Teigan

This is a picture of Teigan from just this fall. 

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Teigan

I have not been able to load pictures for several months and just got a new computer set up tonight so trying it out.

This is a picture of Teigan last May at Pre K graduation.  She was 4.

Found in magazine years ago

This day is a treasure!

Today doesn't have to be a birthday or an anniversary or a holiday to be special.  All days are born that way!  In fact, there's no such thing as an ordinary day, because each and every one comes with unlimited potential.  Today isn't just any day.  It's your day.
Enjoy!

I am here

I have been busy sewing a few things.  Made some burp rags and washcloths for a baby shower.  I hemmed 7 t-shirts for a friend, took some pants in for myself, and fixed the cuffs on a shirt I got at Goodwill.  Put elastic in.

Was off 4 days but was nice to just chill alittle.  And I had such big plans to accomplish alot!!!

Tonight at our sewing guild--club we made fabric postcards.  Kinda neat.  I have seen them on sites but never tried them.  It was the 3rd meeting for it and I missed the first month.  Kinda interesting.  I took a quilt that my great aunt made in 1936 when she was 16. Sun Bonnett Sue.  She is still alive and then I took a scrap bow tie quilt that my gma hand sewed together and then hand quilted.  The squares are about 2 or 3".

August it is!

Cannot believe that we are to another August!!!

Start of summer brings list of to dos and hopes of getting it done---then it is fall and you see what isn't done!

We have made head way on a few things BUT lots more to go.  Not enough time.  Husband has been retired a couple years now but seems he is busier than before.  I still work.

At this time of year I really do start thinking Christmas more when shopping, the treats to make, games to play and the such.

Grammys Best Hot Chocolate Mix

4-lb pkg. powdered milk
2 15 oz. pkgs. chocolate drink mix
2 16-oz pkgs. powdered sugar
16 oz. jar powdered non-dairy creamer
2 3.9 oz. pkgs instant chocolate pudding mix
10 1/2 oz.  pkg. mini marshmallows

Combine all ingredients in a very large container and mix well.  Makes 3 gallons.

Place about 1/3 cu mix into a mug.  Add one cup boiling water, stirring to dissolve.  Makes 1 serving.

Store in airtight container.





Easy Peppermint Marshmallows

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
10 1/2 oz. pkg. mini marshmallows.

In plastic zipping bag shake together powered sugar and extract.  Add marshmallows and toss to coat.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes about 5 cups.


Minty Hot Cocoa Mix
1 1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
1/4 cup mint chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons flavored powdered non dairy creamer
Mix all ingredients well and pour into a one pint jar.  Makes 2 cups

Place 1/3 cup mix into a mug, add one cup boiling water.  Stir until mint chips are melted.  Makes 1 serving.


White Hot Cocoa Mix
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup mini marshmallows
2 teaspoons powder
2 teaspoons orange zest
Combine all ingredients place in a small airtight container.  Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Combine 3/4 cup milk and 2 tablespoons mix in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk well until chocolate is melted and smooth.  Makes 1 serving.

Cheesy Potato Skins

4 potatoes baked and halved
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, dropped
4 teaspoons bacon bits

Place potatoes on a baking sheet sprinkle with cheeses.  Top with onions and bacon heat under broiler until cheese melts.  Serves 4

Gumdrop Bread

Very pretty for Christmas

2 cups biscuit/baking mix
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups milk
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
1 cup chopped gumdrops

In a bowl combine biscuit mix and sugar.  In another bowl, beat the egg and milk and add to dry ingredients and stir well.  Add nuts and gumdrops stir just until mixed.  Pour into 3 greased 5 3/4x3x2" loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 10 to 15 minutes in pan and remove to finish cooling.

Yield: 3 mini loaves

I have put these on trays and also made them bigger.  It was several years ago---may have to do them again.

