The Bullock 5

My first King Cake

2012-01-24T21:43:00.001-06:00

I absolutely LOVE King Cake! For you Northeners that have no clue what I am talking about. King Cakes are part of Mardi Gras tradition and in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Read more on the history on wiki here. They typically are sold for just a couple of months during Mardi Gras season. For a King Cake lover like myself that is not a good thing! They are around $8 at the store! OUCH! I would try to squeeze in eating many King Cakes while I could get them in years past... I will shamelessly admit that on an occassion or two I would pretty much eat the whole thing myself, ~~because I didn't like sharing~~, I mean the kids didn't want any... yeah that's it!

Mardi Gras King Cake

Inspired when I saw this recipe on Southern Plate yesterday... Well today I kept thinking about making one. In Christy's Recipe she used frozen bread dough. I pretty much make as much homemade as I can though so I made my dough in my bread machine which was easy peasy! Now if you don't have a bread machine you can also make your dough by hand (first proofing your yeast, first 3 ingredients) If you have any questions let me know! For my dough recipe I altered my Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Here is the run down:

Dough Recipe: (or use frozen bread dough, thawed of course)

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm warm
2 TBS sugar
2 1/2 cups flour (I used bread flour but all-purpose flour would work ok too)
1 tsp salt
2 TBS Vegetable Oil

Filling Recipe:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 TBS lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar

Glaze Recipe:

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbs milk (add just enough to get to a pourable consistancy)
1 tsp vanilla

I did my bread in the bread machine on the dough cycle. (If you are kneading by hand work the dough to a good consistency and set in a warm draft free spot for the first rise) allow an hour or so for this

Then, turn dough to a lightly floured surface. gently work it into a large... long rectangle shape. (this will be your ring so get it good and long... mine was probably around 18-20" x 6" or so. Ok... read on in the captions of the photos. Sometimes seeing a picture is easier!

Beautiful dough :)

Use colored sugar. You can make your own very easily by adding several drops into some sugar... Do this in a jar and shake vigorously. I had green and yellow but needed purple.... I don't think I will ever buy colored sugar again!

This is our purple. eh... not the best but will do! We used Blue and Red. Next time I will try green and red and see how that goes

I shaped into a long rectangle and just patted the dough out with my fingers

Mix filling cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice

Slap on the cream cheese in the center (or other filling) I added blueberries to 1/2 that were partially frozen per eldest child's request :) Then gently fold thetop of the dough to the center and the bottom over that. making sure to seal the filling in

All rolled up! Transfer to cookie sheer or baking stone carefully. Cover with damp cloth in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour until doubled

Here it is all doubled up and ready to bake! Bake on 350 F about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown

Golden brown! I transfered mine to a glass plate to cool.

Once cooled you can hide a little plastic baby somewhere inside. Just push it thru the underside or side, somewhere inconspicuous! Drizzle glaze on top and sprinkle with colored sugar!
Traditional Mardi Gras colors are Gold, Green, and Purple.

More menu Ideas

Free Friday Giveaway!

2012-01-20T07:55:00.000-06:00

Post 1 comment for each that you do! Up for grabs this week is an awesome piggie set of SandraBees Bows! Do 1 (or all for more chances to win!) 1 entry each
1. You must be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
2. Like SandraBees Bows on Facebook
3. Follow on SandraBees on Twitter
4. Write one comment for each entry.
5. Leave a comment on the Giveaway on Facebook Here
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1. Make a blog post about my Giveaway on your blog (5 entries)
2. Copy and paste the picture and post it in the sidebar of your blog (5 entries)
3. Share the link of my Giveaway Blog Post on your Facebook page (5 entries)
4. Tweet my Giveaway (3 entries)
So overall you have 22 entries if you do all! Winner will be announced this coming Monday!

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New SandraBees Bows Specials

2012-01-17T13:28:00.001-06:00

I guess I am in a Valentine's mood! That and spring!!! Many great bows this week. With the popularity of the St Patty's Day 2 in 1 Bow Set.... I created a Valentine's Day Version. The bow set can be worn together or individually making this a really versatile bow set. Can even be worn by sisters for a coordinated look! For ordering details please visit SandraBees Bows on Facebook

I make all bows custom to order so if you need a different size, want to switch colors, or need a bow or headband to match an outfit it is no problem. Just post a comment here, thru facebook or email me

Also FREE SHIPPING on ALL BOW SETS ordered thru SandraBees.com That's right! On top of already low prices and buy 5 get 1 free specials, take advantage of free shipping this week only (1-17 thru 1-24)

M2MG Sparkle SweetHeart

M2MG Polka Dot Princess

An Awesome Bow set, wear individually or clip together... Year round wear!

M2MG Poodle Glamour

M2MG Butterfly Blossoms

Jumbo Gothic Valentine

Fireplace Redo ~in Progress

2012-01-17T12:26:00.001-06:00

Well, it has been 1 week since we began framing the wall for the fireplace! After the framing, we built a platform where the hidden cabinet for components will ultimately go. Put a few new outlets. One will being right at the base of the mantel shelf... Yay for easier decorating! The other is in the cabinet area for the components to plug into. Next we (I mean hubbby :) connected the gasline from the wall to the firebox itself... And then we cut, placed and screwed the sheetrock into place... (mostly hubby... that stuff is HEAVY!)

Here is the new wall!

Wow, I am amazed!

Here is where I takeover... Started mudding yesterday! woo-hoo! Now I was shooting to be done with this project by the end of January... But I am going to go ahead and say I think it will take a bit longer... we will see though. The mudding, sanding etc may hold us up because it is a 24 hour dry time after mudding. We hope to get some newpaint to match the existing this week and maybe start the mantel/woodwork soon.

I still need to decide if I want to stain the wood or paint it white??? Maybe when some wood is in place that will help me decide. I also still need to decide on some tile. Originally I was going to do brick but it is going to be a very small 4" perimeter around the fireplace... I am thinking tile or maybe brick pavers? Can I lay those myself... LOL

I am getting anxious to see the final result! I ordered a new area rug that is supposed to arrive today!!! I ordered it online (shopping with 3 kids is completely dreadful BTW!). I am hoping the colors with brighten up the room and that the rug will "pop" from my dark floors, chocolate couch, darker curtains, etc. My old couch was tan with ivory trim... but we needed more seating and fell in love with this sectional... I do love it but as I get to looking around everything seemed dark! LOL I think I will update some pillows for the spring in some lighter shades too.

Menu Plan Monday~

2012-01-16T21:40:00.000-06:00

Here is what is on our menu this week

Monday - Grilled Chicken, rice and gravy, green beans, Homemade Yeast Rolls
Tuesday - Spaghetti, homemade French Bread
Wednesday - Church
Thursday - Tacos
Friday- Sausage, Mac n cheese, peas, homemade bread
Saturday - Shrimp Scamp,Homemade Garlic Yeast Roll
Sunday - Ribeye Steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob

If I am not in the mood for something I will switch up the day that I make it... point is, I have a plan and have the ingredients to make everything. This saves me time, money, and stress! In a pinch I usually can always make grilled cheese and tomato soup or throw together a tuna fish casserole :-)

Do you meal plan? If not I encourage you to do so... Really does take the stress of "what's for dinner?" out of my day!

For more Menu Planning Ideas:

Free Friday Giveaway!

2012-01-13T11:38:00.002-06:00

Gorgeous Valentine Rosette Bow!

Do 1 (or all for more chances to win!) 1 entry each
1. You must be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.
2. Like SandraBees Bows on Facebook
3. Follow on SandraBees on Twitter
4. Write a comment in the comment section of this blog post with a list of all your entries.
5. Leave a comment on the Giveaway on Facebook Here
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1. Make a blog post about my Giveaway (5 entries)
2. Copy and paste the picture and post it in the sidebar of your blog (5 entries)
3. Share the link of my Giveaway Blog Post on your Facebook page (5 entries)
4. Tweet my Giveaway (3 entries)
So overall you have 22 entries if you do all! Winner will be announced this coming Monday!

Building the Fireplace!

2012-01-13T11:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I am so very excited that we have officially started this project! We had a gas line stubbed when we originally built our house with the intentions of one day adding a fireplace in the corner. About a year ago we got rid of our armoire that used to sit in the corner where the wannabe fireplace was going to go. DVD junk sat on 2 trunks for awhile :)

Determined to get this project going I researched a lot and finally went and bought a firebox last fall... The goal was to have it done by Christmas so I could hang my stockings.... Well that did not happen. My husband had to have an unexpected surgery and so the whole thing was just put on hold. Here are some pix so you can see the space.

This is how it's been for several months

All of the wiring goes thru the wall in the corner. The hope is to build the fireplace with a hidden compartment to house the DVD player, etc.

Another View of the living room

the sectional stays of course... would love for the recliner to go...

more views

living room opens to breakfast area/bar/kitchen

Ready to remove this plastic wrap!

Yes, very ready!

TV wall... this will stay just as is

from the back of the room

TADA!!! We have begun!

I will blog as we go along! We are hoping to finish it within a few weeks.... I have been looking at fireplaces that I like for months! I rarely saw a corner fireplace that I liked! I am still undecided on whether I want the woodwork stained or painted white... Ya'll share your ideas with me!!! The front door is a gorgeous stain. I am thinking to do a neutral mosaic tile around the fireplace and I am not set on a hearth or any tile on the floor.. I think I like it flush and simple.

As we began the project we are realizing we will "need" a new surround sound system. Right now our has a big subwoofer that used to sit concealed in the corner. However we can't have it sit there and then we questioned where we would put the speaker that mounts to the ceiling... I think we are going to upgrade to a wireless surround system to simplify everything and keep the clean look that we like.

