Happy Little Fellow

This smiling little fellow is my grandson. He is a ball of joy. Can you tell what he just had? That's right he has enjoyed some delicious chocolate ice cream. Rock on buddy Rock on

Happy Little Fellow

This smiling little fellow is my grandson. He is a ball of joy. Can you tell what he just had? That's right he has enjoyed some delicious chocolate ice cream. Rock on buddy Rock on

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day with some fun activities

Johnny Appleseed would be celebrating his birthday today on September 26. Johnny Appleseed is a character that I have always found interesting. Born John Chapman he not only scattered and planted apple seeds but also spread the joy of the love of Jesus. He was a happy tall skinny looking man who thanked God for all he had. His travels took him through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Want more information about this great man Johnny Appleseed will visit this link and read more about him.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Appleseed

Now take a fun look at this clip about the American Hero Johnny Appleseed





An easy craft that will help you and your little one celebrate Johnny Appleseed day is to create an apple tree using their handprints and a bit of imagination

Blue construction paper or Blue card stock

Brown, Green, Yellow, Red and Orange construction paper

Scissors

Glue

Have the children trace their hands 2 times on the green construction paper.
Next, have the children cut out their 4 handprints.
Then, have the children draw and cut out a tree trunk from brown construction paper.
After that, have the children draw small circles on yellow, red and orange construction paper.
You want them to draw about 20- 30 circles.
Once done, have the children cut out all the circles.  The circles will be the apples.
Now, it’s time to assemble the Apple tree!
Using glue, have the children paste the tree trunk onto blue construction paper.
On top of of tree trunk, have the children glue on the 4 handprints.  These will be the tree’s branches and leaves.
Lastly, have the children glue the apples all over the tree’s branches and leaves.

craft source here


Caramel Apple Pie would be a good tasty treat to share on Johnny Appleseed day

Hope you have lots of fun teaching your child or grandchild about Johnny Apple Seed.

Halloween Deviled Eggs

These beauties are getting lots of great hits you should check them out for your Halloween party as well. Find the recipe here

Notional Voters Registration Day

Today September 24, 2013 is National Voter Registration Day. Our family takes the privilege of voting very seriously. Are you a registered voter. While I do not do political post on my blog I will share that I feel that it is very important that every American use the right they have been given and register to vote.

Punctuation Day

Punctuation is what makes speech and reading interesting. It adds depth to the various aspects of life. September 24th is the day to celebrate the marks such as commas and periods. This recent holiday was founded by Jeff Rubin in 2004 and celebrates every punctuation mark from the semicolon to the question mark.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday was taco salad make it your way easy enough
Tuesday will be smothered chops
Wednesday will be quick and simple but yummy sloppy joes and Obrien potatoes
Thursday cowboy beans
Friday no football game as game is out of town so think we will go check out one of the local festivals

Snake Crossing leads to a Tasty Treat

Here in Southern Illinois the beauty is one that attracts many. The thing that many do not think about is the fact that this beauty hides creatures that are more undesirable. Snakes love the cool rocks and when the weather begins to change the snakes begin to move. One section of a road here in southern Illinois near Union County is closed for a period of time for snakes to migrate. The snake road found in the Shawnee National Forest runs about 3 miles long and stays closed a period of 2 months. The snakes and amphibians who have enjoyed the summer swamp habitats and are now ready to return to their winter hibernation habitats in the bluff rocks.

My friend recently ran into this little beauty in her own back yard. I am not sure how I would react if I had met this friend but I must say that the snake had better stay calm because I am afraid I would not have.

I feel myself that this tasty snack of a snake would be better for me to run into rather than the dark slithery snake above.

