Slow Cooker Coca Cola Beef Roast

3-4lbs any cut of Beef Roast (I used Cross Rib Beef Chuck Roast) 
1 Can Coke (not diet) 
1 Packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 Can condensed Cream of potato soup (or Cream of Mushroom)
fresh mushrooms, *optional 

Place meat in slowcooker, spread soup over roast.
Sprinkle Lipton onion mix over entire roast, pour coke (not diet) down around all and cover. Cook High 6-8 Hours or Low 10-12 Hours.
The cola really enhances the beef flavor and breaks down the meat into fall apart goodness!! This couldn't have been easier or better tasting!
 didn't even have to thicken the "gravy" because it was SO tasty as is!!!! I usually end up adjusting recipes by adding things - I wanted to try this "as is" first - and "as is" it's amazing!
Using cream of mushroom soup and *Adding fresh mushrooms in the last 20-30 mins of cooking time would be wonderful 

Recipe adapted from: Crock Pot Recipe Exchange Group

Win Shampoo

When I was a kid there were brands of shampoo on the market that I no longer see any more. But some have stayed for the long haul. Pert is one of those that has been around for a bit and only gets better through time. Now with the Pert 2 in 1 shampooing takes less time but still offers that same great feeling. 

If you have not tried Pert 2 in 1 as of yet then here is your chance. The blog heck of a bunch is hosting giveaway where one lucky individual will win a bottle of the named product. Good Luck

want yet another way to win?? Check out this super cute batman sock monkey. Since my grandson was a baby his mama has been buying him a sock monkey for birthdays and holidays. He is really into batman and I would love to win this for him. You can enter for your chance to win over at Heck of a Bunch as well. 

Soup and Sandwich Meal Idea ::: Baked Potato Soup and Pulled Pork Sandwich

Baked potato soup

onion, chopped

4 T butter

10 potato, chopped

1 qt. of chicken stock

1/2 gal of milk

Saute onion in butter. Mix potato and onion. Add stock Mix in milk Freeze or heat til vegies are tender

I totally love pulled pork, no real recipe needed. It is so easy to fix and I have made it a number of times. It is perfect for making on a day that you are busy or one that you just dont want to do a lot. It is the perfect dish to put in freezer or to serve guest. 

 You will want a pork loin, you can cut it into pieces or leave it whole as long as it will fit into your slow cooker. Add enough beef broth to cover the meat. (normally around 3 cups or so) You may want to have bbq sauce or steak sauce on hand. 

Pork loin and enough broth to cover should be placed into slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Meat should be able to shred apart. One great idea is to cook this overnight and finish up the next day. 

Taking 2 forks to shred the pork tear in a crosswise motion. As meat shreds place in a casserole dish. If you choose to not add bbq sauce add some broth. If you are using sauce do it now. Bake for 350 degrees for 30 minutes, uncovered. 

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small victories sunday

What Did We Find.... Our Latest Car Ride

I simply love to take a slow Sunday style car ride on the back roads of southern Illinois and Kentucky. The beauty of the trees no mater the weather is always something to see. What lives in the forest is also amazing to me. Perhaps the trip will find deer, rabbits, squirrels or the dreaded skunk. On a recent ride through the country side we came upon a flock or family of wild turkeys. What a beautiful site. 

Peach Barbecue Sauce

Peach Barbecue Sauce
Recipe is adapted from the Ball Canning and Recipes website.

Another great recipe where peaches are desired. There is never enough time to try all the great picach recipes. I love that it can be canned and kept year round. Enjoy

12 c. (about 6 lbs.) peaches, peeled, pits removed and chopped
2 c. (2 large) red bell peppers, chopped
2 c. (2 large) onions, chopped
6 TBS. (about 9 large cloves) garlic, chopped or pressed
2 ½ c. honey
1 ½ c. apple cider vinegar
2 TBS. Worcestershire
4 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 tsp. dry mustard
4 tsp. salt


Put all ingredients into a large pot and bring to a boil.  After ingredients have softened,  use an immersion blender to puree. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 25 minutes, longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Water bath for 15 minutes.  This recipe makes about 12 half pints.

