shelleysshare

Carrot Patch Cookies

2011-04-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

These would be so cute to make with kiddos! They are so cute, follow this link for what you need to put it together.

Another Cute Easter Centerpiece Idea

2011-04-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

For all my PEEPS! http://theautocrathaley.blogspot.com/2011/03/easter-peep-arrangement.html

Easter Centerpiece Idea from Mix, Mingle and Glow

2011-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

So simple but sooo cute! From http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/

Simple Bird's Nest Cookies

2011-03-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

Follow this link http://artofdessert.blogspot.com/2010/03/birds-nest-cookies.html for these simple, cute cookies. A great recipe to make with the kids.

Another Cute St. Patty's Day Idea

2011-03-11T07:07:00.001-08:00

Get your free tag download here. And the step by step directions are here http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/02/im-so-lucky.html. I absolute love the eighteen25 blog. Such cute ideas, people are so creative!

Another Cute St. Patty's Day Idea

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Find the link here for the tag. I found these here
http://bethproudfoot.blogspot.com/2011/02/youre-my-pot-o-gold.html

and she used pretzel cellophane bags found at Michaels. You just get rainbow Twizzlers and some gold foil wrappers coins and done. So cute!

St. Patty's Day Printables

2011-03-10T13:50:00.001-08:00

http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2011/03/03/free-st-patricks-day-printables-from-9-to-5-mom/

Look at the cute St. Patty's day ideas. I love the rock candy!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49964280/St-Patricks-Day-Printables

Free Easter Printables From Catch My Party Blog

2011-03-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

http://party.catchmyparty.com/files/Hoppy_Easter_Printables_2011.pdf

Here is the link to their free Easter printables!

There are water bottle labels, tented cards, party circles, an Easter egg hunt sign, invitations, favor tags and a Hoppy Easter banner. Thank you to Catch My Party Blog
http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2011/03/07/free-easter-party-printables-from-embellish/

Lots of Free Valentine's Printables

2011-01-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is just one example of several free printables that are listed at this link.

The site is Kara's Party Ideas and if you have a chance, browse through her site, she has the BEST party ideas!

Free Valentine's Day Printable from It Is What It Is

2011-01-19T08:27:00.001-08:00

Here is another free printable from It Is What It Is. Above are lots of ways to use it.

Cut Ideas for a Super Bowl Party with free download

2011-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a free football party download from It is What Is Is, click here. Great if you are having a party or even going to a party!

Soup Cans She Turned Into Valentine's

2011-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the link where Haley from The Autocrat gives a tutorial. So cute!

Cute Valentine's Day Favors

2011-01-12T15:13:00.001-08:00

Here is the link to these, there isn't much explanation, but the picture at least will give you inspiration.

Lots of Free Valentine's Day Printables

2011-01-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a big pdf file full of Valentine's Day printables. There are food tents, straw flags, banner, cards, favor tags, labels, circles and invitations.

Another Helpful Website For Counting Calories

2011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here is another link to help if you are trying to count calories or Weight Watcher points. She has ALOT of different restaurant menus listed on this site with calories counts and points. Really helps when you are dining out and trying to make good choices.

Skinnytaste.com Website

2011-01-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are bound to stick to their new year's resolution like me, here is a great website for some great, light new recipes. My friend Mary passed this along to me so I thought I would share that with all of you! Here is the link.

Pretty Little Resolution List

2011-01-05T11:39:00.001-08:00

Look at this pretty list, make it easy to keep our goals for 2011 in sight! Download HERE, print it off and display it as a daily reminder.

Black Eyed Pea Parfaits for New Year's

2010-12-29T12:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to Family Fun for the recipe and "how-to"

Another Mary idea....she is bringing these for our New Year's Eve game night. It is so cute! We are all getting together for games on New Year's Eve. We are setting up a dance station on the XBox Kinect, Singing Star on the Playstation and bowling and sports on the Wii. We are also going to have some board games for those of us who have to watch out for injuries...that is for all of you that remember my Wii accident.

Gift Card Christmas Tree

2010-12-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

My friend Mary Kunkle is soooo creative. She gave this to my kids for Christmas. They are a bit hard to buy for because the 5 of them range in age from 12-20. She filled a tree with gift cards to fast food places...which they frequent daily. They all loved it! Even Kennedy, my 12-year-old, felt so empowered. He always ask me to take him places and I tell him no, I don't want to spend the money....now he has his own "money"...what a great idea...but she is full of great ideas!