1 can crescent rolls

Flour, for dusting

4 tablespoons spicy mustard

10 ounces thinly sliced ham

10 ounces thinly sliced salami

10 ounces bologna

12 ounces Monterey Jack, grated

Liquid food coloring

3 egg yolks

2 whole cloves

Toothpicks

2 small pimiento-stuffed olives

1 (1-inch) strips jarred roasted red peppers

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Grease the foil and set aside.
Dust a flat surface lightly with flour. Spread out the crescent dough — do not separate. Pinch together the seams so that you have 1 piece of dough. Roll out to make a large rectangle. Make sure the dough is not stuck to the surface at all.
Brush the dough with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer the meats down the center of the rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on either end. You can feel free to use your favorite cold cuts.
Top the meats with the cheese. Fold 1 side of the dough over the filling, lengthwise. Then, fold the other 1/2 over and press the seal the filling inside. Take 1 egg yolk, and beat lightly with a fork. Brush the egg yolk over the top of the dough. The yolk will act as the glue to hold. Fold the dough in 1/2 again lengthwise. Pinch the seam with your fingers to seal. Press the outside of the dough to make sure everything is sealed tight and to make an even thickness for the body of your snake. Taper 1 end of the dough to form a tail shape. Form the other end into a head shape.
Beat the 2 remaining egg yolks together. Transfer to 3 separate small bowls. Add some food coloring to each bowl — whatever colors you like! Using a clean paintbrush, "paint" the snake with the egg yolk/food coloring mixture.
Transfer the snake to the foil lined sheet tray. Form into an "s" shape so it looks like the snake is slithering. Insert 2 cloves into the head to look like nostrils and 2 stuffed olives for eyes. Create a mouth or tongue with the roasted red peppers. Bake the snake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

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All My Bloggy Friends

Salsa Chicken

 

Looking to put a bit of spice in your meal? Well then check out this recipe for salsa chicken. Yummy and delicious two of my favorite things to put into a good meal. Hope you all enjoy it as well

 

 

 

 

Prep Ahead Plan:  Prepare recipe in a 9 X 13 baking dish the night before and leave it in the fridge until ready to bake.

 1 packet of taco seasoning  OR I used the recipe found HERE!)
1 jar of salsa (16oz)
6 thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar (I like to use the Mexican blend they sell in the store)
Chipotle flavored tabasco (optional)
Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.
2.  Rub the chicken breasts with the taco seasoning.
3.  Pour a little salsa on the bottom of the pan and spread it around.  Place the chicken in the pan and top with more salsa.  (You can use as much or as little as you want).
4.  Top with a few splashes of tabasco (if using) and then with the cheese.  Bake for 40 minutes or longer for thicker chicken breasts!  Serve over rice!

recipe source here

Fall Treat:Apple Time

One thing on our fall to do list is to visit an apple orchard I think a few days before we go will make some of these up to help build the excitement. What a great treat and I think they look so cool.

 

 

 

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 drops red food coloring
6-8 pretzel sticks
1 green fruit rollup (I used green sour “Rip Rolls”)
Cooking spray
Parchment paper
Ice cream scoop
Knife or cooking scissors

Step 1: Melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows and mix until melted.
Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies. Add 10 drops of red food coloring. Mix until ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Lightly spray an ice cream scoop with cooking spray and use it to scoop up Rice Krispies mixture. Place scoops on a piece of parchment paper. Tip: You can lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to form rounder, apple shaped balls.
Step 4: Break pretzel sticks in half and stick pretzels into each “apple”.
Step 5: Use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut leaves out of green fruit roll ups (adults only). Place leaves on top of each “apple”.
Will Make:
makes 12-15 apples

check out this and other awesome recipes here

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keep it simple

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies-

1 can seamless crescent rolls
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature ...
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

 With your hand mixer, beat sugar, cream cheese and vanilla together until smooth in a medium sized bowl. Unroll the crescent roll sheet. Stretch dough out slightly. It should be in the shape of a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the crescent sheet, leaving a gap at the edge about 1/2 inch. Sprinkle your chocolate chips on top of cream cheese. Roll the crescent sheet up tightly and wrap in cling wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. When chilled preheat oven to 350°. .Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Slice the crescent roll into 1/4" slices. Bake on prepared cookie sheet for 12 -14 minutes until crescent roll appears golden brown. Transfer to wire rack. Eat warm or room temperature

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Highlight of Colors for Fall

I simply love the beauty of the fall leaves. The beautiful reds, yellows, oranges, browns all dancing as if to say I am falling in order to make way for the next season in line. I believe that the beauty in this world was given to us by our heavenly Father so that we can enjoy our lives. As Dolly Parton once sang it is Gods coloring book.

 


The blog Little Wonders Days has a very creative way to help you and your little ones create beauty for the inside as well.

