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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: How's It Gonna Be
hosted by Samantha




1. How's it gonna be in 2011 for you?

may be a bit tighter than normal my children are all grown and we are on a tighter budget than ever but looks like all in all will be a great year

2. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

a great time with my hubby supper, movies or just a quiet walk as long as it is quality time it will be worth it

3. What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?

Wow!! Hard one for me to answer because i see it as a will to try but when started very hard to stop
4. What thing about your family are you least proud of?

I am very proud of my family and where we have come and where we are going with 4 teens in college, 1 married with two children and the last child in highschool we are doing great. I guess if I had to say anything I would say the rudeness that my older teens can be at times
5. What part of the holidays are you really looking forward to?

love the holidays but really looking forward to after them because that will be when I see my princess
6. Who is the last person you high-fived? Why?

probably one of the youth group members and because this is what we do to show we love each other

7. Have you ever made out at a drive-in?

nope there were none when I was dating they had all closed down

8. If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to?

to you my friend

9. Tell us about that time when you were the “life of the party”.

when I was younger I would go out more often but really any time I go anywhere I have a great time and try to ensure everyone else does as well

Angeletti Christmas Cookies

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted


1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for rolling the dough

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Glaze:

1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons multicolor nonpareil sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Directions

1.Heat oven to 375° F.

2.In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and eggs until blended. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until just combined (do not overmix).

3.With floured hands, roll level tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake until puffed and the bottoms are pale golden, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

4.Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and the vanilla until the mixture forms a thick but pourable glaze (add more water if necessary).

5.Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze and let set, rounded side up, on a rack set over a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle with non-pareils, if using. Allow the glaze to set, about 20 minutes. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
 
recipe source: my recipes

Cranberry White Chocolate Christmas Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/3 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels

1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries


Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; set aside. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in white chocolate morsels and cranberries. Drop cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Saturday Questions @ Patricks Place

1. What book or books are you currently reading?


none at this time been quite busy

2. What’s the last book you recall completing?


i read the book loser and finished it been a while though

3. How often do you give a book as a gift?

to my children and grandchildren quite often

4. You decide to give a book store gift certificate as a gift: which store are you most likely to choose?

barnes & noble

5 If you had your choice, would you prefer all-paperback or all-hardcover books in your own personal library?

hard backs look much nicer but paper back easier to carry and take places

Do You Have Room

So many times we get so busy with the Christmas Rush that we may leave no room for what is important. The hustle and bustle of Christmas sometimes gets to busy. I hope that you find room for our the Baby Jesus our Savior. The season of Christmas gets very busy with school events, church events,
and jusr the hustle and bustle of life. Take a few moments and refect on the reason for the season



Delicious Pasta makes wonderful Holiday Meal

1 BOX Barilla Whole Grain Medium Shells


2 TABLESPOONS Olive Oil

1 CLOVE Garlic, Chopped

1 CUP Cauliflower Florets

1 PINT Cherry Tomato, Halved

1/2 CUP White Wine

1/2 CUP Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Freshly Grated

1 TABLESPOON Fresh Parsley, Chopped

TO TASTE Salt

TO TASTE Black Pepper, Freshly Ground

BRING a large pot of salted water to boil.


SAUTÉ garlic in olive oil in a large skillet until garlic turns slightly yellow.

ADD cauliflower florets to the skillet and brown well.

ADD cherry tomatoes and sauté for 5 additional minutes.

Meanwhile, COOK Whole Grain Medium Shells according to package cooking time.

ADD white wine to the skillet and continue cooking until the liquid is reduced by ¾.

DRAIN pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add pasta and liquid to the skillet and toss well. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.

SEASON with salt and pepper. Top with grated cheese and fresh parsley.
 
recipe from the Barilla site

Things I would Love To Make 2011

Loopy Christmas Tree
These edible snow globes would be perfect to make for friends and family. I think it is a genious of an idea

I love this wreath from Funky Junk Interiors I would so love to make it with my own flair my daddy the "Junk Man" would have loved it


These beautiful hand made christmas ornament hangers that were shared on the blog Can't Stop Making Things are adorable and something else i would love to try to make in 2011


I have so many extra tea cups sitting around that i really really want to try to make these teacup candles

A Few Favorites Of Mine After All Its A Party

One of my favorite tips for the Christmas Season or for any time of the year at all when you are giving a gift to save money make the Christmas wrap personal and create it yourself. I shared many great techniques for creating Christmas wrap on my blog.

