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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Caramel Apple Bars

I have been searching high and low for apple recipes, that didn't take a lot of work on my part and that I wouldn't need to BUY a lot of ingredients. Well, I came across this recipe and I actually have all of the ingredients. For more apple recipes check out the website... Best Apples

Caramel Apple Bars
Servings:
Makes 16 Bars
Nutrition Information:
Protein: 3g; Fat: 9g; Carbohydrate: 32g; Fiber: .8g; Sodium: 113mg; Cholesterol: 41mg; Calories: 215.

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method:

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium-size bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

2) In same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Well, it is TIME

Today is Christmas Eve. Now I know that not everyone celebrates the same but we all have the same goal. To have a Safe and Happy Holiday season. Well I know of some people that are trying extra hard this year. Here in Michigan we have some folks heading to war in the New Year and I want to say Thank You for your sacrifice. I also have friends that are sitting on an Air Force base just waiting to see what comes next. Again Thank You for your sacrifice. To all the men and women whom have no idea what the next holiday season brings THANK YOU!!!!! You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. My military family is currently safe at home and I pray that the same holds true for all of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Awesome Friends

OK So, I was feeling really down with the holidays coming and all. No money to do anything and what not. Well I am a part of this team on Etsy called EtsyFriends. They are some real friends let me tell you. Not only are they there to chat with but, My good friend Reesa, who has 2 shops that are temporarily closed sent me a gift. We had discussed this gift at great length and well it arrived today and all I can say is OMG. I love Reesa so much. This team has given me lots of sisters that I didn't even know I wanted. LOL
So here is a pic that hubby took of me in my new Chenille Burgundy Handmade Sweater Coat with matching Hat...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Redneck Birthday Gift.

MARIJUANA FILLED FIREWOOD...


'Hello, is this the Sheriff's Office?'

'Yes. What can I do for you?'

'I'm calling to report 'bout my neighbor Virgil Smith....He's hiding'
marijuana inside his firewood! Don't quite know how he gets it inside them logs, but he's hiding' it there.'

'Thank you very much for the call, sir.'

The next day, the Sheriff's Deputies descend on Virgil's house. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Virgil and leave.

Shortly, the phone rings at Virgil's house.

'Hey, Virgil! This here's Floyd....Did the Sheriff come?'

'Yeah!'

'Did they chop your firewood?'

'Yep!'

'Happy Birthday, buddy!'

(Rednecks know how to Get-R-Dun)

Friday, December 12, 2008

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug , and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree .

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Sunday, December 7, 2008

The Night Before Christmas - Texas Style

"The Night Before Christmas - Texas Style"

T'was the night before Christmas, in Texas, you know.
Way out on the prairie, without any snow.
Asleep in their cabin, were Buddy and Sue,
A dreamin' of Christmas, like me and you.
Not stockings, but boots, at the foot of their bed,
For this was Texas, what more need be said,

When all of a sudden, from out of the still night,
There came such a ruckus, it gave me a fright.
And I saw 'cross the prairie, like a shot from a gun,
A loaded up buckboard, come on at a run,

The driver was "Geein" and "Hawin", with a will,
The horses (not reindeer) he drove with such skill.
"Come on there Buck, Poncho, & Prince, to the right,
There'll be plenty of travelin' for you all tonight."

The driver in Levi's and a shirt that was red,
Had a ten-gallon Stetson on top of his head.
As he stepped from the buckboard, he was really a sight,
With his beard and mustache, so curly and white.

As he burst in the cabin, the children awoke,
And were so astonished, that neither one spoke.
And he filled up their boots with such presents galore,
That neither could think of a single thing more.

When Buddy recovered the use of his jaws,
He asked in a whisper, "Are you really Santa Claus?"
"Am I the real Santa? Well, what do you think?"
And he smiled as he gave a mysterious wink.

