Its Cold Out There Be Ready

Its cold out there. Several saying it is the coldest its been in the past 20 years. All I can say is be ready if you have to go out. Dress right be sure to bundle up and be anticipating how cold it could really be.

It is best to get dressed in several layers of light weight loose fitting warm clothing underneath the outer wear. Your outerwear though should be tight and best if it is water repellant

wear mittens which helps protect your hands. In fact gloves that allow you to move your fingers are even better. But mittens help to keep your hands warmer

wear a hat. It has often been said that heat goes right out from our head if we don't wear a hat so keep the lid on your body temperature and keep a hat on your head. I love to wear a scarf as well a scarf helps to protect the open area where a coat does not always catch and the hat does not go down far enough. It covers your mouth and helps protect your lungs

Be careful if you have to go out and if you can stay in do so because I think it is a Hot Chocolate Day

shared at Project Inspired

Epiphany

^{Epiphany traditionally falls on January 6. It is a day for a Christian feast that celebrates the day the wise men met the baby Jesus.}

 

shared at

Manic Monday

 

 

Remember the days of Hot Chocolate

When I was a kid my grandmother would make us up a hot cup of hot cocoa when the weather was gloomy and not so fun outside. She loved the weather all year round. She made the best of it. I can remember going with her on walks in the winter the same as we did in any other weather. When we would get back she would prepare for us a cup of hot cocoa

1 1/3 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mini marshmallows or whipped cream for serving

Warm the milk
Before you start, be sure an adult is nearby to help. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk until tiny bubbles appear around the edges of the pan. Remove from the heat.

Blend the cocoa
Put the cocoa, sugar and vanilla in a mug and stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of the hot milk to the cocoa mixture and stir until it is smooth with no visible lumps. Ask an adult to help you pour the remaining hot milk into the mug. Stir well, top with the marshmallows or whipped cream, and serve immediately. Serves 1.

For a more adult style drink try a cup of this spicier style of hot cocoa. The Aztecs of Southern Mexico liked their hot cocoa a bit spicy. While the recipe I share uses milk the Aztecs drink is made with water and is a thinner less rich beverage.

 

2 dried red chilies 

6 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder 

2 Tbs. sugar 

1/3 cup water 

1 cinnamon stick, about 1 1/2 inches long, plus more for garnish 

2 1/2 cups milk  

Whipped cream for garnish (optional) 

Open the chilies over a saucepan and release the seeds. Add the chili pods, cocoa powder, sugar and water. Set over low heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture forms a smooth paste, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cinnamon stick and milk and stir until the paste is completely dissolved. Cook until hot, about 5 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Strain the hot cocoa into 4 mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

recipe sources here

shared at
the weekend potluck
happiness is homemade

Whipped Cream Lemon Bars

January 5 is the national food holiday of whip cream. I love whip cream on top of my hot chocolate in the winter, ice cream sundae in the summer and always in sweet dishes. The dessert I share today is perfect for any special occasion My daughter loves desserts like this for her birthday, valentines day would be a great time to make it up and Easter while a bit away will be here before we know it. Enjoy!!!

Crust

all purpose Flour (1¾ Cup)

Powdered Sugar (⅔ Cup)
Cornstarch (¼ Cup)
Salt (1 tsp.)
Unsalted Butter (12 Tbs. or 1½ sticks at slightly cooler then room temp.)
Cooking Spray (or an additional Tbs. of Unsalted Butter for the parchment paper)

Filling

Lemon Zest (from 3-4 lemons)

Lemon Juice (1 Cup from 3-4 lemons)
Milk (Whole ½ cup)
Eggs (6 lightly beaten)
Sugar (1½ Cups)
all purpose Flour (4½ Tbs.)
Salt (¼ tsp.)

Whipped Cream

Heavy Cream (1 cup chilled)
Mascarpone (6-8 ounces at room temp.)

Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon)
Powdered Sugar (2 Tbs.)
Salt (⅛ tsp.)
Coconut (Shredded 1 cup)

Crust

Pre-heat oven to 350°F with the rack in the middle position. Lightly butter the baking dish and line with one over-large sheet of parchment paper. Note: use two parchment papers crosswise with butter in between if your parchment paper is not large enough to cover the dish with overlap for handles.
Place the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch and salt in the food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and then process to combine or until the mixture resembles coarse meal (and is a light yellow color). Pour into the prepared baking dish and using hands, press into an even ¼” layer that tampers to ½” tall on the sides (like a wave coming towards you from the shore). Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to solidify. Then immediately place into the oven and cook until golden, approximately 20-25 minutes. Reserve.
Reduce oven temp to 325°F.

Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk the eggs, sugar and flour in a bowl until combined. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, milk and salt to blend. When the crust comes out, pour the lemon mixture over to cover then place into the oven to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the center is set (doesn’t giggle). Transfer to a wire rack (or your stove top) to cool for 45-60 minutes.

Coconut

Place the coconut on the baking sheet and bake until slightly golden 5-8 minutes. Reserve.

Whipped Cream

Place the heavy cream in a well-chilled bowl and whip for 30 seconds. Add the lemon zest, powdered sugar, mascarpone and salt and mix until soft peak are formed. Reserve.

To assemble the Lemon Bars

Place the whipped cream and smooth out a small layer over the lemon bar then sprinkle with the toasted coconut to barely cover. Pull the lemon bar out of the baking dish and transfer to a cutting board. Carefully fold the parchment paper down. Using a knife or large pizza cutter, slice the bar into desired sizes. Eat immediately or store covered in fridge for an additional 2-3 days. Indulge.


shared at Great Idea Party
DIY Sunday Showcase
Sunday Showoff Party
One More TIme

Consider Our Winter Birds

When deciding what to plant in your yard when landscaping next fall please consider planning a few trees or bushes that will produce berries in the fall and winter. The winter birds I am sure would be very thankful if you would. Consider a crabapple tree that is not what humans desire but birds would consider their selves very lucky to find these in the fall and the wild life like squirrels would as well.

 

 

 

Often birds run low on food supply in the winter but those berries that stay on bushes even in the winter will be a very pleasing source of nourishment for them.

shared at Seasonal Sundays
Busy Monday

Organizing Tip : Clothing

I am an avid fan of yard sales and thrift shops and often find items for my grand-babies. There are times that I find something that will not fit them now but is just one size up. Do I buy it yes but then I often misplace it. This great idea allows you to know exactly where you put it because you simply place a clothes basket labeled like in their closet or somewhere you know where it is. Each time an item is purchased that will not fit them now or is for the season that comes next you place it in the basket. That way you are always prepared.


source here

Family Movie Night and Chex Mix Giveaway

Our family loves chex mix. So many variety of mixes out there. Recently I entered a giveaway on the blog Three Loud Kids The giveaway introduced the new Minion Mix to me and allowed me to enter the giveaway where the lucky winner will get

Enter to win all of the awesome stuff below:
• (1) Box Honey Nut Chex
• (1) Box Chocolate Chex
• (1) Box Banana Nut Cheerios
• (1) Despicable Me 2 DVD
• (1) Minion USB


You want to have your chance to win this prizepack? Then head over to

Blog hosting giveaway Three Loud Kids
Giveaway ends January 16, 2014

Top Post 2013

The top post on my blog this year came at Christmas Time. It is the recipe for Colorful Slice and Bake Cookies. This delicious , great looking and fun Christmas cookie recipe was picked up and passed around with Pinterest and easily became the top post on my blog. I believe that I will try it for other holidays as well. Enjoy 

 

 

shared at
show and Tell Saturdays
Serenity Saturdays

Good Bye Phil

Phil Everly one of the brothers from the duo the Everly Brothers passed away yesterday January 3, 2013. He was born into a musical family having a musician father and growing up performing music with his brother Don.  The Everly Brothers recorded numerous hits including "Wake Up Little Suzie" "Cathy's Clown" and "All I Have To DO Is Dream" The Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986  In 1997 the pair was graced with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
     I used to sing this song of theirs years ago when my "Little Suzie" was a little girl. Sometimes it was to wake her up, sometimes it was to make her smile but mostly it was to let her know I loved her .

Gonna Get Cold Out There

Keep warm out there if you are in a area where the big winter storm is happening. The next few days here lots of snow and lots of cold weather. Our elderly neighbors may need a bit more care offer to go over there check on them see if they need anything. Remember our pets are just like us they live and breathe and while they have fur not really capable of taking care of their selves in the extreme cold weather. Bring them in or offer them some extra help for warmth. Have you had your pipes wrapped? If not be sure to take some cautions like leaving them to drip or else you may have a big problem. We tired of pipes freezing and put them all on the inside took some time, money and effort but as long as house is warm pipes will not bust. Remember to dress in layers, wear your gloves, hat and scarf (three things that grand-daughter asked for from nana for Christmas and got) While many may use space heaters to help supplement the heat in the house to stay warm remember to be careful spaceheaters can get hot as well and may be dangerous. Good idea to just be aware of your surroundings and what is going on. Good Day and Stay warm

Is It Snowing

What do you do when You get a bunch of snow???
 

