Little Bits

Little bits matter!

2012-01-26T11:20:00.004-05:00

Saving money. It's on everybody's mind. It's the current "it" topic everywhere. ...has been for some time. Followers here know I took a whole year off. We did not have a computer connection all that time. We canceled the Cable TV too. Those two together were $104 a month. ...saved $1248 last year. Did we have TV? Yes. Bought a $29 digital outside antenna and got around 28 channels....free after the first $29. I'm happy with that. Sometimes we use Netfliks. I recently found flavored coffee creamer at my local 99 center. I had been using Kroger's generic that cost $2.99 each. The two are the same size, same ingredients same quality.... indistinguishable in every way...except price. I use one bottle a week. Lets do the math. $2 savings x 52 weeks a year = $104. YAY! Now if I could only ditch my coffee habit...then I wouldn't need to buy coffee or creamer...LOL! I have also found other GREAT deals at my 99 center....particularly in the snack area and frozen fruits....we like smoothies here and frozen fruit can get pricey elsewhere! Sometimes it does not seem worth it to save a little bit here and there...but it really can be! It's easy to see the big savings like when redoing furniture or simply doing with out. But lets face it....most of us don't like to do without....we will if absolutely necessary...but we by nature don't like it. So I challenge us all to continue to seek the little ways that we can save everyday....they are worth the effort. If unsure if something it worth your time...do the math. Doing the math makes me more aware. This year on the net I think I'll focus on some of the more obscure and extreme frugal ideas.....I may try a few....we'll see! As always if you have great tips, know of good books or sights on the web...post them up in the comments section!

What's up?

2012-01-25T06:18:00.001-05:00

Some things going on around the house....bathroom walls/redo. Gonna "try" to scrape off some stucco and return walls to a smooth surface then repaint. The carpet is gonna go too. This may take the rest of winter but you'll probably see a few pictures along the way. Working on getting more fruits and veggies in our lives. Gonna be listing some very good books- frugal/christian womans/crafty- on Ebay soon...I'll add my Ebay box to the side bar for anyone is interested. Working on finishing a crochet blanket. This would be blanket #2 for me. Made with really bulky thick yarn and a huge hook...it's only the single crochet stitch...that's all I know right now....but it's FUN non the less!! Blanket #1 I used the same HUGE hook and 2 strands of regular yarn...it was very pretty. I'll show that one if I blog about the new one. Been wanting to update the look of the blog...but I've been off so long now that I kinda have to relearn my way around codes and things have changed a bit...so we'll see about that one!

14 and 40

2012-01-23T10:45:00.006-05:00

Happy Monday friends! This year my twins turned 14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BOYS!! Wow. Double WOW. They are such good kids...er...ummm...I mean young men! Boy are they changing. My guys are the first kid on the right and left...my youngest is third from the left. This is the usual crew of boys who spend lots of time at my house. I have a 16 year old daughter also...but she stayed out of all the party pictures....in fact she avoided "the boys" almost all night long....I don't blame her....LOL! They had a blast....we all were super tired the next day. It's always FUN opening our house and home to a big bunch of young people....young folk love hospitality too!! For myself and most moms I know in the same season of life, this is one of our biggest ministry fields. Don't overlook it....our young people need strong loving Christian adults in their lives....YOU can be one of them very easily...in some cases you may be the only one they get!! Here's a funny before and after, it'll speak for it's self:

I on the other hand quietly turned 40 this year. 40 is good so far.....thanks God! Thanks for everything. Have a great Monday and enjoy wherever you are at in life right now!!

This is the stuff

2012-01-20T17:53:00.002-05:00

Have a wonderful weekend folks!!!

Kale Chips

2012-01-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

Why kale chips?? Because they sounded interesting...LOL! I keep seeing recipes on the net...apparently they're an "in" thing. Well they are not in at my house. Don't get me wrong....I liked them well enough to make them again but the family....big fat NO. Oh well, was hoping it was a clever way to sneak some more greens in. Well I did come up with a super sneak that I'll share later. Kale chips are easy to make....kinda strange to eat. Kinda like paper. At first they fool you....yummy~ crunchy, salty...kinda chip like....but then as soon as the moisture in your mouth hits it...bamo...plain old kale...haha...which I happen to like....but could NOT convince the kiddos to go for. So I cheated and bought the bag of pre washed and cut kale. Don't do this. Get a bunch...the reason: The bagged stuff is too wet and the thick stems are not cut out....so it's harder to dry them out. Oven temp was suggested at 425 but that went too fast and it's easy to burn them so I reduced to 375 for about 15- 20 mins....that left the kale dry and green still with no burns. You will Need:
Kale Chips
1 bunch or bag kale
1 olive oil spray ( I used canola cuz that's what I had)
Salt
Put kale on tray, spray lightly with oil, add salt, bake @ 375 15-20 mins or till dry- your oven may vary.
Ok so that's what I did. Nobody really liked them but me.....boowho :( So what do I do with all those kale chips? I didn't want to eat them all by myself....that's a lot of kale for one gal. Share with the neighbors? They may think I'm strange. Just who comes over with kale chips anyway??? HAHA! So being the fugalista that I hope I am....I noted all the broken bits in the bottom...so I got the bright idea to crunch the whole lot up and turn it into a dupe for parsley. I used it on some roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes....the rest filled up my near empty parsley jar...everything got eaten with no complaints....LOL....epic SAVE! Kale...the new parsley....who knew....wink wink!

Post featured in:

Props on One Skillet Cookie!

2012-01-16T14:27:00.004-05:00

Do you ever spend some quiet time on the net only to discover a wonderful recipe that just screams...."go make me.... NOW!!!!" Well this afternoon whilst sipping my coffee- reading my blog roll- I ran across this.... One Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie . Oh my....with hot coffee in hand, off I went to whip this right up. One cast iron pan...one spoon...and about 15 mins. Let me say....here is mine and yes it is/was very very good...a perfect afternoon snack and being Martin Luther King Jr. day, the kids are off school...so yes I shared....good mama!

Baked as per the instructions it cooks up kinda cake like....I think next time (and oh YES there will be a next time, wink...wink.) I will slightly under bake it....I kinda like my cookies a bit more dense and ever so slightly under done.

Big thanks to: The $5 Dinner Mom's One Dish Dinner's

First Snow Day...Soup's on!!

2012-01-13T14:29:00.003-05:00

We have our fist official snow day here in cozy Ohio. Kids home from school and everything. We've been having fun all day....kinda a lazy day...but we always relax and just ENJOY our first snow day! Making Simple Soup and The Bread today....the house smells so good and the oven on is really warming the kitchen....take care and enjoy your day!!!

Use What you have: REVAMP

2012-01-09T11:50:00.007-05:00

For a while now I have wanted one of these....Not the TV but the stand. The $295 new price tag has stopped me...up till now. I decided to chop down my 90's box entertainment center....the bottom looks just like this one and there was nothing wrong with it....only the fact that it's outdated. I asked DH if he would try to chop the sides and back off and just glue the top on....guess what...it worked!! I still want to paint it black but we decided to wait a few years since the wood grain still looks good. The cost - ZERO....yep ....no $300 bucks ...no hauling to the trash....ZERO....LOVE that number! Here's a few pix's of the redo:

DH getting rid of the sides...then we glued the old top onto where the TV sits for added support...just used Elmer's glue all.

All done! SOOOOO much better! Eventually it'll be mat black...but not yet....I think it still looks good! Look around before you buy new to see if you can revamp your old- FREE!

Happy 2012!!

2012-01-02T12:18:00.003-05:00

It's been forever since I blogged!! About a year...wow! Here's to hoping 2012 is a much better year. I have missed blogging but did not have a computer connection at home all this past year. Going to the library somehow isn't that conducive to wanting to blog. I did miss it...heehe...I guess once a blogger always a blogger.

So 2012 is here and we have a whole new year set before us to do with as we please. How will you spend yours? I have high hopes for this year...2011 was hard for me in many ways. I am glad to place it in the past! C-ya around soon!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T10:19:00.002-05:00

Brrrr COLD!

2011-01-11T14:31:00.005-05:00

It's a two pair of socks kind of day here in Ohio! We also have no school today....probably tomorrow too. Brrrr... I'm cold. It's very pretty though and each time I look out the windows I can't help but feel like someone shook the snow globe. These are the types of days that I wish I still had a fireplace. Maybe one day I could look into a wood stove or some other alternative. There is just something about being wrapped up all warm and snugly in a blankie with flames at your feet. For now....it's two pairs of socks for me.

Fried Ice Cream

2011-01-07T19:08:00.007-05:00

Oh YUM doesn't that look good? It was!! We had Mexican for dinner the other night so I tried a new dessert. Mexican Fried Ice Cream.....oh my. It really isn't that hard. There are no pictures from while it was being fried because I know myself....I can't multi task that good...LOL!

Fried Ice cream
Vanilla Ice cream
Corn Flakes
sugar
cinnamon
oil to fry in (enough to submerge ball in)
Honey and whipped cream

These amounts are approximate...just eyeball it. We made 6 large balls of ice cream. Put about 2 cups cornflakes into bowl. Add 1/2 cup sugar plus 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Use hands to slightly crunch cornflakes and mix all together. Scoop ice cream into large packed ball. Roll ball in cornflake mixture, press mix in with hands. Place coated ball on plate in freezer for about 1 hour before frying to harden. Heat oil to medium high. Hold frozen coated ball in tongs and dip in hot oil for 2-4 seconds. Drain on paper towels. Place in bowl, drizzle with honey and garnish with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon.

A little bit of Heaven....

