Plug for Vitacost.com

http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=30759439

A website I came across through a friend. There are MANY, MANY things I want to order from here! My first purchase was coconut oil and I can't wait to try it out. I've used some from Wal Mart, but in reading up a bit--I think it all depends on how it is processed. Anyway, I have some other purchases I want to make in the future.This referral link will give you and me $10 to spend! You will get $10 off your first purchase and then you can start referring and get extra money too! Thought I'd throw this out there for anyone that might be interested.

...and yet more dessers to report on!

It's good for me to "try" to blog about the desserts because I think I might lose track if I don't! Here's another post of a "clump" of desserts I've made.

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

These are good anytime....and a recipe I'll make again. :-) Here's the recipe. http://www.jensfavoritecookies.com/2012/04/18/iced-oatmeal-cookies/

Maple Pecan Steusel Pumpkin Bread

Talk about making again....this is a great recipe and you can use sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin~! I didn't have pecans, so I used walnuts. (I think pecans would be better though!) http://hotpolkadot.com/2011/11/05/these-arent-the-droids-youre-looking-for/

Apple Crisp Pie

I've used this recipe for awhile now....it's a cross between pie & crisp! I used my square pan, but you can make it in a traditional pie shape. Perfect recipe for fall and apple season! http://southernfood.about.com/od/applepies/r/bl51027f.htm

Dessert #3, #4 and #5!

Nothing like getting 3 for the price of 1! I have to say these three desserts are kind of fudging just a bit...I took the easy route on them!

Dessert #3 was a recipe of bread dough---turned into cinnamon rolls! Since then I have found a different recipe for cinnamon rolls that I really like and have started using. This is the recipe I'll post here. I still make it in my bread machine (dough cycle) and that cuts down on half the work! I've also been on a kick using whole wheat flour--and use that for half the flour in this recipe.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cinnamon-rolls-iii/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=cinnamon%20rolls%20iii&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

As you see--I love using allrecipes.com!

Dessert #4 was something we ate for dinner, but was like a dessert, so I made sure I counted it towards one of the FORTY!!! In addition to allrecipes.com, I LOVE Pinterest! So, that is where I found the recipe for "Whole Wheat, Brown Sugar, Banana Bread Pancakes"! They were hearty and delish. I made them up ahead of time and froze them. The syrup is especially good--and you will want to make some coffee to go along with these for breakfast or dinner!

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/whole-wheat-brown-sugar-banana-bread-pancakes/

And now #5....chocolate chip cookies! Plain & simple. I tried to cut down on the fat & used applesauce for half the butter. Nothing special about the recipe I used--just the back of the package of chocolate chips. I know there are a million recipes out there for cc cookies. But, it makes me feel a little better knowing I only have 35 more desserts to go! :-)

He (Erik) did make a request for a future dessert. Baklava!~ I have made this and always use the same recipe, but I'd kind of like to try another one. Baklava is one of those recipes I'm hesitant to find a random one to try. I might have to research this on Pinterest!

Dessert #2 Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Sugar Cookie Brownie Bars

Ok, the real title is:

Ultimate Pretzel Crusted Sugar Cookie Heath Brownie Bars

....but I didn't add in the heath bar. Here is the link to the recipe and awesome pics of what this delicousness is all about! http://blog.babygizmo.com/2012/02/ultimate-pretzel-crusted-sugar-cookie-heath-brownie-bars/

The reason I baked them in two pans is that my big 13x9 was being used. :-)

Can you imagine being able to satisfy your cravings for sweet, salty & chocolate all at the same time?!  So, I've now completed dessert #2 in my year of 40 desserts for Erik!

A side note...it didn't seem like my brownie was totally baked, but I think the key is to let it cool completely before you try cutting. My cookie dough was really STICKY--not the texture of cut-out dough. I just pressed it in as best as I could. Also, mine did not turn out exactly like the pictures I saw--BUT--it did taste really good!

The year of 40 desserts!