 
You Make Snow Cream
 




1 cup half and half or milk
1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 6 cups clean, freshly fallen snow


In a large bowl combine half and half, vanilla extract and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Stir in snow, a cup at a time, until the ice cream magically forms! Freeze for several minutes if desired before serving.

Valentines Day Wreath

Make this cute valentine day wreath. Even little hands can help. Create whatever message you want on the little hearts making this a fun and creative craft for the day of love.

9" dinner plate or paper plate
Recycled cereal box or other thin cardboard
Pencil
Scissors
Heart pattern
Construction paper: pink, purple, red, and blue
Markers, crayons or paint pens
Glue sticks
Yarn for hanger (optional) 

Trace around the 9" plate onto the cardboard.  Use your pen or pencil to draw another circle inside that one, about an inch away from the outside circle. Cut out the circle and the center of the circle to create a cardboard wreath base. Fold a piece of scrap paper in half. Using the heart pattern line up the fold line of the scrap paper with the dotted line of the pattern. Cut out the shape so that when you open it, you have a heart shape. Fold the short end of a piece of construction paper up about 3 inches. Place the folded heart around the folded paper and trace the half heart shape into the paper. You should be able to fit three hearts on the paper. Repeat this step for each colored piece of paper; you will have a total of 12 hearts. Cut out all the hearts and flatten out the creases so that the hearts lay flat. Using markers, crayons, or paint pens, write conversation candy phrases on the hearts such as "LOVE", "HUBBA HUBBA", "SWEET", "LOVE", "BE MINE", "KISS" and "PAL".

craft source Kaboose shared at
happiness is homemade

Organizational Tip - Keeping Track of Papers

Are you like most moms and find yourself with lots of paper clutter? You don't want to get rid of them but you are not sure what to do with others? Here is a great idea from Pink and Green Mama Keeping those ideas, recipes and papers that we don't want to get rid of filed and neat on a shelf looks better than a lot of paper clutter

shared at
funky junk interiors

Italian Cookies

While its cold outside I wanted to share with those I love a bit of fun. The anise seed shared in these cookies is simply fun to say and the sprinkles make them fun to look at. Not sure what anise is?

 

Anise /ˈænɪs/,^[1] Pimpinella anisum, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Its flavor has similarities with some other spices, such as star anise, fennel, and liquorice.

 

Grown in nature you may find it like this

 

 

Anise makes these Italian cookies really taste

 

 

YIELD: 3 dozen cookies!!!

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon anise extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract (see substitutions below)
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg

Glaze Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar
milk
colored sprinkles

Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
Beat together butter and sugar until creamy. Stir in anise and lemon Add dry ingredients - blend together. Add eggs. Blend.  Form dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool and glaze.

First Snow 2014

Princess and Sir Gage Playing in the snow looks like they love it. Now while not really in the picture but there is a bit of blue here can you find it??

Frugal Recipe - Chess Pie (bit of history as well)

Chess pies are a southern favorite and my mother in law could whip up some of the best. Very simple ingredients including eggs, sugar, butter and a small amount of flour makes up a sweet filling. Many times my mother in law would have little in her kitchen but the staples and could still whip a delicious dessert. Some chess pies include vinegar and others include cornmeal. I do not think that my mother in law made her pie the same way every time. She never followed a recipe and had learned how to make chess pies since she was a young girl. Some pies also included flavorings such as vanilla, lemon juice or chocolate which are simply added to the basic recipe. I do not remember my mil ever adding any flavoring to her pie. The truth is the taste of her pie could stand alone and you did not desire anything else. 

One bit of folklore to help explain the name of this pie is that the word "chest" was said with a southern drawl and was used to describe these pies that were baked with so much sugar they could be stored in a pie chest rather than be refrigerated.

One of the oldest recipes shared for chess pie was
1877 - Estelle Woods Wilcox's 1877 cookbook called Buckeye Cookery, she includes a recipe for Chess Pie:

Chess PieThree eggs, two-thirds cup sugar, half cup butter (half cup milk may be added if not wanted so rich); beat butter to a cream, than add yolks and sugar beaten to a froth with the flavoring; stir all together rapidly, and bake in a nice crust. When done, spread with the beaten whites, and three table-spoons sugar and a little flavoring. Return to oven and brown slightly. this makes one pie, which should be served immediately.

Since my mother in law never used a recipe I decided to share one that I found that was  close to hers.