Perhaps you are in the mood for some delicious Christmas cookies and punch. Check out my post and recipe for Candy Cane Russian Tea Cakes and Christmas Punch
My recipe was spotlighted on another blog this week during a Christmas Goodies Making Party if you are look for some delicious goodies to make check out Loftee Ideas

Perhaps you all got snow like we did and you had some free time on your hands. If you did then maybe you was like my teens and one of your favorite things to do was to head outside to play in the snow
When hunger finally sets in from the busy day then check out this delicious recipe for stuffed peppers from the blog A Few Shortcuts Have a good day and a Merry Christmas



post shared on Its A Blog Party topsy turvy tuesdays

Friday, December 17, 2010

Frugal Idea Make Your Own Wrapping Paper and a Special Treat

Stamping is a great way to create wrapping paper. Using either plain brown or white paper you can use either sponge or plastic stamps with whatever pattern or shape you desire. Hearts, Christmas Trees, Angels, Candy Canes are just a few things that come to my mind at this time. This is a craft project for children to help out with as well. It is best to stamp the paper after you have wrapped the gift. This will enable you to select the optimal placement that you desire.

Stenciling also makes for some beautiful home made christmas wrap. Check out stencils that include a variety from santa claus and reindeers to angels and trees Easy to make and create cherished wrap on brown or white paper.

Fruit and vegetable stamping is a fun task that little hands will love to help with. Simple cut the fruit in 1/2 where a pattern can be created. Dip the veggie or fruit in paint and stamp on paper allow to dry and wrap gift


Purchsing inexpensive curling ribbons and stick on bows may be a way to save money but often you can do a better job by watching sales for grosgrain ribbon and or wired ribbon which can be reused year after year. Think out of the box when purchasing ribbon Christmas colors are nice but necessary. One idea is to create a color theme or pattern may be a useful idea for you.

shared on Life As Mom

Aloha Friday a day set forward with fun in mind for those both in hawaii and those that own blogs as well. The meme is hosted by Kailini from the blog An Island Life.  

Christmas is in one week and while shopping is done I have realized that I left a few items off the shopping list and I also have to still wrap presents. So I wanted to know how far I was behind the rest of you. So here is my question for you.

Are you all done with shopping , present wrapped, and ready for Christmas or are there still a few things you need to do.

A couple of Sweet Christmas Poems



Santa Claus found Bethlehem
In a plastic Nativity set that night.
He jumped from his magical sleigh
To kneel before this shimmering sight.
He gazed at the Infant cradled in snow.
Joseph and Mary had a heavenly glow.
Blessings of Christmas were not on His sleigh.
Blessings of Christmas were born in the hay.
The world has its eyes on gifts of shining gold,
But Christ is the greatest gift the world will behold.

 

 
Santas Christmas Eve Prayer
The sleigh was all packed,
The reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
By the side of the bed.

 
"Dear Father," he prayed,
"Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do,
And my schedule is tight."
"I must jump in my sleigh
And streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
That a reindeer can't fly."

"I will visit each household,
Before the first light,
I'll cover the world,
And all in one night."
"With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
Of each little hoof."

"To get in the house
Is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
Of each child's heart."
"My sack will hold toys
To grant all their wishes,
The supply will be endless,
Like the loaves and the fishes."

"I will fill all the stockings
And not leave a track,
I'll eat every cookie
That is left for my snack."
"I can do all these things Lord,
Only through You,
I just need your blessing,
Then it's easy to do."

"All this is to honor
The birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us ...
Your most Holy Son."
"So to all of my friends,
Least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them
Who gave me this job."

 ~ Warren D. Jennings

 

shared at the Amy's Finer Things

Friday 5

1.Of excursions you remember taking in elementary school, which was your favorite?


2.Of excursions you remember taking in elementary school, which was your least favorite?

3.What seems like a really good school excursion destination that nobody seems to take?

