tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29694774782204168412024-03-13T23:59:24.315-07:00Little Shack on the HillLife happens while renovating!Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-63545494152776737752016-02-26T09:25:00.000-08:002016-02-28T12:20:56.922-08:00The Best Bean Salad Ever!!!When you find something you think is awesome, you immediately want to share it with others. This recipe is one of those things. If you <strike>like </strike> love bean salad, then this is one you will have to try. I grew up on this recipe. Yes, this one is courtesy of my Mom! Our family Bean Salad recipe.<br />
<div>
I have tried a lot of Bean Salad recipes in my time, but never have I ever had one as good as Mom's. I've visited salad bars, gone to potlucks, picnics and bought it in delis. I am always disappointed. </div>
<div>
So here today, I share one of my all time favourite recipes with you. So easy, so simple and so good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrZkpRneDAA/VtB746gsGeI/AAAAAAAAego/Y1zvYbNX1UY/s1600/bean%2Btitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrZkpRneDAA/VtB746gsGeI/AAAAAAAAego/Y1zvYbNX1UY/s1600/bean%2Btitle.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I make this at home, at the trapline cabin and in the RV. It is such a handy thing to have prepared to go alongside any meal. It's your veggies <i>and </i>a salad. What could be better! This is a great recipe for us at the trapline cabin, as most of the main ingredients are either canned or dried. I have dried kidney and garbanzo beans (chick peas) stored there and cook up a big pot of each for this recipe. The green and yellow beans are canned. In the RV I just used store bought cans of each.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's get on with the recipe!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This recipe is a single batch, but I am preparing a double batch in the photos. A double batch fits nicely in a recycled 4 litre (1 gallon) ice cream pail. It needs to sit for several hours or overnight to marinate after mixing it up, so be sure to give yourself time ahead of needing to eat it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gather your ingredients...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can green beans, cut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can yellow beans, cut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can kidney beans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 can garbanzo or chick peas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 medium onion, red or white</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup of sugar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup of vinegar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tsp. parsley</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. basil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. tarragon (optional)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tsp. salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. of dried mustard</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 medium green pepper, chopped coarsely (optional)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Open up the cans and drain the beans. I use a small strainer to drain mine. I also rinse off the kidney and garbanzo beans. <strike>Dump</strike> Place them all into the ice cream pail or another container that you can store them in the fridge in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJe_KS9Drl4/VtCGc8rHGaI/AAAAAAAAeg4/HBOEL4dyAU0/s1600/beans1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJe_KS9Drl4/VtCGc8rHGaI/AAAAAAAAeg4/HBOEL4dyAU0/s640/beans1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Cut the onion into quarters and slice thinnish (yes, that is a word!). Add the sliced onions to the beans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFCe0BQu4A/VtCGjmCKY5I/AAAAAAAAehI/l8UEDPzxTDc/s1600/onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsFCe0BQu4A/VtCGjmCKY5I/AAAAAAAAehI/l8UEDPzxTDc/s640/onions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDc7Tv5vrMo/VtCGfNTc_8I/AAAAAAAAehA/Wit24WSybiA/s1600/onionandbeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDc7Tv5vrMo/VtCGfNTc_8I/AAAAAAAAehA/Wit24WSybiA/s640/onionandbeans.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are using a green pepper now is the time to add that too. I sometimes have a green pepper lurking in my fridge, but oftentimes I don't. And never at the trapline cabin. So, mine gets made without green peppers 1/2 the time. This is one of those times. Now, in a separate bowl, mix the herbs, spices, oil and vinegar together. Again, I didn't use the tarragon this time. It is not a spice I use a lot of so it is not generally missed in my spice collection, and I usually forget to add it to the shopping list. But, with or without, it is still 'the best'! When it's all mixed well, pour it over the beans and fold it together gently.<br />
Put the pail lid on or cover with plastic wrap or another lid and put it in the fridge for several hours. If you make it in the morning, it will be ready for dinner. When it's time to serve, use a slotted spoon to scoop it out, leaving the liquid behind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t19AXO4SXAo/VtCGifykytI/AAAAAAAAehM/HmZw7QdulVc/s1600/beandone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t19AXO4SXAo/VtCGifykytI/AAAAAAAAehM/HmZw7QdulVc/s640/beandone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This will keep for <i>days</i> in the fridge. Ours doesn't last that long because it is a family favourite and gets used at every meal after I make a batch. It also gets eaten as a snack between meals! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And that's the long and short of it. So easy, so yummy and such a great addition to a meal. Let me know if this recipe 'wows' you in the comments below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Don't forget to subscribe to my email list so you don't miss a post, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest and Bloglovin'! You'll find the follow buttons on the right side of this post. Share this with your friends and family too! Share buttons are on the left! Thanks so much for your support!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcAwV0h9mcc/VtCJJScqg-I/AAAAAAAAehU/WsDVm29talY/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcAwV0h9mcc/VtCJJScqg-I/AAAAAAAAehU/WsDVm29talY/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-47980277783834718172016-02-22T07:20:00.002-08:002016-02-22T22:24:07.368-08:00Shining Sink = Brighter Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3YZrMiQbzs/VsKFKfwAPTI/AAAAAAAAdgk/o5yCE8QCUbg/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3YZrMiQbzs/VsKFKfwAPTI/AAAAAAAAdgk/o5yCE8QCUbg/s640/title.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most people have a stainless steel sink in their kitchen. Most are double. There are more and more people (those lucky ones!) who are having kitchen remodels done and installing lovely undermount sinks...</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5twwvCjanQ/VsJ5GLz6aLI/AAAAAAAAdgA/n-FAiojWMNk/s1600/undermount-kitchen-sinks-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5twwvCjanQ/VsJ5GLz6aLI/AAAAAAAAdgA/n-FAiojWMNk/s640/undermount-kitchen-sinks-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Farmhouse sinks....</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGgO94Pg9Zo/VsJ6ZLe4PjI/AAAAAAAAdgM/Y8t8m7xjNW8/s1600/image15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="569" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGgO94Pg9Zo/VsJ6ZLe4PjI/AAAAAAAAdgM/Y8t8m7xjNW8/s640/image15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">or maybe something like this....</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hltmLtQQSv4/VsJ60v9ROXI/AAAAAAAAdgQ/N2QIWizndZo/s1600/0009500_blblanco-vision-kitchen-sinks-400012.jpg_300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hltmLtQQSv4/VsJ60v9ROXI/AAAAAAAAdgQ/N2QIWizndZo/s640/0009500_blblanco-vision-kitchen-sinks-400012.jpg_300.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, what if a kitchen remodel is not in our future...at least not for the immediate future. How can we be happy with what we have when we really want something else? In this day and age of immediate gratification (just charge it!) it can be difficult to not be envious of those beautiful things we see everywhere on the internet (Pinterest). Envy can be a harmful emotion. It makes us dissatisfied with what we have, resentful of others who we think have it all, and can make us into sour, surly people. I certainly don't want to be like that. How about you? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">What can we do to keep that green eyed monster away from our door? My solution is to to do the best with what I have already. To appreciate the fact that I really am blessed to have a home of my own, that is warm, dry and comfortable. We aren't drowning in debt because we <i>choose</i> NOT to over spend on things that we can live without. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, what, you may be wondering, does this have to do with cleaning my sink?? Well, I have found that when my sink shines, my whole kitchen feels brighter! I tend to be more diligent about putting dirty dishes into the dishwasher. I feel better about my home and more motivated to tidy, clean and organize, which in turn, makes me feel better about...everything!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, how do I get my kitchen sink all shiny and clean, with hardly any elbow grease at all? Bleach! Amazing, awesome, wonderful and dirt cheap chlorine bleach! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My kitchen sink is an antique porcelain one. It has drainboards on both sides of a single large sink and has a garburator in it. I seldom fill it with water to wash dishes, as we have a dishwasher, but I do hand wash larger pots and pans. But, still it manages to get stained and dirty looking after a couple weeks of use. Coffee and tea can really do a number on a white sink. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7ooIR9l0S8/VsKHJeaDOQI/AAAAAAAAdg0/Fb10NQSNGeI/s1600/DSC_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7ooIR9l0S8/VsKHJeaDOQI/AAAAAAAAdg0/Fb10NQSNGeI/s640/DSC_1558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgyRXvnIAQE/VsKHM6RtgGI/AAAAAAAAdg8/6OY9HNEgpSE/s1600/DSC_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KgyRXvnIAQE/VsKHM6RtgGI/AAAAAAAAdg8/6OY9HNEgpSE/s640/DSC_1557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To bring it back to it's snowy white beauty, I simply put in the plug and fill it as high as I dare with hot water. Then add a cup of bleach. That's it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzuLJCWIv8c/VsKHOrjtHbI/AAAAAAAAdhA/IGHWtDdvgcI/s1600/DSC_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzuLJCWIv8c/VsKHOrjtHbI/AAAAAAAAdhA/IGHWtDdvgcI/s640/DSC_1561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let it sit overnight, for a few hours, or all day if you go off to work. You will most likely notice an improvement shortly after adding the bleach, but let it sit. I choose to do this in the evening after the dishes are in the dishwasher and we're heading to bed. No one is likely to need to use the kitchen sink til morning. I let my sink strainer soak too so it gets a good cleaning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFFTCbwdR8Q/VsKHPbqXhAI/AAAAAAAAdhE/wKkB16lVMRE/s1600/DSC_1564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFFTCbwdR8Q/VsKHPbqXhAI/AAAAAAAAdhE/wKkB16lVMRE/s640/DSC_1564.JPG" width="484" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">First thing in the morning, I use a pair of tongs to pull the plug out. My sink is now clean and bright! Being an oldie but a goodie, my sink has a few minor chips out of the porcelain. I have a porcelain chip filler (it looks like white nail polish) that I touch up with when it needs it. You can see in the photo below I will be needing to do a bit of a 'fill' by the drain.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmDCJWpjn1Y/VsKHQEHMMnI/AAAAAAAAdhI/LjYWkh2EY5Q/s1600/DSC_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmDCJWpjn1Y/VsKHQEHMMnI/AAAAAAAAdhI/LjYWkh2EY5Q/s640/DSC_1567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP1QxsJoEQg/VsKHQxYc2xI/AAAAAAAAdhM/V9sZh5eRlLo/s1600/DSC_1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP1QxsJoEQg/VsKHQxYc2xI/AAAAAAAAdhM/V9sZh5eRlLo/s640/DSC_1568.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I use a bit of Comet/Ajax/Bar Keeper's Friend on a damp cloth to polish up the faucet, give it a good rinse, rub it dry and there it is! My beautiful shiny sink is ready to brighten my day! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This works just as well for a stainless sink. I really don't know why they call it 'stainless', 'cause it ain't! I'd love to hear about your results and how they made you feel. Am I the only one who gets a charge out of a shiny, clean sink? Do I need to 'get a life'?? Let me know in the comments below and I'd love it if you'd share, like and follow! (That also makes me slightly giddy!)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZQlgGsLUdc/VsKG3X5I8dI/AAAAAAAAdgw/95HhkZd8cV0/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZQlgGsLUdc/VsKG3X5I8dI/AAAAAAAAdgw/95HhkZd8cV0/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-86829995509757513562016-02-18T21:34:00.000-08:002016-02-22T07:58:13.774-08:00You Can Make Better ButterBetter butter? Isn't butter already delicious? Yes, it is! But, there has long been the controversy over which is better for you. Butter or margarine? It's all about the cholesterol. I'm not going to go into all the 'butter versus margarine' arguments. There is plenty to be found on the internet about that, and you can do a search yourself if it interests you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8fUiS80Ulg/VsVRDnALBMI/AAAAAAAAdkg/ZY_bmwrjgSo/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8fUiS80Ulg/VsVRDnALBMI/AAAAAAAAdkg/ZY_bmwrjgSo/s640/title.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I've always prefered butter over margarine myself. I didn't prefer the price though. When you are feeding a large family on a single income, you try to stretch every dollar. So, our family used margarine. Except for special occasions, like Christmas, when I would splurge on a block of butter to use for Christmas dinner. Now, with this recipe, we can have our butter all the time!<br />
This makes butter into a spreadable, keep in the fridge, cook with it, delight! It results in a butter that has 1/2 the saturated fat, which is the bad thing about butter. In this recipe I used olive oil which has more monounsaturated fat than other oils, but you can also use safflower oil, which has the highest percentage of polyunsaturated fats of all the oils. Which is good. Other oils to try are sunflower, soyabean, canola and peanut.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl-pPA7Nm2Y/VsVRIwuvKHI/AAAAAAAAdlI/NRM4cFeICy4/s1600/DSC_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl-pPA7Nm2Y/VsVRIwuvKHI/AAAAAAAAdlI/NRM4cFeICy4/s640/DSC_1715.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
To make this you will need a blender or a mixer. Then equal parts butter and your choice of oil.<br />
I used 1-1/2 cups of butter and 1-1/2 cups of olive oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTv7FtoQVV0/VsVRJfpVE8I/AAAAAAAAdlI/G8NPcMAfWAs/s1600/DSC_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTv7FtoQVV0/VsVRJfpVE8I/AAAAAAAAdlI/G8NPcMAfWAs/s640/DSC_1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq9RGAH0FDE/VsVRKLFHu9I/AAAAAAAAdlI/S20KoWaJ1C0/s1600/DSC_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq9RGAH0FDE/VsVRKLFHu9I/AAAAAAAAdlI/S20KoWaJ1C0/s640/DSC_1723.JPG" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
Measure the oil into you blender. If you are using a regular blender with a lid, you can start the blender on low and slowly drop the cut up butter into the oil. If you are using a Magic Bullet, like I did, just add the oil and cut up butter to the container all at once and blend til smooth. If you use a mixer, cream the butter first, then slowly add the oil and mix til smooth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krzAMsb9siw/VsVREHCwbGI/AAAAAAAAdlI/CoTa3VJMRlE/s1600/DSC_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-krzAMsb9siw/VsVREHCwbGI/AAAAAAAAdlI/CoTa3VJMRlE/s640/DSC_1724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSlmEiNuos/VsVRE2vs8KI/AAAAAAAAdlI/YQkt0i-5FpE/s1600/DSC_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbSlmEiNuos/VsVRE2vs8KI/AAAAAAAAdlI/YQkt0i-5FpE/s640/DSC_1726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk5cY9rtNz4/VsVRFoRCrpI/AAAAAAAAdlI/gxojpUWszgk/s1600/DSC_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk5cY9rtNz4/VsVRFoRCrpI/AAAAAAAAdlI/gxojpUWszgk/s640/DSC_1732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once you have a nice creamy smooth mix, pour it into a glass jar or container, cover and put it into the fridge. It will harden slightly, but will always be spreadable.<br />
Another note: if salt is something you need to worry about in your diet, use unsalted butter. You can add salt to the mixture in a smaller amount than would normally be in salted butter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OH_O2F_Eebg/VsVRHdf1BdI/AAAAAAAAdlI/ymiSz8A0ARw/s1600/DSC_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OH_O2F_Eebg/VsVRHdf1BdI/AAAAAAAAdlI/ymiSz8A0ARw/s640/DSC_1736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTRPzDkBRdM/VsVRC0860lI/AAAAAAAAdlI/TezJXni3svE/s1600/pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTRPzDkBRdM/VsVRC0860lI/AAAAAAAAdlI/TezJXni3svE/s640/pin.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
And that's it! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Let me know what you think. Did you try a different oil?<br />