Then he leaped in his buckboard and called back in his drawl,
"To all the children in Texas, Merry Christmas, y'all"

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Email of the day IDIOT SIGHTING

Thanks to Bill Fox for today's E-mail of the day...

IDIOT SIGHTING



IDIOT SIGHTING:
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a "large" enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, "Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower." I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, "NO, it's not. Four is larger than two."

We haven't used Sears repair since.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter. She said, "you gave me too much money." I said, "Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back." She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said "Were sorry but we cannot do that kind of thing." The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change.

Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: "Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore."

>From Kingman , KS ..


IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco; She asked the person behind the counter for "minimal lettuce." He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.

>From Kansas City


IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" To which I replied, " If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?" He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask."

Happened in Birmingham , Ala.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What on earth are blind people doing driving?!"

She was a probation officer in Wichita , KS ..


IDIOT SIGHTING:
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the company due to "downsizing", our manager commented cheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often." Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.

This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the sake of her life , couldn't understand why her system would not turn on.

A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriffs office, no less.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. "Hey," I announced to the technician, "its open!" His reply, "I know. I already got that side."

This was at the Ford dealership in Canton , Mississippi


STAY ALERT!

They walk among us... and the scary part is that they VOTE and REPRODUCE and our enemies know it!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Email of the Day Blonde Men Do Exist

Thanks to my good friend Debbie for sending this email around...

A Sheriff in a small town in Texas walks out in the street and sees a
blonde haired cowboy coming toward him with nothing on but his cowboy
hat, his gun and his boots. He arrests him for indecent exposure.

As he is locking him up, he asks 'Why in the world are you walking around
like this?'

The cowboy says, 'Well it's like this Sheriff ...

I was in this bar down the road and this pretty little red head asks me to
go out to her motor home with her. So I did.

We go inside and she pulls off her top and asks me to pull off my shirt...
So I did.
Then she pulls off her skirt and asks me to pull off my pants...
So I did.

Then she pulls off her panties and asks me to pull off my shorts...so I did.

Then she gets on the bed and looks at me kind of sexy and says, Now go to town cowboy.. '

'And here I am.'

Son of a Gun. Blonde Men do exist!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Todays Clean Laugh

"$50 Question"

A scientist and a poet were traveling in the same compartment on a train. They had never met before, so naturally there wasn't much conversation between the two.

The poet was minding his own business, looking out the window at the beauty of the passing terrain. The scientist was very uptight, trying to think of things he didn't know so he could try to figure them out. Finally, the scientist was so bored that he said to the poet, "Hey, do you want to play a game?" The poet, being content with what he was doing, ignored him and continued looking out the window, humming quietly to himself. This infuriated the scientist, who irritably asked again, "Hey, you, do you want to play a game? I'll ask you a question, and if you get it wrong, you give me $5. Then, YOU ask ME a question, and if I can't answer it, I'll give YOU $5."

The poet thought about this for a moment, but he decided against it, seeing that the scientist was obviously a very bright man. He politely turned down the scientist's offer.
The scientist, who by this time was going mad, tried a final time. "Look, I'll ask you a question, and if you can't answer it, you give me $5. Then you ask ME a question, and if I can't answer it, I'll give you $50!"

Now, the poet was not that smart academically, but he wasn't totally stupid. He readily accepted the offer. "Okay," the scientist said, "what is the EXACT distance between the Earth and the Moon?" The poet, obviously not knowing the answer, didn't stop to think about the scientist's question.
He took a $5 bill out of his pocket and handed it to the scientist. The scientist happily accepted the bill and promptly said, "Okay, now it's your turn." The poet thought about this for a few minutes and then asked, "All right, what goes up a mountain on three legs, but comes down on four?"

The bright glow quickly vanished from the scientist's face. He thought about this for a long time, taking out his notepad and making numerous calculations. He finally gave up on his notepad and took out his laptop, using his Multimedia Encyclopedia. After about an hour of this, the poet quietly watching the mountains of Colorado go by the whole time, the scientist FINALLY gave up. He reluctantly handed the poet a $50 bill. The poet accepted it graciously, turning back to the window.

