Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

{ Yarn Along }

2012-02-01T09:27:00.001-07:00

I love Wednesdays, not only because they mean the middle of the week for me and closer to the weekend, but because it means Yarn Along and I can share with you what I've made or what I'm currently working on.

Don't forget to head over to Ginny's blog to join in or to see what she's working on :)

So before I show you what I'm working on now, let me give you a little Ta-Dah moment with my Daisy Square Pillow. It turned out amazing, I'm SO happy with it :)

*sigh* it was so simple to make and I can't get over how adorable it looks, it just makes me so happy when I look at it :)

So there you have it, all finished and placed next to my other crochet pillow, the Blooming Flower :)

But now onto today's Yarn Along.

Following in Lucy's footsteps, I am crocheting a cover for an empty tissue box which is going to be turned into a holder for my Basil pot. :) I have a couple other boxes around that I'm going to do the same for with different color combinations and they will all be placed on my windowsill with my herbs.

As for what I'm currently reading, after my Kindle went Kapoot the other day :( and while I wait to get a new one, I'm enjoying looking through some of my older books, like this one called A Garden Supper Tonight.

I think what I love the most about this book is that it's divided into months and Seasons. Most of the recipes shared have been printed as they were found or either passed down from generation to generation, so you'll see a lot of pinch of this, and a handful of that. I LOVE it, it's how I learned how to cook, there was no measuring just eyeballing :)

So that's what I'm reading and that is what I'm crocheting :)

{ Period Drama List }

2012-01-30T18:44:00.021-07:00

Over the years I can say that I have watched hundreds of Period Drama series and movies and I thought that it would be a good idea to have a running list of what I've watched or am watching, just to see all the great shows :)

Titles in Red are the ones that I have not watched yet or am currently watching. As I finish, I will edit.....also as I find new ones to watch or remember other ones, I'll add to the list.

Titles in Blue are upcoming series or movies, as always I will let you know when they premiere and if there is a way to watch I will give you the links.

You can easily find this list up on the linkbar anytime you visit :)

#

1066 The Battle for Middle Earth

A
The Age of Innocence
Amadeus
Amazing Grace
Amistad
Anne of Green Gables
Aristocrats
A Little Princess
Angel
A house divided
Adam and Bede
Anne of Avonlea
Atonement
Anna Karenina (2012)

B
The Barchester Chronicles
Becoming Jane
Berkeley Square
Bertie and Elizabeth
Bright Star
Buccaneers
Bramwell (currently watching)

Birdsong (currently watching)

Basil

C
Christy
Cranford

Call the Midwife (currently watching)

Casualty 1900's
Catherine Cookson "The Moth"
Catherine Cookson "Fifteen Streets"
Catherine Cookson "The Glass Virgin"
Catherine Cookson "Tilly Trotter"

Camille

Creation

D
Daniel Deronda
Downton Abbey
Dr Quinn Medicine Woman
Dombey and Son
Dolley Madison (haven't finished watching)

E
Elizabeth
Elizabeth "The Golden Age"
Emma (all versions)
Ever After

F
Falling for a Dancer
Finding Neverland

Forsyte Saga

Foyle's War

Far from the Madding Crowd

G
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Golden Bowl
Gone with the Wind
Gosford Park
Glorious 39
Great Expectations 2011

H
He knew he was right
Howards End

I

Iron Jawed Angels

J
Jane Eyre (all versions)
John Adams
Julian Fellowes Titanic (2012)
J. Edgar (in theatres now)

K

L
Ladies in Lavender
Lark Rise to Candleford
Little Dorrit
Little Women
Lost in Austen
Love Comes Softly (all the movies)
Love in a cold climate
Love on the Land
Lillie
Little House on the Prairie
Little Men
Lorna Doone

M
Madame Bovary
Mansfield Park (all versions)
Marie Antoinette
Middle March
Miss Austen Regrets
Mrs Brown
Meek's Cutoff
Miss Potter
Moll Flanders
Mozart's Sister (playing in select theatres)

N
Nicholas Nickelby
North & South
Northanger Abbey

O
Our Mutual Friend
Onegin

P
Plain Jane
Persuasion (all versions)
Pride and Prejudice (all versions)
Princess Bride

Q

R
Railway Children
Random Passage
Road to Avonlea
Return to Cranford
Remains of the Day
Restless (2012)

S
Scarlet Pimpernel
Sarah Plain and Tall
Sense and Sensibility (all versions)
Shakespeare in Love
Sommersby
South Solitary
Seasons of the heart
Summer in February (coming later this year)

T
The Lost Prince
The Mission
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Patriot
The Secret Garden
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Tess of the D' Urbervilles
Tristan and Isolde
Tuck Everlasting
The Duchess of Duke Street
Tess
The Blue and the Gray
The Governess
The Mill on the Floss
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
The Return of the Native
The Secret Life of Mrs Beeton
The Cazalets
The Old Curiosity Shop
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher
The Crimson Petal and the White
The Abduction Club
The Eagle
The Hour
The Pillars of the Earth
The Duchess
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2012)
The Great Gatsby (2012)

U
Under the Greenwood Tree
Upstairs Downstairs

V
Victoria and Albert

W
Wind at my back (just started season 1)
Wives and Daughters
War Horse
Wuthering Heights 2011)

War of the Roses (adapted from The Cousin's War by Phillipa Gregory, coming 2013)

Whittington Manor (2012)

X

Y
Young Victoria
Young Herriot
Young Catherine

Because I am dying for Spring

2012-01-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

I think it's my favorite season of the year and I can't wait for it to start, matter of fact here in Arizona I already have a lot of flowers coming in, makes me so happy :)

So, new template for Spring! Hope it makes some of you smile because I know that there are a lot of you out there still suffering with crazy amounts of snow. :)

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #5 }

2012-01-30T08:35:00.001-07:00

I am moving super slow today, I have whatever my dear husband had and it's really knocking me on my behind, feels like I have a knife stuck in my throat and my sinus is killing me too. BLECH!

Anyway, here is today's HHM :)

If you want to save and use the new button, just click here.

The weather:::

45 degrees and sunny. Last week he had highs of 75 and it got quite warm around here.

On my reading pile:::
The Little Housekeeping book for the little girl
Haven't been able to finish it or read anything else since my Kindle is broken :( It's not even a month old and it came up with the Needs Repair Error, after talking to Amazon I was told that it's defective and needs to be replaced.....sooooo, hubby says forget it, come pay day he will just buy me the Kindle Fire. Yay!

On my TV:::

Call the Midwife Episode 3
Birdsong Episode 2
Also have Anonymous to watch :)

On the menu for this week:::

I only have two days planned as I'm working on the Menu/Grocery List for the next two weeks. Wednesday is grocery shopping day so I'll have a full Menu for you next Happy Homemaker Monday :)

Monday - Spaghetti
Tuesday - Crockpot Steak Soft Tacos
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::

Sewing today
Finishing up my Crochet pillow
Grocery Shopping on Wednesday
Lola has another appointment on Thursday to see how she's doing

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Finishing up my Daisy Square pillow, decided to make a felt back for it.
Some more sewing today, not sure what yet.

In Homeschooling:::

Jasmine is doing a research report on Fast Food and the progress it's made, whether it's been good or bad. In Science she'll be studying food particle sizes and if those affect the rate at which they are digested :)
Nicholas is still working on fractions in Math and simplified fractions....and for Social Studies we'll be learning about the first English settlement in the United States.

Looking around the house:::

My coffee machine is noisily working behind me. My door to the back yard is open for the dogs to go out and I hear birds chirping and some kids talking on their way to school. I have my sewing machine on the kitchen table waiting for me to work on today and I also have a pile of dishes in the sink waiting to be washed.

From the camera:::

I love this shelf in my kitchen :)

Something fun to share:::

You all know how much I love Period Dramas right? Well there is a Tumblr account online that is devoted to posting high quality pictures of Period films etc. I could just sit there and look through it all day :)

On my prayer list:::

My sweet friend Jen's mom.
My family

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 150:6

{ Friday Favorites - #4 }

2012-01-27T08:30:00.001-07:00

These crochet doilies are ones which I brought with me from South Africa when I got married. I actually started collecting them when I was a teenager because I wanted to have as many as my stepmother did. I just loved how she had them all over the home, in corners here and there.

I've talked about how my greatgrandmother was a big influence on my cooking, how my grandmother was a big influence on my sewing, but the one woman who was the biggest influence in homemaking and everything that went into it, was my stepmom Nela. :)

She is the reason I Menu Plan, she is the reason my grocery lists still look like a carbon copy of hers, she's the reason I know how to do paperwork, how to make a budget, how to pay bills, how to take care of a home and what to clean and when.
I truly have been blessed to have been raised among strong amazing women.

Everytime I walk by one of these doilies I think of her, and I think of home and as much as it hurts that I'm so far from everyone, it does help in a way, it makes me feel just a little closer.

I know many people don't particularly like doilies, they find them old fashioned, but for me, they give a personal touch, they really do say "Home Sweet Home".

Some days

2012-01-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have a sick husband at home. He started feeling like he was coming down with a cold yesterday and by bedtime he was burning up with a fever, had body aches and was just plain miserable.

Unfortunately being military, he can't just call in and say "hey I'm not well, I won't be there today".....unless he wants the SP's knocking at the door. HA!

So early this morning, I got up with him at 5am, made him some coffee, fixed his lunch, gave him some medicine and sent him off to work. It broke my heart to see him walk out the door when all I wanted was for him to climb back into bed and rest.

I then cleaned up after his lunch making, made myself a cup of coffee and started the laundry....by then I did start feeling a little peckish so, I decided to make some Cinnamon Roll Toast for breakfast. If you've never tried it, you don't know what you're missing, it's quick to put together and really does taste like a Cinnamon Roll.

Within minutes the kids were up and in the kitchen asking what was smelling so good :) That's a sure way to get them out of bed right?

I set about my homemaking and around 9:30 am, my hubby comes walking in the door. He looked so sick, I'm glad he was able to come home and get some much needed rest, I don't know what good he could have been at work while running a fever.

That of course set me into mommy mode and making sure that he was well taken care of. First up a nice hot cup of tea with honey and lemon....

some cold meds and as soon as he was on the couch relaxing I set about making some chicken soup. His favorite? Chicken, bacon and rice. It is SO yummy and sure to knock out whatever bug is ailing him.

While that was simmering on the stove, I had my bread machine going, making some more of the bread bowl dough. The family love it so much and yesterday requested that I make more, lots more because they don't want to share LOL

Unfortunately for me, I have not only the sick hubby, but a little 8 year old who has been sniffling since yesterday, he hasn't gotten sick yet but was complaining that his head hurt, so homeschooling was set aside today in order for all the sickies in the house to get well :)

That gave mommy some spare time to work on my new Daisy Square Pillow. I am loving it so much.

I kind of stepped out of my comfort zone a bit, I'm using colors I don't usually go for, if you've seen my projects I tend to stick with colors that are very close to Cath Kidston's....but I'm so glad I picked these, they work wonderfully together.

I decided to go with two tones of purple and then do a white border on each....really makes them pop doesn't it?

And since this has been a soup kinda day, hubby requested Clam Chowder for dinner, so that's what I made. The recipe I tried had quite a bit of bacon and as much as I love bacon, I just felt that it was a bit too much, it almost completely hid the clam flavor. But, it was delicious, oh my. Next time though, less bacon, or none altogether :)

By the way, both the recipes for the bread and the clam chowder are on the food blog. :)

And now, I have to go apply some more ointment to Lola's eye. It looks so much better, it's almost completely healed but not quite, we have another appointment tomorrow and we've already prepared ourselves to hear that it's not healed and she has to be referred to the Ophthalmologist. *sigh*

Honestly though, it's only been a week and half and she fights us so much that I feel she's not getting as much of the ointment in there as she should, so obviously it will take longer to heal. Finger crossed for the appointment tomorrow.

Time for this mama to go take care of her animal baby, her human baby and her human hubby and then take herself to bed with a good book. Hope you all have a great night, and don't forget tomorrow we have the Friday Favorites, would love to see something special that you have :)

{ Cooking Thursday }

2012-01-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone :)

So today for our Cooking Thursday, I'm bringing you one of my favorites and also something that takes me back to my childhood in South Africa. Best street food ever....Bunny Chow!

If you want to use the picture, just click here for the original.