Raking Leaves and making scarecrow cookies

I have fond memories of fall, raking leaves and making what mom called dummies but many refer to as scarecrows. We would spend all day raking leaves putting them in bags and oh my we would have so much fun while doing this. From raking pile of leaves and jumping in them to the outlined houses or mansions as we called them where we would play with our dolls for hours to using old clothes my mom saved for us to make dummies. These scare crow cookies are easy to make and will be the hit of any fall party as well. The recipe comes from here a great place to visit and find many other awesome fun ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies

White frosting

Assorted sugar wafers

Candy corn

Mini chocolate chips

Bran cereal

Chocolate sprinkles

 

Frost the top of each cookie.

Sweet Scarecrows -

Cut a sugar wafer in half. Add a dollop of frosting to the top edge of the cookie and stick a wafer half to it for a hat top, as shown.

Place a whole sugar wafer just below the hat top for a brim. Use a little more frosting to decorate it with slices of candy corn or mini chocolate chips.

Press pieces of bran cereal hair into the frosting around the hat.

For the face, press on a candy corn nose, mini chocolate chip eyes, and a chocolate sprinkle stitched mouth.

Apple Dumpling Day

Serves:16    
3 Yellow Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 (8-ounce) tubes Grands refrigerated biscuits
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup butter, divided
12 dashes cinnamon
1 pint heavy cream
1 teaspoon mexican vanilla

Take each piece of biscuit dough and spread them out with your fingers until they are about a 3- to 4-inch circle. Place 1/4 cup of apples onto flattened biscuit , add 1 level teaspoon of sugar, and a pad of butter, sprinkle with cinnamon. Bring edges together and pinch closed to form a ball. Turn upside and place in pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray (leave a little room between them to spread).

Melt 1 stick of butter with 1 cup of sugar. When butter is melted remove from heat and add whipping cream, vanilla, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Pour sauce over dumplings. Bake at 325�F for 40-45 minutes until lightly golden

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Sandwich of the Day : Panini Style

With the weather a bit cooler outside today I thought it would be a great time to share with you what I would consider a perfect fall style sandwich. Yummy!!!


Chutney, Ham & Cheese Panini
Makes 4 servings

prep 15 min.
cooking 5 min.

1/3 cup chutney, chopped
4 tbsp. FRENCH'S? Honey Dijon Mustard
8 slices rustic whole wheat bread
1 small pear or apple, cored and thinly sliced
2 cups loose-packed arugula leaves
4 thin slices low-sodium Swiss lace cheese (4 oz.)
8 thin slices low-sodium deli ham (8 oz.)

COMBINE chutney and mustard in small bowl. Spread on cut surfaces of bread slices.
TOP 4 slices bread with pear, arugula, cheese and ham, dividing evenly. Cover each with top slice of bread.
GRILL sandwiches in hot electric grill pan for 4 to 5 min., until golden and cheese melts.

recipe source here

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Blog Hopping week of septbember 9 , 2013

Facebook Hop Time Join In The Fun

School Days ...

This is a picture of my old elementary school. Such a cool place to me. Made so many awesome friends and memories at this old school including my first kiss, the first time I learned to write my name or say my ABC's, the first time I learned how to add, subtract, multiply or divide. The first group of school mates that I met and share memories with and talk to event til today. I am so proud of the time I spent here even with all the breakdowns, bats in the attic and other problems it held you see it was my school and I loved it.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

Chocolate Milkshake Day takes place the 12th day of September. What a better time than to enjoy a delicious chocolate milk shake. To honor this special day I decided to share a delicious recipe for a yummy milkshake.

• 6 generous scoops chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 5 tablespoons peanut butter, use smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, (optional)
• Garnish of whipped cream, (optional)

1. Place the chocolate ice cream in a blender.
2. Pour milk on top.
3. Add the peanut butter and chocolate syrup. I don't recommend crunchy peanut butter because the nuts tend to get stuck in the straw.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream if desired.
6. Enjoy!

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All Things WIth Purpose

National Make Your Bed Day

At my job I make plenty of beds and some of those that live at the facility even make their own. My hubby makes our bed most days as he is the last one out of it. Do you make your bed. Perhaps today National Make your bed day is a great time to start a new habit.

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns Day


Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!
One a penny two a penny - Hot cross buns
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons
One a penny two a penny - Hot cross buns
 
September 11^th is also Hot Cross Buns Day.
Fresh-baked sticky yeast buns, filled with currants or raisins and topped with white crosses of sweet icing, are the order of the day.
Although Hot Cross Buns are traditional fare for the Christian Good Friday (at the beginning of the annual Easter Weekend each spring), these delicious pastries are resurrected each September 11^th as well.

