If you get a chance, zip on over to my S.C.R.A.P. blog to see the latest finished, re-purpose project. It started with an old hand egg beater:
I'm working on more later today if I feel good enough. Yesterday, I found out I have an ear infection and sinus infection. The antibiotics are making me very sick and very tired.
Oh...and for my "list" I have added more projects (LOL!)
Last night we tried Spicy Tuna Melts, and they were a hit. So easy and very healthy. We had a salad for the side dish. Tonight, I have no idea what I'll be making. They family is counting on me, now that they've had a week of really good food. Maybe western style ribs in the crock pot?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Mac n' Cheese Please ~ Health Update
We have tried a few healthier versions of Macaroni and Cheese, but haven't really found one we all like. Of course, this is a tough dish to replace that ooey, gooey cheese sauce we all like.
After searching the Internet, I found a few that may taste pretty good. I baked Sweet Potato Mac' n' Cheese, and we loved it! It doesn't have that cheesy taste you get with a cheese sauce but my kids devoured this.
The ingredients are simple, and some day, I hope to be making my own cottage cheese from scratch (or ricotta). I know we will be adding "sweet potatoes" to the garden this year also. For our dish, I used whole wheat penne noodles. Very simple, and very good. I had broccoli as a side dish.
I've had two good meals in a row, so the family is counting on me. I'm back to searching for clean eating dishes, and hopefully find a delicious dish again.
As for the update, hubby and I have been back to the gym for over a week now. I continue to walk on the treadmill at home and we are already feeling much better. However, I am going back to the doctor today and hopefully, they can finally put an end to my ear trouble and sinus issues.
Recycling updates: I've been collecting plastic cheese bags for the school. I hope to be sending in our first shipment this week. The school receives $.02 for each one I ship in, and the landfills will be a cleaner place.
The ingredients are simple, and some day, I hope to be making my own cottage cheese from scratch (or ricotta). I know we will be adding "sweet potatoes" to the garden this year also. For our dish, I used whole wheat penne noodles. Very simple, and very good. I had broccoli as a side dish.
I've had two good meals in a row, so the family is counting on me. I'm back to searching for clean eating dishes, and hopefully find a delicious dish again.
As for the update, hubby and I have been back to the gym for over a week now. I continue to walk on the treadmill at home and we are already feeling much better. However, I am going back to the doctor today and hopefully, they can finally put an end to my ear trouble and sinus issues.
Recycling updates: I've been collecting plastic cheese bags for the school. I hope to be sending in our first shipment this week. The school receives $.02 for each one I ship in, and the landfills will be a cleaner place.
Monday, January 23, 2012
New Twist on Fries
These were okay, but nut spectacular. We used a recipe that required fresh chopped rosemary and onion powder. They were good, but not really good.
There are so many recipes available for baking these. I may try using a garlic herb mix on them the next time I bake them.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
When the Kids Don't Feel Like Watching TV
That's a shocker title - "Don't Feel Like Watching TV." You'd have to wonder what's wrong with them. Even though I try to limit what they watch, for them to say that, is a rarity in this house.
I guess it's proof that your kids watch what you do, and I do a lot of handiwork here. I do think that "craft" got a bad name somewhere along it's lifetime, and we often hear people say "I don't craft."
If you think about it, even cooking can be a "craft." It's a skill using your hands, and it's a bit sad that "crafting" has been stereotyped.
Okay....back to my story. After a long day of working out, shopping for groceries, and picking up one kiddo at an overnighter, I was ready to relax early. I decided "jammie" hour came early and began to knit in my room.
All the sudden, kids started coming in and going in an out of my closet (also the storage area for most of our crafting supplies). I watched and wondered what they were up to.
"I need to do something to expand my creativity. I feel like my brain is rotting."
Out the door she (my 15 year-old) went with the box of paints. Then she came back.
"Do you have any large paper?" she asked
"Of course I do," I proceeded to explain where I had it stored (I still have large paper I bought over 3 years ago at a S.C.R.A.P. store in Michigan).
Out the door she went again.
About an hour later, I was being shown paintings that my 17 and 15 year-old daughters painted - finger painted. They were all giddy and laughing and having a good time. My younger two daughters were also painting.
Then my 10 year-old walks in, "do you have any bows in there?" she asks pointing to the closet.
"No, those are all in the garage now."
She goes into the closet.
"Oh, I know what I can use! Ribbons!"
She later hands me a letter and a wrapped gift. The letter told me how much she missed me when she stayed overnight at a friends, and the gift was a recycled valentine's heart candy box (small) painted with foam figures and beads glued to it.
I'd say my kids are full of creativity.
I guess it's proof that your kids watch what you do, and I do a lot of handiwork here. I do think that "craft" got a bad name somewhere along it's lifetime, and we often hear people say "I don't craft."
If you think about it, even cooking can be a "craft." It's a skill using your hands, and it's a bit sad that "crafting" has been stereotyped.
Okay....back to my story. After a long day of working out, shopping for groceries, and picking up one kiddo at an overnighter, I was ready to relax early. I decided "jammie" hour came early and began to knit in my room.