Homemade Bread Bowls

1/2 cup water (70 to 80 degrees F)
1 cup warm milk (70 to 80 degrees F)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

In bread machine pan, place the first seven ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into six portions; shape into balls. Place on greased baking sheets.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on wire racks.

To make bowl, cut the top fourth off of bread; carefully hollow out bottom of each, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use).

I’m keeping mine to make some homemade bread crumbs as I’m running pretty low

Now for the filling, you can find a gazillion different versions out there, it really depends on what you like….but this is how I made mine tonight, just kept it very simple but it was still really good

Bunny Chow Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 small tomatoes, finely diced
chopped garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons curry powder

In a skillet, add a little bit of olive oil and the garlic, cook for a minute or so, don’t let the garlic burn though. Add the ground beef and cook until brown. Add the onion and tomatoes, salt and pepper and curry powder. At this point I like to add a little bit of water, not much but enough to give it a little bit of gravy and not allow it to dry up.

Cook for about 15 minutes for the flavors to combine well. Check frequently and stir, also remember to keep adding a little bit of water at a time, you want to end with a nice consistency and definitely a bit of gravy in there, just don’t add too much, you don’t want it soupy.

I know I’m horrible at writing recipes, I am such a visual and do-er person that writing it down is hard for me.

Once done, scoop into the bread bowls and serve immediately

{ Yarn Along }

2012-01-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Another Wednesday, another Yarn Along.

Don't know about you all, but these days seem to just be flying by, goodness.

Anyway, here is what I've been working on, since finishing my crochet hook case, I've started a Daisy Square Pillow, following this pattern. I've seen different ones out there where the petals are much longer, but I like this one better :)

If you look at my kitchen table right now, this is what you'll see.....my crochet bag, my Kindle and my project :)

I made all these last night right before bed, they come together really fast and the pattern is very easy.

Loving the Daisy Squares, the pillow is not going to be very big, I'm thinking about 16 squares of these Daisies should suffice.

Should have them all done today :)

As for what I'm reading, I'm really enjoying A Little Household Book for a Little Girl. It's really sweet and you learn a lot about housekeeping in the 1800's, lots of cute little tips that I plan on using myself.

I'm also thinking of putting together a similar little book for my daughter who is almost 13 years old, but changing it up a bit to fit into our day and age. Just think it would be a cute book for her to learn housekeeping :)

That's what I'm working on. Now I'm going on over to Ginny's blog to add my entry to the list and see what others are making :)

{ Building birdhouses }

2012-01-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

You haven't seen joy on a child's face, until you tell them that you are going to spend the day building something together.

Truthfully, our children are actually pretty easy to please, they don't really want very expensive outings or special days at out of this world places. They want our time, they want our attention and they are happy just doing something as a family.

This past weekend we decided to join homeschooling with fun for the family, by building birdhouses. It was part of the Home Life lesson but it was fun to do because they not only learned about birds, they learned about the different tools, they learned about wood and from that the conversation switched to how wood is made and where it comes from, which then led into a lesson on the environment and cutting down trees and what happens when we do and how that affects us etc.

With one simple theme....Birds, you can open up a whole broader spectrum.

So let me show you what we did.

First we started with some very simple Bird House directions, nothing fancy and since the kids were building them themselves it had to be easy.

They measured and they drew the templates, or helped in some cases.

Dad did all the cutting of the wood, that is one thing they wanted to get their hands on, but they are way too young to be handling power tools and not to mention the fact that I think I would have been so scared the whole time.

Always practicing safety.

Starting to come together. Watching their faces as they build something themselves is for me, one of the best parts of doing this as a family.

And then the hammers were brought out and of course for THEM that was the best part.

The look of determination

Dad went through the rules, the safety, the how to's and then let them go for it.

Nicholas got to practice his Fractions as well, which is something he is doing right now in school. He thought it was really cool that fractions are written on tools.

Here he is sanding down the opening for the birds....his birdhouse is looking mighty good for having been built by an 8 year old :)

And here's the girly. This child of mine makes me laugh, she was out there in shorts, a hoodie and black boots LOL I just started laughing but she was all "I'm comfortable, leave me alone" LOL

I can happily report that no fingers were harmed in the making of the bird houses. Well except daddy's, Nic accidentally whacked his thumb LOL

The birdhouses are now waiting to be painted, we need a few moments to do that but during the week it's kind of impossible between the homeschooling and all the other running around.

So, they will be painted and finished this weekend and then hung up for the birdies to enjoy. I'll share more pics once those are up.

After a morning of hammering and cutting and measuring, we came inside for a quick lunch, the kid's request. Nachos, a lettuce/pepperoni/cheese sandwich and some fruit salad. :)

Honestly, I have to tell you again that the kids had such a blast doing this project and are now looking forward to more.

Next on our Home Life course though is Herb Gardening, so we'll be starting on those shortly.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #4 }

2012-01-23T08:35:00.003-07:00

I'm such a ditz, I totally forgot to tell you all that I added an extra category for the homeschooling families :) Sorry about that, it should be right after the category about creating/sewing etc :)

If you want to save and use the new button, just click here.

The weather:::

37 degrees right now, I'm actually feeling cold, but instead of complaining I'm going to embrace it and enjoy it because pretty soon we'll be back to triple digits.

On my reading pile:::
The Little Housekeeping book for the little girl (loving this one)
Also have all the other ones I shared with you and am looking forward to reading those.

On my TV:::

Call the Midwife Episode 2
Also, Birdsong which premiered yesterday on BBC. Wonderful series based on the novel by Sebastian Faulk's. They take place during WWII.

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Creamy Oven Chicken, Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday - Shepherds Pie
Wednesday - Fettucine Alfredo, Garlic Bread, Salad
Thursday - Garlic Herb Fish Fillets with Potato Salad
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Onion Burgers, Curly Fries
Sunday - Homemade Clam Chowder

On my to do list:::

Homeschooling
Iron and put away last load of laundry
Take Lola back to the vet for a follow up appointment

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Starting a new crochet pillow :)

In Homeschooling:::

Jasmine is learning about diseases in Health, for Social Studies she worked on a pamphlet highlighting a natural resource that both Canada and the US share, she picked Uranium :)
Nicholas is learning about different soils in Science and Math has us revisiting Fractions.

Looking around the house:::

Lola is laying on the couch licking the air (true story lol), Jasmine is still fast asleep and Nicholas is playing with the turtle. It's kinda dark in here this morning, I'm wondering if it's going to be cloudy again. Through my kitchen window I can see the birds flying in and out of the feeder :)

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::

One of the greatest things we love about homeschooling is learning any day, whether it's a week day or a weekend and no matter where we are. Yesterday we all built birdhouses, the kids were so excited, they got to make their own and they're not perfect of course, but it doesn't matter because they learned about birds, they learned about wood, they learned about tools and they were able to put those into practice. I'm doing a post later to show you the pics :) It was a lot of fun for us all, so just remember that spending time with your family doesn't have to mean going out and spending money :)

On my prayer list:::

Our little Lola, her eye is doing SO much better but it's still not 100%. I pray that it continues to improve and hopefully heal completely.

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

{ Five Senses Saturday }

2012-01-21T16:21:00.001-07:00

It's a quiet relaxing Saturday, just the perfect setting to really hone in on my senses and jot down what is going on around me.

::Hear::

Credit: Richard Scarry

- The washer running, I think the load is unbalanced because it's clunking loud
- Crunching of chips as hubby and son munch on some nachos
- Disney channel on the TV
- Nerina Pallot "This will be our year" playing on my Spotify
- Curt and Jasmine talking about time, does it exist, does it not, the universe etc.

::See::

- My placemats hanging on the kitchen bench, drying
- My Kindle charging next to my laptop
- My nail polish sitting on the counter, I couldn't find it earlier, just did
- Lola resting on the couch
- Jasmine sitting at the dining table, drawing

::touch::

- the candle I shared with you yesterday
- the eye ointment that we have to apply to Lola's eye
- soft bread dough as I knead it
- cold, wet laundry as I move it from the washer to the dryer
- the softness of my mink blanket on the bed

::taste::

- Almond and Orange Tart...it took me back to Portugal
- Roast beef, caramelized onions and horseradish sliders
- ice cold water with a wedge of lemon
- nachos we had for lunch
- orange chicken and rice

::smell::

- orange rind
- honeysuckle body wash from Cath Kidston
- someone grilling food in the neighborhood
- onions as I chopped them for the nachos
- laundry detergent loaded into the washer

Housekeeping, Cooking, Sewing

2012-01-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

I've often said that I love books of all genres, but I can't help but find myself drawn to housekeeping books written in the 1800's or early 1900's.

When I got my Kindle a few weeks ago, as all new Kindle owners do, I searched the internet and download a bunch of free books, pretty much anything I could get my hands on. But as the time has gone by I've started removing some and being kind of picky with what I download, and it's not even something I'm doing consciously when I'm looking for new books, I just find that when I go into my Kindle, I'm starting to notice a pattern.

Yep, lots of cute books on homemaking and sewing and all sorts of things like that, but they're not just manuals on these subjects, they include stories and cute little snippets here and there.

So, I thought it would be fun to share those links with you, in case any of my readers are drawn to the same kind of books and would like them for their Kindle OR to read online.

A Little Housekeeping Book for a Little Girl (just select the kind of download you want from the list)

A Little Cookbook for a Little Girl

A Little Sewing Book for a Little Girl

A Little Candy Book for a Little Girl

A Little Preserving Book for a Little Girl (read online or download PDF or epub file, on the right side of the page under the little gear icon)

Saturday Mornings - a little girl's experiments and discoveries, or How Margaret learned to keep house

Sewing - (scroll down to bottom to download)

Little Lessons for Little Housekeepers

Daily Living

a manual designed to simplify the work of the housekeeper; being a practical cook book adapted to families of moderate and small means, introducing food principles, marketing, cooking and serving ... furnishing menus and recipes for 365 consecutive days
by Nellie E. Ewart ...published 1908

Nellie's Housekeeping

Daisy's Work

Violet's Idol

Rosalie's Pet

If you enjoy Joanna Mathews, you can follow this link to see many more of her series. I plan on downloading all the Bessie ones too, actually, I plan on downloading every single one I can get my hands on.....I may be a grown women but these are still my favorite kind of books to read :)

To get you started with some, check out Joanna Hooe Mathews page on Open Library, there's quite a few there to download :)

Little House on the Prairie (you KNOW I had to go there lol)

Mrs Beeton's Household Management

These are just a few to get your started, as I find more, I will share with you. Again, these books are ones that I find interesting and have been downloading to my Kindle, they are merely suggestions :)

{ Friday Favorites - #3 }

2012-01-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

I love candles. All shapes and sizes, colors, scents etc. I use them almost daily whether to release a wonderful scent through the house or just to give it a beautiful glow, but you'll always find a bunch sitting around.

Something else I love is the Renaissance Fair that we go to every year, so last year while walking around and looking at all the little stalls/shops, we came across a candlemaker. I usually get candles from the Fair but they are from another little store, this one....oh my.

These were all hand crafted candles and at first I thought, there is NO way that is a candle, just no way.

Let me show you the stunning candle I picked up, I have burned it ONCE that's it, but I think I'll pick up another when we go back next month :)

I honestly thought it was a plastic container FOR the candle, I didn't know that it was the candle itself.

The intricate design was definitely one of the most eye catching I've seen, and to think that it was all done by hand

As you can see, I've burned it but once, I just didn't want to see it all burn down, but that was also when I thought we would be out of this base this year and not able to return and get another candle.....hopefully the candle maker is still there so I can get at least one more :)

Beautiful handcrafted candle. I just can't wrap my mind around the amount of work it took to get it made, it looks so perfect doesn't it?

So anyway, that is one of my favorite things to share with you this Friday. Can't wait to see what you all have to share too :)

{ Cooking Thursday }

2012-01-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

If you want to use the picture, just click here for the original.

Just made these the other night, they were a huge hit :) This recipe comes from Deep South Dish :)

Roast Beef, Caramelized Onions and Horseradish Sliders

3 to 4 pound beef chuck roast (or other braising roast)
1 cup of water
One envelope of dry onion soup mix
One envelope of dry Italian dressing mix
One envelope of dry brown gravy mix
1 (8 ounce) jar of Pace Original Mild Picante Sauce

Instructions
Whisk together the water with ingredients from all 3 of the envelopes. Pour about 1/4 cup of the liquid on the bottom of the crockpot, place the roast on top. Don’t be tempted to season the roast. There is plenty of salt and other seasonings in these envelopes.