Tell me about it in the comments below and please share, Pin or tweet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbdtgGwUiA4/VsVUJirH9wI/AAAAAAAAdlQ/bpBt9zUpdlI/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbdtgGwUiA4/VsVUJirH9wI/AAAAAAAAdlQ/bpBt9zUpdlI/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-62529908696634355632016-02-16T16:56:00.000-08:002016-02-24T17:02:31.445-08:00Adventure on the Trapline.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cB4eA1F-Y/VsIIj50ZdvI/AAAAAAAAde0/l8inCDhGhas/s1600/pinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cB4eA1F-Y/VsIIj50ZdvI/AAAAAAAAde0/l8inCDhGhas/s640/pinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some of you may recall that we own property in northern BC. It is part of a huge trapline that my husband manages. Most falls find us packing up the truck and heading north for a couple of months to live in our little log cabin up there. It has become a springtime trip as well now as my husband, Trev, is retired and we can come and go as we please. </div>
<div>
It is a beautiful place. Our main cabin is located beside a lovely lake and I enjoy looking out the window at the scenery while I crochet and knit to my heart's content. As the cabin is quite remote, we have no electricity, no running water, no access other than by rough trail. It isn't everyone's 'cup of tea', but we love it. You can't get much more 'back to basics' than this. I wanted to share one of our adventures with you. This took place 2 years ago after we had been at the cabin for 2 months and were heading home. I shared this with our Facebook friends in bits and pieces, and my father in law was kind enough to save it all and make it into a single document. (Thanks, Ken!)<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: tahoma; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our last full day here. Looking forward to home, showers, flush toilets, and mostly seeing family! But...we will miss our wilderness home too. The peace, quiet and simplicity of life here is something hard to find these days. As I type this, we are in the midst of a 'snowfall warning'. We've gotten a fresh couple inches so far, with more coming down. Hoping it doesn't add any problems to our trip out tomorrow. Off to pack things away out of mice-harm, give the chickadees and whiskey jacks all the leftover perishables, and then clean. Love to all!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Au29XqeAjo/VsIIxhXmrpI/AAAAAAAAde4/Ixs-2Ia-BiU/s1600/IMG_20151201_095306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Au29XqeAjo/VsIIxhXmrpI/AAAAAAAAde4/Ixs-2Ia-BiU/s640/IMG_20151201_095306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "tahoma"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whew!!! We made it!! It was nip and tuck for awhile there, though. We closed up the cabin yesterday morning and headed onto the lake on the sleds. That's as far as one sled got. Just before our exit from the lake onto the trail, we hit the worst overflow EVER!!! Both sleds and the skimmer loaded with our gear sunk in almost a foot of slushy muck. After a lot of work, and with the help of a chainsaw winch we got Trev’s Tundra and the skimmer to solid snow. The old Yamaha is sittin' up to the seat in slush (now probably frozen), waiting to sink into the lake come spring. Rest of the story to follow.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "tahoma"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U533OlW8Wqs/VsIJGp1IbBI/AAAAAAAAdfA/s0yDjAvV5cU/s1600/IMG_20151202_132303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U533OlW8Wqs/VsIJGp1IbBI/AAAAAAAAdfA/s0yDjAvV5cU/s640/IMG_20151202_132303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, the rest of the story....after we got the Tundra and skimmer of stuff out, and decided to abandon the Yamaha, we had to decide whether to go back to the cabin, which was just on the other side of the lake, and head out the next day, or have Trev go ahead with the sled, skimmer and Angel, the cat, to the truck, unload the skimmer and cat and then come back and get Zac and I. Up until this year, we have only had the one sled, which, on our trip out, we use to pull the skimmer loaded with Sue and kids or kid. This year we were gifted the old Yamaha, and hadn't needed Trev to take the extra trip to the truck with our 'stuff' because I would be able to drive with Zac on the 2nd sled. Now we were back to our old mode of getting out, but the skimmer was already loaded! We decided that instead of having to unpack everything at the cabin and repack it again....Zac and I would start to walk out, which would keep us warm, and save a bit of time. So we set out feeling fairly up, because we had been able to get the one sled and skimmer out of what had seemed an impossible situation, and we were heading home! We walked along the skidoo trail, which is cleared of the deep snow, but is still soft...like walking on dry sand. After all the exertion of getting things unstuck, slogging around in the overflow, having walked back to the cabin for tools, and the worry of what to do, we were already pretty pooped. We were hungry and tired, but kept our spirits up as we walked, deciding what we would order from our favorite little cafe in Watson Lake. We talked about Christmas, family, the future...and kept on walking. It got to the point of tears, but we kept on walking, taking short breaks when we didn't feel we could take another step. Where was Trev? We kept listening for the skidoo...it got dark. We were way past where he should have been back for us. Saying we were exhausted would be an understatement. Something must have happened to keep Trev from coming back for us. I knew we had to keep moving or we would get cold, and if we waited and he wasn't able to come back for us, we'd be hooped. So, on we went, short break, walk some more...We passed landmarks, using them to gauge how far along we were. Eventually we came upon the skimmer sitting alone on the trail. Why would Trev leave it? He needed to unload it so he could come back for Zac and I. But, there it was sitting in the snow. More of the story later...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh3NNps5LgI/VsIJTAlFLWI/AAAAAAAAdfI/mAFaKT9hWf4/s1600/DSC_1420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kh3NNps5LgI/VsIJTAlFLWI/AAAAAAAAdfI/mAFaKT9hWf4/s1600/DSC_1420.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I left off with Zac and I finding the loaded skimmer sitting on the trail, abandoned.....we had a rest there, trying to figure out why it was there...could Trev have gone on without it because the trail was too soft and he was running over it to pack it more? Was it too hard to pull now? Was there a problem with the skidoo? A problem with Trev????? We were baffled! But there was no point waiting with it, because it needed to be empty for us to be able to ride in it. So, on we went. Next, we came to an old shed Trev had built years ago that had collapsed, so we knew we were getting close to the next lake which is where our little cabin is located. It was a matter of keeping on..one foot in front of the other...just keep walking...We were sore, weary and hungry. Zac was amazing! He was soooo tired, but went on without complaining. We were having to stop to rest more often now. Sitting on the trail or a log by the trail, and just zoning out. The dogs were also exhausted by this time. They had started out running ahead, running back to us...now they walked single file behind Zac or I, and when we rested, they chewed ice from their frozen paws. One or the other of us would snap out of our stupor and get us moving again. Then, we came to the trail that cuts off the main trail and heads out onto the lake that the little cabin is on and which we travel on with the skidoo in winter and canoe stuff from the little cabin and truck on in the fall. It is much easier taking the lake than the trail, but with the overflow on the other lake, we weren't prepared to risk using it now. I hoped Trev had stuck with that plan and hadn't decided to try it and was stuck out there. But, we could see that he had taken the trail, although by this point, his trail was covered by about 2 inches of fresh powder. Now, I need to finish my breakfast and go pack our hotel room stuff, as our truck has been jump started (another story), and we are headed south. I'll finish up tonight.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT3ab6orHyU/VsIJdf39a8I/AAAAAAAAdfM/bku87Q1tfqA/s1600/DSC_1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT3ab6orHyU/VsIJdf39a8I/AAAAAAAAdfM/bku87Q1tfqA/s1600/DSC_1416.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ok, so now we are at the trail intersection that goes to the lake ....we continued on our journey taking the land trail that runs in the woods just off the lake. If for some reason Trev came back for the skimmer over the lake, we would at least see him pass and hoped he would see that we had taken the overland route. This part of the trail hadn't been packed by the skidoo going over it....Trev had only made one trip over it bringing the now sinking Yamaha sled in, which is much lighter than the Tundra, and had now passed over it again that day. It was much softer, making it harder going than the rest of the trail and at some places it was hard to tell he'd been through at all. We knew we were almost at the end of our trek which is probably the thing that kept us going. The last part of the trail winds away from the lake and onto an old cut line which is all grown up with small pines and willows. It seemed to take forever to get through this part. Our legs just didn't want to work anymore. When we finally came out into the clearing where we park our truck away from the road (until the snow depth makes it necessary to park it by the road, which was where the truck was now), there sat the skidoo. And there was poor Angel, our long suffering cat, still strapped to the back of it. (She was in a kennel that we wrapped in a blanket and then put inside a garbage bag, NOT sealed!). Now we were really worried. Why would it be here, still a ways from the truck? We decided we'd get Angel off the back and get down to the little cabin where we hoped Trev was. The question was why..... As we left the skidoo, me trying to carry Angel in her kennel, Zac breaking trail, as we now had no skidoo track at all to walk in, we noticed that Trev had indeed gone that way, but his tracks were fairly covered over by fresh snow. I was having difficulty carrying the kennel, so ended up dragging it by the end of the garbage bag. Can't imagine what Angel thought about that, but at least she would be with us in the little cabin. About 1/2 way down the trail that goes from the clearing to the lake and cabin, Zac heard Trev yell and yelled back. Trev met us all ready to hike back along the trail to meet us. He had a pack full of stuff he thought he would need to get us warm, fed and hydrated. But, instead we all headed back to the little cabin, very happy to be together. Once we had gotten inside, that's when I had a short breakdown...a few tears of relief, followed by much hugging and thanking God for safe keeping. It turned out that Trev had started out doing fine pulling the skimmer, but slowly it became more difficult. He was having to stop along the way to set off traps, and was trying to do it quickly so he could get back for Zac and I. The skidoo just didn't seem to have the power it should have and then started dying. Trev would have to keep restarting it. Eventually, he had to leave the skimmer. He was able to get it (the skidoo) to the clearing where it died again, and would not start. Now, remembering that earlier, we had all been slogging around in the icey overflow on the lake..., Zac and I had on snow suits made with water repellent fabric while Trev had on insulated coveralls. Trev had been wet through. By the time he got to the clearing, after all the dealings with the failing skidoo and him now being pretty chilled, he hadn't the energy to carry Angel to the cabin and needed to get warm and dry quickly. He was worried sick (literally) about Zac and I, thinking that we were also wet and would be freezing. Luckily, we were both dry apart from the bottoms of our snow pants which had gotten pretty wet. But our insulated rubber boots kept the wet away, and the temperature quickly froze our pants bottoms solid. Trev was imagining us wet like him, as well as tired, but we were just tired. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9pF1Sv348U/VsIJ0saMqwI/AAAAAAAAdfU/ZlxuSLawzck/s1600/IMG_20151205_001503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9pF1Sv348U/VsIJ0saMqwI/AAAAAAAAdfU/ZlxuSLawzck/s640/IMG_20151205_001503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-7d7ae823-e5e6-3a0a-2dd0-dfa2c43c3b58"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the end we were all safe and sound. The next morning, Trev went to see what could be done with the he skidoo. We figured it had probably overheated due to ice building up in the track after being in the overflow. Using our tiger torch, he was able to melt the ice and it started up just fine. He then retrieved the abandoned skimmer, took the stuff to the truck, then came for us at the cabin. Thanks to the highways maintenance guys out of Dease Lake, our truck got plowed out, jump started and we were in Watson Lake in time for dinner! It was nice to have a good meal and soft beds, but I think we appreciated the beds and cuppa noodles at the little cabin the night before more! So ends that adventure. And we thought last years trip out in -43C was hard! Lol!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMC_lsH6PMA/VsIJ_TdiDTI/AAAAAAAAdfc/o5Woab41wOo/s1600/IMG_20151205_002305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMC_lsH6PMA/VsIJ_TdiDTI/AAAAAAAAdfc/o5Woab41wOo/s640/IMG_20151205_002305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And so ended our time that fall on the trapline. We have had other adventures on the trapline that have challenged our abilities, tested our strengths and pushed our endurance. Each time we come out of them on top, having learned more about ourselves, our abilities and what we can accomplish. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GybczaMt8sk/Vs5RWUtPibI/AAAAAAAAeeo/MqFfTaahGGc/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GybczaMt8sk/Vs5RWUtPibI/AAAAAAAAeeo/MqFfTaahGGc/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "tahoma"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-79203897941609800192016-02-13T22:18:00.001-08:002016-02-16T16:58:05.463-08:00Easy Homemade Oven FriesFries!! You know you want'em!! Who can resist them?? We know they aren't the best thing for us. If you don't, you're in denial. So, what can we do to satiate this need for fries without having to resort to fast food restaurant's deep fried baddies? Make our own!!!<br />
It is so easy to make these and takes no time at all. A nice change from boiled, baked or mashed. Easier than scalloped. Follow my directions and you'll be noshing on some soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jg8Ii2vS3Q/Vr_jfTPSGGI/AAAAAAAAdb8/tkUSORfeGjc/s1600/fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Jg8Ii2vS3Q/Vr_jfTPSGGI/AAAAAAAAdb8/tkUSORfeGjc/s640/fries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
You'll need some potatoes, (obviously!). I'm not picky about what kind, just whatever you have on hand. Give them a quick scrub, or a longer scrub if they are grubby ones. Grab your cutting board and a sharp knife. I start by cutting the 'tater' in half lengthwise, then turning it sliced side down and slicing it into 1/4 inch slices. Cut out any bad spots as you go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc5LkEtgxfU/Vr_jg2FwacI/AAAAAAAAdcA/vOISL_EikKE/s1600/DSC_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc5LkEtgxfU/Vr_jg2FwacI/AAAAAAAAdcA/vOISL_EikKE/s640/DSC_1583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Throw the sliced potatoes into a bowl. It depends on how many potatoes you are using as to how much oil to add. I used a 1/4 cup for 6 medium potatoes. Pour the oil on top and then sprinkle on your seasoning. Salt and pepper, Montreal Steak or Chicken spice, herbs, chili powder....your own personal preference is the only limit. Seasoning salt is a nice choice too. In this recipe I ground on some sea salt and some garlic and red pepper seasoning. A tablespoon is a good place to start with 6 medium potatoes. Add more if you like. You can always add more salt when they are done, so don't worry if you don't add enough the first time. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlNqxL7HG7o/Vr_jiM7ppuI/AAAAAAAAdcE/0jbkhnXtCVg/s1600/DSC_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlNqxL7HG7o/Vr_jiM7ppuI/AAAAAAAAdcE/0jbkhnXtCVg/s640/DSC_1595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next dump the potatoes onto a cookie sheet or into a large cake pan. Spread them out evenly over the pan. Place them in a preheated 450F. oven and bake for 45 minutes. I use a flipper and move them around every 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCEqOENlh0w/Vr_ji9lYLMI/AAAAAAAAdcI/bKUrpWm5Tvo/s1600/DSC_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCEqOENlh0w/Vr_ji9lYLMI/AAAAAAAAdcI/bKUrpWm5Tvo/s640/DSC_1598.JPG" width="630" /></a></div>
<br />
You'll know they are done when the potatoes are soft and slightly browned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFYpGcxOong/Vr_jjxz8cII/AAAAAAAAdcM/rxP4XbCW25w/s1600/DSC_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFYpGcxOong/Vr_jjxz8cII/AAAAAAAAdcM/rxP4XbCW25w/s640/DSC_1602.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
We had these with deer burgers. My son, Zac has started hunting with his Dad and has been blessed with a deer each of the last 2 falls.<br />
Try different seasoning combinations and let me know what you think!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewReOsw5Mc0/Vr_jpoBGgfI/AAAAAAAAdcY/tc6pKyi-odo/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewReOsw5Mc0/Vr_jpoBGgfI/AAAAAAAAdcY/tc6pKyi-odo/s640/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXhnVG8d78Q/VsAcFsn71mI/AAAAAAAAdcw/8FTkNY70F_M/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXhnVG8d78Q/VsAcFsn71mI/AAAAAAAAdcw/8FTkNY70F_M/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-65472598273529968172016-02-03T19:43:00.002-08:002016-02-16T16:58:16.037-08:00Easy Apple Crisp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3FIqe_TGXw/VrKHAwtbJVI/AAAAAAAAdW4/ournjeKv4bI/s1600/APPLE%2BCRISP%2BPIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3FIqe_TGXw/VrKHAwtbJVI/AAAAAAAAdW4/ournjeKv4bI/s640/APPLE%2BCRISP%2BPIN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlNU1hTUtPSWR3NUE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here for a printable recipe.</a></div>
