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Company Makes ‘Hug-A-Hero’ Dolls For Children With Deployed Parents

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A design studio located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, has launched an effort to help children cope with the military deployment of a parent. Surprisingly, the response to its giveaway of “hug-a-hero” dolls has been overwhelming.

hug-a-hero dolls

Daddy Dolls / Facebook

Overwhelming Community Support

Fifteen years ago, Dyal Studios owner Tricia Dyal started the Daddy Dolls business with a friend. This doll company makes hug-a-hero dolls, which are printed with pictures of the receiving children’s deployed parents.

Dyal’s husband is a retired Marine, and she started making the dolls when her great aunt made something similar for her daughter while her husband was away. When many North Carolina troops were deployed in early January, she started a drawing to give one doll to a local family each week for 12 weeks.

hug-a-hero dolls

Daddy Dolls / Facebook

Unexpectedly, Dyal Studios received more than 500 requests for the dolls. On top of that, the community banded together to donate dolls to children. In fact, she told The News & Observer that one of her clients donated $5,000 to the giveaway.

Because of this overwhelming support, the giveaway has become too big for Dyal Studios to draw one name every week. Dyal says that she may try to team up with The American Red Cross or United Services Organizations to distribute the dolls. Then, they can help children outside of Jacksonville too.

Anyone Can Sponsor a Child

Anyone who wants to support the hug-a-hero dolls effort can visit the Daddy Dolls website to sponsor a child. In addition, the dolls can be sponsored for more than military children. Hospitalized children and other civilian kids in need can be sponsored as well.

hug-a-hero dolls

Daddy Dolls / Facebook

Centenarians Married For 82 Years Share Secret To A Happy Marriage

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Everyone hopes for a long, happy marriage when they say their vows, but some couples give a whole new meaning to the concept. That’s the case for two centenarians in Charlotte, North Carolina, who just celebrated 82 years of wedded bliss.

That’s a Lot of Anniversaries

D.W. Williams and his sweetheart Willie first got married in 1937. Since then, they’ve lived out every word of the “for better or for worse” promises that most couples make on their wedding day. They have been through tough times, good times and everything in between. They had three children and dozens of grandchildren.

In May, the couple appeared on the Steve Harvey Show to talk about the secrets to a long, happy relationship. Despite prodding from Steve and his audience, the couple said they couldn’t offer any secrets because they didn’t really have any.

“We just find funny things to talk about,” said Willie.

They Love God and Each Other

Their granddaughter believes it’s their faith that binds them. “They still go to church every Sunday,” she said. “They love God and each other.”

D.W. put it simply during an interview with a local news program. “Don’t fuss,” he said, meaning he never argues with any decision Willie makes. Who knew it could be that easy?

Grandma Rescues Base Jumper Dangling Off High-Rise Building

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A video of a base jumper being rescued by an elderly woman has emerged on social media and gone viral. The incident occurred at an Acapulco resort in Mexico after the base jumper, Kody Kosloski, misjudged his trajectory and crashed into the woman’s high-rise apartment.

Grandma Rescues Base Jumper

Inside Edition / Kody Kosloski

Footage of the Scary Incident

Kosloski, a Michigan resident, was recording his stunt from the top of the tall building. The on-body camera captured his descent and unexpected veer to the left. Then, he crashed into the side of the apartment block.

For a few seconds, Kosloski dangled on the side of the building before an elderly woman appeared on the balcony below him. As she asked him what he needed, he told her that he was OK. When he failed to climb up to the balcony above, he pulled out a knife to cut himself free.

Kosloski was able to steady himself between the railing and roof of her balcony. As he cut himself loose, the elderly woman reached out her hands to safely guide him onto her balcony. He survived with only a scratch on his knee.

After the Rescue

When Kosloski landed safely, he yelled, “I’m OK,” to a cheering crowd. Then, the camera panned over to his base-jumping equipment, which was still attached to the building.

