Perhaps today...

Easter Basket Swap - Posting for Laura

2011-04-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am posting pictures of the wonderful Easter Basket put together for Laura Myhre by Connie Alderden over at Pearls and Precious Stones!

Connie made this basket herself! I was impressed! Laura - my mom - was very blessed with this whole package! The chicky bag was handmade too! Very skillful :) I love this vintage card too! Very good example of a wonderful basket!

Thank you Connie! (from Laura)

It's Here!!

2011-04-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yay! I got my Easter Swap Basket from Donna at Tea Loving Lady. She did such a great job putting together a fun basket for me. It was stuffed full of bright and cheerful goodies! I felt like a spoiled little kid. I mean, I never got a basket filled with so much stuff before! She gave me a super cute, hand-made Spring or Easter banner that I just adore! She MADE it too! Love it!

I know, try not to be too jealous girls! Thank you so much Donna, I was very happy to get it! You definitely pampered and spoiler me!

We're getting close!

2011-03-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

We are getting close to the end of our Easter Basket Swap ladies! How is it going? We have a some already sent and received, and one on it's way! I know I have mine almost finished, and will be sending early this week.
Check out these cute banners that Donna made over at Tea Loving Lady. They are so cute, and definitely get me in the mood for a cheerful spring...even though it's currently overcast and rainy here on the Oregon coast.

Anyways, I am having fun seeing what all you ladies come up with! This swap is definitely more open ended, and I am enjoying using my creative juices to come up with fun ideas for my partner, hope you are too!

GAK Attack!

2011-03-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

As a kid, this was one of my favorite crafts! Who am I kidding?! It's still one of my favorite crafts. Tonight, Eric and I made GAK. What's Gak? Well, it's kind of like silly putty, and a little like play dough. It's main ingredient is glue, with a few other simple things that create this wonderfully cool chemical reaction.

Dump 4 bottles (2 cups) of Elmer's Glue into a mixing bowl

Combine 1-1/2 cups of water with 2-4 drops of food coloring and add to glue.

Mix it up...with yours hands!

Combine 1 cup of water with 3 teaspoons of Borax.

Slowly add the Borax water, 1/3rd at a time.

Mix it up with your hands! You will feel it instantly start to congeal, it's the coolest!

Keeping smooshing together, as it continues to "stiffen"

It will be slimy at first, but you can tell its done reacting, when it doesn't feel
wet anymore. Squish it! Smoosh it! Play with it!

Us mature adults, we like to make it make farting noises!

For a fun Easter twist, put a little Gak into plastic eggs! Kids (and adults)
will love how it feel squishing between their fingers!

FYI: Gak is not to be eaten. Gak will not form shapes, like play dough. Gak is just fun and silly!

Mumsie's Musings - Wrapping up some creativity!

2011-03-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

For my fellow Easter Basket Swappin' Gals, check out the baskets over at Mary Lea's blog - Mumsie's Musings.

I am so impressed with all of them! I remember making smaller, much more simple versions when I was kid with my mom. Oh, did you every make the coasters? Wow, what fun memories. OK - back to reality.

Thanks for sharing your craftiness when us Mary Lea, I am truly inspired, and kinda thinking about trying my hand at a basket!

Well, I am off to Amazon to look for that It's a Wrap book.

Easter Swap Partners!

2011-03-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well, Lovely Ladies! You should have your swap partner! Please let Paula or I know if you any issues with the information that was given to you, and we would be glad to clear it up for you! I am so excited, I can't wait to get started filling my basket!

In the meantime, TAKE A LOOK at these darling bags over at Connie's ! SEW cute!

Weekly Scripture

2011-03-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

For the last couple of weeks, a friend and I have been taking turns picking a scripture verse for the week. We start on Monday, and write or print it out, and have it where we see it often. I have mine taped to my computer at work...since I am staring into it for 75% of my day!

Last weeks verse was:

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

This was such a good reminder. It's something we have heard since we were kids, but it seems like the whole conecpt is lost on us adults. Just because we are all "grown-up", doesn't mean we have the JUST MEANS to be MEAN. Another thing I would like to clear up, just because something "is true" - doesn't mean it can be, or should be, said.

Let's practice the taming of our tongues. As my dad constantly reminded me as a kid ( I wish he still did)

"Think before you speak."

Life here on Earth is too short to speak evil to others. I pray for a tame tongue that is quick to listen, and slow to speak. Can my tongue listen? It needs to.

This week's verse: REVELATION 21:4

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Won't that be a glorious time?

4 more days and counting...

2011-03-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am getting pretty impatient. After going shopping this weekend with my mom, I am so anxious to get my partner! I found lots of cute ideas, but didn't pick up much because I wasn't sure if it would fit my partner's tastes! Oh well, at least the wheels are turning!

I definitely want to make my partner's Easter card, and I found some cute ideas over at good 'ol Martha Stewart.

Does it feel like spring where you are? My husband and I are at my folk's house for the weekend. Its so nice to hear the birds singing and chirping away, the horses neighing for their breakfast and the turkeys gobbling. I miss living in the country....Awww, but someday again :)

Easter Basket Swap: CLOSED

2011-03-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the Easter Basket Swap is now officially closed for sign-ups. Thank you everyone who joined in! We can't wait to start sharing ideas and seeing pictures of what you all have going on. We will try to post often with different, hopefully inspiring, ideas for the baskets.

I will update the participant list (to the left) as soon as possible, so we can start paroozing around eachother's sites and get to know everyone participating!

Please let me or Paula know if you have something you want us to link to. Like, if you have made and gotten something you'd like to share! You know the drill :)

Is it March 10th yet? I can't wait to get my partner!

"...patience is a virtue" - Whoever said that never did a swap before, CLEARLY!

Have a great week!

Springy Flower Pots

2011-02-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

This project turned out way different than I had original picture in my head. But, there are endless possibilities to adapt and change it! I was originally thinking of them being picture holders, but then the paper flowers came to mind...Well, actually fabric flowers came to mind from a project from my mom...BUT from a lack of supplies, these Springy creations came about! You never know what you'll come up with when you make do!

Here I painted a plain flower pot white, and then the color.

I then sanded it for a "worn" look. After the paint dried, I sprayed it with a coat of Shellac to keep the paint from scratching off.

Here, I glued a Styrofoam ball in the bottom of the pot for a
place to stick the boingy-spring in to.

I think bunched up some Easter grass, or raffia,
and hot glued it in place.

To make the wire springy, I coiled it around a pencil
and then slid it off.

Here I straightened out the top piece of the wire and sandwiched it to

the back of the paper flower with another cut-out and hot glued it in place.

To make the paper flowers, I used a punch-out. Like I mentioned in the beginning, there are endless adaptations...What do you think?

I like the idea of making one into a picture holder.

I like having a row of them, and maybe spell out a word?

Anyways, I at least hope to have inspire some creative juices!

Retro Mama's Fabric Easter Eggs

2011-02-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1052587@N23/

Love, love , LOVE these cute Fabric Easter Eggs!

Retro Mama has done a wonderful job organizing the steps for making these with step-by-step photos too! I got some Eastery fabric today and I can't wait to make a bundle.

Check it out!

Coyotes, Snow and Sweet Potato Fries

2011-02-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

We went coyote hunting this weekend. A day outside was just what I needed to recharge myself. Away from people, noises, distractions, etc...it was beautiful. We didn't call in any coyotes, but we did go play in the snow...finally!

Calling spot.

Will the Snowman.

Dixie loving the snow.

God is good.

After a long, glorious day of tromping around in the woods, a belly full of Venison Burger and Sweet Potato Fries is in order!

Sweet Potato Fries

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

2 teaspoons pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

Peel yams and cut into long strips...fries.

Coat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

In small bowl, mix smoke paprika, garlic and pepper.

Sprinkle over fries

Toss and turn to coat

Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Broil for crispiness!

I usually broil for 3-5 minutes on low broil.