2011-01-07T04:36:00.001-05:00

A little bit of heaven in 2011. That's what I've been thinking about today. I can do that. A friendly smile here...a helping hand there. Maybe something hot and fresh baked in the kitchen or a small note sent across the miles. A warm blanket on a sleeping child who looks rather chilly. A short phone call to a dear friend far away who doesn't expect it. An offer of help before it's asked for....a warm hug. So many little things. Little things really do matter. I wanna do more nice little things....as many as possible. I wanna gift smiles all around. The world needs way more smiling faces than I've seen recently...mine included.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T04:03:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-03T12:13:00.004-05:00

Better late than never!! Did everyone have a great new year?? I had the boys 13th birthday slumber party then Christmas celebrations with my side the next day. Boy was I tired from it all!!! HAHA I can no longer burn the candle at both ends like I used to....I will not schedule big events back to back like that again....LOL! We had a good time at both events...so I guess it was worth it....but it sure makes for one s-l-o-w Monday! I have piles of laundry to catch back up and I have a head cold. Do you all do resolutions? Keeping it simple here this year...just gonna work on being a little bit better person than I was the year before....however that manages to work it's self out over the year! Happy 2011!! Here's a fun 3 generation picture from the Christmas party.

My Mom, My Daughter and myself

Birthday Boys!!!

2010-12-31T10:21:00.003-05:00

Happy 13th Birthday Eric and Steve!! Be kind to your Mom during those teen years! You have both been a blessing and Joy in my life!

Love,

Mom

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T09:58:00.002-05:00

Christmas tree and goodies 12/24/2010

It's ALMOST Here!!!

2010-12-27T10:13:00.005-05:00

The New Year is almost here! WOW! Isn't this photo pretty? Have you ever felt like this? Standing before a bridge in life that you must cross over....not really sure what's on the other side?? Oh the mystery...oh the intrigue! This new year is going to bring a lot of CHANGE to my home and life....I'm sure I'll blog about it all along the way....cuz once you're a blogger....well you're a blogger! Only my bloggie friends will truly understand that one-HA!

Did everyone have a beautiful Christmas? My Christmas isn't over until Jan 1st when I get to pack up the kids and visit with my parents...I can't wait to see them! Family is just great this time of year, aren't they?

For fun here's a partial repost that has some wonderful leftover uses for Ham. I prefer my leftover ham on a big fluffy roll with loads of mayo and a squirt of Dijon mustard as sandwiches all week long...but here's some others:
Ham
First Meal: Nice sliced Ham dinner with whatever sides you like.
Leftover meals:
Great northern beans w/chopped ham added and cornbread
Sliced hot ham sandwiches with melted American or Swiss cheese on buns, serve with baked beans.
Scalloped potatoes w/ham chunks, maybe with fruit and salad. I honestly just buy the Betty Crocker box of cheese (Au gratin?) or scalloped potatoes and make according to box recipe but add cubed ham to them...you could slice your own potatoes and make a white or cheese sauce and layer it all up but I get the box for this one.
Mac and Cheese w/ham chunks I like to throw peas in but the kids hate it this way so I don't do it as often.
Ham salad sandwiches- grind ham, add mayo and relish.
Ham and cheese omelet
Ham and cheese Quiche- this is an egg pie, just line a pie plate with a shell, fill with ham, shredded cheese, maybe some chopped veggies if you have them.Then mix 2 cups milk with about 3 eggs and some salt and pepper. Stir well and pour into pie plate till it reaches the top- you may have leftover egg mix if your pie plate is really full- just pitch it. Cook about 350 degrees till egg is set, maybe 35-45 mins....again maybe longer depends on how fat your pie is. Let cool for about 10 mins or so, cut and eat.

These ideas came from the post Leftover Chicken Meals + MORE!!!

Break Time!!!

2010-11-19T03:00:00.002-05:00

Taking a l-o-n-g blog break thru the Holidays!! May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a very special and blessed new year!

Cinnamon Tortillas

2010-11-17T06:03:00.000-05:00

This is a quick side or dessert to serve with any Mexican meal. They are good to dip in warm apple pie filling or with some vanilla ice cream with cinnamon sprinkled over.

You will need: 1 pk flour tortillas
Cinnamon sugar (equal parts sugar and cinnamon)
butter flavored spray or melted butter

Spray both side of tortilla with butter flavored spray. Sprinkle on cinnamon sugar. Cut into 8 slices. Arrange on baking try. Bake at 350 for 12-50 mins...flip over half way through. Watch them...the sugar can burn fast!

Confused

2010-11-16T05:55:00.000-05:00

My mini rose bush is terribly confused. It's still blooming!! I cut a few off and brought them in to enjoy. It's all this warm weather- I still had ripe tomatoes last week!! I don't really mind as I get to enjoy the beauty a wee bit longer!

Wanted: Dead or Alive??

2010-11-15T05:42:00.001-05:00

My trash can has hung a wanted poster for one Mr. Jack Pumpkin....last seen Oct. 31 2010.
I fund him hiding out on my front porch....I presumed dead....well look at him...poor guy:
When I peeked inside... SURPRISE!!! He's all sorts of alive! Kinda gross...yet kinda cool. I've never let one rot quite this bad- it's been really warm here in Ohio....I'm a bad pumpkin momma! Too bad I don't home school...could have been a nice science teaching in there somewhere....LOL!

Family Fun

2010-11-13T06:17:00.000-05:00

Here's how we spent halloween this year...GOOD TIMES!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Meet The Parents

2010-11-12T05:01:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad. They gave me a great start in life and helped shape the person I am today!! They came and spent Halloween with us...we had a great time! We grilled steaks...it was pretty warm that day...probably the last grill meal for a while. None of my kids went trick or treating this year....so having a nice dinner was something fun to do instead!! Love ya Mom and Pops!!!

Guacamole

2010-11-11T10:52:00.005-05:00

The Guacamole recipe that we served with the Mexican Chicken Chili....this was taught to me by my Aunt Linda years ago when I stayed a few weeks one summer with her and her beautiful family!
2 ripe avocados
1 7 oz can chopped green chilies
1 small tomato, chopped
chopped onion to taste
salt and pepper to taste
splash vinegar, lemon or lime juice
Peel and seed avocados. Add splash of vinegar (this keeps it from browning) Mash with fork till smoothish- we like to leave a few chunks. Add all the rest. Eat and enjoy!

Laundry Cube

2010-11-09T11:53:00.002-05:00

So I asked my middle son to bring me the laundry today...here's what I got! LOL!

The life of a blogger.

2010-11-08T05:55:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging for over 2 years now!! Wow it went fast.....but life always does. Blogging has changed me in a funny way. I notice things more.....and I click my camera more. Little things that only used to give me a smile...may find their way out in cyber space! I do take a lot more pictures than I ever used to...digital cameras make that so easy!! There is not one picture form 10 years ago with anything that I've cooked...well maybe an occasional snap of a turkey or a birthday cake...but that's it! Now there's a ton of my creations on film ...heehe! I have recently been thinking about printing my blog out for my children in year instalments for later. There are many places online that do this for you....it's kinda cool! I've even thought of making a small family recipe book as a keepsake. Blogging is a really easy way to capture life. Maybe one day my children will look back on some of the memories of our life here. That's a kinda cool thought! Do you share your blog with family and friends?

What Love Really Means...

2010-11-07T05:44:00.001-05:00

2010-11-06T04:39:00.000-04:00

~ A GOOD MEMORY IS ONE THAT CAN REMEMBER THE DAY'S BLESSING'S AND FORGET THE DAY'S TROUBLES ~

Mexican Chicken Chili

2010-11-05T06:09:00.001-04:00

Here's the dinner menu we served at our fall get together with the Grandparents M.

Mexican Chicken Chili

Cornbread

Blue nachos served with homemade guacamole

Cheddar cheese and sour cream to top the chili

Veggie tray

Here's how to make the Chili....the guacamole recipe will come soon!

Mexican chicken Chili
1 Pk McCormick's White Chicken Chili mix (if you can not find this...use cumin, garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt and pepper to taste...maybe a little corn starch to help thicken it all.)
1 can diced tomato and green chili, undrained
1 can great northern beans, undrained
1 can corn, undrained
1 (or more) lbs Chicken cubed
In a large soup pot...saute chicken till done. Add seasoning pack and 1 cup water. Dump all three undrained canned items into pot. (This is why I call this a dump dinner..LOL!) Heat through 10-15 mins and serve. Here's what it looks like done:

I serve it with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream...YUM:

Me cooking it...
Post included in the recipe swap @ TheGrocerycartChallenge.

Fun with Grandparents

2010-11-03T05:09:00.000-04:00

I didn't get any pictures from the meatball party with my brother and his wife...but we had so much FUN and the food was great! They stayed late and we played many rounds of euchre. I am still learning the ins and outs of that game and my team did not win...but it was a blast! The very next day we had out my husbands Father and Mother for an easy dinner of Mexican Chicken Chili. I'll share that recipe and maybe one for guacamole later. We served the guacamole with blue corn chips, salsa, and a big old pan of cornbread. I usually don't do one party right after the other...but since the house was already cleaned and I had planned an easy dump dinner for the next day after the labor intensive meatball party...it was a no brainer to go ahead and invite the Grandparents M. out to spend the evening in fellowship with us! It is so easy to share a big old pot of chili anyway!! I call it a dump dinner because it's just crack some cans of stuff and dump it all in a big pot to simmer...HAHA!

VOTE

2010-11-02T05:12:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 29:2
2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Etsy Shop

2010-10-30T20:44:00.006-04:00

Ok I finally did it. I got off my rumpus dumpis and got the Etsy shop started! From now until about forever I will be listing all sorts of goodies. There will be Earrings of course....did you know it takes a long time to list a bazillion pairs? HAHA! There will also be crochet hair scrunchies, candles and maybe some soap jackets/cozies (those are cute little hand stitched or crocheted pretties you wrap around your soaps to pile them up in a cute basket...these may or may not come with soap). There may even end up being some toy felt food....and other fun felt things. Wish me luck and pop on by for a look see sometime!! Thanks !

P31 Gems Designs by Jennifer Miano

Rose when I list the items made with your beads I'll include a linky in the add to your shop!!

There will be a box on the side bar showing current listings.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2010-10-30T05:29:00.000-04:00

Recipe:
Wash your pumpkin seeds in a colander...get as much pulp off as possible...then rinse. They will still feel slimy but that's OK and normal. Dry them some in a towel then dump into a large bowel. Coat with olive oil -how much depends on how many seeds you do. Just coat them well....this helps the salt stick and keeps them from sticking to the pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cook in a single layer in a 325 oven for 30 to 50 mins....turning every 10 mins. You want them to dry out and be a light golden brown color....SO GOOD! You can add things like garlic and herbs when you add the salt...or go sweet and add sugar and cinnamon (no salt)...we like them savory here more!