The elderly woman offered him a glass of water, but he declined. In an interview with Inside Edition, Kosloski said, “That lady was a sweetheart, very helpful, kind and nice. I’m sorry for scaring her.”

GPS Shoes Now Available For Seniors With Alzheimer’s And Dementia

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If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the possibility that they might wander is a serious concern. Now, you can use soles with built-in GPS to track them everywhere they go.

SmartSoles Are a Smart Idea

The insoles are made by a company called GPS SmartSole. The insoles use GPS and cellular technology to track the person wearing them. You can use your phone or your computer to get the person’s location.

They look just like the insoles that you’d buy at the drugstore. They’re small, lightweight and discreet.

Peace of Mind for Caregivers

Patti Ciancaglini is the wife and caregiver of former professional boxer Ray Ciancaglini, who is now a concussion awareness activist. In a video, Patti explains that Ray enjoys walking around their outdoor property, but she worries that he’ll get lost.

SmartSole allows Ray to enjoy his walks without wandering into dangerous areas or getting lost. It also gives Patti peace of mind and allows her to keep Ray at home instead of taking him to a nursing home.

Safety First

The SmartSole is designed for:

  • Adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
  • Children with special needs.
  • People with traumatic brain injury.
  • Anyone who’s at risk of wandering.

Therapist Lynette Louise, who specializes in working with developmentally disabled clients, uses the soles to help her clients get a taste of freedom while staying safe.

An Uncommon Solution to a Common Problem

Alzheimer’s and dementia cases are on the rise. SmartSoles are a smart solution that will make life a little easier for everyone.

Maple Pecan Blondies

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If you thought blondies couldn’t get any more indulgent, get ready for the ultimate in rich, gooey decadence with these Maple Pecan Blondies. These dreamy bars are just the ticket if you want a dessert that doesn’t hold back when it comes to pure pastry pleasure.

Maple Pecan Blondies

Give In to the Pleasure

Do you love brownies, blondies and other rich delights? Are you fond of French toast with maple sugar? Did you ever wish you could combine all those flavors into one luscious dessert?

That’s just what these blondies do for you. They mix the flavors of maple, pecans and vanilla into an ultimate blondie that there’s just no point resisting.

Tips for Making Maple Pecan Blondies

  • Real vanilla extract is expensive, and you might have been led to believe you have to use it to get the best flavor. Good news! As it turns out, even expert tasters can’t tell the difference between real extract and inexpensive vanilla flavoring. Use what works for your budget.
  • If you’re out of brown sugar but want to make these anyway, try making your own brown sugar. You’ll always have it on hand when you need it.

What to Serve with Maple Pecan Blondies

These blondies are perfect for brunch or as dessert.

The smooth, nutty taste and the hint of breakfast flavors in these bars make them a natural with a Hot Nutty Irishman.

For kids or those who are avoiding alcohol, pair them with a deliciously simple White Hot Chocolate.

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Maple Pecan Blondies
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Maple Pecan Blondies

Maple Pecan Blondies combine the flavors of maple, pecans and vanilla to create the ultimate blondie that can't be resisted.

Course Dessert
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray a 13x9-inch pan with non-stick baking spray.
  3. In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt.
  4. Set to the side.
  5. Add the softened butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar.

  6. Mix using a electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

  7. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth.
  8. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.
  9. Begin to add one-third of the flour mixture, best to combine.
  10. Now add half of the milk, beat until combined,
  11. Repeat with flour mixture and milk.
  12. Add in the baking chips and pecans.
  13. Stir in to combine.
  14. Spread pecan batter evenly in your pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.
  15. Verify the bar is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick in center until it comes out clean.
  16. Allow to cool completely.
  17. Enjoy!

Maple Pecan Blondies

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

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Fall is the perfect time of year for cooking, watching the leaves turn and sitting on your porch with a mug of warm, spiced apple cider. If you want to capture that same experience in a cookie, these Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies are sure to hit the spot.