• 4 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 3 cups warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
• 2 cups canola oil
• 8 eggs
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground Tone's® Ground Cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 13 to 15 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-2/3 cups raisins
• 2 teaspoons water
• ICING:
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk

 

In a very large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add oil, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, salt, cardamom and 10 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Stir in raisins. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Divide into 72 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 2 in. apart in four greased 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Combine egg whites and water; brush over rolls. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. For icing, combine confectioners' sugar, butter and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Pipe an "X" on top of each bun. Yield: 6 dozen.

Taste of Home recipe

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I will Never Forget

Twelve years ago seems as familiar as today as it did then, The craziness of all that went on that day on ground zero as well as around the U.S. as we waited to see what would happen next. I personally will never forget what happened and how we all pulled together, The American flags that would don the porches of the porches and the American pride that would shine. Made me then as I am now proud to be an American



For several days following the attack of 9/11 you could hear my daughter out back of this house sing this song as she played. My daughter was in the third grade at the time and I can remember my neighbors tell me that her voice helped to soothe their nerves. I am so happy that little gal sang this song in a voice of pride as she would tell you today that there is no better place to be than in the U.S.A.

What was your life like on 9/11 Ours was a bit hectic, full of pride, togetherness and so much love but also a feeling of not understanding and no way of knowing what was coming next

VTech 2 in 1 Shop and Cook Play Set Review and Giveaway

Ready or not here it comes. That's right we are just a few months away from that time when every little one looks forward to the man in the white beard to bring them every little thing that they dream of. It was just a few months ago I asked my now 5 year old princess what it was that she would want if I was to get her anything. Her reply was a bit surprising, but oh so sweet. She wanted to get some food and a kitchen so that she could make up something for her babies (her dolls) to eat like her mommy and nana do for her. Yes, I do believe that it is every child's dream to do exactly what those that love them do for them every day. I am so happy that VTech makes it so easy and fun to do exactly that with the 2 in 1 shop and cook playset.

The 2-in-1 Shop & Cook Playset™ by VTech® turns your child into a chef extraordinaire with this dual play shopping cart and play kitchen! Your child will shop to sing-along songs and place food items into the cart, eliciting fun, imaginative responses. Then, your little chef will "cook" these items and have fun with the light-up stove and kitchen sound effects. The educational playset includes 20 play pieces and recognizes the utensils and cookware to teach vocabulary and pretend play. Learn numbers and counting by turning the oven knob. With six fun activities, this role-play learning toy teaches food, daily life, colors and music. Shop 'til you drop and cook up learning fun!

• As part of VTech’s infant and preschool electronic product line, the 2-in-1 Shop & Cook Playset encourages pretend play and exploration while teaching about food, colors, numbers, music, following directions and more.
• Transforming from a shopping cart to a kitchen in a few simple steps, the cart responds with fun phrases and sounds.
• When kids are ready to cook their meal, the cart becomes a play kitchen complete with a sink, oven, stove burner and cutting board for an all-in-one imaginative learning experience.

Ages 2-5 years, MSRP: $49.99

Whether for a boy or a girl I can not imagine a little one having any more fun playing pretend and what we used to refer to as house when I was a little girl. I love the fact that everything that you find in the kitchen at home you find in this little pretend play kitchen. The sink, oven, stove burners and cutting board to make sure that every detain in cooking is done. The fact that the 2 in 1 playset allows a little one to take the action of cooking from the pretend grocery store shopping cart to taking it home and cooking it up into a pretend meal is so very important as it follows the path of true life to me. Introducing little ones to the world of colors, numbers and so much fun.

How would you like to win a 2 in 1 shop and cook playet from VTech??

Well, you are in luck as the sponsor of this post has allowed me to give to one of Annies Home readers a set as well

To enter this giveaway first you must tell me who it is that would have fun with this VTech 2 in 1 shop and cook playset if you were lucky enough to win.

Extra Entries:

• follow me on twitter @shopannies
• follow @VTech Toys on twitter
• tweet about this giveaway I just entered to win a 2-in-1 Shop & Cook Playset from @VTech Toys and @shopannies  #giveaway #toys
• friend me on facebook
• like my fanpage on facebook
•  like VTech toys on facebook

Good Luck Giveaway ends September 24, 2013. Email must be included in entry so that I can easily reach you if you are the lucky winner.

