SIMPLY SUPER STUFF

Hi there and a BIG Hello! How are you today? I am actually super psyched cause I am trucking along on my challenges so nicely! man can you believe my little girl will be 16 tomorrow? I feel so old LOL! She's not so little anymore LOL. More rain forcasted, so I am gonna plan on sewing and cleaning today. I also have a few boxes of stuff I have found while digging and cleaning that I might put up on freecycle today. Of course I might wait till I have more to offer LMAO... who knows!

Ok mom mentioned another website to help with Nature topics through donations, clicks, etc. (yes mom I WAS reading LOL). The main page of the Nature Conservatory has lots of links to click for various causes so go check it out! And those crocheted animals... are you finishing Michael's wolf? LOL...

Tabitha, I will extend your well wishes the next time I see my brother. As for the other brother... not sure where he learned that. Could have been a combination of things he has seen or thought about that lead him to that mentality. All I know is its a good one. Yes that is the tiny rabbit who was in my palm a few weeks ago LOL. Told you she is getting huge! She is as big as Miracle and Gizmo now... BIG! And I am so happy to hear you have joined the Challenge! You will be surprised how much relief you feel when you have all your gifts completed in maybe September LOL and can just sit back and actually enjoy the holidays! And its good to give yourself alot of time if you think you need it... gives you time to "perfect" or go all out on it! Kudos to you!



Wanna see a super supper? Check this out! This is our homage au fromage! God Bless Cheese! YUM! What you see is some freshly steamed broccoli with some melted cheese on top, some cheesy Rice-A-Roni, and some Cheez-It Pork chops! Yes I said Cheez-its! I crushed up a bunch of cheez-it crackers and coated the boneless center cut pork chops (found on manager special mind you LMAO) and skillet cooked them til golden brown on both sides and done in the center. OMG it was wonderful! Ya know, I really didn't think about how much cheese we actually eat around here till the last week LOL! We love our cheese! Madison had like 3 or 4 chops herself LOL!

Now I am not quite sure what I am going to make (if anything) for the Christmas challenge today. I plan on making Madison a couple of presents today (when she is not out front of course LOL) for her birthday. She wanted me to make her a new purse and a couple of other things, so guess what her other present is gonna be from mom aside from the party? Yep... handmade is the way baby! LOL!



I figure I am gonna go ahead and show you how gift 1 turned out (maybe for added inspiration? LOL). Its the kitchen set... in pretty purple pansies! I used a 3 ring binder to hold all the soup recipes. I put them in plastic sheet protectors so that way if the recipient has it open and "oops" a splatter... the paper won't be ruined... just wipe the sheet plastic clean! Smart huh? LOL... then I made a book cover to fit the binder. I also made 2 potholders, 2 oven mitts, a plastic grocery bag holder, and 2 kitchen towels. I wrapped it all together with a very glittery wired ribbon... put a wooden spoon on top and finished the bow for an oh-so-cute presentation! (Sorry for the whitewashed pictures... I can't find my camera, so I am using my phone for pictures LOL)



OK now I told you yesterday on the Christmas Challenge how I was going to make stockings for some people who need them. Well I didn't have classic cars or monkey fabric, so I didn't get those done. I did get the penguins and the music one done though and I think they are great! I also did not share how to make them, thinking most people would not want to know how to make one. Boy was I wrong! I got 22 emails yesterday asking me how I make my quilted Christmas stockings. SO, its a good thing that I made sure that I took step by step pictures to share just in case someone asked, huh? My mother actually taught me this, as she made all of our stockings when we were younger. I've just kind of tweeked it to my own style LOL! The good thing is you can use any fabric you want... it doesn't HAVE to be Christmas-y! Customize it to the likes of the person who you are making it for and it will have even more meaning when you give it to them. I once made a bunch of these and filled them with toys and candies from the Dollar Store and gave them to my son's class for their party. So here ya go... the stocking instructions using the penguin stocking I told you I was making yesterday!



Craft Idea of the Day: Renee's Quilted Christmas stockings

Materials:
1 yard of novelty print fabric *
1 yard of pre-quilted fabric *
1/2 yard of solid color white fabric
thread to match

* You can also use low loft quilted batting and sandwich it between 2 pieces of fabric for the same effect. In this event you need 1 yard novelty print and one yard solid color for the inside, or 2 yards of novelty for the inside and out. For this instructional however, I am using the pre-quilted fabric. *

Directions:

1. Make a stocking pattern on brown kraft paper, paper bag, or butcher paper, etc. Also make a cuff pattern that will cover between 4-6 inches from the top of the stocking (depends on how large you want the cuff).



2. Make sure the fabrics are folded in half so that you have 2 layers/pieces per fabric once cut. Place the prequilted fabric and the novelty print on top of each other and place your pattern on top of both sets. Pin in place. Cut out your pattern 1/2 to 1 inch larger than pattern to allow for seam. You should now have 2 pieces cut of each fabric.

3. Place your cuff pattern on the white fabric. Cut 2 cuffs also with the 1/2 to 1 inch extra around the edge.



4. Cut 2 strips of the Novelty fabric about 2 inches wide. With an iron press raw edges to the center of the strip, then fold again in half. You now have homemade bias tape that matches the print of your fabric. You need to do 2 strips. Do NOT cut these on the fold, as you need one long to go around the top of the stocking once assembled... so leave them long! (*NOTE You can use store bought bias tape or no tape at all, just doing a hem to the raw edges. I particularly like the look of the matching material bias tape.)

5. Take the bias tape and place on the smaller edge of the cuff. Sew in place. Repeat for the second cuff.



6. Pin the cuffs (wrong side of cuff to right side of stocking fabric) to the stocking and sew across the bottom of the cuff to secure onto your first stocking side. Repeat for the second side.



7. Pin the wrong sides together of one side of printed fabric with attached cuff and prequilted fabric. Sew 2 pieces together to form one side. Repeat with the other 2 pieces.



8. Take your 2 side pieces and place them printed sides together. Try to make sure the bottom edges of each cuff are about even. Make sure cuffs are laying flat between the fabrics. Pin in place along the edges and in the center.