Pour the remaining liquid mixture all over the top and all around the roast. Pour the jar of picante sauce on top of the roast, cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high 4 to 5 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter the insides of dinner rolls and toast, butter side down, on a baking sheet in the oven just until warmed through and browned on the bottoms. Meanwhile in a skillet, caramelize a sliced onion in a tablespoon of canola oil and one tablespoon of butter. (I omitted both and just used my non stick pan, I didn’t want the extra fat)

Use a fork to shred the meat. Place a scoop of beef on the bottom half of dinner rolls, then top with caramelized onion, and some finely shredded Swiss cheese.

All I did after this step, was to add a little horseradish sauce and then put the tops back on and popped the sliders into the oven just to melt the cheese.

{ Yarn Along }

2012-01-18T19:31:00.002-07:00

What a day it's been for me. Our little pug Lola seems to have hurt her eye somehow, we are not sure what happened because we didn't see her hit it anywhere or anything hit it, but she now has a Corneal Ulcer.

It is so heartbreaking, I don't care what anyone says, if you have pets and you love them as much as we do ours, you understand that they become a part of the family, they are like your children, so seeing any of them in pain or uncomfortable is just heart wrenching.

She's been to the vet, she is now on medicated eye ointment and has to be seen again in 7 days, the vet feels that by then it should be healed. So I'm praying and hoping and asking YOU to please pray too that her eye heals, I know it may seem like a weird request, but we love this little one so much :)

But on to today's Yarn Along, which is going up really late, but hey, better late than never right?

I finished the Crochet Hook Case but the first one was a bit of a mess, like I said last week, the pattern was a little hard to follow so the first try was trial and error.

I decided to make another one and this time it went by a lot faster and a lot smoother.

Didn't really know if these 3 colors would work well, but figured I would just give it a try anyway and I'm glad I did, I like them :)

The vintage buttons I got from Cath Kidston seemed like the perfect accessory for this little case

As for what I'm reading, well nothing, finished my last book and am trying to decide what to read.

So, that's what I've been working on, what have you been making?

{ In which she taught me to sew..... }

2012-01-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

There are moments that are forever etched in your mind, no matter how young you may have been there just seem to be certain pockets in time that you remember as vividly as if you had just experienced them.

For me, there have been quite a few along my life but I think one of the most vivid ones, are the ones spent either with my greatgrandma in the kitchen or my grandma in her sewing room and later, sewing shop.

My grandmother Odete is this beautiful woman with the prettiest green eyes and dark hair.

She has been sewing what seems like forever. You see, she's a Seamstress and for many years I sat at her feet, or at her side and watched every move she made, listened, learned and applied.

The photo above was taken I think, shortly after she married my grandfather, matter of fact you can see his photo in her necklace :)

The reason I'm bringing this up, aside from the fact that I love reminiscing and looking at old photographs, is because I was recently asked where I learned how to sew, and the credit all goes to this amazing woman.

She used to make the most amazing wedding dresses, intricate designs, tiny little pearls and small little decorative stitches, and she did this by hand.

I used to sit and watch her hands as she worked, they seemed to have a rhythm all their own, it's like the minute they connected with the fabric they move at their own pace, she would talk, she would laugh, she would listen to music and she would ask me about my current crush, or school work or what I wanted to do in the future, and all while sewing.

I remember many times going straight to her shop after school, I would have a sandwich and something to drink and then I would sit with her, she started off by giving me the job I most detested and I did tell her that I didn't want to do it, but she told me if I wanted to learn how to sew I would learn every single part of it, not just the fun........so when something needed to be pulled apart, there I was.

 As ye sew, so shall ye rip.  ~Author Unknown

Then I guess I was promoted, I started helping with minor alterations, ladies would come in with dresses to be taken in, skirts to be hemmed, pants to be taken out etc. That was my job and it's one I took very seriously, I was determined to get it right.

But for me the moment came when she sat me at her Serger and said "alright go for it" and my hands literally shook as I very slowly plodded along, in a very zig zaggy kinda line because I couldn't even keep it straight, I was terrified and kept telling her that the fact that it was sewing AND cutting away the fabric was freaking me out because if I made a mistake it was ruined. She just laughed....she knew better.

She had this amazing faith in me that I couldn't even see for myself.

When I was about 20, I got a job at the local mall, I was working for Singer and one of my tasks was to teach a weekly group of ladies how to sew. They would bring in their machines and I taught them everything from threading to changing the footer, to what it did and even sewing small projects. For that though, I had to take a 2 week course, I could have gone by myself but I chose to take my grandma with me.

 I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

It was such an amazing time, we went every day, got to sit around with another 30 or so young girls and their moms etc, learn a bunch of sewing skills, eat lunch and just have fun. I loved it.

I am by no way an expert, I still struggle and when I stumble along I pick up the phone and ask my grandma, because you know even though she's 87 years old now, she still sews and she still knows her business well. She laughs at me when I make idiotic mistakes, or rather, we laugh together.

I will forever hold these precious memories in my heart.

So, if you're thinking of learning how to sew, I can tell you that it really is one of those skills that is not hard to learn at all, it's something that you will use for years and years to come and it's something that you're never too old to learn.

May your bobbin always be full!  ~Author Unknown

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #3 }

2012-01-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well good morning everyone, hope you are all having a good long weekend :)

If you want to save and use the new button, just click here.

The weather:::
It's been cloudy for the past 3 days, and it seems that it rained last night, woke up to wet ground all around. Just wish it had rained during the day so I could see it LOL

On my reading pile:::
I'm actually rereading Pride and Prejudice right now :)

On my TV:::
Still have to watch Young Herriot, may just do that today.
Call the Midwife which was just brilliant.
I may rewatch one of Jane Austen's movies this afternoon while doing laundry

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Orange chicken and rice
Tuesday - Saucy Roast Beef Big Mouth Sliders
Wednesday - Turkey Parm Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Thursday - Cheesy Kielbasa Bake
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Shepherd's Pie
Sunday - Fettucine Alfredo, Garlic Bread

On my to do list:::
Homeschooling today, we took Friday off and switched out with today so we'll be catching up
Finish off the laundry

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Going to finish my Crochet Needle Case today, it's almost done :)

Looking around the house:::
It's very quiet right now, the curtains are open slightly while the dogs are outside, my kettle is boiling water on the stove for some tea, the kids are still asleep, the fish in the tank are all crowded near the top waiting for me to feed them and I have basket of clean clothes at my feet waiting to be folded.

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::
A few days ago I was telling my kids about how we used to spend our days when we were children living in Portugal. One of the things we used to do was build little go karts out of wood and ball bearings, I mean there were like 20 of us kid in one neighborhood and we would all get together and build them, decorate them however we wanted to and then would slide down the street. It was so much fun. So I told the kids that we were going to sit down one of these weekends and build ourselves some go karts too.....they are so excited and honestly so am I, it's like a trip back in time for me :)

On my prayer list:::
Lots of friends needing prayers for themselves and their families.

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Call the Midwife on BBC

2012-01-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, the new show Call the Midwife, premiered on BBC.

I already have so many shows that I adore from the UK and when I first saw the previews for this one, it caught my attention. I was hoping that I would enjoy it as much as the previews dramas I've loved, so after finding the episode I sat down to watch it tonight.

It didn't take much to get me hooked, matter of fact all it takes is good writing and brilliant actors to reel me in and this one certainly meets both for me.

Leading female talent drawn from several generations of British stars – including Vanessa Redgrave, Pam Ferris, Jenny Agutter and Miranda Hart – will come together in the new year to tell of the joys and hardships of a group of midwives working in London's East End in the 50s. The drama will be the first to put childbirth, and its place in social history, at the heart of a television serial.

Newcomer Jessica Raine plays the role of the young Jenny, living with a community of nuns and nurses played by Jenny Agutter (The Railway Children, Spooks) as Sister Julienne, Pam Ferris (Little Dorrit, Darling Buds Of May) as Sister Evangelina, Miranda Hart (Miranda) as Chummy and Judy Parfitt (Little Dorrit, Girl With A Pearl Earring) as Sister Monica Joan. Helen George and Bryony Hannah will play Jenny's fellow young nurses living with her in the convent.

Midwifery is the very stuff of drama,” wrote Jennifer Worth. “Every child is conceived either in love or lust, is born in pain, followed by joy or sometimes remorse. A midwife is in the thick of it, she sees it all.”

Based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, the real-life Jenny Lee, the drama plays tribute to her experiences as a young woman working in a deprived and, at times, dangerous area.

I think from the get go, I felt for these women and I'm not just speaking about the Nuns and the midwives, I'm speaking about the pregnant women from various backgrounds, various stories. The show goes right into what is usually kept in the dark, what is usually not talked about and what is usually not seen, such as the conditions in which some of these families live.

It packs a big punch right off the bat, and it doesn't shy away from the childbirth scenes and from showing certain things that some may find embarrassing. It's nothing off the wall, nothing that will shock you but I think it's so well done in the sense that it drives home the point it's trying to make.

One episode is all I have watched so far and I am completely hooked. So, because I always share with you what I'm watching and what I think, there you have it, my newest addiction.

It is a 6 part mini series and if the rest of the episodes are anything like the first, I think I'm going to absolutely love it.

If you want to watch the first episode, click on the link below, and if you have any problems just let me know and I'll see about finding another link for you :)

Call the Midwife - Episode 1

As always, bear in mind that the opinions above are merely mine alone and that just because I may like something doesn't mean that everyone will, right? This is just a suggestion for a new show :)

{ Five Senses Saturday }

2012-01-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is going up pretty late today, but I figure, better late than never right? :)

I've just had such a busy, go go go go day and am only now getting a moment to sit down and relax. So without further ado, here we go:

::Hear::

- Pugs running around in the living room playing
- Birds chirping from my facebook Castleville game
- Nicholas talking to his new turtle, he is so cute :)
- Music playing from Jasmine's room
- The tap tap of the keyboard keys as I type this post

::See::

- Bags from the grocery shopping this morning, waiting for me to roll them up and pack
- Spareribs in the sink waiting to be marinated for tomorrow
- A laundry basket full waiting to be thrown in the washer
- My newest crochet project sitting on my counter
- Candles I just lit as it got really dark outside with rain clouds

::touch::

- the hard shell of a turtle, it will get some getting used to by me
- the soft balls of yarn as I sort through my stash
- my daughter's curly hair as I fix it for her
- dough ingredients as I get bread ready to make
- the books I just received for review

::taste::

- ice cold diet coke that I got from Sonic
- brownie obsession from TGI Friday's
- the whole bar of chocolate I devoured because it's THAT time LOL
- caramel mocha
-grilled salmon and garlic potatoes

::smell::

- maple sausage frying for breakfast
- vanilla and lavender body wash
- lavender candle burning in the living room
- peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- maui onion Poore Brother chips

Delurk Day 2012

2012-01-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

Image credit: Chocolatesuze

Yep, it's Delurking Day for the old blogs, do you know what that means?

That means, that all of my readers who come by daily, but don't say anything for whatever reason that may be, get to leave me a comment and just say hi or let me know that they are readers/followers :)

I know there are many of you out there so I would love to see everyone who does enjoy my blog, stopping by today. I will be doing the same for all my favorite blogs that I don't get a chance to comment on very often.

So, come on out, have a cup of coffee and let me know you're around :)

{ Friday Favorites - #2 }

2012-01-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

If you have something special you would like to show, if you have a trinket which has a special meaning for you or maybe something you have just found and own or would like to have. It could be anything, a trinket, a book, a new cookware set, a necklace, a photograph, a project you're working on or finished....anything that you love and would like to show us all.

Take a photo, or two, or three...post it on your blog and come back and link up using Mr Linky.

Please only include links directly to your post and only those pertaining to Friday Favorites. Anything not related WILL be removed.

*******************************

I think everyone know what an important woman my Great Grandmother Ema, was in my life. She literally taught me everything that I know.

Obviously my grandmother and my stepmother had their fair share, and trust me, it was a LOT of learning I did, but the fundamental and the biggest parts of who I am today, definitely came from my greatgrandma.