Another thing to consider is the paint. We built 6 years ago and are smack out of the paint that goes thru most of my house. (the tan color). I really don't want any other color, so I am hoping we can get it matched pretty close... If I have to end up repainting the living room walls... well so be it. I just hope to get the color to match close enough so I don't have to repaint the kitchen & breakfast areas too... The walls all flow together so there really is no good stopping point to switch colors.

New SandraBees Bows Specials

2012-01-12T19:44:00.001-06:00

I have been working on many great bows this week! Several Valentines, a 2 in 1 St. Patrick's Day set, and Awesome Easter Egg Double layer, + more. All facebook specials are shipped to your for free :) Here are a few, for ordering info and to see them all visit the photo album on facebook here

Just $6 this week!


~SWEETHEART BOW(s)~

Initial Bow hot pink / zebra print

Initail Bow with matching Necklace

Side view of hot pink/zebra Initial Bow

Crochet cap with ribbon Rose Flower

Crpchet Cap available in 2 sizes

Mickey Mouse Piggie Set

Homemade Breadcrumbs

2012-01-12T14:10:00.000-06:00

Ever since I started baking homemade breads I found myself with a chunky end piece that didn't get eaten... then I would be baking another loaf an toss that few day old section in the trash. Well as thrifty as I like to be.... that bothered me! Sometimes I would toss into a freezer bag to feed the fish in the lake with... but especially in the winter months they would pile up.

I thought of doing croutons... but I wasn't sure how long they would keep and if I would use those up before going stale. I still will be trying some homemade croutons in the near future but I decided to eliminate the need to purchase breadcrumbs and make my own using the day old sections.

I still will stash the end pieces in the freezer until I have enough to make a batch. Then:

I cut bread into cubes
Set in oven on 200 degrees
Bake about an hour or until the bread crumbles in your hand
crumble all the bread, or crush using a rolling pin... or pulse in a food processor (you get the idea)
Store in an airtight container at room temp just like you would store bought breadcrumbs :)

Simple as that! Now you can also add seasonings but I just keep mine plain, then depending on what I am making I will add appropriate seasonings at that time

Homemade Breadcrumbs

Simply cube your old bread

Bake on 200 degrees about an hour, then crumble

Mini Laundry Room Redo

2012-01-09T23:36:00.002-06:00

I am trying to start thinking about ways my laundry room can function better. I have plans to build a set of base cabinets with a counter top for folding, and area underneath for dirty clothes and baskets. Replace the sink, come up with storage for the cat and dog food that is more functional. I love the colors that I painted when we built the house, but would like to add the extra touches. I hang out a lot in here... I really would love a comfortable chair... hmmm how can I figure out a way to fit that in there??? No, really! The kids & hubby usually steer clear if mommy is in the laundry room! I envision having a cup of tea and reading a book while washing clothes. Serenity now! HA!

Ok, well I am not doing anything major at the moment.... But I did come across these great bins a couple of days ago at my local Walmart... and guess how much?! Set of 3 for $4.50.

I grabbed 2 sets of them for a total of 6. Figured I could always return them if they didn't fit or find another spot to use them. They had them in Red, Black, & Purple... I got black... Now if they were chocolate brown that would have been perfect, but again for the price I thought I would try them! Here is a little photo tour of my laundry room.

I plan to update my blog as I redo the room. Overall I like most of it, but the functionality of the space can be better so that is my goal with it....

I was not looking for these, but when I saw them I stopped in my tracks! Took one out and judged the size and thought it might fit perfect in the space above my laundry room cabinets... which was sorta an out of reach spot that I threw a few things up on, but heck... It's a new year and I am a lady on a mission!

Here it is... In ALL her glory... That blue baskets sits there most all of the time and I hate it! I fold cloths right from the dryer and put them in piles and carry to their proper rooms... I don't even use the basket except for things I am too lazy to put away at that moment. It stays in my way... I am constantly kicking it or moving it.... Yes it must go!


Here is a before shot of the top of my laundry room cabinets

This shows one main wall. I have had my wonderful dream machines for a few years... Yea, I probably should reposition that picture on the left wall... But I just never get around to it LOL

This area to the right I think can be better used.... Maybe some built in shelves next to the cabinets and around the kitty crap box... Really not sure what I am going to do with this area.... Suggestions??? Please share

The corner has a basic sink. Pretty much the cheapest thing we could find when we were building. Built into the studs of the wall is my ironing board cabinet. Which I adore! It has a few shelves to store my iron and other items, plus the ironing board folds up. I made my shade and based my paint color for this room off of that fabric

Corner of the room. You can see my retractable clothing line here... It hides in the corner nook next to the cabinets above the washer & dryer. I do love my clothing line!

My retractable clothing line

This is the other main wall. Right now I have a rickety laundry sorter. Which works ok for it's purposes. Please excuse my tacky boxes above. It's better than it was :) I did have piles of the outgrown, donate, or needs repair items up there. I was going to purchase some pretty bins or totes, but then decided to build cabinets for the base... and I am still trying to come up with what to do for the top area. I would like a shelf or 2 up high for storage (maybe put some pretty bins there for my donate/repair items). I definitely want a hanging rod above as well. And this area will have a counter top and be my new folding station!

Right now the dirty clothes area has 3 baskets. I have 5 in my family and wash each person separate. It would be nice to have a spot for each person's dirty clothes plus an extra for delicates or linens


Here is another view of the room.

This is the wall area behind the door. I like the broom/mop holder thing... And my Roomba's home it there... Whatever I do I need to keep access to the electrical box you can see in the left on the wall. That said it would be nice to cover it up with something decorative so I am not staring at it :)

This wall will stay as is :)

Here are my new bins above the cabinets. They just so happen to fit pretty great I think!

Cake Batter Waffle Sundaes!

2012-01-09T21:14:00.001-06:00

How amazing do these look! Let me tell you how amazingly EASY these were... and how very, very excited my kids were to get to make their own!

Cake Batter Waffle Sundae

All you need is any boxed cake mix. Prepared as instructed on the box. We used a Chocolate Cake Mix. The best part about this is that they are ready very quickly! No waiting on the oven to preheat...no waiting for the cakes or cupcakes to bake, cool, etc. And as a bonus this is something easy for kids to make themselves, with a little supervision of course :)

Preheat your waffle iron... pour batter (mine uses about 1/3 cup per waffle section)... Close and cook.... My waffle iron has a green light when finished... probably about 4 minutes or so...

Pour Cake batter in heated waffle iron. (Mine takes about 1/3 cup per waffle section)

Once they are done, carefully transfer to a plate. Add a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, well... whatever your heart desires! We happened to have some maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips... and of course some chocolate syrup! Imagine them with some crushed Oreo's, or some peanut butter, vanilla cake mix with colorful sprinkles and strawberries! Oh the possibilities get me excited! These will also be great in the summertime when it is so hot I don't dare turn my oven on!

Here is my oldest... All 3 of my kid were pretty excited about these!

I think the one box mix made about 16-18 waffles! I really lost count cause we were eating our sundaes up :) I flash froze the remaining waffles, once frozen, transferred them to a freezer bag. I think there are around 10 waffles left... These will be great to have a quick and yummy dessert after dinner, or a special afternoon snack for the kids (& me :)

Kristin Hannah's Home Front!

2012-01-09T11:30:00.000-06:00

I am getting so very excited! My favorite author Kristin Hannah has a new book coming out in about 3 weeks!!!! January 31st to be exact! You can pre-order now thru her website KristinHannah.com

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Bread Machine YUMMY White Bread

2012-01-08T22:41:00.000-06:00

1 cup warm water
2 TBS sugar
2 1/4 tsp bread machine yeast
1/4 cup veg oil
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp salt

Add water, sugar, and yeast. Allow to proof 10 minutes until foamy. Then add oil, flour, and salt. Select your basic setting and press start! Mine takes about 3 hours from start to finish. Many times I will set after lunch and run errands. By the time the kids are home from school it is near the end of it's cooking and we have fresh bread with our dinner!

I like to add 2 tsp of garlic, & 2 tsp parsley for an Italian Bread to serve with pasta's

By the way, I was one of those people who thought a bread machine was a complete waste of money and space... HA! Thanks to my in-laws for picking up extra's at yard sales and giving me one! I am so hooked now!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken with Bacon

2012-01-08T22:26:00.001-06:00

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Oil (olive, canola, or vegetable) OR cook in bacon grease*
BBQ sauce
Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
bacon (cooked crisp) about 6-8 pieces
green onions (optional)

There are several ways you can cook and assemble this yummy dish! My kids absolutely LOVE when I make this! Here is how I do it.

Decide how you are cooking your bacon. You can cheat an use real bacon pieces that you can buy. or cook in the microwave. I like to cook my bacon in an iron skillet... Then use that grease to brown my chicken. I know, I know... I am in the south and well bacon grease is not wasted down here LOL!

So cook your bacon or heat a few TBS of oil in an iron skillet. Set bacon to the side...

Pound chicken thin... (Again this is a preference, but I find it cooks quicker & makes my chicken go farther for my family of 5... and I won't lie I get to take my frustrations out while pounding away :) To avoid any mess I like to lay a piece of plastic cling wrap on the counter, then put a couple pieces of the chicken... and another piece of plastic wrap on top... then proceed with the pounding!)

Brown each side of the chicken breasts. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or cookie sheet.... brush a little bbq on the top of each breast and bake on 350 about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your chicken will determine how long it needs as well.

Once cooked through flip each piece over... add BBQ to that size along with bacon. You can a couple on each piece or break the bacon to fit... It usually just depends on how much I have on hand HAHA! Top each piece with shredded cheddar and return to oven on broil.... just to melt cheese and lightly brown...

I like green onions on top, my kids don't. do what you like :)

Great served with buttered noodles or rice and a veggie!

Menu Plan Monday, My Weeks Worth!