9. Sew along edges. Make sure to do a double stitch and/or serger/zigzag the edges. (Remember Santa goes crazy sometimes with stocking stuffers, so you gotta make sure those bad boys aren't gonna come apart LOL!)



10. Flip stocking right side out. Take 1 long piece of bias tape and pin around the top edge of the stocking. Sew in place.



11. Take a 4 inch piece of the bias and fold it in half. Secure in the inside of the stocking on the seam to form a loop to hang your stocking by. Reinforce with a "X" stitch if desired.

Voila you are finished! Your quilted stocking is now ready for super stuffing during the holidays!

So tell me, are you hungry? Its time again for more FANTASTIC EDIBLE FLOWER and today I want to talk about a favorite flower of my mom's... the Gardenia. Yes mom, you can eat those LOL! Now don't make the mistake of thinking more flowers would be better. It gets too perfumey. But used in extreme moderation, you can get a uniquely tasty treat! And today I bring you a truly sweet treat as well! So Eat & Enjoy!



Gardenia: Gardenia jasminoides
Tastes like: light, sweet flavor

Some Interesting Facts About Gardenias

Gardenias are grown for their beautiful foliage and they make great cut flowers.

Gardenias flowers from about mid-spring to mid-summer, i.e., May through July

Many of the gardenia species are strongly scented.

The genus Gardenia is named after Alexander Garden, a physician in Charleston of South Carolina.

Gardenias can be used as screens, hedges, borders or ground covers.

In France, Gardenia is the traditional flower which men wear as boutonnieres.

The most popular cultivated species is the Cape jasmine, native to China.

Each gardenia flower is followed by 6-sided berries of rich orange-red with long, elegant stems.

Gardenia thunbergia produces a woody fruit which has hard, angular seeds inside.

Gardenia Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups of heavy whipping cream
2 cups of whole milk
1/2 vanilla bean, opened up, seeded (include seeds in mixture)
3/4 cup sugar (1/2 cup if you prefer less sweet)
Petals of 2 or 3 Gardenias (wash them well, use fruit and veggie wash if you can find it to remove pesticides. If store-bought, watch out for wax in center, use only outer leaves if they waxed it) Cut leaves up. Home grown gardenias are best.

Directions:

Bring milk, cream, vanilla bean and seeds, half of the sugar, and chopped gardenia petals to a simmer in heavy saucepan (at least 2 quart in size), stir to melt sugar, remove from heat and let the flavors develop for 30-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk 8 egg yolks and remaining sugar till blended and lighter in color. Sugar substitutes like Splenda MAY work. I have used Whey Low Ice Cream Sugar(low carb, low calorie, and natural) and it works perfectly.

Add about 1/3 of the heated mixture slowly to the egg yolk mixture, whisking while adding. (this keeps egg from clotting) Then whisk all of egg mixture into cream mixture. Reheat, whisking continually, bring to simmer, but not a boil. Whisk and heat until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. A spoon dipped into mixture should stay lightly coated, and a finger run down the center should leave a line in the custard. Remove from heat. Put custard into a bowl in an ice bath (partial sink of water with ice works, to cool it quickly) Stir every five minutes or so. When cooled off, strain, put covered in fridge for several hours or overnight. Then use your ice cream maker. Freeze it to “soft-serve” consistency, put in another container, and put in freezer to finish. This recipe can be used unfrozen as a custard cream sauce to pour over fruit, cakes, put in fruit crepes, etc...

Well folks, I guess I should be getting off of here and getting to work huh? I hope you have enjoyed our early morning visit and will come back tomorrow for another wonderful day of fantastically fragrant food and clever crafts. I wish you well in whatever you find yourself doing today... just stay safe! See you tomorrow... HUGS!

IN THE ARMY NOW

Good morning everyone! How are you doing this trippy Thursday? We're ok here... woke up to some sprinklage this morning lol. So I have to change my plans for the day.

Alright kids... its time for me to put the "frugal" into The Frugal Mom! We have covered lots of topics with some great tips. Well today I am bringing you some tips for something that effects us all... food! We all must buy groceries at some point in order to live, so why not have ways to make a necessary task a bit frugal? So here ya go!

Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

BEFORE SHOPPING

Check your pantry to see what you already have. Don't spend money on things you don't need.

Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.

Grow it or Make it yourself and save!

Make a price book, and frequently refer to it. For more information about price books, click here.

Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.

If your area has food co-ops, Join up! A food co-op can reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.

Shop for items BEFORE you run out of them. If you run out of an item you'll have to pay whatever the store is charging that week.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

Avoid trips to the "corner store".

Make a grocery list during the week. Take it with you when you shop. Stick to it.

If you go to the supermarket early in the morning (before 9am) you have a better chance of getting mark down items. Local stores in my area mark down fresh veggies and fruits, frozen items, milks, and meats.

Shop alone - this will save lots of money and frustration.

You have heard this before, but it is so true ... don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach.

Clean out your refrigerator, it will be much easier to put away groceries.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

More often than not, the best sales are on the front and back of your supermarket flyer.

WHILE SHOPPING

Stick to what's on your shopping list.
Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.

Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.

Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.

Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.

Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.

Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

Watch for unadvertised specials.

Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be charging when you need it.

Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!

Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item is discounted again.

Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.

Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not always mean lower prices.

Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.

Use store specific savings cards.

Don't be afraid to try generic or store brands. Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Pretty packaging costs you money. You are not only paying for the product, but for the packaging (and advertising) as well.

Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.

Always check the expiration date on dairy products.

Avoid anything disposable.

Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.

Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced merchandise cart.

Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.

AFTER SHOPPING

Always return a product that is spoiled.

Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!

Learn the sales cycles of your favorite stores, and know when to expect certain items to go on sale.

Shop at bakery outlets. Breads and rolls freeze very well.

Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

Ok, I also want to let you all know that I put a few things on Etsy finally. Its pretty much the same things on my website, but the difference is that right now, I can put more things on Etsy than on my site. So I have added the link on the sidebar, or you can go to ReneeTheFrugalMom on Etsy.

So do you want to make something spectacular today? I want to show you a frugal recycling craft to make something I absolutely adore... roses! You can make these roses from denim scraps and attach them to bags or whatever you please! You can make a bouquet and use as decor in your home. Your imagination is the only limitation. So when you hem some jeans, or maybe have some you can't fit anymore... consider this craft!