"Pinch ya off some"

2011-02-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

I pulled into my driveway on my lunch break and stepped out to get the mail, like always. It had been pouring down buckets, like usual on the Oregon Coast, but it had just taken a break and the sun was shining. I heard this voice just singing out loud - It was my neighbor Jewel busting out in this beautiful song, praising Jesus for the sunshine! She was on her front stoop, picking some dead leaves from her potted plants. See, my neighbor Jewel is in her 90's, and lives alone. I bring her mail to and sometime when she is feeling up to it, I get to see her. Well, she was mostly certainly feeling well today!

I walked over with a big 'ol smile as she is completely unaware of my presence, still shouting our Praise! I was at that point where I was thinking...OK, do I say something and startle her, or just wait until she notices me? I mean, I didn't wanna SCARE her too bad, ya know? But, boy was she glad to see me. We talked and as I was leaving, she asked if I liked Parsley? I nodded yes, and then she said the sweetest thing..."Pinch ya off some!"

What my neighbor Jewel didn't know is I pinched off more than just a little Parsley this afternoon, but a handful of her praise and joy!

Thank you Jesus for this moment this afternoon! I love how he works these little, seemingly insignificant oppurtunities in our lives to bless us.

Amen!! Let the sun shine down on you today!

Easter Basket Swap!

2011-02-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

It is hard to look back on our Easter celebrations as children and not think of the joy and excitement we felt when we got our Easter baskets. Candy, treats, Easter eggs and, of course, chocolate bunnies! Let’s bring back the giddy joy we felt as kids, and spoil each other with our very own Easter Baskets, stuffed to the brim with Easter sweetness.

Join my dear friend Paula and I in our first ever swap! Ever since Paula introduced me to my first Swap, we've been talking about hosting a swap together! We finally came up with this Easter Basket fun! Read on to find out how to join in and what all the fun will entail!

First, sign up by sending the following details to us at easterbasketswap@yahoo.com

Name:
Mailing Address:
Blog Address or Website:
Favorite Easter treat: (Chocolate, jelly beans, peeps, etc...)-
Preferences: Colors, themes, Religious preferences, décor style, favorite Easter traditions, etc…

Now just sit back (be patient) and wait for your partner information to arrive. We know the waiting part is the hardest. You're excited and you want to get started on your basket! Fill your empty time with cruising around the internet looking for fantastic Easter projects and simply getting inspiration from other fabulous bloggers out there!

Once your partner information arrives, get to know her and start filling an Easter Basket with goodies that will make your partner giggle with glee…

Paula and I came up with a bit of criteria for your baskets; but not so much that it will stifle your creativity. We want you to have fun with this!

What’s in the basket?

1. One Easter decoration - what kind of decoration is up to you and your partners likes. Be creative.
2. One Easter Card - paper crafts are so much fun!
3. Chocolate/ or other candy - yummy!
4. Easter character; i.e. Bunny, Chick, Egg, Cross, Lillies, etc… - something that signifies Easter to your partner (and is adorable!)
5. Other goodies your partner will enjoy…stuff that basket full. The idea is to pamper your partner!

Criteria:

1. At least one of the items in the basket must be handmade.

2. We ask that a minimum of $20 (not including shipping) be spent on the basket and goodies.

(There is no limit as to what all is put in the basket, just as long as the minimum is met.)

Have fun with the basket’s presentation! For example – Easter grass, ribbons, raffia. Get creative! Your basket could be the handmade item. So many possiblities - just remember to go with what your partner will enjoy!

Remember, it’s all about pampering your partner!

Important Dates

Sign up by: March 1st
Partners will be sent out by: March 10th
Swap needs to be sent out NO LATER than: April 4th

(We want everyone to be able to enjoy their baskets before it's time to put those Easter decorations away!)

Most Importantly
Be creative! Have fun! Pamper your partner!

Check back in often to On a Rainy Night or Perhaps Today for Easter Basket and fun project ideas! Make sure to leave lots of comments as to your progress and your own creative ideas! Remember to watch for what your partner likes too!

We sure hope you'll join us - hop to it! Send that email!

Valentine Card Making Party

2011-02-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

The week before Valentine's Day, some of my favorite girls and me got together to craft some homemade Valentine's Cards! It was a blast, and they turned out so cute!

We had so much fun making cards, we're already talking about making cards for the next Holiday... St. Patrick's Day Cards??

Bring back the MODGE PODGE!

2011-02-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I got to looking at my little collection of cards from my husband over the years. I got to thinking of this box that my sister made me when I was a little girl, like 12? Anyways, it was wonderfully decoupaged with magazine clips and pictures. I still have the lid from that box, and I love looking at all the things she put on it. Man, what was with my short hair? Were those jeans with stripes really in style?
Next thing I knew, I was at JoAnn's this morning buying a photo box and Modge Podge!

It might be a little silly, but I love this box! I can't wait to look in it 10 years down the road and see the little notes, cards and what-nots from my sweet hubby :)

From Pallets to Compost

2011-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

This weekend Eric and I finally built our little compost bin. We used three pallets, 4 t-posts, a little wire and some wood scraps. The best part about this bin is that is was completely free! Not to mention how easy it was! Well, there were a few roots that Eric about broke his back trying to pull the t-posts back out of...but, other than that it was pretty easy!

Step 1 -We live on the coast and it rains A LOT, so we chose a spot that wouldn't pool up with water and just rot the compost. Once the spot was flattened out, we measured out where the T-posts were to go.

Step 2- We drove the posts in so that they would be about flush with the top of the pallets. Then we set the pallets in place.

Step 3 - We drilled holes in the pallets to insert the wire through and around the posts to secure the pallets in place.

Step 4 - We chose to put a little gate on the front of the bin. I thought this might keep the dog out if she decided something looked gross enough to eat! I measured the width of the opening, and cut a top and bottom board for the gate. We just tore out the old trim in our house, so I used some pieces to make the "pickets" and just nailed them the top and bottom board.

It turned out pretty primitive. But we're talking about pallets here! It will get the job done! Give it a little paint job and once the grass starts growing, and we have our raised garden beds in, it won't stick out so much!

For the first layer, I tossed in some organic matter, such as leaves, small twigs, kitchen scraps, old Halloween pumpkins, etc..

Then the wonderful rabbit poo!

It was a fun project and I am excited to start adding on the layers for some

gooood fertilizer for the garden this spring!

Keep on poopin' lil bun buns!

Craft Hope Project 11

2011-01-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

Craft Hope has introduced another amazing project. Project 11 - Konbit Sante is all about making safe and necessary birthing kits for newborn babies in Haiti. Here is what the kits include:

1 small bar of soap
1 piece of clean plastic sheeting (3 feet wide by 4 feet long)
1 piece of clean string, 24 inches long
1 packet alcohol wipe
1 set of sterile latex gloves
1 packet (or travel container) Purelle
1 handmade tote bag

Optional:
Receiving blanket–36 inches square
Small “stuffy” toy

That is all that is needed to save the life of a newborn baby. I can't find the words to describe how humbling, and shocking that is. When we're complaining about having to share a room with someone, these women don't even have a clean blanket to wrap their newborn in.

I am very excited to be involved with this project, and it's not just me who has joined in! The whole Knit-Wit Group, including Paula at On a Rainy Night , is getting together to make as many kits as we can.

Here is the link to the Project - Konbit Sante

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Zuchinni Salad with a Southwest Flair

2011-01-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

Southwest Zucchini Salad

Dice and chop all the veggies and add to a large mixing bowl. Stir to thoroughly mix, cover and refridgerate. Letting it sit for at least an hour allows all the flavors to combine - especially the onions and bell peppers.

3 medium/large zucchini, diced

1 cup chopped red or white onion

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup whole kernel yellow corn

The dressing is very basic, add a little at a time to the salad until you find the taste you like best.

