Hearts and a Recipe.....

I've started working on some Valentine's swaps. Which consists of things handmade and store bought. I enjoy the handmade part. It's a challenge to start with a clean slate and create something that you'd think your partner will like. You go over and over in your head, how about this, how about that, what if I add this? The wheels turn and turn until something clicks and you start. The best part is the ending. Knowing that you just made

something for someone else.

Makes me happy.

Stuffed Bread Bowls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut top of bread bowl and hollow out. Brush with olive oil, inside and top of bread.

Combine in a bowl...1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves of garlic chopped, 3 scallions chopped, 1/2 chopped green olives with pimento, 1 cup chopped hard salami, 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 tsp oregano

Mix well and pour into bread bowl.

Wrap well with foil and bake for approx. 40-45 minutes.

Pull out of oven and let set for 10 minutes before cutting.

Cut into 4.

MMMM! Soooo good!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Soup's On!

Cutting back on junk and eating healthy has been a test for me. I love to cook and bake. I love to eat what I cook and bake. Switching what I eat during the day has helped me. I eat my big meal for lunch. Usually around 1:00. Then for dinner, it's usually what ever healthy thing I could put together. Lately, it's been soup. I love soup, especially homemade soup. I make my soup with whatever I have in the fridge. Today, I made Ravioli soup.

I started out with 2 cans of low sodium broth, threw in some onions, carrots and celery. Cooked that a bit to get the vegetables tender. Approx 10-15 minutes. Then I spotted the asparagus, had to throw that in there also. Then went in the ravioli. Cooked for approx. 10 minutes more. Done! Perfect with a salad. Light, warm and satisfying. Hit the spot.

For this week, I lost 3 more lbs. For a total of 11lbs since the beginning of January. Have some more to go. One day at a time.

A Clean Start

For the New Year. I don't know about you, but I'm still working on last year. Just finishing up packing things away. Doing a major cleaning of paperwork and such. Hoping to be all in order by the weekend. I've cleaned closets, draws, under beds. Every nook and cranny that was to be found in the house. I promised myself that I was going to start off clean for the New Year. Makes me happy to walk into a room that is spotless. And if I just pick up here and there. Things wont build up. Like paperwork! That is probably my least favorite task, going through the mail. Most of it is junk anyway. Some days, that's all it is, advertisements. Advertisements I can do without. Isn't there a number that I could call to take me off some kind of list???

I made some promises I'm hoping to keep for the 2010.

* Stick with my WW program, stay on track.
* Don't stray off my grocery list. Stick to what I need, not what I want.
* Be more patient with the kids, the older they get. The more I want to lose it!
* No more coffee drinks from the shops. If I want coffee, I will make it at home and save the $.
* Use what I have, don't go out and buy what I don't need. Spend wisely.
* More family time.
* Try and stay more organized with planning and projects.

So far, it's been going pretty good. I printed my list off and put it on the fridge and one in my wallet. I find if I start to stray, I just look at my list and remember that I've made a promise. Not going to lie, I miss my carmel latte's! But with not having them, I already saved myself a couple of bucks.

Have you made any promises for the New Year?

Goodbye 2009!

Wishing you and your family.

A Happy and Healthy

New Year.

Many blessings, joy and peace for the New Year.

May everyday be better than the last.

See you in 2010!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Wishing your and your family,

a very Merry Christmas and a

happy and healthy New Year!

Blessings~

Snowy Sunday

We haven't had this much snow in a long time. Ended up with 24" in total. We were shocked when we went back outside this morning to finish cleaning up. I'm just happy that we went out a couple of times yesterday. If we didn't. We would probably still be outside cleaning up.

The snow was to deep for the dogs to run. So we ended up digging out paths for the dogs. Once that was done, they were running all over the place.

When Chloe went back into the house. She sat at the back door the whole afternoon. We put some bird seed out. She just sat there and watched them eat. Some of the birds were beautiful. I even got caught up watching for a bit.