All the sudden, kids started coming in and going in an out of my closet (also the storage area for most of our crafting supplies). I watched and wondered what they were up to.
"I need to do something to expand my creativity. I feel like my brain is rotting."
Out the door she (my 15 year-old) went with the box of paints. Then she came back.
"Do you have any large paper?" she asked
"Of course I do," I proceeded to explain where I had it stored (I still have large paper I bought over 3 years ago at a S.C.R.A.P. store in Michigan).
Out the door she went again.
About an hour later, I was being shown paintings that my 17 and 15 year-old daughters painted - finger painted. They were all giddy and laughing and having a good time. My younger two daughters were also painting.
Then my 10 year-old walks in, "do you have any bows in there?" she asks pointing to the closet.
"No, those are all in the garage now."
She goes into the closet.
"Oh, I know what I can use! Ribbons!"
She later hands me a letter and a wrapped gift. The letter told me how much she missed me when she stayed overnight at a friends, and the gift was a recycled valentine's heart candy box (small) painted with foam figures and beads glued to it.
I'd say my kids are full of creativity.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Chopped and other updates. . .
We've been watching the "Chopped" Foodnetwork show, and the kids love it. Last night our 12 year-old begged for her own box of food to cook with.
We gave her 2 boxes of black wild rice, a jar of pimentos and a bag of mini-marshmallows. I had no idea what to get, or how creative she could be.
She cooked the rice, added the pimentos and added leftover diced chicken we had that she marinated a bit in soy sauce.
She made a dessert with the mini-marshmallows and crushed rice chex cereal. She added raisins also. It kind of tasted like rice krispie treats, but tougher to chew. She did pretty good.
I think they had so much fun with this that I may purchase items for her and her younger sister for another round.
Gus came home late afternoon yesterday. He's doing good and getting lots of pampering. He follows my son everywhere now. The vet told my son that the growth/lump was very deep, black and very nasty looking. My son agreed to have it tested in a lab, so we will know for sure. However, my son felt another lump in another area, so he'll be watching that too. Thank you for all you prayers for Gus.
The weather is a teensy bit warmer, and we got more snow last night. The pipes finally thawed by late evening last night - YAY! We get showers!
Although yarn and quilling paper has arrived in my mail, I continue to knit and crochet daily. I am amazed how fast I can knit know compared to last summer. I can remember days where I could not knit when the kids were home. I literally had to take entire knitted block apart, because I lost track of rows and stitches. I'm not an expert at it, but much better. Now, when I get back to tatting, I'll probably have to re-teach myself again. Ha ha ha!
We gave her 2 boxes of black wild rice, a jar of pimentos and a bag of mini-marshmallows. I had no idea what to get, or how creative she could be.
She cooked the rice, added the pimentos and added leftover diced chicken we had that she marinated a bit in soy sauce.
She made a dessert with the mini-marshmallows and crushed rice chex cereal. She added raisins also. It kind of tasted like rice krispie treats, but tougher to chew. She did pretty good.
I think they had so much fun with this that I may purchase items for her and her younger sister for another round.
Gus came home late afternoon yesterday. He's doing good and getting lots of pampering. He follows my son everywhere now. The vet told my son that the growth/lump was very deep, black and very nasty looking. My son agreed to have it tested in a lab, so we will know for sure. However, my son felt another lump in another area, so he'll be watching that too. Thank you for all you prayers for Gus.
The weather is a teensy bit warmer, and we got more snow last night. The pipes finally thawed by late evening last night - YAY! We get showers!
Although yarn and quilling paper has arrived in my mail, I continue to knit and crochet daily. I am amazed how fast I can knit know compared to last summer. I can remember days where I could not knit when the kids were home. I literally had to take entire knitted block apart, because I lost track of rows and stitches. I'm not an expert at it, but much better. Now, when I get back to tatting, I'll probably have to re-teach myself again. Ha ha ha!
A recent sunrise from my front porch.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Meet Gus - Surgery Today and Wooden Drapery Ring Christmas Ornaments
This is Gus. He's about 11 years old. We went to the humane society to find a kitten or cat, to play with our long time cat Mattie (oldest daughter's cat). When we got there, I was busy looking at the cats, and my husband disappeared. I found him in the dog section.
We walked through, and every dog was barking except Gus. That was his name at the humane society also. He just sat in his cage and looked at us.
I kept thinking, what did someone do to you? I really thought his ability to bark was not there. He was so quiet and so calm.
Poor Gus, and another dog, had been left out and abandoned by someone. They just moved out, left the dogs tied up outside, and left them there. Horrible.
I once wrote on a topic for a Web site on family pets. You can read the original story about our pets here: http://www.helium.com/items/1754966-our-pets-and-how-they-live-in-harmony. I do need to update it, but you can read about how we ended up Gus.
Gus is basically my son's dog. They spend a lot of time together. A few years ago my son was playing with his dog's lips and laughing, but felt a lump in his jaw. Thankfully, for his play time with his dog, we had the lump removed. Now, my son has found a lump on his leg, which he has been chewing on and biting off hair.