Dressing:

3 tablespoons white or cider vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2-3 tablespoons sugar

salt and pepper to taste

101 Uses for an Eraser....

2011-01-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

...Not really, just one eraser, but I'll get to that in a second. First, I apologize to the blogging community, mostly Paula, for my lack of participation and absence this past month. I had a very wonderful vacation over Christmas with lots of time spent with my family back home, including my two sisters and their spouses who flew in from Texas and Misery, I mean Missouri. Needless to say, I was a bit distracted from Blogging.

A funny thing happened the other day. Like most afternoons, I was working feverishly away, pounding the keys and squinting my eyes at the computer screen. Fiddling around, I noticed the back to my earring was missing. This happens often, as I am a known fiddler, and I usually find it on the floor. I looked around my desk, but did not feel it. When I leaned forward, I felt a little trickle down my back. Ahh, there you are you little rascal! I cautiously reach my hand around the back of my shirt, but found nothing. Great, I thought, it went down my pants. So, I snuck into the bathroom and began the search and rescue. But, to no avail. I then mentioned the occurrence to a friend at work and she suggested using a piece of an eraser to replace the missing back. What a great idea! I search the file room for an eraser, which was obviously in the bin marked “staples”. I then had to show off the cleverness that was now my earring back to Paula, who sits in her farm (cubicle) next to mine. She finds the replacement rather comical and we share a good laugh. But then, I feel something poking the bottom of my foot inside of my boot. Could it be?! The darn little run-away, the sneaky little &%$*. It was there. What a journey, from the back of my ear, down my shirt, into my pants, down the pant leg and inside my boot! I was impressed.

So, in conclusion from this brief and somewhat uninteresting occurence that I have decided to ramble on abut....An eraser makes a great earring back replacement - quite comfortable actually.

...and of course we had to take a picture!

Polka-Dot Message Board

2010-12-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Like most summers, I stopped at LOTS of yard sales. On my way to a camping trip in, I stopped at a farm sale. This lady had her whole barn open for sale with stuff piled high and deep. Amongst my small pile, I had picked out an old cabinet door. I didn't have any real plans for it until today. I thought I was going to have a rather lazy Sunday afternoon recovering from a long and cold day of duck hunting, but the idea for this message board popped into my unsuspecting head!

To make it, I used a piece of cardboard, fleece, fabric, ribbon and lots of staples!I cut the cardboard to fit into the center impression. I stapled a piece of fleece to the cardboard for a little padding, then laid down a piece of fabric and wrapped it around the edges. I pulled the fabric tight and secure with a staple.
I wasn't sure how to best fit the ribbon, so I just used 4 pieces and made two big "X" shapes starting from each corner. I stapled the ends of the ribbon to the back of the board. In the center of each X, I placed a dab of hot glue between the ribbon and the board, and then between the ribbon and the cute little Moose and Bear buttons. That's it!

I probably wouldn't have chose a polka-dot print if I was to go out and buy fabric for the project, but since I just used stuff I already had, I thought it turned out pretty cute. Simple, at least :)

Quickie Lighted Snowman

2010-11-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from my mom, who has been making these guys for years. Hers have light switches and more elaborate embellishments - super cute! I came up with a "quickie" version of these cute little guys, and thought I would share!

What you'll need:

Glass Jar - I think it's best to use a jar with plain class, no words, etc... Like Ball or Mason jars

White acrylic craft paint

Sponge

Clear matte finish verathane spray

Orange and black "puffy" paint ( or just regular paint, or paint pens)

Paint brush

Fabric scrap for scarf

Old boot sock band for the hat

LED tea light

Velcro

1. Sponge paint the jar white, leaving openings for the light to glow through

2. Let it dry and paint on the face - I used pink blush for the "blushing cheeks"

3. Spray with verethane sealant. This helps to keep the paint from scratching off

4. Cut the top band off a boot sock. Hand stitch in and out of the cut-end, and make a draw string. Cinch top together and tie off. Add a puff ball, or embellishments

5. Tie on a scarf. I cut out a piece of red fleece for this one.

6. Glue on a small piece of velcro to the bottom of the LED tealight, and to the bottom of the jar. This will keep the light from jiggling around inside the jar.

7. Flip the tealight on, and watch it glow!

We have made cowboy snowmen with little cowboy hats and bandanas. Little hunter snowmen, with "Elmer Fudd" style hats with ear-flaps. The Classic snowman with a black felt top hat - Super cute! Lots of room for creativity!

Vinegar Tip - Flea Repellant

2010-11-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

It's be a terrible year for fleas around here! I really don't know why it is, but all I know is I want them gone! So, I mentioned earlier how I recently banned Bleach from our house...ALL bleach products, in fact. I have turned to researching all the uses of vinegar. My most recent discovery was it's use to repel fleas! I came across this tip from my little Farmgirl Wisdom book by Mary Jane Butters (maryjanesfarm.com). Page 65 tells me that vinegar has natural repelling properties. Apparently the little boogers hate the stuff! There are a few different ways to go about apply on your furry friends. (#1) You can dab some on a wet wash cloth and rub them down with it every couple of days. (#2)It can be used as the final rinse during a weekly bath. (#3) You can also add some to their drinking water. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks now. I started adding gradually, and am now at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per quart of water.

Christmas Gift/Stocking Stuffer Idea...

2010-11-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

The idea is a heated pad, and I am sure you have all seen them in several styles. Tonight, I made a "headache relief" one for a friend's birthday. I just took a scrap of a cute Autimn print and blended rice with rosemary and marjoram. It turned out so cute, and oh boy does it smell good. It is a surprisingly soothing combination! Anyways, a cute snowflake, Christmas, wintery fabric would be easy to do! And, the possibilities are endless with this idea! I thought a peppermint scented one would be nice. For scenting, look to your spice cupboard, or Essential Oils work great! I have broken open a sachet that I had in my dresser and added it with the rice. This one I made is just the right size for your forehead, but all different shapes and sizes work great for lots of different uses!

My War Against Bleach!

2010-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

I am raging a war against Bleach. It has recently taken victim my brand new (and expensive) Carhartt sweatshirt. I believe the tragedy occurred while I was quickly cleaning up the bathroom before some friends came over. I didn't notice the sweatshirt's wounds until the next day when I pulled it out of the wash and saw the tell-tale faded sign of a Bleached victim! Grrrr.

So, that's it! Bleach is forever banished from the Curtis household. Luckily, there were only a couple cleaning products under my sink that contained bleach. With Bleach banished, I started my quest for it's alternative. I had been using vinegar and water for quite some time, but I didn't use it for the really grimy, nasty cleaning jobs. Thus, my vinegar research begins.

WOW. I never knew just how many things vinegar can be used for. After a quick Google search, I found lots of info about using vinegar, and not only for cleaning! I won't bore you with all the details, but I would love to know of any great non-bleach cleaning solutions you may know of??

Besides, it's more fun to be resourceful isn't it?

vinegartips.com

cleaningwithvinegar.com

...I am still mad about my sweatshirt.

Fabulous Fall Foods Friday - Week 5

2010-10-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Grandma Nixon's Gingersnaps

1-1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs

4 cups white all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ginger

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon salt

Combine and cream together the butter, brown sugar and molasses. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well in between each egg.

Sift together the flour with the baking soda, spices and salt.

Stir and combine. Roll into balls and press with a sugar-coated glass.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes

Enjoy with a cup of hot cider!

My First Apron...

2010-10-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

I recently did a swap through Flirty Apron Swap. Shawnee did a wonderful job hosting! I got to make my apron for Jennifer in Blackfoot, Idaho. (That place just sounds cool!) I was pretty nervous about making an apron. I knew I could do it, but the process seemed a bit scary. Ahh!

But, my mom gave me some good pointers, and off I went!

I made a practice apron and it turned out pretty good. I am glad I made it, because I learned a lot from the process. (Like sticking my ties in to soon and sewing them inside the lining)

As it turned out - It wasn't that scary after all! The apron has a very simple design with no added frills, but I am definitely looking forward to expanding my sewing know-how and trying new patterns.

I just loved these buttons! This was my idea of adding some little touches that weren't sew-involved.