She passed away at 96 years old and unfortunately I was not there when it happened, matter of fact she passed away almost exactly a month before Jasmine was born. It was heartbreaking for me.

After she died, my grandmother gave me a few of her things, which I hold near and dear to my heart, but especially this one which I'm sharing with you today. I think the biggest reason this one stands out is merely for the fact that I vividly remember her wearing the ring, I can still see it on her finger and remember her talking about it, how my greatgrandfather gave her this ring when they first got married. She loved it, just like she loved him.

I think it's beautiful, simple, but beautiful.

It is this dainty, light, little ring but it packs so much emotion for me.

I don't wear it very often, if at all, because I'm deathly afraid of losing it and I think if that happened, I would be heartbroken.

So I keep it in my jewelry box, and every once in a while when I'm really missing her, I open it up, take it out, slip it on my finger and tell her that I love her and miss her more than she'll ever know. I just wish that I was able to tell her all these things more before she passed.

I would have loved for her to have known what a huge impact she made on my life, how she was respected and adored.

I think she sees it now and I think she understands, but sometimes we miss out on opportunities to tell those we love just what they mean in our lives.

I was blessed to have such an amazing woman in mine and I treasure every single year that I was able to spend with her.

{ Cooking Thursday }

2012-01-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

If you want to use the picture, just click here for the original.

Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme

Large Flour Tortillas burrito style
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
sour cream
shredded cheese
tortilla chips (you could use use a corn tortilla)
tomatoes
lettuce

Brown ground beef in a skillet, add the packet of taco seasoning and stir until mixed well. Cook for another minute or so.

Microwave the tortillas for a few seconds just to warm them up, it will make the wrapping easier.
Take a tortilla, spread some sour cream in the center.

Top with ground beef (1 lb ground beef made 4 crunchwraps, but they were nice and stuffed, you could probably get another 1 or two out of it if you don’t use too much meat).

Top with shredded cheese.

Next add a layer of tortilla chips or at this point you would add a small corn tortilla like a tostada size.

Top with lettuce and tomato and then starting on the bottom, fold up the tortilla toward the center, continue all the way around until it is all folded over, it WON’T cover it completely.

Carefully lift it up and set it fold side down on a non stick pan. Press with a spatula and cook until nice and brown, flip it over and cook the other side. It won’t take long at all.

{ Yarn Along }

2012-01-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, another Wednesday and it's time for Yarn Along with Ginny over at Small Things.

Here's what I'm working on this week, a crocheted case for my crochet hooks. I just started it last night and already had to pull it apart once, the pattern I'm following is not exactly easy to understand and there's some errors here and there so I'm having to improvise a lot, it's one of those moments where I'm thankful that I've been crocheting for years so that I don't stumble and cry.

Using up some leftover yarn from another project :) I do really like these 3 colors together.

The pockets for the hooks are crocheted as you go along, it was a little confusing at first but now I got it and it's simple to follow.

I'm also starting my menu plan for the next two weeks so I'm looking through my cookbooks and this one is so cute to read, recipes interspersed with stories from Little House on the Prairie.

So there you have it, that's what I have on my hooks this week. Remember if you want to join in or just take a look at what others are making, head on over to Ginny's place :)

Morning ::: Afternoon ::: Evening

2012-01-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #2 }

2012-01-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am SO sorry this is going up so late, was all set to publish when the electricians came by at 7am and decided to just turn off power to the housing area without saying a word.

It just got turned back on, so here we go....

If you want to save and use the new button, just click here.

The weather:::
It was freezing last night, my nose was so cold and I actually found myself shivering in bed. We actually turned the heat on. It's 48 degrees this morning and I'm still really cold, I'm a wuss what can I say LOL

On my reading pile:::
Loved Maid to Match by Deanne Gist. Also finished The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall and really loved it :) Not sure what I'll be reading next, there are so many to pick from.

On my TV:::
Young Herriot.....The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff.....The Borrowers :)

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Skillet Smoked Sausage, Potatoes and Cheese
Tuesday - Shepherds Pie
Wednesday - Split Pea and Ham Soup
Thursday - Homemade Pizza
Friday - Grocery Shopping Day (will plan menu for the following two weeks)
Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::
Housework
Homeschooling

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Book Bags and still working on my ripple blanket

Looking around the house:::
Breakfast dishes in the sink, a bean bag chair in the middle of the living room piled with blankets and stuffed toys that Nicholas made forts with, floors needing to be vacuumed and my new tablecloth needing to be ironed and placed back on the table.

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::
Remember the show The Littles? About those little people that lived under the floor boards? Well The Borrowers is a book by Mary Norton published in 1952 and it was then made into a film in 1997. Well last year during Christmas, it was once again remade for TV and screened in England....I got a hold of it a few weeks ago and just started watching it this morning on my laptop while I waited for the power to turn back on. It is SO cute and I think many of you would find it a fun show to watch :)

You can download the movie here :)

On my prayer list:::
Family, friends, troops, so many things and so many people.

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

{ Five Senses Saturday }

2012-01-07T10:06:00.003-07:00

One of the best parts of rediscovering my blog again, has been the journey through the archives and the wonderful features and memes that I used to do and completely forgot about.

Like this one for instance, I always really really loved this one and then just let it slip on by as I became busy with other stuff, became distracted by other technology and trends and decided to follow the masses.

It's quite eye opening when after a few years you sit down and suddenly realize that you were wasting time on stuff that didn't add anything positive to your life. Glad I caught myself and put a stop to it :)

But anyway, here's my Five Senses Saturday and I'm hoping to keep it up from this day onwards :) You are more than welcome to join in if you wish )

::Hear::

- Nicholas giggling from the couch with his new book
- The Civil Wars "Barton Hollow". Love this band :)
- Pugs barking at the neighbor's dog outside
- My husband messing with the kids, they're all laughing and screeching
- Bangs and loud thuds coming from the house across the street as new neighbors move in

::See::

- my plants starting to grow
- my beautiful new butter dish
- the products of my labor after a day of baking
- my kids faces when they hear the door open when daddy comes home from work
- my coffee cup with just a few sips left

::touch::

- the hot pan of cinnamon rolls
- my children's faces
- my soft bath mitt
- bubbles in the sink as I wash the dishes
- the screen of my kindle as I flip through the pages

::taste::

- the first bite into a hot cinnamon roll
- large glass of orange juice when I start to feel sick
- the first slice of bread from the freshly hot homemade loaf
- white chocolate with hazelnuts
- sun tea

::smell::

- bread baking
- laundry drying
- spaghetti sauce in the crockpot
- lavender linen water
- garlic, onion and olive oil cooking on the stove

{ Friday Favorites - #1 }

2012-01-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new feature called Friday Favorites!

I used to do something similar years ago and I thought it would be a nice feature to bring back to life.

So what exactly is Friday Favorites?

If you have something special you would like to show, if you have a trinket which has a special meaning for you or maybe something you have just found and own or would like to have. It could be anything, a trinket, a book, a new cookware set, a necklace, a photograph, a project you're working on or finished....anything that you love and would like to show us all.

Take a photo, or two, or three...post it on your blog and come back and link up using Mr Linky.

Please only include links directly to your post and only those pertaining to Friday Favorites. Anything not related WILL be removed.

I can't wait to see what you all have to share :)

So I'll start with showing you one of my favorite things.

It may not look like much to you, it may even have you wondering what is so special about these old Portuguese recipes put together quite badly actually with some staples.

But the meaning to me, is one which I find hard to put into words.

It reminds me of my great grandma Ema, matter of fact we put these together when I was just a little girl, sitting around the kitchen, trying to cook just like her, I remember cutting these out of a cooking magazine and then neatly placing them in a pile, I was determined to use those when I grew up, my very own recipes.

The thought thrilled me to no end and my great grandma knowing how much I loved them called me over to her one morning and said "Sandra, let's sit down and get those recipes put together so you don't lose them".

I was so excited, I grabbed them all, placed them in categories and then waited for her to help me.

I can still vividly remember her hands cutting the twine, tying it around the pages.

And I can tell you that I had forgotten what gems of the Portuguese Cuisine lie hidden in these pages....just picking them up again today and flipping through has brought tears to my eyes, I only wish that my great grandma was here with me, watching me cook and bake and carrying on the wonderful lessons and values she instilled in me.

That is my biggest gift ever. But for now I will just be content in knowing that these little booklets of recipes have a special place in my favorite things :)

{ Today I............ }

2012-01-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

♥ ♥ Got rid of the Christmas decorations

♥ ♥ Opened the door a wonderful package from UPS

♥ ♥ Fell completely in love with all my Cath Kidston goodies, but especially with this gorgeous Butter Dish

♥ ♥ Used up leftover chicken from the curry to make some pies

♥ ♥ Tried a new recipe for dinner....Tuna and Bread Lasagna

♥ ♥ After dinner dishes were done and kitchen was clean, pulled out my bread machine

♥ ♥ Threw in the ingredients for some cinnamon rolls

♥ ♥ watched them rise on the kitchen table....popped them in the refrigerator and when I get up in the morning I just have to bake them.

♥ ♥ Counted my blessings for another day of homemaking, another day of sunshine and another day of love surrounding me

{ Cooking Thursday }

2012-01-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

If you want to use the picture, just click here for the original.

Morning everyone, hope you're ready with a recipe for today's Cooking Thursday. :)

Just a reminder, since it's the beginning of the year and all, cooking Thursday is all about sharing recipes that you either have tried and loved or want to try in the future, and remember that it doesn't have to be food either. You can share a recipe for laundry detergent, or soap making or candle making, or herb mixture or even a cleaner :)

So on to today's, oh and if you notice Cooking Thursday also got a makeover, hope you like the new button ;)

Creamy Chocolate Mousse

6 eggs
1 can condensed milk
1 bar of milk chocolate (I like using the Hershey’s Giant bars)
1 tablespoon of butter
Separate the egg whites from the yolks.

Add the yolks to a mixing bowl and pour in the can of condensed milk. Beat until creamy.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff.

Break the chocolate into small pieces, add to a microwave safe bowl, add in the tablespoon of butter and microwave for a minute. Remove and stir well until chocolate is completely melted.
Add the chocolate mixture to the egg yolk and condensed milk mixture, stir well to incorporate.
Fold in the egg whites, a little at a time until well combined.

Pour into a serving dish and top with some slivered almonds. (you can omit those if you don’t like them, but I love them on the mousse)
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

I've been making this recipe for many many years, it's a Portuguese recipe that I've had in my little book tucked away :) Hope you enjoy it.

{ A day like any other }

2012-01-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

I think one of the things that most causes women to dislike housework, is the fact that it is so monotonous, same thing every single day, without much change, over and over and when you're done, you do it yet over again.

For me though, it's a rhythmic movement that I am so accustomed to that without it, I am afraid I would be going insane. It's relaxing, or at least I find it so.

So today, it's been a day like any other, with just a tiny change because it's Wednesday and Wednesday in this home has been deemed Sewing day. I think that right there is the biggest advice I can give you....no, not that you need a Sewing day, but call it whatever you want to call it, whatever you enjoy doing as a hobby.

When you make up a routine or schedule for yourself, remember that you also need to allot time for those things that make you happy. Now I call mine Sewing day but it does incorporate a lot of things, not just creating new projects, but darning (oh the shock, does anyone even darn anything anymore or am I really old fashioned?) and on those days that I have none of that, then I crochet or knit or do whatever I need to do that is not exactly housework. You get the point.

Made this adorable jar trim inspired by the lovely Lucy at Attic 24. I've decided I'm going to make some in white to trim the shelves in my pantry :)

Since it was sewing day, my attention quickly shifted to the newest project which is causing quite a stir in this household, my kids are besides themselves with joy over these guys and I must admit that apart from being super cute and easy to make, they do make me giggle. Their angry faces just crack me up.

The collection is slowly growing..........

He was the last one I made today and I think he's one of my favorites....how sweet.

but I have also run out of felt and don't have anywhere near enough to continue, so I'm setting this project aside until the weekend when I can make another run to Michael's for more. I've decided to make two big angry birds for the kids, can't wait to see their faces.

By the time I had the sewing machine and items packed away, I started getting a really bad headache, my sinus starting screaming at me and I felt warm. Thermometer said 100 degrees. Oh boy!