<br />
Living where we do, (high altitude with lots of snow and freezing temperatures all winter) it is a real challenge to grow things. Fruit trees are pretty much impossible. I have a hard time just getting plants that are hardy enough to last out a winter here. But, lucky for us, we live very close to the Okanagon, which is the fruit growing area in BC. We have easy access to peaches, cherries, and apricots, plus other fresh from the tree fruits. Well, during the summer anyways. In the winter though, we can still get our hands on apples. In a small town about an hour from us, we can grab a 20kg. bag of apples for $10! We picked up a couple of bags just last week. While eating them right off the core is great, we love them baked up in a crisp best!<br />
The first one I made lasted 1/2 a day! Poor Zac went to the fridge the next morning thinking he would have some crisp with milk for breakfast. Nope! Trev had finished it off the night before. Needless to say, Mama whipped him up a fresh one. They are so easy to make and so delicious! We usually pour some milk over top when it's hot out of the oven, add some ice-cream for a dessert, and eat it cold for a snack. Anytime is crisp time!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
To make this tasty treat you only need a few ingredients. Apples, (obviously!), flour, white and brown sugar, oatmeal, cinnamon and margarine. Here's my recipe.<br />
Preheat your oven to 350F.<br />
Peel your apples (any kind will do). The way I do it is I have my pan ready (I'm using a 9x13in.) beside the sink. I peel my apples into the sink and then slice the fruit off the core right into the pan. No need to core them then. I fill the pan about 1/2 way full. We love the crisp topping, so I like to leave lots of room to heap it on. If your apples are on the drier side, you can add about 1/2 cup of hot water to the apples.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUYNu631rPA/VrK-wSU6KSI/AAAAAAAAdXY/cw4-p76uZY8/s1600/DSC_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUYNu631rPA/VrK-wSU6KSI/AAAAAAAAdXY/cw4-p76uZY8/s640/DSC_1661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next I sprinkle about 1/4 of a cup of flour over the apples, 1/4 cup of white sugar and shake some cinnamon over it. I use my hands to toss the apples a bit to distribute the dry ingredients. Now, if you are using a tarter variety of apple (ie. sour) you can add a bit more sugar here, unless you particularly like a sour crisp. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tHJpFX9oB0/VrK-xZ2rO7I/AAAAAAAAdXc/MFW2uRYdbsI/s1600/DSC_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tHJpFX9oB0/VrK-xZ2rO7I/AAAAAAAAdXc/MFW2uRYdbsI/s640/DSC_1670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now for the topping. My measurements are all 'about'. This isn't an exact thing. A bit of this, a bit of that...<br />
<br />
This is for 9x13 inch pan, so 1/2 it for an 8x8. Mix in a bowl about 1 cup of each-<br />
all purpose or whole wheat flour, your choice,<br />
white sugar,<br />
brown sugar,<br />
oatmeal.<br />
<br />
Get that all mixed together. Now I 'rub' in the margarine. I use the little 1/2 cup blocks. I used 1 1/2 cups in this batch, but in the last one, I used 1 cup. It depends on how you like your crust. The more margarine, the crispier the crust. Less means a drier, more crumbly crust. Both are good!<br />
So, to 'rub' in the margarine, I take it right from the fridge and slice it into the mixture. Then, I use my hands to squish and crumble it all together. It should be a fairly even consistency of crumble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_02drLQVN8/VrK-yppJX_I/AAAAAAAAdXg/GVAuPJln3KQ/s1600/DSC_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_02drLQVN8/VrK-yppJX_I/AAAAAAAAdXg/GVAuPJln3KQ/s640/DSC_1672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once it's all mixed and ready to go, I <strike>dump </strike> carefully spoon the dry crumb mix over the apples. It is fine if it piles higher than the edges of your pan, once it is baking it will settle somewhat as the margarine melts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wG41gkbmP0/VrK-zNXLAsI/AAAAAAAAdXk/Z9iPkFCzBiI/s1600/DSC_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wG41gkbmP0/VrK-zNXLAsI/AAAAAAAAdXk/Z9iPkFCzBiI/s640/DSC_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, into the oven it goes for about 30 minutes, (I check mine every 15 minutes). As it bakes the apples will begin to bubble under the crust. I use a fork to poke the apples to see how soft they are. When they fall apart easily, it's done. The crust should be slightly browned, the apples soft and bubbling in their juices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26m9Ylj1LHM/VrK-u0lVZeI/AAAAAAAAdXQ/g2ZqOShqCnM/s1600/DSC_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26m9Ylj1LHM/VrK-u0lVZeI/AAAAAAAAdXQ/g2ZqOShqCnM/s640/DSC_1682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It will be extremely hot when you the take it out of the oven, so wait a few minutes to try some. Delicious! Try it with a splash of milk. Whipped cream or whipped topping is good too! And, of course, for dessert...ice cream on top. I'd love to hear if you try this recipe. I also appreciate it when readers decide to follow my Little Shack blog on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCL7BgW97VE/VrK-uPjlT4I/AAAAAAAAdXM/yWauQGiTAIs/s1600/slice%2Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCL7BgW97VE/VrK-uPjlT4I/AAAAAAAAdXM/yWauQGiTAIs/s640/slice%2Bout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fH1cNHWpOG0/VrLIzSy0McI/AAAAAAAAdX4/PljpfvcPin0/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fH1cNHWpOG0/VrLIzSy0McI/AAAAAAAAdX4/PljpfvcPin0/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-22720827094945707922016-02-01T13:04:00.000-08:002016-02-03T23:30:01.437-08:00Pump Up Your Porridge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhs_vIOhkw/Vq5e41zdeSI/AAAAAAAAdWU/LTZKgsTkRkk/s1600/DSC_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhs_vIOhkw/Vq5e41zdeSI/AAAAAAAAdWU/LTZKgsTkRkk/s640/DSC_1629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In this day and age of fast food breakfasts picked up from a drive thru window while you're rushing so as not to be late for work, school or an appointment, it's sometimes difficult to imagine breakfast any other way. In our fast paced world we sometimes forget that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day'. A bowl of cold cereal and toast is probably standard for a lot of us. It's certainly better than what is being handed out that window! But, what about the old fashioned day starters? When was the last time you cooked up a pot of porridge? Oatmeal or mush, it's all about the grains. This was how our ancestors ate their grains. Way before bread was even thought of, people were cooking up a pot. It was originally served as a savoury dish with meat and veggies. I can't quite get around to trying that, but the Americans do have a great love for their 'grits', which is served with savoury foods or has savoury things added to it.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
For many families, a sit down breakfast may happen on the weekend, or not at all. We live in a busy world where weekends are sometimes spent rushing off to leisure activities, catching up on chores, errands and maybe trying to catch up on some sleep! Here at the Little Shack, we tend to lose track of what day it is, let alone why date! Our days are filled with getting work done on the Shack, too much time on the computers, and eating. Pretty low key existence. Homeschooling has allowed us to not have to be up and rushing first thing, plus the man of the house has retired, so no schedules whatsoever. While we don't do a 'sit down' breakfast, most mornings I do prepare a hot breakfast. Every few days I take a break and let everyone fend for themselves. This usually means Zac will grab a bowl of cold cereal and Trev will have his 'go to' breakfast of cinnamon toast. Other mornings we'll have eggs and toast or an omelette. <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2014/11/homemade-pancake-mix-recipe.html" target="_blank">Pancakes</a> and French toast are also a common occurrence. I usually make a pot of porridge every 2nd morning at least. On the trapline, where our food choices are more limited, we have porridge even 2nd morning religiously.<br />
Porridge fills you up, sticks with you and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Check out the website <a href="https://porridgeclub.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Porridge Club</a> for lot of great information on this super food. It's also super easy to prepare. The packaging you purchase it in will have the recipe on it, so I won't bother with that here. But, I will share with you the way we like our porridge the best!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9uC73VVGfA/Vq5exTbuDyI/AAAAAAAAdVs/ggZTr0rlTU4/s1600/DSC_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o9uC73VVGfA/Vq5exTbuDyI/AAAAAAAAdVs/ggZTr0rlTU4/s640/DSC_1613.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
I always have oatmeal on hand, as well as Cream of Wheat and Red River (Sunny Boy and Bob's Red Mill 5 Grain are similar). I add enough cold water to my pot to ensure we all have a good sized bowl. In our case, 6 cups. Then a teaspoon of salt. I then add 2 cups of rolled oats and about 1/2 a cup of Red River cereal. I let that simmer on a low flame while I get the toppings ready.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t85BM_0z_VI/Vq5e4VoJ9qI/AAAAAAAAdWQ/TBm6YK4RHAA/s1600/DSC_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t85BM_0z_VI/Vq5e4VoJ9qI/AAAAAAAAdWQ/TBm6YK4RHAA/s640/DSC_1628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I chop up an apple for each of us and have ready my pre-mixed fruit and nut mix. When I first started making our porridge like this, we were on the trapline. Up there I have a bucket of nuts an dried fruits. I would throw a spoonful of sunflower seeds, a bit of coconut, some chopped up dried apricots, raisons, craisons, sliced almonds...whatever we had lots of, on top. At home at the Little Shack I have made up a mix with the things we like all ready together and keep it in a large jar with a scoop inside. This definitely simplifies the process for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6os37JlEpN8/Vq5e37bezeI/AAAAAAAAdWE/HSRJXPv9czQ/s1600/DSC_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6os37JlEpN8/Vq5e37bezeI/AAAAAAAAdWE/HSRJXPv9czQ/s640/DSC_1619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JXnCTU3T2Y/Vq5ezvXEloI/AAAAAAAAdV0/lf1-lGmXfI8/s1600/DSC_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JXnCTU3T2Y/Vq5ezvXEloI/AAAAAAAAdV0/lf1-lGmXfI8/s640/DSC_1626.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the porridge is cooked and ready to be served up, I get it into bowls, add some brown sugar to the top and then top it off with chopped apple and then the fruit/nut mix. Zac and Trev like theirs with milk as well, but I prefer mine without.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NyaICBpF9s/Vq5exDfsyVI/AAAAAAAAdVo/pMJ2MM84aSM/s1600/DSC_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NyaICBpF9s/Vq5exDfsyVI/AAAAAAAAdVo/pMJ2MM84aSM/s640/DSC_1630.JPG" width="632" /></a></div>
<br />
I like to change things up from time to time and add Cream of Wheat to the porridge mix. Or just straight oatmeal. It's always a great start to our day and keeps everyone happy till lunchtime. Instead of just a bowl of mush, which in itself is a healthy, inexpensive food choice, we also get a serving of fruit and some extra punch from the dried fruit and nut!<br />
Does your family rush through breakfast? Are Pop Tarts your kids idea of a good start to the day? I urge you to try taking the extra few minutes it takes to get your family off on their daily adventures with a hot bowl of porridge. It's so good for you, inexpensive to buy and easy to prepare. Give it a go!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ4ELT_kUU8/Vq5e4WvuyEI/AAAAAAAAdWM/OjKu4-T5sfo/s1600/DSC_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ4ELT_kUU8/Vq5e4WvuyEI/AAAAAAAAdWM/OjKu4-T5sfo/s640/DSC_1620.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47yQvXVJ6Jk/Vq5gYR1dEQI/AAAAAAAAdWk/c0GtZK44kmY/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47yQvXVJ6Jk/Vq5gYR1dEQI/AAAAAAAAdWk/c0GtZK44kmY/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-26325574775174815772016-01-29T21:24:00.000-08:002016-02-03T23:30:33.683-08:00More Basement Renos!!As promised, I'm back to share some of the work that we've been doing in the basement since our contractor friend helped us get started last spring. <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2016/01/basement-renovations-on-go.html" target="_blank">Here' a link to that post, in case you missed it.</a><br />
Right after he left, we had to pack up for our spring trip to the trapline cabin. Then, our next grandchild was about to arrive and we were on the Island staying in our RV for that. Then, we had a family reunion in Alberta to go to, and then decided while we were there, we would spend a few weeks travelling around. We got home at the beginning of August and were eager to get back to the basement renos! Yay!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHHB1bWR2TM/VqznBYCsAqI/AAAAAAAAdTY/ZBNmjd1PkOM/s1600/ceiling%2Bpin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHHB1bWR2TM/VqznBYCsAqI/AAAAAAAAdTY/ZBNmjd1PkOM/s640/ceiling%2Bpin.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
Before we left for the trapline, Trev and I had cleaned up the basement work area and had carried in tons of rough cut boards to dry out. These have been outdoors since we got them and before we could use them they needed to dry so they didn't shrink after they were up. We had stacked them neatly in the basement, waiting to be used in the summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjzRcJURQGM/Vqw2UQHNdiI/AAAAAAAAdRw/shru2o9xAR8/s1600/IMG_20150822_112829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjzRcJURQGM/Vqw2UQHNdiI/AAAAAAAAdRw/shru2o9xAR8/s640/IMG_20150822_112829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjtEYzgHVm0/Vqw2WRLYSZI/AAAAAAAAdSE/UWag56tuGRQ/s1600/IMG_20150822_113558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjtEYzgHVm0/Vqw2WRLYSZI/AAAAAAAAdSE/UWag56tuGRQ/s640/IMG_20150822_113558.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ICHWPH7Pms/Vqw2WeCxl5I/AAAAAAAAdSI/SCFEEpo1MN0/s1600/IMG_20150822_113546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ICHWPH7Pms/Vqw2WeCxl5I/AAAAAAAAdSI/SCFEEpo1MN0/s640/IMG_20150822_113546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We still had another stack of boards outside, so Zac and I spent a day cleaning them up with a wire brush before stacking them inside too. So much wood!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBn6vS9DlNM/Vqw1i1hdjiI/AAAAAAAAdRM/5RBBV9qvcLE/s1600/IMG_20150822_112856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBn6vS9DlNM/Vqw1i1hdjiI/AAAAAAAAdRM/5RBBV9qvcLE/s640/IMG_20150822_112856.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Preparing these boards was Trev's job. He needed to cut them to random lengths, removing any rotten or cracked parts. Then, while I would have left them as is, he wanted to bevel the 4 edges of each piece. I've got to admit, it looks great! A little trick he learned from our builder buddy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6hxX24rucM/Vqw27iymaPI/AAAAAAAAdSk/OkTNPwDYlg8/s1600/IMG_20150822_112641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6hxX24rucM/Vqw27iymaPI/AAAAAAAAdSk/OkTNPwDYlg8/s640/IMG_20150822_112641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This old saw bit the dust during this part of the job. We made an unplanned trip into town (1+ hours away) to get a new one. Oh, the unexpected expenses of DIYing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9C-WdtDW7OA/Vqw26_VKafI/AAAAAAAAdSc/IXmISKCrxj0/s1600/IMG_20150822_112650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9C-WdtDW7OA/Vqw26_VKafI/AAAAAAAAdSc/IXmISKCrxj0/s640/IMG_20150822_112650.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After the pieces were all prepped, then the fun part began! These pieces were destined for the ceiling. We had lived with bare, cobwebby, floor joist ceilings for 8 years. When our friend was helping we had installed pot-lights and put up OSB boards to cover the floor joists (from the floor upstairs). Now we were gonna make 'em pretty!<br />
<br />