Cookies 'n' Cream Fudge

If you love oreos people love it

16 chocolate cream filled sandwich cookies broken into chunks divided'

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 2/3 cups vanilla chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line an 8" square baking pan with aluminum foil.  Coat with nonstick cooking spray.  Place  half of the broken cookies in pan.  In a heavy saucepan combine milk, butter and chips cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted.  Remove from the heat stir in vanilla.  Pour over cookies in pan.  Sprinkle with remaining cookies.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Cut into squares.  yield 3 dozen.

Quick Cooking November/December 1998

Fruitcake Squares

Normally people who hate fruitcakes (should say dislike) like these.

6 tablespoons butter or margarine melted

4 cups crushed vanilla wafers

3/4 cup halved green candied cherries

3/4 cup halved red candied cherries

1/2 cup chopped candied pinapple

3/4 chopped dates

1 cup pecan halves

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pour melted butter in a 15x10x1" baking pan.  Sprinkle evenly with wafer crumbs.  Arrange cherries, pineapple, dates and pecans evenly over the crumbs press down firmly.  Combine milk and vanilla pour over fruit.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Yield about 6 dozen.

Burlap Ornament

Cut a 5" square of burlap and carefully pull out threads to fray a 1/2" fringe border.

Cut a square of fabric to fit within inner edges of fringe border.  Glue fabric square onto burlap allow to dry completely.

Cut star (or whatever festive shape you choose) from cookie cutters or whatever pattern you have from a second fabric.  Glue it to center of square and allow to dry completely. 

Tie a length of jute, bakers twine or yarn to back of ornament with hot glue. 

Peppermint Candy Soap

1 1/2 pounds glycerin soap base
double boiler
peppermint oil
3 to 4 oz round soap molds
6 round peppermint candies in cellophane

Melt soap base in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add a few drops of peppermint oil.  Immediately pour into round soap molds.

Submerge a candy, its cellophane wrapper intact in center of each bar of soap.  Let set for 3 hours or longer.  Remove bars of soap from molds. 

Fill gift boxes with shredded pink paper, place in soap and wrap with ribbon.

Peaches and Cream Pie

Tis the season for peaches

1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tbsp. orange juice
1 tbsp. lemon juice
4 cups (10 1/2 oz. pkg.) miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups crushed fresh peaches
1 cup whipping cream

Mix together vanilla wafer crumbs and butter. Press mixture firmly and evenly over bottom and up the sides of a 9" pie pan.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  Cool.

Combine orange and lemon juices in a 2 qt. saucepan, bring to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Stir in marshmallows.  Turn heat very low cook and stir constantly until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.  Remove from heat.

Stir crushed peaches into marshmallow mixture.  Whip cream until stiff fold into peach mixture.  Pour filling into cooled pie shell.  Chill in freezer for about 1 1/2 hours and then remove to refrigerator until ready to serve.

Planation Peach Shortcake

Recipe to try now with peaches coming on


2 cups flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup milk
1 egg

Generously grease 9x13" pan or 2 8" pans.

Cut sugar and shortening into flour using pastry blender or fork until fine crumbs form.  Add pecans, milk and egg.  Stir 40 to 50 strokes until well blended.  Spread into a greased pan.  Bake at 450 degrees 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

Top with peach slices and sweetened whipped cream.

Christmas Gift Ideals

On FB I run across several things to order that comes up in the right hand side of the screen.  It is stuff I am always interested in so guess it keeps a record.  I would never know when stuff was in if I didn't see it there.

Also this is the time of year (I think I mention this yearly---sorry!) that stores like Big Lots, Aldis , Dollar General and such is clearing out summer stuff and marking down to half.  People do enjoy such items in my family.  Gardening, yard decorations, windchimes etc.

Turtle Cake

1 German Chocolate cake mix
1 (14 oz) pkg. caramels
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup (6 oz) chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts

Grease and flour a 13 x 9" pan.  Mix cake according to instructions.  Pour 1/2 of mixture in pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  While cake is baking, melt caramels with butter and milk.  Pour over cake as soon as you take it from the oven.   Then sprinkle with chips and nuts.  Carefully spread remaining batter over all and bake about 15 minutes or until done.