2012-01-08T16:18:00.001-06:00

I generally make my menu for a month at a time. I do my grocery shopping by the month also.... I usually shop between the 10th and 15th of each month... I know I am weird LOL... It works for my family of 5 though! I try to limit eating out to once a week... Usually this is on Sunday after church. I stock freezer, pantry and produce/dairy all in my monthly trip. Then usually 2 weeks later I stock milk/produce again... and dire neceseties that can't wait for the next monthly trip. I love to bake breads of all sorts.... and usually bake it 3-4x's per week in some manner :) More on my shopping habits later though LOL.

Monday - Sausage, Field Peas, Cheesy Potato Soup, Homemade Yeast Rolls
Tuesday - Spaghetti, homemade French Bread
Wednesday - Church
Thursday - Stew
Frida- Hamburgers, french fries
Saturday - Cheesy BBQ Chicken w/ Bacon, Broccoli, rice
Sunday - Dinner: Fettucine Alfredo w/ chicken, homemade garlic bread

Here is a fun little dessert to make with the kids too:

Cake Batter Waffle Sundaes

A little behind my methods of Meal planning....
With 3 kids, 2 of which are in school (1st & 4th garde) I try to keep school nights simple and quick because our nights are usually hectically filled with homework, baths, showers, bedtime... Well, it can get crazy without a plan! One thing I found that helped me from getting overwhelmed when I began menu planning was assigning "spaghetti night"... For a while it was every Monday... then I got all crazy and switched it to Tuesdays :) Sometimes I do spaghetti with meatballs, sometimes it is spaghetti with meat sauce, sometimes it is spaghetti with marinara sauce :) I also try to do something in the crockpot once a week, and rotate chicken, beef, etc etc. And if I am not in the mood for something I will switch up the day that I make it... point is, I have a plan and have the ingredients to make everything. This saves me time, money, and stress!

Do you meal plan? If not I encourage you to do so... Really does take the stress of "what's for dinner?" out of my day!

For more Menu Planning Ideas:

Pretty Much LOVE this!

2012-01-07T10:30:00.000-06:00

Enjoy Your Saturday :)

Source: fitbie.msn.com via Jamie on Pinterest

My DIY Wooden Drawer Organizer!

2012-01-06T16:47:00.001-06:00

Yay! I did it... So very pleased.... I did a little decluttering and moved all my canning stuff that really should not have been in this drawer in the first place. I used the Kreg Jig to make pocket holes which I LOVE and highly recommend for joining wood. You can also use countersunk screws instead. So for my custom drawer redo I purchased 1 piece of 1x3" wood... I think it was around $2.50 at Lowes. I measured my drawer... my cuts approx cuts were two 19" pieces, two 8" pieces, and one that was around 12"...I did get all of my needed cuts from that 1 piece of wood! Crazy that I probably paid about the same for the 2 baskets that poorly fit in the drawer... and left a ton of space where everything would just get jumbled. Now for the silverware drawer!!!

Here is my before shots again

Side View


What a mess!

For a while I just cut 1 piece of wood... I really wanted to figure out just how I wanted to divide the drawer up

I ended up with approx 2- 8" cuts, 2- 19" cuts and 1 about 12". Here is my 1x3 wood cut and I joined them using the Kreg Jig

Ready to play in the drawer!


Here it is all organized! Yay! I did not screw it to the drawer itself... but it fits securely in place... I am very pleased with it!

My Little Helper :)

Organizing Kitchen Drawers!

2012-01-06T09:05:00.001-06:00

I started this project before Christmas... and by started... I mean I saw the idea on pinterest! Here was the idea:

Source: ana-white.com via Jamie on Pinterest

And I did purchase my wood, Although I may need more... I cut one piece to fit and then held off on actually screwing anything together because I wanted to use the Kreg Jig to make pocket holes... and well... I didn't own a Kreg Jig! Haha! I did buy the Kreg Jig Mini last week and absolutely LOVE it! So here is my "before" picture of my large kitchen drawer that everything gets jumbled in and slides around.... I hope to post my "After" picture soon!

My "Before" of my large kitchen drawer

WOW! at the stuff! Time to get organized for good!

My Little ChalkBoard Easel I made

2012-01-05T16:13:00.000-06:00

Here is one of my recent woodworking projects I did. I was itching to get back into woodworking.... and a little intimidated by the miter saw that was sitting in the garage. One day I saw some old wood laying the the yard... Actually they were the stakes I used in my garden last summer. The kids had been playing with them... they were wet, dirty... really almost threw them out... Started looking them over and envisioned a chalk board I could write my menu on.... Originally I was thinking something I could place on my small buffet table in my breakfast nook... After taking some measurements of what I had on hand I thought I would go bigger to place on the floor or even use for outdoor parties down the road. I love cooking, and just thought it would be a cute piece to have... Something just for me!

A quick call to my husband that went a little something like this... "hey, how do i use the miter saw?" He was a little leary to say the least. He told me to hold my wood firm, wear eye protection, and be CAREFUL! uh ok honey lol :)

This is about 30 inches high... I built the frame for each side and then used some scrap 1/4" wood I had as well ( I painted those with black chalkboard paint) I used a black wood stain I had leftover from another project and then coated it with some poly. I used 2 hinges on the top and twine with 2 eye screws to secure it from flopping on the floor.

~My little Chalkboard Easel~

I just love how it turned out! Now when the kids ask what is for dinner I can just point :) and as a bonus I can use both sides :) I am linking up to a great Link Party. Lots of great home organizing ideas for you to browse... Can't wait to see more ideas!

SandraBees Bows Weekly Specials

2012-01-05T09:32:00.000-06:00

Every week I try to add new bows and specials to my facebook page! Most all of my bow specials thru facebook ship to you for FREE :)Specials change from week to week. I hope you will stop by to check them out!
Here is a link to this Week's Specials

A few of the specials this week include:

Valentine Clippie
Valentine Clippie.... If you would be interested in a tutorial on how to make these let me know!

Missy Size Valentine Ribbon Rose Bow

Jumbo Size Mardi Gras Mickey Mouse Bow

Large White Bow with Ribbon Rose

New Things for a New Year!

2012-01-05T08:56:00.002-06:00

I am going to start doing some before and after pictures to document some of my home projects. I personally love to "see" things thru pictures, to be inspired and hopefully it will inspire others too! I am not one for making New Year's resolutions so much.... In fact for about 25 years +/- I had the same resolution.... To stop biting my nails! I finally set my mind to it... yeah I know after 25 years LOL but I finally did do it so that counts for something right!?! This time lasy year I was stumped cause I had no "resolution" to make. Instead I decided to make my motto for the year... "TO SIMPLIFY"... Simple as that!

Through the entire year my focus was to refine my home to really work the way I wanted it to. Keep things simple. This included getting rid of clutter, and things that I didn't want, or simply things that I did not want to spend my precious time "maintaining". I really was impacted by an Oprah show that aired about 2 years ago. It focused on how people lived in other countries, and showed their homes, etc. Focusing on women of course :) Here is a link Inside the Lives of Women Around the World

You can also view the video specifically of the home in Denmark that impacted me so much here

Simplicty! I remember my husband coming home from work that day and doing what he typically would do when he came home.... SWEEP THE FLOORS!!! We have stained concrete floors which we love! They are a burnt amber color... but with children, pets and a typical day the kitchen area would be... well in need of a sweep! This just so happens to be one of my husband's pet peeves too, and back then with 3 young children I would just let him come home and sweep! I told him on that day.... Think of all the time we spend CLEANING and MAINTAINING things! Never, ever do I want a larger house! I want to be content with what I have, get rid of the excess space takers... Reduce what I need to buy... Really think about what I "NEED" in my life.

This was a game changer for me indeed... In fact that year I skipped the trip to the pumpkin patch that I was having trouble fitting into our schedule! I know GASP!!! My poor children, right? Well, no... Finances were tight, gas prices were sky rocketing and the pumpkin patch was about 30 miles each way... plus $8 per person (x 5 of us)... This included 1 pumpkin per person. This got me thinking.... Do I REALLY need to spend all of this money, have the stress or fitting it into our cramped schedule, & have 5 pumpkins to sit on my front porch to quickly decay in the South Mississippi heat? "Simplify" yes, I need this! That year I purchased 1 good size pumkin for $4 at the local Walmart... We carved it together as a family (which has become a new tradition too... 1 "family" pumpkin).

Anyway, all of my rambling... we are onto a new year now.... 2012! I am fully inspired to continue my journey of simplifying my life. My head is swimming with many ideas and I plan to blog about the projects as I do them this year. Among the big projects I hope to get to this year are:

Building our corner fireplace complete with mantel so my stockings are not duct taped to the plastic wrap of the firebox next year :)..... We do have the firebox already purchase sitting in place!
Building a laundry cabinet system for my laundry room to organize dirty clothes, have a folding area, and hanging area....
Building a bench for my dining room table....
Deciding on cabinetry for the dining room and wall shelves
Building a butcher block station for my bread machine on casters
Building a trundle for under my daughter's bed.... for storage now, and a future matress
Converting the bonus room into a room for my oldest son. Right now my 2 boys share a room (ages 4 & 9) and the bonus room is my bow making area, sewing area, scrapbook stash area as well as family room/play room... Hopefully I will be able to figure out a system to move most all of my things out of the bonus room and redo the room for my oldest son. My youngest will turn 5 and start Kindergarten in August so that is when I intend to do this redo. Possibly building a Full or Double size bed for my oldest at this time too... One day we have plans to build a shop and have a studio above for my work area and guest sleeping/bathroom.... Yes one day!

Okay so I those are off the top of my head. I know I am a dreamer! But hopefully I will be able to accomplish these things and some others as I feel inspired :) Pix to come!

I fully think the way my home feels and functions effects my day to day happiness! Do you have new year's resolutions? or are you like me and make goals? Love to hear!