We were sent a product to review. The thoughts and feelings in our post are those of mine alone and have not been influenced in any other way. The product we were sent helped in the review process. The VTech product, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech



Snorg Tees Discount

Whether you are shopping back to school or you are getting a head start on holiday shopping Snorg Tees are awesome wear and I have been allowed to offer annies home readers a special savings for 15% off of their order. Simply use the code 15school2013

Happy Birthday Buddy

Buddy Holly one of the greatest singers from his day and time and I personally still love this beautiful song Great beat. Buddy would have celebrated his birthday on this day the 7th of September. The sad thing is that Buddy was not able to celebrate that many birthdays being tragically killed at an early age.

Recall : Pillsbury Sweet Rolls

This action is being taken as a precaution because the dough may contain fragments from a broken piece of plastic on the production line.  These products are sold in grocery stores nationally.  No other Pillsbury dough products are being recalled.

Sponsored Link

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Only specific 8-count single and double packages with certain date codes of PillsburyCinnamon Rolls with Icing are being recalled:

Product	Better if Used date on package
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing	30OCT2013 and 31OCT2013
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing 2-pack	18OCT2013, 26OCT2013 and 31OCT2013

Consumers who have products covered by this recall are urged to contact General Mills for a replacement.  Consumers with questions may contact General Mills toll-free at 1-800-775-4777.

For more information CLICK HERE

Thanks For The Mail

Today is a day that my dad would have taken his hat off to and been very proud of. My dad was a rural mail carrier and took pride in his work and the folks that he met. Why would my dad think this day is cool is because today is dedicated to all postal workers.

The reason is because today is the day for Neither Rain Nor Snow Day

"Neither snow nor rain not heat, nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
This slogan has long been attributed to the United States Postal Service, honoring mail carriers. In fact, the quotation was inscribed on the outside of the James Farley Post Office , New York City's primary postal location, which was dedicated on September 7, 1914.
As a result, September 7^th has become known as Neither Rain Nor Sleet Day, or Postal Workers Day.
It seems the U.S. Postal Service has no official slogan. The "neither rain nor sleet" quote actually came from an ancient Greek work, Histories, by Herodotus. However, the saying has been unofficially linked to the U.S.P.S. for generations.
September 7^th is a positively postal holiday, recognizing the devotion of those who deliver the mail, day after day, in all sorts of climates and conditions.

Happy Birthday Princess

Happy Birthday Princess. Five years ago we were very blessed when you were born. Nana and Papa love this lady very much and because princess loves hello kitty we are sharing a delicious snack just for her

Do You Know Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day, always the first Monday in September, was created by and for the labor movement. It is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It celebrates the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of our country. The first years it was celebrated was in 1885 and 1886. The first state bill was introduced in New York legislature, but the first to be passed was in Oregon on February 21, 1887. Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York followed behind quickly creating the Labor day holiday. By 1894 4 other states Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had joined in the chime. By June 28, 1894 congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.


source Department of Labor

Eat Outside Day

Life's a picnic on August 31^st. It's Eat Outside Day.


While it is super hot outside some may prefer to eat inside. As far as for us we will be eating outside at a local festival. No telling how long we will stay with temps over 100 but I hope to enjoy it just a bit. What are you doing today? Cookout for labor day, fair , picnic or will you be throwing a spread inside and enjoying the cool air???
 

Cow Chips Were Meant For Throwing

How many of you are aware of what a cow chip is???

That's right Cow Chips do come from cows. Can you imagine anyone wanting to pick up these dried chips and collecting them for a contest. Well some individuals actually think this is fun.

Cow Chip tossing day actually may have started in Wisconsin. Since then though it seems that tossing cow chips has really caught on. August 31st is the day to celebrate this sporting event. Tossing cow chips has become a contest as popular as watermelon seed spitting. While contest like the biggest bubble is a lot cleaner the cow chip contest may draw more attention. In a local town the week long festival also included cow chip tossing until those in charge agreed that the mess that was made was more than anyone wanted to deal with. After the contest was all these little pieces of chips that had dropped all over the place during the tossing. If you are like those who like attention but don't care for the mess left behind perhaps you would rather make some goodies

Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light, about 2 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract and egg until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in all the flour mixture, stopping when the dough has just come together and no streaks of flour remain.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Place slightly rounded tablespoons of dough on baking sheet.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, until just golden around the edges.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 3 dozen.