Zucchini Brownies

Zucchini  Brownies

* 1 1/2 cup (about 1/2 pound) fresh grated zucchini
* 1 cup all purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cocoa
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
* 1/2 cup natural applesauce minus 1 Tbs
* 1 Tbs canola oil
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×8 pan. In a medium bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. In another mixing bowl stir together the zucchini, apple sauce oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla together until combined well. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, mixing between each until the batter is just combined. Add the
chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a
toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan, but on a rack at least 10 minutes before cutting into it.
86 calories per serving when cutting pan into 5x5 squares

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Make your own Fringe Top

Want to take the ordinary t-shirt and make it into something fun and stylish?? Follow this easy tutorial and you will be on your way. 

7 layer salad

August was always a time for family reunions in our family. If you are attending or hosting a reunion this 7 layer salad may be the perfect dish to take. The salad serves between 12 to 14 or more depending on serving size. I hope that you enjoy your Sundays in August as well as well as this beautiful salad. 

5 cups chopped green leaf lettuce
2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes
2 cups chopped yellow bell pepper
1 (12-ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
2 cups chopped radishes
2 cups diced seedless cucumber
Seven-Layer Salad Dressing (recipe follows) Garnish: shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon

1. In a 3 1/2-quart glass bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, peas, radishes, and cucumber. Top with dressing, spreading edges to seal. Cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight. Garnish with cheese and bacon, if desired.

Seven-Layer Salad Dressing
Makes about 2 cups

2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chives, dill, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and pepper, stirring well.

End of Summer Recipe

Summer Tortellini

1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 zucchini, sliced thin
1/2 green pepper, bite size pieces
1/2 red pepper, bite size pieces
1/2 yellow pepper, bite size pieces
2 cups ham, diced
1-2 packages tortellini, cooked according to package
Italian Dressing
Fresh Parmesan


Lightly coat zucchini and pepper in italian dressing and sauté in pan until lightly softened (just to take a bit of the bite out, you still want it crunchy).
Toss ham, sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, tortellini with just enough dressing to lightly coat.
Grate fresh paremesan cheese on top.

recipe source here

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa

Yield: 7 to 9 eight ounce jars

6 cups diced unripe mangoes (about 4 large, hard green mangoes or slightly under-ripe)
1½ cups diced red bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (or dried cilantro)
1 teaspoon diced or dried mint leaves (optional)
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger (Harris Teeter sells little frozen cubes of ginger cheaply)
1 cup light brown sugar
1¼ cups cider vinegar
½ cup water or lime juice

Peel and dice mango.
To the 6 cups of diced mangoes, add the remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar and mix the spices. Reduce to simmering, and simmer 5 minutes.
Wipe rim and screw threads with a clean damp cloth. Add lid, screw band and tighten firmly and evenly. Do not over tighten.
Put the sealed jars in the canner and keep them cover with at least 1 inch of water and boiling. Boil them for at least 20 minutes.

Tomato Garlic Salad

One way I love to enjoy garden tomatoes is fresh out of the garden. Another and very close to the first is in salad. This salad will give you the taste of fresh tomato with a bit of even more taste. Enjoy


Tomatoes, as many as you want 
-Fresh garlic (I used 6 cloves)
-Fresh basil (I used maybe a handful)
-Balsamic vinegar (to taste, but I think I used about 1/3 cup)
-Virgin Olive Oil (to taste also, but I probably used about 1/3 cup of this, too.)
-Salt (to taste, I used about 1 1/2 teaspoon)
-Pepper (again, to taste, but I probably used about 1/2 teaspoon)

Step 1: Slice the tomatoes into slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Finely chop up fresh garlic and fresh basil.


Step 3: Mix garlic, basil, salt and pepper in a small bowl, then add balsamic vinegar and olive oil.



Step 4: Let this marinate for about 30 minutes, if you have time.

Step 5: Pour marinade over tomatoes and stir carefully, keeping the tomato slices intact. In order to create a more appealing photo for this post, I garnished the salad with edible nasturtium flowers. Is it not attractive? The kids asked why there were flowers in the salad, and, instead of lovingly teaching them that some flowers are edible, such as the nasturtiums in our garden, which taste like pepper, I said during my rush to get dinner done, "Because there just are". I'll do better next time.