Amazing Yeast Rolls, bread machine

2011-11-18T10:40:00.001-06:00

1 cup warm water
2 1/4 tsp yeast
4 TBS sugar
2 TBS Melted margarine or butter
3 Cups Bread Flour
1 tsp Salt
1/4 Cup dry powdered milk

Place ingrdients in bread machine... set to dough cycle... once complete turn to lightly floured surface... pat dough into a rectangle shape... with a pastry cutter cut in half then cut each section into 6 squares... giving you 12 total... you may round them slightly while moving to a cookie sheet... space them evenly apart to fill your cookie sheet. cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled... 45-60 minutes.

bake on 350° about 12-15 minutes or until browned

Depending what I am serving these with sometimes I will drizzle with honey before baking... or add 2 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic to the dough cycle. or you can brush with butter after they come out... these are divine!

Soft Pretzels

2011-11-18T10:16:00.001-06:00

makes 8 large pretzels

1 Cup Warm Water
1/4 Cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 egg
2 TBS softened margarine or butter
3 1/4 Cups all purpose flour

put ingredients in bread machine on dough cycle. Once finished turn out to a floured surface. Divide dough in half... then cut each half into 4 sections. Roll into 8 long ropes. then shape as pretzels or cut for nuggets... place on a greased cookie sheet, cover with damp towel, let rise in a warm spot until doubled... about 30 minutes.

preheat oven to 400°

once they have risen boil some water in a shallow pot... at boil add some baking soda... i didn't measure... somewhere around 1/4 cup though... cook about a minute on each side and remove each pretzel with a slotted spatula back to the cookie sheets. Bake about 15 minutes until browned.

if you like you can add course salt before baking... or my kids like these brushed with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar... do that after baking :)

Sweet Honey French Bread

2011-11-18T10:06:00.001-06:00

1 Cup water
1 TBS honey
1 TBS olive oil
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp sugar
3 Cups bread flour
2 1/4 tsp yeast

Put in bread machine in order listed... when it gets to the bake cycle you can also drizzle on more honey if you'd like... and I think you will like :)

Strawberry Stuffed Cupcakes

2011-10-26T21:12:00.001-05:00

After a visit to Paul's Pastries this past weekend, and having only a bite of my friend's cupcake.... They lingered on in my mind... I just knew I would have to come up with something comparable... a basic white cupcake filled with jelly... but th e icing.... ooooh the icing... i was whipped creamy, lighter than air... not too sweet, pure goodness...

If I had a white or yellow box cake mix.... well, I'm not going to lie... I would have used that... but I did not... I came up with this recipe Sugar Cookie Cupcakes

so, take the easy route with a box... or try my amazing recipe... either way your friends and family will love you... Promise :)

Bake cupcakes, and cool

You will need the following for the filling and icing... (for 24 cupcakes)

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2/3 cup sugar

strawberry extract

plus strawberry jam or preserves for filling

With a paring knife core a small circle in the top of each cupcake... remove the cone add a teaspoon of jam, cut off the "point" portion of your cupcake cone.. then place the cupcake piece back on top.

You can make this ahead and store at this point if needed...

For the Whipped Cream Icing.... with whisk or mixer beat cream until soft peaks begin to form.... then add sugar and either extract or jam, or puree... (this is best done the day of serving, and must be stored in the fridge or it will collapse on ya)

now... it has been years since i have worked with heavy cream... and let me tell you.... I whipped it a little too much.... and it began to seperate... I thought oh no... what did I do wrong here? let me mix some more.... well low and behold I had done whipped my cream into butter!

batch # 2 then followed... this time I was sure to not over beat... keep it cold and pop it in the fridge a while to make sure it did not collapse on me....

pipe the icing onto your cupcakes.... for a pretty effect use a 1M tip and garnish with a strawberry or 1/2 of one....

I was short on my icing due to the butter incident so I whipped up a strawberry buttercream for my remaining 12 cupcakes... Wilton has an easy buttercream recipe here that I have used for years... for 12 cupcakes you only need 1/2 the recipe... and I substituted the vanilla extract for strawberry extract which also gives you the pink color :)

Sugar Cookie Cupcake Recipe

2011-10-26T12:09:00.002-05:00

The name says it all! While experimenting with a basic white cake recipe I came up with this.... now these have all kinds of possibilities and I may never buy another white cake mix again! I absolutely LOVE sugar cookies.... and this tastes almost like eating one :-) I am using these for the base of a strawberry stuffed cupcake... more to come on that.... here is the recipe.

2 sticks margarine (room temp or softened)
2 cups sugar... (yes... I know... they are divine though)
4 eggs
3 cups flour
1 Tbs plus 1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°

Cream margarine and sugar... then add eggs 1 at a time. Beat very well until smooth and creamy... I did 4-5 minutes in my kitchen aid mixer... add flour, and baking powder... mix on low until blended... then switch to medium for a few minutes... add milk and vanilla... and beat well until your batter is fluffy.... scoop 1/3 cup of batter into each cupcake liner... bake about 20 minutes until slightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cinnamon Rolls OMG!

2011-10-21T16:47:00.003-05:00

1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water (warmed together)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup margarine
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Filling
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 stick margarine

Ooey Gooey Topping
3 ounces cream cheese softened... (*do not use fat free of any sort... trust me... it will be a yucky chunky mess... why they even sell it is beyond me :-)
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients in bread machine in order recommended by manufacturer. Select DOUGH cycle press Start. My dough cycle takes about 1 1/2 hours... I usually stop it at 30 minutes though... of course you can also knead by hand... or I have also used my kitchen aid mixer with dough hook... either way you will want to make them... if doing by hand proof your yeast first (warm milk, water, add white sugar and yeas... let sit 5 minutes or so til foamy)

In separate bowl soften margarine.. then add cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix well with a rubber spatula...

Now to the good part... if you want to make dough ahead or find you need to stop you can pop your dough in the fridge at this point... cover in bowl with saran wrap sprayed with nonstick spray.

Next turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and roll into a 16x24 rectangle. Spread dough with margarine/brown sugar mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in lightly greased 9x13 pan. Cover and let rise until almost doubled (depending on temp 30 min 1 hour). Have patience.... these are well worth it! At this point you can also flash freeze for baking later... I am experimenting with this so will update...

Preheat oven to 400°F

Bake rolls for 20-30 minutes. Time may vary based on your baking dish used. I have only baked in a deep dish and it requires close to 30 minutes... just watch them when they start to brown on top pull them out... if you baking dish is more shallow the baking time will be less than 30 :-)

Optional Topping.....
Mix softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on rolls hot out out the oven. If you have picky children like I do you can just cover 1/2 with the topping.... all the better for MY HALF... enjoy

Beef Stroganoff

2011-08-01T10:18:00.002-05:00

1 lb Ground Beef (or sliced steak can be used) (browned, drained)
8 oz Sour Cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cube beef bullion
1/4 Cup water
(salt, pepper, garlic , onion powder to taste)

serve over 1 lb egg noodles

Brown ground beef.... drain... Add sour cream, cream of mushroom, & seasonings... mix & heat to a low boil... mix bullion with water then add and stir.... Serve over cooked noodles :)

frustrations...

2011-01-13T22:00:00.002-06:00

I question this journey.... I have many unanswered questions at the moment, yet I have a peace about me that can only be from God. This is not my journey; but His. I am trying my hardest to be strong and full of hope. Suddenly my priorities have shifted... I want my energy back, I want to do so many things still. I pray for peace, I fight back tears... but I know I'm not myself. I know my patience is being tested... I know I have no choice but to be patient and I am trying not to worry... that is easier said than done... 8 years and my fears must be faced. I can no longer push this under a rug, hide this like I did something wrong. I am ready, I am strong, I will fight whatever fight I need to fight. I am humbled completely.

Sourcream Apple Pecan Pie

2010-11-07T20:27:00.002-06:00

Sour Cream Apple Pecan Pie

favorite pie crust... I cheated :) place in pie dish then chill

Mix:
1 cup sourcream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice

Peel core and slice 4-6 apples.... slice thin... then mix with the sourcream mixture.

Dump in pie crust.... bake on 400 for 30 minutes.... then kick the oven down to 350... bake 20 minutes longer....

Meanwhile mix:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 sugar
6 Tbs melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup pecans chopped

Crumble the topping on the pie and bake another 20 minutes... allow to cool... serve warm... delish :)

thoughts...

2010-09-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

My head is always filled with words, thoughts, ideas, dreams.... At times it is overwhelming to me; at times it is welcome. Days pass by me, then months, soon it will be another year. Time... I used to be stretched to the limits, breastfeeding while cooking with one arm and opening the trashcan with my foot... Now I have been blessed with time... Now I am finding a great peace in simplifying my schedule, my life, my mind. Life is what we make it... Our days are what we make them... This journey... I hope to always have wonder... I hope to always have dreams...

Easy (& YUMMY) Pancakes

2010-08-24T15:04:00.002-05:00

1 1/2 C flour
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp Salt
2 TBS Sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
4 TBS butter, melted

Mix dry ingredients, then add wet and whisk together... cook on a griddle turning only once when bubbles appear

My FAVORITE cornbread

2010-08-24T15:02:00.003-05:00

I like it sweet... (You can decrease the sugar if you don't)

1 C cornmeal
1 C flour
3/4 C sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 C milk
1 egg
1/4 C veg oil

Mix all together... pour in a greased iron skillet and bake on 425 about 20-25 minutes until golden brown :)

Reese's Layered Pie

2010-08-24T14:55:00.002-05:00

Oreo Crust

1st Layer... Melted Reese's cups...(I didn't measure, you can't go wrong though)

2nd Layer: (Mix together then layer on the 1st layer)
1/2 C Peanut butter
4 oz cream cream (softened)
1/4 C sugar
1/3 tub of cool whip (Large container)

3rd Layer (again mix these together and then layer)
package of chocolate pudding mix
1/3 tub of cool whip

4th layer
1/3 tub cool whip (this should be the remaining if you did it right :)

drizzle the top with melted chocolate for a pretty effect or garnish with reese's cups :)

refrigerate about 4 hours or overnight before serving

a cup, a cup, a cup Cobbler :)

2010-07-19T14:11:00.003-05:00

This is a basic recipe you can use for most any fruit, fresh, frozen or canned.... Our favorite is blueberry & blackberry... The kids call this "pie"...

preheat oven to 350...