4.Which of your recent activities might pass for an educational excursion?

5.When a sack lunch was needed for a field trip, what was most likely in your brown paper bag? How about now?




1. I remember going to the zoo nearly every year and the last day picnics were awesome as well

2. the doctors office when it was time for shots there was always a field trip

3  McDonalds or a fast food joint

4. toured a museum with my children this past fall

5. thenk it was ham, chips, banana, soda, fruit and some sort of snack cake now give me fast food  

Candy Cane Russian Tea Cakes and Chrstmas Punch


Candy Cane Russian Tea Cakes

•1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint (16 peppermint candies or 4 candy canes)


•1/4 cup powdered sugar

•1 cup butter, softened

•1/3 cup powdered sugar

•1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint (16 peppermint candies or 4 candy canes)

•1 tsp. vanilla

•2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

•1/4 tsp. salt

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Mix 1/4 cup peppermint and 1/4 powdered sugar in a small bowl and set aside. Mix butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup crushed peppermint and vanilla in a medium bowl. Stir in the salt and flour. Make rounded balls the size of a tablespoon and put apprx. 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set (not browned). Immediately roll cookies in the candy cane/powdered sugar mixture and cool on a wire rack or on paper towels. Let cool completely and roll in peppermint/sugar mixture again. .Tip: To make the peppermint finer, put peppermint into a food processer until at desired consistency.








1/2 gallon lime or raspberry sherbet, softened


1 liter ginger ale

2 cups lemon-lime soda

2 cups grapefruit or citrus soda

1.Just before serving, place sherbet in a punch bowl. Add ginger ale and soda; stir until sherbet is almost dissolved.

also shared with check me out Saturday

Cranberry Holiday Salad

I so love the Cranberry Holiday Salad.  My mother is the pro at making this and her mother was not 1/2 bad either. This is a recipe that other family memvers in my house do not like as much as I do so often either mom  makes it for me or I buy it . There is no use making it for only one person



•1 pkg (6 oz.) cherry flavored gelatin
•2 cups hot water
•1 lb. can whole cranberry sauce
•1 lb. can jellied cranberry sauce
•1/4 cup lemon juice
•8 ounces cream cheese
•2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
•1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Disolve gelatin in water. Add cranberry sauces and lemon juice. Pour into a lightly oiled cake pan. Chill until firm. Blend together softened cream cheese, whipped cream and nuts. Spread on top of gelatin. Refrigerate overnight or for several hours before serving.

Corn Flake Wreaths

this is a repost I will be making these for Sunday School and so I thought you all might like to see them as well. They are wreaths that are made with cornflakes in a like manner of rice krispy treats.


I first made these cookies when I was in home ec in junior high. Since then I have made them nearly every year. They are easy delicious and so fun for kids to help you make





Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Cornflake Wreath Cookies
1/2 cup butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp green food color
4 cups corn flakes
red hot candies
silver dragées

Melt butter, add marshmallows, stirring until all marshmallows are melted. Add extracts and food coloring; stir until it is a uniform green color. When mixture is smooth, add corn flakes; mix well but gently so as not to crush the cornflakes. Form into wreath shapes on sheets of waxed paper, decorate with red cinnamon candies and silver dragées. Let cool.

shared on from my tiny kitchen and Ann Roker

Christmas Ribbon Salad

My mom used to make this beautiful Christmas ribbon salad each year for Christmas. She loved to make delicious dessert salads and this was one of my favorites that she would make.



2 (3 oz.) pkg. lime Jello


2 1/2 c. hot water



SECOND LAYER:



1/2 c. pineapple juice

20 lg. marshmallows

1 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon Jello

1 1/2 c. hot water

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened



THIRD LAYER:



1 (3 oz.) pkg. cherry Jello

1 (3 oz.) pkg. red raspberry Jello

2 1/2 c. hot water



First Layer: Combine Jello and hot water; stir until Jello dissolves. Pour into 9 x 13 inch pan. Chill until firm.

Second Layer: Combine pineapple juice and marshmallows in a saucepan. Heat until marshmallows melt. Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Combine the hot marshmallow mixture, Jello and cream cheese; mix well. Cool and pour over the first layer. Chill until firm.