Cute Cupcake Ornaments

These cute little cupcake ornaments are perfect for any holiday, birthday or any other special occasions. Easy to make as well. Just use a red bead for the top cherry, Styrofoam ball for cupcake and cupcake wrapper of your choice. Simply decorate however your would like perhaps use glitter to match the theme or colors.

Rainbow Cookies

With all the rain that many of us has been experiencing I thought it would be a great idea to share a rainbow cookie. As we all know the rainbow was given to the world as a reminder from God that there will be no more rain. 

Rainbow Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
Food coloring-at least 6 colors (make sure one of them is Red!)
remember - with red, blue and yellow you can make all the other colors.
Mix sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. Add flour and mix well.
Divide dough into six balls. Add a different food coloring to each ball. Roll each ball in a snake shape onto a floured surface. This is fun for the kids -- just like playdough! Arch snake shape and press onto cookie sheet. Add other snake shapes until the rainbow is formed. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-15 minutes. When cooled let each child taste a piece of the rainbow.

Humming bird nectar

My mother always loved humming birds. To watch these beautiful little birds seem to stand still in mid air is an awesome feat to see. To keep them coming around you must provide them with a garden that they love, places they love to nest and / or a bit of sweet food.

To make your own humming bird food:

1. Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present.
2. Cool and fill feeder.
3. Extra sugar water may be stored in a refrigerator.

Ship Wreck Casserole

Ship Wreck Casserole

1 cup chopped onion
2 medium potatoes sliced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped celery
salt and pepper
paprika
1 can tomato soup
1 cup boiling water

Butter a 2-quart casserole. Layer with onions, potatoes, ground beef, rice, carrots, and celery, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine soup with boiling water; pour over all. Bake at 300° for 3 hours.

From the Garden::: Tomato and Cucumber Salad

3 tomatoes on the vine quartered
1 cucumber quartered(I prefer peeled)
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
3 Tbsp grated each mozzarella and parmesan
3 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste!!

Mix together ... Quick and tasty!

Canned Pumpkin

Grow your own, purchase at a farmers market or stand or buy one from the grocery store pumpkins can all be delicious and useful. There are pies, cakes, bread, and so much more that can be made with pumpkin. One great idea is to buy those pumpkins on sale and can them so that you can use them at a later time.


Cut the pumpkins in half and scrape out the slime with a spoon. You can save the seeds to either bake for a snack or to plant next year. Next cut the halves into a few sections then cut the sections into slices about an inch thick then cut the slices into small squares. The side of the square that has the skin should be cut off. Boil pumpkin squares 2 minutes. Remove boiling water and fill jars. Cover pumpkin with clean boiling water. Place lids on jars and put in pressure caner. For pints time is 55 minutes at 11 lbs. quarts 90 minutes at 11 lbs. Drain and blend or mash to put into your favorite pumpkin bread recipe. One pint equals 1 cup of pumpkin puree

Tomato Tart Recipe

Whether you grow your own or visit a farmers market to get some there are some delicious heirloom tomatoes available. A great recipe to use these delicious tomatoes in is a tomato tart.


Simply slice a tomato or two in about 6 half inch slices out of them. Places the slices on a foil lined olive oiled baking sheet, season with salt, pepper, thyme leaves and some more olive oil. Roast in 375 degree oven for 50 minutes.


Now slice a few more tomatoes in smaller slices, put them on a dish towel lined baking sheet, season and drizzle with olive oil. Cover these with plastic wrap and chill in fridge for just a bit over an hour.

Using a basil vinaigrette dressing mix with chopped olives.

Using a puff pastry about 16 oz roll into a 8 x 11 inch rectangle



Cut six disc size rounds out of the puff pastry and put them on parchment paper, top each with a roasted tomato slice. Bake them in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes

Top with three cold cut tomato slices, a spoon of the dressing, top with spinach greens and drizzle more vinaigrette over top

Feature Attraction Lifetime Movie Club

I must admit to you that I love to watch movies. Not just any movie but a movie that interacts 

with my life in one way or another. One of my favorite channels to watch movies on is the Lifetime Movie Channel. That is why I loved when I heard the news about the lifetime movie club. 