Using a nail gun with finishing nails, Trev pieced together the ceiling using all the various lengths, colours and slight thickness differences. The end result was gorgeous! Very rustic, just the way I like it! He still has to cut pieces to fit around the pot lights, and then put up the trim around the edges, but I'm lovin' it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLEc6NBVgT4/Vqwx6WfB2iI/AAAAAAAAdP4/tW3YlrldZPw/s1600/DSC_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLEc6NBVgT4/Vqwx6WfB2iI/AAAAAAAAdP4/tW3YlrldZPw/s640/DSC_1166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReC7d1gBpWI/VqwyAaYUMzI/AAAAAAAAdQo/2RddnUUs13g/s1600/DSC_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ReC7d1gBpWI/VqwyAaYUMzI/AAAAAAAAdQo/2RddnUUs13g/s640/DSC_1149.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We still had lots of the cleaned and trimmed wood left over so decided to do the new basement entrance walls with it too. This doorway is at the end of the sunroom and the one that we use to come inside in the winter with our snow boots on. It's also the door we bring the firewood inside through for the wood stove. It needed to be tough and durable. This fits the bill perfectly and looks great too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWI0K7Vz92M/Vqwx_end26I/AAAAAAAAdQk/eSpvqZD6W2M/s1600/DSC_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWI0K7Vz92M/Vqwx_end26I/AAAAAAAAdQk/eSpvqZD6W2M/s640/DSC_1152.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VsIkuQBM_8/Vqwx-e3IFLI/AAAAAAAAdQc/tPZZHb-eCq0/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VsIkuQBM_8/Vqwx-e3IFLI/AAAAAAAAdQc/tPZZHb-eCq0/s640/DSC_1155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWeG5r9xp4U/Vqwx9ZF-RWI/AAAAAAAAdQU/iF1Jxicgz0I/s1600/DSC_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWeG5r9xp4U/Vqwx9ZF-RWI/AAAAAAAAdQU/iF1Jxicgz0I/s640/DSC_1156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2BXXSp2o8k/Vqwx8147vGI/AAAAAAAAdQM/rtqUitTsZuY/s1600/DSC_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2BXXSp2o8k/Vqwx8147vGI/AAAAAAAAdQM/rtqUitTsZuY/s640/DSC_1160.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is still plenty to finish up down here, but it feels so good to finally be getting it done. Next, we'll be putting down the flooring and trimming things up! Stay tuned!</div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-29524577816735970302016-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:002016-02-03T23:31:00.835-08:00Basement Renovations on the Go!!Hello? Is there anybody out there??<br />
I know I've been absent from this blog for quite some time....and I apologize profusely! Life got somewhat crazy last spring with house renos, travelling, a beautiful little addition to our family arriving (grand baby #4!) and time spent on our trapline....And now, with life slowing down a wee bit after Christmas, it seemed like a good time to reconnect.<br />
The biggest change happening here at the Little Shack, and one I've been dying to crow about...is the magic that has been happening in the basement!! After 8 long years, it's finally getting done! It is beautiful!! If you've read past posts, you will know that our Little Shack has been a project right from the get-go. A few years ago, we hired a guy to come in and build 2 bedrooms in the basement for our still-at-home kids. The kids and I went away to work in a tree planting camp for the summer, while hubby stayed at home to work and take care of the critters, and we had the 2 bedrooms done while we were gone. It was so exciting to come home and have these 2 rooms ready for the kids to move into. Goodbye temporary walls, cement floors and open cobwebby ceilings! Hello beautiful bedrooms with closets, flooring, ceilings, light fixtures and doors! You can take a look at them <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2013/02/the-kids-have-bedrooms-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
Now, I get to share some of the stuff that has been happening downstairs recently!<br />
Last spring, we decided to use some of the money hubby got when he retired (early at age 50!) to hire a contractor friend of ours to help get the basement finished. Hubby and I were the 'gophers'....well, I was more the gopher, coffee lady, lunch preparer, clean up the sawdust and wood person, passer of tools and screws, reloader of nail guns...you get the picture. Hubby dealt with wiring, cutting wood, heavy lifting and was part of the 'harass Susan' club. I spent 2 weeks being the brunt of jokes, teased and poked fun at. Boys will be boys. It was fine...really...I just smiled and kept reminding myself that the basement was GETTING DONE!!!!<br />
So, now the unveiling! Well, obviously there is still work to be done. We are currently laying floor down and will be doing some more finishing after that. But, I couldn't wait to share these pictures any longer!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QL889nRv1yM/VqZjv3KilII/AAAAAAAAdHE/JFDyRv3EEEU/s1600/IMG_20150429_124240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QL889nRv1yM/VqZjv3KilII/AAAAAAAAdHE/JFDyRv3EEEU/s640/IMG_20150429_124240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">In the photo above, the room I'm standing in to take this shot is the 'family/tv room. I am looking towards the front of the Shack into what used to be the underside of our deck. We had closed it in years ago to add a sunroom onto the front and it has now been opened up with a wide doorway.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I'm just loving the wood walls. The Little Shack is basically ALL wood walls, but these are different from the upstairs ones. I love the grey bits and the saw marks.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtWy0uYIXRQ/VqZkO4XzpBI/AAAAAAAAdHM/eywi2jgpdPU/s1600/DSC_9922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JtWy0uYIXRQ/VqZkO4XzpBI/AAAAAAAAdHM/eywi2jgpdPU/s640/DSC_9922.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Look at that gorgeous wood!! The wood we used for this was some rough cut lumber we purchased from a guy years ago. It's been slowly used in different projects over time, but we still had tons left. It went from being rough, grey and dirty to this beautiful state via a planer. Lots of work, but </span>well worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdGteOWdq1g/VqPuI_TJ80I/AAAAAAAAdFc/QkhyBBME618/s1600/IMG_20150429_124342.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdGteOWdq1g/VqPuI_TJ80I/AAAAAAAAdFc/QkhyBBME618/s640/IMG_20150429_124342.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This photo and the next are in the sunroom. The beadboard was stuff we purchased from Home Depot when we had the kid's rooms done. I had ordered enough to do the entire basement, but since we used the wood on some of the walls, there was enough to use on the sunroom ceiling. This room will be so lovely for sitting in when it's still chilly outside. Lots of light and we still can enjoy our hillside view from the basement!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYexXqzB-hc/VqEqknoMxRI/AAAAAAAAb9A/aChrVeornzo/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pYexXqzB-hc/VqEqknoMxRI/AAAAAAAAb9A/aChrVeornzo/s640/DSC_0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a peak at the view from the sunroom. The beadboard needs to be painted, but I am very tempted to keep it white. It's so bright and clean feeling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr8uj-To5Xk/VqEqtbX0XwI/AAAAAAAAb9Q/EC1LyIlK-3o/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dr8uj-To5Xk/VqEqtbX0XwI/AAAAAAAAb9Q/EC1LyIlK-3o/s640/DSC_0037.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
We also needed to finish off the stairway. It is a nice bright entrance to the basement now with the beadboard reflecting the light from the little window we cut into the wall at the bottom landing.<br />
This is the point where our contractor friend <strike>deserted us </strike>had to go home to his family. We have continued on without him, the momentum is there to get it done...finally! We are faced with the problem of not being 'at home' much anymore. We spent April working on the basement, after being away most of last winter, then were away (with a few stops at home for a few days between traveling) until August. Home for a bit more than a month, then off again. Then back to the Shack in time to celebrate Christmas! It's been great! Don't get me wrong. But it sure is nice to be at home for a bit and getting things done.<br />
Stay tuned for the next part of the basement project!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gQN06jfRIQ/VqRfSwiZVSI/AAAAAAAAdGg/WSnIheHkMUg/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gQN06jfRIQ/VqRfSwiZVSI/AAAAAAAAdGg/WSnIheHkMUg/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-22316352272153849632015-04-11T08:35:00.000-07:002016-02-22T07:59:55.497-08:00A Simple Herb Garden<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRM_ZoWUAf4/VRyCKPxjxOI/AAAAAAAAQuc/AWRO5YpBckc/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRM_ZoWUAf4/VRyCKPxjxOI/AAAAAAAAQuc/AWRO5YpBckc/s1600/title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With spring's arrival, I, like so many others, get the urge to get out in the garden and start digging, planting, growing.... Living in an RV, in an RV park, kinda changes that. I still want to get growing...but, I have no garden of my own to work in here. The park we are staying in has meticulously maintained gardens. Over the windy, wet and surprisingly sunny winter their gardens have been kept up nicely, and are now in the process of being dug, weeded, planted and made ready for the multitude of summer vacationers who will soon be filling all the empty sites. We won't be here then, as we move out in a month and head for the Little Shack. Back to my own little patch of earth which has been hibernating under piles of snow all winter. I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty and adding a few new perennials to my garden.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vb7p3bmNXE/VRyCsuQRysI/AAAAAAAAQvE/wIPHkw2_6GQ/s1600/DSC_9478.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vb7p3bmNXE/VRyCsuQRysI/AAAAAAAAQvE/wIPHkw2_6GQ/s1600/DSC_9478.NEF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the meantime, I thought I'd put together a little herb garden for my daughter, Jordan's, birthday. She will be celebrating it in early June, but we will be away then and I wanted to give it to her early.<br />
While perusing the aisles of a 2nd hand store, I found they had a huge bunch of white coffee mugs, in different shapes and sizes. And that's when I had my inspiration moment!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tUPQbY6aUI/VRyCataFo6I/AAAAAAAAQuk/leOqrt8Hqg0/s1600/DSC_9471.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tUPQbY6aUI/VRyCataFo6I/AAAAAAAAQuk/leOqrt8Hqg0/s1600/DSC_9471.NEF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ddbbK47Io/VRyCe1ZCwtI/AAAAAAAAQus/VrS0PZwhRfM/s1600/DSC_9472.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8ddbbK47Io/VRyCe1ZCwtI/AAAAAAAAQus/VrS0PZwhRfM/s1600/DSC_9472.NEF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I chose 5 mugs in different styles and then picked up 5 herb plants. I had leftover soil from my <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2015/03/my-first-fairy-garden.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fairy Garden</a> so that was already taken care of. I also picked up a Sharpie marker to finish off the project.<br />
Each herb went into a separate mug. I then labelled each mug using the Sharpie marker.<br />
I feel so much better now, having satisfied my spring gardening urge! <br />
How about you? Do you also get that "gotta go out and dig in the dirt' urge in the spring? Are you a gardener? I'd love to hear about your spring plant plans!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFOGoQA5xoI/VRyCkfZR90I/AAAAAAAAQu8/Y6hbAnCz8LI/s1600/DSC_9477.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFOGoQA5xoI/VRyCkfZR90I/AAAAAAAAQu8/Y6hbAnCz8LI/s1600/DSC_9477.NEF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHXllGm71mc/VRyCezGHhHI/AAAAAAAAQuw/XVdLEqZgiF4/s1600/DSC_9475.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHXllGm71mc/VRyCezGHhHI/AAAAAAAAQuw/XVdLEqZgiF4/s1600/DSC_9475.NEF.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmwyO55DJCs/VRyDEKfZepI/AAAAAAAAQvM/MVuYKaUo1EM/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmwyO55DJCs/VRyDEKfZepI/AAAAAAAAQvM/MVuYKaUo1EM/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-66517129106032469562015-03-13T13:28:00.000-07:002015-03-13T13:28:16.512-07:00My First Fairy Garden!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGWm6Rlh8PY/VQB5SRihNtI/AAAAAAAAQIY/JN3p-AZi2HM/s1600/pinnit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGWm6Rlh8PY/VQB5SRihNtI/AAAAAAAAQIY/JN3p-AZi2HM/s1600/pinnit.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was a very special day. My oldest daughter, and 1st born, turned 29. I can't believe I have a 29 year old child! Where did the time go?? It seems like such a short time ago that she was born. I still have vivid memories of her birth, our stay in the hospital, bringing her home and all the trepidation of being a brand new mom with a brand new baby. Now, after 5 babies, and into my journey as a grandparent, I'm finding that what they say about time going by faster as you get older really is true!<br />
I wanted to make my daughter something for her special day, and have been wanting to make a fairy garden for some time, so combined the 2 wants to make my 1st fairy garden for her!<br />
A couple of weeks ago I had found a bunch of little houses at the 2nd hand store, and on a whim, bought all of them with the intention of using them in fairy gardens. So, I had the beginnings already. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zno0ibGTOoM/VQB5sM3UB8I/AAAAAAAAQIg/rT4TrX8XsA8/s1600/DSC_9348.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zno0ibGTOoM/VQB5sM3UB8I/AAAAAAAAQIg/rT4TrX8XsA8/s1600/DSC_9348.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I purchased a container to build the garden in. I chose a plastic 'terra cotta' pot that is low and wide. Then, found 3 plants that would suit the 'decor'. I chose a peppermint plant and a curry plant. Then added a succulent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pMzr3UH9Y/VQB56VMH8dI/AAAAAAAAQIo/p4rpwJKfivw/s1600/DSC_9344.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_pMzr3UH9Y/VQB56VMH8dI/AAAAAAAAQIo/p4rpwJKfivw/s1600/DSC_9344.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I also found these little mushrooms to add.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bjJ3nyfyTk/VQB6NpsIijI/AAAAAAAAQIw/GNLBcdloMvM/s1600/DSC_9345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bjJ3nyfyTk/VQB6NpsIijI/AAAAAAAAQIw/GNLBcdloMvM/s1600/DSC_9345.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGM8RS5uMSs/VQB6dnJeaVI/AAAAAAAAQI4/ZbbwiPxA2Bc/s1600/DSC_9347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGM8RS5uMSs/VQB6dnJeaVI/AAAAAAAAQI4/ZbbwiPxA2Bc/s1600/DSC_9347.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The dollar store was a great source for the stones, sand and glass pebbles. I bought a bag of potting soil and picked the moss on one of my walks with the dogs. Here on the west coast moss is abundant in the woods.<br />
I filled the pot with the soil and then added the plants, making sure the root balls were covered and well seated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nEt8VBESSHo/VQB65ogn1wI/AAAAAAAAQJA/jCh5CtGL-Vw/s1600/DSC_9351.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nEt8VBESSHo/VQB65ogn1wI/AAAAAAAAQJA/jCh5CtGL-Vw/s1600/DSC_9351.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I pulled the moss into pieces the right size to fit around the plants and tucked it in, pressing it down into the soil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9fqhfUmiPc/VQB7SGyJHsI/AAAAAAAAQJI/o6UqTU0mKj4/s1600/DSC_9357.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9fqhfUmiPc/VQB7SGyJHsI/AAAAAAAAQJI/o6UqTU0mKj4/s1600/DSC_9357.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I left the part where I wanted to set up the fairy house and what I call 'the beach' bare. This is the fun part! Adding the little house and deciding how it should all fit together is what makes it a fairy garden. I wanted my house nestled into the moss, with the front looking out onto a sandy beach with what would be the water. I placed the house in and tucked some moss around it. The blue sand went in next, followed by the blue glass and then more blue sand. I used a dark grey sand for the beach and trickled it up the walk way of the house to tie it in. The little mushrooms, stones and brown glass were placed around the plants and moss to add interest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5sFsnsavMc/VQB9GbdWCJI/AAAAAAAAQJU/xvfmjTF81DA/s1600/DSC_9359.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5sFsnsavMc/VQB9GbdWCJI/AAAAAAAAQJU/xvfmjTF81DA/s1600/DSC_9359.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guoAeDwWF9U/VQB9zvY6x2I/AAAAAAAAQJg/rn8nJhZfuHo/s1600/DSC_9363.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guoAeDwWF9U/VQB9zvY6x2I/AAAAAAAAQJg/rn8nJhZfuHo/s1600/DSC_9363.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHZUtvtlA4/VQB9zr7B-rI/AAAAAAAAQJc/GzR4Uvtseeo/s1600/DSC_9362.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHZUtvtlA4/VQB9zr7B-rI/AAAAAAAAQJc/GzR4Uvtseeo/s1600/DSC_9362.NEF.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was pretty pleased with the end results. My daughter liked it too!<br />
I have 4 more little houses still to use and am already planning out my next fairy garden. It was such a fun little project and not at all difficult to put together. I'll be keeping my eyes open for little bits and pieces to add to the next ones. Things like little bugs, animals, furniture, bridges....they don't have to be made specifically to use in a fairy garden. I think using things you find that aren't meant for this make it more unique and personal. I know I've seen little glass bridges meant for a gold fish bowl or aquarium, butterflies meant for flower arrangements, doll house furniture and accessories. Half the fun is the search for things you can add. <br />
I'd really love to hear about the gardens you've created. What did you use?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQDCIdggrvQ/VQCBYUh-ObI/AAAAAAAAQJw/KZ_oKNqZ_7c/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQDCIdggrvQ/VQCBYUh-ObI/AAAAAAAAQJw/KZ_oKNqZ_7c/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-30160252511900232322015-03-09T19:42:00.000-07:002015-03-09T19:42:54.524-07:00Homemade Vanilla Flavoured Coffee Creamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItEcRPoacqk/VPza_fXPnpI/AAAAAAAAQEY/PadimMZFfyE/s1600/DSC_9340.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItEcRPoacqk/VPza_fXPnpI/AAAAAAAAQEY/PadimMZFfyE/s1600/DSC_9340.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A few weeks ago I did a post on <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2015/02/sweetened-condensed-milk-recipe-round-up.html" target="_blank">recipes using sweetened condensed milk </a>and included my own <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2015/02/sweetened-condensed-milk-recipe-round-up.html" target="_blank">recipe for making your own SCM</a>. While searching for recipes to use it with I found several versions of homemade coffee creamers which called for a can of SCM. The canned version is a bit pricey, and in the end it would probably be cheaper to buy the flavoured creamers ready made. But, as most of us know, the kind you buy is full of all kinds of chemicals and has absolutely nothing your body needs in it. So, I decided to try making a batch of coffee cream, using my SCM recipe.<br />