Third Layer: Combine all ingredients; mix until Jello dissolves. Cool and pour over second layer. Chill until firm. Cut into 2 or 3 inch squares to serve.





Shared on Chic On A Shoe String
HollyBloggyButton1

Use What You Have Make Beautiful Decorations

These Yarn Christmas Trees are very cute as well. They are made of items you may have on hand as a crafter which would make the very frugal to make. I love the look a s it appears to be vintage to me One can make the trees personal by using color of yarn, accessories of items to use to make the trees more personalizable The tutorial from Pretty Ditty does a great job of explaining how to make these beauties




It is very exciting to see these big plump candy canes. It is hard to believe that they are not edible. They are created from pipe cleaners and wool. These are easy enough for teens to make but fun enough for adults as well. Check out the tutorial for felted candy canes at the blog felt cafe

These are adorable and I love the fact that they use up what I know moms have on hand. Plastic baggies are a commodity in my house and probably in yours as well. The wreath is easy enough to make that the whole family can work together to create. You can find a wonderful tutorial on this project at Design Sponge

This Christmas why not try to use what you all ready have in your homes or environment?

shared this on Frugalicious Fabulous

also shared at

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Spicy Lentil Soup and Drunken Cheesy Bread

Its getting cold out there come in sit down for a cup of soup and warm up. This spicy lentil soup will do the job in quick enough time

1 large onion, chopped


2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

l litre (4 cups) vegetable stock

300g 1.5 cups red lentils

1 can chopped tomatoes

fresh coriander (cilantro) and plain low-fat yogurt to serve (optional)

Put the onion, garlic and lentils in a pan. Sprinkle over the ground spices and stir to mix. Pour over the hot stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, until the lentils have softened. Blend the soup. If you wish, garnish with a swirl of yogurt and a scattering of fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves on each bowl to serve.

Drunken Cheesy Breadbutter for the pan


1/2 baguette, cut into 2-inch slices

1/2 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

1/8 pound thinly sliced cooked ham

3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated Gruyere

Heat oven to 400° F. Place the bread in a buttered ovenproof skillet, a 9-inch square baking dish, or a casserole. Scatter the onion and ham over the bread. Pour the wine over the onion and ham and sprinkle with the pepper and Gruyère. Bake until the cheese has melted and begun to brown at the edges, about 20 minutes. Spoon onto individual plates.



shared at $5 dinners

Make a Table Runner Garland

Make a  beautiful table garland easily by purchasing greengry and gluing large pinecones along the garlang This would make a beautiful and natural garland.

Pervect Meal for Busy Time Slow Cook Barbq Meal


2 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed of excess fat

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 garlic clove, chopped

kosher salt and black pepper

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

4 cups coleslaw mix (2/3 of a 14-ounce package)

1 cup barbecue sauce

6 soft sandwich rolls, split

bread-and-butter pickles and potato chips, for serving

Directions

1.Place the pork in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Rub with the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add ½ cup of the vinegar and ½ cup water.

2.Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and shreds easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours (the low setting will make total cooking time 8 hours, 10 minutes).

3.Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the coleslaw mix and toss to combine; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4.Before serving, transfer the pork to a bowl, discarding the liquid. Using 2 forks, shred the meat. Mix in the barbecue sauce. Serve the pork on the rolls with the coleslaw and the pickles and chips, if desired.

recipe source: real simple

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Enjoy a Few Giveaways for Fun

LearingLearni to ride a bike where I am from was very much a passage of life. I learned to ride my bike by leaning up against a big tree and quickly starting to peddle and take off the next step was how was I going to stop? I learned to stop believe it or not by slowing down close to a tree or other solid object Yes I know it sounds very funny now but I had many take offs and stops like that if I remember all correctly as it was several years ago. The Glide Bike allows young children to learn to ride bikes early in life and are very fun to ride. The size starts off at around 2 years of age with no peddals and goes up in age from there. How did you learn to ride? Have a little one that is ready to learn to ride a bike? Then why not enter the mini glide bike giveaway on the blog Fun Saving Money. This giveaway ends December 20, 2010

Enter for a chance to win some fun cash on the blog Mom Start. The giveaway is for $50 gc from Bank of America and can be used in any manner that you know. This is very fun because since it was unplanned cash if you win you can use it in any way that you want. This giveaway ends December 27, 2010

Another great chance to win this $50 is at Katydid & Kid this giveaway expires December 26, 2010

Christmas Pictures



Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas every where you go ....