I Spy Free Printable

2010-12-21T12:17:00.001-08:00

Download HERE

Cozy Cookies in a Jar

2010-12-21T12:12:00.001-08:00

Find the link here at All Things Heart and Home...it gives great instructions!

Two of My Favorite Holiday Cocktails--Old and New

2010-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, I do drink wine on occasion, but not very often, my mom...who drinks even less than I do...introduced me to this wine after a girls night out. It is sweet and oh so good!

This is absolutely the best egg nog ever and if you have never tried the Promised Land Chocolate milk, try it...a little pricey, but sometimes you just have to do it!!! Sandra Lee said she added Godiva White chocolate liqueur to hers...might have to try it!

Best Disposable Plates

2010-12-21T07:56:00.001-08:00

You can get these plates at Costco or order them online....they are so worth it. They are a heavy duty disposable plate called Masterpiece, they are from WNA Comet.

Mexican Crescent Wreath Appetizer

2010-12-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Another Recipe from In Between Laundry

Mexican Crescent Wreath Appetizer

Click HERE for link--great instruction

Candy Cane Popcorn

2010-12-16T13:35:00.001-08:00

Candy Cane Popcorn Bark from In Between Laundry

Melt one entire package (16 oz.) of vanilla flavored almond bark. Stir in a popped bag of popcorn (salted is recommended), pick free any kernels, 6 crushed candy canes and 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract. Spread on a greased cookie sheet and let cool. Break apart when hard.

Just Opened My New Etsy Shop

2010-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone! I just opened my new Etsy shop as you will see on the right hand side. I have had several people ask about purchasing my items on line and wanting to share them with friends...and now I can. Etsy is a website for handcrafted items to be sold. If you click on the ETSY, it will take you to just that website...if you click on JHollub it will take you directly to my store. For all my friends that are close, if you would like to pick up an item and not pay the shipping, you can do that too!! I should have found out how to do this in October...but oh well!

I have been buying stuff from Etsy for years and am so glad I figured out how to sell stuff as well...and link it to our blog!!!

Free Printable Fits Giant 6.8 oz Candy Bar

2010-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Link HERE for download

Ghiradelli Chocolate Square Covers

2010-12-15T07:42:00.001-08:00

Download HERE

Regular Size Popcorn Wrapper

2010-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Link HERE.

You have to download the file, but it's fine, I've been using Happy Bird's Crafting for a couple of years.

Nutter Butter Santas

2010-12-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

So Cute!...Nutter Butter Santas. I found the link here, but there wasn't instructions, but they look fairly easy to make.

Snowmen Pops by The Idea Room

2010-12-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

I am like her, obsessed with snowmen! Look at this link for how to make them, so simple!! There is also an idea with a topper. So cute! I love her blog!

Snowman Soup

2010-12-07T17:09:00.001-08:00

Here is the link for the snowman soup recipe along with the files for downloading the printable tag.

Santa Hat Party Mix

2010-12-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

So cute, here is the link.

Candy Cane Hearts from Glorious Treats

2010-12-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

These are so cute and the kiddos can help with them. For directions, follow this link to Glorious Treats.

Homemade Gift-Seasoned Oyster Crackers

2010-12-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

I haven't made these in a few years but they are oh so good and easy to make. We use to make them with saltine crackers as well. They are nice for a homemade gift. See Christy's link here that I found these on again. I used her picture, but used my recipe.

In a large plastic container, use a whole box of saltine crackers or oyster crackers.

In a seperate container mix together, 1 package of ranch dressing, 1 1/3 cups of canola oil, and 2 T crushed red peppers.

Pour mixture over crackers in plastic container and turn several times throughout the day to distribute evenly over the crackers.

Wise Men Still Seek Him Printable

2010-11-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

Download through this link

Ya'll Know I love these...Free Printables

2010-11-29T18:03:00.001-08:00

LINK

Click here for link

I save these as photos and print as an 8 x 10 out of my photo program

Free Lunch Bag Christmas Printables

2010-11-29T17:55:00.001-08:00

Click HERE for link

Click HERE for link to download

Honey Bee's Butter Pecan Brownies

2010-11-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

This is such a good recipe and super easy! It's similar to the Pumpkin Gooey Cake Paula Deen makes, but it's not pumpkin or seasonal, so it is good year round! Both are two of my favorite desserts!

