New Year's Eve/Day

What an amazing year our family has had.  We had marriages, surgeries, parties, fights, arguments; we've shared love, hugs, smiles, food and more.  It has definitely been an emotional year. 
Now we are heading into another year, a new beginning.  We can 'start over', or as my son says, "We get a do-over". :)  We can come up with new recipes, new craft projects, new home remodels, all kinds of great stuff.  We can also love a little more, be a little kinder, forgive a LOT more and appreciate what we have instead of wanting more and more.  That's not saying to NEVER want again...that is saying to think before you spend.  Do you REALLY need that extra pair of shoes?  Or Shirt? Or pants? Or hat?  Do you REALLY need that new gadget because it was on the Food Network or HGTV?  OR, can you make due with you already have?
Can you find things around your home to use as an organizer, decorate it up and make it work?  That would be ideal, for sure.
What are YOUR New Year's resolutions?  Do you make them?  I don't, because I can never stick with them.  However, this year is a bit different.  I have 3 classes left, a 6 week break, then I begin the last 16 weeks of my college career student teaching.  This time next year, I will officially be a college graduate!
Yesterday, I received my application for student teaching.  Fear almost took my life!  WHY?  Well, because it's a reality now. Before, I would say, "In X amount of months I'll be doing my internship".  Now, it is HERE!  This will be the first thing in my life that I have totally completed.  So, for my New Year's resolution, I have decided to get through the next 25 weeks with a smile on my face, to enjoy this last bit of learning I can and not have a mental breakdown in the process. :)

Thinking back on my college career, I realized I have learned more than how to be a teacher.  I have learned:

• Things aren't always fair in life.  Suck it up and be thankful for what you do have.
• No matter how stressful things become, it too shall pass.
• When you can't think of anything else to write, go play on Facebook and let your brain take a break.
• You are not going to agree with everyone, and everyone is not going to agree with you.  Agree to disagree and let it go.
• When you feel like God has thrown more at you than you can handle, reach out to HIM and let Him do it for you.
• No matter what anyone says, the dishes, laundry, house work will still be there tomorrow.  Enjoy the present, it's all we have. 
• Exercise is good for you.  It reduces stress, makes you feel and look good and conveys the message that YOU are important too.
• Once a week, regardless of what's going on, (if you have a significant other/husband/wife) spend some quality time with them.  It makes them KNOW they are important too.
• Plan vacation time.  Do not bring the laptop (unless you HAVE to), or the cell phones.  This is a vacation, spend with those you love.  And, if you have to bring those things, only use them in case of emergencies.  
• And finally, go outside and get some air.  It helps clear your brain, provides oxygen to your body, and it relaxes you.

These are some great lessons I've learned.  Life is short, enjoy it while you can.  And, have a Happy Creative New Year!

We survived!

We survived yet another Christmas!  It was not without it's drama, though.  However, it all worked out and everyone had a good time.  We won't have to "host" the family holiday again for 4 more years.  Which is a great thing.

My son had to have his wisdom teeth extracted the day before Christmas Eve, so he didn't get to enjoy all the food.  He slept most of the day, to be honest.  But, he had a great time Christmas Day opening all of his gifts; a new DVD player, an MP3 Player, a new coat, a foot soaking gift basket for when he has his foot surgery, and of course, Yu-Gi-Oh Cards, his most prized gift!  James, my husband, got a telescope, and I got a new rolling pin, a CandyLand Game, and a tea gift basket.  So, we all ended up with some nice things.

Now, it's time for New Year's Eve.  What do you have planned?  After much deliberation, we have decided to have a nice, quiet time at home with just the three of us.  We may get some chips and dips, but other than that, we're staying off the roads and staying home. 

For New Year's Day, all the Christmas decorations will come down and be packed up.    Then, life will be back to normal....let's hope.  I still have one week of school left, then, I begin another class, with observations. 

The only New Year's resolution I have made is to get through the next 3 classes, 24 weeks with no major incidents.  Let's hope that happens.

So here's to a new year, new dreams, new hopes, new crafts, new recipes, and new memories.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Christmas Traditions

For as long as I can remember,  I have made cookies for the Christmas buffet.  When my kids were small, they really enjoyed it and we had a blast.  We would make dozens of cookies.  In fact, we always had leftovers to freeze and use up during the year in cakes and what-not.  We have a select few neighbors we give some of the cookies to and they (I guess) love it.
Last year, I did it and went over board with it.  I was talking with the husband the other day.  The conversation went something like this: Husband: "Are you making cookies this year?"  Me: "Yeah, I was thinking about it.  The neighbors will be expecting their goodies."  Husband: "How many you planning on doing this year?"  Me: "Not as many as in the past and no where near what I made last year.  Why?"  Husband: "We may need a loan if you do."  WHAT?? 
Okay, point taken. So I have been on the lookout for simple cookie ideas.  Nothing is coming up that is "special" enough for Christmas.  I mean, it IS C H R I S T M A S for goodness sake!  You don't just whip up a batch of plain ole chocolate chip cookies and call it done!  Or do you?  No, forget that, you don't.
I also want something that is just not simple, and special, but inexpensive to do and can be done fast.  We have a super busy schedule next week, doctor appointments, surgery, and what-not going on, on top of everything else that has to be done; house cleaning, the last minute things that has to be done, etc.
So the husband had a wonderful idea. Yes, he does come up with one ever so often. :)  He suggested we get a few boxes of the variety pack of granola bars, and some different chocolate melts: dark, milk and white chocolate and a bag or two of caramels.  He says we can take a knife, cut the granola into bite sized pieces, dip them in chocolate, and do the same with the caramels.  Well, since the caramels are already bite size, just dip them into the chocolate.  Plus, make some chocolate chip cookies and maybe take a basic cookie dough recipe and add "stuff" to it and call it done.  The man amazes me at times!  At first, I thought that is insane, it will never work!  But, as I thought about it, it seemed like THE thing to do.
So, we are going to the store Saturday, getting all the "stuff" needed and Monday, I will be in the kitchen dipping, mixing, and boxing up all the goodies.  I'll let you know how it turns out. :)