School Supply Sales

This year for our charity we are doing the Christmas Shoeboxes.  Right now the school supplies are out and on sale so I am picking up several items to put into the boxes.  Need to get some water bottles yet too.

Could also pick up items and donate to a church for Sunday School classes, to schools who could always use extra supplies since their money is short. (also could send Puffs, lysol wipes, and craft items). 

One year for Christmas I got a tote and filled it with supplies for my 2 nieces and nephew for crafts.  Made sure I got 3 of some stuff and then like construction paper, pom poms, pipecleaners, copy paper and etc..  They loved it.

Words for thought

I have been going through some Christmas books.

"When Christmas is over," said the merchant to the minister, "it's over, and it's our job to rid this store completely of Christmas in a day."
"Well," said the minister, "I've a bigger job----to keep Christmas in the hearts of people for a lifetime."



Love came down at Christmas;
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and angels gave the sign.
Christina Rossetti


Christmas is the day that holds time together.
Alexander Smith


The Light that shines from the humble manger is strong enough to lighten our way to the end of our days.
Vita-Rays


It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, , when its mighty Founder was a child himself.
Charles Dickens


I love the celebration of Jesus Christ.  His spirit is so alive and so close at Christmastime.  It's all around us.  It's wonderful!
Laura Anne Lord

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

Ran across this today in a Christmas book.

1/4 cup peanut butter
1 stick butter
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
milk for consistency

Melt 1/4 cup of peanut butter with 1 stick of butter.  Add 1 box powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla.  Add alittle milk to make it easy to spread into a greased 9x13" glass baking dish.  Chill until solid.

Whatever Bars

18 1/2 ounce lemon cake mix
3/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cup chopped pecans--divided
8 oz package cream cheese softened
1 cup brown sugar packed

Mix together cake mix, butter and one cup pecans.  Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.  Blend cream cheese and brown sugar and spread over mixture, sprinkling with the 1/4 cup of remaining pecans.  Bake at 350 until light golden, about 25 to 30 minutes.  Makes 2 to 3 dozen.

Try German Chocolate, Red Velvet.....etc.

Any old quilts or clothes

If you have any old quilts that are in rough shape--- I have made ornaments out of them.  I traced around a cookie cutter, I used a mitten, stocking and heart and then used a straight running stitch along the edge with floss and made the hanger.  A blanket stitch would do on the edges too.

Could also use old clothing and stuff alittle.

When my grandparents died, we found old quilts in a trunk outside and they were half gone so I washed and made some for all us grandkids.

3 Ingredient Reese's Fudge

This is a recipe that I ran across about 2 or 3 years ago and I put it on the Christmas trays and people love it!


1 container vanilla frosting (basic kind not fluffy)
1 10 oz. package peanut chips
1 10 oz bag mini Reese's pieces

Take foil off frosting container and microwave for 30 seconds.  Put peanut butter chips in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute.  Stir frosting and melted chips together well.. add about 3/4 of the mini Reesess Pieces.  Spread in a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan.  Top with remaining Reese's.  Let sit on the counter until solid about 30 minutes.  Cut into squares and enjoy!




This is the peanut butter fudge that I used for years and still do it too.

1 11 oz. creamy peanut buttter
1 16 vanilla ready made frosting

Mix ingredients together in a bowl and microwave for 50 seconds.  Stir and pour into container and let sit. 

It is so creamy. 

Use the peanut butter with chocolate frosting or try other variations of ready made frosting.

Strawberry Delight

First time I tasted this was many years ago at the holidays.  I haven't made it but have eaten it.

1 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine (1 stick)
1 package chopped pecans

Mix these first four ingredients like pie crust.  Bake in a 350 degree oven in a 9 x 12 pan for 15 to 20 minutes stirring occasionally with a fork.  Save some of this mixture for the top.

1 10 ounce package frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2/3 cup sugar
2 egg whites

Beat for 20 minutes.  Then fold in one 9 ounce container of Cool Whip.  Sprinkle the remaining mixture on top.