I am kinda thinking of taking a class....I never thought I would want to learn that much about sewing, but it would be nice to feel more comfortable adding trims and "frillies". At least then I would be able to call things by their names and not just generalize with a made-up name.

Frillies. adj. Cute and adorable. noun. The things that you put on aprons to make it look really professional and sassy.

Anyways, I hope my partner enjoyed it and will get some good use out of it!

Fabulous Fall Foods Friday - Week 3

2010-10-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Cast Iron Apple Pie

5 pounds firm apples (about 8-10)

- I like to use 2-3 different kinds, and I always use Granny Smith

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1-1/3 cups sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 to 1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400 F

1. Peel, core and cut apples into large chunks

2. In a big bowl, toss apples with lemon juice and zest

3. In a smaller bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat

4. Place the prepared crust in to the bottom of a #8 (10") cast iron skillet

5. Dump in the apple filling and dot with 3 tablespoons of butter cut into small chunks

6. Place the top layer of crust and crimp the edges. Brush with half-n-half (or whole milk) and sprinkle with a couple tablespoons of sugar (*raw sugar looks best!)

7. Bake for 40 minutes at 400 and then reduce heat to 325 and bake for 30 minutes longer or until crust is a nice golden brown

Pie Crust

2-1/2 cups white flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup cold butter, diced

2 teaspoon sugar

5 tablespoons cold water

Sift flour, salt and sugar together. Cut in cold butter until the dough looks coarse. * A trick my mom taught me was to put the dough in to a tupperware bowl that has a lid, and shake the dough up, instead of cutting it in. It will yield a coarse mixture, without adding any heat from your hands...keeping the butter cold!

Shape the dough in to two balls, wrap and chill for 1 hour.

A little vanilla ice cream on the side....Heaven!

Knot Just Knit-Wits: Making Pumpkins

2010-10-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

What You'll Need:

Fabric squares - festive oranges and Fall themed fabrics work great!

Hot glue gun - or fabric glue

Rice or Dry beans

Embroidery Floss

Batting

Cinnamon sticks or twigs from your backyard

Green felt, plastic Ivy leaves, Rafia, buttons, scrap fabric, etc... for decorating!

Step 1

Cut the squares into circles - They don't have to be perfect! As a general rule of thumb, whatever size square you start with, your finished pumpkin will be about half the size. For example, a 12" square will give you about a 6" pumpkin.

Step 2

Stitch along the outside about 1/8" from the edge. The goal of this stitching is to create a drawstring. So, weave in and out of the fabric. The stitches can be rough - I usually go with 1/2" stitches and then sometimes 1/4"...I haven't noticed it making a difference in the end result.

Step 3

Put a small handful or rice, or dry beans, inside the bottom of the Pumpkin - The purpose of this is to add a little weight. Normally no more than 1/4 cup - Even for a bigger 18" pumpkin.

Step 4

Fill the pumpkin with batting. How much you use here is up to your own personal tastes! I like my smaller Pumpkins pretty full, and my bigger Pumpkins pretty loose.

Step 5

Pull the strings to draw-in the fabric. Tie off the strings, but leave an opening for the size of your twig (or cinnamon stick). I usually wait and tie off the strings after I glue in my stem - but whatever is easiest!

Step 6

The Pumpkin Stem - I have seen cinnamon sticks used for the stems before, but I have been using twigs that I cut off from random, dead branches. I used all different diameters, it just depends on what you like!

Step 7

Place a bead of hot glue or fabric glue) around the bottom of the twig and quickly stick it in the hole of the pumpkin. Hold the fabric to the glue and let set.

Step 8

Decorating! You now have your basic pumpkin and it's time to dress it up! For the leaves, felt or plastic Ivy works great! Also, I like using Raffia all by itself tied around the stem!

Knit -Wit Paula made a couple really cute Pumpkins out of wool - stems and leaves in all! My favorite part of making these simple pumpkins, is how fun and easy it is to change the look with just using different fabrics, textures and materials, so on and so forth! So - get going! Make your pumpkin patch just in time for Fall!

Fabulous Fall Foods Friday - Rhubarb Cobbler

2010-10-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

I was a lucky girl this fall, since my father-in-law grew an over abundance of Rhubarb! I cut it all up and froze several 4-cup bags. I experimented with a "healthier" version of the Rhubarb Cobbler recipe out of my old Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. It turned out wonderful, and even got more thumbs-up compared to the "unhealthier" original recipe!

Combine:

1/4 cup Organic Cane Sugar

1/4 cup Blue Agave

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

4 cups Rhubarb - Cut into about 1" chunks

Combine ingredients into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let boil for 1-2 minutes - Don't burn! Pour hot fruit into 8" or 9" square baking dish.

Combine in mixing bowl:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick oats

1 tablespoon ground flax seed

1 tablespoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Cut in:

1/4 cup butter

Add:

1/4 cup milk

Spoon batter onto hot fruit and sprinkle with about 3 tablespoons of Organic Cane Sugar.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes - Or until a nice golden brown!

Fabulous Fall Foods Friday

2010-09-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Fall Foods Friday - Join in for a chance at a Gooseberry Patch Cookbook! Head on over to Paula's for more details!

Baked Acorn Squash

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
Dash of Salt

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Using a big, strong knife (and maybe the help of a big, strong man) cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise.

Spoon out the seeds and stringy stuff in the center.

Score the insides of each half several times.

Place each half in a baking pan, cut side up in about 1/4 inch of water.

Coat the inside of each half with 1/2 Tablespoon of butter. Add a Tablespoon of Brown Sugar and dribble on a teaspoon of maple syrup...

Bake for about an hour or until the squash is soft and the tops are browned.

Spoon any buttery sugar sauce over the exposed areas.

I experimented with a "healthier" version to this classic recipe. I used Agave Nectar for the sweetener and Olive Oil for the butter. I went a little heavier on the spice as well. It turned out great!

Mules Across the Great Wide Open

2010-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

I first stumbled across this book at our local feed store and was immediately drawn to one word: "mules". My love for mules started when my dad got us our first "horse." Like lots, or even most little girls, I wanted a horse of my own. Little did I know that I would fall in love with a mule named Barney. . .

Jody Foss wrote Mules Across the Great Wide Open after her pack trip from Park City, Utah to Spokane, Washington. The trip was 1,300 miles long and they accomplished it with three horses, two mules, a couple dogs, her sister, and their friend. Along the way, they record stories from old timers and interesting characters they meet along the way.

The book is an easy read, 285 pages with a section of photographs from the trip and illustrations throughout. I will warn you, after reading this book you will want to drop everything, pack up, and ride out into the sunset - never looking back. The book is not overly dramatized, but simply depicts the adventures and the people they come across.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in pack trips, mules or the pure romance of riding out into unknown country...

Happy trails!

Barney - Circa 2004. may he rest in peace

Knot Just Knit-Wits: Pillow Case Project

2010-09-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

The pillow case project through Craft Hope for children of Doernbecher Hospital was a great success. We had 2 additional ladies join in our usual group and we made a total of 21 pillow cases! There was such a fun variety and fabrics, it was a joy to see them all together!We all got together last week at Paula's , our ring-leader of the group, and shared in the blessing that it was to know that our pillow cases were going to bring smiles and joy to children who need it most.

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:11

( http://crafthope.com/2010/07/one-million-pillowcases/)

Truckin' and Junkin' - August

2010-08-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

"Let's start the bidding at $100.Give me a hundred. 50 dollars. Come on. Where ya wanna be? This is a collector's item. 25 dollars. Give me 25 dollars. Come on folks. Where ya wanna be?"

I was at my first farm auction. It was in McMinnville, Oregon and it was love at first bid.

There was junk piled high, piled under tables, in boxes, shoved and crammed anywhere and everywhere. The dust never settled and the deals were abundant. There wasn't too much that caught my eye, but as always, I did manage to load up the pick up. The men rolled their eyes as Mom and I took home the biggest load (to no one's real surprise).