So I immediately attacked it and apart from still being congested right now, I seem to be feeling much much better. I have now been able to avoid getting a cold for the past year. Every time I feel one coming on, I drink a big glass of orange juice and take some motrin or tylenol. Seems to do the trick.

Made a quick dinner....remember the meat I was marinating for the past two days....wow was that good. I hadn't made it in a while and had forgotten just how delicious it was....added a little salad to go with it and called it good....

and while I had the lettuce out I quickly threw together another jarred salad for my hubby's lunch tomorrow.

Carne de Alguidar.....I will have the recipe up tomorrow morning.

As the sun started setting, I set about washing the dishes and thinking about the day, what I did, what I still have to do and what I have planned for tomorrow.

It's at the kitchen sink doing the dinner dishes that I usually give a quick rundown of what needs to be prepared for the next day, like moving meat from the freezer to the refrigerator, setting the breakfast table etc.

But now, I'm retiring to my room, going to drink another glass of orange juice and settle down with my beast of a blankie and my kindle for a little

I am almost finished with Maid to Match by Deanne Gist and then I'm going to watch Young Herriot from BBC.

And speaking of British TV, I have watched quite a few great shows that some of you might enjoy.

Living with the Amish - Even though it was only 6 episodes long, I really enjoyed the series and looked forward to the new episodes every week. It was wonderful seeing the Amish communities up close and personal and also watching how the teens interacted with them.

You can watch all the episodes online here.....or here.

Great Expectations 2011 - Gillian Anderson stars as Mrs Havisham and she was absolutely phenomenal. If you love Great Expectations I don't think this one will disappoint.

You can also watch it on YouTube here.

Land Girls - I have loved this series and matter of fact, just finished Season 4 last night. Drama following the lives and loves of four girls away from home, doing their bit for Britain in the Women's Land Army.

You can watch Season 1 on Netflix and for Season 2 and 3, I think you can watch it at this site :)

**************************

I'm also getting ready to watch Young Herriot, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff, The Borrowers, the new Treasure Island on Sky and next week The Mystery of Edwin Drood on BBC.

So yes, lots of good stuff and by the way, if you've never watched Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm, you might like it. It is along the same lines as The 1940's House, Frontier House, Manor House, Colonial House etc. :)

Alrighty then, I think this post has gone on long enough. I am going to get into my crochet for a little before my eyes start shutting.

God Bless,

{ Yarn Along }

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've missed so many things on my blog and this Wednesday feature hosted by Ginny at Small Things, is one of them.

If you've read my blog for a while then you'll know that there are a few things that you will always find by my side. A book, my camera, a crochet hook and yarn. No matter where I go, these things tend to have their own place in my bag :)

Ginny asks us to share our current projects, whatever we're knitting or crocheting along with something we're reading and I'm only too happy to oblige.

I made this one last night in about 30 minutes, it was really simple to crochet and so cute, thanks again to the amazing Lucy at Attic24. I've been her fan since she started her blog way back in 2008, she's been such an inspiration to me :)

Anyway, moving onto my Yarn Along. If you want to join in, go check out Ginny's blog Small Things and add your name to the ever growing list :)

This wonderful crochet trim makes a very cute addition to mason jars.

While crocheting, I was also reading A Pioneer Sampler book, which I am truly enjoying. It follows the daily life of a pioneer family in 1840, what they did, how they made things, how they survived etc. Very sweet book with lots of great ideas :)

I'm thinking of making longer ones to trim my shelves in the pantry. I probably won't use the same colors, I am thinking softer colors...maybe white and then a few other pastels in there. We'll see.

Anyway, that's what I'm working on right now, by next week I'll have moved on to another project :)

{ Easing back into routines }

2012-01-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

The word routines and schedules may make many crinkle their nose in disapproval, but I tend to like them, matter of fact as much as I enjoy the holidays I do tend to start feeling a bit like a fish out of water, and yearn for the end of all the celebrating so I can get back into my routines.

That is what I've been doing.

Hubby went back to work this morning so when I got up, I had my coffee alone, I missed not having him there to chit chat. Felt weird but it also helped me ease back into my routines.

After the morning coffee, the apron slipped oh so effortlessly over my head and I went right into Homemaker mode.

I was asked recently how I manage to get all my housework done in one day without failing to accomplish it.

For me it's very simple, I don't stop until it is done. Now when I say I don't stop, I don't mean that I don't take a minute or two to attend to children, or grab a quick bite. I mean that I don't allow myself to sit down for longer than 5 minutes because if I do, I KNOW I will not feel like continuing with the task at hand.

Something I also do is reward myself for the work done.....an hour before dinner time just for myself, for crocheting or checking email, or just having a hot cup of tea.

House work does not need to be daunting or frustrating, it IS what we make of it and over the years of being married I have truly come to love it and enjoy it, I take great pleasure in creating a cozy home for my family :)

Floors swept and ready for mopping

Now that I have the wooden floors, I wash them like any other floor but when it comes to drying, I prefer to hand dry them with a towel, it helps to give them a good shine and not leave any weird ugly streaks all over.

On to stripping beds, washing all the linens.........

From my bedroom into Jasmine's.....the girly stuff has been slowly disappearing from the room and being replaced with her tastes and likes, brighter bolder colors....

Freshly made bed, smells wonderful and feels so comfy, makes you want to dive right in :)

She's growing up, she has a very strong sense of family loyalty, of independence, of who she is and what she wants and she won't stand down for anything and anyone. She amazes me daily :)

While she plays a game on the computer, little man is much more interested in rereading his new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book....he got it yesterday and he's read it twice cover to cover. I love hearing him belly laugh on the couch and running to me during the day with the book "Guess what?". I then listen as he tells me word for word what is happening and how funny it is :)

On to his bedroom I move....it's his domain, it's filled with Nicholas things, those items that tell everyone just what he is about and what he likes. I have to say, my kids have mad drawing skills....they both drew the Angry Birds :)

And another bedroom done, curtains opened, windows flung open and a breeze flowing in.....

My apron pocket is filled with all sorts or random bits and bobs, as I do my housework I stash in stuff to be thrown out, I find that I empty the contents into the trash can at least a few times a day. Aprons are not just pretty accessories, they DO come very handy.

Lunch break....leftover Yakisoba noodles.

He's determined to eat everything with chopsticks lately, don't matter what it is.....and he's getting pretty darn good at it too.

Back to work, I got all the laundry done, folded, ironed and put away. Bedrooms vacuumed and clean, beds fresh and ready for tonight and by the time I looked at the clock it was 3:30pm.

With the housework done, I rewarded myself with a hot cup of tea and a new crochet project.

It's these little moments that replenish my soul.

They don't have to last very long, they don't have to involve anything elaborate, just a simple sit down with a hobby I enjoy :)

Dinner was finished off and ready for when hubby came home from work. Chicken Curry....yum yum.

A couple of you asked me to share the recipe. There are actually I think two versions on my food blog.....I use the same recipe for my beef, chicken or crab, shrimp curry. I just change out the meat/fish accordingly.

It's been a productive day but as tired as I feel, I also feel joy because what I set out to do has been achieved.

My house is clean and now I get to sit down and relax again, pick up my crochet project and enjoy the thought that tomorrow I don't have much to do but get some sewing time and homeschooling :)

Oh before I forget, Susanne asked me if I use the manual settings on my camera and the answer is YES! I haven't used auto in about two years, I like being able to control the settings.

I also promised to talk about the shows I'm watching lately and completely forgot about it, I guess it can be a post for tomorrow right? Righty O'!

{ So it begins......}

2012-01-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

a new Year that is.

Always feels a little weird the first few days, you tend to still want to say you're in 2011, you still write 2011 on everything and you find yourself thinking about the next 12 months ahead.

What is to come, what will you be doing next time this year. Anyone else get that uneasy feeling? I am such a dork like that, I always work myself up because the unknown is always scarier than anything else, and then I have to talk myself and remember that life is what you make of it. I may not know what is ahead for this year but I do know that it's out of my hands and my part in this big scheme of things, is to do my best, live my life and flourish.

By golly I will do that.!

It's been a quiet day, laundry has been done, meals have been prepared, a quick trip to the Base BX was made and then out to dinner with the family for some Korean food.

My morning coffee enjoyed while everyone is still asleep, enjoying their last to sleep in because as of tomorrow we're plunged right back into normal routines, work, homeschooling etc.

I got a whole chicken cleaned out and in the pot to make curry....let it cook pretty much all day on low heat, smelled amazing. It will tomorrow's dinner because for me, curry is always better the next day.

That quick trip to the base BX resulted in some needed items like printer ink for schooling and this new cover for my Kindle. By the way, remember back when I made a post about the Kindle, Nook or good old books??? Yeah, I have no problem admitting that my opinion has completely changed when it comes to the Kindle. BUT, don't let that fool you into thinking that I don't prefer a good old book in my hand over the Kindle....because I still do :)

Got some Carne de Alguidar marinating. Alguidar is the Portuguese word for Basin/Bowl and in Alentejo which is in the south of Portugal, it is a very popular way of preparing pork. You dump the pork into a bowl and then add Massa de Pimentao (Red Pepper Paste), garlic and bay leaves and wine and let it sit for at least a day or two. I tell you, by the time I cook this up it is going to taste phenomenal :)

Now let me tell you about something new that is going to be happening here on the blog.

I have decided to start a new feature every Friday called Friday Favorites. If you have something special you would like to show, if you have a trinket which has a special meaning for you or maybe just something you have just found and own or would like to have, I invite you to come and share with us.

All you need to do is take a photo or two or three and tell us about the item. It could be anything, a trinket, a book, a new cookware set, a necklace, a photograph....anything that you love :) I'll have a Mr Linky up for you to join in.

Here is the button we will be using and like I said, it will be every Friday so if you want to join in you have a few days to think about what your first share will be.

I can't begin to describe how excited I am to be back blogging, the joy I feel posting on here again is indescribable, it's akin to how I felt when I start my blog back in the day.

I honestly feel that this is what I'm supposed to be doing, it feels right and even better is that I'm seeing a lot of my old bloggy friends returning to blogland too. Just like old times :)

I'm off to Land Girls and hopefully catch part 1 of the new Treasure Island series from the UK, and I'll be sharing a few of my favorite shows of the moment on tomorrow's post.

Before I forget, I better grab my crochet hook and thread, I've been itching to make something :)

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #1 }

2012-01-02T00:00:00.003-07:00

Good Morning :)

So as I start a new journey on my blog, I have decided to change things up a little, give some old features a shaking up and bring to life some which have long been set aside....but that is for another post.

With that said though, I am changing Happy Homemaker Monday ever so slightly, removing some of the categories and putting others in. If you've already done yours for today, no problem, go ahead and still link up but then next week you can try the new one if you wish :)

PS....PLEASE only add links to Happy Homemaker Posts, don't include a link back to your blog homepage or to recipes. It makes it very confusing for those looking just to click on HHM! All non related links will be deleted. Thank you :)

If you want to save and use the new button, just click here.

The weather:::
It's supposed to get up to 76 degrees this afternoon and then a low of 47 for the night. I still think that for this time of the year it's a little hot. lol

On my reading pile:::
A couple books for review, matter of fact here shortly I will post a review for Folly Beach over at my Reading Blog. I'm also reading Maid to Match on my Kindle and really enjoying it.

On my TV:::
Enjoying Season 3 of the Land Girls. If you've never watched it, be sure to catch it, you can watch the whole first season on Netflix.

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Chicken Curry.
Tuesday - Tuna and Bread Lasagna (sounds weird but instead of lasagna noodles you use bread slices)
Wednesday - Carne de Alguidar (Portuguese Pork in a wine and garlic marinade)
Thursday - Clam Chowder
Friday - Chicken a la King
Saturday - Shepherd's Pie
Sunday - Frango Estufado (Portuguese Chicken)

On my to do list:::
Laundry and lots of it, going to make some more Angry Birds, getting hubby's lunches prepared for the week.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Angry Birds

Looking around the house:::
A messy living room needing some tidying up, plants needing to be watered, bathrooms to be cleaned, laundry to be washed and folded.

From the camera:::

Something fun to share:::
I was watching Kirstie's Handmade Christmas and they made some really cute Leather bound books. I have always wanted to try and hubby LOVES leather handmade books for drawing or journaling, so I'm on the lookout for some cheap faux leather that I can use.