A New Recipe

What is it about the Winter that makes everyone sick?  I honestly have no idea, but it does and I hate it! 
Winter does allow me and others to get a bit creative around the house and in the kitchen.  On a whim one day, I decided to get busy creating in the kitchen.  I didn't take pictures, but next time I make this and I'm sure it will be soon since it's so easy to make, I promise to take and post pictures.
This is probably one of the fastest, easiest meals I've ever created.  I have looked online and can't find this anywhere.  Please, feel free to share this with friends and family.

What you will need:
Any type of potato; red, yukon, whatever you have, one per person.
Egg, one per person
American Cheese, one slice per person
Toasted bread, one per person
Ranch Dressing
1/2 onion, grated
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (NOT salt) to taste

Tools:
Cast iron frying pan
Box grater
Spatula

Method:
On a clean counter top, grate the potato one at a time in little piles.  DO NOT MIX THEM UP.  Take the onion and grate about a teaspoon on each pile.  Add salt, pepper, and garlic to potato piles and mix. 
Toast your bread.
Heat oil in frying pan, add the grated potato and spread out.  Cook the grated potato for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and flip.  Take the American cheese and place on top of potato.  Remove from frying pan.  Do this to all the potato plies.  Place potato piles on top of toasted bread.
Next, you are going to fry the egg.  Personally, I don't like the yoke done-done...let it be a little runny, if you like it...but cook however you prefer.  Place the egg on top of potato. 
You can slice up a tomato, 2 slices per person and top the egg with the tomato, if you like.  This is, of course, optional. 
Last, drizzle the Ranch dressing over the top of the egg/potato/bread.  And serve!

I know a lot of people in my family looked at me like I was nuts when I first made this, but once they tried it, it has become a new dish.  This can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  It's great and it's so easy to make. 

Enjoy this and again, I will post photos next time I make this.

Happy Creating!

The Holidays and Stress

Good grief!  Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us.  Since November 9, I have had one illness after another and now I'm fighting bronchitis!  Why I haven't been posting.  Just doing what is absolutely necessary.  My house is a site for FEMA, the freeze and fridge are empty and all I want is to breath.  On top of my illness, my son has had to have one appointment after another for his teeth!  The boy is in for a world of hurt the next few weeks, poor kid.

Christmas is stressful enough under the best conditions, but add to that illness and you have yourself a plan for disaster.  So how does one get through it with their sanity intact?

The first thing is to just breath (someone, PLEASE bring me my inhaler so I can!). 

Come on, people, think!  Yes, it is wonderful to receive pretty and useful gifts that are elaborating wrapped, but do you really want the bills from the credit card company in January?  With today's economy, wouldn't it be great to not have the bills flowing in next month.  Set a budget.  Buy only what you have to buy for whom you have to buy.  In our family, we do the White Elephant game.  We buy a gift for the little ones, 12 and under, but over 12, if they wish, does the White Elephant game and man, in our family, it can get quite violent at times.  But, we have a blast and in the end, we all end up with what we wanted.

Instead of a huge dinner, try finger food.  Sandwiches are a great idea!  Add some chips, dips and a platter of homemade cookies and you are set.  The idea is to reduce your stress, not add to it, and creating a huge dinner is just going to add to the stress.  Or instead of dinner, try making breakfast/brunch.  There are some wonderful websites that have great ideas for make-a-head dishes.  Here is one that offers some great ideas.
Make-Ahead: Crockpot Breakfast Apple Cobbler sounds wonderful and anytime I can use my crock pot, I'm happy!

This is a no-brainer! Play some Christmas music.  I mean, really play some Christmas music..crank up the speakers and blast away!!  In the process, sing a few at the top of your lungs.  Who cares what the neighbors think, have fun, let loose and allow the stress to drift into the world of notes and chords.

Gather up the family one night and go look at the lights.  Every town/city has Christmas lights up, or has a parade.  Cook up a thermos of hot chocolate, bundle up and spend some time with the ones you love, looking at the lights.  It will give you ideas for next year, too.  OR, go to church and allow God to renew you.  And, take the family with you, this way, you all benefit from it.