I don't measure but probably use around 2 cups of fruit... put it in a baking dish of your choice... I have a great dish that is smaller than a 13x9 that I love for this...

1 cup flour (if you use self rising great... if not add 2 tsp baking powder)
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 stick butter

melt butter, mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour over fruit....

Bake til browned and batter is cooked... about 30 minutes, give or take...

Serve warm, serve with ice cream...

Simple

2010-07-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

"I wish that when I was younger I could have met my current self. We would have sat down at a coffee shop so that I could explain life to young me in terms that only we would understand. It would have saved me a lot of hardship." John Mayer

Mommas Seafood Gumbo

2010-07-08T11:25:00.002-05:00

Mommas Seafood Gumbo (recipe from Belinda Seal)

boil 3 qts water, and add:
1 bell pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
1 pack green onions chopped
2 bay leaves
1 cap crab boil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp parsley
salt pepper and red pepper to taste

while cooking on med heat make roux:

Make roux:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup oil

In big Microwave bowl, put flour and oil mixture together. cook for 2 minutes, stir, Cook for 1 minute, stir. Cook for 30 seconds, until thickening and browning. Don't burn it. Add roux to boiling mixture. Let cook for 45 minutes on medium heat stirring occasionally. Add seafood. I use shrimp & crab claw meat. Let cook for about 30 minutes & turn off heat. As gumbo cools, skim off oil that is sitting on top. (it will be close to the cup that you put in the roux... This takes the bitter taste out). Taste and add salt as needed. (This will also cut down on any bitterness) make sure you put LOVE in it too!

Eat over cooked rice and enjoy

Focaccia bread

2010-07-06T20:59:00.005-05:00

Homemade Focaccia Bread

1/2 very warm water
1/2 tsp sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp salt
3 Tbs olive oil
1 cup water

(***UPDATE*** Now that I have my bread machine I make the dough in it for the first rise)

herbs, spices, onions, tomatoes, black olives... etc.... whatever you like for the top :) I make this different every time... a little overboard in the pic! HA

In a glass measuring cup... stir warm water and sugar, then stir in yeast and let it proof... (wait about 5 minutes to be activated... it should foam on top)

In a large bowl combine flour and salt.... Stir in yeast mixture, 2 TBS olive oil & 1 cup water.

Cover with greased plastic wrap... set in warm draft free spot to double...

while the dough is rising, heat the remaining olive oil in a saucepan and add your onions and herbs... cook about 5 minutes to caramelize.

Turn your dough (which will be very soft) onto a heavily floured board or counter top.... Use a lot of flour on your hands... knead just enough to work with it... Get it to a greased stone or pan... arrange into a rectangle.... You can let it rise more if you have the time... Otherwise you can bake at this point :)

Create dimples in your dough with your fingertips every few inches.... drizzle with your olive oil, onions herbs, tomatoes or whatever else you choose to bake into it :)

Bake on preheated 425 F oven for about 30 minutes or until slightly brown on top and bottom... serve warm... Cut into large squares... YUMMY

Garlic Knots

2010-07-06T20:59:00.001-05:00

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

2010-07-06T20:06:00.002-05:00

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

1 onion, chunked, sliced, or whatever you prefer:)
Several ripe tomatoes... I used about 7-8 romas plus a large one
1 large cucumber.... or more if you like...

Cut everything into chunks.... then in a shaker mix...

2 TBS red wine vinegar
2 TBS olive oil
Garlic powder, salt, pepper to taste

Pour over salad and mix... refrigerate a few hours before serving

I love feta cheese in this too!

Chunky Tomato Salsa for Canning

2010-06-26T21:12:00.003-05:00

Makes 6 pints... or if you forget how many tomatoes you have chopped like I did... 7 pints :)

16 good size ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
8 jalapenos (chopped)
2 large onions (chopped)
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup white vinegar
5 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp cumin
3 cups GREEN cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

first do your tomatoes... blanch and peel, then chop... simmer for about 1 hour to the consistency you want.... then add your other ingredients.... boil, simmer 10 minutes...

while that is simmering prepare your jars... ladle hot salsa into hot clean pint jars, leave 1/2" head space... wipe jar rims, top with lids.... Process in boiler water 15 minutes.... then remove and cool... check jars to ensure seal :)

Brownie Bites

2009-11-18T12:44:00.002-06:00

These are great for a make ahead.... Can freeze them, pull out when you need em for a party or such too :)

2 sticks margarine or butter (I always use margarine)
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I keep semi-sweet on hand all the time so that is what I use, but you could also use bittersweet)
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour

preheat oven to 350, line mini muffin pans with liners... or spray with nonstick spray

Melt margarine in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add chocolate chips; stir until melted and smooth. Remove pan from heat. Briskly stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour until blended. Fill each baking cup with about a tbs of batter.

Bake 15 minutes or until cooked thru.

This is a great recipe & the perfect size for little ones!

Wilted Cucumber Salad

2009-06-23T15:28:00.002-05:00

This is my favorite, esp. in the summer! It is great tasting and light because it has no oil! Enjoy!!!

3 large cucumbers (sliced thin)
3/4 cup finely sliced onions
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
2 TBS white vinegar
1 TBS sugar (I like a touch more)
fresh ground pepper.. to taste....

1. In a large bowl, place 2 cups of the cucumbers and 1/4 cup onions, sprinkle liberally with 1/2 tsp salt... repeat layering cucumbers and onions and salt... Place a small plate over the cucumbers to weight them down.... (I fill another jug or bowl with water and place o top) Let stand at roo temp for at least an hour.

2. Drain off any water that has accumulated around the cucumbers. Pick up a large handful of the wilted veggies and squeeze them until all the water runs out. Place the squeezed veggies into a clean bowl... squeeze the rest until done.

3. In a medium bowl combie 1 cup water, the vinegar, sugar, & pepper. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Pour over veggies and chill.

For variations you can add miced garlic to the dressing.

baked oatmeal

2009-05-12T14:58:00.001-05:00

1 cup oil (can substitute butter or applesauce)
1 ½ cups sugar (can reduce)
4 eggs
6 cups oats
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups milk

Combine all ingredients in order listed. Pour into greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 375° for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned. Can refrigerate overnight before baking. Serve topped with butter, brown sugar, and milk.

Yields: Approximately 8-10 servings

Taco Roll-Ups

2009-05-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

1 lb. ground beef
1 taco seasoning packet
1 cup water
1 cup cheddar cheese grated
1 frozen bread dough

Assembly Directions:
Brown ground beef. For best results, finely chop the ground beef as it cooks. Drain any grease off. Add taco seasoning and water. Cook for 5-10 minutes; set aside. Press or roll dough out into a rectangle, about 20" long, 8" wide, and 1/2" thick. Spread grated cheese on the dough to the edges of the short sides, and to the edge of the long side closest to you. On the other long edge, leave about an inch without any cheese on it. Cover grated cheese with cooked ground beef. Starting with the long side closest to you, with the cheese/meat to the edge, roll the dough up as if for cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seam to seal the long edge. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Slice the roll into 1" thick slices with a wide-blade knife, then tip the slice onto the blade of the knife to move it to the cookie sheet. (That way the filling won’t fall out.) Place about 2" apart on the cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden-brown.

Freezing and Cooking Directions:
To Freeze: Place completely cooled rolls into a freezer bag or plastic container. Label, seal and freeze.
To Serve: Thaw in the fridge overnight, or thaw/heat in the microwave for an instant meal or snack.

Comments:
My kids love these! I serve them with sour cream or salsa to dip in. They eat them for dinner, or even warm them up for snacks. I got the idea from a similar recipe using Italian ingredients.

Addictive Taco Dip

2009-05-12T14:56:00.002-05:00

1 taco seasoning packet
1 block cream cheese (softened)
1 small container sour cream

Soften cream cheese. Then mix with electric mixer all 3 ingredients together until well blended. Chill at least 1 hour and serve with tortilla chips! YUMMY!

Can be made ahead for parties. You can spread into a pretty pie dish and add green onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, etc to garnish a bit.

This is a FAVORITE of my family's!

*Warning* Highly addictive to eat!

Ice Cream Sandwich Desert

2009-05-12T14:56:00.001-05:00

½ cup fudge topping
8 oz. cool whip divided
chocolate pudding mix
12 ice cream sandwiches
oreo cookies crushed

Heat 1/2 cup fudge topping...
then stir into 1 cup cool whip topping intil blended well....
add package of dry pudding mix... stir well.. (add a tad of milk if too thick)
mix in crushed oreo cookies

Layer on aluminum foil (very long piece)... 4 ice cream sandwiches... then some of the mixture... repeat...
then frost the "cake" with cool whip...

freeze several hours before serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

2009-05-12T14:55:00.001-05:00

2 graham cracker pie shells reg. size
1 8 oz package cream cheese
1- 3 oz package cream cheese (I just cut the portion)
1 1¼ cup peanut butter
2 tbs margarine
2 cup confectioners sugar
1 tbs vanilla
1/2 16oz conatiner whipped topping
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Beat Cream Cheese, peanut butter and margarine with electric mixer. When soft add sugar and vanilla.. beat, fold in whipped topping. Pour into pie shells and freeze.