On my prayer list:::
My friend Courtney's sister Amanda who is in the hospital.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." Proverbs 27:10

***********************************

To make it easier for you all, here is the list if you want to just copy it and add your own ;)

The weather:::

On my reading pile:::

On my TV:::

On the menu for this week:::
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::

Looking around the house:::

From the camera:::

Something fun to share::: (maybe you saw something on Pinterest you would like to share with others, maybe there's a place you want to go visit, or a restaurant you want to try out or a certain item you have been wanting to buy)

On my prayer list::: (anyone you are praying for or yourself if you're in need of prayer)

Bible verse, Devotional:::

Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank - TLC Book Tour

2012-01-01T22:17:00.001-07:00

Very cute read, go on over to my Reading Blog for the review :)

Folly Beach

Angry Birds

2012-01-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there :) I am sitting here with my cup of coffee and thought that I would come share with you my latest projects.

Please excuse his eyes, for some reason that guy in the back ended up with weird pupils....the kids say that he must have been hit on the head hard lol

I don't know if it's such a good idea to start the year off angry, but these birds sure seem to have someone to pick a bone with. Haha

My kids have just recently discovered the Angry Birds and are loving them. While looking for easy Christmas gifts to make at home, a few weeks back, I came across a pattern for felt Angry Birds.

Now while I didn't get a chance to make them for Christmas, I set it aside for another day, which happened to be today as I had my new sewing machine out. Oh do I love this machine, the Singer 5500, what a relaxing way to sew, it threads itself, it has all these different stitches etc. It IS a little intimidating at first, I was used to my very old one which clanked it's way through projects.

Anyway, I'm getting distracted.....let me just get right to the point and show you how I made the Angry Birds and also share with you the pattern I used.

While at Michael's on Friday, I picked up quite a bit of felt and now I'm thinking I should go back and get some more.....these are becoming quite popular and I plan on making quite a few, including one or two to give away on the blog :)

So I used this pattern over at Obsessively Stitching. Her directions were very easy to follow and I only really paid close attention with the first one, the other came together in about 10 minutes, I kid you not.

With the two kids wanting one each, I went ahead and cut out double of everything.....

I just can't, they crack me up, I found myself giggling the whole time.

Pinned and ready for the beak to go on.

No really, if your children love Angry Birds, you have got to give these a try, they are fast to make and they are just adorable. I'm making the piggy, the black one, yellow one and a blue one this week, oh and maybe a few more, these are highly addictive....but I'll be sure to show you :)

Here is the other project I made, I started last night and worked on it for 3 hours. I followed a pattern from Simplicity, or should I say, I STARTED out using the pattern and it irritated me so much that I gave up and winged it.

Camera bag including a little pocket in the front for my Kindle. Now let me tell you, I learned how to sew with my grandma Odete who is a seamstress, she used to make all sorts of amazing things, I remember many days sitting with her while she made beautiful wedding dresses. She had me help her with alterations and all sorts of things and I treasure the moments I spent sitting next to her sewing machine, just watching.

With that said....I will tell you right now that this bag is full of imperfections, things that some many not notice but I do and if she were standing next to me, she would have frowned and asked me what I was doing LOL

But it's not for anyone, it's not for sale, it's just for me and I'm really happy with the results. I have tons of room in the bag to be able to insert my purse organizers and make this a double duty bag when we go somewhere that I know I'll be using the camera a lot.....like the upcoming Renaissance Festival next month.

So all in all, this bag took me 5 hours to make and that was with a lot of stopping, thinking, rethinking, pulling stitches, winging it etc.

I plan on doing a lot of sewing this coming year.

I plan on doing a lot of things actually.....starting with my blog and as I previously stated, starting tomorrow I will be returning full time and I couldn't be more excited if I tried. What a blessing to feel that I'm doing the right thing, following my heart and going back to what I love.

I do so hope that you will continue to follow me on my journey. I thank each and every one of you who have stuck by this old blog even when I haven't been such a nice bloggy friend and haven't had a chance to comment on yours. I will remedy that :)

For now, I'm going to head to Google Reader, hit Mark all read, and reorganize, get rid of blogs that are no longer available, move some stuff around, categorize others etc....plan to start fresh tomorrow.

Goodnight all!

New Year Fun - 2011 Edition

2011-12-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

I love doing this meme every year, it sort of brings the whole blogging year to an end and also takes me back in time to reflect on what I was doing.

Post the first sentence of your first blog post of each month. You can also add a favorite picture from each month.

I would love for you to join me, just leave me a comment and I'll come by and check yours out :)

Happy New Year everyone!

****************************************

January

I like making huge batches of these and freezing them. I either bake them all and then freeze, or a bake only what I need and wrap the rest in press n seal wrap and pop in the freezer until ready to bake.

February

Well at the Arizona Renaissance Fair of course.

March

It's evening and I'm sitting on my bed, surrounded by the wonderful scent of freshly washed linens and hearing the sloshing of the washing machine in the laundry room.

April

Enjoying the small things.........

like stolen hugs from this little one while mommy is dead tired and dragging around the house

May

So since some of you have asked me to please continue sharing my latest movie and series finds, I thought I would oblige and bring you quite a few today.

June

I feel that behind every wonderful blogging woman I have come to know, there is an amazing man, they are the ones working in the background.

July

Yes I know, it's not until Monday but I just HAD to make this cake to see what it looked like and boy was I not disappointed.

August

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Had another dust storm come through yesterday, that makes it the third in about 2 weeks time, what on earth is going on? We've also been blessed with a lot of rain lately so I'm happy with that :)

September

It's been a bit of a nutty week around here, I've been finding myself with no time to do anything.

October

From a stomach virus to busy homeschooling to housework and other stuff, I've had my hands full around here.

November

I'm having major issues with blogger this morning, been trying to get this post up for two hours now.

December

I'm sure a lot of you make these for yourselves, and possibly for gifts as well, so it may not be a surprise, but for those that don't, these are the perfect gifts for a mom, sister, grandma, best friend etc.

**************************************

I always enjoy reminiscing about what I was doing throughout the year :)

Don't forget to let me know if you do the same meme on your blogs, I would love to come by and visit :)

LoveSac Slippers Review

2011-12-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love slippers and especially if they are really really comfy.

I was given the opportunity to review a pair of slippers for LoveSac, a pair of PhurFeet slippers.

Now I don't know about you all, but when I think slippers I'm not really thinking something that I will look at and think WOW, but boy did I think WOW.

First they came in the prettiest box and wrapped so nicely that I didn't want to touch them.

And then I opened the box and thought "Wowee". Just from looking at them I could see that these were high quality slippers, and they seemed to be the softest fur I had ever seen.

Just as the tag says, they are hypo-allergenic synthetic knit. I love how they feel, I am not kidding, if you are looking for super soft slippers these are the ones for you.

I think one of the best features as well are the soles because they really do give you a good grip on the floors, and how do I know that?

Well, my mother in law came visiting for Christmas, and a few years ago she had a car accident and broke her foot/ankle. She's had problems since then and finds it hard to wear any kind of shoe that does not give her good support. She can't walk around barefoot, she can't do flip flops, she can't wear sandals and she can't really wear slippers either.

But she tried these out and surprisingly found them extremely comfortable, she also said they kept her feet nice and warm.

So I gifted them to her and she couldn't have been happier.

I think I am going to indulge myself in a good pair of slippers shortly, and there's so much to choose from. The mink and green are $39 (normally $59) while the cow phur (it has a tail!!!) and knit styles are $59. All come with free shipping.

So go on over and check out LoveSac, you may just find a pair of comfy slippers that you'll fall in love with :)

Thank you to LoveSac for providing me with a pair of slippers for review. I was not compensated monetarily and all my opinions are mine alone.

{ Cooking Thursday }

2011-12-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone :)

I always feel so bad putting this up so late for those of you on the East Coast, but being as I'm on the other side of the country, I hope you do understand that I post it as soon as I can :)

So I've decided to once again go back to Cooking Thursday, I know that a lot of us love Slow cookers and have recipes but they tend to be not as many as we would like to share. With that in mind, we'll just start calling this Cooking Thursday again and open up the post to all kinds of recipes, slow cooked or not :)

Here is mine for today, I made this recipe from Tasty Kitchen for Christmas Appetizers and they were GONE within a few seconds. I definitely need to make a lot more next time.

Jalapeno Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

Credit: Tasty Kitchen

12 whole Mushrooms, Large
¼ cups Panko Bread Crumbs
1 Tablespoon Butter
3 slices Thick Cut Bacon, Chopped
1 whole Jalapeno, Minced
¼ cups Diced Yellow Onion
1 clove Garlic, Minced
1 ounce, weight Cream Cheese
2 ounces, weight Cheddar Cheese
¼ teaspoons Salt
¼ teaspoons Fresh Ground Pepper

In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside.

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Carefully clean and stem the mushrooms. Set the caps on a small baking sheet. Chop the stems and set aside.

In a small pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Add the chopped vegetables and mushroom stems and cook until softened, about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheese with the cream cheese until well combined. Add the warm vegetable mixture and mix well.

Divide the filling evenly between the mushrooms. Top with the buttered panko mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown.

After the holidays....

2011-12-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well hello there, I hope this post finds you all doing well. :)

Again I seem to have neglected my little corner of the world and as the time goes by I find myself forgetting it more often. I miss it though, I feel like a part of me is missing and so I've decided that come the new year, I am going back to blogging full time, back to sharing my life with you all, back to doing features and weekly posts of sorts and sharing my photos and recipes and crafts etc.

I've had a really good holiday season, had my wonderful in laws visiting for Christmas and even though they were only here for a week, I truly enjoyed the time we had visiting.

It was a super busy week, lots of catching up, eating good food, sharing the Lord's word and enjoying each others company, but as Christmas has come to an end, I am ready to get all these celebrations behind me and move onto a whole new year.

First let me show you a bit of what we've been doing around here.

Couldn't be Christmas without some cookie baking and decorating :)

And some very attentive furry friends waiting for a crumb to fall......and I totally mean Lola the pug, not the handsome man below LOL

My amazing husband, who I adore, decided to give me an early Christmas present. My new lens for my camera and OH do I love this lens.

When we first got married, I was told right away that this is a family that loves card games and board games, and I was also told that if I didn't like those things, I would have to learn to like them LOL And I did.

So while the in laws were here, we got some card games making with lots of laughs in between.

Christmas eve came and Santa made it's appearance, leaving behind the empty glass of milk and the crumbs from some sugar cookies.

He also left behind a gift that made the little 8 year old extremely happy....I wish I had caught his reaction with my camera.

Half asleep kids who couldn't wait to get their hands on the presents :)

And adults who were extremely happy with their gifts too....hubby and the Ipod Touch have been inseparable since then.

But I can't really complain because I literally squealed when I saw one of my gifts.....from Cath Kidston of course :)

My beautiful daughter who gets bigger by the minute :)

And my handsome young man who gets cuter as each day goes by....

Of course a new bike means he needs to get right on it and learn to ride. No training wheels on this one, no ma'am.....

And in less than an hour he was riding all on his own. The joy on his face was indescribable, but I believe it may have mirrored the pride in mine and daddy's eyes :)

Oh and big sis was out there cheering him on too :)

So a wonderful holiday we had, but now the in laws have gone back home and it's just the 4 of us again.

We'll celebrate New Years like we do every year, just quietly, with a good dinner, some munchies and a quick Happy New Year at midnight before retiring to bed :)

But as 2012 dawns upon us, I am determined to return to my roots with this blog. To go back to where it started, to use it as a means to talk about my life, my children, my dos and don'ts and to really focus on the reason why I started the blog to begin with.

For a few months now I have felt that while the blogging world began as a bunch of little corners in the world devoted to family and just talking about our day to day.....it has evolved into something much bigger and which quite frankly I do not like.

Blogging is no longer the place I met amazing friends, it's no longer a place where I went to look around and find new recipes, book recommendations, beautiful photos of families, homemaking etc.....it has turned into a big competition about who has the best looking one, who has the most comments, who has the most reviews and giveaways and who has gone from blogger to superstar.

