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Easy Valentine Drop Sugar Cookies

The kids will love to help make these Easy Valentine Drop Sugar Cookies for the ones they love.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes minutes

Total Time 23 minutes minutes

Servings 3 dozen

Author cindy

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar (plus extra for flattening cookies)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 TBS milk
• 1/2 cup Valentine sprinkles of your choice

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°
• Spray your baking sheets with nonstick spray and set aside.
• In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla and egg to the butter mixture and combine.
• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.
• Blend the milk into the batter.
• Pour the sprinkles into the batter and mix them throughout with a spoon, so that you don't crush the sprinkles.
• Using a cookie scoop place dough balls 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
• Place the extra sugar in a shallow bowl. Take a glass and dip the bottom into the sugar and then use it to flatten each cookie, don't make them too thin!
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are slightly brown. Cool on rack and store in an airtight container.

Notes

The cooking time on this is deceptive because the 8 minutes is for 1 sheet of cookies, not the entire batch.

I made these cookies for the Valentine’s Day party with the girls I teach at church. I made them a week in advance and I have frozen them until next week. To freeze cookies place cooled cookies in a single layer on a parchment paper lined sheet tray, don’t let the cookies touch. Place the trays in the freezer for 2+ hours. Move the cookies into a freezer safe, air tight container, separating each layer with parchment paper. To defrost, remove cookies from freezer and place on paper towel lined baking sheets, the paper towels will absorb any condensation, when they reach room temperature, they are ready to eat.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and all of the easy recipes I share here on The Mom Maven. I hope you share them on your social networks. I just ask that you not copy and share the entire recipe with photos. Please use the sharing buttons below and share the link to this post. Thanks!

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This year, Valentine’s Day has gone to the dogs…literally! Let’s celebrate our wonderful animal companions by making February 13th Valentine’s Day For Dogs (#valentinesfordogs). On this special day, make sure you’re also giving your pups the attention they deserve. How?

• Take them out for a special walk at their favorite dog park
• Buy them a fluffy and comfy pet bed
• Give them Milk-Bone dog treats.

To make sharing this holiday even easier you can visit BigHeartPetValentines.com, for FREE printable doggy Valentine’s Day cards. I love this idea! Mushu has several doggy friends in the neighborhood so we are going to download and print the Valentines, insert a Milk-Bone dog treat and share the love. I have a post coming up soon about other things we are doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day with our dog but I want you to know we are not alone.

I have to agree with the findings of that survey, how about you? Do you find dog lovers more attractive? Will you be celebrating #ValentinesForDogs Day? If so, please Instagram/Facebook/Tweet the picture sing the hashtag so that we can all share in the love. I can’t wait to see your posts!

The post It’s Puppy Love #ValentinesForDogs appeared first on The Mom Maven.

About Discovery Cove

Recently named the No. 1 amusement park in the world in the 2014 TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year, Discovery Cove makes the ideal place to be awe-inspired with a loved one. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort experience where couples can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays and tropical fish and hand-feed exotic birds. Discovery Cove is a paradise of rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls, and pristine white-sand beaches.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

Valentine’s Day Packages

• Visitors seeking to impress their sweetie with VIP treatment can reserve a Valentine’s Day package, which includes a private cabana with a personal host, planned itinerary, champagne, roses, snack, beverage and towel service, an additional animal encounter and much more. The Valentine’s Day VIP package is $799+ tax and is only available Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 14 and 15.
• Additional special occasion packages start at $159+ tax. All packages require a dolphin swim reservation. For more information, visit Discovery Cove special occasion packages.
• Getting engaged? Discovery Cove is a one-of-a-kind marriage proposal venue, and offers two unforgettable experiences. Playful bottlenose dolphins can be part of a creative marriage proposal, and deliver a personalized “Will you marry me?” buoy. Another option is SeaVenture®, which immerses the couple underwater to explore the sea floor of The Grand Reef®, where guests can propose among thousands of tropical fish and rays.
• Couples looking for weekend getaway can enjoy Discovery Cove’s sister parks. Admission to Discovery Cove includes unlimited admission for 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark before, during or after Discovery Cove visit. At SeaWorld® Orlando, discover the thrills and chills of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin and find out what it’s like to fly like a ray on Manta while also enjoying world-class shows and up-close animal experiences. At Aquatica, adventurers can brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, a watery free-fall on Orlando’s tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind.
• After a watery-filled day at Discovery Cove, couples can savor the luxurious amenities of partner hotels like the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, where Valentine’s Day packages are also available, including dinner reservations and spa treatments. Visit RenaissanceSeaWorld.com for more details.