My first auction bid was on this wooden chair with a pressed leather insert and double rungs. It was hidden beneath boxes, and I didn't really know how good of condition it was in until I won the bid.

I don't have any good idea for how old this chair is, and I am excited to learn how to identify the age.

I learned a good auction lesson with this ladder. Just because something sells to another, doesn't mean it still isn't for sale! This ladder was sold in a lot of lumber, and the owner turned out to not even want it. Can you believe that? I mean, this is a real fine, worthless ladder. Except, not to me of course. An outdoor table is in the future for this old ladder.

I managed to pick up an older wood office chair with a cast iron swivel and adjustment that closely matches one that Eric made in highschool. The set goes well in the office/craft room. Also, my mom took home a 50's high chair in excellent condition. It still had the tray and leather "seat-belt" strap. Wish I had a picture to share.

Even though I was having a great time looking at old junk, it was sad to see this once working farm close-up. At least a little "history" may be preserved in the pieces people brought home.

"Blue Ribbon" Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-08-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, they are not a blue ribbon winner, but they would be.

After several experiments, failed attempts, and a husband who found out there is such a thing as "too many chocolate chip cookies," I have come up with a pretty darn good recipe.

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter (has to be butter - not salted)

2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons hot water

3 cups white all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped walnuts (very optional)

Cream together the sugars and butter. Add the eggs, vanilla and hot water - mixing thoroughly after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients and mix. Add the chips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-11 minutes.

Do you have a favorite recipe??

Workspace Wednesday

2010-08-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Good Evening! This is my first Workspace Wednesday! Woo hoo! I feel like I have made a new blog accomplishment....err something. I learned about Workspace Wednesday over at Kids Napping? I am Scrapping!

My workspace is covered in unfinished "mini" projects....Do you ever start one project, and then think of another, and so on? Boy, I sure do! Right now I have a birthday present/card in the "wrapping" for my father law's birthday tomorrow. Also, working on the Conkerr Cancer Pillow Case Project...Let's see, what else? Oh yes! I thought it would be fun to have a little family tree at the reuinion this weekend. There will be a lot of cousins and cousins of cousins, and not every one will know who is who....or how we're related!

Also, with a growing family (5 weddings in one year!), I thought it would be nice to put together a birthday list and update contact info. I am always a day too late on birthdays! Anyways, I better get crackin'!

Craft Hope - Project 9 : Conkerr Cancer

2010-08-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Paula has really gotten me into this whole "blogging" thing - I never knew how active blogging could be. The latest thing she has turned me on to is Craft Hope.

They have introduced their latest project, Project 9: Conkerr Cancer. We are making pillow cases to send to children/teens in the hospital. Our Astoria, Oregon based group is sending our cases to Doernbecher Hospital....you can read more over at Paula's.

To get to the Craft Hope website and see all the other great things they are doing, click on the "Craft Hope" button at the top of my blog.

Pillow case # 1 - with many more to come!

Dixie Doodles

2010-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you a quick and easy dog treat recipe! I made-up this recipe to use ingredients I commonly have on hand.

To make Dixie Doodles...

Combine:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup oatmeal

2 tablespoons wheat germ (if you have it)

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup milk

2 teaspoon molasses

1 teaspoon mint extract (optional)

Roll out "dough" to desired thickness and cut with fun, small or large cookie cutters! The dough should be pretty tough, so don't be afraid to really work it! Place as many as you can fit on a cookie sheet, without overlapping and bake for 10-12 minutes

One happy doggy....

Truckin' and Junkin' - July

2010-08-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Swap Meet at the Great Oregon Steam Up this year was not as amazing as it has been historically, or as I had hoped. It was easy to find good junk, but hard to find the good deal. The vendors all knew what their stuff was worth...and some thought they knew what it was worth. Regardless, it was fun to scrounge around and see some neat things, get some ideas, and learn a little.

To no one's great big surprise, I was able to come home with a few finds. Last month, Eric got me an old hardware scale, and last weekend I found an old kitchen scale to befriend it. The cow creamer was a bonus for only a $1. I believe all of my "weighing" needs are well taken care of!

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this old grape crate when I was paying the guy for it, but I was sure I could put it to good use. From Lamont, California to Warrenton, Oregon, it now holds our movies.

Could you believe it if I told you that an old garden rake head was on my "list" of things to find at the swap meet? Well, it was, and I did find one! Actually, I found a whole pile of them, but the one with rusty, red paint was an easy pick for me! Again, I wasn't too sure what I was going to do with it. I knew I wanted to hang it on the wall, but not sure what I was going to put on it. Wine glasses? Candles? A picture frame! Perfection...for now.

I love all of my finds, but I think one of my favorite things about the swap meat is the thrill of bartering! I get a great adrenaline rush! Don't you start laughing! I am very methodical about my methods. For instance, when I am going after something, I purposely take out the exact amount of cash I am going to offer. Then, when I ask, "Would you take...?", I hold out the money, just tempting them to go on and take it! This tactic has proven to be widely successful!

Do you like to barter??

The Great Oregon Steam Up 2010

2010-08-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Great Oregon Steam-Up is an annual event in Brooks, Oregon, and has been a tradition in my husband's family for over 10 years. Eric took me on our first date here, and we have been going back every year!

The Steam-Up has everything from vintage tractors, trucks, and automobiles to Machinery demos, sawmilling, flour milling, fire apparatus demos, harvesting, kids pedal tractor pulling, traditional tractor pulling, military vehicles, and a Big Swap Meet!

This year we camped out and had a great time getting to know all the exhibitors and vendors there! Most everything is ran by volunteers, and you can really tell the people spend all year getting ready for this big event! It's really a rare thing to see so many generations of people preserving Oregon's and Early American history.

Three Sisters. Three Weddings

2010-07-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

This last year has been filled with WEDDINGS! This is not a complaint, but rather an exclamation. I must share with the world about how I, and my two sisters, all got married within 10 months! Not to mention, one cousin and an aunt! I know, pretty ridiculous?! This was not a wedding "intervention" sort of thing, but a random act of...wedding bliss!

Wedding #1 - It all started on September 12, 2010. Eric and I were married at my parent's house. We had an outdoors, country wedding filled with tractors, corn bread, old wooden church pews, cowboy boots, elk antler arbor...You get the idea.

Wedding # 2 - May 9, 2010, My older, wiser sister Sarah and her husband Kent were married! They had a traditional church wedding at a historical chapel. It was picture perfect! They had gourmet cupcakes and handmade candies at their reception. Not to mention, the most beautiful flowers arrangements I have ever seen!

Wedding #3 - June 26, 2010, My younger, beautiful sister Kaytlyn and her husband Chris were married! They had an evening wedding, and it was a gorgeous night! The ceremony was in an outdoor ampitheatre, and the reception was indoors and catered with scumptios finger foods and mini cheesecakes for dessert. It was a perfect, summer evening wedding. Kayt also set a new record...she had 10 bridesmaids!!

I would not recommend this method of marrying off your children. I know for a fact, we could not have pulled off all of these individually beautiful weddings without the help of #1 Our amazingly talented mother, and ALL of our super supportive family and friends who helped out above and beyond any level of expectation.

I love weddings.

Whimsy Jar Swap

2010-07-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

I have officially participated in my first swap! I had a great time putting together these Whimsy Jars for my swap partners, Patty and Gina. The swap was hosted by Jessica, over at Kids Napping? I am Scrapping!. She was a wonderful host - so organized!

Here is the jar I put together for Patty...

Gina's Whimsy Jar...

My Whimsy Jar from Patty...

My Whimsy Jar from Gina...

Thank you Jessica for hosting a great swap! Whimsy Jars are such a fun, great idea!

Thanks to my partners for a great first "swap experience"!

James 5:16

2010-07-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

James 5:16 (New International Version)

 16"Therefore confess  your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be  healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Prayer. How powerful! How rewarding! Yet, how difficult at times? I have been struggling with setting aside the time for just me and God. I came across this scripture while listening to K-Love on the radio at work.
Spending more time in prayer has really been laid on my heart lately, and I am so glad this scripture was brought to my attention for yet more reasons to be in prayer; for others, for healing, for righteousness...