It's not who I am, it's not who I want to be and more than ever I am really looking forward to at least attempting to take my blog experience back to the way it used to be. I may not succeed completely at first, but I'm going to give it my best :)

Starting with this Friday....I am doing my usual A Year in Review, all the way back from January until December of this year. If you would like to join in, just come back on Friday and let me know so that I can come and see your post too :)

Until then, have a wonderful Wednesday night, have a safe New Year's Eve and I pray for a Blessed New year for each and every one of you :)

God Bless,
Sandra

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

2011-12-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Slow Cooker Cornbread

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (or homemade)
Spray the inside of a 2 and a half quart slow cooker pan.
Mix the ingredients according to package directions. Pour into the pan and cook on HIGH for an hour or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
That’s IT!

Just perfect for some chili

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

2011-12-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
We've had much needed rain and though that seems to have now subsided, we are still feeling the colder temps. My only wish would have been snow for Christmas :)

Things that make me happy:

Getting the house ready for visitors

Book I'm reading:
The Betrayal by Diane Noble. Very good, I'm really enjoying it.

What's on my TV today:

Just Henry

Victorian Farm

On the menu for dinner:
Teriyaki Steak with Rice

On my To Do List:

Lots of straightening up and getting the house ready for my in laws to arrive tomorrow night :)

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Peppermint Patties - yum

In the craft basket:

Finished these adorable Elephant Softies for the kids. Was supposed to give them as stocking stuffers but they accidentally saw them so I'm making something else for the stockings, not sure what yet.

Looking forward to this week:
My in laws arriving and spending time with them for Christmas :)

Tips and Tricks:
Try to get as much done before Christmas so that when the day arrives you can relax with the rest of the family.

My favorite blog post this week:
Little Red Beads at Bunny Mummy. What a cute Christmas Craft :)

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Sesame Ellis...daily life photo blogging by Rachel Devine

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
Just because someone says they are your friend, it doesn't mean they really are. I've had some issues on Facebook with people who I have on my friend list, who do nothing but post indirect jabs and comments. I will never understand it because it's not the kind of person I am, I am one to be rude or to take jabs at people, I am always thinking before I speak, so I guess I expect the same kind of treatment back. Unfortunately I've had to learn that it is not the same for everyone :)

On my mind:
Christmas

My friend Courtney's sister who is in the hospital, she's had several seizures and the doctors are having a hard time figuring out the reason. Please pray for Amanda and for the whole family.

My friend Lori's husband Don who broke his arm and had to have surgery, please pray for a quick healing.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 17:28

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

2011-12-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone :)

Here we are, another Thursday, another Slow Cooking post. Thank you all for sharing every week and even if I don't leave comments, I DO stop by and check out all the recipes, so I appreciate you taking the time to leave them on the Slow Cooking Thursday post :)

Quick French Dip Sandwiches

4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 packets brown onion gravy
2 cups of cold water
thinly sliced beef
hoagie buns

In a large skillet, add the butter and the onions. Cook for a few minutes over medium heat until onions are transparent, add the sliced beef and continue cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Fill the hoagie buns with the beef, spoon some of the gravy onto a separate dish for dipping. Enjoy!
Honestly, the messier, the better.

The Weather outside is frightful

2011-12-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

and I've been enjoying the heck out of it :)

I know many of you are suffering through really cold temperatures and snow and probably already for the warm sun to come back, but folks like me in Arizona don't really get to enjoy the rain or cool temps very often, so when it comes around I embrace it fully and enjoy every single minute of it.

I've been extremely busy lately, December is always just downright crazy for me, it's a mixture of the normal day to day life but the added stress of the holidays plus trying to finish all the homeschooling work so we can have our Winter Break. Which, I'm proud to say we did yesterday so we are officially on break until January :)

Been enjoying sitting on this chair, right next to the Christmas tree. Smelling the pine needles, watching the beautiful lights and rocking back and forth crocheting :)

The rain fell steadily for two straight days, days were dark, gloomy, cold and wet. Perfect for being in the kitchen and baking.

Snickerdoodles.

I'm not a big fan of cookies, matter of fact you could leave packs of them laying around and I almost never touch them at all. But Snickerdoodles is a whole other matter, these are my absolute favorite cookie on earth :)

Little Miss Lola has been enjoying the weather too, snuggled on the couch. I had to snap this pic because it looks like she's trying to be part of the pillow :)

Rain and Christmas lights always make for a pretty effect :)

I got up this morning and the rain clouds were moving away, the sun was peeking out from behind them and I thought it made for such a brilliant shot. It made me stop and think, stop and thank the Lord for everything that he constantly blesses me with.

And just as quick it hid back behind the last few clouds.

I've also been enjoying soups and my crockpots. Actually for the past two weeks, when I made my menu plan, I made sure that everything was made in the slow cooker, because I know how crazy this time of the month can get. Here is my Butternut Squash Soup. Yum!

My days have been full, not only with crafts and homemade gifts, with children and schooling, with learning and housework, but full of love and full of blessings and full of the Lord's lessons.

I hope that all of you who read my blog are as content as I feel right now. I also know that it's a tough time of the year for everyone, it's hard for me because I find myself constantly thinking of the family that I can't have nearby, of the loved ones that have passed on, and I find myself near tears quite often.

I do believe though that it's also the time of year when we most need to hold on to our Faith, to put our lives in the Lord's hands and to allow Him to guide us through it.

So for those that are depressed, that are down, that are feeling sad, I send you hugs.

God Bless,
Sandra

Cat Cora's New Mediterranean Recipes and Product Line - Review

2011-12-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

I think we all know who Chef Cat Cora is right?

Well I was contacted a few weeks back and asked if I would be willing to try some of her new products. Yum!

There are an abundance of studies indicating the significant benefits of the Mediterranean diet, and even last week The Los Angeles Times featured the healthful style of eating citing support from Harvard University’s, Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos who called the Mediterranean diet “possibly the best ever!”

Not sure how to eat the Mediterranean way? Simple! Just head over to your local grocery store and pick up Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea products.

The Greek-American celebrity chef has teamed up with Gaea, an award-winning Greek specialty foods manufacturer to create her new line of gourmet olives, olive oils, vinegars, cooking sauces, tapenades and other authentic Greek specialties. All of the products are made from the finest ingredients and are 100 percent natural, free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Looking for an alternative to the heavy holiday dips? Try Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea’s tapenades with bread and crackers! Instead of a traditional chocolate cake for your holiday party, try a lighter yet surprisingly decadent-tasting alternative like Cat’s Lathi Torte, an olive oil cake rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. This is just one of Cat’s specially created recipes that will surely have your friends and family wanting to try the Mediterranean lifestyle, too!

So, here is what I got in the mail and funny story, the day I received this package I was making Seafood Paella and had run out of Saffron, and low and behold, some in the package :)

Starting with the Smoked Eggplant Tapenade. Oh my, that was really really good.

I love eggplant but I wasn't quite sure if an Eggplant Tapenade would be tasty, I was pleasantly surprised.

The Cyprus Cooking Sauce is infused with Orange. If you like citrus based sauces, you'll really enjoy this one.

Ok, now I will say that these were just ok for me. The dried olives snack pack wasn't what I was expecting. It definitely is infused with strong good olive oil because that is the major flavor going on there.

And then there's the saffron, I think one of my favorite spices but one that I don't get to use very often.

I was preparing Seafood Paella that day and was so glad to see it arrive in the package. If you've never tried saffron, you really don't know what you're missing.

So all in all, I enjoyed the products and I think that if you are looking for the perfect gift for you food loving or cooking lover friend or family member, you can't go wrong with some Cat Cora Mediterranean products.

Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea is now available for the first time nationwide at specialty food stores and major retailers including Kroger, Target and Whole Foods. Products range from $3.18 - $24.55. Higher end products in the line such as the XXX oil and the Oxymelo Vinegar (think of it as the Greek Balsamic) are also great for stocking stuffers.

Just head on over to Cat Cora's Kitchen and check out the great products available.

Thank you to Tara from Fifteen Minutes Public Relations for the samples. All opinions are mine alone.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

2011-12-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Cold, gloomy, but I absolutely love it :)

Things that make me happy:

My husband

Book I'm reading:
The Betrayal by Diane Noble. I was sent the book for review and have just started it but really enjoying it so far, has anyone read The Brides of Gabriel series? This is #2.

What's on my TV today:

I have absolutely no idea.

On the menu for dinner:
Butternut Squash Soup

On my To Do List:

Won't even bother changing this list, I have exactly the same things going on today LOL

Homeschooling

Sweep and mop

Iron

Christmas gifts

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Not really a new one but I love it :) Quick French Dip Sandwiches

In the craft basket:

Lots of Christmas gifts and crazily enough I'm adding a few more today......I've obviously lost my mind.

Looking forward to this week:
Getting that one step closer to Christmas. I plan on watching a lot of Christmas movies which finishing up some Christmas gifts.

Tips and Tricks:
Don't really have one this morning

My favorite blog post this week:
Not even going to bother trying to explain this one, I just simply haven't gone to Google Reader in forever.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
See above.....

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Our musical light show trees in the yard :) There is something magical about Christmas lights and night time :)

Lesson learned the past few days:
To trust my instincts, to stop doing something that is out of my comfort zone just because others are fine with it. If I'M not feeling it, then I shouldn't be doing it. Right?

On my mind:
Gifts, crafts, planning, doing

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Just Ducky Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for entering the Just Ducky Giveaway for the $25 Gift Certificate :)

I used Random.org to get a winner and the number that came up was

#11 - Francie

Congratulations Francie, I will be contacting you shortly :)

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

2011-12-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Know what I wish? That I had more hours in the day to get everything done and to sit down and blog hop, and visit everyone.

I feel like I'm running on empty lately. *sigh*

Anyway, here is today's recipe.

Oniony Meatloaf

2 eggs
1/2 cup catsup
3/4 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked (I used panko breadcrumbs)
1 and 1/2 oz. pkg. onion soup mix
2 lbs. ground beef

Combine eggs, catsup, oats and soup mix in a large bowl. Add ground beef; mix well. Shape ground beef mixture into a loaf, place into crockpot.
Cover and cook on low setting for 5 hours or until a meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. (about 30 minutes before it was done, I poured some ketchup on top and spread it a little)

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

2011-12-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
I'm freezing this morning, for the first time around 5am this morning, I had to get up and turn on the heat. Hate that smell when it first turns on though...BLECH!

Things that make me happy:

Making homemade gifts for family and friends

Book I'm reading:
Finished my last one but don't have anything lined up yet, have so many to choose from so I'm sure I'll find something.

What's on my TV today:

Hart of Dixie
Living with the Amish - new show on Channel 4 in the UK.

On the menu for dinner:
Italian Sausage and Penne with Garlic Bread

On my To Do List:

Homeschooling

Sweep and mop

Iron

Christmas gifts

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Tomatillo and Cilantro Chicken Enchiladas

In the craft basket:

Christmas Gifts....crochet, sewing, crafting, all sorts of goodies.

Looking forward to this week:
Finishing up some more Christmas gifts, Christmas shopping and enjoying our beautiful tree :)

Tips and Tricks:
Don't really have one this morning

My favorite blog post this week:
I don't remember the last time I had time to open my Google Reader...I do miss blog hopping.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Lemons for Lemonade, love this crafty blog :)

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Our beautiful live Christmas tree :)

Lesson learned the past few days:
That it is normal to second guess yourself when it comes to being a parent. To question whether you really are being the best you can be, doing what is needed to keep your children happy and healthy and teaching them to be caring, respectful human beings. So when you see your children in action and get compliments from strangers on how wonderful they are, it really does warm the heart and make you realize that you ARE doing well.

On my mind:
Gifts, crafts, planning, doing

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
– John 15:12-13

{ Handmade Christmas - #3 }

2011-12-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sure a lot of you make these for yourselves, and possibly for gifts as well, so it may not be a surprise, but for those that don't, these are the perfect gifts for a mom, sister, grandma, best friend etc.

I always have a jar in my kitchen and one in my bathroom, but this year I thought it would be a great idea to make some extra to give as Christmas gifts.

Body and Hand Scrubs.

You will find a bunch of different versions online but they're so easy to make that soon you'll be able to take the general idea and add whatever scent you wish to yours.

One of the things that seems to be the most debated is about the shelf life when it comes to some especially the Lemon Sugar Scrub, but I've never had a problem with it going bad, truth be told it doesn't last a long time in my house, I use the heck out of these.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

2 and a 1/2 Cups of Sugar
1 Cup of Olive Oil
4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice

Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Spoon into mason jars and close tight making sure it's sealed properly.

You can keep these in a dark place and out of the sun, it will stay for quite a while.