Is this something you can see yourself doing for Valentine’s Day? It sure is a romantic place to spend the day. I’d love to know your thoughts.

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Here’s is a new-to-me trick for rolling out cookie dough, and it worked so well: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit your baking sheet, place the dough in the middle, cover with another sheet of parchment paper and roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Then remove the top piece of parchment and cut out the cookies, removing the waste into a pile to roll for the next cookie sheet. One the parchment is full, lift it onto the cookie sheet and bake. I saw this somewhere on line, I thought I pinned it so I could credit the source but I can’t find it!

Easy Recipes-Sugared Sugar Cookie Cut Outs

This is easy peasy. Roll out the dough, cut out hearts, place on baking sheet, sprinkle with colored sugar and bake according to the directions on the package. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them to a rack to cool completely.

Easy Recipes-Sprinkled Sugar Cookies

These cookies are easy because you don’t even have to cut them out! In a bowl, pour your large Valentine sprinkles. Roll a spoonful of dough into a small ball. Roll the ball around in the sprinkles. Place the ball on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and press down on the ball to flatten it some. Bake according to the directions on the package. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them to a rack to cool completely.

Easy Recipes-Valentine Sugar Cookie Sandwich

This cookie is almost a combination of the first two with some frosting added! First roll out dough and cut out cookies, all with the same cookie cutter. Bake according to the directions on the package. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them to a rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cool, match them up in pairs of similar sizes and shapes. (I used the same heart shaped cookie cutter for these cookies but most of them came out looking like circles not hearts!) Pour sprinkles into a bowl. Spread frosting lavishly on one cookie from each pair. Place the other cookie on top and mash it down so that the frosting comes out the sides. Carefully roll the frosting edges in the sprinkles to make these fancy, sweet treats.

If you want more Valentine’s Day ideas visit my Valentine’s board on Pinterest, or read my Valentine Gift Guide or Valentine Crafts posts.

The post Easy Recipes-Valentine Sugar Cookies 3 Ways appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner but there is still time to do some crafting before the day of love arrives. When my kids were younger and we were homeschooling we often made crafts to decorate the house with. Today I have 10 craft ideas for you, some are for the kids and some are for the adults. There are a few here I can’t wait to try. I hope you find some that will fit your family.

Valentine Crafts for Kids

The Suburban Mom offers and easy tutorial for making these stained glass looking sun catchers that will brighten up any room of the house.

These easy-to-make Conversation Hearts can be found at Less Than Perfect Parents.

You and the kids will have fun making the Heart Soaps from Creative Party Themes.

The kids will have fun and get a little messy when they make this awesome Fingerprint Picture Frame from Mom On Timeout.

The whole family can have fun creating this sweet candy wreath from Carrie Elle.

Valentine Crafts for Big Kids and Adults

I cannot wait to make these Valentine Heart Treat Pockets from Craftiments.

I love these cone trees from I Gotta CreateI want to make several of these for next year!

Your child will have the coolest Valentine Mailbox in the class with this craft from Crafty Journal.

This Washi Tape Heart could be framed or turned into a card. The sky is the limit with this craft from Keeping It Simple Crafts.

This Washi Tape Tin from Confessions of an Over-worked Mom could be used many different ways as you celebrate Valentine’s Day.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to head to the craft store and pick up some supplies so we can have a craft day. If you would like more Valentine Ideas make sure you are following my Valentine’s Day board on Pinterest.

The post 10 Valentine Crafts appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Valentine’s Day has always been a difficult holiday for me to shop for. I usually don’t do much. A card and small gift for hubby and some candy for the kids is usually all I do. This year I have been inspired by Pinterest to try some new things and do a little more for Valentine’s Day. This is the first of 3 Valentine’s themed posts this week. Today is about gifts, tomorrow is crafts and Friday’s post is food related. I hope that these posts inspire you to do something new or different this Valentine’s Day. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest so you don’t miss any of the awesomeness that I find.