There are many ideas, none of which are new, that a person can do to reduce the stress of the holiday.  Stress is going to happen no matter what you do.  But, you can attempt to reduce it a bit. And, when it does happen, laugh it off.  Is it really going to matter in 5, 10 or 15 years that the ham was dry and crisp?  Is it going to matter that a platter of whatever hit the floor and Fido had his dinner, too?  Is it going to matter, are people going to remember how your house looked?  Or will they remember the love, the friendship, the family and the memories that are made?  There really is no need to stress about the holidays.  The important stuff, the stuff that really matters is that you have fun, enjoy the moment, laugh, and above all, love the ones you are with.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

A Christmas Card

Now that Thanksgiving is over for yet another year, it's time to turn our attention to the Christmas Holiday.  Right now, it's a cold 37 degrees outside.  My house was clean for about a day and a half then we brought in the Christmas decorations.  I'm a bit overwhelmed as to where to put it all. :)  I am sure I'll find a place.
I decided to make my Christmas cards this year. It's not that I don't like the store bought kind.  They have some very nice, wonderful cards out there this year.  I just think that anything you make to give to someone is a bit more special, a bit more wonderful.  So, I got out my card stock, glitter pens, scissors, makers, ruler, etc and went on a creative spree.

Here is the list of materials:
Card stock in whatever theme, color, you like.  It doesn't have to be Christmas colors, either. 
Scissors
Craft Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
Glitter and glitter pens
Plain white card stock
Computer and a printer (or if you can write really pretty, omit this)
Ribbon is a coordinating color
Hole punch
White glue

Here we go.

 Gather all your materials.  These are the glitter glue pens I used.

Take your white card stock, load it in the printer. Using a pretty font, type in a message and use clip art and make a tag.

This is what it should look like.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  It's homemade and that is what makes it so special.

Next take you printed card stock and fold it in half. Make the crease sharp. Take your scissors and cut.

So that you have 2 pieces of paper

Next, fold the half in half.  Take your decorative craft scissors and cut the bottom edge. Take the tag you made and glue it to the front of the card. Punch a hold in the pointed in and tie a ribbon in the hole.  Take the glitter pens and go around the tag.  Put whatever message on the inside of the card.

This is the final product.  You could add little dots to the bottom of the card, or however you like.  That's what is so great about these, you can get as creative as  you like or make them as simple as you like.  You could use your punches to add extras as well.  Like I said, get creative with it.

There you have it. A homemade Christmas Card.  Simple, fun, creative.  I think the total cost for this card was around 4 bucks...for the glitter and glitter glue.  However, if you don't have the stuff, it may cost you a bit more.  For a country look, you could use brown paper bags.  That would be awesome!  If  you try this, please let me know and post pictures of yours.  I would love to see them.

Happy Creating.

Happy Thanksgiving

http://www.turnbacktogod.com/thanksgiving-wallpapers/happy-thanksgiving-day/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Yeah, I know it's a bit early, but, I have a very busy week ahead of me and wasn't sure I would get to the blog before Turkey Day.  With all the cleaning, homework (yes, I got homework), and the cooking, it's going to be a very busy week.  Thank God, I have my son here to help out. 
This last weekend was a wild one.  My husband's mother was admitted to the hospital due to a blockage in her gall bladder. And, our daughter was taken to the ER due to a shrinkage in her throat caused by food allergies.  Friday and Saturday was a very long day at the hospital, and I'm trying to get over this ear infection/bronchitis before this next weekend when we have our Thanksgiving.  Today, I began my house cleaning. 
Before heading to my bed, as I listen to the storms rolling in outside, I wanted to post what Thanksgiving means to me and my family.
Thanksgiving is a day to be, well, Thankful.  Thankful for the things we have.  Our health, homes, families, love.  It's a day to stop and reflect on the past year, to stop and really look at what we have.  For my family, we are all healthy, have homes, cars, food, the luxury items, clothing, Internet.  However, we also have something else.  We have each other. 
When my mother passed away, in 2008, my biggest fear was that the family would fall apart.  We haven't.  Yes, we have fought, not spoke to each other for days, disagreed, but we have laughed, cried, and been there for each other everyday.  We have each others back.  So, I am thankful for my family, my brothers and sisters.
I have, and it is true, two of the most wonderful kids on Earth.  I know I may be partial, but it's true.  They are great kids.  Yes, we disagree, we fight, we love.  My kids are my rock, they are what keeps me wanting to do more. They are the loves of my life.  So, I am thankful for my kids.
Then there are my 'babies'.  My four cats, Piper, Midnight, Gizmo, and Alley, and my three dogs, Molly, Dixie and Jack.  They bring me happiness.  Yes, most of my family think I have too many animals, but they 'talk' to me, and I to them.  I'd be lost if one of them weren't here under my feet or in the bed. I am thankful for my 'babies'.
My dad has Alzheimer's.  It's hard watching him go down hill.  It's hard to talk to him at times.  I remember the active, hard-working man he used to be.  I enjoy and cherish the time I have with him now more so than I have in the past.  He helped me when no one else would.  I was far from being "daddy's little girl" but he loved me the same as he did my brother and sisters.  I am thankful for a father that loved me and worked hard for his family and provided for us the things we needed (and wanted).
My husband, James, is probably, no, he is the best thing (second to my kids) that has ever happened to me.  I actually have my daughter to thank for pushing me to go out on a date with him in the first place.  Words cannot begin to express my feelings for him.  Yes, he aggravates me, yes, he does things that makes me wonder and scratch my head, yes, there are times I think that it would be better to be alone.  However, without him, I would be a complete and utter basket case.  He is my best friend, my biggest supporter, my greatest fan.  He knows when I'm about ready to explode, and he defuses the situation.  Even if that means he has to physically remove me from what is causing the problem.  He makes me laugh.  He is great to me.  He treats me like a queen. He works hard at home and on his job.  Even when he is exhausted, if I ask, he will.  He is unselfish, he is helpful.  He is trust-worthy and he is MINE!  I am thankful for my husband.
Last, and most importantly, I am thankful to my God.  Without Him, I would still be in the pit of hell.  God has loved me when I thought I was unlovable. He has provided all that I have. And, for that, I am thankful.