Craft Idea of the Day: Denim Roses

Materials:

Length of Denim or Turned up Hem Cut off
Glue or Sewing thread

Directions:

This project uses the piece you cut off your jeans when turning them up. The width should be no less than 1 1/2 inch or you will not have anything to sew up at the back.

Start by taking one end of the length. And begin rolling it loosely into your hand, you will see as you go, that it begins to resemble a rose. You can make the layers more loose towards the end to portray an opening rose bloom.

Secure with craft glue at the back and pin until dry. Or hand sew the rose into place with small stitches.

I actually used hot glue which was super easy and popped a magnet onto the back.

You can use these roses for embellishing Hats, scarfs belts or pop them onto a pin for a brooch.



It's time to praise Presley! WOOHOO! Now many know that Elvis was in the army and that's what I want to talk about today. Who doesn't like a man in uniform? LOL! On March 24, Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army as a private at Fort Chaffee, near Fort Smith, Arkansas. Captain Arlie Metheny, the information officer, was unprepared for the media attention drawn by the singer's arrival. Hundreds of people descended on Presley as he stepped from the bus; photographers then accompanied him into the base. Presley announced that he was looking forward to his military stint, saying he did not want to be treated any differently from anyone else: "The Army can do anything it wants with me." Later, at Fort Hood, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel Marjorie Schulten gave the media carte blanche for one day, after which she declared Presley off-limits to the press.

Soon after Presley had commenced basic training at Fort Hood, he received a visit from Eddie Fadal, a businessman he had met when on tour in Texas. Fadal reported that Presley had become convinced his career was finished—"He firmly believed that." During a two-week leave in early June, Presley cut five sides in Nashville. He returned to training, but in early August his mother was diagnosed with hepatitis and her condition worsened. Presley was granted emergency leave to visit her, arriving in Memphis on August 12. Two days later, she died of heart failure, aged 46. Presley was devastated; their relationship had remained extremely close—even into his adulthood, they would use baby talk with each other and Presley would address her with pet names.

After training at Fort Hood, Presley joined the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany, on October 1. Introduced to amphetamines by a sergeant while on maneuvers, he became "practically evangelical about their benefits"—not only for energy, but for "strength" and weight loss, as well—and many of his friends in the outfit joined him in indulging. The Army also introduced Presley to karate, which he studied seriously, later including it in his live performances. Fellow soldiers have attested to Presley's wish to be seen as an able, ordinary soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. He donated his Army pay to charity, purchased TV sets for the base, and bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit.

I can only imagine that when Elvis got home, he was craving some down home southern favorite foods. Another one of the King's favorites was Pork Chops and Mashed potatoes. So how in the world do you "jazz that up" you ask? Let me show you! Fruit is a wonderful pairing with pork, so how about some Caramel Apple chops and some Mashed SWEET potatoes for supper? YUM!!!!



Caramel Apple Pork Chops

Ingredients

4 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3 tablespoons pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Place a medium dish in the oven to warm.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush chops lightly with oil and place in hot pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, or until done. Transfer to the warm dish, and keep warm in the preheated oven.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet, and stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook until apples are just tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops. Keep warm in the preheated oven.

Continue cooking sauce uncovered in skillet, until thickened slightly. Spoon sauce over apples and chops. Sprinkle with pecans.



Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

With an electric mixer on low, blend potatoes, slowly adding milk, about 1/2 a cup at a time. Use more or less to achieve desired texture. Add butter and maple syrup, to taste. Blend until smooth. Serve warm.

Ok everyone, thats it for today. Did you enjoy your visit? Are you hungry now? I hope so LOL. I also hope that you visit again tomorrow for more fun and excitement and that you remain safe in whatever you find yourself doing today! I'm outta here... HUGS!

ADVENTURES WITH PIZZA

Howdy Do all my little cowpokes out there! How are you today?? I am doing pretty good except for a bothersome heat rash! Oh yes folks, its that time here in Texas! 90 degrees makin’ you sweat gotta hate the humid heat weather time! LMAO! But today my landlord should be putting in a new AC unit in the bedroom, so HOPEFULLY that will help! Now I just need one in the kitchen and all will be well… except the electric bill LMAO!

Ok, I’m letting everyone know now… be on the lookout because the new Home Depot Garden Club email is awesome! Buy 1 Get 1 Free ROSES!!!!! OMG I so want more than one of these as I have been wanting to start a rose garden in my front yard for so long! Mom, do you want your rose coupon? LMAO! Anyway, it also has a $10,000 Powerade/Home Depot sweepstakes so make sure to enter that too! Great email this month! I love the Home Depot Garden Club! If you haven’t joined yet, what in the world are you waiting for?!?

Oh, I have to tell my little dinner story! Yesterday when I got home, I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was still too hot in the kitchen to really do a lot of cooking like I really need to! I have GOT to get a new AC unit in there LOL. Anyway… we decided to go out for dinner since the DS18 was gone, no extra kids over… Just Frank, Madison, Alex, and myself. So what did we do for dinner? PIZZA! Cheap and don’t have to heat the house even more Cici’s Pizza. Granted they may not have the “best” food in the world, but its cheap and Alex likes it and the location near us is “disabled friendly” lets say. Not to mention I had a coupon, so I was trying to be “fast food-ily” frugal! LMAO!



So we loaded in the car and headed out. We get there and pay and begin down the buffet. Now if you have been there before, you already know that you can special order things. Well these very nice young ladies behind the counter asked if we needed anything and I told them of Alex’s love for the Alfredo pizza and how he can eat 4 whole ones by himself LOL! So this young lady named Chloe made sure to hook him up with the pizza! He was covered in Alfredo slices LOL!



Then Alex said Chloe’s name and I was stunned! So I asked her if she would mind taking a picture with him. She was all for it! Even though you aren’t supposed to take buffet home, they gave Alex a box to put his leftovers in cause he couldn’t quite finish it all… he had maybe 1 out of 4 pizzas left! She took real good care of my special little man! THANKS CHLOE!