Not only do I LOVE to just sit and eat them by the handful as a snack...they also make the perfect crunchy, toasty addition to your salad. So good this way. Pumpkin seeds are very healthy for you....so next time you carve a pumpkin....keep and use the seeds! You can find these at the store already done too if you don't ever carve pumpkins...just check the back to make sure they use good wholesome ingredients.

Fall Apple Upside down Cake

2010-10-29T05:40:00.001-04:00

Apples are so fall to me! This is such and easy cake...try it sometime!

Apple Upside down Cake
1/2 boxed cake mix (Yellow, white or spice.)
2 small apples peeled and diced
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
cinnamon- to taste
Heat oven to 350 degrees...place butter in pan and pan in oven to melt the butter...watch carefully to NOT burn!!! Add brown sugar to butter in pan...stir a little to mix. Place apples on top of butter/sugar. Sprinkle with Cinnamon. Mix up 1/2 of the cake mix*** Pour over apples. Be sure to cover the apples. Bake till done....about 15-25 mins. Take knife and go around rim of pan to loosen cake. Carefully invert onto a plate or platter..be CAREFUL the topping is HOT! Enjoy!!

***If your boxed cake calls for 3 eggs, just use one...it'll still rise. Spray pan if not using non stick. I used a white cake here in the photos and added some cinnamon right into the batter....so good!

Fall Favorite Revamp!

2010-10-28T05:03:00.003-04:00

Do you not love Candy Corn during the fall season?? Here's a really quick, easy and GOOD way to serve this treat! Mix equal amounts candy corn with dry roasted salted peanuts. OMGosh...it's SO good! It cuts the candy "too sweet" taste and makes it kinda taste like a Payday candy bar...plus you'll be getting some good protein along with your sugar punch!

This post linked over at The Grocery Cart Challenge recipe swap!!

Before and After

2010-10-27T06:07:00.002-04:00

Before (last week)
After (today)

We had really BAD storms here in Ohio yesterday will HIGH winds...the highest gust near us was 81 MPH!!!! Oh my!!!

Fall Fixups

2010-10-26T04:43:00.000-04:00

A few quick shots of the kitchen and dining room all gussied up for fall:

There's those yummy cupcakes again ;)

More Dry Erase Marker Love!

My Favorite Butter Cream

2010-10-25T16:27:00.009-04:00

***USE WITH CAUTION***

(Because it's THAT good)

(HAHA)

Butter cream Icing

1 1/2 c softened butter (3 sticks)

4 c powdered sugar

1/4 c milk

1/2 T vanilla

Beat butter with hand mixer on high speed till light and fluffy. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and mix well. Add remaining powdered sugar...once incorporated (it will seem WAY too dry) add milk and vanilla- beat 2 mins more till light and fluffy. Frost cake. Store any leftovers in fridge for up to a week.

Seems too dry and all wrong....but wait!

Perfectly good!!

This is what we served for dessert at the Meat Ball Party! Chocolate cupcakes with the butter cream icing. We topped a few with some mini chocolate chips...our favorite. So Good!

Meatball Dinner Party

2010-10-22T16:07:00.003-04:00

My brother and his wife will join us for a nice meatball dinner on Saturday! Spent the afternoon making meatballs and cupcakes. Can't wait to see you guys!!! Here's the recipe and how to for Great Italian Meatballs! Sometime over the weekend or early next week I'll share the recipe for my favorite butter cream icing and our favorite way to use it on cupcakes.....so stay tuned friends!!!

Pumpkin Carving at Grandma's

2010-10-21T06:45:00.002-04:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thank you granny for opening you heart and home to bless us with family fellowship and wonderful fall harvest blessing memories for years to come!! We forgot to read our favorite harvest poem:

When the Frost is on the Punkin
Mr. James Whitcomb Riley (1853–1916)

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here—
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossoms on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries—kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover overhead!—
O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the cellar-floor in red and yaller heaps;
And your cider-makin's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With theyr mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and sausage too!...
I don't know how to tell it—but ef such a thing could be
As the angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me—
I'd want to 'commodate 'em—all the whole-indurin' flock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

P.S. Don't forget to roast those pumpkin seeds!!!

Dry Erase Marker Luv

2010-10-20T04:34:00.000-04:00

Good things can happen when you have dry erase markers and time on your hands!!! Any slick surface will do. I plan on drawing bats on my windows in black for Halloween ;) Cheap...easy and wipes right off.

Added some scripture to a picture (on glass) in the kitchen

Added a cute saying in the guest bathroom ("Hi"...I should have waved)

"A day hemmed in prayer seldom unravels" I tried to make it look stitched

It'd be cute to write little love notes to your kids or husband in their bathrooms :)

Easy No Boil Mac and Cheese #2

2010-10-19T05:15:00.002-04:00

I wish I could take credit for this recipe- it's THAT good...but I can't!! Gail over at The Grocery Cart Challenge has it Here. Go check her blog out....LOVE IT!! I did half her original recipe.

Easy No Boil Mac and Cheese
8 ounces cottage cheese (I used small curd)
8 ounces of uncooked macaroni (I used shells this time)
8 ounces water
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Salt, pepper- optional
Put cottage cheese, dry noodles, cheese and water in an 8x8 pan. Mix together well. Place in preheated 350 degree oven. Take out after 30 minutes and stir up good....the warm bits of cottage cheese will melt right in and mix with cheese to make a beautiful sauce. Take a bite to see if noodles are cooked through...be careful it'll be HOT! You can go up to 10 mins more...but don't over bake...it'll dry out. Serve as is or you could always add mushrooms, onions, cooked ground beef, ham, peas or even chili stirred in the end for chili mac! Let your imagination guide you. Eat and Enjoy!!!

This version is really good and more kinda like the shells and cheese you get from a box in texture. My original recipe found here is very rich and more a custardy old fashioned granny home style kind of mac and cheese...both recipes are pure cheesy goodness! This new recipe saves about half the cooking time...LOVE that!!

**If you'd like it a little saucier...just add a few more ounces water**

Monday HUGS 4 My Friends!!!

2010-10-18T14:41:00.004-04:00

We had a great weekend and carved pumpkins at the kids Granny's house!! It was FUN...I'll string the pictures together into a video to share later! Mom made a yummy vat of chili and got a beautiful Harvest Blessings cake! Perfect!!

Here's a sneak peek....

On and Off day!!

2010-10-15T12:11:00.002-04:00

Today is an on and off day!!

On: It's time to vanquish the bathroom monster! So far I've cleaned out the linen closet- where does it all come from. Goodwill will get a major blessing of sheets, towels, and pillowcases...somehow all mismatched. Then it's off to tackle under the sink and overflow products. Finally it's the real battle...cleaning! Not my favorite job...but I LOVE the afterglow!!

Off: Hubs said order pizza tonight! YAY! So honestly I don't mind the bathroom battle cuz I won't have to cook later- maybe I'll squeeze in a few other grubby projects. Hubs likes when I clean the bathroom cuz I wear white shorts and a white T shirt. (The joys of bleach) He has in the past called me the bathroom angel. I've always liked to wear white when I clean. Bleach spills never show...or if I get really grubby I can just bleach the whole outfit in the wash. HAHA!

Ball Jar Soap Dispenser

2010-10-11T12:20:00.007-04:00

To make a ball jar soap dispenser you will need the following:

One small ball jar with lid and band
one old pump soap bottle

To make. Take the pump off your old soap bottle. Now cut out the part you screw the pump into with a little extra around the rim so you can hold it. This becomes how you attach it to your ball jar lid. Next punch a hole into the ball jar lid just slightly smaller than the pump screw hold piece. This part was kinda hard so hubby helped me with a hole punch and some metal snips. Attach pump to lid....secure underneath with plastic piece. You can glue it if you need to, or use a rubber o ring to snug it all up. Fill with liquid soap and enjoy! You can paint the whole lid any color you like with spray paint to match your decor. I left mine natural because the rusty color went well with my kitchen. These things are pricey in the Gooseberry Patch catalog...around $24.00!!! :O

If you want even more ball jar cuteness for your kitchen check out how to make ball jar salt and pepper shakers here:

Ball jar salt and pepper shakers

Fall makes me miss.....

2010-10-09T18:21:00.003-04:00

Nest The Mess....

2010-10-08T14:24:00.006-04:00

Here is my island counter top. There you see my sugar bowl, salt & pepper shakers and our napkins. Cute??? Yes....but a PAIN! When it's time to make noodles, kneed bread, or even just clean up the counter....I have to move all those things... one at a time. I finally found something cute to solve the problem....and yes...cute matters.

A cute little wall decoration from Goodwill.....all of 50 cents! It'll make a cute little nesting place!It's no trouble at all to pick the unit up to either move when baking or just lift up to wash the counter!! A little thing at little cost to make life easier.

WIN/WIN!!!

Happy Friday Blog friends....go have a wonderful weekend!

Pan Burgers

2010-10-07T12:24:00.005-04:00

Today's recipe is more bout a new method than a recipe. Most times you'll see this on the web for mini White Castle type burgers...but during the winter when I don't want to grill, this method works very well and is super fast! WAY faster than pan frying. Here we go.....mix your ground beef (any type or even ground turkey, lamb or chicken) with whatever spices you like. I just like salt pepper and a little Worcestershire sauce. Use about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs meat for a 15 x 11 in pan. USE A RIMMED PAN to avoid the mess of oil. Use less meat for a smaller pan...a 9x13 cake pan would be nice for a smaller family...we feed six...hence the larger pan. Pat meat out in pan. Use your fingers to poke little holes in meat. I then placed diced onion (optional) over half the meat and pressed the onions in. Cook at 400 for 15 to 25 mins. Till done to your liking...we like well done- no pink. Just watch it the first time then adjust from there. I did have to pull the pan out once during cooking and strain off some oil. You could use a leaner meet or a higher edged pan...but straining was NO BIG DEAL! When done cut into squares to fit your hamburger buns! We have also cut these before into rectangular slabs to fit hoggie buns and topped with pizza sauce and cheese or sauteed onions and peppers with cheese...YUM! Any way I hope you try this quick and easy process!