Today, Gus is having surgery to remove the lump. We don't know if it's cancerous yet or not. Gus has been biting it too much to take a sample prior to the surgery. The good news, is that he'll get his teeth cleaned today also. That will keep him healthy.
Gus is very much like those dogs you see plopped on the front porch on a hot summer day. He loves to bathe in the sun, and if we are lucky, we can get him to run around with the other dogs.
Gus isn't a ball and fetch kind of dog, but once in a while he'll play tug-o-war with a rope, and the other dogs.
We think that Gus may have have been a hunting dog at one time, as he is the only dog (other than Sadie chasing birds) that can catch a gopher.
We are praying today the Gus recovers quickly from this surgery today. He's been a huge part of our life here. He's made us laugh and he's taught the kids to love.
I finished the wooden ring Christmas ornaments. The complete story is on my S.C.R.A.P. blog: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-ornament-using-thrift-store.html
A close up of the quilled holly leaves and berries drying.
I'll admit, I wish I had more of these rings. These were fun to make. I am creating two more in pastel colored yarn and will post those when they are finished also. I was lucky to find these rings for $1.00. I looked on ebay and other places and they sell for much more.
We woke up to frozen pipes in half of the house today. Good thing we have water on hand (in jugs) to flush toilets.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Library Book Heaven ~ Or Dilemma?
Well, most people were right. All of the those library books got me into a lot of trouble - ha ha ha ha! UGH! I found soooo many ideas I want to make for friends and gifts and family and and and and......
Check this crochet project out.....
This could have been my "best friend" when I was sick! These are super cute and handy. I wonder if these would be useful to women in nursing homes? The pattern for these are in a book titled Big Book of Crochet, by Leisure Arts. This book is packed with ideas!
And that's just the beginning. I have already started writing book titles and projects into my "crafting journal."
It seems like I am adding projects every day now. I did have plans to make my Mom some notecards from wallpaper, and did not, so those are on the list again this year too.
Speaking of projects, my 9th grader is working on a box assignment for Art class. The box is a cigar box and they are filling it with items the represent a place they like. She came up with ideas and of course headed to my closet - the craft/clothing closet in my bedroom. It's not small, but not real big either.
When we moved here, the closet was added on between the bedroom and the garage, so the walls (most of them) are block walls. There was no hanger bars for clothes hangers either. It was simply wire shelves on the walls.
In my prior home I had organized all the supplies in labeled containers, and most of them had fit into this closet. Many tubs of beads, and material went into the garage. I often forget what's out there too.
Anyway, she started with a crackle paint to create a barn look on the outside, and then asked for other supplies (I'll post a finished picture later). This is where we both laughed.
"...but what can I use to make chicks or eggs with?"
"sculpey?"
"OH! I know! That clay stuff I put in your closet last year!"
"Are you kidding me?" I shrieked. "I'm not sure I can find anything in there!"
So....we ventured into the closet and finally found the clay she was needing, the popsicle sticks and more wood scraps she could use. We ooh'd and ahh'd over things we found in containers, including the tiny wooden clothespins I had.
And guess what?! I found the roll of applique I had been looking for! Yay! Two days of searching and found it.
You can bet that I'll be spending some time cleaning that closet today. After I clean a few drawers in my refrigerator too.
Not only did I find the applique, and items she wanted, but found a tote bag with two unfinished crocheted dishcloths in it. Aiyeeee! Yep....there's that word again. I guess there won't be any moss growing around me feet too soon.
Check this crochet project out.....
And that's just the beginning. I have already started writing book titles and projects into my "crafting journal."
It seems like I am adding projects every day now. I did have plans to make my Mom some notecards from wallpaper, and did not, so those are on the list again this year too.
Speaking of projects, my 9th grader is working on a box assignment for Art class. The box is a cigar box and they are filling it with items the represent a place they like. She came up with ideas and of course headed to my closet - the craft/clothing closet in my bedroom. It's not small, but not real big either.
When we moved here, the closet was added on between the bedroom and the garage, so the walls (most of them) are block walls. There was no hanger bars for clothes hangers either. It was simply wire shelves on the walls.
In my prior home I had organized all the supplies in labeled containers, and most of them had fit into this closet. Many tubs of beads, and material went into the garage. I often forget what's out there too.
Anyway, she started with a crackle paint to create a barn look on the outside, and then asked for other supplies (I'll post a finished picture later). This is where we both laughed.
"...but what can I use to make chicks or eggs with?"
"sculpey?"
"OH! I know! That clay stuff I put in your closet last year!"
"Are you kidding me?" I shrieked. "I'm not sure I can find anything in there!"
So....we ventured into the closet and finally found the clay she was needing, the popsicle sticks and more wood scraps she could use. We ooh'd and ahh'd over things we found in containers, including the tiny wooden clothespins I had.
And guess what?! I found the roll of applique I had been looking for! Yay! Two days of searching and found it.
You can bet that I'll be spending some time cleaning that closet today. After I clean a few drawers in my refrigerator too.
Not only did I find the applique, and items she wanted, but found a tote bag with two unfinished crocheted dishcloths in it. Aiyeeee! Yep....there's that word again. I guess there won't be any moss growing around me feet too soon.
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