Erik turned the big 4-0 on July 15th....I was out of town for most of the day and other than a card, didn't buy him a gift or really celebrate. I was able to surprise him with a card/text/email shower with so many of our special friends helping out! I am going to put all these special messages in a book so he can re-read and be blessed over & over again.

SO....my gift to him will be making 40 desserts through the year IN HIS HONOR! I love to bake--so this will literally be a piece of cake! LOL! Today I have started on this year project with my first dessert. It's in the over right now and I can't promise that I won't be able to hold off on a "taste test" before he gets home from work! It smells so good. It's a blueberry coffee cake.

 I got the recipe HERE: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=25966&origin=detail&&Servings=12

For the topping I added a pack of instant oatmeal (maple & brown sugar) instead of the pecans it called for.

So, there ya have it! My first dessert. I know how my life goes, but I do hope to post each dessert I make....so stay posted. :-)

My birthday--random acts of KINDNESS--help wanted from YOU....

Ok, I have to admit it...I LOVE celebrating my birthday! I don't want to skip it because it means another year older. I still have ONE YEAR left in my 30's...maybe next year I'll feel differently. (?) 

Sooooooo, THIS YEAR I want to celebrate it by sharing a gift with someone else! Yes, a little giveaway of sorts--because isn't that what EVERY good blogger does? LOL! (and the term "blogger" is used loosly--as you notice, I haven't posted on this blog for a year now!!! And look at the old profile pic that I haven't updated for a LONG time!)

Anyway, I'm trying to think of ways to pay it forward OR figure out how to go about some random acts of kindness. This is truly something I want to instill in my girls. BLESSING others for no reason....picking out those that might get overlooked....doing something for someone "just because".....it's actually a fun project and one that will make US feel like the blessed ones for sure. My nephews are getting on board too and we're forming a little club to go about putting our ideas into action!

Now WHY am I saying all of this on my little bloggie??? This is where you come in. Leave a comment on here, or on FB with an idea (be it big or small) of a way to make the day BETTER for someone else. One thought I've had is to bake cookies/cupcakes/something! for the fire department. They serve and put their lives at stake for us and we need to thank them! That is just an example to throw out to you to get your creative inspiration going. Let me know what you're thinking. I'll take all the ideas and suggestions you throw my way and R.A.N.D.O.M.L.Y draw a name for my giveaway! It's a WIN-WIN! I'll get super ideas...AND the pleasure of doing something special for one of you!!!!

Have you ever been blessed by someone else "just because"? Years ago (before I was married) I was given a gift of a LOAD of money. (I think it was $800!!!) And it was anonymous! Yep--something I know the Lord saw, but they didn't reveal themselves to me. I've also participated in our secret sister deal at church and had fun doing things--and having things done for me--throughout the year "secretly". Isn't it fun to bless--and be blessed? Just as the Bible says how it IS more blessed to give than to receive. All this to say--that RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS will not only encourage the heart of others, but bring joy to our own hearts.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men....." Gal. 6:10 

Looking forward to hearing your ideas! Ready, set, GO!

We all want to save...check out this cool website!

Use this link to join "Shop At Home" and earn a percentage back from things you would normally purchase. You can also find coupon codes to use at your favorite sites. Each time you reach $20, you will be mailed a check for the cash you've earned! Check it out!

T-shirt makeover

It's getting to the end of summer, and here's an idea to try on one of those t-shirts you put in the "give away" pile! (hurry, there might be time to find a few more garage sales to "stock up" on t-shirts galore!!!) And with the cooler weather coming, this might be fun to try on a 3/4 length top as well!
 Let me start by saying one day this sweet lady appeared in my drive with a big surprise! It was a brand new sewing machine for me to use to my heart's content! That lady....MY MOM! ♥ The first day I got the sewing machine--I completed a project that I started but couldn't finish with the other sewing machine I was using--due to some "issues" I was having with that machine!


So, back to this project! I just KNEW I had seen something about making a shrug out of an old shirt, but WHERE....what blog.....??? I finally did find the instructions. Very simple and easy to follow. Go here to see: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/tshirt_shrug  This will really help you to see how it's done.


