homemade watercolors

here is a fun recipe using arm and hammer baking soda for water colors they mix up in a snap

What You Need:
2 tablespoons ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 packet* dry unsweetened drink mix (any flavor)
2 tablespoons water

How to Make it:
1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add water and stir until fizzing stops. (Different flavors of the drink mix will yield different colors.)
3. For more intense watercolor, a few drops of food coloring can be added to the mix.
4. Paint with them right away, or pour into jar lids or plastic try to let harden for future use.

*Packets vary in size, depending on flavor. Use enough drink mix to make 2 quarts.
Remember the importance of adult supervision, especially with young children.

Bath Fizzies

What You Need:
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened lemon drink mix
• 1 teaspoon flour or cornstarch 4 teaspoons
• ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda
• 3-6 drops food coloring
• 4 teaspoons baby oil or mineral oil

How to Make it:
1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
2. Mix baby oil and food coloring in separate bowl/cup
3. Slowly mix the colored mixture into the dry ingredients
4. Make small 1” balls of mixture. Place on wax paper to dry.
5. It takes 24-48 hours for Fizzies to dry completely.
6. Fill your bathtub. Drop in a couple of Bath Fizzies and enjoy a whole new way to get clean! They make great gifts too! Remember the importance of adult supervision, especially with young children

Infections

It all started over a week ago, I developed a sore on my leg that looked like a blister,and I knew what it meant another infection was coming and low and behold I was right. Within a few days the sore turned into two and my leg began to get red with heat to it, thinking that I could treat it at home with some leftover antibiotics I declared maybe i could avoid being in the hospital this time, I knew it was a cellulitis infection and after having over 5 of them in the past it was going to turn into a battle. After about a week of the infection not looking better I made a dr's appointment, after telling them my symptoms of nausa dyarehia and just over all not feeling well they knew it was a cellulitis infection as well but did some blood work and a swab of the sores to confirm, thank goodness it wasnt flesh eating virus just the regular staph that causes the cellulitis. So they wrapped both my legs up, the other had become infected as well, wrote out a script for antibiotics and I was on my way, the following week the Dr. decided i needed to go to wound care to have my sores taken better care of which was fine with me the wound care folks cleaned them,suggested a few things such as wearing stockings which they provided a low compression for me to wear during treatment. During my appointment the Dr. did a doppler test to check for blood flow in my legs now one leg sounded fine but the other we didnt hear the right things, could of been a malfunction but they decided to shedule an ultra sound and a pressure test to check for any blockages in the viens, i cannot stand ultra sounds of the leg its just the pressure of how they do it, I will have it done still just to be on the safe side. So one day after seeing the wound care dr i notice that my toe is deep red on the leg that they didnt hear the blood flow, the bottom of my foot is also reddend and the top is swollen, so  i went t see my regular doctor who says its just infected and to take some antibiotics for it and keep my foot elevated, so if its not better by next week i am going to have to go back, I am so tired of seeing doctors that i could do without for about a year lol. I am praying that everything turns out ok with my legs I cannot afford to be in the hospital with everything that is going on in my household,  if you are diabetic please do not think a sore will just heal on its on GO TO YOUR DOCTOR I cannot stress that enough.

I will post next week what my results were from the tests until then hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their summer

Girl Scouts

It is almost that time of year again for me to help co-lead a girl scout troop, Last year went great and this year should be even better. Although i am terrified to be leading a mixed troop of Juniors and Cadets I am sure that with my co-leader we will succeed. This year our troop plans on doing a canned food drive,a toy drive for a local foundation and hopefully holding a daisy girl scout event, they dont run very many daisy events through the year so this will give them a chance to dress up like princess's for tea and crafts!

Of course you cannot hide the fact that in your neighborhood local girl scouts will be selling those insanly good cookies oh how people love them, this year I am hoping our troop sells enough to go on a trip or have a bigger end of the year party either way I am sure we will be successful in our goal.

if your daughter is in girl scouts I am wishing you a great year and successful cookie selling and good luck!

