If you're looking to make a quick pizza for dinner or just a snack, this quick and easy pizza dough is perfect. This is perfect for one pizza and so easy to prepare.
1 package of yeast (Fleischmann's Rapid Rise Instant)
1 teaspoos salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, add the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix together with a fork.
Add the olive oil and water, and mix until a dough forms. I always use my KitchenAid Stand mixer for this.
We are using Rapid Rise Instant yeast, so there is no need to proof it in water; just add it to the dry ingredients.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes. You only need to let the dough rise once, and you are ready to make pizza.
For a thinner pizza, I use a greased 10-inch-by-15-inch square pan. For a little thicker pizza, I will use a 12-inch round pan.
If you're looking to make pizza for a crowd, check my Easy All-Purpose Dough Recipe. This recipe will make three 10" x 15" pizzas. You can also use the rapid-rise yeast in this recipe.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
My mother has pretty much everything she needs or wants. Buying a
gift for her is rather challenging. I spent some time searching Amazon
products before Christmas, asking myself questions about each thing I
considered and then rejecting it. That is, until I found this really
cute fleece loungewear outfit.
Mom and I are both always cold. Seriously! It can be 70°
outside, but with the air conditioner on inside, we get cold. It seems
an odd dance. We love air conditioning, but we also like to be
warm. This fleece loungewear will most likely be a year round part of
our wardrobe.
Oh, yes! I did say "our" wardrobe. I had put the outfit on my
wishlist so I could go back and buy it for Mom once I decided on a color and
size. It was on the wishlist for less than 48 hrs, but that was
clearly an important 48 hours. During that time, my son checked out my
wishlist to select a gift for me for Christmas. Obviously, he liked
the loungewear because he purchased it for me.
Christmas morning was rather humorous when Mom opened her gift first and he
thought the wrong gift went to her. She loved it so much, he was not
about to open his mouth and say anything though. It would be easy to
mix up gifts when handing them out since I call Mom, "Mom" and my son calls
me "Mom", but there was no mix-up. When I opened my gift, he was
greatly relieved to see me pull out the same fluffy blue outfit. The
rest of us were confused at why he was laughing, but a brief conversation
between us revealed what had happened. Turns out, the gift was perfect
for both of us!
Since Christmas morning, we have run around looking like 2 blue polar
bears. Mom and I both wear the loungeware over our pajamas. We
even wear the jackets when going back and forth to each other's
homes.
The listing says they are pajamas. I have not worn the outfit as
pajamas, but Mom has. She loves how warm and lightweight they are even
when sleeping.
If you can't stand the cold, I highly recommend this fluffy fleece
loungewear, day or night!
Bedsure Fleece Women's Pajamas
Bedsure Fleece Womens Pajama SetsCheck PriceThe Bedsure fleece loungewear pajamas are 100% polyester and extremely
soft. Plus, they are very lightweight. I love the pockets in the
jacket! They are perfect for my cellphone, keys, Kleenex, hair clips,
etc.
Mom and I are both short. The ribbed cuffs at the wrists and ankles
are great. The ribbing keeps the fabric the right length without
having tight elastic or requiring alterations.
It is also machine wash and dry, which mean we don't have to be
parted from our blue bear suits for long. I have washed mine several
times and it still looks as good as the day I opened the package.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I saw a video on YouTube praising the benefits of purple cabbage. I thought wow, I'll have to check that out. According to the AI results when I did a search on Google, purple cabbage supports heart health, bone health, digestive health, reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and even has cancer prevention properties.
Purple cabbage has Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, folate, and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Sounds like a winner on multiple accounts.
I later saw a video where the person used purple cabbage in a salad. I was inspired by their recipe, but did not make their recipe.
Even when I looked for it in my browsing history, I couldn't find it. So I ad-libbed and made my own. Here is my version, which I call Refreshing Purple Cabbage Salad, because I thought it tasted refreshing when I ate it.
All measurements are approximate, as I just eye balled it for the total overall equality of the amounts.
1/2 of a purple cabbage, cut into slices and then sliced those pieces crosswise.
Around a dozen mini carrots - sliced lengthwise in half, and then slice each half into skinny strips, then cut the strips into halves.
One apple with peel on, sliced into slices, and then slice the slices into stripes, and then cut strips into thirds.
A couple of small boxes of organic raisins.