One Butter Pecan Cake Mix
Two Sticks of Margarine
Two Eggs
One 8oz Pkg of Cream Cheese
One Box of Powdered Sugar
One Cup of Chopped Pecans

Stir together cake mix, one stick of margarine (melted), and one egg. Pat into a well-greased 13x9 pan. Cream together cream cheese, the other stick of margarine (melted), one egg, and the box of powdered sugar. Spread over cake mix and then sprinkle with pecans. Bake @ 350 degrees for 35 minutes. It won't look done, but it is.

Super Cool, Free Wall Art

2010-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

How about creating a custom piece of art for someone and the only cost you would have would be the frame and possibly a mat? Free stuff!!! We love it! Leo Reynolds on Flickr Photostream has traveled the world and taken some pretty awesome pics and with just a few guidelines, you get to use them for free. I created one using PowerPoint. It's really simple. You can copy, paste and resize them how you like or even change the orientation to be landscape, etc. Here is the link to the blog where you can see the idea and also get to Leo Reynolds pics.

Activity Placement for Thanksgiving Table from Family Fun

2010-11-18T14:05:00.001-08:00

Click HERE

Weekly Shopping List Printable from Becky Higgins

2010-11-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

Click HERE for free download of Becky Higgins' Weekly Shopping List

Free Christmas Card Templates from Becky Higgins

2010-11-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Free Christmas Card Templates from Becky Higgins. Click HERE to download them and get instructions for printing....so cute!!!

Thanksgiving Printables from Craftily Ever After

2010-11-18T13:32:00.001-08:00

Click HERE

Remember on all of these, click the link, save them to your computer so you can print them like a picture. Change the paper to a borderless letter size and print as an 8 x 10.

These are from Craftily Ever After...I love them!

Click HERE

Toilet Paper Pumpkins by Pretty Handy Girl

2010-11-17T12:30:00.001-08:00

This is such an easy idea by Pretty Handy Girl! Click HERE the link. They are so simple and cute. It's just a toiler paper roll, material and some tissue paper. Easy fall decor!

Wordle

2010-11-17T12:15:00.001-08:00

Go to this site and create. It is so cool! I made one for all my kids. I suggested that my daughter, who is on a VERY tight budget, give it to her friends for Christmas. We put them in a pretty frame and even blinged a few of them out. The more words the better. I stayed on my computer all night making them. Have fun!!!

Southwest Corn and Walnut Dip

2010-11-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from my cousin. It sounds a bit weird, but it is oh so good and very different!

Ingredients:

2-8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/8 cup fresh lime juice (the original recipe called for 1/4 cup, but I thought it was too tart and used less)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (depending on your taste)
Dash black pepper

Drained 8 1/2 oz. can corn
1 1/2 cups chopped Walnuts

Directions:

Beat all of the above ingredients on low until smooth. Stir in one 8 1/2 oz. can corn (drained) and 1 1/12 cups chopped walnuts.

It is better made the day before so all the flavors have a chance to blend. You can add more spices, lime juice, walnuts or corn to suit your taste.

Fruit Salad

2010-11-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

This recipe is a bit juicy. It is good served over an angel food cake, a pound cake or even in seperate small plastic cups. But it is sooo good!

1 can peach pie filling
1 can drained mandarin oranges
1 can drained pineapple chunks
1 thawed, large container of frozen, sliced, sweetened strawberries
A large bunch of green grapes
2 or 3 chopped apples
2 or 3 chopped bananas

Of course you can add or change any fruit you like. Mix everything but the bananas and apples the night before. Mix those in right before serving. Enjoy!

The Pioneer Woman Website

2010-11-16T06:58:00.001-08:00

This is a great website for recipes. I have tried several and really enjoyed them. Take a look around. Click HERE for the link.

Oreo Truffles from The Idea Room

2010-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

1 package Oreo cookies (divided...use cookie including the cream center)

1 8 oz. package cream cheese (softened)

white chocolate bark

1. Finely crush 7 cookies in food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and crush into a fine consistency. Reserve for later.

2. Crus remaining cookies and stir in softened cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.

3. Roll the mixture into 1" balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.

4. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry. You can sprinkle the tops with the 7 crushed cookies for decorations.

5. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

Makes about 36 truffles

This post is from The Idea Room

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

2010-11-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a delicious apple cake recipe...it's sort of like banana bread but with apples. My husband's receptionist shared it years ago and we always enjoy it, especially at the holidays.