Ok so everyone is thoroughly sickly stuffed of pizza and we let the kids go play the arcade games. I give them $1 each and they take off (Madison holding Alex’s hand of course). Well Alex loves to play those claw machine games… ya know the kinds with the stuffed animals inside? He won himself a Ben 10 “dude” LOL! I tell ya that boy gets all the luck! Maybe I should teach him some card tricks and go to Vegas like on Rainman! LMAO!

So I came home last night and made a new scrub to wear to mom’s today LOL. I think she will like it. I have been making new ones every so often so she doesn’t get bored with my clothes LOL! I have been making lots of them since I am her temporary “nurse-maid” as Dad calls me. Makes me wonder if I should look into home health as a profession once she is well… dunno will have to sleep on that LOL! Now are you in the mood to craft today? You DO realize tomorrow is Mother’s Day RIGHT?? Have you made a card? Sewn a gift? Children, you are running out of time! Ok, well here is a neat idea that shouldn’t take you too much time or money to do.



Craft Idea of the Day: Recycled Potpourri Jar

Approximate Time: 15 minutes or less

Supplies:

baby Food Jar (2.5 oz.)
tulle
rubberband
potpourri
ribbon
flower or bow
hot glue gun
hot glue
Sharpie marker
dip container lid
scissors
newspaper

Instructions:

Cover your work area with newspaper. Fill a clean baby food jar with potpourri.

Use the dip container lid as a stencil. With a Sharpie marker, trace a circle around the dip container lid on the tulle. Make sure you have newspaper underneath the tulle. Cut out the circle of tulle and put it on top of the baby food jar.

Wrap the rubberband around the top of the jar to keep the tulle in place.

Hot glue ribbon around the top of the jar to cover up the rubberband and then hot glue the flower or bow on the front.

I made these as a little gift to give each woman in our church for Mother's Day. My sister gave me the baby food jars. The tulle came from wedding decorations that were going to be thrown away. I saved the rubberbands from my Sunday paper.

I made about 65 jars and only paid for the potpourri. It was $1.00 a bag at Dollar General and I used 3 bags.

I had a bunch of small ribbon flowers that I bought at the Goodwill in a bag of crafting supplies. These jars cost less than 22 cents each to make.

These would make good gifts if you were having a mother/daughter dinner before Mother's Day. You could sit a jar at each table setting.

They smell wonderful. But if you have allergies like me, you might want to take an allergy pill before starting this craft if you're going to make a bunch.

By Dana from Normaville, PA

**Just a note: If you don’t have baby food jars, I am sure small canning jars or other glass things would work. The Dollar tree sells glassware by the single piece.

Ok friends, its time to eat! YAY! My favorite subject… FOOD! OK, so with Mother’s Day coming, what are you making for dinner? WHAT?!? You haven’t thought about it? OMG must I do everything for you? LMAO just kidding… Treat your mamma right with a little home cooking… And DON’T FORGET to do the dishes afterwards too! LOL!



Pork Chops with Blackberry Port Sauce

Ingredients

6 (4 ounce) boneless pork loin chops
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 shallots, minced
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
3/4 cup sweet port wine
3/4 cup blackberry juice
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
2 cups fresh blackberries

Directions

Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and pan fry the chops until they are lightly browned and no longer pink in the center, 2 to 3 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 150 degrees F (65 degrees C). Set the chops aside.

Heat 1 more teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet, and cook and stir the shallots and thyme until the shallots start to become translucent, about 1 minute. Pour in the port wine, blackberry juice, chicken broth, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping off and dissolving any brown flavor bits from the skillet into the sauce. Cook until reduced by a third, about 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch and water into a paste, and stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the blackberries. Simmer until berries are hot.

Return the chops to the skillet, and turn to coat with sauce. Serve hot, topped with sauce.

Well kids, that’s it… the conclusion to another blog. Oh don’t cry… I’ll be back tomorrow LOL! Mom is home now and she insists I don’t come over before I have a cup of go with all of you wonderful people! LMAO… so join me again tomorrow for more great times of the Frugal MOM. HUGS!

ONE TIRED PUP

Hi there everyone. Hope you are doing well today. I gotta tell ya, while it feels good to be over and done with cleaning out the storage, all the hard work, plant maintenance, and moving this week has made me one tired pup! And the bad part is… I can’t stop! I have so much clutter in my front living room right now and its mainly all junk! Old text books and VHS movies that probably don’t work, odds and ends craft supplies like ceramic mugs and candle wax, old papers that I have NO clue why I kept them… especially this long, and a ton of other JUNK! I got to thinking and I was paying all that money for trash storage! OMG I could kick myself in the behind for, in essence, wasting all that money! THOUSANDS of dollars over the years! When I checked out today, the lady reminded me I have been there 9 years and not to feel bad because a bunch of people are doing the same thing I did. 9 YEARS! When I sat down and figured out the dollar amount… over $1100 a year!!!! Which makes over $9900 in 9 years….. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I wasted almost $10 GRAND!? Oh I could soooo kick my butt! That’s a new car for goodness sakes!!! Wow… I’m still tripping out. You never really actually realize how much something costs huh? Like when I quit smoking last May (yes after 17 years I kicked the habit cold turkey!) I realized that I was spending $320 a month on something that made it harder to breathe and was slowly killing me! This year I will have saved $3840 come May. That money went to food and other bills… crazy huh?!

Ok I just heard this on the radio and if you don't already know about it, its a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 7 pound honey baked ham and 3 heat and serve sides for Easter from Honey Baked Ham stores. Looks like you also get a $10 coupon too when you join their VIP club. Its called the Honey Baked Easter Sweetstakes and its open to residents in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington. On their home page, there is apparently coupons as well... so check it out if you live in those states! Its a chance at a free $60 dinner!