Take some time this week, before the rush of the holiday season, to just be still and allow your heart to talk to you.  Be thankful for all you have, give thanks to God for all you have.  Not just your home, car, clothes. But, for the unseen things in your life...family, friends, love. And, when it's time to dig into that turkey dinner, sit back for a minute, and just watch.  Cherish the memories you are making and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Hi! Hope everyone is having a great today!  We have been passing the cold virus around the last week or so.  No one has really felt like doing anything, let alone, cook, craft or create anything.  However, today isn't too bad of a day.  I actually felt like doing a little cooking.  Normally, I would follow my mom's recipe for chicken and rice, but I'm using a different one today.  It's a little less involved.  And, with Thanksgiving next week, I really don't want to fill the fridge up with left-overs.

Sorry, though, no photos.  You will need:
1 package of boneless, skinless chicken breast
2-3 celery stalks
4-6 green onions (not just the green part, the whole onion)
1 can each, cream of mushroom and chicken soups
2 teaspoons of minced garlic (Because we LOVE garlic)
1 package of dry onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups of instant rice
1 full can of milk
salt and pepper to taste

Chop up the onion and celery, put in a 9x13 baking pan.  Mix together the cream soups, dry soup, rice, garlic and milk, set aside.  Take chicken and cut up into 1 inch pieces. Put into the baking dish, on top of celery and onions.  Salt and pepper to taste.  NOTE: Go light on the salt if you are using regular cream soups.  They are loaded with salt.  Take the rice, soup, milk mixture and place on top of the chicken.  Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator for about an hour.  After the ingredients have played with each other, place in a pre-heated oven set at 350 degrees. Let cook for an hour to an hour and a half, take foil off and cover with mozzarella cheese, place back into the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Serve with broccoli and garlic bread.

Hopefully, tomorrow, I can post my homemade Christmas cards.  They are just too adorable.

Happy cooking!

The Buffet

The other day, I got an idea.  As I was trying to figure out where we would put all the food everyone is making for Thanksgiving, it occurred to me, there is no place.  So, I looked around.  As I said, I got an idea. My wonderful husband could make a really, really big radiator cover to go over the piano.  So, I asked him about it.  His response was "there really was no reason why it could not happen.
So today, we got up. we went to our little barn and got some left over wood we had from a shelving unit we tore apart.  This is what we came up with.

We placed the longer board on top of the piano.  They are just sitting there...nothing was "attached" to the piano.

 The hubby measuring.  Isn't he just too cute??

The side are up

How are the side pieces attached?  The top two boards were screwed in with wood screws.  Nothing attached to the piano.  This will just slide right off when the holiday's are over.

 Putting more boards on top to extend the "buffet". 

 The legs and front side are up.  Again, nothing is screwed into the piano. 

Front view of the finished buffet.

I have one of my mother's lace table clothes that will go over the top with the matching red table runner from my daughter's wedding.  The center piece I made (the vase and candle) will go on top of it and the food around that.  I love the holidays.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

So, as I have said, it's my year to host the Thanksgiving Day celebration.  I wanted to make a nice table centerpiece for the table that will easily be moved when lunch is served.  Now, I also have a piano in the dining room.  We are going to create a 'cover' of sorts to make a buffet type thing.  I am hoping we can get that done this weekend. I will post photos of it as we go along.
For now, I want to share my centerpiece idea.  It's not fancy.  It's rather simple.  But, man, it caused me a LOT of stress.  So here we go.

This is what I started with.    The flowers do not come off.  We tried sanding, scraping, nothing worked.  I tried painting it, paint came off.  I tried Distressed Ink, didn't stick.

 Here is the holder without the candle.

 I thought that wrapping it would be a good idea.  Hot glue does not stick to glass, no matter how much you sand it.  And, this was just too "Christmas-y" for Thanksgiving.

 So, when the hubby got home last night, I announced we HAD to go to WalMart!  I found these adorable votive candle holders for .60 cents each.  We got 4 of them.

 Aren't they just too adorable?