Gifts by the door

Normally for Christmas Eve I will have containers of seasoning salt, a hand/foot cream, and vanilla that I make for people to take if they would like.  This year I think I might make more up and put on the buffet for people to take as they come by.  Not sure if I will get the vanilla done in time.  I know it only takes a few months but I normally start it in Jan. or Feb. this year and didn't.

Carrot Casserole

I don't make this often but when I have people want the recipe when I take it places

1 pound sliced carrots
1/2 pound Velveeta cheese
1 stick butter
2/3 package Ritz crackers (approximately 15-29)

Cook carrots until tender.  Melt butter and cheese in saucepan and add in crushed crackers.  Mix cheese sauce into carrots put in casserole dish and bake 15 minutes at 350.

Christmas Yard Decorations

When I was younger I remember my dad in the summer time when we'd be in bed looking out the windows and seeing dad with a projector and tracing a picture on plywood.  He would cut it out and paint it and it would be Christmas decorations.  He did several over the years and LOVED decorating the yard for Christmas.

I remember Charlie Brown and friends, Santa in a rocket ship, candy canes, trees, reindeer, presents and etc..

We keep thinking we will get time to do some in the summer months but.....lets get real---never any time.  I buy color books with pictures I like of things thinking we will get to it.

Guess my daddy instilled the Love of Christmas in me!!!!

Easy Salad

Everybody seems to like this salad and it is something different.

1 medium head cauliflower
1 head of broccoli
1 cup frozen peas thawed
1 medium onion diced
1 Tbsp. sugar
3 or 4 strips bacon, crisp
1 small bottle creamy cucumber dressing

Chop cauliflower and broccoli.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Zucchini Jam

I just ran across this recipe so haven't tried it yet.  Would be a nice gift if you put up extra zucchini.

6 cups peeled, grated zucchini
6 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
2 pkg. (3 oz) apricot gelatin
Add 1 cup water to zucchini, bring to a boil and cook 6 minutes.  Add sugar, lemon juice and pinapple and cook 6 more minutes.  Add gelatin and cook 6 minutes more.  Seal in jelly glass or pint jars.

You may use any flavor gelatin, but i like apricot best.

Green Bean Casserole

2 cans green beans, drained  (I use french style)
2 cups cooked rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can onion rings
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and put into a casserole dish.  Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. 

People always seem to comment on it when I take it places liking the rice in it and that the onion rings are stirred up into it and not just on top.  Found it in a church cookbook years ago.

Reindeer Snack Mix

2 cups Bugles
2 cups cheese-flavored snack crackers
2 cups pretzel sticks
1 cup Corn Chex
1 cup bite size Shredded Wheat
1 cup pecan halves (or walnuts if you prefer)
1/2 cup butter melted
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1.)  In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.  Combine the butter, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.  Pour mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to coat.

2.) Transfer to an ungreased 15X10X1" baking pan,  Bake uncovered at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

French Christmas Cookies

1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup whole milk
2 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 cups finely chopped walnuts

Topping:
1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips melted

1.)  In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the milk.  Gradually add the crumbs and mix well.  Stir in chips and walnuts.

2.) Fill miniature foil baking cups three- fourths full.  Place cups 1" apart on baking sheets.  Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until set.  Cool on wire racks.  Top each cookie with 1/4 tsp. melted chocolate, if desired.  Store in the refrigerator.

Yields: 9 1/2 dozen

Snowman Ornament

You probably have all seen the ornament where you paint a childs hand and fingers white and then let them hold a ball ornament and then finish them out with face and all.

In 2016 I used the small canvass and painted 4 of Teigans fingers with white paint and had her put them onto the canvas that I had painted blue.  I finished the snowman out with faces, scarfs, and hats.  Then I put snowtex along the bottom with glitter and put on a small jute hanger.

The canvas is like a 2.5 by 2.5.

Address Labels

I ordered Christmas address labels today.  (Tuesday the 3rd) Had been looking at them and decided to do while a discount was offered.  I wasn't rushed in trying to make up my mind so could think about it and also another expense off now besides later with other stuff.