Fair FUN!

2010-10-04T14:42:00.005-04:00

It's Monday....and it's quiet at my house. That's a good thing! My kiddos have been off school for a full week! It was County Fair week and our school just goes ahead and closes down as most the students are very involved in 4H and fair things. Anyway....it was a long but fun week filled with lots to do! We got everything done and here I sit quietly home...catching up the house and calming my nerves frazzled by a too busy schedule of the last week! I don't know how it happened (LOL...I fib...) but somehow we've added to our animal friends yet again! I swear my home is a zoo! The kids better take away loads of fun memories wink wink!! We've added: one hedgehog, one gold fish (he came home form the fair), one gerbil and two long tailed green grass lizards. I feel like a brand new mommy all over again! HAHA If I get around to taking pictures....I'll share. But here's a few pictures from the fair....what FUN!

Facebook & Friends

2010-10-03T11:55:00.003-04:00

Hi bloggie friends! If you'd like to be FB friends here's the linky....please just let me know you're a blog buddie...thanks!

Jennifer Paul Miano

Create Your Badge

Here's the Blog's FB page:

Little Bits

Promote Your Page Too

Home To You

2010-10-01T13:20:00.002-04:00

Enjoy your weekend friends!

Zucchini Bread

2010-09-29T12:47:00.006-04:00

Zucchini puree

My dear Brother is still bringing me zucchini! His garden went in late so the goodies are still coming! This zucchini bread is kinda the same recipe as the applesauce bread with just a few minor changes. Zucchini being the main one!

1 2/3 cups white or wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoon spices (cinnamon, all spice or even pumpkin pie spice)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup zucchini puree
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vinegar

350 degrees x 35 mins. In 8 inch ungreased pan mix all dry ingredients together. Mix all wet ingredients together in a large measuring cup then add to dry. Mix all to combine. Wipe sides of pan...bake at 350 for about 35 mins. To get zucchini puree...just peal, cube, boil and mash your zucchini.

Mixed up batter and extra puree for freezer

Finished Bread- Yum

You can make pumpkin bread with this recipe too. And even banana bread...but for banana bread please use plain white sugar and add a bit of vanilla instead of any spices so you don't overwhelm the banana taste. I usually use 2 mashed small bananas.

Monday Midday Shlumpies.....

2010-09-27T14:32:00.002-04:00

Small Pebbles....

2010-09-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

Seems like I'm throwing pebbles out in the vast sea of the world again. It may be something small....but truth is always worthy. It's just a simple letter. It may or may not have an effect. I sincerely hope it does. I hope many others have tossed pebbles lately too! If you'd like to chuck one in yourself...here's where to toss it:

Launch your own pebble

Dear TLC,
I am writing to you to express concern and disappointment in your choice to air the new series Sister Wives, a series dedicated to polygamy. This is not at all proper content. It is illegal in all 50 states. It is immoral. To put it in a platform of a show to be watched and followed week after week leads to concern over what the true intent is. Polygamy is not something to be excepted or soft peddled or portrayed in away that gives it any legitimacy what so ever. These women struggle so because even their very inner being cries out to the injustice and harm polygamy causes. It ruins lives, it hurts women, it hurts children, it hurts families and even our very country whose foundations are in God, the Bible and strong traditional family values. That being one man and one woman together raising their family. I, as well as many others ,will not be watching TLC any longer if this is the program content put forth. Please make a stand for truth in this area and remove all such content from your listings.
Thank you for your time and the consideration...
Sincerely,
Jennifer Miano

A nothing Post kind of day!

2010-09-22T11:47:00.005-04:00

Heehe I have nothing good to post about today! No insights...tips...not even a good recipe =] But I felt like a blog post anyway HA! Life has been busy! I have a baby shower to attend soon...and this shower is a hard one for me! The parents don't want things really baby and cute....NO pastels....NO baby animals...nadda, zip, zilch. Their theme colors are red, black and white. I found one red, black and white teething ring and a baby monitor (white)....now I'll be going to find a non "baby" bag to wrap it in....I'm thinking something in black and white with red tissue paper. If you've got a moment...pray for this shower for me! It's in the family and inlaws don't get along so great...yet they are trying to host this party together....needless to say there is a lot of stress around this "event". My one hope is that the Momma to be doesn't feel this stress and that HER party goes well! Cuz it's about and for her and the baby after all ;) Sometimes party throwers forget that ;)

The busy season is getting ready for our household too! Birthdays all coming up and the start of the holiday season....we count Halloween the start! I'd like to have a few extra people out this fall and am hoping God provides the means , time and ability to do so!

Around the house- We plan to paint my boy's room this month! It's the last room that needs done right now...well the master bath does too but it's more involved as it's stucco type walls need resurfaced....so it may be years before we decide to tackle that one! The boy's room is kinda a large room so it'll take a few nights to accomplish! I have been price shopping some bedding for them...nothing fancy or theme-ish...just something in a nice blue or brown...they have a jade green carpet and blue brown or even maybe burgundy would "go" with it. I'm hoping to find something that will last through high school...basic and universal...."Big Boy room stuff" The twins are turning 13 in December and their brother is now 11 so I think we're done with cowboys, Transformers and theme rooms! I'll try to take pictures of the redo!

I've gotten out my tub of fall goodies and am having fun placing the beautiful colored decorations about the home! I love doing that sort of thing even if it is work!

Hope everyone has a great week ahead! Lift each other up in prayer and continue to touch those whom God brings into your life!

Quick Applesauce Cake~ Yum

2010-09-16T18:03:00.005-04:00

Here's the applesauce cake tutorial! This is the perfect time of year for this goodie! Enjoy!

Quick Applesauce cake

1 2/3 cups white or wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoon spices (cinnamon, all spice or even pumpkin pie spice)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vinegar

350 degrees x 35 mins. In 8 inch ungreased pan mix all dry ingredients together. Mix all wet ingredients together in a large measuring cup then add to dry. Mix all to combine. Wipe sides of pan...bake at 350 for about 35 mins. Let cool...then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Eat and ENJOY! I recommend out on the back porch with a steamy hot cup of coffee....then go for a walk and let the newly fallen leaves crinkle and crackle under your feet as you walk!

Rose's Beads

2010-09-13T10:43:00.010-04:00

If you haven't met my new bloggie friend Rose over at I'm a Frugal Gal you simple have to stop on by during your daily cruise on the net! She is a wonderfully inspired frugalista! You will learn fun recipes and new ways to save $$$ and much more! Rose is super generous and is offering a free....yes FREE PDF right now to help you with your Christmas gift making and giving called Gifts in a Jar Recipes and Ideas check out her blog post for the download, you don't want to miss it!!

I think this is the perfect year to bless those on your gift list with something lovingly made with your own two hands! I just love homemade handmade Christmas's!! Rose is also very talented in Lampworking. Lampworking is making beautiful handmade glass beads. Check out her post here to learn more about this interesting art!! I happen to make and sell handmade earring through eBay here and there. There are plans for a website in the near future...so stay tuned dearest readers! Rose was so very generous to send me a sample of her work-OMGosh-they are simply beautiful! You MUST see them!!

Here's an up close of a few that weren't mounted yet....look at those colors!!

Here's the rest of the beautiful beads made into earrings!!

What FUN...thank you so much Rose for the beautiful beads!!

The pictures honestly don't do justice for the beautiful rich colors in her beads!! I so need a better camera~

9/11

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Remember......

EASY Macaroons

2010-09-10T15:42:00.005-04:00

Ok I have a little thing with coconut....we have a little somethin' somethin' going on. I've blogged about it before here. . .So along comes this easy peasy macaroon recipe. We're instant friends...just like that! It's so easy....yummmmmmmmmmm

Easy Macaroons

2 1/3 cups coconut (I used sweetened and dried)
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 t. vanilla

350 dedrees x 10-12 mins.
Mix all till coconut is coated. Drop by teaspoons ful onto greese cookie sheet. Remove at once from sheet to cooling rack.

BLT Cheat

2010-09-08T14:47:00.003-04:00

I love bacon. I HATE to fry it. It makes the whole back of the house smell like bacon for days. It gets me greasy. I can't just fry a few pieces because a my family of 6 eats a ton. I usually bake it in the oven....that I can handle. Today I wanted a BLT and had the fresh hot tomatoes right off the plant. So I cheated....BIG time. And you know what.....it was perfectly good! All the bacon taste ....none of the bacon work. The secret weapon?? Bacon bits....good ones that actually taste like bacon. And a nice THICK layer of Mayo to hold them on although on the sandwhich in the picture they rested on the juicy tomatoes....that worked too. Try it one day......it makes BLT's that much easier!!

Some Songs.....

2010-09-07T05:45:00.001-04:00

Some songs just have something about them that can bring a smile to my face....this is one of them. I can't help but smile =]

LONG shot help here

2010-09-06T17:40:00.008-04:00

Do any of my bloggie friends sell items from their blog using a paypal buy it now merchant tab...one of these guys?? I was hoping to add a few items on a separate blog to sell on... but I can't get the thing to work right :( Something about how blogger bookmarks their pages. It's a code nightmare. I tried to read up on it (google is my friend) but it seems kinda complicated..apparently it used to work with blogger...but paypal changed things on their end and now it maybe doesn't....ugh....anybody know? I will spend more time looking but if anyone's got the "short answer" do tell! If not it's back to the drawling board...intuit has nice hosting services @ $4.95 a month and you can buy a domain from them for around $10 a year. I have been selling for years now on eBay but may move onto something else....Etsy is an option too...but the buy it now tabs on a blogger page could have been totally FREE and I could easily linky it all up through here and have it all matchy and cute....yes matchy and cute matter to me-lol!!! I like the free part! I don't like the I have to figure it out on my own because I'm not paying someone else to do it for me part. Intuit w/domain is around $70 a year. You'd only have a fee with paypay...eBay and etsy both charge nice percentage of sales fees....those can all add up. Well anyway....IF and that's a pretty big IF right now, I ever get it all up and going....I will happily announce the opening of my very own little estore somewhere out there in cyber world! For now...you will continue to see my items listed through the eBay gadget on the top right corner column. Thanks friends!