We strolled over to the Scrap book area and found these beautiful Fall leaves.  See how they sparkle?  These cost $2.00.

I already had these little Fall leaves in my stash of goodies at home.  FREE!

And here is the finished product.  I washed the holders in hot soapy water, dried them with a soft lint free towel, and just began sticking on the leaves in a random pattern.

 Another photo of the candle lite this time.

 So, I got a framed mirror that I had left over from my daughter's wedding, a cut vase and left over Fall flowers, and moss.  I put the moss in the vase, and added the flowers.  I put the vase, and the candle on the mirror. 

 The table runner is also from my daughter's wedding.  It's a deep red and goes great in the dinning room.  

The finished product.  Nothing fancy, rather simple.  But the impact is amazing in there!  Creating, crafting doesn't have to be fancy nor does it have to cost an arm and a leg.  The total cost for this, $4.81!  Use what you have.  When it's closer to Thanksgiving, I'll gather a few real leaves from outside and scatter around the table.

Have fun creating.

My favortie cleaning product

In my posts, I have mentioned that my husband and I have been attempting to cut cost for our household.  I do not remember where I found the idea, if any of you know, please post the website.  When I told my sister about this, she thought I was insane.  However, the fact is it works.
Air Freshener: What I did is bought a spray bottle at the Dollar Store for a buck...1 dollar.  I bought a gallon of white vinegar...can't remember the amount, but it's cheap.  Then go to where the candle are and those little bottles of "smell good" stuff, the oils?  Find you favorite and buy it, 2 dollars.  When you get home, rinse out the bottle in hot soapy water.  Fill the bottle up about half to 3/4 full.  Add 1/2 cup of vinegar, and a few drops of the old.  Shake it up real good.  This makes a great air freshener.  The vinegar, once "dry" will go away, and you are left with the smell of the oil.
Floor Cleaner: You can do this same process for mopping the floors. Just add a little dish soap to your mop bucket, increase the vinegar to 1 cup and add about 1/2 teaspoon to the bucket, and mop away.  You would think the house would smell pickled from all the vinegar, but it doesn't.  It smell nice and clean.
Counter Cleaner: In a spray bottle, fill 3/4 full, add 1/2 cup of vinegar, dish soap and a drop or two of essential oil, shake and spray on the counters.  Wonderful.
The best part, you are not filling your home with harmful chemicals. 
Vinegar is a natural antibacterial solution.  So, it is a great thing to use, a little does the job. 
Another idea that I love is to use olive oil and lemon juice for furniture polish for REAL wood.  The WOW factor is amazing.  The oil replaces the oils that are lost, the lemon is an natural antibacterial solution.  Mix it up, rub on the wood and polish with a soft cloth.  You will be amazed.
And you thought I was gonna promote a new something or other to clean with?  Nope, all natural solutions for help clean your home.  And, it only cost pennies to do it.
Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Wacky Wednesday..trying new recipes

Hello everyone!  Today has been a really wacky day.  How?  Nothing has went wrong...so far. (Knock on wood)

I found a recipe the other day for homemade cinnamon rolls and I wanted to try it today.   Right now they are about 4 minutes from going into the oven!  They already smell divine! I also found this recipe and thought I would try it tonight. I added about 4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce when I mixed the soup mix and water.  It is in the pan, marinating, waiting to be cooked later.  I think some rice and tomato slices will go wonderful with this.

We are excepting some rain and much cooler temps for tonight and tomorrow, so I'm thinking chili should be on the menu for tomorrow.  I will share that recipe next week. :)

Have a happy today!

A Time to Cook, Craft and Create: What's new Tuesday

A Time to Cook, Craft and Create: What's new Tuesday

What's new Tuesday

I took a few days off because, well, it was Halloween, and it was the weekend.  I finished my class with an A, and began another one.  So far, so good.

So, Halloween has come and gone.  I dressed up my niece for the occasion.  She wanted to be a witch.  It was really easy to do the skirt.  I followed this tutorial and just made the stripes longer and added ribbon, lace, cheese cloth, etc.  It was fun and easy to make.  For her cape, I took 1/2 yards of material, turned over the edge, made cuts about 3 inches apart, unfold and weaved in some yarn and presto, a cape.  For her makeup:  I winged it.  I did buy some green face paint, and made some black paint using shortening, corn starch and black craft paint. We used orange hair spray and ratted the heck out of her long hair.  Take a look at the transformation...she is such the drama queen.

The final look...isn't she just frightening?  She had a blast trick or treating and Aunt 'Sheld had a blast fixing her up.
Until next time.

Things we love

James suggested we do this.  Things we love:

The Holidays.  Seriously, what is not to love?  The feeling, the food, the family.  It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

 

 Living in Oklahoma, we get thunder storms all the time, even in the Winter.  We love listening to the rain, thunder, watching the lightening.  Makes for great sleeping weather.

 This is a no brainer.  What woman doesn't like, okay LOVE roses?  Before my husband and I married, he bought me a yellow rose bush and that thing smells like a rose should....wonderful.  And it continues to grow, just as our love for each other does.