zucchinni bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

the paci fairy

HI, I am sure all parents go through a stage with their child weither its a pacifier issue or the bottle or tippy they all have to go bye bye eventually :) After several failed attempts at taking away my nieces paci, I found the perfect solution in two websites that offer not only a letter from the paci fairy but one actually has a paci fairy book that you can read to your child, the first website nomorebinky.com offers a personalized letter sent to your email with your childs name stating that the binky fair will be coming soon to take the binky to babies who need it, you can substite the binky for whatever your child calls the paci my niece calls hers a chewgie so I will substitute with that,the other website paci-fairy.com offers a 7 step book and you can watch a video of the paci fairy taking paci's and leaving a gift both websites offer a letter with one being from your child to the paci fairy stating they wish to donate their paci to babies in need which I personally like but I also like the letter to my niece stating she is coming. I reccomend both letters so that your child can feel that they are really giving up their pacifier to a babie in need.  So no matter what your child calls his or her binky,paci,nuki or barney ect here are two aswesome websites to help you! I will post in the coming week how my niece did without her paci hopefully all goes well.

other uses for toothpaste

I have posted before that I used white toothpaste for getting marker off my walls (children love to do their artwork!) here are a few more useful tips,

1.shine sink fixtures,rub with a wet sponge
2.remove garlic or fish odor from hands
3.clean silver jewlery in a pinch
4.relive itch from a mesquito bite

I found these great tips in my heloise book!

Chicken and biscuits

I made this recipe for my nieces and nephews it was a big hit

INGREDIENTS

4  Foster Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1/2 pound fresh broccoli, coarsely chopped
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cans (10 3/4 oz.) cream of potato soup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 can (16 oz.) refrigerated dough biscuits
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute chicken, turning frequently, about 3 to 4 minutes. 2. Add broccoli and red pepper and continue to cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and chicken is no longer pink when cut into. 3. Reduce heat to medium, stir in soup, milk and seasoning, then bring to a simmer. 4. Pour mixture into lightly greased shallow 2-quart baking dish. Place biscuits evenly over top of chicken mixture, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. 5. Bake uncovered, 18 to 20 minutes, until biscuits are golden. 6. Serve with sliced fresh fruit, followed by frozen yogurt.

Granny Square (crochet pattern of the week)

This is an excellent project starter, you can use this to start a blanket just keep going around the square or make indivual squares like a quilt, i have used granny squares to make my nieces purses which make a great last minute gift

ROUND 1: Ch 4, (3 dc into center of ring, ch 1) 3 times; 2 dc into center of ring; join to third chain of beginning chain with a slip stitch.

ROUND 2: Ch 3, work corner (dc2, ch1, dc3) into the same stitch, work remaining corners: *ch1, skip over the 3 dc from the previous round, (dc3, ch1, dc3) into the same stitch; repeat from * two more times, ch1, join to third chain of beginning chain with a slip stitch

ROUND 3: Ch 3,  work corner (dc2, ch1, dc3) into the same stitch, work remaining sides:* ch1, skip over the 3 dc from the previous round, dc3, ch1, work corner (dc3, ch1, dc3); repeat from * two more times, ch1, join to third chain of beginning chain with a slip stitch
ROUND 4: Ch 3,  work corner (dc2, ch1, dc3) into the same stitch, work remaining sides: *ch1, skip over the 3 dc from the previous round, dc3, ch1, skip over the 3 dc from previous round, dc3, ch1, work corner (dc3, ch1, dc3); repeat from * two more times, ch1, join to third chain of beginning chain with a slip stitch. 

coupon website

I found an awesome coupon site to share, they post free samples and great coupons, I have been using this site for a few months now and they have a facebook page, it is couponsmakeitfree.com check them out :)

a giveaway :) always fun

http://mommatalks.bl​ogspot.com/

 

My good friend is starting an at home business making custom tutu's so in spirit of the upcomming football season she is having a giveaway on her blog for a custom football team tutu, click the link above to enter and good luck.

coming soon

Next week I will be adding a crochet pattern of the week, I will be sharing a few of my favorite patterns for beginners. The recipes will still be coming, I will be posting a chicken pot pie recipe I recently tried on the kids and they loved it! and a family tradition recipe. I am hoping to post a few links for free samples or coupons as well,more household tips and a new website review.