The Lifetime Movie Club allows members to watch lifetime movies anytime they choose. I 
am a busy mom grandma and I work full time outside of the house as well. That means 
that my time to watch T.V. must fall on my schedule. Which is one reason that I love the
 lifetime movie club. Another great thing is that they save me even more time because they 
are commercial free. 

There are times that me and my daughters will go on a movie watching binge. Another 
reason I love the Lifetime Movie club is because a new movie is released every day. This 
allows us to enjoy movies without having to watch the same thing over again. At times
 re-runs are super annoying. 

So are you ready to check out the Lifetime Movie Club for yourself? Awesome, there is a free
7 day trial period to try out the lifetime movie channel to see if you love it as much as I
think you will.  

With everyone on the go another great feature of the Lifetime Movie Club is that there are a 
number of ways that you can enjoy the movies. Whether it be on iPhone, iPad, iPod, 
or Roku Player you can enjoy the Lifetime Movie club. Plans are in the works for even 
more platforms to come in the future. 

look for more information at https://www.lifetimemovieclub.com?cmpid=LMC_P_USFamily_zzz_AChurch

Peachy Oatmeal Bars

Peachy Oatmeal Bars

Crumb mixture:
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. quick oats
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) margarine melted
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4. tsp. salt
2 tsp. almond extract

Filling:3/4 c. peach preserve
1/3 c. flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350º For crumb mixture, in large bowl, combine all crumb mixture ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often until mixture is crumbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Reserve 3/4 c. crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of greased 9 inch squarebaking pan. For filling, spread peach preserves to within 1/2 inch of edges of crumb mixture; sprinkle reserved crumb mixture and coconut over top. Bake 22 to 27 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes about 24 bars

Peach Butterscotch Pie

This peach pie is a bit different than the others I have tried. It was one of the best pies I have ever enjoyed. Try it I hope you enjoy it as well. It begins with beautiful juicy peaches

add some freshly chopped pecans

Next comes some smooth and creamy butterscotch. Mix them together and have some major yum

Brush the top pie crust with half n half and sprinkle with sugar.

PEACH  BUTTERSCOTCH  PECAN  PIE

4 cups sliced peaches {peeled and pitted}
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 Tbsp. flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp. lemon juice
pastry for 2 crust, 9 inch pie

Dump sliced peaches in pastry line pie pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of peaches. In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, flour, salt and butter. This will be your butterscotch filling. Heat until well incorporated and the consistency of thick syrup. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Pour this butterscotch mixture over top of the peaches and pecans. Top your pie with the second pastry. Make sure to cut slits to allow steam to escape. You can do the above design I chose by cutting slits into the dough before you put in atop your pie.
Brush your top pie crust with milk or half and half and sprinkle with sugar.
Cover edges of pie crust with foil to protect from burning. Remove foil 10 minutes before done.
 Bake in 425 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
Bake pie on a cookie tray pan to prevent spillage in oven.

Bruschetta in a Jar

Bruschetta in a Jar
From Ball

Makes about 7 (8 oz) half pints

What could be more welcoming than warm, freshly toasted homemade bruschetta? Just spoon these zesty tomatoes onto a toasted baguette and garnish with grated cheese and a splash of olive oil, if desired.

5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp dried basil
2 Tbsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
9 cups chopped cored plum tomatoes (about 4 lb or 12 medium)
7 (8 oz) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands


1.) PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.
2.) COMBINE garlic, wine, wine vinegar, water, sugar, basil, oregano and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes or until garlic is heated through. Remove from heat.
3.) PACK tomatoes into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Ladle hot vinegar mixture over tomatoes leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.
4.) PROCESS filled jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

namaino bars

Nanaimo BarsLAYER ONE:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbs. cocoa

Mix together and set over boiling water. Stir until slightly thickened.

2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Add to first mixture. Put into a greased 9" square baking pan and pressdown to that base is evenly spread. Let stand for 15 minutes.