"Wait!" the scientist shouted. "You can't do this to me!

What's the answer?" The poet looked at the scientist and calmly put a $5 bill into his hand.

Friday, November 21, 2008

And The Winner Is........

On the blog site Love EtsyFeedback, My team EtsyFriends had a contest. It was a challenge for the team members to create the ultimate look of friendship. I had posted my entry previously but this isn't about that. We asked average joes to come and tell us who's was THE best. Well I am sure that it was difficult for the person tallying the votes but a winner emerged...

Hildeguardslair WON. Her entry was from her shop CritterHabitat
1. My shop name is hildeguardslair.etsy.com

2. I signed onto etsy on Dec 26th of 2006

3. My Mom and I have always made things for the home, clothes, knitted and crochet afghans, and scarves, mittens or anything else we could think of. We had the hope of someday opening a craft shop. My Mom didn't live to see the dream come to a reality but this is the shop we always dreamed of haveing. I am so glad I found etsy.

4. My favorite thing about what I sell is taking a scrap of nothing and turning it into something. I am not explaining this well. I love making jewelry, I look at beads and I can picture how they will look when they are put together. I guess you could say the best thing I like about what I sell is the creative process, I love to make things. I love what I do and enjoy it.

5. This is the favorite thing in my Hildeguardslair shop.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15461649
I won the metal component in a trade game, then through a bnr I found the polymer clay beads and I was so excited, I love roses. It took 6 weeks for me to get the beads from the seller. There was a mix up with the mail and everything. I planned this piece in my head 9 different ways and this is what it turned out to be.

The favorite thing in my critterhabitat shop is my kitten. I love kittens and I have made so many of them. I made a little yellow kitten and that was my favorite kitten of all.

6. The only team I belong to is etsyfriends. I have checked out other teams but the friends team is it for me. The friendship, moral support and site help is the best.

7. I wish I could call promoting my shop fun. I was raised to believe if you promoted yourself you were bragging and that is a bad thing. I have to fight this everytime I list something for sale. I don't promote like I should, I do go into other threads and post my sales and my shop and let the shop speak for itself. I can talk about others peoples shops and really get it going, I wish I could feel better about doing it for my own shop.

8. I have 5 travel pillows from sygnetcreations, I bought them for the whole family, I have some wonderful lip gloss from sheltie19 and her dragons she does out of glass are to die for, I have a bunch of them. Happyathomehandmade makes the most wonderful beads, I have a lot of them. spiritedwoodland sent me the most wonderful little chair made for a fairy folk, my fire place is fantasy land with dragons, gnomes, and fairy folk, that chair just sets it off. I love my pocketpal from Mondrysyknotshop, I use it everyday. I could go on and on, I have a treasure trove of the most wonderful handcrafted items from etsy. Last year I had a handcrafted Christmas for my husbands family, every gift was from etsy.

9. My spare time is spent crafting, I call it my play time. I have to get my house work done before I can play then I craft most of the day. I am always makeing something, or planning on what I am going to make next. I do try to read a least 1 book a week, I love reading and I do some writing as well when I take a break from crafting but even that is play time.

10. I was kind of alone on etsy for a long time and it is hard to keep up the moral when views get low and no sales to speak of for a while, it is easy to just give up. I found etsy friends team and the support is so important and they are a great bunch of gals. It is so much fun when you see a post " I got a sale, wow," it is almost and good as getting one yourself you are so happy for them and they all feel the same way when it happens to you. It is like the sister hood of etsy. It is not all about etsy either, when there is a crisis in someones life they are only a convo away and they are there for you. The best way I can describe the friendship is with the old saying, "A true friend is there for you when they'd rather be somewhere else," that is the essence of the team.

FRONT PAGE!