Fresh Apple Cake

Ingredients:

3 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 cup pecans
1 cup Wesson oil
3 cups delicious apples (about 4 medium apples)

Cook in round or bundt pan (I use 2 loaf pans). Mix dry ingredients, add apples and nuts, mix well. Add eggs & oil, mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hours.

Kid's Thanksgiving Table Setting

2010-11-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Ok...I'm thinking all of this might be a bit optimistic, but I thought they had some cute ideas to entertain little ones at a holiday table. Click HERE to go to Fiskars for instructions.

Another Easy Advent Calendar

2010-11-15T07:35:00.001-08:00

Here is a simple advent calendar made out of a shoe organizer. Follow this LINK and under the You'll need section it will give you the number downloads.

Pocket Advent Calendar

2010-11-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Follow the link HERE for instructions on how to make this cute pocket advent calendar!

Cute Thanksgiving Napkin Ring Idea

2010-11-11T06:45:00.001-08:00

This is a unique idea for Thanksgiving napkins rings. Place photos of your guests on their napkin. I use to do this at Christmas on gifts. My nephews use to love it. I would go through my albums and scan in the pictures and put them on their gift instead of a name tag. Everyone got a kick out of looking at the old pictures.

Circle E Candles

2010-11-11T06:33:00.001-08:00

Circle E (Bird of Paradise) candles are my favorite. They come in these great glass containers. I burn through several a year and came across a website (pittypatpaperie) that recycles the container! After the candle burns down just remover the metal wick holder, put it in the microwave to melt the wax and remove wax with a paper towel after it has melted. Use vinyls to decorate....so cute!!!

Another Free Thanksgiving Printable

2010-11-11T06:20:00.001-08:00

Click Here for the Thanksgiving card download

Free Thanksgiving Printable

2010-11-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

Free Give thanks tag HERE

Click HERE. Save as a picture, then size it and print it from your picture program.

Click HERE

Christmas Advent Cones

2010-11-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

This was in Family Fun magazine. Use the 40% off coupon from Michael's to buy the "tis the season" paper pack. It even has glitter paper...WE LOVE GLITTER!!!! You can put candy, stickers or other small toys under the cones. On certain days, when time permits, you could even add a Christmas activity...like making cookies, singing carols....or my favorite...which I make the kids do each year since my birthday is Dec. 12th, watch a holiday movie! Follow this link for directions.

Another Christmas Craft Project

2010-11-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

Here is another project I saw in Canton and replicated. I also have these for sell is you are interested. They range in price from $18-$32 dollars. Again, not just for Christmas!

Free Thanksgiving Printables

2010-11-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

HERE is a link to free Thankgiving printables. Don't be afraid to download from Scribd, it's safe.

Thanksgiving Turkey Treats

2010-11-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

See the tutorial on how to do these HERE. I love this blog, check it out if you have the chance.

Candle Corsets

2010-11-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

I would like to share my new Christmas project. I do have them for sell if anyone is interested. The 4 inch candles are $25 and the 3 inch candles (this is around) are $20. I also have a three wick candle that is $30 (it is also pictured above). They do come with the candles. I try to make pairs, but they don't have to be purchased in pairs. The corsets slide off so after the candle is burned, they can be placed on a new candle. These are one of a kind and hard to recreate, each one is unique. I can't do custom orders because the items to make them are a bit hard to find. I have to take what I can get. If you are interested, just email (hollubs@gmail.com) or call me (713-201-5416). You are also welcome to drop by and take a look anytime for those of you who are local. I have several people that have offered to take them to work to sell for me...thanks!!!!

I have to apologize for the pictures, I am not the best photographers.

Ribbon or Paper Decorated Holiday Candles

2010-11-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a cute idea that is fairly inexpensive. It's just a tray, some decorated Christmas balls and some ribbon or paper covered candles. I do it all the time just to add a punch of color that is changeable. It doesn't require Christmas candles. I saved this idea off a blog last year and I don't have a clue where I got the picture...so sorry!

More Cute Party Idea for Kids

2010-11-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love Rudolph!?

May Your Holidays Be Merry and Sprite!

2010-11-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

OK, so the bow on this isn't the cutest, but I think it's a great idea. Especially for a small gift for a neighbor, nurse, just little people you wouldn't normally give to. The tag reads, "Hope Your Holidays are Merry and Sprite!"

