Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everybody!  I would like to share two videos with you - the first one is a repeat from the past few years, but it is my absolute all-time favorite, and the second one is a song that has been on my mind all week.  Please remember the Easter story this year - read this story for our hope in resurrection.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas light garland

Are you looking for an inexpensive and easy Christmas decoration or gift?  Look no further because help has arrived!  You can make this super easy Christmas light garland project for your home, office, or to give as a gift.

You will need a box of 140 mini Christmas lights and your choice of 4 different Christmasy fabrics with each color cut into 1" x 6" strips.  Keep in mind that even though I chose 4 colors, you can choose more if you like. 

Step 1:  Take one of the twist ties that held the lights together and use that to tie both ends of the light strand together.  Match up the first and last light - one end of your strand will be longer than the other.

Step 2:  Take one strip of fabric and tie it around both strands of lights.  I put one piece of fabric between each light, but you can put more between each if you want.  Alternate colors as you go.  My colors were red, red/white stripe, white, green with white polka dots. 

 Keep tying :) 

 This is a good project to work on when you're watching tv.

Step 3:  You're done!  These lights would be great on a small tree, a mantel, or on a window sill.  

  

This project would be good to use at Easter with pastel fabrics, or in the fall with beautiful reds, greens, and yellows.  Anyway you make it, it's an inexpensive cute decoration.

Linking up to Making the World Cuter,  Made By You Monday, Sew Can Do Craftastic Monday, So Very Creative, The Girl Creative, Craft-O-Maniac.

Wow, can you believe this weekend is over?  I think we crammed as much as possible into it.  What about you?  Just a quick recap of what we did.  Saturday:  We went to Farmers Pike on the east side of Indy and I think we hit about 70% of the garage sales on the way there.  We did find some treasures - another square candle holder in the amber tiara sandwich glass pattern I'm collecting, an American flag (the people told us they couldn't even give it away - isn't that sad!), a wooden American flag, a hooked rug (I only paid 25 cents for it)  and Carl found a brad nailer gun (I'm not sure that's the correct name, but it it good for woodworking). 

The most exciting part of our trip was when Ryan decided he was going to be a sling shot.  Basically it was a bungee jump but in the opposite direction.  Before the kids were shot up in the air, they all got to jump on the trampoline and try to do flips.  It must have been harder than what it looked like because so many kids tried and tried and couldn't do it.  Carl did manage to get this awesome picture of Ryan though. 

On the way home we stopped at the Warm Glow Candle Outlet...ahhhh, the smell, the decorations...it was wonderfully inspiring...I'm ready to decorate for fall after that visit :)  However, I only bought one small candle and 3 placemats that I'm using on my entertainment center.   If you must know, I'm waiting for the Covered Bridge Festival to shop for more fall decorations and treasurers.  Carl and I like to go without the boys - it's a win-win all the way around :) 

Okay, please ignore the crack in the crock, but this should give you the basic idea.  Now I need to find some greenery to fill that crock and make it look pretty again.

 On Sunday Carl and Kyle went riding - Ryan's bike broke so he had to stay home with me and clean the house - poor guy missed out on the fun.  I did make a loaf of sausage bread and 2 loaves of cinnamon bread for the boys. 

Monday was a better day - Carl and I went to a small festival by our house and I found more amber glass (yippee for me!!) - I now have one (yes one) candle stick and a last supper plate.  I was so excited about that because I just saw some on shopgoodwill and ebay for much more than I paid.  I love it when I get a deal!

After lunch we went to Shades State Park with both of the dogs, walked some trails, went fishing and let the dogs swim.  Ryan caught two fish...the only fish of the day.

As the fishing was winding down, I told Carl that I was going to let the dogs go for a swim.  Snickers loves the water and can swim well - like a fish, and although we haven't been to the lake with Harley one would think he would be able to swim too. He is a retriever afterall.  Can you tell where I'm going with this story?  I also should have thought about the way they fight over sticks and balls when we play at home.  I threw a stick out and both dogs went in the water for it, fought over it, and were a pretty good distance from the shore.  Snickers won that round and started her way back, but Harley was (barely) treading water.  By this time Kyle came back by me and Carl was on his way back, and we are watching Harley tread water and then he went under.  It was pure panic!  Kyle went in after Harley and was the hero of the day.  From that point on each dog went in by themselves and we decided not to throw the sticks too far out for Harley.  We just can't figure out how he is swimming - I wish I had a video of him - it's kind of funny - it really does look like a dog paddle move.  Now our Indian name for Harley is Swims Like a Rock. I know both of the dogs are tired after today because they have been quiet all night - no barking at anything tonight.