A good friend of mine is starting a tutu making business she will custom make a tutu for your little lady in your life you can find her on facebook lebelle creations, click on the info tab for prices. they make great dress up wear,or use them for a Halloween costume! or for photos.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer, check out the Italian pasta recipe, its great for hot days, bbq's ,picnics or potlucks!!!

italian pasta salad (quick fix side dish)

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients

8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta 4 cups of a combination of the following: diced salami or pepperoni diced mozzarella cheese diced plum tomato halved black olives diced green peppers cannelini beans 2 cups Italian dressing* Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the pasta until done to desired tenderness and drain well. Al dente is best since soaking in dressing can cause the pasta to become mushy. Cool completely.
2. Toss with meat, mozzarella, tomato, olives, peppers, beans and dressing.
3. Garnish with parmesan cheese.
4. Chill for an hour before serving.

I enjoy making this dish to go with a bbq as a sidedish, I dont always add the meat to it i feel the veggies taste just as good without it.

review

This is my first ever review of a website I came across food.com while searching for an at home windex recipe that I could make without spending alot of money, and what I found was an awesome place to not only find food recipes but cleaning solutions as well. They have a community where you can search forums and post on a topic like special diets or kitchen appliances and gadgets see what someone else thinks about that food chopper lol, or you can search through their wide variet of over 40,000 recipes from ground beef to shrimp. So far it has been worth joining the site and trying out a few recipes along the way :) they also have cook books such as weight watchers for those trying to lose a few pounds!

I love the site and plan on using it in the future, so go check out food.com

Recipe of the week

Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cheddar cheese soup

2 (12 ounce) cans evaporated milk

5/8 cup butter (1 1/4 sticks)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

6 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp, or a combination)

dried parsley (for sprinkling on top)

Preheat oven to 350

Cook pasta according to pasta directions just until done - you don't want it mushy, because it will absorb a little of the cheesy liquid in the oven.

 Combine soup, evaporated milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a large microwaveable bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent, and cook for 6-7 minutes until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm-to-hot throughout. (If making a half batch, 4 minutes in the microwave should do it).

 In a large baking dish (minimum 9x13, smaller if halving the recipe), spread 1/3 of the cooked noodles. Top with 1/3 of the sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheddar.

 Repeat layers twice, ending with the cheese.

 Bake for 40-45 minutes.

 When it comes out of the oven, sprinkle with a little dried parsley if desired. This gives it visual interest, and you can also pretend it's healthier.

8 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

I found this recipe on Food.com and plan on trying it later this week

Homemade Windex

Here is a recipe for homemade windex that I found on food.com it works great and saves money :)

• 1/2 cup ammonia
• 2 cups rubbing alcohol
• 1 teaspoon Joy dishwashing soap
• 1 gallon water, up to Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 2 mins

Total Time: 2 mins

1. 1 Mix all ingredients together, adding just enough water to reach the 1 gallon mark, and divide up into spray bottles for all bathrooms.
2. 2 Can also be used to clean exterior windows.
3. 3 If doing a big job like that, make sure the water is hot.
4. 4 That will help to dissolve the dirt

Fair Results

I had posted that i entered several things into the Jackson County Fair, I did fairly well the coconut macaroons i recieved a reserved champion ribbon, onion pepper bread a first place ribbon, cinnamon apple swirl bread 2nd place ribbon,cinnamon bubble rolls 1st place ribbon and white chocolate chip cookies 1st place ribbon.

I am very happy with the results although i didnt think the macaroons were all that great but maybe i am just not a coconut person? next is the Harvest fair i plan on entering a few crocheted items and maybe one or two baked goods.

apple swirled cinnamon bread (bread machine or by hand)

I have made this recipe in the bread machine and by hand both methods turned out great!!!

apple swirled cinnamon bread
 the bread dough

1/3 cup milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp butter
2cups bread flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup shredded peeled apple ( I like to use green)

for filling
3/4 cup peeled finely chopped apple
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp butter

Add first 8 ingredients to bread machine according to manufacturers directions, select dough cycle.
When cycle is complete remove dough from machine, cover and let rest 10 mins,meanwhile  in medium mixing bowl combine chopped apple,brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling set aside.

on lightly floured surface roll dough into a 14x9 in rectangle, spread with 1 Tbsp butter, spread out filling. Beginning at short ends roll up jelly roll style to center, place loaf in a greased loaf pan rolled side up, cover and let rise 30 mins

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 mins or until bread sounds hallow when fingers are tapped on the top if neccessary cover with foil last 10 mins to prevent over browning.

this recipe is a favorite of my nieces and nephews hope you enjoy as well.