A Few Ideas To Get You In the Spirit

2010-11-04T07:31:00.001-07:00

Don't you love these! I have my sights set on doing them. Of course the beautiful banister doesn't compare with my white and oak railings....but can't we dream!!! I love polka dots!

Candy Sleds, Great Idea for Children's Party Favor

2010-11-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Found this while checking out blogs last year. Thought I would share now so all you moms can be on the lookout for the penguins while you are shopping. I didn't look for them last year, but thought I would share this idea early. Again, got this off a website last year and didn't note the site, sorry!

New Easy Dinner Recipe from Southern Living

2010-11-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

My sister shared this recipe with me, all of her family loved it. I tried it with my crowd last night and it was a hit. We of course made it more fattening by adding sour cream when we served it and it was delicious! It is from the Busy Moms Weeknight Recipe Southern Living book. By the way, my kids had their doubts when I was mixing it up and when it was in the pan before it was cooked...but they were apologizing after they tasted it. I doubled it for my crowd and instead of using two cans of black beans, I used 1 black bean and one can of pinto beans.

Southwest Corn Sausage Dressing

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground pork sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (8.5) package corn muffin mix

1 (14 3/4 oz.) can cream-style corn

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

2 large eggs

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Cook sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well.

2. Combine corn muffin mix and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in cooked sausage mixture, black beans, green chiles, and cheese. Spoon cornbread mixture into a lightly greased 11 x 7 inch baking dish.

3. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Bake for 1 hours or until golden brown and set.

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts-Smitten Kitchen

2010-10-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts-from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 pounds nuts (any kind, I prefer mixed)

2 egg whites

2 tbsp. water

2/3 cup dark-brown sugar

1 1/3 cup white granulated sugar

3 tsps. kosher salt

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 tsps. ground cinnamon

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Add nuts to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until frothy. Pour over nuts and stir to coat all the nuts. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugars, salt, cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Pour over nuts and stir to coat. Spread nuts in a single layer on a parchment (or wax paper) lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and separate nuts if they are stuck together. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container.

www.smittenkitchen.com

Chocolate Crack Recipe

2010-10-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I tried this recipe with the family last night and it was excellent!

Chocolate Crack

Ingredients:
1 foil lined and Pam sprayed cookie sheet
1 box graham crackers
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) real butter (if you use unsalted, add 1/2 tsp. salt)
1 bag chocolate chips

Instructions:
Place crackers on a large cookie sheet, completely covering the bottom in a single layer. You can break up the crackers to fit. Pre-heat over to 350. Put brown sugar and butter (and salt if needed) into a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Stir frequently with spoon while butter is melting. Once it starts to boil, stir constantly for 5 minutes. Immediately pour over graham crackers. Smooth out as evenly as possible to cover all of the crackers. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from over and sprinkle the whole bag of chocolate chips over the hot crackers. Wait about 30 seconds for chips to melt then spread like icing over entire pan of crackers. Place immediately into fridge or freezer and let them cool until rock hard. Once completely cooled, break the crackers up into roughly 2 x 2 jagged pieces.

Got this recipe off of Cake Central

Cut and Simple Halloween Wreath

2010-10-20T10:01:00.001-07:00

This wreath is made by cutting strips of paper and taping them in a circle. Then just apply the circle (with tape) to a wreath until it is full. She used a straw wreath and just left it covered in plastic. So cute...see the full story of how the wreath is made HERE.

Adult Beverage Halloween Labels

2010-10-18T07:13:00.001-07:00

Click HERE for the adult version of beverage labels. These are from Centsational Girl.

Free Kid Friendly Halloween Drink Labels

2010-10-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for the link that will take you to the page where you can download all these kid friendly drink labels.

Halloween Candy Skewers

2010-10-14T11:05:00.001-07:00

What big or little kid wouldn't like making these!!! How cute!

Another Free Printable

2010-10-14T10:47:00.001-07:00

So cute! click here

Click Here for free printable. I did this one as a 5 x 7.

Free Halloween Printable

2010-10-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for free Halloween printable

Neighborhood Phone List--Free Printable

2010-10-07T08:14:00.001-07:00

Another free printable from Executive Homemaker--click HERE.

Free Printable--Errands to Run

2010-10-07T08:11:00.001-07:00

Another free printable from Executive Homemaker--click HERE Another great list to use around the holidays! Remember also with all these free printables. It's a great idea to put some of them together and tie with a ribbon for little gifts at Christmas.