Gifts for Her

I love having my morning cup of hot cocoa in this adorable much from DisneyStore.com. At $12.95 it is a reasonably priced gift that she will cherish all year long.

Custom iPhone cases are on the top of lots of gift wish lists. I have one and I gave one as a Christmas gift. The iPhone 5 Power Gallery from Uncommon takes the custom case to a new level because it is also an extended life battery! Now through February 5th this case is on BOGO! Click over now and place your order and use the code VDAY14 at checkout.

Here is a gift that is FREE! Download the Lift app to your smartphone. This app helps you set personal and productivity goals. One of the most important goals is the Tell My Wife I Love Her goal. “I Love You” are 3 simple words that most men just don’t say…unless prompted by their wives. If your wife is anything like me, hearing those words without saying them first is a huge gift! Download the app, search for the goal and let your smartphone remind you, instead of your wife.

If you like to give gifts that are more philanthropic in nature, ask her to Bee Yours with the gift of honeybees in her name to a family in need through Heifer International. When you buy bees for a family in need, your gift:a) Boosts income through sales of honey, wax and pollen. b)Stimulates growth of the family’s crops through pollination.

Gifts for Him

He can choose from his favorite sports figures or super heroes.

Sometimes planning a date night seems so difficult it is easier just to stay home. Ladies, be a little creative, and take the work of your man for the next 12 months by using these Date Night Cards by The Thinking Closet.

Help hubby decorate his man cave Get them a Fathead E-Gift Certificate!

Here is another creative way to plan 12 date nights. Play the Date Night Matching Game by play.Party.Pin.

Gifts for Kids

Give the kids a gift they can play year round.Safe online games for Kids by Disney. Explore Club Penguin today.

Customized coloring books from Frecklebox make great Valentine’s Day gifts.

K’NEX is the next generation of construction toys. It inspires creativity, builds self-confidence and encourages interaction among children and parents. The possibilities are endless!

Gifts for Others

Teachers will love this Valentine’s S’mores gift from A Night Owl Blog.

Disney fans will love all of the great Disney Valentine items available at Target.

Preserve your family memories with Mixbook, the Valentine’s gift everyone loves.

I hope I was able to help you with some ideas or spark your creativity when it comes to Valentine’s Day gift giving. If you decide to shop at DisneyStore.com you can get  Free Shipping when you spend $75 or more at Disney Store with Promo Code: SHIPMAGIC. Shop Now!

I’d love to know what your favorite Valentine’s Day gift was so leave me a comment. Maybe your favorites will help someone else.

The post Valentine’s Day Gift Guide appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Godiva Greats Chocolate Gift Basket

This beautiful wicker basket includes a classic 4 piece gold box of assorted chocolates, chocolate biscuits in heart shapes, almonds covered in irresistible fine dark Godiva chocolate, 31% cacao milk chocolate bar, and Godiva gems.  To top off the deliciousness you also get Godiva premium roast coffee, along with delicious milk chocolate and dark chocolate cocoa.

Chocolate Fantasies Basket

This wicker basket is filled with a plethora of chocolate goodness including several packets of Amore hot cocoa, a mocha latte tea cake mix, chocolate biscotti, triple fudge brownies, Italian chocolate raspberry cake, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate dipped cookies, chocolate covered wafer cookies, and Ghirardelli hot cocoa.

Golden Godiva Gift Tower

This is the one I’d like to win! Four golden gift boxes each containing delectable treats such as, chocolate dipped strawberries, milk and dark chocolate Godiva gems, chocolate dipped pretzels, and a box of signature Godiva assorted chocolates.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Sampler

This beautiful basket, adorned with a raffia bow is filled with dreamy dark chocolate selections including dark chocolate and caramel presented as both squares and a bar, as well as dark chocolate hot cocoa mix and dark chocolate cacao.

The Giveaway

This giveaway is open to residents on the continental U.S. only, ages 18+. The giveaway ends at midnight EST on February 24, 2013. The winner will be announced by March 1, 2013.This giveaway is sponsored by All About Gifts and Baskets.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received nothing in exchange for offering this giveaway to my readers.