Around a half of cup of chopped walnuts, that I further chopped into smaller pieces.
Toss the above ingredients together.
I stirred in several Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing and Marinade. This was dressing that I bought at the grocery store in the refrigerated section near produce, the Panera brand. I chose Panera brand as they are pretty good about keeping their ingredients on the healthier side.
If you want to make your own dressing, I would recommend a mix of the mayonnaise of your preference, with around a third amount of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, with a bit of honey to taste. Stir or whisk together. Adjust any amounts to your preferred taste.
With this type of salad, I prefer to store any leftovers in a glass bowl that has a lid to fit. Pyrex is my choice for this. I actually found an individual Pyrex bowl like the green one, in my local Kroger grocery store. The set is available on Amazon.
I stored my leftovers in the green glass bowl that I mentioned above. The salad tasted just as good the second day.
Have you used purple cabbage in a salad before?
Here's to your good health.
Cheryl Paton
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
With Fisher-Price's Go Baby Go! Poppity Pop Musical Dinosaur, your baby will be learning about the cause and effect of his actions and he will be having fun while doing so. Read on to find this toy reviewed in a bit more detail.
The Poppity Pop Dino is a brightly colored dinosaur-themed toy that comes with six balls in various colors. To use it, your baby hits a roller or drops a ball into the dinosaur's tail or onto his back and the action, in the form of popping and music, starts up. The balls hop inside and outside of the toy and, as a result, your baby chases after them again and again. If a ball does pop out, your baby is on the move retrieving it. Balls don't go far on a carpeted floor, which is perfect for the less mobile baby and, as baby gets a bit older, moving the toy onto a hard floor allows the balls to travel farther. While all of this action is happening, one of eight songs and additional sound effects will play.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Tagline: Prehistoric Poppin' Pal.
Age Recommendation: Children 6 months and up
Size: 17 x 7 inches
Batteries: Requires three C batteries.
Model Number: W1392
UPC: 7445047323379
Release Date: 2011
Current Status: Available
Instruction Manual: Available on Mattel's website here.
ORIGINAL VIDEO ADVERTISEMENT
SUMMARY
This is another entertaining Fisher-Price toy that is functional and durable for very young children. Older children, however, often wind up sitting on the toy and ultimately breaking it since it was not constructed to hold their weight. It is therefore recommended you buy it to encourage your baby to move and know that it will not be a great toy for an older child.
WHERE TO BUY YOUR POPPITY POP DINOSAUR
This toy is still available at retail and yes, you can still find a Poppity Pop Dinosaur here, on Amazon.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I always look forward to making peanut brittle, no matter the time of
year! I have what I believe is the best recipe for peanut brittle in
the world! Unfortunately, I cannot claim the fame, because I got this
recipe from my Mom.....who is the best cook I have ever known. I used
to love when she made it, the brittle was so delicious, it just melts in
your mouth.
Since Mom has been gone for over 10 years, I make it myself now.
I can't make it too often, as the hubby is diabetic and he can't
resist it. It really isn't that hard to make, it gets easier each time
you make it.
Ingredients
2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 cups Karo syrup (can use corn syrup but Mom always used Karo)
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups of raw, unsalted peanuts
1 tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 rounded teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
Boil sugar, syrup, and water until it threads, then reduces heat.
Add raw, unsalted peanuts and stir until mixed.
Continue to stir until the mixture is golden brown.
Add butter, vanilla, and baking soda and stir quickly. Do not over
cook!
As soon as it is mixed, pour the mixture into a greased pan and let
cool.
Break into pieces.
This peanut brittle makes a great gift, just break into small pieces and
put it in a pretty metal tin, or a cute mason jar. If you like,
you could even attach a card with the recipe! Almost everyone loves
peanut brittle!
I love to share my family recipes, people are always so appreciative.
I hope you will share this post with your friends and family so they can
make this great treat for the ones they love!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you have a puppy, you know! Finding a ball should seem like an easy purchase, but each ball and each puppy are indeed unique. The challenge to find a ball the puppy likes, cannot destroy and keeps the puppy busy for more than a few seconds is real!
After a few purchases that were fails. And fails mostly because this little puppy is also a tough little chewer; who knew such teeny tiny teeth could pierce even rubber toys advertised as tough enough!