Holiday Gift List and Budget Worksheet--Free Printable

2010-10-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

Click HERE to download from Executive Homemaker a printable Holiday gift list and budget worksheet.

Easy Fall Cookie Recipe

2010-10-07T07:59:00.001-07:00

Take these three ingredients (a spice cake mix, a can of 100 percent pumpkin, not pie filling and butterscotch morsels) and mix together. Drop on a baking sheet and bake for about 13 minutes (this will vary depending on your oven). They are so yummy. For those of you who don't like butterscotch, try white chocolate chips. Top with a cream cheese frosting (recipe below) and they are simply delightful for fall.

Cream Cheese Recipe

1 stick butter softened
1 package cream cheese softened
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups confectioner sugar
a little corn starch if it needs thickening

We Shopped Until We Dropped in Canton!

2010-10-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

Not the greatest picture for two reasons--1. It was taken with my cell phone. 2. It was at the end of a hard day of shopping. My sister and I were invited to go a Canton weekend shopping trip. We were in great company with Gwen, Tina, Candice and Dana. We all literally shopped until we dropped for two days. We couldn't have had a better time. I actually got quite a bit of Christmas shopping done and even a few upcoming birthday presents. The reason I posted is because if you have never been to Canton, GO!!! This weekend was one of their busiest weekends with Christmas approaching and the weather...which was beautiful!!! The reservations for hotels fill up quickly so if you are interested, make your reservations early. It was a ton of FUN!!

More Free Halloween Printables!

2010-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you for eighteen25.blogspot for these free Halloween tag printables. Look how cute they are on her packages. Click HERE!

Free Halloween Printables

2010-09-30T08:42:00.001-07:00

Click here for free tag printable!

Halloween Wreath

2010-09-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't this cute! Who doesn't love goggly eyes? This is made by taking two feather boas and wrapping them around either a wooden or metal wreath base. The metal frames can be found in the floral department in a couple of different sizes. My sister showed me how to do this and I have even made plain feather wreaths for my house with chocolate feather boas. You just need to wrap them around the form and tack them in a few places as you go to hold them in place and then at the end to secure it. Then add goggly eyes or other Halloween decorations. This is a great way to use those Michael's and Hobby Lobby percentage off coupons.

Halloween Party Treats

2010-09-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

Love these marshmellows. They dipped them in yellow and orange candy melts. You can usually get them in the baking section of a craft store. Then they just added a lollipop stick. So cute!

You make this punch display by adding Saran Wrap to the top and placing the plastic items on top. I didn't do this because I always use a calderon and dry ice. Every year the kids as well as the adults get a kick out of the dry ice. But I thought this was a super cute idea.

Custom Water Bottle Labels

2010-09-14T13:58:00.001-07:00

Here is a way to add a little extra touch to any event. These are for a friend's 50th Black and White Birthday party. I create them 5 to a page and they are 8 inches by 2 inches. They will pretty much fit on any water bottles (these bottles are Ozarka, but I usually get whatever is on sale). I print them on card stock and use packing tape to waterproof them. Just simply use an Exacto knife to lightly score and peel off the original labels. Replace with your customized label and presto!...a nice extra touch! If I have the time, I often add a rhinestone or a nice little touch to the lid. These are traveling to Alabama, so not so sure how well the bedazzle will travel.

Halloween Tray

2010-09-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

Isn't this the cutest Halloween tray! I made one last year for Kennedy's party. I did have a tricky time getting the rubber snakes and critters to coat with the silver spray paint. I had an old mirror that I used. It was so cute. My camera decided it didn't like the lighting at our party so none of our pictures turned out. :( Again, another picture I got over a year ago and didn't note the site I got it from!

Recipe Book

2010-09-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is my recipe book (really a three ring binder). I decided to give this as a gift to myself while I was putting together two of them for my children for Christmas. Of course their cover was alot fancier and more personalized. They are always asking for certain recipes of mine. This is a great way to keep them at hand when you are looking for dinner ideas, party ideas or just to pass along. I just love mine and they did too!
I slipped each recipe the way I had them, in a plastic sleeve. That way when you are cooking, you can slip them out of the three ring binder and it doesn't matter what you spill on them. I tried to keep each recipe in their original form. As you can see some of mine are fancier than others. I thought about typing each one up, but as you know, it's much easier to find a recipe when you know just how you got it. Whether it be an email, out of a magazine or as mine shown above, a well worn, well used hand written recipe from my mom.
Often times I pull mine out and stack the recipes in a stack for the week, then refile them back according to the categories I have them seperated into.
It's a fairly easy, in-expensive project, just a bit time consuming. It is priceless to my children. I figured with as many kiddos as I have, I better start on a few more.

Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Turtles

2010-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry to bombard ya'll with recipes but I want to give ya'll plenty of

time to try them before the holidays! This said 10 minutes and

three ingredients and I knew it was a keeper!!

Found this one on A Southern Fairytale as well, it's taking me days

to get through her blog. I must be hungry when I am looking,

all the food recipes catch my attention! Click HERE for recipe!

Coupon Shopping

2010-08-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

As a lot of you know, I am a coupon shopper. I have a large family and fed

at least 10 people every night. I have been using The Grocery Game for

several years to organize and cut my coupons. Everyone asks me how

I have time, which is not so hard now that I am working from home.

When I worked out of the home, this site made it easy for me to find

my coupons without having to clip coupons I wouldn't use. I buy 3

Houston Chronicles each week. I shop at Kroger and they will only

accept 3 of each coupon per shopping order. I always get a lot

of questions about my coupon shopping, so I thought I would share!

Homemade Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

2010-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

I hope these holiday recipes are sending anyone
into a tailspin! I love to try recipes ahead of
time and figured this would give me plenty of
time. It's also nice to start getting grocery lists
ahead of the season. I am a coupon shopper
and it will be great to pick up the unusual stuff
that I don't stock all year with a coupon.

Follow the link here to A Southern Fairytale
for the recipe

Lunch Box Love Notes from eighteen25

2010-08-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Download these free

printable lunch box

love notes from eighteen25.

I also found her According

to my calculations note

...find that link here ....so cute!

She found the cheap

calculators at Target!

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts

2010-08-16T18:32:00.001-07:00

Look at these...another good looking recipe

for the holidays or anytime. Follow the link

here back to A Southern Fairytale.

Caramel Dipped Pretzel Rods

2010-08-16T18:26:00.001-07:00

Look at these...sooo cute. Click here for simple instructions at A Southern Fairytale!

Bejeweled Frames

2010-08-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these bejeweled frames I have been putting together. I found a use for all my ribbons and old jewelry. The pictures are terrible I know. I have put them in bigger gifts and used them for smaller gifts when I need them. I have really been trying to put my camera to better use this summer and I found a great way to accessorize my pictures!

This is a graduation present for my beautiful great niece Kassie.

I colorized the picture and put it in a container of goodies

I got together for her dorm room. She is off to Texas A & M this semester.

In this frame are two of our closet family friends, mother and son,

Mary and Andy. This is a birthday gift for Larry, the dad. A little

fluffy with the bow, but I don't think he...or Mary will mind!

My son Jacob and his beautiful girlfriend Candice

Both are going back to college this week :( Candice goes to Texas

A &M and Jake goes to Texas Lutheran University

--where, I am proud to brag, he made the Dean's List his first year!

This frame is going to Candice's mom

Recipe Blogs

2010-08-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Click HERE

Check out Marin's Creations blog for new recipe ideas. It's time for everyone to get back to busy school nights and this has some great dinner ideas. They are too numerous to list and everyone's families have different likes and dislikes.

Click Here for Pioneer Woman's website, it also has some fabulous recipes. I have tried several and the kids are fans!

Washcloth Cupcakes

2010-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is just too easy and too cute. You need very little supplies to make them and what a unique way to give a boring washcloth as a gift. This would be precious for a baby shower gift! It looks like a cupcake or an ice cream cone to me!

Here is the link on how to make them....http://redtedart.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/how-to-make-a-cupcake-from-a-flannel-washcloth/
Here is a video on how to create...he uses a template for the cupcake wrapper....http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=22666&promo_id=1

Simple, Cheap, Can Organizer!

2010-08-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am going to have my students make these to keep glue, compasses, markers, pencils, scissors, etc. in them for their tables. The less they get out of their seats, the better! This looks super simple and I am just going to spray paint the cans in advance or take a trip outside to the grassy areas and let them spray paint them. What a great idea! Here is the link for the step by step directions (with pics) on how to make them! http://memakingdo.blogspot.com/2010/04/can-craft-organizer.html

The Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

A face only a mom could love! My neighbor came over and took some pictures of my baby (ask anyone who knows me....he thinks he is a lap dog), Brisket. He is trying to beat the heat and frankly so am I! Thought I would share, her pictures were sooo cute!