My recipe for sweetened condensed milk has only 5 ingredients in it, one of which is water. Let's whip up a batch!<br />
<br />
Put on the kettle to boil the water needed (<i>1/3 cup</i>) and gather the other ingredients while it heats.<br />
You will need :<br />
<i>1/3 cup boiling water</i><br />
<i>1 cup of powdered milk </i><br />
<i>a pinch of salt</i><br />
<i>2/3 of a cup of white sugar</i><br />
<i>and 3 tablespoons of melted butter, margarine, or coconut oil ( I used coconut oil in the recipe).</i><br />
<br />
Put all the dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl. When the water is boiled, measure the 1/3 cup needed and then add the melted butter, margarine or coconut oil to the water. Then add it to the dry ingredients. Use a whisk and mix it up really well. It will be thick, just like the store-bought kind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VeuOrZHuK8/VPzbMAucDyI/AAAAAAAAQEg/VWnRBRiWVw4/s1600/DSC_9325.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VeuOrZHuK8/VPzbMAucDyI/AAAAAAAAQEg/VWnRBRiWVw4/s1600/DSC_9325.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, add 1 and a 1/2 cups of milk ( we use 1%, so that's what I used ) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well. Pour it into a container to keep in the fridge. I used a wipe off marker to write the date I made it on the bottle so I would know how old it was later on. It will keep in the fridge for as long as your milk will. If the milk you use expires in a day or 2, you might want to get a fresh jug to make this with. Make sure to shake it up before each use.<br />
Don't you just love the little bottle I used? I found these at Winners filled with hot chocolate mix. I got 3 of them in different hot chocolate flavours for Zac for Christmas. He enjoys the hot chocolate, and I get the cute bottles! It's a win-win!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXHoLxKIZr4/VPzb4rjRixI/AAAAAAAAQEo/Sx4O2ay1Iyc/s1600/DSC_9330.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXHoLxKIZr4/VPzb4rjRixI/AAAAAAAAQEo/Sx4O2ay1Iyc/s1600/DSC_9330.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to say, it is delicious! Way better than the store bought, full of chemicals version. I have a few more ideas for other varieties, so stay tuned for more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9PXp3O6jSc/VPyEFHyxF2I/AAAAAAAAQA8/cViS25kEfMY/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J9PXp3O6jSc/VPyEFHyxF2I/AAAAAAAAQA8/cViS25kEfMY/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-64354025805453773682015-03-08T10:26:00.004-07:002015-03-08T17:22:23.511-07:00Fresh Versus Frozen Veggies-Which is Better For You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_mUzXbQSi8/VPx7K9LhS2I/AAAAAAAAQAo/OgKMQm1PqQY/s1600/vegetables-and-fruits1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_mUzXbQSi8/VPx7K9LhS2I/AAAAAAAAQAo/OgKMQm1PqQY/s1600/vegetables-and-fruits1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's March. What's growing in your garden? If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, probably not much. In a month or 2, if you grow a vegetable garden, you will probably be planting seeds, digging, weeding...and then later in the summer, harvesting your fresh home grown goodies! It's a wonderful thing to be able to grow your own food. You know exactly how it was grown. It's probably organic. Or, maybe you are one of those people who love to head out to the Farmer's Market on the weekends and grab the fresh produce sold there to feed your family on for the week.<br />
Eating fresh produce is usually considered to be the best way to get your required serving of fruits and veggies. And in the summer months we don't have too many problems getting it fresh. If you buy local and in season produce, from local farmers and growers, you are pretty much guaranteed that you are getting the best.<br />
During the winter months though, when the fields and trees are buried in snow, it comes down to buying what the grocery stores offer. Have you ever stopped to think where the produce in the grocery store came from? Or how it got to the store? Where did those bananas come from? Or the zucchini and lettuce? Obviously, they have had to travel from some other region to get to your grocery store produce aisles. In order for these 'fresh' foods to get to the store, they were picked before they reached their peak. In other words, they weren't ripe when they were harvested. And because they weren't ripe, they had not yet reached their full allotment of vitamins and minerals. While the fruit or veggie will look like it is ripe and ready to eat, it was actually denied it's full growing time so was also denied reaching it's full potential for goodness. What you are buying in the store is not really as nutritious as you think. And as people in general do not eat the recommended 9 servings a day (most people eat 3) of fruits and veggies we are getting even less of the vitamins and minerals we 'think' we are getting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1E1j-tz-A/VPyESJten5I/AAAAAAAAQBA/5w78nk2UV8A/s1600/flickr-2409582661-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JE1E1j-tz-A/VPyESJten5I/AAAAAAAAQBA/5w78nk2UV8A/s1600/flickr-2409582661-original.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, how do you make sure you are giving your family the most bang for your buck? What are the other options? Well, there is canned. And you can can your own vegetables from your garden. Unfortunately, the only produce that doesn't lose a bunch of nutrients in the canning process are tomatoes and pumpkin. ( Thanks goodness we can depend on our canned tomatoes! ) But what about the others? Buying frozen, or freezing your own home grown veggies, is your best bet. Produce bought frozen has the highest concentration of nutrients still intact. The freezing process is begun when the produce is picked at it's peak ripeness. Already it has it's full potential for nutrition. Then is it quickly blanched in boiling water or steam to kill any bacteria and stop any degrading. Although there is a small amount of vitamin C and B lost during this process, it is much less than what would be lost in canning or if the produce had not ripened fully. Freezing keeps the majority of the 'good stuff' in the vegetables and fruit, so you get more when you eat them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWR33rGT3MU/VPyGOzmbATI/AAAAAAAAQBU/kzaK3nWFQY0/s1600/green-giant-vegetable-coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWR33rGT3MU/VPyGOzmbATI/AAAAAAAAQBU/kzaK3nWFQY0/s1600/green-giant-vegetable-coupon.jpg" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Your best bet for frozen veggies are carrots, broccoli and leafy greens. Don't store them too long in your freezer-use them up! When it comes time to cook them, the microwave is great. Or boil a small amount of water in a pot, add the veggies, cover, bring to a boil and then drain. Don't over cook them.<br />
Not only are frozen vegetables your best bet for winter time, they are also convenient and versatile! I find that I use them year round for convenience. I waste less because I only use what I need when I need it and it's not forgotten in my fridge crisper drawer, getting wilted and sad looking, destined for the compost pile.<br />
Here is a link to <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/25-ways-to-use-frozen-mixed-vegetables" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">25 Ways to Use Frozen Mixed Vegetables</a> which may inspire you to buy and use frozen. And another link to <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/15-delicious-ways-to-prepare-frozen-broccoli?ref=seealso" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15 Ways to Prepare Frozen Broccoli</a>, which is one of the best vegetables to buy frozen. <br />
If you haven't tried frozen, or have always thought fresh was better, I encourage you to try give them a whirl! You may even find it saves you money! Look for sales, interesting varieties and get creative!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9PXp3O6jSc/VPyEFHyxF2I/AAAAAAAAQA4/WXGaflw-iWc/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9PXp3O6jSc/VPyEFHyxF2I/AAAAAAAAQA4/WXGaflw-iWc/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-49110173358727240492015-03-06T20:57:00.001-08:002015-03-06T21:11:07.298-08:00Super Simple Chicken EnchiladasSome of you may know that my chosen career, for which I went to school to learn and trained for, was cooking. Not cheffing....I began my chef's apprenticeship and quickly realized it was not the kind of cooking I wanted to do. I have worked as a cook at several times in my life. I have always preferred to cook in large quantities in camp situations. Maybe that's why I ended up with 5 kids! And probably why I still find myself cooking too much food now that it is just hubby and kid #5 at home!<br />
In all my years of cooking, both for work and family, I had <i>never</i>, <i>ever</i> made enchiladas. I had eaten them a few times, but never got around to making them. So when I spotted a recipe for<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27795722676214415/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Easy Chicken Enchiladas</a> on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/heysue/" rel="" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and actually had some cooked chicken on hand to use in them, I decided to give it a whirl in my tiny RV oven.<br />
My hubby had picked up a couple of already cooked chicken breast. (We have since started hoarding these when they go on for 50% off as the due date gets close, and freezing them.) I took the breasts and put them into my slow cooker/crock pot. I sprinkled on some packaged taco seasoning and some watering then let them cook for a couple of hours. (For anyone else cooking in an RV, I plug my crock pot in outside under the RV awning and let it cook out there. This helps to keep the moisture outside and not accumulating on the windows of the RV.)<br />
After a couple of hours I checked the chicken and used two forks to start pulling it apart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFQvDZAWfEU/VPqA9nnW_DI/AAAAAAAAP-E/ugHrQKCIccI/s1600/crockpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFQvDZAWfEU/VPqA9nnW_DI/AAAAAAAAP-E/ugHrQKCIccI/s1600/crockpot.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I spread the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the pan very lightly. I used a canned sauce the first time I made these, and it was really good, but pricey. The next time I tried a packaged dry sauce mix you only have to add water to to make up. It was much spicier, darker in colour, and way cheaper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLohP-s2VlA/VPqB5befdfI/AAAAAAAAP-M/GsY4fvULcsY/s1600/pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLohP-s2VlA/VPqB5befdfI/AAAAAAAAP-M/GsY4fvULcsY/s1600/pan.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next came the fun part! Lay out your 10 inch tortillas on a flat surface. Down the centre arrange some of the cooked chicken, sprinkle on some cheese, and then some salsa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJB6L2Lru-8/VPqChu-xzHI/AAAAAAAAP-c/mVLKMtfbew8/s1600/DSC_9122.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJB6L2Lru-8/VPqChu-xzHI/AAAAAAAAP-c/mVLKMtfbew8/s1600/DSC_9122.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Place the rolled enchilada in the pan on top of the enchilada sauce, seam down. Carry on with filling and rolling more enchiladas until your pan has a layer of rolled enchiladas covering the bottom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aH-UsRKP6s/VPqCd0lvWQI/AAAAAAAAP-Y/LYEKZ5uJHO8/s1600/DSC_9128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aH-UsRKP6s/VPqCd0lvWQI/AAAAAAAAP-Y/LYEKZ5uJHO8/s1600/DSC_9128.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, pour enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. The do not need to be completely covered with sauce. Then sprinkle grated cheese over top of the sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rKooalD8IM/VPqCjt1SnbI/AAAAAAAAP-o/Y44l42gDSz8/s1600/DSC_9131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rKooalD8IM/VPqCjt1SnbI/AAAAAAAAP-o/Y44l42gDSz8/s1600/DSC_9131.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to put these puppies into the oven! 350 degrees F. for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCvbVUgpMn0/VPqCmFXAbjI/AAAAAAAAP-w/YQkcL-IwnTw/s1600/DSC_9133.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCvbVUgpMn0/VPqCmFXAbjI/AAAAAAAAP-w/YQkcL-IwnTw/s1600/DSC_9133.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We like ours served with brown rice and refried beans, as well as salsa!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQpJydCN7E/VPqCp2ysm-I/AAAAAAAAP_A/tjj0z5Eykgs/s1600/DSC_9141.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcQpJydCN7E/VPqCp2ysm-I/AAAAAAAAP_A/tjj0z5Eykgs/s1600/DSC_9141.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3dgdxcGldE/VPqC2DgI_CI/AAAAAAAAP_I/DJVXjYvXTw4/s1600/pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O3dgdxcGldE/VPqC2DgI_CI/AAAAAAAAP_I/DJVXjYvXTw4/s1600/pin.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't really have a 'recipe' for these. It was all just kind of thrown together. I would suggest adding more taco seasoning if you like spicy, less if you don't. Add as much salsa and cheese as you like, depending on your taste. You can also make these using other meats like ground of any kind, pork, beef, turkey...just fry it up and then add the taco seasoning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has become a family favourite and gets made at least once a week! What's your family's most asked for meal?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVigBJmpwdU/VPqIW9i-AJI/AAAAAAAAP_U/4Y3DfE65LQI/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVigBJmpwdU/VPqIW9i-AJI/AAAAAAAAP_U/4Y3DfE65LQI/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2969477478220416841%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4911017335872724049%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dtemplate%3BonClosedMenu%3Dtemplate%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-O3dgdxcGldE%252FVPqC2DgI_CI%252FAAAAAAAAP_I%252FDJVXjYvXTw4%252Fs1600%252Fpin.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5272px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D2969477478220416841%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4911017335872724049%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dtemplate%3BonClosedMenu%3Dtemplate%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-O3dgdxcGldE%252FVPqC2DgI_CI%252FAAAAAAAAP_I%252FDJVXjYvXTw4%252Fs1600%252Fpin.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5272px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-89000055516637350242015-03-02T22:19:00.002-08:002017-04-24T13:24:08.514-07:00Make An Easy Decorative Bottle or JarMany years ago, my Granny used to make these really cool bottles covered with masking tape and then rubbed with shoe polish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gz537iu3_E/VN1VR_UA7VI/AAAAAAAAPGc/UFRBPcFj9qY/s1600/jar8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gz537iu3_E/VN1VR_UA7VI/AAAAAAAAPGc/UFRBPcFj9qY/s1600/jar8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They were wonderful for putting flowers in, both dried and fresh. Or on their own just as a decorative container. I remembered these bottles and containers the other day while washing out an empty jar. I decided to give it a try. I actually Googled it and discovered it was a craft that was created back in the 70's and was called a 'leather covered bottle'. Now, back then, Google was unheard of and home computers were still years away. So, I have no idea where my Gran learned how to do this, but she was an extremely creative person. She sewed Barbie clothes for my sister and I, pressed flowers and used them to make cards. She worked as a volunteer with handicapped adults in a facility where they made all kinds of crafts to sell. She made beautiful leather appliquéd wall hangings and used twigs and felt to make little people sculptures. She was such a wonderful Granny.<br />
Now, I'm sharing with you her lovely bottle craft.<br />
First, you need a container of some kind. It could be a bottle from pickles, wine or jam. Maybe a plastic peanut butter jar? Or any container you like!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrzBO-jRXyc/VN1Vladp1II/AAAAAAAAPGk/9qSgJ66kXV4/s1600/jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrzBO-jRXyc/VN1Vladp1II/AAAAAAAAPGk/9qSgJ66kXV4/s1600/jars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, you need a roll of masking tape and some shoe polish. I chose a brown and a black polish. That's it! <br />
You can cut or tear the tape into pieces. I chose to tear as it gives a more varied look. All you do is tear the tape and stick it onto the container! You can do this while watching TV, it takes very little concentration. Keep sticking the tape pieces onto the container, overlapping, going up and over the lip, on the bottom, all over. If your container has a label, just put it on thicker there. Vary the direction of the tape, and add where you think it needs more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEuekF7iTas/VN1WlmQsZGI/AAAAAAAAPG0/Texas7fpPJA/s1600/jR%2BCOLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FEuekF7iTas/VN1WlmQsZGI/AAAAAAAAPG0/Texas7fpPJA/s1600/jR%2BCOLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once your container is completely covered, it is time to rub on the polish. Get a rag and start rubbing on the shoe polish. You can keep adding coats to make it darker. Once it is the colour you want, give it a buff with a clean rag. The bottle on the left was done with a combination of brown and then back, while the one on the right is just black.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUfaTQ7XsXU/VN1W3CIrEUI/AAAAAAAAPG8/sA8CYZqci7U/s1600/jar5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUfaTQ7XsXU/VN1W3CIrEUI/AAAAAAAAPG8/sA8CYZqci7U/s1600/jar5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I added some jute string because I love it on everything!! You can added all kinds of embellishments to yours.<br />