Here's a quickie peek at the place I was working on...."seemed" simple...use blog page...upload a picture...add a tab....sell item and collect through paypal....seemed is the key word there =]

Excuse the black areas....had to block out the important bits ;)

Monster Moe

2010-09-06T12:51:00.005-04:00

Remember Larry, Curly, and Moe ? Those were my three little tomato plants. Larry and Curly died...poor little guys. But Moe? Well Moe did what all little seedlings dream of doing! He grew up BIG and Strong....and has blessed us with tons of tomatoes! In fact Moe has grown into quite a monster! He grew right out of the flower bead and took over the sidewalk! I should have staked him up better...but I honestly thought he was gonna die too. Little did I know! Good job Moe!!

Garden Blessings....

2010-09-05T10:37:00.007-04:00

Melons from Jason and Becky

Tomatoes in bread bowl

2010-09-04T12:20:00.001-04:00

Handmade Happiness !

2010-09-02T21:27:00.005-04:00

Over the next few weeks I'm gonna be listing some handmade earrings on eBay! You'll be able to see them through the eBay link in the top right sidebar. I have thought about an etsy shop but simply haven't had time to check them out! If anyone is interested there will be some really cute items at really good prices. These would make lovely Christmas gifts for teachers, office party exchanges, family, friends and even super cute low cost stocking stuffers! I know, I know....Christmas already?? Well it's never too early to start...in fact it's even better to get it all done early! Good luck if you bid and thanks for looking!!

Fall Feathering!

2010-09-01T23:31:00.004-04:00

U-Pick Apples, Five Cents

Yes!! It's September now friends! Time to feather my little bloggie nest all up for fall. Thecutestblogontheblock.com has some really CUTE fall backgrounds and they are FREE....can't get much better than free in my book!! For the start of the beautiful fall season...I made a brand new mix in the pan applesauce cake from the homemade applesauce I made the other day. Boy it was good! I may make another and do a video tutorial....it's been a while for one of those. I really like the mix in the pan cakes because they are so very simple! So keep your ears perked for that recipe and video to show up soon! I hope everybody is having a wonderful week! I'm thinking about fall fun fix ups for around the home....I'll share a few fun crafty things for sure!! Count your blessings and make your blessings count!! Live simply to give generously!!

Monday, Monday......

2010-08-30T12:40:00.003-04:00

Autumnal Reflections
The first official week of school is over. It went very well. It's always nice when things in life run smoothly. I'm still adjusting to the early wake up. 6 am and I have never really been true friends....but I'm trying very hard! I always do like it more when I get up early....so much time to get things done...even extra things.....or just nice time to linger over hot coffee and the Word. But just because I like it more...doesn't mean it's easier to do!

Fall is coming fast and for us that means more house projects as the yard work goes away. We have been in this home for about 7 years now and have recently discovered that the roof was put on wrong! The roof was only a few years old when we bought the home. It's always been HOT hot hot upstairs so DH finally cut a spot in the ceiling upstairs to get a look see. Turns out the roof ridge vent is sealed off!! We have since contacted the roofer about the installation error and they are going to set an appointment to come see. We are hoping that they will fix this for us free and make it right....please send up prayers that they will make it right! This repair will so help with our energy costs in heating and cooling this home.

Is anybody else looking forward to chilly nights...hot soups and warm baked breads? I am!!! I'm even thinking ahead to a chili party with my family....2 or 3 big vats of chili- white chicken chili, regular homemade type and maybe a Cincinnati type chili....YUM- cheese, crackers and cornbread to round it all out! I've been thinking about making a separate entertaining notebook with recipes for a crowd at my fingertips. When my DH's side all gets together that's about 25...my side is easy with only about 12. I'd like to get more organised in that area as it can be a source of stress for me at times! If you've got some great bulk recipe large crown dishes ...please feel free to share! I may blog about it as I get going. Hints and tips on easier entertaining appreciated too! Frugal choices are much appreciated also....I HAVE noticed both sides aren't getting together as much....it seems everyone is tighter right now....what a shame...people need to come together more not less during times of hardship.

As we wave a fond farewell to summer I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!

Apples

2010-08-25T18:55:00.005-04:00

Apples for applesauce from Jason and Becky... Thanks guys!! Peel, core, chop, cook, mush, eat!!

Back to School!

2010-08-24T11:33:00.003-04:00

Yep the kids are back to school!!! I like to take the first few weeks to get back to studying more myself!! 2Tim 2:12 "Study to show thyself approved unto God.."
~ Just as my kids need good rest for school....so do we parents! Resting in the Lord helps me to be ready for whatever the day throws at me- most days it's a LOT!
~Healthy breakfasts produce results! Along with good physical food...don't forget your spiritual food!

Along with my bible studies I have picked up what I hope to be a great book....it's about Evangelical Feminism and how it's killing our families, our churches and our country. The book is well over 550 pages so I hope over the next few months to get through it. If it's good I may do a review!

I've done a bit of sprucing up around the house and am getting ready to swap out curtains....I hang heavier ones for fall in certain areas. I usually start to decorate for fall in September and give the home a good scrub as the holiday's near....I may do a home tour then when things are all cute! I love fall decorating.....the rich earthy colors go so well in my house!! Can't wait!! We recently cleaned and moved into our family room a large blue couch my brother had gifted me! I'm super excited about this change....it's HUGE and could hold 5 people!!! Seating has always been tight here when we host the holidays...not any more! I hope to work on hospitality more this year and open my home to more people as the Lord leads....more than just at Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Oh here's a picture of the book I'll be keeping chair side for the next few months...if you've read it....did you like it?

The Father's Love

2010-08-13T11:44:00.002-04:00

Pass the tissues please =]

Thoughts on the horizon

2010-08-09T12:05:00.004-04:00

Haven't been out blogging in a bit! Lots going on at hearth and home! School starts soon...summer's winding down...and ALL yes ALL our weekends have somehow filled up lately. We have been doing too much I think...but it's over soon. LOL! Sometimes life just gets all hurried up....I don't like it much that way but sometimes it's hard to help. Blogging is always one of the first things to go when time gets short....probably because the computer for me...can be too much of a time waster. Hope all's well out there for everyone! I can see I won't be posting regular again till sometime after August! Continue blessing your family, home and friends... STOP worrying about the world and all it's troubles...God's got that all under control, promise!!

~Moxie

Glass Jar Picture Frames

2010-07-17T14:26:00.008-04:00

Really EASY craft + great recycle use= one cute frugal display.

You will need:

Cleaned jars of various sizes and shapes
pictures
scissors
Cut pictures to fit the height of your jar and insert. How cute is that? See I told ya it was easy. You can flip the jars either way...if you have the top open where the rim is....I would tie some cute ribbon around and let some dangle down or raffia for a natural look. I'm thinking about saving a bunch more and filling one whole shelf on my bookcase....if I do I'll snap a photo later!!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Thanksgiving in July!!

2010-07-15T19:37:00.009-04:00

Yes it's true. I cooked a thanksgiving dinner 2 days ago. The turkey was bought last Thanksgiving when birds were 59 cents per pound. So I've been reading about different ways to cook them and I finally got the nerve to try cooking my turkey from frozen. I've never had the guts to do it on the BIG DAY....cuz like what if it didn't work? Couldn't risk it. Well it DID work! It was SO easy! I lament all the years of thawing and no room in the fridge for DAYS and running cold water over my "why is it NOT thawed after 4 days like it should be" turkey. I cooked this 12 pound bird from frozen and it only took 3 1/2 hours! No leaky salmonella juice everywhere...no slippery large bird to deal with. Straight from the freezer to the oven...3 mins prep at best! I'll post a video and linky to the information. Instructions here

Here's a few snaps of my bird. I actually think he was done earlier ....but when I opened the foil cover (no lid to my roaster) and probed him with the thermometer...he was done... almost over done in fact!

I think my Thanksgiving Day dinner just got a lot EASIER! Wow...double wow.....this makes me almost giddy! I know....I'm a dork. =]

Check out some older posts on Thanksgiving:
De-STRESS Thanksgiving

Make turkey and noodles with the leftovers:
Oodles Of Noodles Part 2: Video

Sub turkey for the chicken in any of these leftover meals:
Leftover Chicken Meals + MORE!!

$4 Dollar FUN!

2010-07-13T09:54:00.006-04:00

Cheap fun...it IS out there to be had. Well I guess I should say affordable....cuz cheap can sound like a bad word ...like something that isn't worth it....this is SO worth it and has lasting value....fun MEMORIES. This fun costs us around $4. That's for the gas. On Sunday we decided to just pack our lunch in the cooler and head to the lake....it's about 35 mins from my house. We didn't buy anything special...simply packed what was already planned to eat that afternoon....leftovers can travel just as well as new bought fancy foods....seriously they can! Yes we have a pool but they have beautiful scenery and sand! So it's fun to change it up! The kids really enjoy it. I think we'll do it a few more times before summer's up!!

The Grocery Notebook #3

2010-07-12T12:29:00.003-04:00

Last post in the Grocery Notebook series! The last section is the very back cover. This is where I keep the FEW coupons I use. I am not a couponer. I've never tried to be because of time. What I do is basically shop at the stores I know have the best deals in my area. That just seems to work better for me. My Mom clips me coupons for some things she knows I use and sends them home with my DH a few weeks a month. She has always done this for me. Maybe when I have time when the kids are older.....I might check out couponing more. Anyway to make the holder I just cut a 3 x 5 card and glued it to the back to form a pocket. Sometimes I'll put rebate receipts back in there till I get to them. So that's it! Hope you have a great week ahead!