Topping: Heat milk and chocolate in saucepan oven med. heat. stir until melted. cool.
spread over frozen pies. makes 2 pies... freezes well..

Fluffy Southern Biscuits

2009-05-12T14:54:00.001-05:00

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt3 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup oil2/3 cups milk

bake at 450º 12-15 minutes until browned...
mix ingredients.... turn to floured surface... knead a few times and flatten to about 1/2" thick... cut with biscuit cutter. Makes 8 good size biscuits

Cheesy Potato Soup

2009-05-12T14:53:00.002-05:00

6 tbs margarine (divided... will use 3 tbs first... then the other 3 tbs melted)
1 cup onion diced
1 tsp garlic powder
6-8 whole potatoes peeled and cubed
2 1/2 cups milk

1 cup cheddar cheese (or parmesan) grated
Parsley (optional)
salt to taste
pepper to taste

This soup is great by itself, but also a nice way to use up leftovers as stir-ins. I have added ham, broccoli, chicken, peas, and bacon to make this a very versatile freezer staple.

Melt first 3 tbs margarine in a large pot. Add onions, cooking until soft. Add potatoes and enough water to barely cover. Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender (15 - 20 minutes). Do not drain! Slightly mash the potatoes, then add milk.

In a small bowl, combine 3 tbs melted margarine & flour mixture, then add to pot, stir over low heat and cook until thickened... Add cheese, and stir until smooth. Heat, but do not boil. Add garlic, parsley and salt and pepper to taste. If you have add in's be sure to add those too. My favorite is crisp bacon and green onions on top!

To Freeze: Allow soup to cool, and ladle into 1 gallon freezer bag. Lay flat to freeze. Or Freeze in containers as well.

To serve: Reheat in microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to keep from burning. Add in any additional ingredients and heat through.

Classic Chicken Soup

2009-05-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

1 3 lb chicken
4 medium carrots sliced
3 medium potatoes cubed
1 medium onion chopped
3 medium stalks celery sliced
3 tbs worcestershire sauce
1 tbs salt
1 cup egg noodles

Cut chicken into quarters or smaller pieces. Place all ingredients together in a large soup pot. Add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boili while stirring, then cover and let simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours. Add more water as necessary. Salt to taste.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2009-05-12T14:52:00.001-05:00

2 tbs butter
1 whole onions chopped
1 whole garlic cloves (I use minced in the jar)
½ cup butter
1 lb. broccolli washed, cut
½ cup flour
1 qt. half & half
1 qt. chicken stock (or use buillon)
2 salt and pepper, to taste grated
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 oz. cheddar cheese (tri color is nice too)
2 whole carrots shredded

This soup serves 6 and can be easily doubled. It is unbelievably delicious!!
time to make 55 min 25 min prep

1. Saute onion in butter. When onions are golden, stir in garlic and cook for 3 more minutes. Set aside.
2. In another pan melt the 1/2 cup of butter and stir the butter and flour (make a roux) using a whisk over med. heat for 3-5
minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half. Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat till veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper.
4. Pour in batches into blender and puree.
5. Return to pot and add the grated cheese and stir till well blended.
6. Put on low heat and stir the nutmeg.

Serve with cheese on top.... Freezes wonderfully!

Pasta Salad

2009-05-12T14:51:00.002-05:00

16 oz rotini pasta (tri color is nice too)
1 bottle Italian Dressing
cucumbers
tomatoes
Black Olives
onions

This is a staple around my house for summertime. Eat it as a side dish when grilling or with hot dogs or hamburgers. I also like it for lunch alone or with a sandwich. Will keep in the fridge several days and can be made ahead!

Cook Rotini (can use elbow or other pasta as well)... Drain. Add what you like... chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives. 1 bottle of italian dressing of your liking. Best to chill a few hours or overnight before serving. Add more italian dressig as needed.

Baked Apples

2009-05-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

5 lb. apples cored & sliced
brown sugar to your liking... 1/2 or so
1 stick butter or margarine
cinnamon
nutmeg

spray baking dish with non stick spray. Place apples, cut up butter, sprinkle butter sugar and spices... bake approx 350º or until apples are cooked....

Easily reduce the size by using fewer apples. My kids like this served with pork chops or ham... great for holidays too!

Creamed Spinach

2009-05-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

1 bag frozen spinach 10-16oz
3 oz. cream cheese softened
4 tsp margarine melted
cayenne pepper pinch to taste
salt to taste
pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
bread crumbs

thaw spinach, drain well... mix everything together aside from 2 tsp margarine & bread crumbs... Then put in a casserole dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on the top and then drizzle the remaining 2 tsp butter... Bake 350º for 20 minutes. Easy to double and freeze or make ahead in fridge for parties or holidays!

Spinach Manicotti

2009-05-12T14:45:00.001-05:00

1 eggs beaten
15 oz. ricotta
minced garlic
16 oz. frozen spinach thawed, drained
1 package manicotti shells
1 can pasta sauce
½ cup parmesan
Mozerella
olive oil

saute garlic in a bit of olive oil.... add spinach and mix.... set aside

in large bowl lightly beat the egg... then add ricotta cheese and parmesan... mix well..

add the spinach mixture.... mix well...

You may add black olives, mushrooms, onions, (etc) if you wish :)

pour some sauce in the bottom of your pan (I use 9x13)...

then stuff each UNCOOKED manicotti shell with the cheese mixture... roll each in the sauce as you lay in the pan... add more sauce as needed.... coat each noodle but do not drench... once all are filled top with some mozzarella cheese...

TO FREEZE: wrap in foil and label......

TO COOK: thaw overnight... (or allow extra cooking time if you pull straight from the freezer) Bake approx 45- 1 hour with foil on... check for noodle tenderness... once done I like to broil to brown the cheese on top.

Italian French Bread Machine

2009-05-12T14:44:00.002-05:00

2 ¼ tsp yeast, active dry
7/8 cups warm water
1 TBS Brown Sugar
4 Cups flour

1½ tsp salt
1 TBS Olive Oil

cornmeal to sprinkle on baking sheet

Put ingredients in Bread Machine. I do mine in the order listed... You may refer to your bread machine for what they recommend as well.. Select "Dough" cycle and start. My dough cycle is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

After the dough is done... punch down on a lightly floured surface. Cut in half and form 2 loaves... Shape about 18 inches long... I like to twist mine then lay on my baking stone that is sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with a damp towel and let rise 45 min-1 hour or until doubled.

Preheat oven 375 degrees.

You may do an egg wash here... I never do but if you want a shiny look go for it :) Mix egg white with a little water and brush on. You can also make "slits" in the loaves if you like... I don't bother with it either... Call me a lazy bread maker!

Place in oven.
Bake about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and loaves sound hollow when you tap them.
ENJOY!

Easy Pizza Dough

2009-05-12T14:44:00.001-05:00

2 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbs olive oil
2 ½ cup bread flour

I've tried many different pizza crust recipes and this one is not only our favorite, it's also one of the quickest to make. The pizza, from start to finish, can be ready to pop in the oven in less than 15 minutes.
(*Update* I now do this pizza dough in my bread machine & it works great! You can do it by hand as well :)

Dissolve the yeast in the water. Add the rest of the ingredients in and mix.
Dump onto a floured surface
Knead into a smooth dough (five minutes or so).

Roll out and press down onto a greased pizza pan.
Add toppings. (Have fun and be creative with this! Our favorite is pepperoni with pineapple :)

bake at 450 F. for around 12-15 minutes until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned.

Pizza sauce

2009-05-12T14:43:00.003-05:00

2 can (6oz) tomato paste
1½ cups water
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cloves garlic (minced) to sprinkle on baking sheet
salt & pepper to taste
½ tbs oregano
½ tbs basil
½ tbs rosemary

DIRECTIONS
Mix together the tomato paste, water, and olive oil. Mix well. Add garlic, salt and pepper to taste, oregano, basil, and rosemary. Mix well and let stand several hours to let flavors blend. No cooking necessary, just spread on dough.

Pizza Mac

2009-05-12T14:43:00.001-05:00

1 lb. ground beef
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 jar Pizza Sauce (or use homemade)
1 cup water (add a touch more if needed)
mozzarella cheese (for topping)
pepperoni slices
salt & pepper to taste
garlic to taste
3 onion to taste (or make your own)

The best part about this is that it is cooked and served in one pot! I like to use a large iron skillet (something that is oven safe).

Brown ground beef, drain. Add macaroni, pizza sauce, & water. cover and simmer until pasta is cooked tender. add seasonings. stir.... Then top with mozzarella cheese over entire top.... add pepperoni (like you would a pizza). You may add other pizza toppings as you wish.

Transfer to oven on broil a few minutes to melt cheese. Serve in skillet. Fun for the kids! Pretty tasty for adults too!

Marella Italian Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce)

2009-05-12T14:42:00.001-05:00

Growing up I remember many days when there would be a pot of "Gravy" on the stove... Seemed like it cooked for 3 days and would smell divine! In reality it was more like a day (8 hours) of cooking on low. A big pot would get made along with homemade meatballs and braciole (This is soooo good!!!) My parents would then freeze leftovers for later use.

While the pot was cooking we would always grab some bread a get a little bowl of gravy and dip our bread

I don't measure and with use different tomatoes based on what I have. During the summer and when I have a plentiful stash of fresh or tomatoes from home canning I will use those! When my supply is depleted I use store bought canned tomatoes usually a combination of crushed, pureed, stewed. Really just depends how chunky you like your gravy (sauce).

