First Communion is a special time in your child’s life and for your entire family as well.  Take the time to search for some really special items to make this time the best that it can be and one that will leave a lifelong impression.  Don’t forget the first communion invitations that you can find at Naptime Productions.  They have many religious cards, invitations and picture placements including Bar and Bat Mitzvah.

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When you’re looking for a Cyber Monday sale or for Black Friday sales, try Buy dot com.  However, you do not have to wait for those two days in order to get really good prices on things you need everyday, or even for special occasions.  Take for instance the iBot Roomba, which I saw at a local department store for $399.  At Buy dot com they offer this item for only $169.99 and offer free shipping as well.  Wonder if they have a carpet cleaner for me!

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Oh boy oh boy.  Here’s a wonderful recipe for chewy chocolate cookies.  Don’t be misled by how the batter looks either; these cookies turn out just great!

Active Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Yield: about 45 cookies

RECIPE INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 large egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped and melted (see Tip)

Tip:
Two foolproof ways to melt chocolate: Bring 1 inch of water to a simmer in a double boiler set over medium-high heat, then place chocolate in the top pan. (Alternatively, to improvise a double boiler, place chocolate in a heat-safe mixing bowl that fits snugly over a pan with 1 inch of simmering water). Stir until half the chocolate has melted. Remove the bowl and continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted. Cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High for 1 minute. Stir well, then continue microwaving in 30-second increments on High until two-thirds of the chocolate has melted, stirring well after each heating. Remove the bowl and continue stirring until all the chocolate has melted. Cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Enhancements: Stir 2/3 cup raisins, dried cherries or dried blueberries into the Chewy Chocolate Cookies batter along with the flour mixture. Or use 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts.

DIRECTIONS
Position rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy, about 1 minute. Beat in granulated sugar in a slow, steady stream. Scrape down the sides, then beat in brown sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate. Stir in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until just incorporated.

Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies until flat yet springy, with slightly cracked tops, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the pan cool for a few minutes before baking another batch; replace parchment paper if torn or scorched.

Nutrition Facts per Serving
Yield: about 45 cookies
Calories: 68
Fat, Saturated: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Carbohydrates, Total: 14g
Sodium: 51mg
% Cal. from Fat: 13%
Fat. Total: 1g

Protein: 1g

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If you’re going to be visiting a Anaheim California hotel for going to Disneyland, you’ll want to be within walking distance of the park.  Also minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center, Knotts Berry Farm, Angel Stadium and Crystal Cathedral.  Downtown Hollywood is only a mere 30 miles away, so you can visit the Disney theme parks to your heart’s content.  Don’t forget to check their rates before you make your plans.

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