 The ocean.  Some people don't like the ocean, but I personally LOVE it.  The smell, the saltiness, everything.  It changes my entire personality when I am by the ocean.  Give it a try.

 Snow, something we do not get in Oklahoma.  Not that much anyway.  So when it does snow in our area, I play in it, love it, savor it. 

Long walks on the beach.  Again, we don't live close to the beach, but it's nice to dream.

Of course, we love to hit up the yard sales, garage sales and estate sales.  Our entire wedding was created with sales and even some of it was free...once we said we were getting it for our wedding. :)

There you have it and my hubby is happy.  Things we love.  One day, I'll post more of the things we love. 

Time for crafts

My mother passed away 3 years ago.  And, my father has Alzheimer's.  Since my mother's passing, my sister's and I have taken turns hosting the holidays at our homes.  This year it's my turn.  I am providing the turkey, and everyone else will bring a side dish and/or dessert.  Knowing me like I do, I will be making more than just the turkey. :)

And, because everyone will be working on Thanksgiving, we have decided to do our day on the Saturday following Thanksgiving (better sales on food).

The husband and I were talking a few weeks ago and I want to have a "Thanksgiving Tree" as my center piece.  I went online and began searching for ideas.  Not sure I found any one that I liked, but together, with many ideas put together, I do believe I have come up with a wonderful craft idea. It's probably been done before, it's not that unique of an idea, but I like it and it's fun, and you can get the kids involved.  And, isn't that what Thanksgiving is about...family?

Go into the woods. We have woods, I call it a forest, in our back yard. Pick up some small type tree limbs.  Nothing big, more like really long twigs.  Now, you can either spray paint them a Thanksgiving/Fall color like gold, reddish-rust, dark green, or just leave them as is. 


Then, comes the fun part.  Find a Fall leaf pattern online.  There are many to choose from, just do a search for Fall Leaves patterns in your search engine, pick some that you love and print out.  You do not want them huge, as they will hang from the limbs/twigs.

Get some construction sheet paper, scrape book paper, old cards, whatever you have on hand, preferably in a fall color/theme, and trace the pattern onto the paper and cut out.  For some strange reason, I find cutting paper to be relaxing, so this is great for me.  Maybe it's the amount of concentration it takes to cut out the pattern, I'm not sure, but either way, it's fun.  And, you can get the kids involved with this, too.  Just make sure you supervise younger children when using the scissors.  

When all the leaf patterns are cut out, take a hole punch and punch a hole at the top of the leaves, and take yarn, string, or fishing line, whatever you have on hand, and make a hanger.  Stack them, or put in a pretty Thanksgiving bowl or platter and set on the table. 

Take the limbs/twigs and find a pretty vase, it can be whatever kind of vase, holiday themed, or whatever matches your theme/decor.  This is not rocket science, get creative with this.  If you want, and you have a really ugly vase, you can create a collage of Thanksgiving photos you have printed out and glue them to the vase, or put photos of you family INSIDE the vase.  It's up to you, make it personal. 

Place the twigs/limbs inside the vase.  Your limbs should have other limbs that branch off.  This is what you will hang the leaves on.

Get some marbles, small pea gravel, whatever you have on hand and place them around the limb/twigs to keep them in place.

Take the vase and place it on the platter or in the bowl, surround the vase with the leaves.

When you guest arrive, have them write on the leaves what they are thankful for and have them hang it on the tree.  After dinner, have a child or another adult read all the leaves out loud.  You just may be surprised what your guest are thankful for.

It's a little early for me to be doing this craft project, as Halloween hasn't even happened, however, when I do and I will, I will come back and post photos of the steps.

What do you like to do for Thanksgiving Center pieces?  Let me know.

Chicken, It's What's for Dinner!

So, James, my wonderful husband, comes home from work tonight.  I'm working on homework, and this blog.  Jack, our newest addition has been on me all day.  Jack is a 2 month old Dauchound.  He will NOT let me do anything without him.  So, as I was saying, James came home and I'm busy and stressed.  We do our usual talking, I read him what I have of my homework, and we begin to discuss what we are going to have for dinner the next night.  A quick look in the freezer and we decide on chicken.  End of the month, the pantry is almost bear again.  I begin to look online and find this wonderful sounding recipe,  http://www.crockpotchicken.net/crock-pot-lemon-dill-chicken.html

I have everything except the lemon zest and broth.  So, tomorrow I will go shopping at my parents pantry.  I know they have what I need there.  Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know how it turned out.

What's for Dinner, Part 2

DH was getting ready for work this afternoon.  Getting a late start on everything, I asked, "What do you want for dinner tonight?"  To which, he responded, "Whatever you want to make, babe.  You always cook so good."  So, I offered some suggestions, "Chicken soup? Beef stew? Smoothered Pork?"  "No, I think hamburger patties with brown gravy would be good. With mashed potato."
My mind began to race...everything is frozen, and we have no potato in the entire house!  Being the loving wife I am :) I said, "Sure, no problem."  After he leaves for work, I go into panic mode!  I am not sure how this will turn out, but I got the crock pot out.  Here is the recipe:

1 lbs of ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 package brown gravy mix
1 can sloppy joe mix
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Pasta, cooked according to directions on box or white or brown rice, cooked according to directions.