Basically here is how to do this....


1. cut shirt up the middle
(They also cut all the way around the neck, but I didn't. I can see now where that might be a little better way to do it in the long run so you don't have a bit of extra bunched up fabric)


2. fold over and pin the sides and all the way around the neck (make sure it's folded "in"!)


3. sew from bottom--up all the way around the neck--and back around the other side to the bottom


4. insert a piece of ribbon tied to a pencil and push it through from one opening to the other


5. pull ribbon until you get the "bunched" look and tie


(One side note. I used a shirt one size up. I kind of like it a little "loose" rather than a fitted one. I might try it again with one in my size and compare.)


Oooo--la---laaaa! You are SO creative!!! And you have a new shrug! Wear it around the house and you'll feel like a new woman! ☺

Before....just a regular old shirt

And my finished project!
(photo courtesy of Paige Revak Photography ☺)

 A close up with the ribbon

Don't throw away that CEREAL box!

I saw this idea in a magazine and gave it a try. All you need is an old cereal box, tape, paper of choice (wrapping, scrap booking, old comics...etc), a pen and scissors. I'll mention that I am one of those people that I HAVE to see my finished project as soon as possible....which means I don't like to take a whole lot of time to do a perfect job. ☺

I made these for the girls. Here is how I did it....

Cut the box at an angle on both sides....then lay the box on the paper and mark the size--and be sure to cut it out a little bigger so you can overlap. Now, I just used scotch tape because I wasn't too worried about seeing it. If you are wanting it to look pretty and hide the tape, you can use a tape runner or even glue I guess.

(you can see the sides are done and are
overlapping onto the front & back)

First do the sides...then the front and back. That way the paper overlaps and looks much neater. (I learned this after doing it wrong on the first box!)

You can add stickers, ribbons, labels--whatever your heart desires!♥

A couple things here I want to mention. Cereal boxes are ALL different sizes. So, if you are using this to hold magazines, be sure your box is big enough.

Also, they are pretty flimsy. I know that it's only a matter of time before these get ripped or torn. They are fun, but kids are kids and I don't expect these to last forever. If you have older kids--you might get more mileage!

If you try this...I want to see too. Please send me pics! ☺

By the way, you can google uses for the plastic bag inside the cereal box too! Wow...such frugal ideas!

~*~*~*Fun Magnets~*~*~*

Lookie here...you can turn those little glass thingy majiggies into magnets! I bought these at Michael's and can't remember what they are called. I threw the package away....so I will just call them glass stones. They are the decorative things you put in vases. (I think?) Anyway, if you have small enough pictures, you can turn them into adorable magnets. (or use cute cardstock!)

It's pretty simple....1. trace picture

2. cut

3. glue to "stone". I used some stuff called DIAMOND GLAZE...

 4. press magnet on back (I cut some long strip magnets to fit the back)

and BOOM! You're done!

You can also make really cute magnets out of any cardstock for little gifts. Just remember these are not for little munchkins to get a hold of since they will probably put them in their mouth. (I know my 15 mo. old would most likely try it~!) Happy Creating!!! Let me know how yours turn out!

Flower Bed Makeover

Happy Memorial Day....it's been a great weekend weather-wise! We got rain today, but it was needed! The bummer is that the girls have been sick. Tess is the worst...croup & an ear infection. Poor girlie! We're hoping with each day, we all get better and get the "sickies" out of the way for a fun summer ahead. ☺

I was able to tackle one project that was kind of fun. On Saturday I worked on the back flower bed. Now to appreciate the transformation, here are a few pics of the "BEFORE". ☺

This is an area no one (the general public!) really sees since it's behind the garage....but kind of an eye sore for us because WE see it from the deck or backyard.

So, I just started in and didn't have a big plan for how it would all turn out. But, grabbing this and that...little by little it all came together. I found this red collinder at a garage sale for a whopping TEN CENTS! You'll see it in the "AFTER" pics...I spray painted it white and added a flower for a neat planter.