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Capture the Flavors of Fall

Is there anything better than a buttery, tender bite of shortbread? While I find plain shortbread irresistible, there’s no question that adding apple cider and spices takes shortbread to new heights of flavor.

Like any good shortbread, these cookies melt in your mouth and are not overly sweet. The cider glaze adds a touch of creamy texture and a dash of extra sweetness.

Tips for Making Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

  • If you’re unsure about the difference between apple cider and apple juice, you’re not alone. It’s actually difficult to tell them apart. For the best results, select plain cider with no spices or flavors added to it.
  • You’ll need a rolling pin and a cookie cutter to make these. If you don’t have these items on hand, try these emergency substitutes. A wine bottle or drinking glass can sit in for the rolling pin, and a drinking glass can step in for a cookie cutter.
  • Pecan shortbreads are a classic cookie. If you want, you can add ground pecans to these cookies to add crunch and smooth, nutty flavor.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Fall entertaining centers around comforting, warmly spiced food and drinks. That’s why this Spiced Vodka Cranberry Fall Cocktail is a great match for these cookies.

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Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies
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Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Course Dessert
Servings 18 cookies
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

Glaze Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
  3. Sift flour. Set aside.
  4. Lightly flour a flat surface. (Cutting board)
  5. Add the butter, powdered sugar, and apple cider in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer combine the ingredients.
  6. Continue mixing while adding in the salt.
  7. Slowly add the sifted flour, a cup at a time, continuing to mix for a few minutes. At first the mixture will resemble sand. Continue to mix until it begins to look like dough.

  8. Slightly flour your hands and work with the dough to form a ball. Move the cookie dough onto the floured cutting board.

  9. Reflour your hands and coat the rolling pin with that flour.

  10. Using the flour coated rolling pin, roll the cookie dough out until it is about 3/4 inches thick.

  11. With the round cookie cutter, cut out the dough to form the cookies.
  12. Use a spatula to move the raw cookies to the prepped cookie sheet.

  13. Bake at 375 degrees for 6 minutes.

  14. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute.
  15. Gently transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.

  16. Whisk the glazing ingredients (apple cider and powdered sugar together).

  17. Spoon the glaze over the cooled cookies allowing the glaze to firm.
  18. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Recipe Notes

Makes 18 cookies.

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Amazing Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse and Pergola

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Tiny houses are creating a big fuss. When you see Elsa, you’ll understand why anyone would ditch their big, bulky home to live in this sweet tiny house that features its own tiny greenhouse.

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

It’s Petite Perfection

Elsa is the name of this house, which is built and sold by Olive Nest Tiny Homes. Elsa is 323 square feet of petite perfection.

Elsa’s upgrades are worthy of homes that cost many times more. They include cherry stair treads, quartz countertops, a full-sized top-of-the-line oven range, cedar siding, Andersen windows and Pergo flooring.

The style is light, bright and whitewashed. The house gets tons of light from 14 double-paned windows.

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

A Piece of Art You Can Live In

Olive Nest Tiny Homes is a family-owned company based in Greer, South Carolina. Designer Melodie Aho told Elle Décor in an interview, “We’re a small company and we do about one house a year. We sell only what’s already built, and we think of each design as a piece of art that you can live in.”

This exquisite tiny house was featured on season 6 of the popular TV show Tiny House, Big Living.

How Does It Fit a Greenhouse?

Elsa is actually a two-structure tiny house. When it’s set up, it includes a 28-foot trailer as a separate attachment. The trailer holds a porch with a porch swing and the beautiful greenhouse.

What About Storage?

You’ll be amazed at how much storage is available in such a small space. Here are some examples:

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Tiny House with Attached Greenhouse

Olive Nest Tiny Homes

Do You Have Big Dreams About Tiny Houses?

If you’re dreaming about living in a darling house like Elsa, you might like to know that it sells for $81,000. That seems like a great price for this beautiful home. What do you think?