To end our weekend, we made elephant ears.  After paying $5 for them at a couple of fairs this summer, we decided that we would make our own and save some money.  I found this recipe on Cooks.com

ELEPHANT EARS

2 c. flour

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tbsp. shortening

1/2 c. water

Oil (for frying)

TOPPING:

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

Blend everything, but water, as you would for pie crust. Add water and shape into a ball. Add a few more drops of water if dough doesn't handle well. If too sticky, add flour. Divide into 10 even balls. Roll out to 9 to 10 inch circles.

Dip in hot oil until brown. Flip, remove and put on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with topping. If thicker, elephant ear will be soft. If thinner, elephant ear will be crispy.

It was a wonderful weekend for us.  I love spending time with my family and this was perfect.  I hope your weekend was wonderful, happy, and full of memories.  I want to leave you with a post my sister had on her facebook page:  Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is knowing not to put it in your fruit salad.

Espresso Shortbread Brownie Bars

I finally made the espresso shortbread brownie bars that I blogged about earlier this week and I have to say that they are easy to make and delicious.  I found these on My Baking Addiction and if you like to cook or bake, you need to check out this site!  Here are some pictures of the finished product:

All I'm gonna say is that I've had 4 - yes four - of them today.  Any bets on what time I'll be sleeping tonight? 

Espresso Shortbread Brownie Bars

from Food & Wine Magazine; May 2010

and My Baking Addiction

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans (I used espresso powder)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Brownie Topping

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 stick plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs

Directions

1. Make the Shortbread Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°. In a food processor (I used my mixer), combine the butter with the flour, sugar, ground espresso and salt; pulse until coarse crumbs form. Press the crumbs into a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan to form a crust; prick all over with a fork. Freeze for 5 minutes, until firm. Bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned and cooked through.

2. Meanwhile, Prepare the Brownie Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cocoa, salt and baking powder. In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the chocolate over low heat.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla, then stir in the eggs. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the brownie batter is smooth.

4. Pour the brownie batter over the shortbread crust, smoothing the surface. Bake for 30 minutes, until the brownie top is dry and lightly cracked around the edges; the center will still be a bit soft.

5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Make Ahead:  The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

I haven't joined Colleen's recipe swap for a while, so if you have time, please join me and lets see what yummy recipes everyone has posted about this week.

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

Well, it always seems like Labor Day weekend is the official end of summer.  The family talked about what we wanted to do this weekend and there are so many different things to choose from, which will hopefully lead to a good (and possibly long) post next week.  What about your family - any special plans for the weekend?  Whatever you do have fun and be safe.

I have the fever

I have fall fever...I am longing for the cooler days, colorful, crisp leaves on the ground, bonfires, chili, pumpkin pie....I'm sure you get the idea.  These are some of the thoughts that have been in my head the last few days.

I would really like my front porch to look like this...

this would be great too!

Watch out for those killer leaves - no matter how nice they are to look at, they are pretty slick.

Bonfires + smores = happiness

Pioneer Woman's Perfect Chili recipe.  It's the best!!

And how can you think of fall and not think of the Covered Bridge Festival?

What do you think of when cooler temps roll around?  Do you have a favorite recipe or two that you long to make?  Any family traditions?  Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy it and create some special memories to last a lifetime.

If not noted, all pictures courtesy of countryliving.com, countrysampler.com, flickr.com, and midwestliving.com

Happy Wonderful Fathers Day

I would like to wish a Happy Fathers Day to my wonderful husband, father of my children, my best friend.  Thank you for everything you do to take care of us.  We love you!

And also to my father-in-law John and my dad Hank.  John knows a little bit about everything and anytime we have a problem with something, he knows what to do.  And then there's my dad.  If you ever needed some words of wisdom or to just hear a story (true or slightly embellished), he was your man.   Seriously, he was always the calming voice of reason at our house.

Have a wonderful day with your special father.  I hope you create special memories that bring a smile to your face when you think of today.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Carl and I celebrated last night by having dinner at Stookeys Family Restaurant.  They are well known for their catfish and onion rings.  We didn't have the catfish, but opted to have steak and tilapia with the onion rings instead.  This is a nice restaurant in a small town - if you are looking for someplace new to have dinner, please give this restaurant a try. 

Since we were able to get a table before the big rush of people came in, we were able to get out early.  Then came the discussion of what to do.  Go home and watch a movie, go to a theater and see a movie, go bowling.  I was wishing we lived closer to civilization and maybe there would be an antique mall there.... This is how exciting out lives are:  we drove back to the town we live in and were going to go to Home Depot to look at paint colors for our living room. 