The Grocery Notebook #2

2010-07-10T12:21:00.007-04:00

In The Grocery Notebook Post #1 I showed the notebook's specks and talked a bit about menus and food waste. Now lets take a peek at how I put all that together and use the thing! I use one page front and back for each shopping trip. On the front of the page I put the date in top right corner. Then on the top 4th of the page I write M, T, W, TH, F, S, S. These are for the days of the week. Next to each letter I place a meal I hope to cook. This is never set in stone. I may switch the days around or make something different on a whim or go out if I'm extra LUCKY. But I DO make sure that I have everything I need to make those meals. If I don't cook a meal then I'll usually circle it so next week I'll remember that I have everything already here at the house to make that meal....and usually I'll carry it over to the next weeks list. After I cook the meal, I'll check mark it off as cooked or scratch it out. If you see an asterisk next to something on the menu... that usually means the item is in my deep freeze. After the list of meals I then make a shopping list from there. The items I need are listed below the meal list. Then it's off to shopping! Items I couldn't or didn't get I circle on my grocery list...you'll see grapes circled here....well the grapes were probably terrible looking and I probably bought them later or just served a canned fruit out of the pantry......I don't remember, it was 2008!!! LOL! The last thing I do is write what I paid for it all and circle the total.

The very last thing I do is when I get home is I tape my grocery receipt and my gas receipts to the back of the page. I usually highlight what I paid for later reference

There is one last area that post #3 will cover then we'll wrap up. Have a wonderful Saturday!!!

The Grocery Note Book #1

2010-07-09T09:04:00.012-04:00

Large families have big grocery bills....well at least we did until I started to keep track of it. One tool I use is a simple grocery spiral notebook. Over the next few posts I'll share and give a peek inside. We average about $100 to $125 a week here for our family of 6. On really good weeks- the weeks I cook more from scratch (baking bread and homemade snacks) I can hover between $60 and $80. This doesn't happen much during the summer as the kiddos are home for every single lunch unlike when they are at school. But I don't make that mark all the time. Anyway on to the note book. I wanted something to fit into my purse so I picked a palm sized slightly larger than 3x 5 spiral note book.

I used the computer to Decorate the front and then got a pencil and attached it with yarn to the top of the spiral. The pencil stays inside the spiral for travel. Too many times I'd get to the store with no pencil to be found. When I went to cash and stopped needing to write checks ....it seems there were never any pencils/pens in the purse.....LOL. The cash thing? It's good....I highly recommend it.

One of the areas we used to spend too much money on was food waste. I have worked hard for sometime now to learn how to really use my leftovers to cut food waste on one end.....but the other way to kill food waste at my house was to stop preparing food that know one would eat. If it didn't go over well the first time...then you can bet it won't as leftovers...and will most likely rot in the fridge or end up as dog chow. Food waste for your pup is good and can stretch your grocery bill on dog food....but not a whole big pricey meal.... LOL! It sounds funny and we don't eat just "kid food" but I was wasting a fair amount of food at some meals. And it had a trickle down affect too. If the kids didn't eat well at dinner...then it seemed the snack side of the grocery bill went up. We eat healthier snacks too...granola, lots of fruit, jerky....things like that...sweets and chips and the what not are more occasional. So what I did was sit down and hold a family meeting. We talked about all the foods we like and dis like. I then created a menu around those foods. It's not to say that kids never have to eat things they dislike...that's gonna happen with six different people who have six different likes. But there ARE meals that we ALL liked for the most part. We had about 45 meals altogether. I narrowed these to about 25 basic meals that we all enjoy for the most part. It does vary from summer to winter....but for the most part I can trust that food waste will be minimal on these meals. These I printed out as a very basic guideline. I am totally FREE as the parent and food purchaser to veer off the list ANY time I wish due to sales at the store or just out of boredom. I don't try to overwhelm the family with new foods all the time though....that just doesn't work well in this house. I might try new recipes maybe 3 times a month? This list I printed out and keep on the inside of the notebooks cover.

I also printed out 3 scripture verses that touched me in the area of food as inspiration:

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God. 1 Cor 10-13
Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. Proverbs 30:8
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." John 6:12

Tomorrow I'll show how I write things out and use the notebook. Do you use a shopping list of some kind? I used to just do it on scrap paper...but since wanting and needing to keep track of my budget....I settled on a note book to keep things together. I have been using this one since 2008 and had one before...so this system works well for me. I tried a while ago to get all organized and do shopping for 30 days at a time....but that never worked out well for me. I tend to shop once every week or two now...just works better here. Have a great weekend ahead!!

I'm not buying it.....

2010-07-07T10:54:00.006-04:00

Gimmick smimmick....don't waste your money. Without naming names ....lets talk soap dispensers. Do you really need an automatic ....over priced soap dispenser because of germs on the pump? I mean I for one have never ever touched my soap dispenser without immediately going to wash my hands. It's not even a thing I go for unless I'm gonna wash. So any germs I may pick up to add to the ones I already am gonna wash away....will just end up down the old drain too, right? I'm not buying it. In fact I think it's silly....oh and over priced too =]

Sauerbraten, Gnats and Dressing....OH MY !

2010-07-05T06:33:00.001-04:00

Reuses...using things again...using something intended for one thing for something different. I like the concept! So you made the sweet and sour cucumbers and they were a big hit! Now your probaly left with a bowl of yummy brine. Here are some things you can do with it.
1.) Cut some more cucumbers and make some more!
2.) Use the brine to make a "mock" sauerbraten
One roast of beef (any cut.) Place in crock pot, Pour left over brine over roast. Add bay leaf (4) 1 sliced onion, 6 cloves, 6 whole black pepper corns (or just pepper) and salt to taste. Cook all day on low.
3.) use the brine as the bait for a homemade gnat trap .
4.) Make homemade italian salad dressing (I like this the best!) you will need a bottle or jar with tight lid so you can shake it. The rest is up to YOU! You need...brine solution, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, itanian seasonings...red pepper flakes if you like it spicey! I used about 1 part brine to 3 parts oil then about 1/4 teaspoon of each spice. Put all in container and mix away! It's yummy to add parmesian cheese in there too. Let your taste guide you and try different items

Moxie

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2010-07-04T06:01:00.001-04:00

Nice article from Wall Builders on the 4th of July

Cute free crafts

Kids crafts The edible Eagle is too cute!

Activities and Games for Kids

~Moxie

Sweet and Sour Cucumbers

2010-07-03T06:30:00.000-04:00

You know it's gonna happen all you gardeners out there. Those cucumbers are gonna come on soon! I didn't plant any this year...but that won't stop me from making them my favorite summer way....sweet and sour cucumbers. So simple and so very good with meat. Steaks...burgers...roasts. It just sets off meat really good. Here's what you'll need:

Sweet and Sour Cucumbers:

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
8 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cucumbers peeled and sliced thin
Mix first four ingredients together in medium sized bowl. Add peeled and sliced cucumbers. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to blend flavors. Keeps 2 weeks in fridge....if they last that long. Ours make it all of 2 days.

When the cucumbers are gone you will have leftover solution, don't throw it out....next post I'll show how to turn that into a tasty Italian type dressing and a few other snappy uses other than the trash can.

Moxie

Coconut Cookies

2010-07-02T06:39:00.000-04:00

Beautiful coconut cookies. This is my favorite version of the cake mix cookies so far!! Grab some coffee or a nice iced tea, a good book, and you're all set for the afternoon! Ball Jars make nice canisters if you feel like gifting some of your homemade cookies. Tie a cute ribbon or just pretty yarn around the top.

Coconut cookies
1 White cake mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon melted butter
3 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (this is optional)
1/2 cup flaked coconut (I used sweetened)

Mix first five ingredients. Fold in flaked coconut. Dough will be stiff. I like to plop a smallish ball of dough in my hand and roll it nicely then pat/flatten it to a disk. You can just drop these by spoonfuls and they will look kinda macaroonish. If you drop by spoon make sure to pat any stray coconut into dough as it could burn. Bake 310 degrees (yes only 310 or they'll brown too much) for 12-14 mins. till lightly brown on bottoms and set on top. Cool completely.

For more of my cake mix recipes check these links:
Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Strawberry Supreme Cookies

Cake Mix Magic

~Moxie

A Little Patriotic Somethin' Somethin'

2010-07-01T06:42:00.006-04:00

Just a few shots from the gussied up kitchen and dining room area. Even though we aren't hosting anything like I thought we were for the 4th of July...I felt the house needed just a bit. My kids enjoy when we put little things up..I enjoy it...and heck who doesn't need a little more JOY in their day? I don't really have many decorations for the 4th of July except 3 small flags on a stick...two my twin boys brought home from school and one from the desk of a girl my MIL home schooled last year and one tinsel type thingy off a cake. I didn't want to spend any money. All the supplies I already had at home. So I got out a sharpie pen in black, some red white and blue construction paper and printed just a few freebies off the web. Scissors, some glue and about 20 mins produced enough decorations to catch the patriotic spirit! We have a party on the 3rd with my side and have just decided to go see a special movie out with the kids. Do you decorate for the 4th of July?

On the fridge is a printable on Pray For America by Nancy Leigh DeMoss at Revive Our Hearts Ministries Here's the link for the colorful and fitting Red White and Blue Printable. Pray for America Pritable

Hope you are having a wonderful day!!

Moxie

The Extreme Team.....

2010-06-30T13:56:00.013-04:00

I was told today that I have graduated to the extreme team.....LOL! Why was I told this? Well because. Because I did something today that some people may think is too much. What'd I do?............drum roll. I rinsed barbecue sauce off leftover pork chops from 2 nights ago so I could use the pork in pork stir fried rice tonight. I didn't find it extreme at all...seemed really normal to me. I am fully aware that "my normal" seems sometimes strange to others...wink wink. Did I really want to throw away 3 perfectly good pork chops that were left over just because of something as simple as barbecue sauce??? NO WAY! They rinsed off pretty darn good too...and honestly...once they are chopped all up into itty bitty bits and in the stir fried rice with all it's veggie and soy sauce salty goodness....who will ever know? Well my wallet will know. My bank account will know...my freezer will know cuz I didn't have to raid it for a fresh pack of pork, and my tummy will know....because it's got another great meal. Here is the offender...heehee, on the left...them and their co conspirators- on the right...a few strips of leftover pork loin that I pulled out of the freezer. Looks like a pretty good pile-o-meat to me! Neither on their own enough for much...but together...they'll make a great team for tonight's dinner!