There you have it! I'd love to see and hear about your containers and how you used them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms_dv2TzRXo/VN1XAplmOvI/AAAAAAAAPHE/ID9L9VEZXoE/s1600/jar6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms_dv2TzRXo/VN1XAplmOvI/AAAAAAAAPHE/ID9L9VEZXoE/s1600/jar6.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEJXu4Fdw8c/VN1XVUDImkI/AAAAAAAAPHU/4u9EcyZd1yA/s1600/jar7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEJXu4Fdw8c/VN1XVUDImkI/AAAAAAAAPHU/4u9EcyZd1yA/s1600/jar7.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used just the brown polish on this wine bottle version.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7PlWRvfRlU/VN1Z04mAAYI/AAAAAAAAPH0/IrSmTW6woBo/s1600/DSC_8784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7PlWRvfRlU/VN1Z04mAAYI/AAAAAAAAPH0/IrSmTW6woBo/s1600/DSC_8784.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PtmxBHcBdU/VN1YH8Hu3gI/AAAAAAAAPHg/jq-wR9z0N9U/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PtmxBHcBdU/VN1YH8Hu3gI/AAAAAAAAPHg/jq-wR9z0N9U/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-37053427225424492962015-02-16T20:26:00.003-08:002015-02-16T20:27:51.223-08:00No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRH_zhHtoqo/VOLCmV-v9eI/AAAAAAAAPS8/C5Jj9SBv8nk/s1600/Bars8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRH_zhHtoqo/VOLCmV-v9eI/AAAAAAAAPS8/C5Jj9SBv8nk/s1600/Bars8.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Back when I was cooking in a tree planting camp, I was preparing for the summer by gathering recipes off the internet that would be suitable. It was the one and only season my daughter, Jordan, worked with me as the baker. It was a great summer, after which I worked for 2 more seasons with another less proficient baker, and then had had a enough! Anyways...this recipe is one I found on Allrecipes.com. The first time my daughter used it, she misread the recipe or got recipes mixed up (you have to bake cookies, bars and muffins, as well as a dessert for 60-80 very hungry tree planters a day) and it turned out very different from what it was supposed to. I think she mixed the chocolate and peanut butter mix with the oatmeal mix instead of layering it. But, what we thought was a flop, turned out to be one of the planters favourite treats to take in their lunches! So, if you are looking for more of a crumbley granola type treat, mix them all together and put into baggies!<br />
Here is the 'correct' and more orthodox way to prepare this absolutely delicious and easy square!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlZnpYVTZrbTZRT2s/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Printable recipe here!</a><br />
<br />
You will need only 6 ingredients. They are all pretty standard things you will have in your pantry.<br />
Peanut butter, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, quick oats, brown sugar, and butter or margarine. You will also need two pots, a couple of spoons and a 9x9 inch pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIzCnul5s54/VOJZtvA6vVI/AAAAAAAAPRc/Xv1WcfP9aK8/s1600/bars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIzCnul5s54/VOJZtvA6vVI/AAAAAAAAPRc/Xv1WcfP9aK8/s1600/bars1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ready, set, go!<br />
First, place 1 cup of margarine or butter into one of the posts and melt over medium heat. When it has melted, stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Then mix in 3 cups of quick oats. Stir them well and let cook over low heat for 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eefH099IVBQ/VOJZ62zCDoI/AAAAAAAAPRk/4-9JTqp662Y/s1600/bars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eefH099IVBQ/VOJZ62zCDoI/AAAAAAAAPRk/4-9JTqp662Y/s1600/bars2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Grab your 9x9 inch pan, grease it and then dump 1/2 the oatmeal mix in the pan and spread and press into the bottom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9tONmfYTM8/VOJaDF8KFbI/AAAAAAAAPRs/n-n44Pd_9QI/s1600/bars4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9tONmfYTM8/VOJaDF8KFbI/AAAAAAAAPRs/n-n44Pd_9QI/s1600/bars4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HNNg-bFjGU/VOJaOeek_HI/AAAAAAAAPR0/qxDgsutdyJY/s1600/bars3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HNNg-bFjGU/VOJaOeek_HI/AAAAAAAAPR0/qxDgsutdyJY/s1600/bars3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pour this over the oatmeal crust in the pan. Spread it over evenly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndNkDL6v_D4/VOJaWcBmpqI/AAAAAAAAPR8/pIeIikCIunc/s1600/bars5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndNkDL6v_D4/VOJaWcBmpqI/AAAAAAAAPR8/pIeIikCIunc/s1600/bars5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Crumble the rest of the oatmeal mixture over the top of the chocolate-peanut butter and press gently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWkZLWH08dk/VOJaffu-FXI/AAAAAAAAPSE/M8jkGYgSUog/s1600/bars6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zWkZLWH08dk/VOJaffu-FXI/AAAAAAAAPSE/M8jkGYgSUog/s1600/bars6.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cover and put it into the fridge for 2-3 hours or overnight.<br />
Bring it to room temperature before you cut it into bars, and then try to resist eating the whole thing yourself and not sharing it with your family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDMCVTBT6Io/VOLC24eh8QI/AAAAAAAAPTE/-QEzp6Qhpiw/s1600/bars9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDMCVTBT6Io/VOLC24eh8QI/AAAAAAAAPTE/-QEzp6Qhpiw/s1600/bars9.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I guarantee you will be making this again and again. So easy and way too good to forget!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-QAmCpXnUc/VOJawnYlQqI/AAAAAAAAPSM/Kx1BllxMEyc/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-QAmCpXnUc/VOJawnYlQqI/AAAAAAAAPSM/Kx1BllxMEyc/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-8655248422014517562015-02-13T18:18:00.000-08:002017-04-24T13:26:56.941-07:00Too Many Cards!!!-(Organize Your Store Cards)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0evVWC5TzJI/VN6rJ79r4xI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/TnsDT-q0aTQ/s1600/cards10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0evVWC5TzJI/VN6rJ79r4xI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/TnsDT-q0aTQ/s1600/cards10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are like me, you have a store card to use for points, discounts, membership, etc at the stores you shop at frequently, and infrequently. Most stores, both large and small want your business and offer some kind of reward for buying stuff from them. This usually means you get a plastic card to keep in your wallet to use when you make a purchase. They can really pile up. I had to get a separate wallet for all my store cards. And when you're standing in line searching through the stack trying to find the right one, it can be frustrating! I'm pretty sure you all are nodding your heads and going "been there, done that". I have the answer!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCUpjP2vx_g/VN6rm6A8-0I/AAAAAAAAPJ8/B-oPCi2NlKg/s1600/cards1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jCUpjP2vx_g/VN6rm6A8-0I/AAAAAAAAPJ8/B-oPCi2NlKg/s1600/cards1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't take credit for this idea...it was on You Tube somewhere, but do you think I can find it? No! If you happen to have seen it and know where to find it, I would love it if you would let me know so I can give credit where credit is due.<br />
So, here we have this amazingly simple, yet totally brilliant idea for keeping your store cards organized, accessible and easy to find. It's such a great idea, someone really should get the credit for thinking of it.<br />
Here it is...grab a one-hole punch, a key chain ring and your cards. That's it. That is all you need to be in store card organization heaven!<br />
First gather all your cards. Then punch a hole using the hole puncher in the corner of each card.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XmMUJ9PUic/VN6sAlYnwuI/AAAAAAAAPKE/i_ci78t1cfw/s1600/cards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XmMUJ9PUic/VN6sAlYnwuI/AAAAAAAAPKE/i_ci78t1cfw/s1600/cards2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's important to watch where you punch the hole though. Make sure you aren't punching through the magnetic strip or bar code on the back of the card. You may have to turn cards back to front and turn them around to get the hole in a corner that doesn't have any important bits in it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7A9Clcf7HlM/VN6s74IciRI/AAAAAAAAPKM/K6XN4JE9OlU/s1600/cards3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7A9Clcf7HlM/VN6s74IciRI/AAAAAAAAPKM/K6XN4JE9OlU/s1600/cards3.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7ADRVkNDw/VN6tHsy5jtI/AAAAAAAAPKU/rHUhJNIi30g/s1600/cards4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7ADRVkNDw/VN6tHsy5jtI/AAAAAAAAPKU/rHUhJNIi30g/s1600/cards4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gix98nn_WHI/VN6tRYk6PrI/AAAAAAAAPKc/7KqBxuDdaKA/s1600/cards5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gix98nn_WHI/VN6tRYk6PrI/AAAAAAAAPKc/7KqBxuDdaKA/s1600/cards5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once you've got all your holes punched, simply hook them all onto the keychain ring. Close and you're done!! Didn't I say it was simple?! AND brilliant?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el9-_9-7Xvg/VN6tr8azyJI/AAAAAAAAPKk/-8cDla9jBY0/s1600/cards6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el9-_9-7Xvg/VN6tr8azyJI/AAAAAAAAPKk/-8cDla9jBY0/s1600/cards6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxjTxWAy5U4/VN6t19ssmaI/AAAAAAAAPKs/JFWnlhGU-xg/s1600/cards7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxjTxWAy5U4/VN6t19ssmaI/AAAAAAAAPKs/JFWnlhGU-xg/s1600/cards7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't that cool!? All neat and tidy and easy to find the right one. I can't wait to pull this out next time I'm asked for my card. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82DuDJdhnjk/VN6t-k6mpGI/AAAAAAAAPK0/b3OAFMTFIXo/s1600/cards8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82DuDJdhnjk/VN6t-k6mpGI/AAAAAAAAPK0/b3OAFMTFIXo/s1600/cards8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-JrDGFxL28/VN6uJOPgaCI/AAAAAAAAPK8/1Cm2p1xXDKc/s1600/cards9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-JrDGFxL28/VN6uJOPgaCI/AAAAAAAAPK8/1Cm2p1xXDKc/s1600/cards9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2127pOncKk/VN6uwloVntI/AAAAAAAAPLE/gSTqpbn_lnA/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2127pOncKk/VN6uwloVntI/AAAAAAAAPLE/gSTqpbn_lnA/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-58798667263715739852015-02-11T21:31:00.000-08:002015-02-12T19:58:00.553-08:00A Thoughtful Gift For a New MomI think being Mom to 5 kids has given me a great appreciation for the preciousness of sleep. You learn to value sleep from the time you find out you are pregnant to...forever!!!! Sleepless nights don't end when baby starts to sleep through the night. They continue through childhood sicknesses and nightmares, on into the teens when they start to date and drive. And even when they are adults and leave the nest, we still lay awake nights worrying about them, praying for them, being concerned for them. It never ends. It's the price we pay for being blessed with children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99EjNRi56Go/VNRJwkc2HjI/AAAAAAAAO8Q/USxLAWndLO0/s1600/pinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99EjNRi56Go/VNRJwkc2HjI/AAAAAAAAO8Q/USxLAWndLO0/s1600/pinner.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The phase of life when you start being a parent, and a Mom especially, is probably the most sleep deprived period of all. Not only are you '<i>on call</i>' 24/7 to a tiny little person, but as a new mom, your body is readjusting to a non-pregnant state and into a lactating state. It can be a difficult time emotionally as well. Post-partum blues are very real. It's so important to ask for help when you need it, accept help when offered, and use the time that baby sleeps to catch up on your own down time. Having a baby is such a wonderful experience, and lots of people will want to stop by to see the new arrival. It's hard to turn away the admirers and well wishers. But, you need to get your rest too.<br />
My 2 oldest babies, both girls, are now grown up and blessing me with grandchildren. I am Nana Sue to Taylor, 6, Davy, 2 and Elijah, 1-1/2. Elijah is going to be a big brother at the end of June! My daughters are both wonderful Mamas, supported by awesome husbands who I am so happy to have as son in laws.<br />
My oldest daughter and her husband have always had a note to stick on their front door to let visitors know that there is a sleeping baby inside and to please knock, instead of ringing the loud doorbell. This little note has helped ensure baby gets the sleep he or she needs. The note they have for their door, although it does the job, is just a scrap of paper with the message written on it. I thought it would be nice to make them a 'proper' sign to hang on the door. With daughter #2 having a toddler and another baby on the way, it is especially important for her to get her rest. So, 2 signs were in order!<br />
So.... I decided to make a few different ones. I printed them out on cardstock and slipped them into clear plastic page sleeves. Then, I added some ribbon to hang them on the door handle or knocker, or a wreath hanger. The punch out holes on the plastic sleeves make it easy to attach the ribbon. You could also have them laminated at your local Staples and add a magnet to the back if the family has a metal door. <br />
Please feel free to print off copies for your friends and family who could use some extra sleep! You can find the printouts by clicking on the images. I'd love to hear how you gifted them, or used them yourself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlZlRQZW5TdEFNaHM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KQrOy8yQhOo/VNRLdmAkkfI/AAAAAAAAO8c/e3bkDddoSM8/s1600/mommy%2Band%2Bme.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlMUNpZGFWM1dWX0k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qO5qAW58I2U/VNRLfLJFd5I/AAAAAAAAO8k/__iYPCBK9Gw/s1600/mommyandme%2Bblue.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlcmd1UTBIbEcyVEU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9t3vWvHkUKU/VNRLpGoB1tI/AAAAAAAAO80/weXIZzg1aDw/s1600/sleeping%2Bbaby.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlTG9rS2JYUzQxQ1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8g2hIeEfneI/VNRUPpoQl6I/AAAAAAAAO9A/iFvplFRT4Tg/s1600/naptime.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hrAI8FND1A/VNRLjyS1_MI/AAAAAAAAO8s/BXe2aaHan8E/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hrAI8FND1A/VNRLjyS1_MI/AAAAAAAAO8s/BXe2aaHan8E/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-85032738830447208822015-02-06T23:18:00.001-08:002017-04-24T13:08:25.689-07:00Sweetened Condensed Milk RecipesSweetened Condensed milk has been around for a loooong time. Mr. Gail Borden created it after there was a scare about bad milk with icky things in it being sold in the US. Mr. Borden made his fortune supplying the sweet canned milk to the Union Army during the Civil War. It went overseas to Germany in 1940 and is now big in the Asian markets as well. From its humble beginnings, as a way to keep milk longer and free from contaminants, it is now used worldwide in many, many recipes. What I love about it is how easy it is to use! The recipes it is used in are usually simple and many are non baking. While living in our RV this is huge. I can whip up some sweet treats for the family in no time and with little fuss. While there are several canned versions on the market, I prefer to make my own. It is such a simple recipe and takes so little time. I don't really see the point in buying the ready made stuff. It's also much cheaper!<br />
Here is the recipe I have used for years. Tried and true! <br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">My Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe-</u> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlSUtHQzZ6OWVZeFU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">printable recipe here.</a><br />
1 cup of powdered (dry) milk<br />
1/3 cup boiling water<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
2/3 cup of white sugar<br />
3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine<br />
Combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. That's it! Pretty easy, eh!<br />
This recipe makes 14 ounces, the same amount in a can you would buy at the store. It keeps in the fridge for several weeks.<br />
<br />