I posted a cookie recipe also today----post below.

Creme de Menthe Cheesecake Cookies

1 tube (16 1/2 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
6 tbsp. all purpose flour
1 large egg
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 1/3 cups Andes creme de menthe baking chips

green candy coating disks and sprinkles, optional

1.) Preheat oven to 350.  In a large bowl, beat cookie dough and flour until blended and dough is softened.  Beat in egg.  Add cream cheese, beat until smooth.  Stir in baking chips. (dough will be soft)

2.) Drop dough by tablespoons 2" apart onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake 11-13 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.  Cool 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

3.)  If decorating cookies, melt candy coating in a microwave.  Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe plastic bag; insert a small round pastry tip.  Fill bag with melted coating.  Pipe designs onto cookies decorate with sprinkles.

To Make Ahead:  Bake and cool cookies as directed.  Freeze for up to 1 month.  Several hours before serving proceed with finishing cookies as directed.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

1 cup raw peanuts
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup white corn syrup

Spray cookie sheet with oil.  Cook above ingredients in microwave on high for 3 minutes 20 seconds.  Take out and stir after this time then put back in for another 3 minutes and 20 seconds.  When buzzer goes off take out and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.  Stir until foaming and then dump onto sprayed cookie sheet and spread quickly. Using 2 greased butter knives work good for this.

My sister and her friend gave this out at Christmas and it was very good.  I have not made it yet.  I love cashew and pecan brittle so might try it with them and see how it works.

Wish Box

Several years ago I had a decorative box (red and white striped) that I kept out all year and people would write down something that they wanted when they thought of it or as I heard somebody mention something I would write it on a slip with name and put it in there.  Then when time to buy stuff I would go through and see.  Granted hubby didn't do it so I had to listen for him to mention----that would be when he was doing something and hed say I need to buy whatever to do this.

I pick stuff up all year for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers--but come July I really start trying to get a couple things here and there for gifts, stockings and also baking/candy making items when I go to town.  Or if I give gift cards I get one here and there and items for game prizes I always look for.

It is time to think about Christmas!

It is July 1st and with many means Christmas in July!

I think of Christmas always---when I see recipes, games to try, shopping for gifts and stocking stuffers.

This month I would like to think about decorating the yard.  We use to go ALL out and then got away from it when my hubby was down some but really hoping to get back to it.

What ideals would you like to try this year?  Inside, outside, meal wise, gift giving, games, charities etc..

Last year we also did Christmas bingo.  Have also let people draw a card when they came in and then had a card on a gift and they received it.  I normally mark a plate or cup and then they get a gift card.  Last year I put a scratcher ticket on the bottom of each plate and the one without got a gift card to Hobby Lobby.  (I keep the gift cards at $10)  I would like to get some different ideals this year.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!!

How the time flies.........

I cannot believe it has been six months since I have posted!!!  I do check the blogs that I have on my sidebar often.

Time is definitely moving on and I am back here ....

Christmas in July will be next month and six months from today is Christmas Eve!!!  I am finishing up my Christmas In July swap ornaments.

We finally put some fish back into our fish pond (after 3 or 4 years), it had became a frog pond.  Painted our front door a Golden Butter Yellow, (sided house 2 yrs ago with Bayou Blue siding) and I ordered shutters (couldn't decide the color so went white (black or charcoal gray were considered)) and they came in.  My wreath came yesterday so now to get all up.

Today we are putting a pool up.  Hasn't been up in a few years so hoping the liner is okay.

Our temps had been really HOT and then finally got .8 of rain Thursday and temps were very pleasant but to climb back into high 90s this week.

I haven't really been sewing much and miss it.  I do have some baby washcloths and burp rags I need to get done this week.

Happy New Year to you and your Families!!!!!

I hope 2018 is good to all.  Life has the ups and downs and here is to more UPS!!!!

I hope to get back to blogging more---seems it went wayside.

Need to clean up in my bedroom and move the Christmas stuff out.