All chopped up and ready to go!

Dinner is served

You know, one of my favorite scriptures about leftovers (yes even leftovers are in the Bible) is John 6:12....when Jesus was feeding the multitudes: When they all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."

Please share your tips that may label you one of the extreme team!!

Quick thank you to Stacy @ Moderate Means if you are reading this for the blog award! I'll blog about it soon!

Lazy Dazy Day...

2010-06-29T19:12:00.009-04:00

Today was kinda grey and dark outside. 2 of my boys swam... it was too cold for me. But that makes for one good bloggie day. I flashed my camera through lunch and dinner....LOL. So a few new foodie items to blog about as time permits:
French bread pizza on the cheap
Sweet and Sour cucumbers
Easy Roasted Potatoes with next day potato salad (a 2-fer )

I also spent some time on the computer at my library's web site. I was checking out some DVD's on homesteading and then searched under the book section. I typed in "frugal" and WOW was I surprised at the amount of books in there! 104!! 49 titles under "thrifty", 31 titles under "economical", and 14 titles under "cheapskate"!!! I did find many that I haven't read yet. This excites me to no end!! For 2 reasons 1:I'm sure I can still learn a thing or two and tweak my frugal ways and 2: Being that they are available at the library....all this new education won't cost a thing! WooHOO!!

I am currently reading a book suggested by Stacy over at Moderate Means called Suddenly Frugal.

I'm not done yet but so far have found it a good read. I have found one tip that will help me so far! Leah claims that if you shut off the heat dry on your dishwasher and you run at least one load a day (we do...sometimes two cuz I cook a lot) then that alone will save about $12 a week in energy costs or $624 a year! Oh my I can SO do that!! A simple flick of a switch and poof $624 saved....I'm so down with that. I have always used the heated dry out of habit and to be honest....we never needed it really as we almost never put the dishes away right after it's dry!!! She also talks about office equipment. My husband works from a home office 4 days a week and sometimes on Saturdays. I must admit we leave everything plugged in and sometimes the computer on through the night. A power strip with a single turn off she claims can save 10% off your electric bill annually. I'll have to talk to hubby about that one. I'm about half way through the book and based on the one dishwasher tip alone...this book has been worth the read! I'm gonna do a few book reviews as I find good frugal books and add any of the goodies to my ever growing list of frugal books in the right hand side bar. I hope you can find some time here and there to read some! These are NOT paid reviews and I'll have to deam a book useful and good (ie it actually lists helpful tips) for it to make it to the blog!
Hearts and Hugs,
Moxie

A New Way....

2010-06-29T11:34:00.003-04:00

I have a problem. I just have to admit it. I have limitations. I like parties and having people over...but NOT big monster parties. They just take too much out of me. I'm NOT 20 with endless amounts of energy anymore. They aren't fun for me....and I seem to never get to visit with my guests being tied to the stove. Hmmm. My husband has 4 siblings with spouses and children all around...plus his parents and a great granny. That's a big group (for me)....plus my own house hold of six. We were thinking of a quick 4th of July gathering with just some of them (some we thought were on vacation). But turns out they are back and will be moving on the 4th and it's just not a good day for everybody anyway. We were OK that some would be out of town (smaller group-potentially good for us.) Well that's not OK.... what came out in all the phone calls and trying to organize the thing was that members of his family thought is wasn't right to not invite some. That perhaps it was best to wait till everyone was available. Kinda all or none. That people would feel left out. I get that. I truly do. As a family of 6...we have "not been invited" or "included" or asked to stay behind cuz people didn't think we could "afford" an event or get a sitter if the event was for adults. Such is life. BUT back to my point. I agreed and don't want people to feel left out. So we himmed and hauled and thought...then thought some more. How can we do this sometime without so much darn work and neither of us (Hubby and me) even getting to visit with our guests? It's one thing to add say 6 to your group...a whole nother to up that number past 20. I don't just want to invite everyone to come play at my house...I want to actually see them too! So we decided we will try. And try is all I can do. I think I'm just gonna order chicken for the crowd. Buckets of chicken. I can do the sides easily and ahead....that's what's important for me.....ahead. Hopefully as time and funds permit...we will get to have dear hubby's side out this summer for a fun party with everyone included...... even us.

Monday, Monday

2010-06-28T16:00:00.008-04:00

Whew...it's HOT here in Ohio today. We had good storms and now it's kinda damp and muggy. I got my grocery shopping done for the week so that's good! But it was totally draining to do so! Days like this aren't good for much...except iced tea and remembering how very nice air conditioning is! Here's an oldie but goodie post on Sun Tea Savings . Iced tea still costs about the same for me...only the sugar has gone up 30 cents since the post. Still get 100 tea bags for 99 cents. I now get them at my local Dollar General as I find their tea bags to be less bitter and much more smooth than Save A Lots. I still do most my shopping at Save a Lot. I get a few brand name things at my Kroger store....mainly Ovaltine and Life Cereal. Life cereal is at Save a Lot but it's the smaller box ...the larger box at Kroger's is the better deal as of right now. I keep telling myself I'll get back to menu Mondays...but just haven't gotten around to it. There always tends to be other things taking up my time.....such is life! Hope your week is off to a terrific start!!!
~Moxie

Baked Egg Rolls

2010-06-27T04:45:00.000-04:00

Egg rolls are a simple meal. You can make them at home easily and skip the take out! They can be a part leftover meal too. Like these ones used some leftover shredded pork tenderloin. I first read about these on Full Bellies, Happy Kids! blog. They really are good. You can also just fry them in about 2 inches oil for a minute or two on each side- till golden.

Baked Egg Rolls
Shredded Cabbage and Carrots- I use a pre cut coleslaw bag mix but you could shred your own
Shredded meat- pork, chicken or beef, shrimp is good too!
Diced onion (to taste)
salt and pepper to taste
garlic powder
dash cinnamon (I like this with pork or chicken, NOT beef or shrimp)
soy sauce
egg roll wrappers
About 2 Tablespoons oil.

In skillet heat oil, cabbage, meat of choice, spices and about 2 tablespoons soy sauce...heat through till cabbage wilts slightly. Place about 1-2 tablespoons warm mixture on egg roll wraps, moisten edges and roll up. Bake on a sprayed baking sheet at 400 degrees for 20-25 till golden. Use soy sauce, sweat and sour sauce or Catalina dressing. The dressing might sound strange...but it makes a nice kinda sweet and sour sauce in a pinch.

P.S. The pictures were taken before my Frugal Kitchen Redo !!

~Moxie

Simple Steak Sauce

2010-06-26T06:59:00.001-04:00

We don't have real steaks often....but every once and a while...when it's grillin season...we do! Here's a quick, simple but good steak sauce we like to make. This is good with round steak or cubed steak also.

Simple Steak Sauce
1 cup Ketchup
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon Steak seasoning

Mix altogether...that's it! We just mix up in a small Tupperware bowl and then cover and store any extras in the fridge. If you don't have steak seasonings just use pepper and garlic....maybe some extra salt too. Enjoy~

~Moxie

Simple Thanks

2010-06-22T12:45:00.008-04:00

Happiness

Every once and a while I like to take the whole day to just on purpose look at ALL THE THINGS I have in my life and be thankful for them. I know it sounds silly...but it helps. What does it help you may ask? It helps to see that my needs truly are met. It helps to see that a lot of my wants are even met too. It helps me to be really content with what I have and enjoy where I'm at! Like today I woke up very thankful for my clean soft sweet smelling bed and pillow....for the air conditioner window unit softly blowing cool air in my spacious bedroom. For the windows that let the morning sun shine through....yet kept the night rain out while I was dry in lullaby land. For my dear husband who tries hard every single day. Thankful for the slippers to warm my feet and the hot coffee in my mug...with my favorite creamer to make it sweet. Thankful for the lamp and the light ...even the electricity to turn it on when I couldn't quite see the pages I wished to read of a book I owned. For the soft couch I sat on and the carpet at my feet. For the wonderful words of Life God has preserved for all these years for me to read. For Mercy for Grace....for love and sacrifice. For the hot water to shower with in the bathroom. For the sweet smelling soaps and shampoos to wash my body with and the nice fluffy towels to dry it. For the closet filled with nice clean clothing and the choices there in and decent shoes....more than one pair even! For the washer and dryer that help me do the task of washing easier and lift some of the burden. For my health to be able to care for my family and home. Being here at home each day. Perfume.... and lotion to help my dry work cracked feet and hands and bring relief. For the noise and laughter of children. For the food that is in my refrigerator at lunch and the means to keep it fresh and cool. To be able to choose what to eat and have a place to prepare it comfortably. For the hot running water in the sink to clean up the dishes and the ability to do so. For the ability to read and write and communicate over the Internet....for bloggie friends. And this is just part of my day! I'm positive the second half will bring many more moments of thankfulness to my lips! There are a million more I haven't even mentioned.....it seems that every moment can have something to be thankful for...if you just open your eyes to see it. Tonight I will lay down with a wonderful sense of contentment and thanks...that my needs are met. And the JOY at seeing that even some of my wants are in there too...what a blessing! If you haven't ever stopped to notice all these things with a heart of thankfulness...I encourage you to do so!

~Moxie

Madonna and Me

2010-06-21T12:51:00.010-04:00

Modonna and me had something in common recently.... the cone bra....
LOL! Let me explain. This is actually a frugal post...with some insights to how a frugal mind really works. I get free clothes....I call them grab bags. From friends...from my friends Moms....sometimes even from family. I never turn away anything free....if items in these bags don't work for me...well I just pass them right along. Most times....many things do work. So in one of my grab bags was a very cute swim suit. With an attached skirt and modestly cut...just my thing. Not too low in the bust....not too high in the thighs....plus it had one of those really cool...tummy panels to help hold in the mommy pooch. But the bust....hmmm. I have seen suits with built in bras before and most times those are nice...a little extra padding helps hide female parts that get cold and want to salute the world. But these things....OMGoodness! They brought WAY MORE attention to the bust line than I liked. The things popped out about 4 inches from my normal and were very conical too...not at all me. So Madonna! I could not pull off the look...at all, even on a good day...LOL!