Here's A Yummy Giveaway for you.

I love to bake but when I do not have the time I still love to enjoy delicious goodies. I am so thankful that there are places available like Ruth's Brownie Kitchen where I can get delicious goodies that are all ready packaged. Now if we could only do something about those blasted calories. Oh well I guess we can't have everything. If you want to try some of these delicious brownies then head over to the blog Fun Saving Money and enter the giveaway before December 27, 2010

Another wonderful place that has some delicious goodies is Hickory Farms. The list of goodies that Hickory Farms offers goes on and on start with the delicious sausages, cheeses, dips, candies and the list goes on and on. You can enter a delicious giveaway on the blog Fun Saving Money and be delighted with a wonderful gift box of goodies if you happened to win. This giveaway ends December 20, 2010

Little Light InThe Darkness

I would not say that I was ever scared of the dark I would just say that it was always easier to see things and know what was there when the lights were on. My granddaughter at the age of two turns the lights off turns the night light on and goes to bed. If the night light was as cute as KinderGlo nightlight characters then any little one or big child would be happy. THe blog Fun Saving Money is hosting a giveaway where the lucky winner will win thier choice of character.


What would your favorite one be? Enter this giveaway before it ends on January 3, 2011

Win a $75 gc to Plow and Hearth on blog Mom Spotted


Jennifer the author of the blog Mom Spotted recently shared with her readers some of her favorite items from the Plow and Hearth shop. I love to shop and if the shopping is for things to dress my house up or to make my children or yard look great then I love to shop even more. The store Plow and Hearth has a vast array of products that are both formal and family made. Jennifer has the awesome opportunity to host a giveaway where one of her fine readers will get to go shopping on Plow and Hearth with the $75 gc that you can win in the giveaway. This giveaway ends January 3, 2011
Handstand Kids has a great sale going on get $32 set for $16
Amy Katherine bags save 53% when you purchase bags of $75 get for $35 information here

Kitchen Tip

I found this tip on 1-800 flowers twitter page  and was a bit suprised.


Out of onions? In a pinch, tulip bulbs make a passably good substitute in recipes.

MY Recipe Was Spotlighted

Thanks to Loftee Ideas for spotlighting my recipe during the Christmas Goodie Making Party on their blog. You should visit there and see what all they have to share as well.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wonderful Gifts to Make and Send

Chocolate spoons are always a wonderful treat. Add a hot cocoa mix and they will be even better. To find a great tutorial on making the spoons visit Alphamom


Know someone on your gift list that likes a bit of heat? Then check out the super cute chilli seasoning packaging on LollyChops Need an idea for a seasoning blend to package?


find out other wonderful gifts to make and send at my recipes

Check Out What I Won

Hey you all have to check out what I was lucky enough to win. The prize was for a product from the Etsy shop Love For Earth

You should check out all the great items that are available from this wonderful etsy shop. I love etsy shops becasue of the wonderful variety you can find there. This bag would be a perfect gift bag for the winter holidays and is big enough to hide a odd shaped package to keep you from wrapping it. The purpose this bag will serve for me will be a traveling bag when I go to the youth getaways this winter. 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Giveaway on Mom Spotted will help you get a warm drink

Right about now I would normally be drinking a warm soothing cup of hot cocoa or a flavore coffee. I love to relax in the evening with a cup of something warm. But since the shopping did not get done because of the storm I will have to wait til tommorow to get one of my favorite drinks and a diet coke would have to do for tonight. The Senseo is the perfect product that will help you get what you want when you need it. Whether your choice of drink is a delicious hot cocoa or a flavored coffee Senseo can help you out. Want to try the great Senseo out? Enter the giveaway sponsored by Jennifer @ the blog Mom Spotted. The winner will get a Senseo Machine and the giveaway ends January 3, 2011.