A Winner
This ball fits the assignment for this puppy! Light enough for the puppy to toss, roll, bounce and play with or without a person. The ball is very gentle on hard floors and bouncing off furniture. While advertised as a puzzle ball which could contain treats, the holes are fairly big so the treats would need to be hole sized. We found success by putting a smelly treat in a wad of crumpled paper and leaving the paper in the ball.
The treat did fall out, but the Holee Roller ball now has a sound with the crumpled paper which the puppy loves also.
Sizes
The puzzle ball comes in three sizes:
Small 3.0 inch diameter
Medium 4.5 inch diameter
Large 5.5 inch diameter
Assorted Colors
Including Blue, Pink, Black, Green
Price Point
When dealing with the chaos of puppy management I suspect most owners will gladly pay for a toy that amuses their puppy/adolescent/dog. The balls are not inexpensive, but average priced.
There is an extreme version made of tougher rubber for the more aggressive pup when playing. As always, supervision is required and the roller balls are not for land sharks of the puppy kingdom.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I wrote the lyrics to Chasing Butterflies on January 16th, 2026.
I didn’t sit down planning to write lyrics that day. Lately, my thoughts have been drifting back to my childhood. I turned ten in 1970, and those years keep returning to me in small flashes.
One of my favorite things in the world back then was riding my 10-speed around town with my friend. We’d be gone most of the day, riding from one end of town to the other — from my house to hers, and back again, over to our school, and anywhere else our bikes took us.
There was no plan. We just rode, talked, laughed, and filled the day. If we ended up at her house and her mom was making dinner, I’d call home to let my mom know I was eating there. If she were at my place, she’d do the same. And when the streetlights came on, that was our signal to head home. It was just life, a fun life.
Some Things You Only Understand Later
Thinking about those years always brings me back to my parents. I miss them. That never really goes away. Back then, I had no idea how much they were shaping me, or how much strength they were quietly giving me just by being there. I only understand that now, looking back. That part of my life, having them in it, became a foundation for everything that came after.
Somewhere in all of that remembering, the idea of butterflies came to me.
When you’re a child, you chase butterflies without thinking. You don’t question it. You imagine, pretend, make up stories, and let your imagination lead the way. You play with dolls and trucks, create worlds, and believe in them completely. When you’re that young, imagination isn’t something you try to access — it’s just there, guiding you.
We Don’t Know Who We’re Becoming
Life changes us. It has to. A caterpillar doesn’t know it will one day become a butterfly, and we don’t know who we’re becoming either. When I picture myself at ten years old, riding my bike and chasing butterflies, I had no idea who I would be later in life. Writing this now at 65, I can see how much life transformed me — through love, loss, time, and all the things that shape us along the way.
Life also teaches you about moments. About how important it is to really be present with the people in front of you. About letting everything else fall away without trying, simply because the moment matters more than anything else.
That’s where this song brought me in the end — back to where I am now, as a grandmother.
When I’m with my grandchildren, playing with them, laughing, sharing small moments, it feels like a gift. An honor. In those moments, nothing else exists. I’m not thinking about the past or the future. I’m just there. Fully present. And without even realizing it at first, I’m chasing butterflies again.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania and am a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. My daughter and grandsons got me this book for Christmas.
Heart and Steel: Inside the Steelers Dynasty is more than a football book. It's a deep, personal look at leadership, resilience, and what it truly takes to build a championship culture. Written by Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher with veteran sports journalist Michael Holley.
The book follows Cowher's journey from his roots in Crafton, Pennsylvania, just minutes from the stadium he would eventually call home. The book traces his path from a linebacker at North Carolina State to an NFL player and, finally, to an amazing coaching career.
The book gave me the chance to relive those glorious 15 years of Cowher's coaching and the team that I love. From the heartbreak of narrow playoff losses to the decision-making involving stars like Ben Roethlisberger.
While Steeler fans will love this book and the stories, the most moving chapters aren't about football at all; they focus on Cowher's life after the whistle. This book made me both laugh and cry. Cowher addresses doubts, criticism, and the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest level, along with their impact on his family life.
Heart and Steel is an engaging and thoughtful read that captures the spirit of Steeler football and offers insights into Bill Cowher's leadership and determination.
From the very first chapter, I could not put this book down. You can find Bill Cowher today as the cohost of CBS's NFL Today.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
.png "Fisher-Price Go Baby Go! Poppity Pop Musical Dino")