Here is the basics:
Saute Garlic in olive oil or meat oil (from fried meatballs if made).... Add either fresh stewed/pureed tomatoes or canned stewed tomatoes... Add parsley, onion (diced or powder), italian seasonings, sugar, salt/pepper or other spices to taste... add tomato paste to thicken to desired... Cook very low heat at least 8 hours or more stirring occassionally. Add red wine toward the end of cooking. You may add your cooked meatballs and braciole while simmering as well

Mac & Cheese (Crockpot)

2009-05-12T14:41:00.000-05:00

2 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups cottage cheese
1 stick margarine
2 cups boiling water

Throw all the ingrediants into the crock pot, don't mix and cook for 2
1/2 hrs.

can reduce the butter content to your liking

Can freeze... can substitute any cheese for cheddar :) Yummy!

Fettuccine Romano

2009-05-12T14:40:00.002-05:00

12 oz Fettuccine Noodles
1 cup onions chopped
¼ cup margarine
1 can tomato paste
2 cup water
¼ cup romano or parmasaen cheese
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup parsley chopped

Cook fettuccine in boiling, salted water until tender; drain well. Meanwhile, saute onion in butter. Thoroughly blend in tomato paste and water; heat through. Pour over hot cooked fettuccine and toss with romano cheese. Fold in sour cream. Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 4 - 6 servings.

Freezes wonderfully :)

Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

2009-05-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

1½ tbs margarine melted
3 TBS minced garlic
1½ tbs flour
2 cup milk
3 tbs cream cheese
½ cup parmesan grated
2 tbs parsley chopped fresh

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Blend in flour; cook and stir minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses and parsley until cheeses melt. Toss with fettuccine.

Serve with cooked chicken breasts too!

To Freeze: Allow to cool and ladle (sauce only) into 1 gallon Ziploc bag. Lay flat to freeze.

Serve with fettuccine noodles

shrimp scampi

2009-05-12T14:39:00.000-05:00

2 tbs olive oil
1 stick butter or margarine
1 whole green bell pepper chopped
1 whole onions chopped
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbs garlic minced
Italian seasoning to taste
1 lb. shrimp (frozen is what I use)
1 jar diced tomatoes I use a large jar (maybe 25-30 oz)
2 wine (I use minced in the jar)
pasta (thin spaghetti or angel hair is preferred)

Ben's Favorite! (& very easy)
I don't eat seafood so I usually do a seperate butter sauce for me :)

heat olive oil, saute minced garlic, onions, peppers. add 1 stick of butter... Add salt, pepper and italian seasonings. stirring here and there. Add 1 jar of diced tomatoes with juices (you can use italian blend or plain)... You can also use fresh if you have them. continue cooking until peppers and onions are tender. If I have wine on hand I add a bit to the mixture while cooking too. (red or white). At the end add shrimp (tails removed) saute tossing a few minutes until cooked. (I usually buy frozen shrimp for convenience but fresh is good too!)

could also be made with chicken instead of shrimp.

serve over angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti :)
add a salad, garlic bread and red wine for the perfect meal!

Chili Salmon

2009-05-12T14:38:00.000-05:00

sprinkle salmon with chili oil, salt & pepper. (or use olive oil with chili powder)

Heat pan very hot.... cook salmon 3-4 minutes on each side util cooked through.

serve with rice if you like!

Traditional Breaded Pork Chops

2009-05-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

4 center cut pork chops
1 medium eggs
¼ cup milk
1 cups seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup water
1 tbs parsley chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbs lemon juice

Preheat oven to 375º. Mix milk and eggs in a bowl, stirring together well. Put the bread crumbs and the flour each in a separate bowl. Add lemon pepper, parsley, and garlic powder to the bread crumbs mix well.

Roll each chop first in flour, then in the milk & egg mixture, then in the bread crumbs. Provide a liberal coat of bread crumbs.

Lay pork chops in a greased baking pan. Mix lemon juice with water a pour in bottom of pan.

bake about 30 minutes intil cooked through

tater tot casserole

2009-05-12T14:37:00.001-05:00

1½ lb. ground beef
1 small onion chopped
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (or use 1 large family can I buy the walmart brad for about $1)
1 can corn or green beans (also can substitue frozen)
2 cup velveeta cheese cut into small squares
2 lb. bag tater tots

Mix all of the above together and throw a 2lb bag of tater tots on top. Bake at temp on tater tot bag until hot and bubbly.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

2009-05-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

1 lb. Ground Beef
2 cans tomato sauce
garlic to taste
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup rice
2 cups water (for rice)
1 whole bell peppers
1 onion chopped
1-2 cups cheddar cheese (or other type to your liking)

cook rice with water til done... meanwhile cook ground beef, drain.... cut bell peppers in half remove seeds, wash... Chop some peppers too to mix with ground beef & rice mixture....

Mix together cooked beef, cooked rice, seasonings, onions & peppers.... spoon mixture into peppers...
(cover tightly with foil)

you can freeze at this point or bake at 350 for approx 35-45 minutes (or until peppers are cooked through)

remove foil then op with cheddar cheese. (also good with provolone, swiss, mozzarella, etc whatever you like best!)
but back in the oven on broil for a couple of minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
My Mom's all time favorite!!! She eats them cold the next day :)

Shredded Beef Tacos (Crockpot)

2009-05-12T14:33:00.001-05:00

1 2-3 lb pot roast
1 package Taco Seasoning

Place pot roast in crockpot. Cover with taco seasoning. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until tender.

Shred beef, and cool.

Can freeze!
Place beef in 1 quart freezer bag.
Lay flat to freeze

To serve: Thaw all ingredients. Reheat meat and place some in the center of each tortilla. Add cheese, and any other fresh toppings you want (onions, olives, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.) and fold in half. salsa etc. Enjoy!

Shepard's Pie

2009-05-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

1 lb. ground beef
1 can corn
4-6 whole potatoes
1 cup cheddar cheese
salt
pepper
onion powder
¼ cup margarine
milk
1 brown gravy packet

Brown Ground beef and drain...
Cook gravy mix add onion powder and mix with meat...
Boil potatoes; then mash with margarine, milk, salt, pepper....

Layer in a casserole dish first can of corn, then meat/gravy mixture, and last mashed potatoes....

Top with cheddar cheese....

***TO FREEZE: cover with foil and freeze.

***TO SERVE: uncover & heat at 350 for 45 minutes or until heated through.

***Optional instead of corn use green beans or other favorite veggies.

Beef Stew / Pot Pies

2009-05-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

1 lb beef stew meat
meat tenderizer
worcestshire sauce
2 cups carrots
6-8 whole potatoes chunks
2 stalks celery diced
2 whole onions diced
flour
8 cups water approx

I also will turn the stew into pot pies later as well.

1 lb. beef stew meat to which I've added some meat tenderizer & covered in
worcestshire sauce- let sit for one hour (fridge or in cold houses it might be
perfectly safe).

I then toss my beef in the flour- 'fry' it all in a bit of oil.
once you've done this to almost done, throw in your onions (garlic too for me!!!), and
celery, cook them all until they're tender, pour on water & hard veggies- let
this simmer until the potatoes are cooked through... and here: cooks test-
taste your stew- is it flavored enough? (I always add salt & pepper) if not- dash in more worcestshire
sauce. If it's not thickening enough (from the flour left from the meat) then
you can 'add' flour.. We like ours VERY thick.

Extra I measure into freezer bags & freeze.

Later should I decide on pot pie- I simply make a large pie crust- spray a
9x13 pan- pour in defrosted bag, cover with my pie crust & cook until crust is
done & meat is heated well. (slice holes to let it 'breathe' so it doesn't
bubble over)

Simple fun with this- take canned biscuits- push them down to line sprayed
muffin tins- fill with mixture & bake until the biscuits are done- kids like
this.

Beef Enchilada's

2009-05-12T14:04:00.002-05:00

1 lb. ground beef shredded
2 cans enchilada sauce
1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
1 package flour tortillas (6-8")

Heat oven to 375º.
Lightly Grease 13x9 glass baking dish. Cook beef in skillet, drain. Stir i 3/4 cup enchilada sauce and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon filling onto tortillas; roll up and place seams down on baking dish

Pour remaining sauce on top; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake 15-20 minutes until hot.

Teriyaki Chicken

2009-05-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

1 lb. chicken breast
½ cup Soy Sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp ground ginger shredded
1 tsp garlic minced

Stir ingredients together and pour into a gallon sized ziploc bag with 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts. On serving day, thaw and pour into a baking dish. Bake in preheated at 350 for 35 min. Serve over rice. To stretch this out, I add a bag of frozen, stir fry style veggies in before baking.

Also great on the grill with pineapple slices.

Chicken Tetrazzini

2009-05-12T14:01:00.001-05:00

16 oz spaghetti
1 cups cheddar cheese shredded
3 tbs margarine
1½ cup onions finely chopped
3 can cream of mushroom soup 10 3/4 oz
1 can cream of chicken soup 10 3/4 oz
3 cups chicken cooked, diced
salt
pepper

Cook spaghetti as directed until al dente; drain. Sauté onions in margarine. Mix onions and remaining ingredients with spaghetti in a large bowl. Put mixture in containers and freeze. To prepare for serving, thaw tetrazzini and put in a baking dish. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350* oven until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. For 2 people makes 5 casseroles. For my family of 5 I get 2 nice size casseroles out of this. For a family gathering you can do 1 big pan :) I like to add extra cheese on top!

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-05-12T14:00:00.001-05:00

½ tsp thyme
1 ½ tsp sage
½ cup frozen peas
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 carrot sliced
2 potatoes diced
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cup cooked chicken diced
½ cup frozen peas
1 cup flour
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup soft butter
3-5 tbs water COLD
2 tbs milk

Cook carrot and potatoes until soft. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan. Add flour and cook over medium heat 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broth, 1 cup milk, and seasonings and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Stir in chicken, peas, carrot, and potatoes. Pour into a 10-inch pie pan or 8" square glass pan

To prepare pastry (last 5 ingredients), mix flour and salt in small bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with water and toss with a fork until moist. Press into a ball. Roll out onto well- floured surface. Lay over top of chicken ingredients in pie pan. Cut several slits for steam and flute edge. Brush top of crust with milk. Place pie pan onto another baking pan because dish almost always runs over.