2 cups Sugar
2 Tablespoons Flour
5 whole Eggs
1 cup Melted Butter
1 cup Sweetened, Condensed Milk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 whole 9 Inch Unbaked Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F In a large bowl, combine sugar and flour. Beat in the eggs until blended. Stir in the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Pour filling into the pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until filling is set.

shared at Thrifty Things Foodtastic Friday Just Us Four Weekend Potluck and Tickled Pink as well as at

Our Special Day

Today I celebrate 27 years of marriage with my wonderful hubby. We have seen many ups and downs together. Celebrated the birth of six children, mourned the death of two parents and our grandparents. We have always had a strong bond one of best friends. We have stuck by each other through everything.

Stages of Marriage

With many of my friends getting married and my daughter's wedding anniversary approaching I thought I might summary the 5 stages of marriage as described by Womans day.

1. The first stage they state is the Honeymoon Heaven - I say that if you don't start out in heaven then the marriage is doomed from the beginning. This is the start when you first move in together. This is the bliss that is in your heart and the reason you got married. This is the time period when you should decide major decisions such as what your future will be. I have heard couples speak of the honeymoon period being short lived and yet others as it going for the entire length of their marriage. Happiness is what you make of it.
2. The second stage is referred to by Dr. DeMaria as the realization stage - you realize you really did get married and the person your married has many aspects you may not have been aware of both good and bad. This is the stage that takes work so that both of you will find your goals together as a couple. This is where team work will set in or not. Without teamwork there is sure to be problems.
3. Step 3 is the level of family central where the marriage encompasses the family by buying a house, building careers, and all the business that comes with family life. In this stage it is very important to have date night and couple time. marriage is a process that is in need of constant work and if you ignore it a problem may arise.
4. The "empty nest stage The stage I am with my marriage as my kids begin to go to college and get ready to move out. It is funny that I have started to spend more time with my hubby and we are finding things out about each other again some that we had forgot about and others that had developed and we are not aware of. Sometimes problems occur here but if you celebrate being together it will be new reunion.
5. In your golden years you can look back and over your accomplishments and say "We Did IT"

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home sweet home
Friday Follow Along Party

Organizing TIp #2 === Cleaning Fridge and Freezer

Keeping your fridge and freezer clean will help you out in several different ways. One it will help you cut down time in meal prep by being able find ingredients quickly and easily. It may also cut down on your grocery bill by not over buying products you all ready have or wasting products that you don't know you have.

To start you need to find out what is in the fridge or freezer to do this you need to take inventory. Discard items that are out of date as well as items that you will not use.

If your fridge has adjustable shelves and drawers be sure to get the most use from them Organize food items by size which will allow you to function for each shelf and make it much easier to locate your small, hard to see items. One good tip is to store jars and bottles in the fridge door and bagged items in the freezer door.   Keep the most often used items in front for easy access.

To help control odors keep an open box of baking soda in the back corner. Vanilla extract on a cotton ball or paper towel and placed on a paper plate can help add freshness to the fridge. When the ball is dry remove it.

Add the chore of cleaning out the fridge and freezer once a month to the list of chores.  

shared at
Jennifer Rizzo
Weekend Link Party
Weekend Bloggy Reading
the Scoop

Southern Style Deviled Eggs

January is national egg month. Now I am not sure why but I can put my own spin on it

I simply wonder if January is egg month because it is the first month of the year and the egg comes before the hen. I don't know call me silly. One thing I do know is that I was a little girl I have always loved delicious deviled eggs. You can check these out

 

 

 

1 dozen hard-boiled eggs, peeled

2 tablespoons, sweet pickle relish or chopped bread and butter pickles

2 tablespoons bread and butter pickle or sweet relish juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

pinch of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

paprika, for garnish

 

Slice eggs lengthwise and pop out the yolks, being careful to keep your egg white intact In a medium-sized bowl, mash yolks with relish, pickle juice, mustard, cayenne and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Fill each egg and then dust with a little paprika. Chill (overnight is best) until ready to serve.

this particular recipe was found here

shared at
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Weekend Retreat
 

Getting Organized in 2014

 

My main goal for 2014 is to get organized. While 2013 was unforgettable and made up for the year before (2012) it was very unorganized. There is so much work to do or at least there seems like there is the truth is that if it was only organized it would not be so much. So in the year 2014 I plan to organize my life in all aspects time, financial, house and storage. More time with family, financially I have all ready got a good start with a new budget, the house is not bad but could be oh so much better if it was only a bit more organized. Storage is another issue with an attic and 2 buildings full there is lots to be done there.

 

What is your goal or word for 2014? Link up with me and many others at 5 minutes for mom