Well my frugal mind just couldn't let an other wise great suit get passed along. Besides I had recently been to Walmart looking for one and the ONE (yes one) modest suit I could find was well over $40...too much for me. I have very rudimentary sewing skills so I thought I'd take a shot at ripping those things out. It worked! Me and my stitch ripper spent about 20 mins and now I have a nice swim suit that will last probably for the next two years. YAY! My son also had a suit that he got that had pockets which kept coming out while he swam. Instead of just getting a new one....I stitched the pockets closed. He is much happier and I saved a few bucks. YAY! Look at your clothes more often to see if they can be revamped or repaired before you just go get more. A ton of our shorts and my capris around here are last seasons pants and jeans with blown out knees that we cut off. I don't even sew these....I mainly use fusible hem tape that you iron on if we want a finished hem...so EASY! But some jeans look super cute cute with just a frayed hemline....very in right now!

~Moxie

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T12:00:00.005-04:00

Today I thank my Heavenly Father for my earthly Dad! Please continue to bless him and work in his heart! Thank you for this man who you gave me to as a blessing....may I always honor him for your Glory! Dad I love you very much and hope you have a wonderful day!!

Thank you Father for the wonderful Dad you gave my children...may you continue to bless him and teach him to be more and more like you each day!! I love you honey and our children are so blessed to have you in their lives!!

~Moxie

Facebook Fun!!

2010-06-19T12:14:00.003-04:00

I'm gonna "try" a facebook page. If you are a Facebook user ...feel free to check Little Bits out on Facebook!

Little Bits

Promote Your Page Too

Mix in Pan Eggless Snack Cake

2010-06-18T06:24:00.004-04:00

So when the kids are home for the summer...we go through the snacks. I have a few easy mix in the pan snack cake recipes that I'll be sharing. A few are egg less- this is nice for times you run out! I also have a recipe for a bulk mix that can make a few different snack cakes...these ones use one egg. I probably won't video them all because the process is the same! I could maybe video the bulk mix recipe and show one cake from that mix...we'll see as time permits. Here's the recipe for the Chocolate one.

Chocolate Snack Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa (this makes a nice DARK chocolate...you could do 3 or even 2 for a light more milky type chocolate)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 cup water

Mix dry ingredients in an UNGREASED 8x8 pan till well blended. Add wet ingredients and stir to combine....being careful around corners. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 mins.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

***LOL I made a terrible mistake in the video!! Please use baking soda NOT baking powder like I did. The recipe here is right NOT the video! The cake wasn't that bad as the powder did make it rise...but it was a bit dry...LOL! ***

Hearts and Hugs!!
~Moxie

Larry Curly and Moe

2010-06-17T07:45:00.002-04:00

Meet my three stooges....Larry Curly and Moe. They are my three tomato plants. Yes, I named them. Notice anything funny in the picture?? Well Curly and Moe aren't doing so well...they're the far left and center guys. It took some thought and a phone call....but now I know what happened. It's all my fault. It has to do with my rabbits. The tomatoes live where my rabbit hutch used to be. I thought it'd be the perfect spot.

Larry who is the farthest from where the hutch was is doing GREAT! Thick lush foliage and flowers a plenty. Premo mater plant!

Curly is in the center and while he's green...his leaves are curling and compact...he has some flowers too. But he looks a bit strange....kinda dumpy and sad.

But Moe?? Poor poor Moe. He lives right where the rabbit hutch was. He's kinda yellow and has very few leaves...just a poor sickly thin guy. So what happened? We tilled the ground well and the rabbit poo/ fertilizer was 2 years rotted. Well it wasn't the poo...it's the peeps! Poor Moe is living in dirt that has much too much ammonia for his liking.... Curly and Larry are doing better because each is that much farther away from the pee zone. So long story short....I should have waited another year to plant tomatoes in this spot...but who knew? Larry will do fine and give me plenty of maters....not so sure about Curly. And Moe? Well I think he'll just continue to turn many different shades of yellow then slowly wither up and die.....poor guy. I'll snap a few more shots here and there as they try to grow...we'll see what happens. Maybe...just maybe with all the rain Ohio is seeing...maybe they'll all pull through. We'll see. You live and learn!!

Beyond the gate on the left is a little white bird bath. I'm planning a quick video to show you how I get free fresh water for it. It's not the rain either!! The birds seem to really enjoy it and I enjoy them...so it's a win/win!!

~Moxie

Green Swamp water and Friends!

2010-06-16T10:53:00.006-04:00

<--- Lovely shade of green isn't it? LOL! This is the first year we opened the pool to find a swamp! What happened? Well during the bad storms this winter our cover blew open and let tons of bad things fall in to contaminate it! Then when the weather warmed up...it all grew.....yuck! SO it was a bit more work than I thought it would be but it's all better now. Took about 4 days and a second round of opening chemicals to clear it all up. Plus the not so fun task of scrubbing the sides and bottom free of algae- thanks Hubby!! There were frogs in there too...we fished a few out and the rest left as the chemical content rose....they aren't stupid....not one dead frog in the skimmer....YAY! This is our recreation for the most part this summer. It isn't free per say....it's about $100 dollars a month for the extra electricity and chemicals...but it's here at home and at our convenience. It's a nice ministry too...to gather people, friends, and children around a central activity....throw in a few hot dogs and some potato salad and there ya go...instant fellowship with family and friends!

Other things we may do that are free.....

1.) Our Library has about 5 events planned this summer that look promising.

2.) Nature center walks.

3.) Free water park fun at local park.

4.) Picnics

5.) Free public "beach" (it's really a lake- we pack a cooler lunch)

6.) Camp out- in back yard

7.) Bon fire cookouts/ star gazing- in back yard

Sometimes there are free events near us like concerts or festivals....you can call your local cities chamber of commerce or welcome center for information. You DO need gas to these events but the admissions are free....and if you plan to eat before you go....it can be very affordable! It is also good to learn to enjoy being at home. We actually prefer some of the at home events to always running about here and there on hot days.....and honestly...the more you go out...the harder it is to NOT spend your money! When your kids are having fun...they rarely even stop to think about what it's costing you...so why not think of some fun things that will cost you much less! Cheap is counting every penny...frugal is making every penny count! My hubby trades his life for those hard earned pennies....I want to make them go just as far as I possibly can!!

~Moxie

Keeping things Clean

2010-06-15T16:27:00.005-04:00

I got a wonderful compliment from my mother in law the other day. She complimented me on my home and how clean it was!! If you are a daughter in law...well those kind of compliments are just wonderful....if you are a stay at home mother to four kids....then that compliment can make your heart sing just that much more. It's uplifting and it's validating. She then asked the all important question of...."How do you do it??" Here's my short list of how.

1.) It's important to me. I believe it's the job God gave me to do and I wish to bring honor and glory to Him in all I do...even in my home making....so I wish to do it well. I believe God is a god of order. I also believe that order can help promote peace. I want this for my home...for my spouse...for my children and for any guests we may bring in.
2.) Eliminate clutter. A decluttered home tends to look cleaner even if it's not. Open surfaces just look neater. Clutter takes way more TIME to take care of...period.
3.)Do little bits each day to stay ahead.
4.) My kids help. They each are responsible to pick up their items. This didn't come naturally and had to be trained into them...but hey that's my job! And it's never ever too late for them to learn. We have a chore chart on the fridge that rotates each week. Each of the four kids has only one thing to do that takes them between 10 to 15 mins a day...and that's about it. They each put their own clothes away and manage their own rooms how they see fit (with in reason). With six people doing something every day...well things get done! Dad does the grass and trash take out on Thursdays and is a great handyman! That is enough for him as he works for us daily at his outside job. I have my own list of "mom" things to do.
5.) RELAX and enjoy your home...however you keep it! If how you currently keep it frustrates you....then don't be afraid to make changes where you can. Don't kill yourself if you are in a season where it just can't be helped....illness and young babies about! My home was WAY less neat when the four were 6 and under.....Oh man those were the trench days! It's OK....they do grow up and there is a light at the end.....for real...I promise!

And that's it! We don't go for white glove clean here either...real people just can't live like that. We go for progress and realise that when a kid wipes something down....it WILL end up cleaner than when they started but may not be perfect......the inventor of perfect needs shot anyway.....LOL....it's not reality! And I "mop" my kitchen floor with a wet towel and my feet....and just swish it about because I HATE stooping and squatting (thanks FLYLADY). My Granny would probably scold me for NOT bending on hands and knees with a scrub brush...but why when my floor is clean!??!!
~Moxie

Quick Bread Dumplings

2010-06-14T10:53:00.010-04:00

We use bread in this house...daily. No fear of carbs here! But sometimes we have ends left over or stale pieces left or a few buns that got old. I usually throw them all in the freezer till I have a pile to do something with. Sometimes it's french toast...sometimes it's a quick wiz for homemade bread crumbs....but this weekend I found another great use. Bread dumplings! Here's the recipe to tuck away if you find yourself with a bunch of older bread. Photo courtesy of werbeka.com .

Bread Dumpling:

1/2 stick butter

1 cup Milk

1 Bag old/stale bread

2 eggs

salt- optional to season to taste

Heat Milk and butter in microwave till warmed. Crumple bread in bowl and pour warmed milk butter mixture over. Let sit 1 hour. Add 2 eggs (and salt if using) and mix well. Form into balls the size of golf balls or smaller. Cook in boiling liquid 20 mins.

I will use this with chicken and dumplings. I also will not use the parsley and onion that the linked recipe shows....cuz I don't have parsley and my guys don't really like onion much. I got to thinking that I bet you could add sugar and cinnamon to the dough and boil in a simple syrup for a nice sweet treat too...I may try that out one day!

~Moxie