FRONT PAGE!
Originally uploaded by krazy.fashion
Yay, six of the EtsyFriends team members were featured on the front page today. Thanks to KaleidoscopeKorner for putting the blog together and pimping it so that admin would see it. So there are 2 different versions of this front page because some items sold and the alternates were added.

Congrats everyone.

Curator: KaleidoscopeKorner
Featured: dennisanderson, Jadedmind, Deebs, annwn, KrazyFashion, uncorked, sosorosey, ShySiren, hackberrystudio, catiesblue, CleanRinse, TweedleBee

Alternates Used: MVincent, EmbroideryStitches, fancy, sygnetcreations

You can find all of these great shops on Etsy

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Funny email of the day

This email was sent to me by my little sister, Thanks Ang.

Why Women Are Crabby

We started to 'bud' in our blouses at 9 or 10 years old only to find that anything that came in contact with those tender, blooming buds hurt so bad it brought us to tears. So came the ridiculously uncomfortable training bra contraption that the boys in school would snap until we had calluses on our backs.

Next, we get our periods in our early to mid-teens (or sooner). Along with those budding boobs, we bloated, we cramped, we got the hormone crankies, had to wear little mattresses between our legs or insert tubular, packed cotton rods in places we didn't even know we had.

Our next little rite of passage was having sex for the first time which was about as much fu n as having a ramrod push your uterus through your nostrils (IF he did it right and didn't end up with his little cart before his horse), leaving us to wonder what all the fuss was about.

Then it was off to Motherhood where we learned to live on dry crackers and water for a few months so we didn't spend the entire day leaning over Brother John. Of course, amazing creatures that we are (and we are), we learned to live with the growing little angels inside us steadily kicking our innards night and day making us wonder if we were preparing to have Rosemary's Baby.

Our once flat bellies looked like we swallowed a whole watermelon and we pee'd our pants every time we sneezed. When the big moment arrived, the dam in our blessed Nether Regions invariably burst right in the middle of the mall and we had to waddle, with our big cartoon feet, moaning in pain all the way to the ER.

Then it was huff and puff and beg to die while the OB says, 'Please stop screaming, Mrs. Hearmeroar ... Calm down and push. 'Just one more good push' (more like 10), warranting a strong, well-deserved impulse to punch the
%$#*@*#!* hubby and doctor square in the nose for making us cram a wiggling, mushroom-headed 10 pound bowling ball through a keyhole.

After that, it was time to raise those angels only to find that when all that 'cute' wears off, the beautiful little darlings morphed into walking, jabbering, wet, gooey, snot-blowing, life-sucking little poop machines.

Then come their 'Teen Years.' Need I say more?

When the kids are almost grown, we women hit our voracious sexual prime in our early 40's - while hubby had his somewhere around his 18th birthday.

So we progress into the grand finale: 'The Menopause,' the Grandmother of all womanhood. It's either take HRT and chance cancer in those now seasoned 'buds' or the aforementioned Nether Regions, or, sweat like a hog in July, wash your sheets and pillowcases daily and bite the head off anything that moves.

Now, you ask WHY women seem to be more spiteful than men, when men get off so easy, INCLUDING the icing on life's cake: Being able to pee in the woods without soaking their socks...

So, while I love being a woman, 'Womanhood' would make the Great Gandhi a tad crabby. You think women are the 'weaker sex?' Yeah right. Bite me.

Etsy West Michigan: Gift Guide

One of my teams has created a gift guide. Check it out.

Etsy West Michigan: Gift Guide

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Super Econimical Posting

I received this money saving recipe for free and I thought I would pass it along to all of my readers. In these hard times we can all use some money stretching ideas. Please check out the notes at the bottom as well.