Throw everything in the crock pot, except rice or pasta, (I know you should brown the meat first and drain the fat off, but I didn't) and put on high.  Cook for about an hour and a half, take a potato masher (I did mash something and it IS a POTATO masher), break up meat, and stir to combine.  Replace lid and let cook for another hour or so.  Cook the pasta or rice, warm up a veggie.  When ready to eat, put rice or pasta on plate, top with meat mixture, throw the veggie on and you are set.

When it is done later, I will have pictures and let you know how this turned out.  :)

NOTE TO SELF: Do NOT wake up late and always be prepared.
PS: I promised pictures....here they are.

                                             Add your onion to the crock pot

                                          Ground beef and brown gravy mix

                                                 Can of sloppy joe mix

                                                     The finished product

What do I call it??  Well, I am open to suggestions.  Was it good? Oh yes it was!

Hush Puppies

After a year of searching, cooking, throwing out and starting over, I do believe I have found the secret to those hush puppies you get at the catfish place. I'm not sure if it was sheer determination or what, but I played with different recipes and this is what I have.

2 cups of Sunflower White Self-Rising Cornbread Mix (any cornbread mix will work, this is just what I had)

1 tablespoon corn startch

2 tablespoons water

1 med. size onion minced

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 can of sweentened condensed milk

3 tablespoons water (this is approximate)

Put 2 cups of cornbread mix in a bowl.  Add your onion and garlic.  In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstartch and water, add to the cornbread mix.  Add the milk and mix.  Add the water, one teaspoon at a time until it is just mixed.  The batter will be very, very thick.  Heat oil or shortening in a pot. Keep the heat at a med-low temp. Add the batter. I use a cookie scoop.  Make sure the balls are small, they expand when they cook.  If you cook them at a high heat, the outside will get done before the inside. So keeping the temperature low will, yes, take longer, but they will get done on the inside.

That's it.  Nothing fancy, but oh they are so good.  I plan on cooking up another batch in the near future and I will add photos.  My camera is dead right now. :(

Happy cooking! 

Beans and more beans

I love pinto beans.  They, however, do not love me.  I have been on a quest for many years to figure out how to cook pinto beans and not have them come back on me. I have asked everyone, researched recipes and I think I have found the method.

So, take your beans.  Pick through them, as usual.  Put them in cold water and let soak over night.

Get some ham hock (makes the beans taste so much better than bacon, or salt meat) and put in a pot with water, onion and minced garlic.  Put on the stove and boil for 30 minutes.  Put this, meat, pot and all in the fridge over night.

When you are ready to begin cooking the beans, rinse and place in a slow cooker, add the ham hock with the water.  DO NOT DRAIN THIS WATER.  Add enough water to cover the beans and the ham hock.  Set on high and cook for 8 hours or low for 12.  Half way through, add salt, pepper to taste.

When the beans are done, pour into a large pot and place on the stove.  Boil the beans, ham hock, onions and garlic until the beans begin to thicken.  Turn the beans to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally until as thick as you like.

This is the way I have made beans the last 3 times and let me tell you, they are to DIE for!  My husband is the gasiest person I know and they have no effect on him...or me....or anyone else that had tried them.

Have fun and enjoy!

The Mexican Casserole

Well, the Mexican casserole turned into the worst nightmare EVER!  What I did:
One box of Mexican Rice mix: cook according to directions on the box
1 pound of hamburger meat
1 onion diced
Cook rice mix according to the directions on the box.  Brown the ground beef with the diced onion, drain.  When rice is done, mix in the ground beef, top with about 2 cups of Mexican cheese blend, place in oven at 350 till cheese is melted. 
Pretty simple and tasty.  The problem?  The hamburger meat, the entire package was BAD!  I ended up sick for 2 days as did my husband and son. :(  We had to throw away 4 lbs of hamburger and notify the store where we bought it.  I thought I was gonna die before it was all over with. 
So, tonight, we are having.....wait for it....CHICKEN!
Baked chicken...simple.  Salt and pepper, a little bit of garlic and some onion powder and cook in a 350 oven till done. 
Good luck.