So, now that you know how to make it, here are some recipes to use it in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vu00uBFkEtc/VNW66v07bPI/AAAAAAAAPAY/xNsCTEp8KJ8/s1600/sweetmilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vu00uBFkEtc/VNW66v07bPI/AAAAAAAAPAY/xNsCTEp8KJ8/s1600/sweetmilk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a recipe straight from the Eaglebrand Sweetened Condensed Milk website. Peanut Butter Fudge. Yum! Super easy to make. Obviously, there are tons of recipes on this particular site as it makes the milk. Check out the other recipes they have and use the store bought or homemade variety.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6uQx6hGVy4/VNWtZvi6TKI/AAAAAAAAO_U/33sV3Dz81h0/s1600/RecipeImage.ashx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6uQx6hGVy4/VNWtZvi6TKI/AAAAAAAAO_U/33sV3Dz81h0/s1600/RecipeImage.ashx.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eaglebrand.com/recipes/eagle-brand-peanut-butter-fudge-3984" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to go to the site.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_54552340"></span><span id="goog_54552341"></span>Next up is a to die for Caramel Slice. This recipe is found on Nestle's Baker's Corner website. Lots of great recipes here too. This one in particular is amazing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwvBHfvrS1c/VNWw-FeC71I/AAAAAAAAO_g/qDJD7YIuu-c/s1600/Caramel-Slice.08-830x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwvBHfvrS1c/VNWw-FeC71I/AAAAAAAAO_g/qDJD7YIuu-c/s1600/Caramel-Slice.08-830x330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bakers-corner.com.au/recipes/sweetened-condensed-milk-recipes/condensed-milk-slices/the-best-ever-caramel-slice-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Recipe here!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No round up for sweetened condensed milk would be complete without a recipe for Key Lime Pie! This one is super easy and delicious! Found on About.com.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdEHvQL813E/VNWykZthjfI/AAAAAAAAO_s/SJ1Nw7Go7U8/s1600/200389678-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdEHvQL813E/VNWykZthjfI/AAAAAAAAO_s/SJ1Nw7Go7U8/s1600/200389678-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://baking.about.com/od/creampies/r/egglesskeylime.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find it here!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's one from one of my favourite recipe sites, Allrecipes.com. It's not called Magic Cookie Bar for nothing! It is so good it's magical! The photos for this weren't great, but you get the idea.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVIyXS6Ll2o/VNW0kX_zyII/AAAAAAAAPAA/JRHmcjUnZtc/s1600/679600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVIyXS6Ll2o/VNW0kX_zyII/AAAAAAAAPAA/JRHmcjUnZtc/s1600/679600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/magic-cookie-bars-from-eagle-brand/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find the Magic here.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last, but certainly not least, and possibly the funnest to eat is Broken Glass Jello, or Stained Glass Jello. It will definitely be a hit with the kiddos! I found this version on Just a Pinch. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTo4h6UcAXA/VNW4fO32MOI/AAAAAAAAPAM/uTF11_U6uXY/s1600/i.3.mLfddLzFjATnWbPPjyddQmJC7Fb0HRZmDZMEEdUDVos..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTo4h6UcAXA/VNW4fO32MOI/AAAAAAAAPAM/uTF11_U6uXY/s1600/i.3.mLfddLzFjATnWbPPjyddQmJC7Fb0HRZmDZMEEdUDVos..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/other-dessert/broken-glass-jello.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Just a Pinch website.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, now you have a recipe for making your own sweetened condensed milk and a few recipes to get you started! I'd really love to hear what you think! Did you try any of the recipes out? Did you buy a can or make your own sweetened condensed milk with my recipe? Share in the comments!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQzmjcZVw0s/VNW8IjkpShI/AAAAAAAAPAk/Cf5Z9BjvgB4/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQzmjcZVw0s/VNW8IjkpShI/AAAAAAAAPAk/Cf5Z9BjvgB4/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-sweetened-condensed-milk/" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-sweetened-condensed-milk/" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"> </a></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-68285042437040526042015-02-05T19:42:00.001-08:002015-02-08T22:27:58.324-08:00Create Your Own Printable Valentines Cards!Why give the same cards as every other kid in class when you can easily create your own unique ones?!?! This is such a fun way to make your own cards and you can even let the kids help design them. I used <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=460974&u=761110&m=46133&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EPicMonkey%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a> to make these, which you can use too...for free...as there is a free version that anyone can use!<br />
First, open up <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=460974&u=761110&m=46133&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EPicMonkey%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a> in your browser.<br />
At the top of the screen you will see several options to choose from. For this project, we are going to click on the 'Collage' tab.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7-rfK3AX6U/VM3LRCrGz3I/AAAAAAAAOvI/OurA-EGEUnw/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_14_13_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7-rfK3AX6U/VM3LRCrGz3I/AAAAAAAAOvI/OurA-EGEUnw/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_14_13_PM.png" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You will be asked to choose a photo to start the collage with. Just chose one of theirs from the top right side, unless you have a photo you want to use in your cards.<br />
Once you are at the create screen click on the 'layout' button on the left hand side menu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjA0ldBh8o/VNMTluLnpaI/AAAAAAAAO5E/5uVyHOrkq4I/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_15_26_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjA0ldBh8o/VNMTluLnpaI/AAAAAAAAO5E/5uVyHOrkq4I/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_15_26_PM.png" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the top of the layouts menu is one called Ducks in a Row. Click it! The 2nd choice in from the left is a layout with 3 blocks. Choose that one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6TMw1ZVog8/VNMUGJrYcMI/AAAAAAAAO5M/mpJGpbBddEA/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_15_53_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6TMw1ZVog8/VNMUGJrYcMI/AAAAAAAAO5M/mpJGpbBddEA/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_15_53_PM.png" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now you have the layout for the cards you can decide what kind of background you would like to use. On the menu there is a little picture of what looks like tags. This is the 'swatches' button. Click it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9xm9SbedH8/VNMUwjOtmNI/AAAAAAAAO5Y/oCQQUSztDxQ/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_16_46_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9xm9SbedH8/VNMUwjOtmNI/AAAAAAAAO5Y/oCQQUSztDxQ/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_16_46_PM.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At the top of the swatches samples you will see a drop down menu where you can choose what theme you want for the background. I chose "Sweethearts". Simply click on the background you likened drag it to the square you want it in. You can choose a different one for each square or all the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkDEjyrhcEU/VNMVeF6_oTI/AAAAAAAAO5g/PDyo_JF8Jec/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_03_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkDEjyrhcEU/VNMVeF6_oTI/AAAAAAAAO5g/PDyo_JF8Jec/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_03_PM.png" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPMRxboFWYI/VNQp5NavgVI/AAAAAAAAO5w/FsP16mvIm-E/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_22_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPMRxboFWYI/VNQp5NavgVI/AAAAAAAAO5w/FsP16mvIm-E/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_22_PM.png" height="380" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When you have your backgrounds all set, choose the 'Edit' button from the top menu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7ikaBbrFas/VNQq7jSo2WI/AAAAAAAAO6M/JYhV-KOR9GY/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_38_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7ikaBbrFas/VNQq7jSo2WI/AAAAAAAAO6M/JYhV-KOR9GY/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_38_PM.png" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then choose to send it to the Editor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keV50Pq5ZTs/VNQqe4sAXfI/AAAAAAAAO6A/_lHvdW1NiWg/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_56_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keV50Pq5ZTs/VNQqe4sAXfI/AAAAAAAAO6A/_lHvdW1NiWg/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_17_56_PM.png" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now you can start to create your card designs. Choose the butterfly for lots of different options. This is the 'Overlays' button. There are tons of different things you can add to your cards. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44mSj-xbsqg/VNQsL1XgvmI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/SVWmT5tSnxU/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_17_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44mSj-xbsqg/VNQsL1XgvmI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/SVWmT5tSnxU/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_17_PM.png" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Below I chose the Doily Hearts overlays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoYZ6b0cKHM/VNQsO2rEYdI/AAAAAAAAO6g/WM5FgAgfY9E/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_35_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoYZ6b0cKHM/VNQsO2rEYdI/AAAAAAAAO6g/WM5FgAgfY9E/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_35_PM.png" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click on a heart (or whatever you choose) and it will one in the centre of the work screen. A menu chart will also open. You can click on the little square boxes in the chart to change the colour of the design you opened. If it is a multi coloured design you can change both the colours. You can also select the 'transparent' box to make part of the design see-thru, so you see the background instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rbvjRozvfE/VNQtVE5YekI/AAAAAAAAO6o/46bxa0YBjqk/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_53_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rbvjRozvfE/VNQtVE5YekI/AAAAAAAAO6o/46bxa0YBjqk/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_18_53_PM.png" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The corners of the design has little dots. Drag these to make the design bigger or smaller. The top dot that sticks out of the top is for turning or tipping the design. Play around and discover all the things you can do with these tools!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I played with hearts for awhile!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UW2nCYGprWk/VNQqR4pyGZI/AAAAAAAAO54/4EZCS5JoYlo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-31%2Bat%2B10.21.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UW2nCYGprWk/VNQqR4pyGZI/AAAAAAAAO54/4EZCS5JoYlo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-31%2Bat%2B10.21.18%2BPM.png" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And characters!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NuIweRIs7Cg/VNQvRBPz4xI/AAAAAAAAO60/wjf89ORp7VQ/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_22_35_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NuIweRIs7Cg/VNQvRBPz4xI/AAAAAAAAO60/wjf89ORp7VQ/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_22_35_PM.png" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See how I made the pig pink!?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwCTdgppU7Q/VNQveeB8dXI/AAAAAAAAO68/LAXRQg-vQgo/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_22_58_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwCTdgppU7Q/VNQveeB8dXI/AAAAAAAAO68/LAXRQg-vQgo/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_22_58_PM.png" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And the kitty orange?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zW-nuOCXgw/VNQvz-lSsaI/AAAAAAAAO7E/gHNxXGMFmb4/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_23_26_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zW-nuOCXgw/VNQvz-lSsaI/AAAAAAAAO7E/gHNxXGMFmb4/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_23_26_PM.png" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I'm going to add some text to my cards. The 'Tt' is the link to the text tools and fonts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02qcqJ7E9M0/VNQwD_Bz-SI/AAAAAAAAO7M/qDni70lcoQI/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_24_07_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02qcqJ7E9M0/VNQwD_Bz-SI/AAAAAAAAO7M/qDni70lcoQI/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_24_07_PM.png" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can use the fonts in the program, or you can choose to use the ones on your computer. This is where it is so fun to download free fonts from the internet. I show you how to do that <a href="http://www.littleshackonthehill.ca/2015/01/fun-free-fonts.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdUYcAeCHOM/VNQwc2tseZI/AAAAAAAAO7U/TZy4qq9wMNk/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_26_59_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdUYcAeCHOM/VNQwc2tseZI/AAAAAAAAO7U/TZy4qq9wMNk/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_26_59_PM.png" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To add text to your card, first get into the text area. Then choose a font. Click the font style, then the 'add text' box at the top of the list. Next click in the box that will open on your card. Now type! You can use the little dots on the corners to make the text bigger, smaller or turn it on an angle. You can change the font colour in the pop up menu too. Don't like the font you chose? Click anywhere outside of the text box and the dots will disappear. Then click inside the text box and it will highlight the letters in blue. Now click on another font style and your text will change. You can keep clicking on new fonts until you find the one you want. Drag the text box around and place it were you want it. Click the screen outside of the text box a few times to remove the menu and the dots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq5oMgk5q44/VNQ0C3AuUNI/AAAAAAAAO7g/LxcroQ1NAD8/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_27_13_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq5oMgk5q44/VNQ0C3AuUNI/AAAAAAAAO7g/LxcroQ1NAD8/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_27_13_PM.png" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now you are ready to save your cards! Hit the 'save' button on the top menu.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OxZrUS7BZ4/VNQ0k3kyhVI/AAAAAAAAO7o/iJ06BDZvCq4/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_27_30_PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OxZrUS7BZ4/VNQ0k3kyhVI/AAAAAAAAO7o/iJ06BDZvCq4/s1600/Screen_Shot_2015-01-31_at_10_27_30_PM.png" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Name your fie and then save it. Now you can print out as many as you want, cut them into separate cards and give them to friends and family!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's is tons of fun to play with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=460974&u=761110&m=46133&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EPicMonkey%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>. Let the kids help design their own cards for schoolmates! Here are a few I made! I'd love to see what you come up with! Share them in the comments!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8W5sM6se-A/VNQ0_nuTJrI/AAAAAAAAO7w/pxH-ZeR9NkY/s1600/Valentines%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8W5sM6se-A/VNQ0_nuTJrI/AAAAAAAAO7w/pxH-ZeR9NkY/s1600/Valentines%2Bcards.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vptOln3kQIw/VNQ1KbHhcKI/AAAAAAAAO74/NQhqjR5JG50/s1600/Valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vptOln3kQIw/VNQ1KbHhcKI/AAAAAAAAO74/NQhqjR5JG50/s1600/Valentines.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zbgpt2U8lg/VNQ4IsjKCzI/AAAAAAAAO8E/8QoGBOQS1v0/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zbgpt2U8lg/VNQ4IsjKCzI/AAAAAAAAO8E/8QoGBOQS1v0/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-6719409075693667332015-02-03T13:18:00.001-08:002015-02-03T13:18:27.264-08:00How to Make French Press CoffeeHi. My name is Susan and I am a coff-aholic. Or a coffee addict? Caffeine dependant? You get the picture. I like me some of that stuff. Tim Hortens, Blenz, Starbucks....even McDonalds! (Don't knock it till you try it!) I enjoy a good cup of coffee with lots of cream and Splenda. (I try to keep my sugar consumption down where I can). It's like dessert. Or a midday treat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhLk30U6mJw/VNEoQ8Tw_FI/AAAAAAAAO24/9aAMJw4jWnk/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhLk30U6mJw/VNEoQ8Tw_FI/AAAAAAAAO24/9aAMJw4jWnk/s1600/title.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Living out at the Little Shack, the closest coffee shop is about 50 kilometres away (31 miles for those in the US of A) and I don't often have time to enjoy the 'coffee shop culture' on our trips into town when it's rush, rush, rush to get all the things done that need to be done. A run through the drive thru is about it for me. So, I need to be able to make a good cuppa joe at home. We've run the gamut of various coffee makers. Drip and perk. Then one day, I discovered the <i>French Press</i> ( #FrenchPress !). Since then, I have used several different makes and models, all with great results. Then one Christmas, my Mom gave me the ultimate French Press! This beauty (and it really is a beauty!) is made by Epicure . Epicure is a BC, Canada based company founded by a Mom trying to make ends meet. The company has grown huge with consultants all over the country. They sell spice mixes as well as some awesome kitchen accessories. And who doesn't love accessories!! I've added several of their products to my cupboards over the years and can't say enough positive things about them! <br />
Back to the coffee!<br />