Truckin' and Junkin' - June

2010-07-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have the best husband. On his way to a tractor/truck/machinery parts flea market, he asks me if there is anything I want him to watch out for? Jokingly, I told him to keep an eye out for a produce scale. Well, as fate should have it, guess what was the only thing he got from the sale? An old hardware scale! It's perfect, and I just love it.

Of course, I am not using it to weigh nuts and bolts, but it makes the best fruit bowl!

The other day my husband walks in to the kitchen and says, "Well, it's time to buy fruit, we're down to under 2 pounds!"

Not only is it great for fruit, but for puppies! This is Sergeant York, aka "Sarge." He is my dad's new hunting dog and he is about 8 weeks old in this picture and looks like about 8-1/2 pounds! He's a cutie isn't he?! He's a German hunting breed called a Pudelpointer.

2 Doors = 2 Desks

2010-07-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

We moved in to our first house about 2-1/2 months ago......Man!Tell me, does the work ever end?! We have certainly come a long way and are taking some time off to enjoy all of our hard work. One of my favorite projects so far is our two desks/tables that we made from two old doors.

They were pretty simple to put together. We just scraped off the loose paint, put a layer of clear verathane on both sides, built the legs and then bought a sheet of 1/4 thick glass for the top! I especially love how easy the glass is to clean after working on craft projects!

Truckin' and Junkin' - May

2010-06-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some of the newest projects that I have acquired over the last couple weeks.

The Milk Can

I "picked" this rusty find at our local thrift store. It's one of those thrift stores you walk in to and immediately feel like you need to shower and or head straight to the doctor's for a tetanus shot. HOWEVER, I have had some good luck rummaging through and finding some hidden treasures; like this milk can. Luckily, my husband has a sand blaster that can do some nice clean-up work on this little guy.
I am not sure what I want to do with it yet. I was thinking of making a wood table top for it, and put it next to chair in the living room. I would prefer that it would be something functional like that, and not just "decorational" (don't look it up, it's a word). ANY IDEAS?

Montgomery Ward Glass Washboard

Ok fellow garage-salers, you know the feeling you get when you find a sale that is just overflowing with COOL STUFF, well this garage sale was just that. This little lady has some many cool, antique housewares (one of my weaknesses) that I was like a kid in a candy shop, only worse. I managed to show some self-control, and walked away spending $10 on this Montgomery-Ward Glass Washboard and a Carlton Glass Coffee Jar. I am planning on hanging the washboard up in "laundry room," but our laundry is in one of those closets off the dining room. So - a washboard doesn't really fit in with the dinning room feel?? But anyways, I couldn't pass it up. Not sure if I will hold on to it - or sell?

Last but not least -

The Crock
I do not know much about these or identifying how much they are worth. It does have a stamp on it. And it's BIG. The bad news; it has a crack down the side - as you can see in this pic. It holds water,but has a slowwww leak. Any ideas for a food-safe sealant? Decor? I don't want to use it as a planter. I was thinking of making a lid, or looking to buy an old, original one and using it for some sort of storage? I have seen them used in entry ways for keeping umbrellas and such in, but my entry doesn't have the space.

.
Happy Junkin'!

Wapiti Chili

2010-02-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

Wapiti, an old Indian word meaning "White Rump," in reference to the rear end of an Elk. Bet you didn't know that?! Well, at least that's what my dad as always told me!
We weren't lucky enough to "harvest" (I'll be pc) an Elk this year, but we were lucky enough to know someone who did! Elk meat is very low in fat and cholesterol, and when you take them from the wild you know they're not pumped full of growth hormones or chemicals.

Even if you aren't a hunter, there are Elk farms that raise them just like beef cattle, and many are organic so you can come close to getting the "real deal." I am just going to go ahead and tell you, I think Elk is better than beef! I grew up on wild game and I would chose elk, deer, moose, antelope, caribou, you name it over beef any day! But, that's just me...

Wapiti Chili

2 lbs. ground Elk
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 whole white onion, chopped
3 cups of "chili" beans, like Great Northern, Pinto, Black Beans, etc...Just use at least 2 varieties.
2 cups diced tomatoes
Handful of diced green chilles
1 cup whole corn
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp pepper ( or else if you don't like it so "peppy")
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano

In a cast iron skillet, brown the Elk with the garlic and onions in olive oil.
Add to a large cook pot- beans, tomatoes, green chilles, corn and cook on medium heat while meat browns.
Once the meat is done, add to the cook pot and simmer on low.
Add the spices and stir until well combined.
Let the pot simmer for at least 15 minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy! It's nothin' fancy, but I hope I at least got you thinking about trying Elk meat!

Paul Bunyan Sugar Cookies

2010-02-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

Paul Bunyan? Yes, the mythological, giant-sized logger with his bright blue Ox named Babe. These cookies are fit for any giant or logger because they are cut out from the opening of a coffee can! I am not sure how long this recipe has been around in our family, but I know I have been scarfing them down since I was old enough to slobber.

This is another recipe that was used at my wedding, and I sure hope you take the time to try them! Just don't go draggin' any axes around - We don't need another Grand Canyon!

Paul Bunyan Sugar Cookies
(Valentine's themed)

Cream together:
1 1/2 cups margarine (try it with butter, or half butter/half marg.)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 T vanilla
2 T milk

Sift and add:
4 cups of flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. of salt

Chill for at least one hour. This is crucial. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes. Watch them as you bake and try them soft and crunchy. My family's favorite way is browned around the edges for a crunchy cookie.

Porky Bacon Dip

2010-02-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

How did this dip get such a name? Well, I'll tell ya...You'll feel like a porkin' out pig after you taste this dip, cause ya just can't stop! My mom has been making this bacon dip for family get-togethers, holidays and basically any excuse to get a bunch of friends together and crowd around the bowl of crackers and dip!

Porky Pig Dip

2- 8 oz. packages of cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Best Foods brand is BEST)
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
1-2 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons parsley (for color)
Oh ya...
12 oz. cooked and crumbled BACON!
Don't go skimpy on the bacon.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and set in fridge for about an hour before serving. Take out when ready, place in to a cute bowl with plenty of room for dippin' and serve lots of crackers to go with. We usually have Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Chicken in a Biscuit or some sort of grainy cracker. Honestly, the cracker is just the vessel to get the dip in to your mouth! So, don't sweat the crackers too much. Just make sure you have enough dip on hand!!

Left-Over Cornbread Casserole

2010-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for new ways to "dress up" the left over cornbread. Usually we eat it warmed up with milk and honey in a bowl, Mmmm mmm. I took some inspiration from a cornbread stuffing recipe that I tore out of some magazine at one time, and here is what I came up with:

Cut up the following in to bite size chunks:
Celery,Green Onion, Sweet Potato and White onion - Toss all into a large bowl

Add:
About 1 cup of raisins
About 1 cup chopped walnuts, or pecans
About 3 cups of crumbled cornbread (it's ok even if it's dried out)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Mix this all up and place in a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees until heated through.

This could be an excellent side or even the main course! The nuts and raisins really topped it off for us. I will definitely be making this again with our left over cornbread.

Cast Iron Cornbread

2010-02-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

I love this cornbread so much, I had it served at our wedding! I am not sure which people remembered more, the wedding or the cornbread?

Cast Iron Cornbread
Bake @ 350 degrees

Mix together in a large bowl:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add to dry:
1 1/4 cups milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil

Fold in:
1 can corn or ( 1 heapin' cup frozen corn)
3/4 cup sour cream

Pour batter into a buttered, No. 8 cast iron pan and bake until golden around edges and knife inserted comes out clean!