Homemade vs. Convience

In my last blog, I admitted that I am poor.  And, I am...to a  point.  Today just happens to be my 2nd wedding anniversary.  My husband and I didn't do a lot this weekend.  Okay, we did. We went food shopping Saturday...that took 4 hours, because I wanted to make sure we would NOT run outta food before the end of the month.  I think I did fairly good.  I spent 169.00 and almost could not fit it all in the car. My pantry is stocked, my freezer is full.  I'm happy...but still poor.  When we got home and got the food divided and put away, we began the task of moving rooms.  We moved our bedroom out of the living room, and the living room back where it belongs.  WHY I thought (originally) having the bedroom in the living room was a good idea, I have no clue.  Everyone, including my, hated it.  It took all afternoon, but it is done.  In the process, though, I had to stop.  I have a home that is paid for,  car that is paid for.  I have a wonderful husband and great children.  I'm in college, getting that long awaited degree, I have food, water, electric, gas, a TV, a shelf full of movies, both great and horrible.  Am I really that poor?  No, I'm not.  I'm a mom, wife, daughter, aunt, sister trying to make it day by day, but that does not make me poor.  Yes, we're behind on bills, yes, we struggle, but who doesn't in today's economy?
I made homemade chicken stock and froze it for future uses such as chicken soup, casseroles, chicken and dumpling, etc. I made a huge pot of pinto beans with ham hock and a huge pan of homemade cornbread.  I even got adventurous and made 2 loaves of homemade bread!  I must say that I was not impressed with the bread.  I will have to do more research on that one.
However, today is special.  As I said, it's my wedding anniversary.  My husband has to work tonight and won't be home till 10:30 pm.  :(  I was wondering to myself, what can I make that is fast, easy and tastes great?  Mexican casserole?  Meat loaf?  Salisbury steak?  Do I use a box of Mexican rice mix with the casserole or go homemade?  The truth of the matter is that homemade food taste better, looks better and is better for you.  Yet, sometimes you just have to go with convenience.  So, for today, I will set aside the homemade version and go with boxed items for dinner tonight.  I will let you know what I make, how I made it and if it is worth it or not.

Okay, I admit it, I"M POOR!

This month has been sheer HELL!  For some insane reason, we got behind on our bills and man, it's been insane trying to catch up.  We totally ran out of food (even though we get SNAP, it just doesn't go that far).  So, we had 60.00 to spend.  The question was, buy food, medication, or pay a bill.  We were hungry, so food won out.  I went over by 7.00, not bad, but when you don't have it, it hurts. Thus, I began my research on HOW we, a family of 3 could cut our budget.  There is a wealth of information out there, from how to get 3 meals out of a pound of hamburger to making your own homemade clearner. 
So, to the supermarket we went.  I had 2 package of polish sausage, a pound of hamburger and 3 pork chops.  No veggies at all and only one box each of instant potatos, rice and pasta. One can of black beans and some tomato sauce and diced tomatoe. Half a box of speghetti noodles and one box in powered milk.   I bought a 10 lbs bag of chicken legs and thigh, a pound of pinto beans, a package of ham hocks, eggs, bread, milk, flour tortilla, coffee( I HAVE to have that) and a few other items.

We broke the chicken down into 2 legs and thighs each and put them in the freezer.  I took the package of hamburger meat, divided it into thirds.  I made mini meat loaves out of one of the 1/3, taco meat from the other and just seasoned the other 1/3 with salt, pepper, onion and garlic.  Froze them in freezer bags.  Saturday night, I made chicken and dumplings, homemade chicken and dumplings, and we had enough for supper the next day.  Today, I am making the pinto beans.  I am cooking the entire bag with 2 ham hocks, onion, garlic, a littel shake or two of chili powder.  I will take the left over beans, the taco meat and we will have burritos tomorrow night.

As for the homemade cleaner??  Cream of Tarter gets rust stains off the tub, sink, ect.  White vinager, water and some essential oils makes a great all purpose cleaner (and NO, you do not smell the vinager). 
Hopefull, our financial situation will improve.  If NOT, then, I have learned how to make my own clearners, and make our food strecth to crying "Uncle"  and no, we are not starving, conterary to what my 16 year old son says. :)

What's for DINNER????

What's for dinner?  How many times have we all heard that?  Busy lives, stresses, no reason to not have a nutritious meal on the table for all to enjoy. 
This week I will begin posting healthy and not-so-healthy dinners but that are easy and fairly stress free.

For today, Monday, I was at a loss for what to prepare for dinner.  We were up pretty much the entire night with my sister and the EMT's. I have yet to sleep.  So, as I was having my coffee this morning, I began to wonder what would be a good healthy dinner option. 
I'm not one to "plan" a weeks worth of meals. I buy the majority of our food one time a month.  Most days, I just throw stuff together and call it done.  And, it's good, to boot.   Prowling through the freezer I spot some chicken legs and thighs.  "Hummm," I wonder.  I carry the chicken to the pantry and rummage through it and decide BBQ chicken sounds pretty yummy. 
Now, here is where you will need a crock pot/slow cooker.  I do the majority of my cooking in my slow cooker just because I don't like to use my gas stove. It heats up the house...and makes my electric bill high.
This is about as easy as it gets, folks.  Take your chicken, put it in the slow cooker. (I know you are NOT suppose to put frozen food in the slow cooker and normally I do not, but....). Slice up one yellow or white onion.  Throw it in.  Add salt, or sea salt, pepper and garlic POWDER to taste.  Add about 1/4 cup of water and a bottle of BBQ sauce.  Pop the lid on, set to high.  Cook for about 1 1/2 hours on high, then turn down to low and finish cooking, about another 2-3 hours.  YOU DO  NOT NEED TO ADD A LOT OF WATER.  THE SLOW COOKER MAKES IT'S OWN WATER!!!
For a side dish, mashed potatoes, pea salad, macaroni salad, garden salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, anything you like with BBQ.  I will post pictures later of the chicken.  :)
Enjoy and relax!