IF you are worried about it's shelf life because of the lemon juice, you can also refrigerate it :) After sitting for a bit, you may need to give it a good shake or mix it with a spoon as the sugar may settle. If you find that the olive oil is too strong for your liking, add a little more lemon juice and you can even add in a little peppermint essential oil......lemon and peppermint smell divine together.

Instructions: Apply a small amount to hands over the sink so it doesn't make a mess. Rub into hands for a minute or so, then rinse with warm water and pat dry. Hands will be silky smooth and smell amazing.

I made some labels, printed them out and then tore the edges before applying with mod podge, you can see that the paper is still wet on these pics. These make really cute gifts :)

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Body Scrub

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, making sure to mix everything well.

Spoon into mason jars and seal well. These last a really long time, about 6 months, but honestly I don't know if they'll sit around that long once you try it out. :) Just be sure not to let water into the container because it may cause bacterial growth.

To use, scrub all over your body when taking a shower or bath.

For more ideas on different scrubs, check out Tip Junkie's list.

Just Ducky Custom Kids Clothes - Review and Giveaway

2011-12-02T12:08:00.001-07:00

With Christmas just around the corner, I know that many of you are still looking for that perfect gift, whether it be for a family member or a friend, so you will be seeing lots of reviews and giveaways coming up this month.

I was contacted by Leah from Just Ducky and after taking a look at their clothing line I only wished my kiddos were little again, oh what fun I would have.

Here's a little more about Just Ducky:

In case you are not familiar with Just Ducky, we showcase and sell our unique line of children's clothing throughout the U.S. using our Home Show Program where mothers/consultants hold trunk shows at their homes and receive discounts and rewards for their very own Just Ducky originals.

We also offer part of our line through our website at Just Ducky.

(Our online selection includes classic styles for girls size 6M-14 and boys size 6M-8 including reversible garments, monogram options and accessories.)

But what I really want to tell you about today, is the Home Show Program.

All moms want to doll their children up in fun, classic clothes that are hand-made as if grandma sewed them herself. Obviously, there isn’t always time for mom or grandma to sew your little one up the adorable outfits you dream of. And money is tight these days, which is why affordable, custom, quality clothes can be hard to come by. Just Ducky, an American-made, custom children’s clothing manufacturer offers a solution to finding unique, high quality garments for your little one. Just Ducky sells their creative, custom line of children’s threads throughout the U.S. using their “Home Show Program” where mothers hold trunk shows at their homes & receive discounts and rewards for their very own sweet duds. Want to know some of the benefits of being a consultant with Just Ducky?

• Earn cash commission and a 40% discount on your clothing purchase.
• Just Ducky Collections include affordable cotton knit Essentials lines from sizes 6 months to 7/8 so every child in your house can look fabulous!
• Easy-to-use training materials will help you make your Just Ducky Home Shows successful!
• Consultants have access to an online design page where you can show your customers what specific garments will look like in different fabrics.
• Last but not least, if you become an Area Consultant and manage other consultants you can earn both cash commission on all parties and a 40% discount on your clothing purchase.
• Too busy to be a consultant but want a little “bonus?” You can simply host a home show and earn 10% clothing credit based on your sales!

Sounds great doesn't? Do you want see a little more about Just Ducky, how about watching this video for a sneak peek?

Now here's the best part. Just Ducky is giving away a $25 gift certificate to a winner on my blog.

If you don't win a gift card, you can still go on over and get one yourself and right now is the best time to do so, want to know why?

Well because the Spring clothing line comes out at the end of December and anyone who orders a gift card can redeem beginning January 1st and can start putting together their own outfit from the spring catalog. You can check it out online.... Spring 2012 Catalog.

If you are interested in hosting your own Home Show, then click here to apply :)

Also check out the Sales page, lots of adorable clothes for your little ones.

To enter this contest, here are the rules:

- Leave a comment and please be sure to include your email address

- Head on over to Just Ducky's facebook page and like it, leave me another comment letting me know you liked the page, for a second chance at winning (Just Ducky do a lot of flash sales on Facebook)

- Contest is open to US residents only and the winning certificate will be sent from Just Ducky

That's all. Now I know a lot of my readers have little ones and honestly I think you would love seeing them in one of the adorable Spring Line outfits.

I will run this until next week Wednesday, 7th December and then will draw a winner using Random.org :)

Good Luck!

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

2011-12-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

December 1st, my word where has the year flown?

Just 24 more days and it's Christmas, I can't even believe that we're this close and I have yet to buy one single present LOL But I AM going to start this morning so hopefully I'll be done soon.

Anyway, here's today's Slow Cooking Thursday. I haven't tried this one yet but it looks really good.

Image credit: lovingthebike

Chicken and Bean Chili

Credit: Simple.com

2 tsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups diced onions
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup diced sweet green pepper
1 cup diced carrots
2 tsp minced garlic
12 oz diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp cornstarch or flour
2 cups tomato pasta sauce
1 cup drained rinsed chickpeas
1 cup chicken stock
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS
Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet and lightly brown vegetables. Toss the chicken with flour or cornstarch and add to crock pot. Add vegetables to crockpot and stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hour or high for 4-5 hours. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

{ Shirley J Seasonings Winner }

2011-11-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you all who entered and by all means, if you didn't win the giveaway, do not let that stop you from trying out the Shirley J products, they are very good :)

I used Random.org and the winner is:

#5 - Ashley

Congratulations Ashley, I will be contacting you shortly :)

{ Moon Dough Review }

2011-11-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

My children loved to play with play dough....but as a mother it literally gave me chills up the spine the minute that nasty stuff used to come out. Eventually I knew that it would everywhere and by everywhere, I mean EVERY.WHERE.

As they got older I started diverting their attention from that stuff to other things figuring that at least I wouldn't have to worry about the clean up.

Then Moon Dough came out and Nicholas practically begged me for some to try, I put it off as long as I could but then caved, you know....the whole puppy eyes look and pouty lip kinda thing.

I bought it for him and he loved it and I was surprised that the clean up was much easier than play dough.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the wonderful folks over at Child's Play Communications and asked if I would be willing to try out the new and improved Moon Dough. Here is what they said:

This odor-free dough now features a better consistency for even more molding fun! We would love for you to check out the new and improved Moon Dough (ages 3 and up) by reviewing the Moon Dough Push N’ Pop – which comes in an Ocean Pals set or Breakfast set.

Let me tell you, this stuff is the best. I only wish it had been around when Jasmine was a little one too.

It has no scent, it feels like sand but doesn't fall apart, it doesn't make a mess and I think for me the biggest thing was that it's SO light. I went to pick up a big chunk of it and thought it would be heavy like play dough, but it was extremely light.

Nicholas had a BLAST with it and and even Jasmine who is 12 got in on the fun too....truth be told so did hubby and I LOL

It comes with cool shapes to make different animals. The set we got was the Ocean one, so the kids enjoyed making an Octopus and Turtle....

He was in heaven for an hour or two and the best part.....when it was time to clean up, I didn't find a gazillion little crumbs and balls of dough stuck to my floor, table etc.

On and one of the best things about it too, it doesn't dry up. That's right....you can leave it out of the box or bag and it won't dry up. Though I suggest keeping it in a ziploc baggie like I do just to keep it all together.

If you're thinking of a cool gift for little ones 3+ in age, that will provide them with hours of fun, you might want to consider the Moon Dough.

Thank you to Child's Play Communication for the box set provided for review.

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

2011-11-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am running so late this morning, these 4 days off with everyone at home just completely threw me for a loop. I have a house that is desperately needing tidying up and cleaning and I overslept this morning....which hasn't happened in like YEARS.

Anyway, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, let's get right to it.

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Cold, I'm actually cold and had to put an extra blanket on the bed. Love it though :)

Things that make me happy:

Remembering my childhood, thinking about the time I spent with my greatgrandma.

Book I'm reading:
The Love Affair of an English Lord by Jillian Hunter

What's on my TV today:

Hart of Dixie
Kirstie's Handmade Britain

On the menu for dinner:
Pepperoni Bread, sent in by one of my readers, I'm finally getting around to making it :)

On my To Do List:

Homeschooling

Housework

Christmas gifts

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Pecan Pie Bars

In the craft basket:

Christmas Gifts....crochet, sewing, crafting, all sorts of goodies.

Looking forward to this week:
My hubby passing his PT test tomorrow and being able to enjoy a nice meal without worrying about his calories :)

Tips and Tricks:
So you're making biscuits and can't find the cutter. Did you know that a mason jar lid will work just as well??? It gives you a little lip to hold on to and you can push the biscuit through :)

My favorite blog post this week:
I am SO far behind on blog reading and I need desperately to catch up with everyone, starting with my last week's Happy Homemaker and Slow Cooking posts.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
A Cozy Kitchen...lots of great recipes and wonderful photography too :)

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
That a marriage is only as good as you make it, that you need communication, that you need to sit down and express what you're feeling, what you're not liking. My hubby and I hit a rough patch last week and for the first time in our marriage I honestly thought we were losing ground, but through prayer, tears and lots of communication, we got through it.

On my mind:
My husband's PT test tomorrow, please say a prayer for him.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

2011-11-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone. Time for another Happy Homemaker Monday, hope everyone is having a wonderful start to their week :)

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Nice and cool, it's really making me excited for the holidays :)

Things that make me happy:

The thought of Thanksgiving just around the corner.

Book I'm reading:
The Love Affair of an English Lord by Jillian Hunter

What's on my TV today:

Hart of Dixie
Kirstie's Handmade Britain

On the menu for dinner:
Tomatillo and Cilantro Chicken Enchiladas

On my To Do List:

Homeschooling

Housework

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

In the craft basket:

Ripple blanket
Personalized Candles
Mug Cozies

Looking forward to this week:
Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving

Tips and Tricks:
Did you know that a mason jar will fit into your blender????? I didn't know it either, but Pinterest is like a fountain of information. Apparently if you just screw the blade portion onto the mason jar where the lid fits, it works perfectly. I'm going to have to try that.

My favorite blog post this week:
I didn't read any blogs last week, come to think of it, I don't think I have in the past two weeks. Yikes.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Likewise, haven't found anything new, but I really do miss blog hopping, I will try to find some time this afternoon for that :)

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
That the holidays are only stressful if you make them that way. There is no need to go ALL out, to put unnecessary expectations on yourself or others.

On my mind:
Thanksgiving

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

– Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

{ Yarn Along }

{ Period Drama List }

Because I am dying for Spring

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #5 }

{ Friday Favorites - #4 }

Some days

{ Cooking Thursday }

{ Yarn Along }

{ Building birdhouses }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #4 }

{ Five Senses Saturday }

Housekeeping, Cooking, Sewing

a manual designed to simplify the work of the housekeeper; being a practical cook book adapted to families of moderate and small means, introducing food principles, marketing, cooking and serving ... furnishing menus and recipes for 365 consecutive days by Nellie E. Ewart ...published 1908

{ Friday Favorites - #3 }

{ Cooking Thursday }

{ Yarn Along }

{ In which she taught me to sew..... }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #3 }

Call the Midwife on BBC

{ Five Senses Saturday }

Delurk Day 2012

{ Friday Favorites - #2 }

{ Cooking Thursday }

{ Yarn Along }

Morning ::: Afternoon ::: Evening

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #2 }

{ Five Senses Saturday }

{ Friday Favorites - #1 }

{ Today I............ }

{ Cooking Thursday }

{ A day like any other }

{ Yarn Along }

{ Easing back into routines }

{ So it begins......}

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 2012 #1 }

Folly Beach by Dorothea Benton Frank - TLC Book Tour

Angry Birds

New Year Fun - 2011 Edition

Enjoying the small things.........

LoveSac Slippers Review

{ Cooking Thursday }

After the holidays....

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

The Weather outside is frightful

Cat Cora's New Mediterranean Recipes and Product Line - Review

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

Just Ducky Giveaway Winner!

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

{ Handmade Christmas - #3 }

Just Ducky Custom Kids Clothes - Review and Giveaway

{ Slow Cooking Thursday }

{ Shirley J Seasonings Winner }

{ Moon Dough Review }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

a manual designed to simplify the work of the housekeeper; being a practical cook book adapted to families of moderate and small means, introducing food principles, marketing, cooking and serving ... furnishing menus and recipes for 365 consecutive days
by Nellie E. Ewart ...published 1908