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meatless monday

Watermellon Jelly

I have shared the importance of watermelon on my blog before. My dad would always bring my children watermelon in the summer time and as they sat and ate, spit seeds and spent time I was able to have a moment and relax. I never knew before that there was a watermelon jelly and I think that my dad would be happily surprised as well. So enjoy this delicious recipe

 

Watermelon Jellyadapted from Food in Jars
makes about 7 eight ounce jars

6 cups pureed watermelon (remove any seeds prior to pureeing)
5 cups white sugar (I think next time I'd add 4 or less)
1/2 cup bottled or fresh lemon juice
1 packet powdered pectin

Combine watermelon puree, sugar and lemon juice in a large, non-reactive pot (anything but aluminum). Get one bigger then you think, you'll want plenty of space for things to foam up without overflowing. Bring to a boil and let it boil vigorously until the temperature of mixture reaches 220 degrees. Be sure to stir frequently, you don't want it to burn on the bottom. Add the powdered pectin and boil for another five minutes.

Remove from the heat and pour into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about a half inch of headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids and screw on bands. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

When time is up, remove from canner and let jars cool completely, preferably overnight. When they’re cool enough to handle, remove rings and test seals. You can eat immediately or store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Print up some pretty labels (I used the template from here found at this cool site) and start scheming.

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Today is A Day For A Slinky

The humble Slinky was invented in the 1940′s by Navy engineer and inventor, Richard James. It proved an immediate hit, and selling out in just a few hours, quickly became one of our favorite toys. Slinky Day celebrates the humble Slinky, and should be spent doing slinky tricks, watching Slinkys race down staircases, or simply untangling the things as they inevitably knot, twist and spiral!

Celebrate A Bit of Frankenstein

If you are a fan of sci-fi or Frankenstein then you may all ready be aware of the fact that today is  Mary Godwin Wollstonecraft Shelley birthday. Shelley is the author behind the novel Frankenstein. Today we celebrate the creation and the vision of the this author. In honor of the birthday I am sharing a fun Taste of Home recipe that may help you cool down a bit as well.

• 2 packages (6 ounces each) lime gelatin
• 2-1/2 cups boiling water
• 3/4 cup bean sprouts
• 12 orange jelly beans
• 6 red jelly beans
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 12 miniature marshmallows
• Purple kale, optional

 

In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in water. Pour into an 8-in. square pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm. Cut into six rectangles; place each on a plate. Decorate with bean sprouts for hair, orange jelly beans for eyes an a red jelly bean for nose. Fill a small plastic bag with sour cream; cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. Pipe a jagged smile on face. Place marshmallows on side of head for bolts. Garnish plates with kale if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

It's Hot Out There

It’s Hot!
By Shel Silverstein
It’s hot!
I can’t get cool,
I’ve drunk a quart of lemonade,
I think I’ll take my shoes off
And sit around in the shade.
It’s hot!
My back is sticky,
The sweat rolls down my chin.
I think I’ll take my clothes off
And sit around in my skin.
It’s hot!
I’ve tried with ‘lectric fans,
And pools and ice cream cones.
I think I’ll take my skin off
And sit around in my bones.
It’s still hot!

First Day of School

Today was my lil Princess first day of school. She has grown so fast and I can not believe that the summer is gone and she is ready to go back to school. Our little Prince Gager is also wanting to go to school just not big enough. Poor little guy. Soon he will be able to go though

shared at
blue Monday
Outdoor Wednesday

What we are Eating

This is a new week and while it is very hot outside it is a week where we are hopefully having some cool eats

Monday- steak and potato

Tuesday- tatertot casserole

Wednesday- sloppy joe and chips

Thursday - calico beans and wieners

Friday - eating out with family
Saturday and Sunday - neighbor hood cookout all food and entertainment is free

Go Ahead Kiss and Makeup

 
 
 

 
 
 
Today is Kiss and Makeup Day so why not just do that and if you find this a bit to simple then makeup a batch of these and share with the one you truly love
 
 
 

 

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional sugar

40 milk chocolate kisses with almonds

 

GLAZE:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon milk

4 teaspoons raspberry jam

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

In a bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in egg and extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until easy to handle. Roll into 1-in. balls, then roll in additional sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on wire racks. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over cookies. Yield: 40 cookies.

shared at
weekend potluck
Meatless Monday

 

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