The window I actually got on Middlefield trash day about a week ago! There was a whole pile of windows and my nephew Carter was in the van with me as we drove by....so he helped me load up three windows!!! Aren't FREEBIES great?!!!


And now for some AFTER pictures!!!

Now, I have to say something about the little squirrel. I know...he's a little corny looking...but, it's a sentimental thing. I'm pretty sure he used to belong to my grandparents, ♥ so--naturally he has a place in my garden. ☺

My mom gave me a few of the wooden things...the yellow bench, the angel hanging on the fence, the three tiered stand...

The rocks we had laying around and I spray painted them with white and yellow...gave them a different look. And the big tin can is holding ivy--FAKE ivy! ☺Shhhh! It's my little secret!

I love the white lights on at night...

And now a few photos of my girlies being goofy. (this is before they started to get sick!)

In the background you'll notice a white chandelier hanging...this is project that isn't quite finished. When it's done, I'll be sure to tell you all about it!

Coupons...coupons...coupons....do they really pay in the end?

I've been learning how to do this whole coupon thing....and want to encourage any of you out there that might think it really wouldn't work for you. Here's a picture of a few items that I got totally FREE last week!

What you see here is three 4 packs of Activia, one 4 pack of Danimals Crush cups and YES---two Canoles! (I just couldn't resist them at the bakery display!) This week Giant Eagle has yogurt 4 for $8 and an instant $2 off. I had four .75 cent coupons (and GE doubles) so I had $6 worth of coupons to get all the yogurt FREE! I also had a $3 off coupon from GE....so the Canoles were free too! ☺ Off course there were some other good deals that I took advantage of too!

There are blogs out there that break down the sales for the week and tell you exactly WHERE to find the coupons. (whether it is from the paper or where to go online to print them) Here are two blogs that I've used:

http://ccherrypicker.blogspot.com/

http://www.stretchingabuckblog.com/

Once you learn the "how to" you begin to look for the deals each week!

This week CVS has an AWESOME deal on the men's body wash! You pay $4 buckaroos for either Gillette or Old Spice body wash and you $4 extra bucks back RIGHT AWAY--printed out on your receipt. I had a coupon for $4 off two...so guess what? I made money on this! In the end, for 2 body washes I paid $4 and got $8 extra bucks back! ☺ They have a limit of 2 per family....but you can still buy them for $4 each. So, I had some other coupons for "buy one, get one free"....I got four more and paid $8--which is $2 bucks a piece. Not too bad and will make GREAT gifties!☺ (all the men in my fam will be smelling real fine!)

My point is this....I'm sure some of you think "Oh, I just buy the generic stuff because it's cheaper than the name brands--even using coupons". Right? Well, maybe not! Here is an example of something I wouldn't normally buy, but with a deal like this--it's just too good to pass up! Just a couple weeks ago CVS had the Crest Pro Health toothpaste---you know, the expensive stuff. Well, with extra bucks and coupons it was a money maker in the end.  Here is the breakdown....


Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $3.50
$3.50 ECB (extra care bucks)
Limit TWO
Use $.75 from 5/02/PG
= 75¢ PROFIT


The trick is to clip all the coupons (and SAVE them) and wait until things go on sale. You wouldn't believe the money you save and the deals you will find! I'm NOT an expert. I know there is a lot more for me to learn. (In fact, our church is having a little seminar type class this week that I'll be attending!) But, I am having some fun with the whole coupon thing!

On a side note...for those of you that shop online! Check out: http://shopping.fuelperksmall.com/welcome

This is the Giant Eagle mall that lists tons of stores to shop at online. The advantage? By "clicking" thru the sites on this website, you will get fuelperks for all your purchases!!! So, if you like to shop at Kohls (LIKE I DO!!!), then click thru the Kohls logo on this site and anything you spend will go towards fuelperks. (every $50 earns .10 cents off per gallon at GetGo) Oh, you do have to register your Giant Eagle card, but it's worth the extra few minutes!