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The Movie

An affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to love again, Safe Haven is based on the novel from Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling author behind the hit films The Notebook and Dear John. When a mysterious young woman arrives in a small North Carolina town, her reluctance to join the tight knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.

The Freebies

SAFE HAVEN starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough hits theaters on February 14th! To celebrate, Shutterfly is offering fans the chance to send 5 FREE Shutterfly cards to the people you love!

Visit www.shutterfly.com/partneroffer
Use code: SAFEHAVEN
Offer is valid from 2/1 through 2/25.

Offer expires February 25, 2013 (11:59 P.M. PST). Offer is good for five free 5×7 folded greeting cards or five free 5×7 flat stationery cards at Shutterfly.com. Offer valid for one-time redemption per billing address. Offer not valid for in-store pickup. Taxes, shipping and handling will apply.

After you redeem their SAFE HAVEN offer, be sure to check out Nicholas Sparks’ tips for writing the perfect loving one-liner

About Shutterfly
Shutterfly makes it easy and fun for you to be creative with their digital images like create one-of-a-kind photo books, personalized calendars and secure, private Share sites. They also offer free, unlimited storage in the image’s original resolution and are committed to 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all products and services. If you’re not happy, they’ll replace your order or give you a full refund!

Like Shutterfly on Facebook
Follow @Shutterfly on Twitter

The Giveaway

One (1) winner will receive Shutterfly gift codes redeemable for:

•  One 8×8 20-page photo book ($29.99 value)
• One 12-month wall calendar ($21.99 value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to all legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”), eighteen (18) years of age or older and ends on 02/27/13 at 12:01 am EST. One (1) winner will receive a 8×8 20-page photo book ($29.99 value) and a 12-month wall calendar ($21.99 value) (ARV $51.98). Winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hrs to respond. If original winner does not claim their prize within 48 hrs, original winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected promptly.

By participating in this giveaway, each entrant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless TheMomMaven.com (“Sponsor”), RML Distribution Domestic, LLC, and their respective affiliates, managers, members, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns, from any claims, causes of action, demands, liabilities, damages, injuries, costs and expenses resulting from or arising in connection with (i) the entrant’s participation in the giveaway, (ii) any information and/or materials submitted by entrant to Sponsor in connection with the giveaway, and/or (iii) if the entrant is determined to be the winner of any prize, the winner’s use, misuse, or inability to use the prize or any component thereof.

Disclosure: TheMomMaven.com is the sponsor of this giveaway. All questions related to this giveaway should be addressed to sponsor.

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Lady and the Tramp was released last week on Blu-Ray and DVD so you can find it in just about any store that sells movies right now. In addition to the beautifully remastered classic film the 3 Disc Combo Pack includes several bonus features:

Blu-ray Bonus:

• Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings*
• Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
• Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
• Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
• Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”

Classic DVD Bonus:

• Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
• Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
• Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film
• PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
• “The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
• “Bella Notte” Music Video
• Trailers
• Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows

DVD Bonus:

• Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
• PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs

Digital Bonus:

• Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
• Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
• PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs

We enjoyed most of the bonus features and we are in the process of hooking up our Blu-Ray player to the Internet so we can take advantage of the Disney’s Second Screen features on my son’s iPad2.

Have you purchased Lady and the Tramp yet? Will you be watching it as part of your Valentine’s celebration? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Disclosure: We received a copy of the 3 Disc Blu-Ray combo for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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I have told you many times before how much I LOVE Build a Bear Workshop and the new Fun Packs are so adorable! We got the Brown Sugar Puppy, which was perfect for us because Jordan has the full size Brown Sugar Puppy!

Enterplay’s Build-a-Bear Workshop Trading Card Fun Packs have also just hit the shelves in BABW stores. And, at $1.99msrp, they won’t last long. Each pack has 6 collectible items: 2 Trading Cards, a Tattoo Set, a Scratch-off Activity Card, and a Bearville.com online code card. Pawsome fun for every BABW fan!

This slideshow shows you everything you get.

One lucky winner will receive a build a Bear Workshop Fun Pack and a set of Trading Cards!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: We received a Build a Bear Fun Pack and 2 sets of Trading cards for the purpose of this review/giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine.

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