LAYER TWO:
1/4 cup butter
3 Tbs. milk
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbs. custard powder

Mix together and spread over layer one. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

LAYER THREE:
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1 Tbs. butter

Melt chocolate over hot water. Do not allow water to boil. Very slowly and very gently, stir in butter until it is just blended. Spread over Layer Two. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, then cut into squares.

Teaching Responsibilities and Team Work Through Chores

we all loved having fun this summer and really do not want to return to the old school routine. But the truth is no matter what the summer will end sometime and we will all head back to a bit of routine. If we take a bit of time to think about before we are forced into it returning to routine may not be so bad. 

Back to the routine has forced me to think about the indoors. The indoors means that there will be more chores to do. Since fall and school months are busier with school, sports, and holidays everyone in the house needs to help out with chores. One way to divide up the work between everyone is to create a chore chart. Post the chart somewhere everyone can see. The fridge may be a good place or if you have a family communication center. Following is a list of ideas for age appropriate chores for both personal and family.

Ages 2 and 3
Personal chores•Assist in making their beds
•Pick up playthings with your supervision

Family chores
•Take their dirty laundry to the laundry basket
•Fill a pet's water and food bowls (with supervision)
•Help a parent clean up spills and dirt
•Dust

Ages 4 and 5
Note: This age can be trained to use a family chore chart.

Personal chores•Get dressed with minimal parental help
•Make their bed with minimal parental help
•Bring their things from the car to the house

Family chores•Set the table with supervision
•Clear the table with supervision
•Help a parent prepare food
•Help a parent carry in the lighter groceries
•Match socks in the laundry
•Answer the phone with parental assistance
•Be responsible for a pet's food and water bowl
•Hang up towels in the bathroom
•Clean floors with a dry mop

Ages 6 and 7Note: This age can be supervised to use a family chorechart.

Personal chores
•Make their bed every day
•Brush teeth
•Comb hair
•Choose the day's outfit and get dressed
•Write thank you notes with supervision

Family chores
•Be responsible for a pet's food, water and exercise
•Vacuum individual rooms
•Wet mop individual rooms
•Fold laundry with supervision
•Put their laundry in their drawers and closets
•Put away dishes from the dishwasher
•Help prepare food with supervision
•Empty indoor trash cans
•Answer the phone with supervision

Ages 8 to 11Note: This age benefits from using a family chore chart.

Personal chores•Take care of personal hygiene
•Keep bedroom clean
•Be responsible for homework
•Be responsible for belongings
•Write thank you notes for gifts
•Wake up using an alarm clock

Family chores
•Wash dishes
•Wash the family car with supervision
•Prepare a few easy meals on their own
•Clean the bathroom with supervision
•Rake leaves
•Learn to use the washer and dryer
•Put all laundry away with supervision
•Take the trash can to the curb for pick up
•Test smoke alarms once a month with supervision
•Screen phone calls using caller ID and answer when appropriate

Ages 12 and 13
Personal chores•Take care of personal hygiene, belongings and homework
•Write invitations and thank you notes
•Set their alarm clock
•Maintain personal items, such as recharging batteries
•Change bed sheets
•Keep their rooms tidy and do a biannual deep cleaning

Family chores
•Change light bulbs
•Change the vacuum bag
•Dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms and do dishes
•Clean mirrors
•Mow the lawn with supervision
•Baby sit (in most states)
•Prepare an occasional family meal

Ages 14 and 15
Personal chores•Responsible for all personal chores for ages 12 and 13
•Responsible for library card and books

Family chores•Do assigned housework without prompting
•Do yard work as needed
•Baby sit
•Prepare food — from making a grocery list and buying the items (with supervision) to serving a meal — occasionally
•Wash windows with supervision

Ages 16 to 18
Personal chores
•Responsible for all personal chores for ages 14 and 15
•Responsible to earn spending money
•Responsible for purchasing their own clothes
•Responsible for maintaining any car they drive (e.g., gas, oil changes, tire pressure, etc.)

Family chores
•Do housework as needed
•Do yard work as needed
•Prepare family meals — from grocery list to serving it — as needed
•Deep cleaning of household appliances, such as defrosting the freezer, as needed

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