Bake at 450 for 20 minutes.

Freezes wonderfully! Just dump your pot pie mixture into large ziplocks.... Lay flat to freeze... Easily double or triple the recipe and put a few in the freezer.

To save time you can also use a pre made pie crust (pillsbury in the red box is wonderful!)

Chicken Parmesan

2009-05-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 cup parmesan cheese
¾ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
¾ cup Mozzerella
1 lb spaghetti
1 can pasta sauce

Pound chicken thin... Combine dry ingredients in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then roll in bread crumb mixture to evenly coat. Place chicken on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375' F. oven 10 min. Turn chicken over; bake 10-12 min. or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

***TO FREEZE: Lay flat in 1 gallon bags

*TO SERVE: Reheat chicken in 375' F. until heated through and crust is crispy.
Spoon sauce on chicken. Sprinkle cheese over top. Broil to melt cheese.

Serve w/ spaghetti & pasta sauce

Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

2009-05-12T13:49:00.001-05:00

1 lb. chicken breast
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 cup water
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
1 cup rice

To freeze: Dump all ingredients into 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Lay flat in freezer.

To cook: Thaw in refrigerator. Place all ingredients in a 2 quart shallow baking dish. Cover. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done.

This one is a FAVORITE with my picky eaters (namely the kids, 4 and 2). Try it with a can of cheddar broccoli soup and add broccoli florets for added color and nutrition.

2008-10-25T21:36:00.000-05:00

We visited Mitchell Farms today. The kids had a blast! Gavin loved the corn pits and the peanuts the best!

Sandy gets her big girl bed finally :)

2008-10-13T20:40:00.002-05:00

She is very proud of her new bed (hence Clint's old bed that we painted white to match her bedroom :) She picked out tinkerbell sheets too.

An afternoon at our house

2008-10-12T21:19:00.002-05:00

Snack time. Gavin gets in the chair all by himself now. Well, let me add that this boy is very coordinated. He climbs up and down stairs, climbs the ladder on the swing-set. Swing on his belly by himself... He climbs on TOP of the tables, you name it LOL! I told him to say cheese, and this is his cheesy smile :) How sweet he is. Princess Sandy & Clint was just chillin with his gameboy :)

Typical Soccer day :)

2008-10-11T20:46:00.001-05:00

This is a typical soccer game or practice.... Gavin pretty much running around. He so loves balls! He has mastered dribbling already, seriously we may have another soccer player on our hands. Clint is on the field #4... Haven't been able to get too many good shots of him playing this year, but he was in the Petal Newspaper last week :)

Apple tote Playdate

2008-09-27T20:53:00.001-05:00

We had playdate at the park. It was a great day :) Sandy made her apple tote, perfect for fall days ahead :)

The Boys New Bunk Beds

2008-09-26T21:27:00.002-05:00

The boys new bunk beds.... Not the greatest picture but you get the idea. Gavin is on the bottom. On this day he passed out on the side just like that with his shoes and everything :) he loves his new bed and does wonderful, sleeps like an angel. He is by far the best sleeper out of them all

Sandy's Dollhouse people

2008-09-21T20:56:00.002-05:00

How sweet is this? Sandy ADORES her little people, dollhouse people, go girls, polly pockets, well you get the idea. On this day she begged for me to take a picture of her little guys that he lined all up. Notice the mom of the family has 1 arm :) Thanks to Rusty the dog :)

Clint's 6th bday Party

2008-08-22T21:41:00.002-05:00

My baby turns 6 :( Can't believe it all has gone by so fast!!! This year Clint said he didn't want a party with all the "napkins & junk" as he put it! LOL! He clarified and said he didn't need balloons, decorations, etc. So we kinda went theme-less. And after having Gavin's 1st birthday in May and Sandy's 3rd party right behind Gavin's, I was relieved when he said he didn't want a theme! Whew! He was happy with mom's homemade round cake... Sprinkles rock! A clear reminder that it is not about the money involved or the fancy stuff, but the simple things in life are what really pleases us. So we kept things s low key as possible. He invited a handful of friends and then throw in 5 cousins and grandparents, Aunts Uncles, etc... well it gets pretty full fast!

We had pizza... Clint wanted chocolate cake. Sandy helped make it and did the sprinkles. Clint wanted puch-ups instead of typical ice cream, so I splurged on it as I wouldn't normally buy it. I must say the push ups were the hit of the party. All the kids enjoyed them and some didn't even want any cake.

Clint picked 2 of his best friends Logan and Jaxson to spend the night. this was the first time we did anything like this so after everyone left the boys set up camp upstairs... GAME TIME!

They stayed up until around 11pm I think, heck I don't know i was pooped and went to sleep, Daddy had duty that night! He eventually told the boys it was bed time and they passed out within 5 minutes!

It was a great party. It won't be too much longer that we will get to have a party for him... I'm sure in a few more years it won't be cool anymore :)

Clint's 6th Birthday (actual day)

2008-08-21T21:35:00.000-05:00

This ws Clint's Actual birthday. After school we let him open his presents from us & Big Mom & Pappy. Then we had his "party" with friends and family the next night... A pizza party and he had 2 friends spend the night. This was what he wanted to do and they stayed up late playing video games of course :)

Caught in the ACT!!!

2008-08-20T21:56:00.002-05:00

This is what our bad boy is up to!!!! In 2 seconds flat he will push the chair to the fish tank, climb up, open the lid and reach on into it.... then he wets his hair and face! HA HA!!! It is cute, but alos annoying after a time or 2 :) He is 15 months old

And this is what Sandy & Gavin did

2008-08-11T21:13:00.001-05:00

Summer is coming to an end; although it really doesn't feel like it. Gavin is getting more and more into everything. I am sad that Clint is back in school, yet at the same time hoping I can get into a more structured routine. I hope to be able to get back into ebay and get back into full swing on the bow making.

This was a rainy, dreary day. Sandy was thrilled to be able to put on her new raincoat and boots and play in the rain. And, well, Gavin wasn't gonna miss out on that either :) They had fun and as you can see adore the newest addition Blue

Clints 1st Day of school (1st Grade)

2008-08-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

Waiting for the bus...

Awe come on MOM!!!

Wow, our first grader! Clint was a bit nervous about the first day of school. He really wasn't too thrilled about going back to school... After all who wouldn't like to lounge around and watch cartoons, play video games and snack all day with mom??? LOL

Goofy Kids

2008-07-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

Our Goofy clan :)

Jellystone Park RV Trip

2008-07-26T22:17:00.001-05:00

Jellystone Park! What fun we had there! Definately a great place to vacation with the kids. They had a waterpark, mini golf, outdoor theatre that played a family/kids movie at dark each night. Lots of kids. Clint made a lot of friends. Yogi Bear brought cookies & milk to our campsite one night. Sandy is missing from those pictures because she was affraid of him... But she really loved him :) The kids got to do a lot of activities... We will definately go back soon. This was our 2nd trip in our RV. Still learning the tricks of the trade but great fun, and I think when Gavin is a year or 2 older it will be even more enjoyable :)

Lynn Meadows visit

2008-07-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Lynn Meadows is great place for the kids to go and play. Lots of creative play areas for them. Ben was cutting hay for the day at the coast so we drove down too and occupied our day at the museum. Had lunch at IHOP.... A real treat to the kids who ate pancakes for lunch. Chocolate chip none-the-less :)

Gavin did not sleep the entire day!!! He is horrible about napping if we are not home. I thought for sure he would fall asleep in the car or stroller at some point... but nope. Pretty much from 7am until late on our drive home about 10pm he was up... Towards the end it was not pleasant either :)

Look What Clint Did!!

2008-07-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

Clint cut his hair all by himself!

Beach in Biloxi

2008-07-06T20:46:00.002-05:00

We decided to take an impromptu trip to the coast the weekend of July 4th. The fishing rodeo was going on and we decided to go check that out. We ended up viewing the fish and getting out of there pretty quick cause it was so hot and the kids were bored.

Next stop... the beach. The kids thoroughly enjoyed this! Gavin LOVED it.... Sand, water... he was in hog heaven! We did the typical things, ya know... burying each other in the sand... jumping the waves... etc etc.

We decided to stay the night and were able to get a room at the Sea Bee Base in GulfPort. It was really nice. Had a kitchenette and all. I think it was like $24 bucks for the night so that was awesome!

I loved the cheap prices at the BX too! We had to stock up on some toothbrushes, etc since this was so unplanned... Just killed me to have to pay for toothbrushes, deoderants, etc. since I have been getting them for free with my CVS deals.... Oh well, I did find cool pink camo and desert camo designs for the kids... Gotta love that!

The kids were pooped by the end of the day and quickly crashed in the room after we ate.... The next morning Daddy got some McD's Pancakes... which are our favorites!!! yummmmmmmmy. Sandy did not want her picture taken :)

2008-07-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Easter Picture

2008-03-23T21:53:00.004-05:00

This is the dress I made for Sandy to match the boys outfits. It turned out just beautiful, a tad long, but maybe she can wear next year too :)

Valentines Party

2008-02-15T21:49:00.000-06:00

Clint's Kindergarten class has their VALENTINES DAY Party! They all decorated their shoe boxes for the candy exchange :)

2008-02-01T21:45:00.000-06:00

Sandy has a ponytail :) Well, barely! Isn't she pretty!

Gavin 8 months

2008-01-23T21:37:00.003-06:00

Gavin loves to eat. He insists on feeding himself and does a very good job of it :) He is drinkning well from his sippy cup now too. He has his 2 bottom teeth and the top 2 have cut thru too :)