Liquid/Gel Laundry Detergent

Use 1/2 Cup per load

Ingredients:
Borax (located on top shelf in the laundry aisle)
Washing Soda (I use Arm & Hammer, located by the Borax)
Ivory Bar Soap or your favorite bar soap
Bucket for your detergent - I use a 5 gallon bucket w/ a lid - you want to have a lid
Optional Ingredients: 1/2 to 1 oz Essential Oils for fragrance (found at your local Health Food Store, such as Harvest Health)*** I do not use these because if you dry your clothes in the dryer the scent will dissipate in the heat.

Step 1: Shred or cut up bar of soap, I use 2 bars for my 5 gallon bucket but 1 works just fine.
Step 2: Dump shredded soap in your biggest pot of water (I usually get mine boiling, or just about there)- stir til melted.
Step 3: Add 1 Cup Borax, stir til dissolved.
Step 4: Add 1 Cup Washing Soda, stir til dissolved.
Step 5: Dump hot mixture in bucket after it is all dissolved together. Then slowly add warm water to fill the bucket. Stir periodically til it cools down. Sometimes I just dump cold water in and stir it well and that works just fine but the soap is more likely to form a thick gel layer on the top when I do that. A layer of gel on the top is fine, it still cleans great but I think the bucket lasts longer when I let it cool naturally and stir it periodically. Either way, you've got a very effective laundry soap that will clean your clothes. My initial investment was $12 for the borax, washing soda and 12 bars of Ivory soap. I probably got 25 gallons of soap out of that over time. This is the way many of our grandparents/great-grand parents cleaned their clothes. If you want a little extra whitening power - toss half a cup of baking soda into your wash. A great natural fabric softener is white vinegar, poured into the rinse water. Once your clothes dry they will NOT smell like vinegar.


~The finished soap will not be a solid gel. It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.

~The soap is a low sudsing soap. So if you don’t see suds, that is OK. Suds are not what does the cleaning, it is the ingredients in the soap.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Funny email of the day

This one is thanks to the dad that I adopted Bill fox.

'And that's when the fight started'....



1) My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept
staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'
'Yes', I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she
took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she
hasn't been sober since.'
'My Gosh!' says my wife, 'Who would think a person was able to go
on celebrating that long?'
And that's when the fight started....

2) I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and
slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get
soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't
believe it.... He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and
shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!!!' So, I looked down at him and said,
'Well, then which one are you?'
And that's when the fight started..

3) A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy
with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old,
fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'
And that's when the fight started.....

4) A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies. Suddenly, at 3
o'clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside. The woman, sort of
bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man, 'Holy Crap! That
must be my husband!' So the guy quickly jumped out of the bed, scared and
naked he jumped out the window like a crazy man. He smashed himself on the
ground, ran through a thorn bush and then started to run as fast as he could to
his car. A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed
at the woman, 'I AM your husband!' The woman yelled back, 'Yeah,
well then, why were you running?'
And that's when the fight started.....

5) When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace
expensive....so, I took her to a gas station.....
And that's when the fight started.....

6) I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of
cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer would make her look better at night
than the cold cream.
And that's when the fight started.........


7) I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order
first.
'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.' He said
'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'
'Nah, she can order for herself.'
And that's when the fight started.....

Easy Cake Mix Cookie

Ingredients:

1 pkg. any flavor Pillsbury Plus Cake mix
1/2 c. margarine or butter, softened
1 egg

Directions:

Combine all ingredients at low speed until thoroughly moistened.
Drop by rounded tbsps. 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 9-12 minutes.
Cool 2 minutes, remove from pans.


**If using chocolate cake mix add 2 tbsp. water to ingredients.
**If desired, stir in 1 cup chocolate chips or 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
**If desired, frost cookies with your favorite flavor of frostin.

For sandwich cookies, spread frosting between 2 cookies

Monday, November 10, 2008

Email of the Day I LOVE MY JOB

Thanks to my brother Tim who sent me this hilarious email...


I LOVE MY JOB

If you don't laugh out loud after you read this you are in a coma
!

This is even funnier when you realize it's real! Next time you have a bad day at work think of this guy.