*or you can substitute the above for 1 can of cream corn

Mustang Chocolate Cake

2010-02-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

" Like the mustangs that roam the West, no one really knows where this cake came from. And, like those hardy horses, this recipe is a mixture of odd things that all add up to something wonderful." - The Cowgirl's Cookbook

What could be better than chocolate and wild horses? This cake. I don't even like chocolate cake, and I absolutely loved this cake. It's not too rich, not too dense, but just rich enough, and just full enough of flavor that it leaves your mouth watering for more! Ok, enough droolin, here's the recipe in my own rendition...

1 1/2 cups of flour

3 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons cooking oil

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup cold coffee, strong! (This, along with the vinegar, is the key..I think :)

1/2 cup cold water

Preheat to 350 degress.

Sift the flour, cocoa , baking soda, sugar and salt into a 9x9 cake pan.

Then, using your finger, make 3 wells in the dry mixture about the size of a golf ball. Pour in to one the oil, the other the vanilla and the last one, the vinegar. Then, pour the cold coffee and water over the whole thing and whisk it all together with a fork. That's it!

Bake for about 30 minutes...

Sweet Apple Bread in Jar

2010-01-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

I love this idea. It's perfect for an unexpected guest, gift, or when you want that homebaked taste, but don't have the time. I have adapted this recipe from an article in Hobby Farm Home Magazine, one of my favorites.

Sweet Apple Bread - In a Jar

Bake @ 325 degrees for 50 minutes

2/3 cup unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 cups apples,chopped

2/3 cups raisins

2/3 cup water

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups white flour, all purpose

3 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 cup pecans (or walnuts), chopped

1/3 cup oatmeal, quick oats

Find 8 wide mouth canning jars. (They must be wide mouth or else the bread will not come out very pretty!)

Sterilize the jars, lids and rings by boiling in water for 10 minutes. Leave the lids and rings in the hot water. Grease the inside 2/3 of the jar by using a pastry brush and oil.

Combine butter,sugar and eggs in your mixer or a large mixing bowl. Once creamed together, add the apples,raisins and water. In a different bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg. Add the nuts and oatmeal. Now, combine with your wet ingredients

Fill the jars 1/3 of the way full. Don't try to get scientific, just eye-ball it! Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes, or when knife inserted comes out clean.

Wipe down the rim and edges of the jar with a damp towel and put on the lids and rings tightly. The jars should seal, but you can be sure by pushing on the lid, it should not move.

Now, you have Sweet Apple Bread in a jar...How cool! :)

To give as a fun gift for a friend, add a label or cover the lid with a cute fabric scrap. Make a little tag telling them just what's inside the jar!...and maybe how sweet of a friend they are :)

Creamy Country 'Slaw and Bar-B-Que AKA "Hairy Hogs Back"

2010-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

Apparently, we "Northwesterners" have been doing BBQ all wrong. You're supposed to put your 'slaw ON the bar-b-que sandwhich! See, down South, this ain't anything they haven't heard before. I first discovered this at a BBQ restaurant in Klamath Falls, and let me tell you, I have been dreamin' and droolin' over it ever since!

My husband, who doesn't even like coleslaw- loves this! So, for those coleslaw-haters out there, don't just dismiss this, give it a try before you disapprove.

First things first...Get the meat cooking in the slow cooker.

I used 2 lbs. of venison, but any meat will work. We want the meat to cook long and slow, so that it will want to fall apart and shred into mouthwatering pieces of meat heaven.

2 lbs. meat (roast or stew pieces, like beef, venison, pork)

4 green onions

1/2 Mayan Sweet Onion

Cover the meat in your favorite Bar-B-Que sauce ( Like the recipe I posted earlier!!)

Let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Check it after 6, the sugar in the bar-b-que sauce can really burn, and we don't want that to happen!

Creamy Country 'Slaw

1 head green cabbage

2 large carrots

3/4 cup mayonaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 green onions

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 teaspoons celery seeds

1 teaspoon caraway ( if you have it)

salt and pepper to taste

Shred the cabbage and carrots and place in your serving bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients in a smaller bowl to make the dressing. Before you add it to the cabbage, taste it. Yup, get a good finger lick in and make sure it is to your liking. Nothing says you can't add more sour cream if it's too tangy, or more pepper? Experiment and get it just how you like it!

Alright, we got the meat, we got the 'slaw and now it's time to do some serious droolin'. I toasted hamburger buns in the oven, and we ate the sandwhiches open face. But, hot dog buns or Keizer Rolls work great also. Honestly, the bread is the least of your worries. You just need something to hold the meat and the 'slaw together, because that's where it's alllll at.

Backwoods Bar-B-Que Sauce

2010-01-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

This is a rich Bar-B-Que sauce with a full body flavor. I made this recipe with the intention of using it in slow cooker recipes, however, it would be great with burgers, steaks, etc... The best part is it is made from common ingredients, nothing fancy shmancy!

Ingredients

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup mustard

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons dark molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Ganache Ice cream Cake

2010-01-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

One of the best combination's on the planet? Cake and ice cream! Why not put the two together in one irresistible layered ice cream cake. Underneath the utterly divine chocolate ganache coating there is a rich buttermilk chocolate cake with vanilla caramel ice cream and top with chopped pecans and caramel sauce...need I go on??

First, the ganache. What's ganache? Well, it's a fancy word meaning melted chocolate and cream blended together to create a smooth coating or filling for cakes, muffins, tarts...etc.

Chocolate Ganache

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (make sure to use unsalted)

2 tablespoons of corn syrup (Karo syrup)

Heat the cream and butter over medium heat in a saucepan just until boiling point is reached. Then, pour the cream and butter over the chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl. Let it sit before stirring for about 5 minutes, then go ahead and stir in the chocolate chips. Add the corn syrup and whisk until you simply cannot whisk anymore! You will want a smooth, silky consistency. Let the ganache cool at room temperature, although it can be stored in the fridge.

* When the ganache gets stiff, simply fill a larger bowl with very hot water from your tap and place the bowl of ganache in to the bowl of hot water, but do not allow water to get into the ganache. Let it stand for about 10 minutes, and then start to whisk again. Repeat process with hot water until the desired, smooth consistency is reached again.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

I like this recipe because there is no egg in it, so the cake does not rise very much, which is perfect for ice cream cake. It is a sturdy cake that can hold up to ice cream being scraped on to it, and it does not add much height to the already layered, rich ice cream cake.

Preheat to 350 degrees.

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

I cup buttermilk

* or use 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and 1 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Mix all of the above dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk ( or substitute), vanilla and oil and beat until smooth. Pour the batter into two 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until clean knife or toothpick is inserted and comes out clean as a whistle!

How to Assembly the Ice Cream Cake

Make sure your cakes are completely cooled. TIP - place the cakes in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer for a spell to get them nice and cold, so as not to melt the ice cream!

Take your ice cream and spoon out portions until half of the carton is used, and smooth onto one of the chocolate cake layers. Then, drizzle on caramel sauce ( or another flavor) and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Now, working quickly, top theother chocolate cake with the remaining ice cream and then place on top of the other cake. Place the ice cream cake on a plate and back in the freezer to harden!

Once the ice cream on the cake is hardened, it's time to pour on the ganache. * TIP- Don't buy the cheap $1.19 ice cream, it won't freeze all the way and will only cause problems. I found this out the hard way!

Ok, to pour the ganache, we first have to get the cake set up. Place a jelly roll pan, or a 9 x 13 casserole pan underneath the cake. This will catch the ganache that pours off the cake. Place the cake on top of a large wide mouth mason jar or a small mixing bowl in order to raise up the cake off the pan, and so you can pick it up after the ganache is on!

Pour the ganache onto the center of the ice cream cake quickly, using all that is in the bowl. Then, with a spatula, lightly spread the ganache from the middle to the edges in order to cover all sides of the cake. If a place didn't get covered, no worries, just use your spatula to scoop up some more ganache from the pan below and pat it into place.

Another way to spread the ganache is to carefully shake the pan underneath. This will spread the ganache from the middle to the outer edges without having to carefully use a spatula. However, be gentle when shaking, you don't want to shake your cake right off it's stand!