Baking for the fair

I have been baking for the upcoming summer fair if you live in the southern oregon area check out my baked goods :) at the harvest fair I recieved first place and champion for my clover leaf rolls,3rd place on my pumpkin bread and 2nd place on my italian herb bread, so I am hoping for atleast one ribbon but there is some tough competitors out there in each catagory. I will be posting the remaining recipes this week for all my enteries so others can try them, the cinnamon bubble rolls are a cinch to make and are great for breakfast, I served them at my nieces girl scout sleep over and it was a hit, so check back on my blog and i will post the apple cinnamon swirl bread,onion pepper bread and coconut macaroons.

Have a nice Day and god bless

Recipe of the week

Cinnamon Bubble Buns
(Prep: 1 hour 45 min; Bake: 20 min; Yield: 12 buns)

For the dough:

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 tbsl unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

For the cinnamon-sugar coating:

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the vanilla glaze:

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. In a large mixing bowl, sprinkled the yeast over the water and let it stand until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the butter, sour cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla.

2. Beat in 2 cups of the flour, the salt, and the baking soda until combined.

3. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour and continue mixing until a smooth, soft dough forms.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly flour surface (keep your mixing bowl handy) and knead it until smooth, about 3 minutes.  As you knead, add more flour if the dough is sticky, no more than 2 tbsp though. Place the dough back in the mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

5. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan, then flour the cups and tap out the excess.

6. In a small bowl, blend the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Place the melted butter in a small dish and set aside.

7. Gently punch down the dough to deflate it. Form it into a long cylinder and divide it into 12 equal portions. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, divide each of the 12 portions into 6 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a ball.

 

8. To make a bun, dip six of the balls in melted butter (be generous with the butter), then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Arrange five of the balls in the bottom of a muffin cup. With your fingertip, make a small well and press the sixth ball in the center. Repeat with the remaining dough balls. Loosely cover the buns with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place until they’re puffy and double in size, about 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F.

9. Bake the buns on the center rack until golden, about 20-22 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack placed over a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil to cool for about 5 minutes. Now tilt the pan and gently tap it on the counter to release the buns. If needed, you can use a knife to release them from the pan. Place the buns on the wire rack.

 

10. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the glaze and stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it out by adding 1 tsp water at a time. Brush each bun with the glaze. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

(adapted from Familiy Fun April 2011)

Yard Sales part 2

My top ten  yardsale finds

10. kids books (great way to get them ahead during the summer and school year without spending a fortune at a bookstore , and yes you could go to the library but think of this you can take those books after they have been read and donate them to the library!!!)

9. movies ( depending on condition and price you can save  some money getting top name movies)

8. games

7. kids shoes (depending on condition you can wash most in the washer)

6. general household items (ironing board,iron,desks,ect getting them at a great price is a bargain any day)

5. toys ( kids break them why pay full price for a hot wheels car or that magic wand i find all sorts of toys at cheap prices and if it gets broke its ok, at christmas they get the new toys)

4. antiques (anything that is antique and worth more than what you are paying for it)

3. brand new items ( i have found cheap items that are still factory wrapped such as a candle set that i gave as a gift saved me about 19 dollars i got it for a buck !!!!)

2. Baby items (chairs,bedding ect you can find items cheap)

1. Clothing ( if it is slightly worn or looks almost new why not pay 10 to 50 cents for it saves me alot of money with 7 kids)

I dont see a thing with saving money people use coupons, i use yardsales to find great bargains!!!!!

Yard Sales

I love Yardsales just like the next person, there are many advantages to finding a good sale during the summer, people are getting rid of winter clothes so i can get the kids a few outfits for less than 2 dollars or i can find them a few summer outfits for the same price,when you have 7 kids at home saving  money is essential. today i didnt find any clothes because of recent yardsales I had already gone to but I did however find an awesome bbq grill for a friend for a dollar you cannot beat that,he is going to use it for camping ect, i also got a movie for 3 dollars which is alittle more than i would have paid but it was one i had been looking for.

I will be posting more about yardsales later

Fouth of July

the past few years i have spent the fourth of july with a good friend of mine, but this year i went up to diamond lake with my brother,his exgirlfiend,my nieces and one of their friends. we had a great time swimming in the lake, eating some good food and watching the fireworks. I have to say that diamond lake is a fun place to be on the 4th, they have a live band,talent contest,and the best firework show i have seen in a long time. hopefully next year we will camp out :) hope that your 4th of july went well :)