And another thing about Giant Eagle...starting the 27th, the Middlefield GetGo is doing FoodPerks~! Scan your GE card at GetGo even if you're not redeeming your fuelperks. Every 10 gallons you buy will get you 1% off your food bill. (and you can save up and use on one of those WHOPPER shopping trips--up to 20%!) Go here to learn all about it: http://www.get-go.com/foodperks/home  and be sure to watch the video and earn an extra 5%!!!

A new use for my garage sale find!

So, I had my annual garage sale last week! Whew--glad that is over for another year. ☺There were a few others that brought stuff over to sell....and I found a GREAT DEAL! This wire hanger (usually used in the kitchen for food) was a whopping .50 cents!!! (Thanks, Mrs. Watson!)

I love the way it looks in my flower bed holding a few plants/flowers.

It's so true...one man's junk is anothers treasure!

Glass pendant necklaces

So, I tried my hand at making these VERY cool necklaces and I have to say they are fairly easy and make nice gifts! Hopefully I'll get this posted in time for anyone that might want to make them for end of the year teacher gifts!

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about....

And I'm going to post two links of where you can go and learn how to make them.

http://www.theidearoom.net/2009/04/glass-tile-pendants.html

http://treyandlucy.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-these.html

I bought the glass tiles and bails on ebay. I also found the Diamond Glaze on ebay too. I am in the process of looking for the little ball chains....just haven't had time. I did find them at Michaels for $2.99 each....but I know that I can do a lot better. Personally I like the ball chain look, but you can use ribbon or anything you want to hang them.

I had plenty of scrapbooking paper to choose from! I think these would be so neat with your childs photo too! Happy Creating!!!

I've been bit by the bug to "create"!

Lately my world has opened up to countless "BLOGS" that have given me tons of inspiration to create, recreate, repurpose, reuse, refashion....well, you get the point. One blog will lead to another blog...and another...there are just way too many out there for this little brain to handle!

This couldn't come at a better time of year....GARAGE SALE TIME! So, today I found some really neat deals and I wanted to post a little something I whipped up that is totally do-able by ANYONE! It's a little treat pedestal....here's how it came to be....

I found these glass fancies at one sale today. The bigger one was .50 cents and the two taller ones were both for .75 cents total.

I'm one of those people that when I get an idea--I HAVE TO DO IT NOW! (ask my mom!) I cannot wait until I have the "proper" tools. So, for this project I used super glue. I have no idea if this will hold up in the long run. If I made a living making these, I would invest in the proper glue, but it seemed to work fine for this one.

Anyway, I found a box of medium dessert plates in my attic that I never used. I took one and used it for the top part....flipping the glass upside down and applying the super glue around the rim of the base....and pressing the glass plate on top of that.

AND WA---LA!!! Here is a dessert stand that cost .50 cents! I put a little pink ribbon on it and added a fake flower under the glass part.

And here it is as a "layered" look with my cake pedestal...I can't wait to make some fun goodies and have a party!
I also think this would look SO COOL if you put one of those little battery powered tealights under the glass for a neat look at night! Or, this would make a nice candle stand too. The possibilities are endless. ☺

I found a few other "treasures" today. Maybe I'll make this a habit and post what I'm up to!

Once Upon A Family

http://www.shopouaf.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=OUFD&Affiliate=erevak

So here's the deal....I was an independent consultant with Once Upon A Family and last year they decided to eliminate the consultants and offer their products thru purchases on their website. I LOVE this company!!! They have so many great ideas. (please contact me for some free handouts and very CREATIVE ideas for special holidays) Anyways, they have offered former consultants to become involved in their affiliate program. So...that is what this link is for. You can click "thru" the above link and shop OUAF items. I get a little kickback for advertising for them.

I have learned and gained so much from this company....and one of the neatest things I've started doing is writing a letter to my children on their birthday. They have a product called the "Dear Sweet Child Letter Box". I think this will impact my family in a way I can't even imagine!!! It's never too late to start...what a gift...that is truly priceless.