Once you are satisfied with your ganache, place it back into the freezer to cool down. After about 5 minutes, take it out and decorate it! Here I have coated the side with chopped pecans, and made a puddle of caramel sauce secured by some ganache and surrounded by pecans and drizzled on more caramel sauce.

The fun part about ice cream cake is there are endless variations! Try white cake and chocolate ice cream, or frost with a buttercream frosting instead of ganache. I think the next cake I will try will be a cookies and cream cake. White frosting,chocolate cake and cookies and cream ice cream with crumbled Oreos on the side and cookies on top! Or maybe mint chocolate chip.....

Split Pea Soup

2010-01-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling Split Pea Soup has been given a bad wrap over the years. I don't even like peas, in fact, I was convinced Split Pea Soup was from the devil. Well, that all changed when my mother-in-law sent me home with a bag of split peas. They sat in my cupboard for a couple weeks, until I couldn't stand the guilt. I had been putting it off and now it was time to make Split Pea Soup.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who grimaced at the sound of "Split Pea Soup." It always took some convincing, and dessert, to have people over for dinner when I would make it. However, after the first bite, it was love at first sip! The secret, I think, is that I use sausage in the soup and plenty of spice, so there's no chance for bland. Seriously, if you have never tried split pea soup, or had it once and didn't care for it, try this recipe.

Slow Cooked Split Pea Soup

The Ingredients:

1 pound sausage

1 12 oz. can chicken broth

4-6 cups water

2 1/4 cups split peas

2 potatoes

1 onion

1 tsp. majoram

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. garlic

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. thyme

Putting it together...

1. Wash the split peas in a colander and remove any stones

2. Brown the sausage and drain

3. Dice the potatoes and onion

4. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Easy as that!

Warm rolls are a great companion for this soup, or some crackers for dipping!

Super Bowl Cupcakes!

2010-01-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

These cupcakes were a big hit at last year's super bowl party. It takes a little time to decorate them all, but with a friend's help or an open afternoon, they are the perfect treat to get the party started!

Quick Gold Cake - Fannie Farmer

These cupcakes turn out with the perfect big, rounded muffin tops! This is my favorite.

2 1/4 cups cake flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. milk
2 egg

.
* This recipe will also make two 8-inch round cakes.
1. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a bowl
2. Stir in the oil and milk and beat for 2 minutes
3. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes
4. Pour into paper cups or cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until knife ( or toothpick) inserted comes out clean as a whistle!
5. Cool in the pan for a few minutes and then turn out onto a cooling rack.

For the Frosting:

My husband's favorite Powdered SugarFrosting

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoon butter

1 egg white

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon milk

4 tablespoon flour

Cream the butter, powdered sugar, egg and vanilla. Add the salt and flour, mix. Add the milk and mix on high until thoroughly whipped.

For Chocolate: Add 2 heaping teaspoons of cocoa to frosting

Decorating Time

Make a batch of green frosting and chocolate, and save a scoop out of each to leave plain for the writing on the cupcakes!

Frost half green, and half chocolate. For the green ones, use chocolate covered almonds for the footballs. Add lines for the laces on the ball and lines on the field for the yard lines. Easy as that! For the chocolate cupcakes, just add laces and they look like footballs! Add sprinkles if you want in your favorite team's colors!

TIP: If you don't have a frosting bag and tip, just use a sandwhich bag and cut a small opening at one of the corners! My mom taught me that one :)

Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls

2010-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Being new to this whole Blogging thing, I have been looking around at other peoples, and I stumbled across this one, and a new favorite : www.mommyskitchen.net

With "Old Fashioned" in the title, and the recipe all from scratch, I just had to try them! I had never made cinnamon rolls before, and I will admit I had a little trouble with the dough rising. I haven't baked with yeast much (yet), so any suggestions on why I might have goofed up, let me know!! I might have also added a little more brown sugar to the filling, and maybe some raisins and nuts?

Anyways, try the recipe! The pan didn't last long at my house...

Goodmorning Oatmeal!

2010-01-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I eat oatmeal every morning! I love how it fills me up, and literally sticks with me all morning. With my daily ritual, I've definitely got my favorite variations, and I thought I would share a couple with you!

Peanut Butter and Banana

Add to bowl of oatmeal: 1 banana sliced into thick chunks, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter ( or almond), about 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional).

Oatmeal Apple Pie

Add to bowl of oatmeal: 1/2 apple chopped, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon 100% maple syrup, and top with plain granola if you wish!

Boring Venison Steaks

2010-01-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough this season to take a blacktail buck. With a freezer full of meat, the regular rolled- in -flour n' fried steaks are getting a little redundant. I came up with a couple new ideas for garlic and peppered venison steaks cooked hot in the cast iron skillet.

The Easy Part...

1. Sprinkle thawed out steaks with garlic, salt, and pepper to taste...

2. With a tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the pan, heat to medium high. ( I have recently discovered that the best way to cook the thinner slices of venison is in a very hot pan and turning frequently as to not burn, but the moisture will stay sealed in better!)

3. Place steaks in pan and leave on one side until the blood starts to come thru to the top and then turn. Leave for a minute and then turn again and do both sides for another 45 seconds. Check for "doneness". We like the steaks still pink in the middle!

(Turn when the blood comes to the top)

4. With a fork, remove the steaks onto a plate covered with a few paper towels and set aside.

5. With the pan greasings, add about a 1/4 cup of white flour and turn constantly to brown the flour. When browned, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you get the gravy to a thick, paste like consistency.

The Fun Part...

"Steak and Gravy Toasted Sandwhich"

Toast 2 slices of bread, butter both slices, add mayonaise (key ingredient!). Add the steaks and top with the warm gravy from the pan.

"Mixed Green Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing"

Get a big plate, add salad greens and warm venison steaks. To make the dressing, add:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 cup olive oil

Variations: Cranberries, toasted almonds, veggies...whatever looks good!

A New Discovery for Day Old Biscuits

2010-01-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

There could be quite possibly nothing better than warm, fresh out of the oven homemade buttermilk biscuits. Fluffy and brushed with butter on top, melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Then, the next day something happens to those heavenly biscuits right? They loose their moisture. Well, this morning while trying to think up a different variation to my husband's usual egg breakfast, I saw those two leftover biscuits on the counter. Perfect! So, I heated up my trusty cast iron skillet, scrambled some eggs with a glug of milk ( to make the eggs go farther), shredded up some ham lunch meat,crumbled up those biscuits and got to fryin'. I wasn't quite sure at first if it was going to work, but it was looking more and more like a typical breakfast casserole. Just before the eggs were cooked thru, I added some cheddar cheese and voila! Quick and easy breakfast casserole! It looked amazing, but would the official taste tester approve? "This is seriously good.I would make the biscuits just to have them like this," he says! Woo hoo, I win the good wife award this morning for sure!

Well, needless to say I was pretty proud of my accidental discovery for left over biscuits. Maybe you have done this before or have other great ideas? I have added them to soup, such as chicken noodle, and the biscuits soak up the broth and you've got a make-shift dumpling!

Welcome

2010-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Since, I was a kid beggin' mom to let me whip up some crazy concoction in the kitchen, I have always loved cooking and baking from scratch. I hardly ever follow recipes to the "T" and I have found this has given me a very creative outlook on coming up with wonderful homecooked meals with whatever I scrounge up in the kitchen!

Being a newlywed (going on 4 months!), with a hungry and appreciative husband, I have lots of opportunities to experiment with my so-called concoctions and learn the old-fashioned, tried-and-true methods of making from scratch. A lot of my recipes are derived off others, but some of our favorite recipes have been scratched up from random leftovers and combined with hidden treasures found in the back cupboard.

Anyways, enough about me... I hope you enjoy and become inspired by some of my favorite homecooked meals and treats! I have to add, although however corny, that what really helps my recipes is that they are all made with an extra helping of love. Lots and lots of it!

Nothing is more satisfying to me than serving up my family and friends some homemade goodness and hearing nothing but..."Oohs" and "Ahhhs."