This lovely thing not only makes great coffee, it's beautiful!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSOof17ow4Y/VNEoolo1SQI/AAAAAAAAO3A/alo04Lj4LS4/s1600/pot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSOof17ow4Y/VNEoolo1SQI/AAAAAAAAO3A/alo04Lj4LS4/s1600/pot1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are lots of different types of french presses out there. You can pick them up at just about any department store now, as well as the specialty shops. Ikea even makes one! Mine is an insulated stainless steel one. Most are made of glass with a metal frame holder and handle attached. I bought my very first one at a garage sale and it was love at first plunge! They also come in different sizes.<br />
There is an art to making coffee with a french press, but it certainly isn't rocket science. Although there is some sciencey stuff behind it. If you are interested in that side of it, check out <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/07/how-to-make-better-french-press-coffee-tips-technique-grind-timing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this site</a> where Nick Cho, co-founder of Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters writes about all that stuff. He does a great job of explaining the science behind a great cup of coffee!<br />
French presses may all look a little different, but they will all have the same kind of plunger on a long stem under the lid. There is a fine screen sandwiched between 2 'holey' disks, the top one will have a coil type lip around it. (Or something like it). This part will be on the end of the sliding stem and makes up the plunger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMm28NArGk/VNE3ZlVarnI/AAAAAAAAO4I/lbI4QA7O4vM/s1600/top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMm28NArGk/VNE3ZlVarnI/AAAAAAAAO4I/lbI4QA7O4vM/s1600/top.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On with the 'how to'.<br />
First you will need to boil the kettle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66QPMNGrHQs/VNExgHg_jjI/AAAAAAAAO3Q/RjSzFaVVSQ0/s1600/kettle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-66QPMNGrHQs/VNExgHg_jjI/AAAAAAAAO3Q/RjSzFaVVSQ0/s1600/kettle.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, measure your coffee into the french press. The amount of coffee will depend on the size of your press. You need 2 heaping tablespoons for each 8 ounces of water. I use 6 tablespoons in mine. The coffee grind is important. You want a coarser grind. Somewhere between drip and perk is about right. It needs to be coarse enough that it can't go through the screen in the press. So get your coffee measured and into the press while you wait for the water to boil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-J39lbt4iU/VNE2rAv42KI/AAAAAAAAO3w/vEhUZmJyMMo/s1600/down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-J39lbt4iU/VNE2rAv42KI/AAAAAAAAO3w/vEhUZmJyMMo/s1600/down.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When the water comes to a boil, let it cool slightly for about 10-15 seconds. Pouring boiling water on the grounds is a no-no.<br />
Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds. The coffee will be floating on the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI6Izu5Qk5Y/VNE2zjkYNqI/AAAAAAAAO34/HINshMabKlg/s1600/downbrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LI6Izu5Qk5Y/VNE2zjkYNqI/AAAAAAAAO34/HINshMabKlg/s1600/downbrew.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, give it a quick stir, and then put the top on, but DO NOT PLUNGE!!! The plunger should be up against the lid. With the handle and stem up in the air, like a submarine telescope! Like in the picture below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ln1xzdFCio0/VNE1UL13JNI/AAAAAAAAO3c/v8Lm7rIAeKo/s1600/up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ln1xzdFCio0/VNE1UL13JNI/AAAAAAAAO3c/v8Lm7rIAeKo/s1600/up.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now set your timer (I use my phone) for 3-5 minutes. The finer the grind the shorter the time. I generally wait about 4 minutes.<br />
After this time is up, it's plunging time. But, do it s-l-o-w-l-y. It should take about 20 seconds to do the whole plunge. Slow and steady wins the good coffee.<br />
Now, it's ready to enjoy! Don't allow it to sit in the pot as it continues to brew even after it's plunged. This is what will make coffee bitter tasting. On a side note: You should always remove the grounds from above your drip, perk or pour-over type coffee pots right after brewing. The remnants of water in the grounds will drip into your great coffee and make it bitter and not so great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rXrIuKqtzs/VNE2hwhHJCI/AAAAAAAAO3o/mR85LMXKvpU/s1600/done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rXrIuKqtzs/VNE2hwhHJCI/AAAAAAAAO3o/mR85LMXKvpU/s1600/done.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There you have it! Now I'm off to enjoy my delicious coffee and feed my addiction!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zYtkiZZXnw/VNE6z5t7kkI/AAAAAAAAO4U/Zz8rVET3OCc/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zYtkiZZXnw/VNE6z5t7kkI/AAAAAAAAO4U/Zz8rVET3OCc/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-76360600972096410042015-01-24T15:17:00.004-08:002015-01-24T15:43:10.912-08:00Measuring Up!- (a free kitchen conversion printable)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4p_Zah8EA/VMQnnKD_wAI/AAAAAAAAOoc/uwjLWtdeqSk/s1600/sampler2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4p_Zah8EA/VMQnnKD_wAI/AAAAAAAAOoc/uwjLWtdeqSk/s1600/sampler2.jpg" height="640" width="526" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For many years, I have had a printed off conversion chart stuck with tape to the inside of my kitchen cabinet. Not very pretty, but very handy. This chart lists how many cups in a pint, how many pints in a quart....and this list goes on.<br />
Now, for any other Canadians reading this, we are <i>supposed</i> to be thinking in metric now. But, it's been many years since Canada did the switch, and although I do think in kilometres and metres...I still cook with cups and tablespoons. I still buy my fruit and veggies thinking pounds, even though the price is listed in both '100 grams' and pounds. So, we are bilingual when it comes to how we measure things.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlRVZqNUp6Q0VRdFk/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMf2wXC8WY/VMQnwCDokgI/AAAAAAAAOok/-IEX_KO3Ahw/s1600/sampler1.jpg" height="640" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlRVZqNUp6Q0VRdFk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click the picture to print!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Years ago, when I was into cross-stitching, I made a nice little framed conversion chart sampler. It was handy and cute all at the same time. I got to thinking about my 'not so pretty' chart hiding in my cupboard and thought, "Hey, I should make a new one". Even if I don't hang it out for everyone to see, when I open my cupboard I will see the 'pretty'. So, today, I am sharing with you a 'free to print out' conversion chart! You can print it out on cardstock or plain printer paper and hang it wherever you please! I put mine into a clear plastic sleeve to keep it clean and hung it back where my old chart used to be.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlRVZqNUp6Q0VRdFk/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wc49lwdGwik/VMQmLPPd_9I/AAAAAAAAOn4/Gd2qXYWSTew/s1600/DSC_8778.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlRVZqNUp6Q0VRdFk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to print!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I hope you will be able to use this in your kitchen and will share it so others can use it too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_kKcNJiipQ/VMQkILvIvJI/AAAAAAAAOns/77bAYAKcpRM/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_kKcNJiipQ/VMQkILvIvJI/AAAAAAAAOns/77bAYAKcpRM/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-59664414372747908162015-01-22T22:02:00.000-08:002015-01-22T22:21:18.339-08:00How to Make a London Fog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybldUrWqBfw/VMHiP2hgj3I/AAAAAAAANWA/mFkknx6Yj6U/s1600/teapin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybldUrWqBfw/VMHiP2hgj3I/AAAAAAAANWA/mFkknx6Yj6U/s1600/teapin.jpg" height="445" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not a big spender when it comes to going out for coffee. I think Starbucks is okay (it has employed all of my grown kids at one time or another), and I enjoy grabbing a hot drink there occasionally. I don't normally order anything but a grande Pikes Place with room for lots of cream. The price is okay and it's not loaded with sugar like so many of their 'fancy' drinks. But, I have to admit...the other day when I was in the city, wandering aimlessly around Chapters, waiting for a call from my husband to say his surgery had gone well....I broke down and bought something other than my 'usual'. I just didn't feel like coffee, so decided on tea. I asked if they made London Fogs, and was told yes, but they called them Earl Grey Lattes. Perfect! I forked over the almost 5 bucks and got my drink. It was wonderful! But 5 bucks!! That's crazy!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Tonight, while relaxing, I once again felt like a London Fog, but not the 5 buck version. Plus, Starbucks is a long drive through the snow and wilderness. So, I made my own. This is the recipe one of my daughters taught me while she was a barista. As simple as can be, and way cheaper than 5 bucks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuXDUI-uhr0/VMHiiGvHshI/AAAAAAAANWI/_Tgf5n4_YK0/s1600/DSC_8733.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuXDUI-uhr0/VMHiiGvHshI/AAAAAAAANWI/_Tgf5n4_YK0/s1600/DSC_8733.NEF.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
All you need to make your own London Fog is a bag or 2 of Earl Grey tea (I honestly like Walmart's teas, and they are cheap!), some milk, vanilla, sugar (or sweetener of your choice) and boiling water.<br />
I like my tea strong so I use 2 bags in a big cup. You can decide how strong you like yours.<br />
1. First, boil the kettle.<br />
2. Get your mug and tea bag(s) ready.<br />
3. Pour the boiling water into the cup with the tea bag(s) in it. Allow it to steep for 3 minutes.<br />
4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.<br />
5. Add milk and sugar to taste.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtkcFIKn7Bk/VMHi0FsBAdI/AAAAAAAANWQ/eACEKArvUyE/s1600/DSC_8738.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtkcFIKn7Bk/VMHi0FsBAdI/AAAAAAAANWQ/eACEKArvUyE/s1600/DSC_8738.NEF.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you like a bit of foam on yours, you can use a milk frother to add some bubbles, but I prefer mine 'flat'.<br />
Now, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKZ7LEM1cl0/VMHjBjIZEaI/AAAAAAAANWY/nojpZLiWps4/s1600/DSC_8731.NEF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKZ7LEM1cl0/VMHjBjIZEaI/AAAAAAAANWY/nojpZLiWps4/s1600/DSC_8731.NEF.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwB4RkJ74uU/VMHjKdO3TLI/AAAAAAAANWg/IUG5E56rHcU/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwB4RkJ74uU/VMHjKdO3TLI/AAAAAAAANWg/IUG5E56rHcU/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<br />Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-3740095216943372142015-01-21T13:26:00.003-08:002015-01-22T19:54:29.673-08:00Fun Free Fonts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drPiwUNyHwE/VMAWJSf0pAI/AAAAAAAANQQ/9fnCw-bLvzg/s1600/fonts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drPiwUNyHwE/VMAWJSf0pAI/AAAAAAAANQQ/9fnCw-bLvzg/s1600/fonts.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />
I love free fonts! I am always on the lookout for a new cool font style to add to my collection. You never know when you will need a crazy, curvy, blocky, swirly font for a project. I've added these 8 to my growing collection this week and thought I'd share them with you. To download the font, simply click on the font name below. It will take you to the font website. Click on the download button, which will download it to your computer. For installing fonts and learning about Font Book on you Mac computer, go <a href="http://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201749" target="_blank">here</a>. If you use a Windows computer, <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-vista/install-or-uninstall-fonts" target="_blank">this link</a> will help you install the fonts.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Font Links</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Angelina.htm" target="_blank">Angelina</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Tire_Shop_Demo_Version.htm" target="_blank">Tire Shop Demo Version</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Vanessa.htm" target="_blank">Vanessa</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Rolling_Rocker.htm" target="_blank">Rolling Rocker</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Pineapple_Delight.htm" target="_blank">Pineapple Delight</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Better_Heather.htm" target="_blank">Better Heather</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Blockography.htm" target="_blank">Blockography</a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/fonts/Fairytale.htm" target="_blank">FairyTale</a><br />
<br />
There are so many free fonts out there on the internet. I'll be gathering more cool ones and sharing them here with you in future posts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJmJU8IQlw/VMAZKtfMgrI/AAAAAAAANQY/iNMhpItiHzI/s1600/freefonts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOJmJU8IQlw/VMAZKtfMgrI/AAAAAAAANQY/iNMhpItiHzI/s1600/freefonts.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVpVWiPj5ac/VMAZgDmf3mI/AAAAAAAANQg/AcQaoh7a-rk/s1600/siggi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVpVWiPj5ac/VMAZgDmf3mI/AAAAAAAANQg/AcQaoh7a-rk/s1600/siggi.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2969477478220416841.post-46325150464134149612015-01-17T15:13:00.003-08:002015-01-22T19:55:14.210-08:00Banana Split Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCjlqusuRSw/VLm4pmj66NI/AAAAAAAANJ8/yAELg5I80PQ/s1600/pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCjlqusuRSw/VLm4pmj66NI/AAAAAAAANJ8/yAELg5I80PQ/s1600/pin.jpg" height="477" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been making this recipe for years. The first time I made it was for a party for our birthing class. That was for my first baby, Morgan, who is now almost 29! After we had all had our babies, we got together for a picnic/party in a park on Mother's Day. We were all first time parents. It was so fun to see each other's babies and share our birth stories. And the dessert was a hit!<br />
The original recipe called for a cookie crumb crust, for which I have always substituted a graham crumb crust. And for the first time ever, I bought a ready made crust! It's just Zac and I at the Little Shack, and I am busy doing all kinds of projects while we are here. My kitchen is an official disaster zone as I finish up painting and then rearranging things. So, I decided it was worth the cheat! You can make it with a ready made crust (which makes it super fast and easy to make) or just follow the directions on a box of graham wafer crumbs to make one from scratch.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
For this recipe you will need:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1yaLiWGJcVlTlJlNXc1N0VpTWs/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000;">Printable Recipe-click here</span></a><br />
<br />
1 graham wafer prepared crust<br />
1/2 Cup margarine or butter, softened<br />
1 egg<br />
1 Cup powdered or icing sugar<br />
2 bananas<br />
1 15oz. can of crushed pineapple, drained (or you can put chunks or tidbits into a blender, drained first)<br />
1-2 Cups Whipped cream or whipped topping<br />
1/4 Cup chopped nuts (optional)<br />
<br />
First, if you are making your crust from scratch, get that ready and press into an ungreased pie plate.<br />
If you are using a pre-made crust, you can start here...<br />
In a mixer bowl, add egg, 1/2 Cup margarine or butter and the 1 Cup icing/powdered sugar. Cream for 10-15 minutes until smooth. Spread this over your crust evenly.<br />
Next, slice the peeled bananas and lie flat over the creamed mixture, covering the whole thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZd8AAg7KF0/VLm461i8k1I/AAAAAAAANKE/306k8oFWSRA/s1600/pie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZd8AAg7KF0/VLm461i8k1I/AAAAAAAANKE/306k8oFWSRA/s1600/pie1.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, spoon the crushed or pureed pineapple over the bananas and spread evenly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qItN0gy0akg/VLm5C5ui2nI/AAAAAAAANKM/Ln2OtAuXU2E/s1600/pie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qItN0gy0akg/VLm5C5ui2nI/AAAAAAAANKM/Ln2OtAuXU2E/s1600/pie2.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Top this with the whipped cream or whipped topping and then sprinkle with the nuts (if you are using them).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Ks0Cl_1LY/VLm5LImTPBI/AAAAAAAANKU/40VKUhGyGFA/s1600/pie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Ks0Cl_1LY/VLm5LImTPBI/AAAAAAAANKU/40VKUhGyGFA/s1600/pie3.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Chill in the fridge for 4-5 hours and then enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pL9RMFrd9M/VLrsgUhkjSI/AAAAAAAANOQ/bm7xqr2AZOs/s1600/DSC_8686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pL9RMFrd9M/VLrsgUhkjSI/AAAAAAAANOQ/bm7xqr2AZOs/s1600/DSC_8686.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1828WVoAqI/VLrsfaK5M5I/AAAAAAAANOM/LTNzzLq19q0/s1600/DSC_8682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1828WVoAqI/VLrsfaK5M5I/AAAAAAAANOM/LTNzzLq19q0/s1600/DSC_8682.jpg" height="564" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This recipe can be doubled and made in a 9 x 13 inch cake pan as well. Just cut it into squares instead of wedges.Honey and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855946783982835986noreply@blogger.com26