 

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Teens Are Gluing Their Lips To Make Them Look Fuller

Marine Who Covered Grenade To Save Friend Receives Medal Of Honor

Bourbon Apple Bars

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Apples may not be exotic, but they add tons of tart, crisp flavor to savory and sweet dishes. If you never tire of apples in any form, you’re going to enjoy making and eating these Bourbon Apple Bars.

Bourbon Apple Bars

What’s Special About These Bars

These bars feature a rich, spicy and sweet apple filling on top of a buttery crumb crust and a streusel topping. If you’ve never tried freshly made streusel, you’re in for a surprise. It makes a wonderfully delicate, crisp topping that’s a great alternative to pie crust.

You’ll be tempted to eat these bars right from the oven, but give them time to set. The flavors will be even better once they meld.

Better with Bourbon

The combination of slightly tart apples, sweet streusel, rich bourbon and buttery crumbs will knock your socks off. Don’t worry, the amount of bourbon is just enough to give them a punch of flavor.

Tips for Making Bourbon Apple Bars

  • Bourbon imparts a smooth, deep flavor to baked products. You can buy bourbon in miniature sizes at your local liquor store. If you don’t want to add alcohol, you can use an extract. You can also substitute with rum or cognac.
  • For the best results, use real butter and be sure it’s unsalted.
  • Gala apples are popular, but feel free to substitute your favorite type.

What to Serve with Bourbon Apple Bars

Serve them with a bottle of chilled Moscato D’Asti. This sweet, sparkling wine is low in alcohol and high in fruity flavors that pair perfectly with the fresh, buttery flavors of these bars.

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Bourbon Apple Bars
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Bourbon Apple Bars

Bourbon Apple Bars feature a rich, spicy and sweet apple filling on top of a buttery crumb crust and a streusel topping.

Course Dessert
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

Apple Filling Ingredients

Streusel Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Line an 8 in square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

Crust Directions

  1. In a medium bowl stir the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt together.
  2. Slowly add the flour to the mixture stirring to blend all the ingredients together.
  3. Using your hands, press the mixture into the baking pan.
  4. Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.

Apple Filling Directions

  1. In a large bowl add the sliced apples, flour, sugar, bourbon, cinnamon and nutmeg.

  2. Continue working with the apples until they are well coated. Set aside.

Streusel Directions

  1. Begin adding the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl.
  2. Whisk all ingredients together until they are mixed well.
  3. Slowly begin to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Using your hands to work with the mixture until it looks like crumbs. Set aside.
  4. Remove the crust from the oven. Set aside.
  5. Increase the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees.
  6. Begin to make a thin layer of apples on the baked crust. Put the apple slices close together pressing them down into the crust.
  7. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the apples.
  8. Return to the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. (Streusel should be a golden brown)
  9. Take the baked streusel from the oven. Set it aside to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  10. Transfer to the refrigerator for 2 hours to chill.
  11. Remove the bars from the baking pan and cut into bars.

Bourbon Apple Bars

Fall Harvest Chex Mix

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Every new season brings us a chance to change our wardrobes, our decorating style and our favorite recipes. This Fall Harvest Chex Mix is a perfect example. It’s the classic party recipe but with the fall-friendly additions of spices and pumpkin seeds.

Fall Harvest Chex Mix Perfect for Parties

The holiday season usually brings a lot of socializing. People are in and out of each other’s homes and relatives visit from out of town. Parties center around warming, comforting food and drinks.

This Fall Harvest Chex Mix is great to have on hand for every occasion. It’s perfect to put out at all your parties, bring to potlucks or carry to work events.

What’s Different About This Chex Mix?

This recipe takes the original party mix and adds seasonally appropriate pumpkin seeds for a dash of crunch and flavor. The varied shapes and golden colors make it look as inviting as it tastes.