All my swaps and cards are out for the year. Happy to have that all done. My partners should of gotten their swaps by now. Hopefully, they'll enjoy their package. This is what I sent out.

My Sweet Goodness partner

Jingle Swap partner

Heidi's Homemade partner

Yippee! No school tomorrow. Just got the call. So you know what that means. Sleigh riding! Now, I need to go pull them out of the snow and put them in the garage. This way, when I load the car with them tomorrow. I wont be loading snow with them.

Off I go to find some sleds.

Dashing through the snow.......

Snow Day!

We are getting hit with our first snow storm in a long time. It started around 5:00 am and it's still coming down. I cant remember when the last time it snowed this much. It's so nice to look outside and watch it fall. The temps are dropping, so this snow will be sticking around for awhile. Cant wait to go sleigh riding tomorrow! Yippee! The kids could finally use the sleds that have been sitting in the shed for years. Uck! Now I'm just thinking of all the wet clothes I'm going to have.

Dont have to run out for anything. Going to be baking and wrapping gifts all weekend. My lights are on and off I go.

Jingle Bells....Jingle Bells....

Feeling blah!

Been feeling under the weather the last couple of days. Hoping whatever it is that I have, will go soon. Need to make cookies and finish my shopping.

What a time to get sick!

Sure hope all is well with everyone!

Hope to be back soon.

Handmade Christmas

It's time for another week of Handmade Christmas. I'm a person who loves pins. So I decided to use some scrap material that I had. Anything can be used, especially if it's printed material. I had some material that had stockings on it. So I ironed on some felt. Then I went around the edges with fabric glitter and outlined the stocking. Once it was dried, I cut around the edges.

I hot glued a pin to it and waited for it to dry.

Then hole punch 2 holes on some paper and slide in. Perfect. You can add these to a gift and use as a gift tag. Or just give it as a gift. I'll probably tiesome around some cookie trays that I hand out.

Go check out the other great ideas for Handmade Christmas.

Holiday Weekend

Started out by hitting the senior center. They had a beautiful display this year. There were reindeer's and elf's, snowmen and angels. Alot of the high school kids were there helping out. You could tell, they didn't want to be in the costumes. I didn't have the heart to take their pictures. :) Rudolph had the best costume, didn't know who was in there.

I go every year, and every year it gets better. Beautiful. At the end they serve cookies and juice to the kids. Every kid gets a bear from Santa. Which have either a dress or crochet sweater on, that was made by the seniors. So nice!

On Sunday, you heard the sirens and horns. They kept going and going. You knew he was coming. Every time we thought they were getting closer, we ran outside. I kept turning on my camera, didn't want to miss a shot. When we got too cold, we ran back in. Then, the first one came by. Took this shot,then he came! And of course, the camera wasn't ready for him. There he was on top of the fire truck, all lite up and waving. Santa! Need to get a new camera. Hint, hint Santa.

Finally finished with our tree. It's an old tree. I've had it since my dad passed. 13years. It was his tree. The branches fall apart, it takes me forever to put it up. But I cant seem to part with it right now. All the work in putting it up is worth it. Plus, having it, I know he's around.

I joined in on MaMa Buzz Christmas Tree Contest. Head on over and see some more trees. Have you gotten yours up?

A Day Late!

For Handmade Christmas, but I made it. This week, we made a couple of items for holiday gifts. The first one, we used those small pictures that come in the picture packets from school. You know, the tiny ones you never know what to do with it. Well, here you go. Make a large circle. We traced around the bottom of a soda bottle. Color it like a peppermint. Glue the picture in the middle. Then wrap the candy in cellophane. Tie bows at each end. Add a magnet to the back. Great gift idea to send the grandparents.



For this one, I cut some wood for signs. I love signs and some of my friends do. So, guess what some are getting. Paint the sign a solid color. Sand the edges to give it a worn look. Then write what you'd like. Here, I added a little snowman, thought it was a nice touch. You dont have to add the snowman. Just the lettering would be nice.

I've had this wreath laying around forever. Doesnt it look it? Figured, I'd use the blue Christmas balls I bought at the market. My one friend has nothing on her front door. She has mentioned that she couldnt afford to buy a wreath.

Well hello....The picture doesn't do it justice. Hint! Hint! Santa! I love the way the wreath came out and I'm sure she is just going to love it. Need to go find some more bulbs to make myself one.

Until next time with Handmade Christmas.

Take care!

December is here!

Decorations are up....

Some ornaments are made.....

And today started, Sew, Mama Sew December's giveaways. Lots of links for

some great giveaways. Grab a cup and go check it out.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Spreading the word...

If you have a sweet tooth. Head on over to Deal Finding Chik, she is having a "Holiday Nut Tin Giveaway." Actually, she is having two giveaways! The second is for some Bath & Body Works. Winning either one, wouldnt be bad at all.

Then when you done with those two head on over to Frugal Living and Having Fun. She is having a "Marcal Small Steps Giveaway." I myself would love to win this giveaway. This is the brand I use and do recommend. For the last couple of weeks, they've been having some "free" item coupons in the paper. If you seen them, try it out.

Good luck!

Black Friday?

I had no plans on going out early this year.
Didn't have to stand in the cold, dark night. Waiting with hundreds of other people for a store to open. Wondering, how long before the cops are called this year? This was the first year that I didn't venture out for Black Friday. I know for myself, I didn't miss anything.

I stayed home and started opening my boxes to decorate.

The first box I opened, there he was. Just staring at me with that smile. I couldn't help but smile back. I cant wait to get to the other boxes.

Looking for some lovely fabric? Head on over to retro mummy's blog. She is having a fabric giveaway. Hurry because the giveaway ends Sunday.

Take care!

Happy Thanksgiving

Dont know where to give credit, a friend passed this to me, I'm passing it to you!

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.


MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !

Blessings~

Some great finds this week

I think this pass week, everyone was out shopping. The markets were packed more than normal. Plus there were more sellers there than usually. The weather was just beautiful. We've had some nice warm days. Guess everyone just wanted to get out.


I got all three boxes for $1.00. The vendor wanted a $1.00 a box. But we started talking and at the end of our conversation, he said, how about $1.00 for all three. Now how can I pass that up. What a nice guy. Went to AC Moore today and bought a wreath frame. So guess what I'll be making for the front door!


These three items I found at the thrift shop. The women was unpacking the boxes onto the shelves. I of course couldn't wait for her to unpack the box. So politely asked if I could go through it. She said, of course you can. I did and there he was, wrapped in some old plastic. You knew whoever had him, had him wrapped up for awhile. The plastic was all dusty and all. When I unwrapped him, he was beautiful. Perfect, for $3.00, I grabbed it. The sleigh and the box were 50 cents each. I love that thrift store!


When I came upon this piece at the market. The women had alot of things hanging off of it and on top. I just seen the piece, nothing else. She started at $17, I started at $10. Great shape, no damage, perfect. I didnt really want to go that high. She said $15, I said $12. She said she had to stay firm on the $15, so I said thank you and walked. Then she said, come back, I'll take $12. Happily paid her and walked with a smile. Wipe it all down and with a fresh coat of paint. Would work great in my space.


I just love the shape of this tree. Found it for $1.00. Some small balls for 25cents. Going to change the tree, I'm sure it'll look nice. The 4 red votive holders were 15cents each. Have plans for them! And the candle holder, looks so nice when lite. Score for 50cents


Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, how many bells can you have??? As many as you want! Now for 35 cents, how could I pass these all up? I love bells.


While I was out and about this week, dh was kind enough to get my decorations down from the attic. I thought about putting some out around the house. But think I'll wait. Thanksgiving will be here Thursday, I'll enjoy that with my family. Then we'll start after that. But being that tomorrow is going to be warm again. I might just put up some lights outside to get ahead of the game. Every year, I'm usually outside, dressed in layers, freezing, putting up decorations. We'll see.

