drive into the city to see her. I am so excited! I can't wait to see my baby!

Someday I want to buy myself a fashionable warm coat for winter. I would love a wool, 1940's type coat. I also want matching gloves, scarf and a nice pair of boots. The boots I have are 5 years old and wearing out quickly. I used to have a nice pair of black leather driving gloves but they are missing. It would just be nice to be warm and cozy when out and about in the Chilly Vermont air.

Lately, I have been longing for summer. I miss going out to the back property and hanging laundry on the clothesline. The children run around, laughing and playing all around me. We have a waterfall and river rushing behind our land and it sounds soothing and peaceful. My parents (who live with us) are usually busy in the workshop with projects or walking around. I love to be outside with my family.

For now, I have to be content in the house with my books, hand-sewing projects and hot cups of tea.

Wishing you warmth on this cold day!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Tryouts for the Homeschool Crew have Begun

Great news! The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is looking for more reviewers to join their Crew Team (TOS) for the upcoming (2010 - 2011) school year. This is a great opportunity. If you are a homeschooling parent and would like to be a part of this amazing group of reviewers, just head on over to their site for more information.

Hope to have you on our team!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

It is Bed Time for Mother's Little Ones

It is late at night. Time to tuck the children into bed. Mother will read them a story, listen to their prayers and cuddle them up with warm blankets. She will kiss her little darlings good night, and then smile warmly with all the love in her heart for her precious babies.

Later, after they have fallen asleep, she will go back and check on them again. Maybe she has just finished her dishes and had a cup of tea. Now it is time for a quiet house and her own private prayers to God.

She will look at her children, from the doorway, with a grateful heart. She loves those children so dearly. They sleep soundly. She is blessed!

May it always be so!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Math Tutor DVD

TOS Crew Review

Publisher: Math Tutor DVD

I received two different products from this company.

First:

“Young Minds – Numbers and Counting.” Price: $19.99

This program is designed for young children. Viewers will see vibrant photos while listening to soothing classical music. It is narrated by children whose voices are clear and easy to understand. This is an adorable production.

My absolute favorite part was a hummingbird, with fluttering wings. He was repeatedly taking drinks from the birdfeeder while the narrator counted to “4.” Very cute!

Second:

“The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor.” Price: $26.99

This 2 -DVD set contains an 8 hour video course. John (12) and I watched this together. The teacher stood in front of a white board and wrote out detailed steps for us to solve math problems along with him. We watched a little at a time. There is a lot to digest here. John found this very helpful. The teacher reinforced what I have been trying to explain to my children for years – When you don’t know what to do with a problem, make a chart, think, analyze and find a solution.

I can see how this program will help students in a variety of ways. Once they master solving word problems, they will understand how to analyze and solve other problems in work, school and life.

Both of these DVD’s are professionally done. I am very impressed with their quality.

You can see reviews by fellow crew members.

To find out more about my reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

 

*I received these items from this company (for free), for the purpose of sharing my opinion.*

Happy Homemaking

Today, I put on my favorite skirt, my Edwardian Apron and my pearl necklace. I put my hair up and got to work on making a home. Our construction crew finished their work yesterday and now I am ready to put everything back in order.

I delighted in vacuuming and sweeping. My wood stove is now polished and tidy. Our living room looks inviting and lovely.

Mr. White went to the kitchen to get some coffee. He saw me Windex-ing and scrubbing my dustpan. He smiled and thought I was bizarre. (smiles). Doesn't everyone clean their dustpan after use?

I pulled out some beef to defrost for tonight's supper. I will make beef stew and biscuits.

In a little bit, I am going to make Ghiradelli chocolate chip cookies.

I am listening to my favorite gospel music and enjoying a precious day doing my housework.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

A Good Old Fashioned Breakfast

I just visited the Cracker Barrel Website. It brings back fond memories of dining in their country restaurants. I have visited several in the south and some in the north. They offer southern hospitality and good old fashioned breakfasts. My favorite is their biscuits and grits.

They have the most adorable gift shop. You can find all kinds of old fashioned toys and games. They have a delicious assortment of treats and candy. If you walk onto their front porch, there are rocking chairs all lined up. It is a lovely place.

Whenever I get home from a trip like that, I always go right out and buy some mixes to make my own grits and biscuits. Quaker offers good grits that are easy to make. I like to add a little butter and black pepper to mine. I also make buttermilk biscuits with real shortening and serve this hot with the grits. If it is in the summer time, I will also serve fresh cantaloupe. It is a delicious breakfast.

A few years ago, we were in Alabama. I went to the local grocery store and bought large amounts of Martha White Flour and other things we cannot find in Vermont. I spent weeks making country breakfasts for the family every morning. I was so disappointed when I ran out of ingredients. There is nothing like southern cooking!

I also bought this plaque I keep over the entryway, heading into my kitchen. It is a sweet blue and white design and says, "As Southern as Possible."

Did I ever tell you that I am "half southern?" (smiles) My Father is from Alabama and we have a lot of family there. They have the best churches in the nation! My dear Mother is from New England and that is where we live. But we visit the south as much as we can and love our heritage.

Blessings,
Mrs. White