Then we saw it....

The sign.....

BINGO - SATURDAY 6:30

It was destiny.

We bought some games and daubers and found two seats.  We didn't win (it seems all the winners were on the lower level of the building), but we had fun.  It was something new and exciting - even though Carl is convinced that he lost two years of his life by sitting in a smoke filled room.   We might even go again.

Today I made Carl a cake.  It was red.  In the shape of a heart.  Awwwwww.....How sweet!  I had been thinking about it all week and made sure that I had all of the ingredients.  I used the recipe that I posted on Friday for Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake but decided to use a red devils food cake mix, strawberry pudding, and white chips.  It should have been fool proof - right?

Before baking:

 

After baking:

I should have taken the reviews more seriously.  Too much batter for the pan and it needed to bake a little longer.  So, we made the best of it and put it on a nice cake plate with glaze and ate it.  Thumbs up from everyone.  And guess what movie I watched yesterday - Julie and Julia.  Go figure. 

We are enjoying our Sunday night routine which is watching AFV and the videos were especially funny tonight!  More snow is forecasted for tomorrow, but I will continue dreaming of sun, flower pots, color in my yard, the sound of crickets and frogs.  I can't take the humidity, but I'm really looking forward to summer.

New Years Eve Treats

I've been cleaning the house, putting away Christmas decorations, the boys have their friends over, and I'm making treats for us tonight.  Tomorrow I'm planning on making breakfast pizza for the kids and then we (just the family) are planning on going shopping and returning a few Christmas gifts so we will have the traditional New Years Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage on Saturday. 

Here are some of the yummy treats that we will be having tonight - guacamole (Carl has never had this and it's about time he tries it), cranberry bars (recipe courtesy of Janna B. from work), and Texas chocolate sheet cake.  This is kind of a long post, but I hope you enjoy it.

Guacamole (from All Recipes)
3 avocados- peeled, pitted, and mashed
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. diced onion
3 tblsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

The ingredients for yummy guacamole!

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados.

Mix in the juice of one lime and salt.

Mix in the cilantro.  I used a kitchen scissors to cut mine up.

Then mix in the chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

Stir in the cayenne pepper (I didn't put this in my batch).  Refrigerate for 1 hour for best flavor or serve immediately.

Ohhhhhh, the finished product.  Can you see that I have a chip in there ready to sample the blending of flavors? 

I have to show you three kitchen gadgets that I used to create my guacamole.  All three are from Pampered Chef and are some of my favorite things in addition to their little brown squares and vegetable peeler.  From left to right:  the whopper chopper - I seriously don't know what it's called but I use it all the time; the middle one is usually used to mix up ground beef in a pan when you brown it, but I used it to start mashing the avocados and then went to a fork, the last one is the garlic press and you can guess what I used that for.

Cranberry Bars - This recipe is from Janna and I'm not sure where she got it from, but she tells us they are delicious!

2 c. washed whole cranberries (I used dried)

1 c. chopped walnuts

4 eggs, lightly beaten

2 c. sugar

2 c. flour

1 1/2 c. melted butter

1 tsp. almond extract

2 c. powdered sugar

Glaze

2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. almond extract

Add small amount of water to obtain desired consistency.  Drizzle over bars.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray jellyroll pan with non-stick pray or line with foil.  Mix eggs, flour, sugar, butter, and 1 tsp. almond extract.  Spread batter in jellyroll pan.  Sprinkle with cranberries and walnuts.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Let bars cool before glazing.

Before baking......

After baking, cooling, and the glaze.

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever (at least that's what Pioneer Woman says)

For the cake:
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 tblsp (heaping) cocoa
2 sticks butter
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

For the frosting:
1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
1 3/4 stick butter
4 tblsp (healping) cocoa
6 tblsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 pound (minus 1/2 cup) powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.  In a saucepan, melt butter.  Add cocoa.  Stir together.  Add boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat.  Pour over flour mixture and stir lightly to cool.  In a measuring cup, pour the buttermilk and add beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.  Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture.  Pour into sheet cake pan (jellyroll pan) and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

While cake is baking, make the icing.  Chop peans finely.  Melt butter in a saucepan.  Add cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat.  Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  Stir together.  Add the pecans, stir together and pour over warm cake.

I'm sure you can see that there was major spillage here!  I'm afraid to lift the pan up and how big the mess is that I have to clean up.  I think I went wrong when I didn't let it cool a bit, but hey I was in a hurry.

Happy New Year everyone!