Alrighty, I want to bring up something my Dad mentioned to me yesterday morning. It’s about personal safety and Social Network sites. Good Morning America did a piece on a lady who had hundreds of Facebook friends and a couple of them robbed her house for over $10,000 worth of stuff. It talks about social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, etc. that all utilize GPS tracking when you do updates. There is even supposed to be a website called Please Rob Me where your updates are posted and thieves pick and choose who they want to hit. Rest easy Dad, I don’t use ANY of those social sites or GPS updating from my phone either. I also google myself at least once a week to make sure I cannot find myself online or any information about me. (Of course I have to worry just leaving and my neighbor seeing me leave LOL! Kidding) However, having said that, Dad does raise a good issue though. Nowadays with all the dishonest and spiteful people in the world, you HAVE to be careful with what you tell to whom. We warn our kids to watch what they say, we should do the same with ourselves. Of course, sadly, all criminals need is your name to find out things about you nowadays… and if you have ever made a purchase online, was a member of a club, etc. online, or even opened an email account… you’re out there somewhere! It just depends on how hard they want to dig and how well you cover your tracks! So be careful on that information super highway ok? Check out the editorial and video on their website HERE and even show it to your teens, kids, etc. It’s good information… a good reminder/refresher even. THANKS DAD!

Ya know what else is hard work and tiring… those plants! But I hope they will be so rewarding in the future that it’s so worth it. Just remember, if you are outside playing in fields, weeds, etc. take precautions! Plenty of not-so-awesome treasures (like poison ivy, etc) growing around, and then you always run the chance upsetting some natural wildlife (snakes, etc!) and they can leave you with something so nasty, antibiotics won’t clear it up! And of course, you have the sun beating down on you, so dress appropriately as well. Just like the internet issue, be careful in what you are doing. I would hate to lose some of my readers because of something that could have been prevented!

Alright… I have a confession (since I am on the plant topic LOL). Plants are beginning to consume my life! I think I am addicted to them LOL! Did you ever have an urge (not necessarily plant related) to do something you know you shouldn’t either because it could hurt you or just simply isn’t right but you want to do it anyway and not worry about consequences? I’ve had that urge… to become “The Midnight Plant Bandit”! LMAO!! Yes this may sound very tacky, but as I drive down the road, I see all these awesome plants and flowers in yards, by the road, etc. I have such an urge to drive around taking cuttings from them and bringing them home to try to propagate them! Can you imagine all the different kinds I would have? LMAO! But alas… I know better and being that my parents raised an honest person… I restrain myself and get them the normal way. I buy them or my parents give them to me or I find them free behind their house LOL!

Now, since the last couple of days/posts have been a little short (by MY standards LOL) I wanted to find you an awesome craft for today for being so patient with me LOL! I ran across this little gem last night and totally forgot that I used to make these! Shoot, maybe if I hadn’t lost mine, I wouldn’t be on blood pressure meds LMAO! So without further ado (and to my mom, dad, and everyone else PLEASE forgive the language but its just funny with this LOL) I give you the…



Craft Idea of the Day: The Dammit Doll

Supplies:

Calico or felt
Wool or doll hair
Toy filling
Sewing machine
Felt pens

Instructions:

These make great little Dammit Dolls for stressful people and can be thrown, jabbed, stomped and even strangled till all the frustration leaves you.

Attach this little poem to go with it:

When you want to kick the desk or throw the phone and shout,
Here's a little dammit doll you cannot do without,
Just grasp it firmly by the legs, and find a place to slam it,
And as you whack it's stuffing out, yell,
dammit, dammit, dammit!

You need to create a basic doll shape and cut it out of fabric.

You can use any color fabric you want, but if you intend on adding facial features you will need to keep the fabric light.

Cut out 2 body shapes and sew around the edges. Turn the doll the right side out and using a pen push out any edges in the hands and legs till it is all turned the right side out.

Then using your toy filling stuff the doll from the leg's up remembering to keep it firm enough so you can write against it. Keep filling the doll till you reach the head, then using some glue or a few hand stitches close up the head.

Use your waterproof felt pens to draw on some facial features and glue on the hair along the head seam. You can add as much or as little detail as you want to your doll.

Isn’t that just the funniest thing? LOL! I might make some for sale even LOL! Once I get the clutter cleaned out of my house at least… I could do prints and solids, faces and non, you name it! Attach the poem on some cardstock and it’ll be good to go! Oh I bet those would sell like hot cakes, especially at things like music festivals, etc! (Yes my mind is always churning on how to make extra income LOL! And inebriated people tend to buy lots of things they don’t necessarily need LOL!) OK on to the next topic that fills me with joy… FOOD! Ahh the joy of cooking (no copyright infringement intended people… its just a phrase!) with all kinds of goodies! Tonight I am STUFFING everything! WOOHOO! Remember those round zucchini I got at market… yep stuffin’ them! And I think I have some pork chops…. Stuffin those too LOL! If not, I KNOW I got some chicken and I’ll be stuffin!



Cranberry and Apple Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 large Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored and diced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper to taste
2 thick cut bone-in pork chops
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and apple; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in the cranberries and balsamic vinegar, and continue cooking until the apple and onions have softened, about 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then scrape the mixture onto a plate, and refrigerate until cold.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.

Cut a large pocket into the pork chops using a sharp, thin bladed knife. Stuff the cooled apple mixture into the pork chops, and secure with toothpicks if needed. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste, and place into the hot skillet. Cook on each side until browned, about 3 minutes, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with the remaining apple mixture, and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in preheated oven until the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork chops. Uncover, and bake about 10 minutes longer until the apple mixture has browned around the edges.



Balsamic Stuffed Round Zucchini

Ingredients

8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 large mushroom, chopped into small chunks
1 small garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon white onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, finely grated
salt & pepper
1 zucchini, round (about the size of a softball)

Directions

1 Heat the oven to 180°C.

2 Put the tomatoes, chopped mushroom, garlic, onion and oregano into a bowl. Mix to combine and add the balsamic vinegar, mixing until well combined. Leave to stand for 30 minutes.

3 Cut the zucchini in half lengthways, and using a teaspoon scoop out and discard the pulp.

4 Heap the tomato mixture into the scooped out shells.

5 Grind over salt and pepper to taste, drizzle over the olive oil, and top with the parmesan cheese.

6 Bake for 45 minutes or until the shell just starts to go soft.

And finally, no stuffed dinner is complete without a stuffed dessert! So courtesy of one of my favorite chefs, Emeril Lagasse, try this recipe on for size!



Candy Bar Stuffed Baked Apples

Kids will love this outrageously delicious take on the classic baked apple! Try it with vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup finely chopped Snickers candy bar
1/4 cup finely chopped Skor candy bar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup coarsely chopped Snickers candy bar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped Skor candy bar
4 medium apples (7 to 8 ounces each)

Instructions

Position rack in center of oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the apples on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully cut the top 1/2-inch from each apple.

Using an apple corer or a small melon baler, scoop out the stem, core, and seeds from each apple, leaving the bottom intact.

Stand the apples in a 9-inch square baking dish, cut side up.

Divide the coarsely chopped candy bars among the apples, about 2 tablespoons of candy per apple.

Place 1 1/2 teaspoons of the butter inside each apple, on top of the candy bar pieces.

Divide the finely chopped candy bars among the apples, about 2 tablespoons of candy per apple.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cider and sugar and pour the cider mixture over and around the apples.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, place the baking dish in the oven and bake the apples uncovered until tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Using oven mitts or pot holders, carefully remove the apples from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.

Serve hot or warm, spooning the pan juices over the apples, and add vanilla ice cream if desired.

So there you have a totally awesome craft, some super stuffed recipes, and even a bit of blog-world news! Now TODAY is a blog fitting the frugal mom! LOL! Its time for me to let you go for today and start working on some of these boxes crowding out my living room. I will see you all back here tomorrow for more truth and wisdom… ok fine just facts I either know about or find LOL! Stay safe and until tomorrow… HUGS!

SATURDAY SCATTERBRAIN

Well a big weekend Howdy do to you! Glad you could stop on in partner! LOL… ok so seriously, how are you? Well I feel like hammered… nevermind I won’t finish that LOL! Let’s just say I’m not feeling my best. It’s a bright and early… and somewhat warmer weekend morning here in Texas and I have plans to get a lot done despite my current conditions (plans doesn’t necessarily I will get it done LMAO)! So before I get plans for today, let’s talk yesterday… I really didn’t get too much done in the way of crafting, etc. I was not happy with myself LOL. There was so much going on that I had short spurratic moments of space left to craft and such. I got about 4 toppers/centerpieces completed yesterday.



This is the first one. Remember I told you I had a bunch of other St. Patty’s Day things and would make another topper? Well here he is! Isn’t he precious? I think I like this one better than the other one actually! It also makes me want a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast LMAO! Maybe making these will bring me some of the "Luck Of the Irish" LOL!



Then there is my little trick-or-treating Halloween skeleton. I thought it was cute… The skeleton was actually a toy attached to an old straw left over from last years party (it was a new straw so don’t worry LOL). I might go back and add some glitter to the black roses… I’m not sure yet. What do you think?



Here you have my Beach Combers topper. I know living here on the coast, a lot of people have beach theme parties or weddings even! Shoot, one of my brothers got married on the beach! This is made from real shells and I think its just precious. Makes me want to have a beach party now!



And finally the Fiesta one! I was loving the idea of this one, and I knew just what I wanted to do with it. Do you know how nearly impossible it is to find a mini sombrero around here?? OH I was so frustrated. So the kids said “Make one mom”. See my feeble attempt? It sorta looks like a Sombrero on acid to me LOL but its definitely colorful! LOL! Regardless, I kinda like this one a lot too LOL! And the mini maraca actually shakes and makes noise! YAY!



Then I completed some more garden spoons too. Remember the ones I told you I was painting Orange and yellow? Yea, well check out these ones! I made sure the peppers were the actual color that the plant produces… Red Cayenne, Green Jalapeno, and Orange Habanero (also affectionately known as a scotch bonnet too- but that was too long for the spoon handle LMAO)… aren’t they awesome?

So that was my crafts for the day yesterday. I think today I am gonna pull more stuff from the storage unit and start going through it all. Maybe I will find more “junk” to inspire me LOL! OMG now I have to tell you about my kitties! I love cats ok, and I have inside cats and I feed tons of outside stray cats… always have. So anyway I knew that one of the outside females has had a litter of kittens recently… 7 to be exact. Not sure if they are ALL hers but they travel with the mamma, so I’m gonna assume so. Ok, so anyway… yesterday afternoon about 3-4pm I hear this meowing at my front door followed by scratching. I open the door and about 8 cats scatter! Babies too! OMG! I rush to get some dry food out there. They scattered but I left the door open and stepped back in the doorway. They boldly came back up and were not scared of me!



So here you see the first one that came up. My DD and I have named her Harlequin… isn’t she beautiful? And unfortunately I think she is pregnant as well! YIKES more mouths to feed!! There are little tiny babies coming up as well… black and white twins but noticeably different. We are calling them tootsie and roll LOL! There is a white one with markings like one of my mom’s cats, and same demeanor so we are calling him Spazlet LOL!



Ok, so all of the sudden, as we are standing there, all these cats start coming up to the porch to get a bite to eat… A LOT MORE! I say “OMG I’m gonna need a bigger bowl! LOL… so I go to the kitchen and find the lid to an old cake cover (the bottom has cracked) and I put some dry food in it and I mix up a couple of cans of tuna in there. Big mistake… my inside cats start whining LOL so I had to give them their own tuna LMAO! Spoiled little brats! OK, so I get the food out there and they start growling… so I had to split up the food! I step back in the doorway and we had a total of 15 kitties on the porch chowin’ down! I was tickled pink really! I love kitties! A couple of the bigger ones look pregnant so I am really gonna have to be watching closely for newbies and missing kitties… but it looks like I have a whole new gang to feed hanging out at my house LOL!

Ok, so as for today I am hoping the crafting bug comes and bites me hard again. I am so happy when I am crafting. Not only does it make me feel good, but I get stock added to my things to sell and I feel a sense of pride ya know… like I am doing something useful that hopefully someone will want. Its very validating to me sometimes (when I’m in a weird mood LOL) when someone buys my things… it means they like it and I did a good job. I know weird… of course none of you will ever buy my things dangit LMAO because I am teaching you how to make them all! LMAO… just kidding… I thought it was rather amusing. So if the craft bug doesn’t hit me, then I hope to get some things out of storage and start housing them here in my home. I am giving myself until May 1st to get that storage unit cleaned out and that bill eliminated. So I will keep you posted on how that’s going!

OK so we have to eat right? Well since I am not feeling very spiffy and I’m really not in the “full out cooking mood” I think we are gonna have some Nachos for dinner! YAY! Nachos sounds real yummy with some chili and beans and cheese and yummmmm lots of peppers! But I always share a recipe with you, so here is something yummy for you today.



Tropical Grilled Pork Chops

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pod cardamom seeds
1/2 teaspoon water, or as needed
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 mango - peeled, seeded and chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cilantro
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, minced
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
3 pineapple rings, chopped
1 pinch white pepper
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
6 pork chops

Directions

With a mortar and pestle, mash together the garlic, chili powder, cayenne, and cardamom seeds. Mix in enough water to form a paste.

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in spice paste, and cook until it begins to bubble, about 30 seconds. Stir in vinegar; cook without boiling for 2 minutes. Stir in sugar until it dissolves. Mix in mango, salt, cilantro, lemon juice, and jalapeno; simmer 20 minutes. Stir in applesauce and pineapple; simmer 10 minutes more. Season with white pepper. Place in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

To prepare marinade, mix 2/3 cup of the salsa with soy sauce and 1/3 cup vinegar. Place pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag, and pour marinade over chops. Seal tightly, and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Drain marinade from bag, and heat in a saucepan until boiling.
Lightly oil grill grate. Place pork chops on the hot grill. Cook 10 minutes, or to desired doneness, turning once and basting occasionally with the boiled marinade.

Warm remaining salsa over medium-low heat. Serve pork chops topped with the salsa.

Well alrighty my little rodeo readers LOL… its time for me to get up on my horse and ride off into the sunset LOL… so I’ll meet ya back at this here barnyard tomorrow at the same time ya here? LOL YEEHAW!! Until tomorrow… HUGS!

THE LAST WEEKEND

Hi there boys and girls! Can you believe its already almost February?! Where DID the month go?? Oh well… so how does this crisp Saturday morning find you? I’m still feeling pretty yucky, but I thank you all for the well wishes! I checked my sugars last night and they were a little higher than normal so I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ll keep watching them closely. I’m sure it doesn’t help the weather keeps going hot-cold-hot-cold etc. It needs to figure out what it wants to do!

Ok so I was looking online for some party decorations for my daughter last night… see she turns Sweet 16 this year! And for once, she would like a big party. No problem I told her. Well she wants black, white, and blue with music notes… just like her room. (She is such a band nerd LMAO! But that’s ok, I think its cool too!) OK I think… no problem right? WRONG! I searched for about 3 hours and I could not find any ideas for things like centerpieces, except those cheaply made, expensive foil ones right? SOOOOO… I got frustrated and got up and cleaned a bit. I cleaned some of my craft area. I thought maybe by cleaning, I would get inspired to do some crafting.



Well I got the diaper cake I was working on done… complete with cake topper/centerpiece.



I think it’s rather cute and the DS18 was so amazed. LOL that’s the first one he’s ever seen me do! He said his teacher is gonna love it and gave me tons of hugs and pecks. Then he told me I do too much… for others and never anything for myself… HUH? I think he’s sneakin’ some crack somewhere LMAO! J/K! But everyone in my family tells me that actually. I don’t see it.



Anyway, I also made 2 NERDS candy fridge magnets and this may be my inner “nerd” coming out, but I think I want to see how many different little tiny boxes of Nerds I can make into magnets LOL! A regular “NERDY” collection if you will LOL! I also fixed a few things I had put on the table to mend. But no music decorations… not yet at least. I’m gonna work on the décor for DD’s room today, so maybe messing with all the music note stuff will give me inspiration! LOL.



OMG I so have to tell you about this infomercial I was watching LMAO! It’s for Time Life music collection called “Flower Power”… ya know 60’s Hippie times with the tye-dye and the peace signs? As sad as it was that I knew every single song they previewed, it gave me an idea! See I love bright cheery colors… and you can’t tell me all the psychedelic pinks and greens aren’t bright! Well all the 60’s décor, to me at least, is bright and cheery. My mom was a self-professed hippie too. Well I like all the 60’s stuff and I got the wild idea to redecorate my living room in 60’s décor… complete with lava lamps and everything! What do you think? I think it will be pretty groovy! LOL… yes I am seriously considering it!

Ok, now the infamous question… what’s for dinner? I have pork chops already thawed in the fridge, as well as one last whole chicken, and tons of veggies… hmmm. Well chops are always a huge success around here… NEVER any leftovers when I make them a certain way. Served with mashed potatoes and peas and a bread of some kind (I normally do croissants and hey I just happen to have a few left that I found on clearance, remember? LOL), this makes for a mouthwatering meal.



Crunchy Honey Pork Chops

Ingredients

Box of Corn Flakes
Eggs
Pork Chops
Honey
Pepper and Garlic powder

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Crush corn flakes to a fine/semi-course texture. Season the chops with pepper and garlic with just a gentle sprinkle on each side. Dredge in eggs and then in corn flakes. Place chops on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Drizzle honey on top of chop. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Remove, flip chops, and drizzle honey on second side of chop. Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes or until done in the middle.

Its really one of those recipes that has no measurements but comes out great no matter what?! LOL like I said- in our house you eat them when they are ready or there won’t be any later LOL! As for me, today offers cleaning and crafting as I have a very important guest coming soon to look at my home for help with repairs and renovations. Gonna get all of Madison’s room done hopefully and I’m gonna assign everyone some chores for today to help! Stay warm and I will see you tomorrow… HUGS!

PACKRAT SYNDROME

Morning boys and girls… how are you doing today? It’s a whopping 21 degrees here! YUCK! What’s the deal?? I live in Texas and deal with hurricanes and heat to avoid all this winter junk! EWW Someone PLEASE take it away!! Ok, I was proud to see my viewers with such a keen eye! 1 day down and 2 to go! My nephew is driving down to stay the weekend here… he graduated last night and we couldn’t be there (in Fort Worth). But they sent us pictures… wow has that boy grown! We’re very proud of him!

Ok, so I sat here yesterday trying to declutter but it feels like nothing has been done and it looks worse than when I started!! I got 7 BIG plastic storage containers out of my storage unit. I am attempting to empty them and empty my storage unit (atfer having it for over 5 years… this will be interesting!) and eliminate that bill! Can you believe I found receipts in one of the boxes from 1997!!? I was like OMG my mom is right… I AM a packrat… it IS genetic LMAO! I have some strange things I saved for god only knows why! So wish me luck on the great storage adventure!

Alright… reader comments… they were some GREAT ones let me tell ya ladies! Thanks so much for them and I am glad you enjoy my blogs. I hope they can be helpful for you. Now let me address them… As for leftover food… well there isn’t ever any! LOL you gotta remember I am feeding at MINIMUM 6 people at a meal… many times closer to 15 or more. BUT the few chances I do get to have food remaining is when I make the freezer meals. I freeze individual portions of soups in ziploc bags and lay them flat to freeze and I take the Ziploc divided containers and make homemade TV dinners each with a meat, veggie, and side. When there is an abundance of leftovers, I give them no more than 3 days in my fridge normally, and they magically disappear LOL! The food fairy carries them away! LMAO! Seriously though, I rarely have leftovers, which I guess is both good and bad… but if you need ideas for leftovers, I’d be happy to post some for you. I think I posted a Turkey Salad one after after Christmas somewhere… I’ll check. As for smaller meals… all the recipes I give you can be down-sized to make smaller portions. The sweet & sour pork was a 2-4 person recipe… but again, with so many people, I am always doubling or tripling the recipe anyway… but I will look at some I have and see if I can rewrite them for smaller portions. And congrads on the upcoming blessing BTW! If you’d like, I can teach you how to make your own baby food! Healthier for your baby and easy to do as well. You can do them now and freeze them in itty bitty portions LOL! I loved when my kids were babies! Makes me want another one… ah but we won’t go there. Ok, Christmas gifts and crafts… Yes I am starting some already… the blankets we are making and some recipe books. I also had a cute idea with some cookie cutters I saw on clearance yesterday that I might go back and buy. They were those Wilton 6pks in a mesh bag of Christmas shaped cutters. Although, I think I had a bunch of brand new cutters in a box in storage for basket fillers, I might use those… spend less ya know? Everyone puts the fleece on sale, so we’ve been busy with the blankets right now… me and the DS18 are just knotting away LOL! I plan on giving at least 20 blankets… not only expensive, but time consuming so with those we have to start NOW! But I know how much we all love ours and how well we stay warm in them, so I want to share and customize for a bunch of people I know. And the crafts… they are not gone for good… I plan on beginning to post upcoming holiday crafts soon… the obvious being Valentines coming up. So hold on to that thought ok? Lol But I will try to post any new crafts as I do them for whatever day… and seeing as I have readers who are expecting… I will start putting some baby crafts up for you too! And finally… Ravioli… OMG that little turkey is crazy! I now know why he got his head stuck in a can! Cuz he can’t stay out of stuff! He is one of the nosiest cats I have ever seen! But the next time I can catch him LOL, I will make sure to take a picture of him for ya’ll.

Ok, I mentioned baby crafts. Now these are not only gonna be good ideas for yourself, but they will make great ideas for anyone who is expecting too! This one is for a Fleece Carrier Cover to block the wind. I found it at ThriftyFun.com… you can find tons of awesome crafts there… I’ll share some of the ones I like over time.



Craft Idea of the Day: Fleece Baby Carrier Covers

Fleece cover to stretch over the carrier. The flap comes down over the baby's head to keep the wind of of it's face.
Approximate Time: 3 hours
Supplies:
1 yard of fleece for the top
1 yard of fleece for the lining
scissors
thread
sewing machine
54 inches of 3/4 inch wide elastic
a large safety pin
needle and thread for hand sewing

Instructions:
Lay the fabrics out and cut a piece 28 inches wide by 35 inches long from each piece. Lay them with right sides together and stitch around with a 1 inch seam allowance rounding the corners. Let an opening about 3-4 inches to turn it. Clip the curved seams so they lay flat. Cut off the points at the corners.

Now turn it right sides out. Cut a hole 8 inches from the top edge and 10 inches from each side edge. The hole should be about 7 inches diameter Cut through both thicknesses of fleece. I sewed around the circle I drew on the fabric before I cut it out. That way the pieces keep together nicely. Sew 1 inch around the entire piece.

Now take the safety pin and pin it to the end of the 3/4 inch wide elastic (54 inches long) and thread it through the pocket you've just created. When you bring it all the way around to the beginning end of the elastic, stitch the 2 ends together. Now hand sew the opening that's left from when you turned your piece right side out.

Cut a strip of fabric from the lining fleece about 24 inches long and 4 inches wide. Sew it around the circle you cut out and join at the ends. Now roll it onto the underneath and stitch in the ditch from the top. Cut extra fabric off on the underneath side. Cut a piece 12 inches x 18 inches for the flap. Zig zag around it to finish the edging. Sew it above the hole on the front side through all thickness. Put the flap down over the hole and top stitch on the top about 1/2 inch from the edge. Now stretch it out and pull the sides down around the baby carrier. Use the flap to cover baby's face. The first picture is the front and the second is the back.

Alright today’s meal… what do I make as a special meal for my nephew tonight? Well, I’m thinking some thick cut pork chops with sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I’ll also have the crocks fired up with some soups as well… that is a everyday thing, even if the meal really doesn’t consist of any. In the crocks today are tortellini soup, lentil soup, and broccoli cheese soup.



Pork Chops with Sour Cream & Mushroom Sauce

First, I melted a big hunk of butter in the saucepan and covered it in my favorite spices (thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper). Then I threw in two chopped onions and some minced garlic. Then I threw in a can of sliced mushrooms and put about 4 dashes of dark ale beer in. I let this mixture boil for a couple of minutes, removed it from the skillet & added the pork. I browned the pork for about ten minutes, mixed the sour cream, soups and mushroom mixture together and poured over top. Let this simmer for about an hour, turning every so often.

As for the mashed potatoes, they will be special. First I am gonna roast a head of garlic in the oven. Then I will boil some baby reds until tender. Leave the skins ON. Mash them up and squeeze in roasted garlic. Add butter and parmesan cheese for a yummy side!

Well kids, I have to go prepare for my nephew… he’ll be here in a few hours. Then I have to get back to the packrat-race LOL! I WILL get this place organized and better functioning! LOL My goal is by the end of February to be completely done. So until tomorrow kids… HUGS!