Did anyone start decorating yet? Or are you waiting till after Thanksgiving?

Take care!

Wordless Wednesday

Going out slow.

You know Fall is almost over when the leaves are all dropped. The trees begin to show off more of their branches and more sunlight shines through. You could tell the days are getting shorter, the sun just seems to move faster across the sky. When it rains, just seems more dreary out. I already miss what Fall offered this year. It will always be my favorite time of year.

Handmade Christmas

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Every Thursday till Christmas. I will be linking up to Abbie of Proverbs 31 Living. She will be hosting a Handmade Christmas. I hope to get some new ideas as well as sharing some.

This week will be my Christmas Bark. Very easy and inexpensive recipe. You will need, 1 sleeve of saltine crackers, 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 (12oz) bag chocolate chips.



Line a baking sheet with foil. I usually grease down the foil so nothing sticks to it. When that is done, fill the baking sheet with a single layer of saltine crackers. Melt the butter in a pan and add the brown sugar. Cook at medium hit for appox. 3 minutes. Pour over saltine crackers, making sure everything is covered. Pop in a 350 degree oven for 15mins.




When it's done, pull it out and pour your chocolate chips all over the tray. Once they start melting. Start spreading it all around. Making an even coat over it all. At this time, if you'd like to add chop nuts, coconut or sprinkles. Then pop it in the fridge until firm. Takes approx. 1-2 hours.




Then pull it out and start taking it apart. Usually breaks up pretty well. Store in airtight container. Make sure it's fairly cool where you store it. Otherwise, it can melt some.



I usually pack these up in the larger Chinese to go containers and tie the recipe to it. The hardest part about this recipe. Not eating it after it's done.

Enjoy!

Thrifty find

Can you believe it. This is the only piece I found from scouring the markets this pass weekend. The weather was beautiful, warm, sunny. So many vendors selling their wares. I really thought I'd score some great finds. But nope, not this weekend. I found that there was alot of junk. Things weren't cleaned, which I think it would make for better sales for some. Some just leave things in the boxes, which I never mind going though. But how many boxes of junk can you go though??





So while I was walking through the aisles and checking out tables. Came across this, a new sewing box for me. It was in perfect shape. The nice guy and I started talking, he wanted $15 for it. I just wanted to pay it right there. I've been looking for one of these for a while. I just kept looking at it, opening and closing. All along while he was packing up his car. Then finally, he said, "make me an offer. I'm actually packing up now and just want to dump things." Well, I offered $5. And he took it. YEAH! I already cleaned it out and filled it up with my sewing supplies. I just love it.

Have you found any good finds lately?

Wordless Wednesday

Day After.....

We had lots of snacks and lots of treats. The weather was perfect for the kids. You didn't need a jacket, so you seen everyone costume. I always loved to see all the kids costumes. The little kids are the cutest. Carrying their pumpkins filled with candy. The way they look at all the scary costumes and decorations. Approaching everything with caution.

Then you have the ones, running to house to house. You could see each one of them trying to beat the other to the door. Standing at the door, so when it opens. They will be the first one down the stairs to the next. What are they thinking, there might not be any candy left?? After awhile, they got tired and we all stayed together.

Some houses we visited, had no decorations at all. Some had lights all over with blowups. Some were cute, some were scary. But this one house. WOW! This was their front porch. The gentlemen sitting to the left was handing out the candy. None of the kids would go up there. The creepy music was playing, the lights were going. Then you would see someone come out from behind the front curtain. It was just amazing what they did.

Now it's time to pack everything away till next year. I never knew how many things I had. And yet, tomorrow I'll be hitting the stores to see what's left. :) Love those clearance sales after the holidays. Hope you all had a nice Halloween.

Now for the winner of the giveaway..................ABamaMom, thanks to all who entered.

Susan