Another birthday...another year older

I just passed my 36th birthday...and I learned yesterday that I am 432 months old! Wow! Erik decorated the kitchen up with balloons and streamers before he left for work. It was really special that he did that for me. I love celebrating and hoopla! :-)
We were snowed in and spent the day at home...warm and cozy. (the girls and me)

I made cupcakes and they sure enjoyed eating the frosting!

I’m not sure what the Lord has in store for this coming year. I am looking forward to a new baby and not feeling so BIG and STRETCHED! :-) I washed baby clothes the other day and it was wonderful to smell the scent of “baby” from the laundry soap I used. It is hard to believe I will actually be holding my blessing in a couple months. We still don't have a name picked out, but God knows and hopefully we'll figure it out SOON!

One word that has popped out to me recently is PEACE. I’ve heard or read it in a few verses and I think this is the theme the Lord wants me to focus on. One verse was in a birthday card from my dear friend, Mrs. Parsons.

“...The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

Another verse I read out of the New American Standard says “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee. For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

I am learning that trust and peace go together. To get peace, I must trust...and if I trust, I’ll get peace. Sounds pretty simple to me. But to live it out....now that is another story.
The whole aspect of PEACE is an area that I need to grow in...especially in my home. When I find myself raising my voice (ok, yelling!) at my children–it certainly doesn’t reflect peace. I know there are a lot of angles and aspects yet to learn. I’m actually excited to discover more and I know there are secrets just waiting to be uncovered in this whole area.

Today I received a beautiful bouquet of white tulips...so pretty. What an unexpected blessing and surprise. Truly the "blessing of the day". I started a little book to record these random and wonderful things that happen...it's my "BLESSING OF THE DAY" book. I haven't written it in for so long, but need to get back at it. It's good to reflect on the little and big things that happen in our lives. For me--I tend to forget them. By keeping a reminder, it will encourage me when I look back and read the events that made an ordinary day--just a little bit more extraordinary! And I want my girls to read about these things too! Thanks Jodie, Mrs. B, Ingers and Xoshilth for the sunshine through the flowers you sent!

So, I guess this next year a resolution is to write down more of God's blessings that happen in my life!

I celebrated with my family this past weekend. We had a family dinner at mom & dads. We were also celebrating Suzie's birthday too. (there are 5 of us kids that have birthdays within a month of each other!)We did get a family shot of us since we were all dressed up and looked half put together!
Well, I will end this entry. I wonder how long it will be before I write again! :-) I keep up more with Facebook--adding lots of photos and stuff.

Well...well...well...where has time gone?!

I blink and here it is the end of October! Whew! Well, life seems to stay busy and one days rushes into the next. The girls make life full of action. Right now they have little coughs/colds....it's that season.

Yesterday it was SO beautiful out...we walked to the coffee shop. (Paige loves going there...like mommy, like daughter!) And they played in the back yard. Today is quite a different story. It was rainy, cold, gray...a Autumn day for sure. I actually kinda like these days every now and then. It's exciting to get to wear your sweaters again.

Paige is in a gymnastics class and is loving it! She especially loves the beam and bars. It's so cute to watch her. She also is in Cubbies (in the Awana program--where you memorize Bible verses every week) at a local church. She enjoys that too. She was happy to see her friend Olivia there.

We are getting ready for the big Christmas Open House next month. We put an addition on the barn, so the guys are busy working on getting things finished. There still is so much work to be done. But, nothing like a time pressure to make it all happen!

Erik & I will celebrate our 5th anniversary on Friday!!! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! We plan on going out to eat AND to the movies! I think the last time the two of us went to a movie was when I was pregnant with Paige! I'm looking forward to our special time.

A few weeks back the girls and I rode down with Todd & Suzie to North Carolina. They dropped us off at my girlfriends house for a week. We visited Heather (Perkins) Dufek. She has two little boys Joey & Bobby. It was a great time to see each other again and catch up on life. The last time we were together--neither one of us was married...let alone had children! It's funny because we both married within a week of each other. Anyway, hope to post a few pictures if I can.

Better scram for now. I'm really supposed to be in the basement crafting right now! It's so much easier to do it at night when the girls are in bed.