Tips for Making Fall Harvest Chex Mix

  • Make this truly seasonal by using the new Halloween M&M variety. The new flavor comes in orange, brown and red. Using it will give your Chex Mix a wonderfully fall-appropriate look.
  • You can buy pumpkin seeds in most grocery and discount stores. You can also order them online.

What to Serve With Fall Harvest Chex Mix

You can’t go wrong with one of the many pumpkin beers or ales that come out every season. Southern Tier’s Pumking is a smooth, delicious choice.

This Warm Pumpkin Pie Cocktail is a creamy, decadent treat that works as a cocktail and dessert all in one.

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Fall Harvest Chex Mix
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Fall Harvest Chex Mix

Fall Harvest Chex Mix is a classic party recipe with fall-friendly additions of spices and pumpkin seeds. It's perfect for parties, potlucks or work events.

Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 22
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Prep cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  3. Melt the butter. Set aside,
  4. Combine cereal, crackers, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl,
  5. Add the melted butter to a small bowl.

  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper sauce and 1/8 teaspoon pepper sauce.

  7. Stir as you add the ingredients.
  8. Drizzle over the chex mix.

  9. Use your hands to toss the mixture to coat all of the ingredients.

  10. Dump the chex mix on the prepared cookie sheet. Spread the mix throughout the cookie sheet.
  11. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour.

  12. After removing from the oven, carefully put in a large bowl. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.

  13. Add the M&M's.
  14. Stir to combine.
  15. Store the remaining chex mix in a lidded jar or a zip loc bag.

Fall Harvest Chex Mix

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Get all the flavors of fall in one bite of these pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. These rich, hearty cookies smell amazing while they’re cooking. They’re a great way to kick off your fall baking.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get Ready for Fall with Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are quick and easy to make using ingredients you probably have on hand. Take advantage of the abundance of canned pumpkin available in stores right now.

Chocolate and Pumpkin Lead to Cookie Bliss

Have you been looking for a way to shake up your oatmeal cookies? If you’re like me, you know there’s no such thing as a bad cookie, but sometimes you want to give a traditional recipe a twist.

These pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies answer the call.

Adding chocolate chips to anything is an instant improvement, but adding the pumpkin takes these to pure cookie bliss. The creamy warmth of pumpkin sparked with traditional spices is the perfect counterpoint to the rich indulgence of chocolate.

Tips for Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe calls for parchment paper. You can find this handy, versatile baking buddy in most grocery sores or cooking supply stores. Once you try parchment paper, you’ll be hooked.

  • You don’t have to grease your pans.
  • Cookies slide off easily without breaking.
  • You won’t have a dirty pan with burnt-on grease to clean.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies taste best warm from the oven. I like pairing them with a warm or cold spiced cider. The combination brings together everything that’s wonderful about this time of year.

Storing Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You probably won’t have any leftovers, but if you do, store them in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag.

More Pumpkin Desserts You’ll Love

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are quick and easy to make using ingredients you probably have on hand. The creamy warmth of pumpkin sparked with traditional spices is the perfect counterpoint to the rich indulgence of chocolate.

Course Dessert
Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Using a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and both sugars in a large bowl.

  2. Add the pumpkin, egg yolk, and vanilla beating to combine with the butter mixture.

  3. Whisk together the flour, quick oats, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. (Carefully measure your flour, spoon it in the measuring cup not packed in the cup.)

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir well to combine. (Don't over stir.)

  5. Add the chocolate chips to the batter. Stir well.

  6. Cover the batter with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

  7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  8. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a small ice cream scoop to measure out the cookie size. Use a spatula to flatten the cookies.

  9. Return the cookie sheet to the refrigerator for an additional 10-15 minutes. 

  10. Remove from the refrigerator and put directly into the oven to bake.

  11. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes. (They will be slightly under baked.)

  12. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes allowing them to continue to bake.

  13. Remove from the cookie sheets to a wire rack for complete cooling.

  14. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe Notes

The cookies taste better the next day.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies