Fat-Free Cheesecake

The top will crack when cooking, so plan on serving with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping to hide the cracks. This recipe is for a 9" pie pan.

24 ounces fat-free cream cheese (bar type) at room temperature
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup egg substitute (equal to 3 eggs)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons packaged cornflake crumbs (optional)
fat-free whipped topping, optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat at high speed until blended. On low speed, beat in egg substitute and spices. Increase speed to high, and continue to beat until well blended.

Spray a 9" pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add cornflake crumbs (optional) to the pan and shake lightly to coat bottom and sides with crumbs. Pour in cream cheese mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until center is set but not firm. Cool on wire rack.

This dessert should be stored in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Top with optional whipped topping when serving.

Makes 12 servings
8 servings
Each Serving
1/12 cheesecake

Carb Servings: 1
Exchanges:
1 carbohydrate

Nutrient Analysis
calories 86
total fat 0g
saturated fat 0g
cholesterol 10mg
sodium 362mg
total carbohydrate 12g
dietary fiber 0g
sugars 8g
protein 9g

Source: Quick & Healthy Volume II, 2nd Edition, © 2009 Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D, Published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American
Diabetes Association; $18.95;
To order call 1-800-232-6733
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Frugal Fun

When you can't find a sled......improvise! You gotta love the innovation! And all in the name of fun! I hope that you are all enjoying the winter thus far. Winters get hard here in Michigan because they can be so long, cold, and with little sunshine. We try to play outside as often as possible. I've found that having kids is a great excuse to be a big kid myself. I LOVE sledding!

Our Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

We had such an awesome weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City last weekend! I'm excited for our next visit! I thought I'd share some pictures.




Even Santa was there this weekend! That guy is so cool!




This, my friends, is the Wolf Den. The girls absolutely flipped when we opened the door to our suite and they discovered the Wolf Den. It's a separate room in the suite that's just perfect for little cubs! It has a bunk bed and it's very own TV. It was so awesome! I really wanted to sleep in the Wolf Den but Haley wasn't too keen on the idea.










It may have been snowing in the Grand Lobby but it was a warm 84 degrees in the Water Park! I loved playing in the water park while we could see it snowing outside. We spent most of our time playing in the water and relaxing in the hot tub. Great Wolf Lodge is hours of non stop fun. They really cater to family fun! When you go for a visit, I highly recommend trying the Buffalo Burger - it's out of this world!

Check out these special rates!

WHIMSY Ring Giveaway

WHIMSY interchangeable bead rings offer a whole wardrobe of choices in one ring. Graceful detailing showcase striking, collectible Murano glass beads. All rings are compatible with Pandora, Chamilia, and Trollbeads. The WHIMSY collection is expertly created using only reclaimed sterling silver and 14-karat gold with gem-quality diamond accents. Crafted with uncompromising attention to detail, each ring is hand-finished and each diamond is hand-set. For over 30 years, celebrated artist R. Craig Whitten has developed one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for discriminating clients. From coast to coast, his museum quality pieces are designed to showcase each clients individuality. Please visit www.WhimsyWorldwide.com for more information.


Giveaway: One lucky winner will win their very own WHIMSY collection ring! With a retail of $125, this is a giveaway you don't want to miss! Click here and post a comment telling me what your favorite product is. Please be sure to leave your email address. Giveaway ends 12/31/09.

The Bucklette

Finally!! I don't have to drag my purse with me everywhere I go! The Bucklette is a hands-free fashion accessory, made for women who don't always want to carry a handbag but need the essentials - perfect for a night on the town, a kids' play date or a day of shopping. There are two versions: a belt buckle that comes with a belt and a compact clip-on. Both versions are designed to hold a lipstick, key, credit card and ID. The Bucklette is sharply designed, made in the USA, crafted from recyclable, lead-free metal and comes packaged in a reusable jewelry bag. I love the Bucklette because it's functional fashion! The Bucklette is available for purchase at select retailers and online at www.bucklette.com.


The Bucklette was created and designed by Sandra Alexander, a Philadelphia-based graphic designer, artist, entrepenuer and founder of Dessa Lea Productions. While single and living in Center City Philadelphia, Alexander was always on the go. Frequently running from work to a night out, she learned a quick change of clothes and "just the essentials" were necessary - lipstick, money, ID and house key. Rather than a cumbersome handbag, Alexander carried a wristlet or under-the-shoulder bag, but it typically ended up sitting on a table, hanging on a chair or on the floor. While at a restaurant one evening, a friend's purse was stolen, inspiring Alexander to create an accessory that would free women from the worry and inconvenience of carrying "the bag".


Located in Philadelphia, Dessa Lea Productions is principally involved in the design, development and launch of unique women's fashion accessories that add style to their wardrobes and convenience to their lives.

Our Awesome Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge

We just spent the last few days having a blast! Great Wolf Lodge is the place to visit! Great Wolf Lodge offers hours of nonstop fun for the entire family! Heck, I think Scott and I were more excited than Haley was!


We were so fortunate to experience Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge! Snowland begins on December 4, 2009 and runs until December 25, 2009.

How do they make it snow inside? Yes, it actually snows inside the Grand Lobby during Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge! Not only did we have hours of fun in the 84-degeree Water Park, we also experienced these special Snowland events.

• Holiday Story Time with Mascot Rowdy the Reindeer
• The Writing Depot, where children can write, decorate and mail letters directly to Santa
• Polar Wolf Walk, a wintery nature hike for kids to site penguins, polar bears and more
• North Pole University, complete with educational activities to earn a diploma and special gift
• Toy Creation Station, where children can create toys to keep or give to a friend
• Wrapping Depot for guests to have presents wrapped on-the-spot
• Special musical guest performances
• Holiday caroling
• Santa appearances
• Animated Great Clock Tower holiday performances

I even met Santa myself and that guy is totally cool!

Well, all the fun has me tuckered out! Please stay tuned as I’ll post pictures and more details of all the family fun we had this past weekend!

Great Wolf Lodge has locations in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; and Charlotte/Concord, N.C.; and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wis.

Click here to see more and check out specials for December – April!

Holiday Must-Haves

The following products are top-rated products by All American Mommy. They make great gifts too!

DownEast Basics is my top-rated online clothing retailer! Not only are the designs wonderful, but their prices are outstanding! They offer superb customer service, great quality and speedy shipping. DownEast Basics offers high-design looks on a bargain basement budget. Their clothing line inlcludes cute tops and smart layering pieces to enhance a women's wardrobe. They also carry men's and girl's clothing.

Please visit www.downeastbasics.com for more information.






Caboodles has been a trusted name in cosmetic organization since 1987. I can still remember my very first caboodles. This is the latest release from Caboodles called In My Case. The In My Case Caboodle is a cost effective, functional and fashionable way for women everywhere to stay organized in their busy lives. All Caboodles products offer personalized nameplates and product registration. From Classic Cases to Grande Train Cases, there is a Caboodles product perfect for every age! Caboodles are available for purchase at retailers nationwide. Please visit www.caboodles.com for more information.



Pillow Pets are awesomely super soft and cuddly! The idea behind Pillow Pets is brilliant! Haley has always slept with Teddy Bear Love, a super soft bear that she made at Build-A-Bear Workshop. She uses Teddy Bear Love as a second pillow so I wasn't sure how she'd react to a Pillow Pet. She totally LOVES her new Pillow Pet! Pillow Pets are a 2-in-1, perfect for traveling, family movie night, naptime and bedtime! Pillow Pets make the perfect $20 gift! Check it out at www.getpillowpets.com!