Bob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana .
He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs.

Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.5 on FM dial in, Indiana, who was sponsoring a worst job experience contest.

Needless to say, she won.

~Hi Sue,
Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother.
Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling downlately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all . Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job.As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wet suit. This time of year the water is quite cool.So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose.

Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wet suit.

This floods my whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi.

Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch.So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my ass started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back,but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened.

The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit.Now, since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it, however, the crack of my ass was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my ass.

I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator.His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along withfive other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive.

I was instructed to make three agonizing in -water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic,with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber.The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my ass was swollen shut.

So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your ass. Now repeat to yourself, 'I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.'Whenever you have a bad day, ask yourself, is this a jellyfish bad day?

May you NEVER have a jellyfish bad day!!!!!

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Easy Peasy Meatloaf

This is what I am making for dinner tonight with some mashed potatoes. Yummy and so down home for a cold day.


Ingredients:

1-1/2 lb. lean hamburger
1 pkg. Lipton tomato-onion soup mix (I just use off brand onion soup mix)
1/2c. oatmeal
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c. ketchup
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Mix hamburger, soup, oatmeal and egg. Spoon in loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Top with ketchup mixed with Worcestershire sauce. Bake 5 minutes longer.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Tiramisu Bowl

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese, sofetened
3 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (4 serving size each) Jell-o Vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 tub (8 oz) Whipped topping, thawed, divided
48 Nilla wafers
1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled, divided
2 squares Bakers semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely grated
1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions:
Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mixes; mix well. Stir in 2 cups of the whipped topping.

Line bottom and sides of a 2-1/2-qt. bowl with half of the wafers; drizzle with half of the coffee. Layer half of the pudding mixture over wafers, and then top with half of the grated chocolate. Repeat all layers starting with the wafers and coffee. Top with remaining whipped topping and raspberries.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Tip: Unwrap chocolate squares, leaving each square on paper wrapper. Microwave on HIGH 10 sec., then grate with the largest hole of a cheese shredder.

Makes: 16 servings, about 2/3 cup each

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Do you feel LUCKY?

Today starts a 2 week contest where you can win 1 of 11 prizes. You have 11 chances to enter. Go to the Love Etsy Feedback blog and enter the Special Edition Team Etsy Friends contest. I am in the contest so vote for me. HEHE Have fun and enjoy the contest.

My entry is also available in my shop for sale and can be bought at any time.


Entry: "True Friends in Love Bracelet," by MondrysYknotShop

About: The perfect gift for your BFF. Show them the love.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Apple-Cinnamon Upside-Down Cake

A twist on the American classic apple pie.


Ingredients

Serves 8

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 3 apples, Empire or Gala (about 1 1/2 pounds), each peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat bottom and side of a 9-inch round cake pan with 2 tablespoons butter; sprinkle bottom with brown sugar. In a medium bowl, toss apples with lemon juice; arrange in prepared pan in two concentric circles (you might not use all of them).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
  3. With an electric mixer, beat remaining 8 tablespoons butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until incorporated. With mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture in three parts and the milk in two, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  4. Spoon batter over apples in pan; smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack, at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours (if cake has risen above rim of pan, simply push back inside rim).
  5. To serve, run a knife around edge of pan, and invert cake onto a rimmed platter.

Monday, November 3, 2008

EtsyFriends Trade Game Update

We have changed things up a bit. We have decided that instead of 3 games almost on top of each other that we will put a day between them.

The new schedule is as follows:

Tuesday evening at 9pm for $5 with MondrysYknotShop
Thursday evening at 9pm for $10 with ZappyTurtle
Saturday evening at 11pm for $15 with KaleidoscopeKorner

This new schedule start on November 11, 2008

Would you like to join us for some fun and chatting, you can find us in the promo threads of Etsy.

I look forward to seeing some of my readers there.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Housekeeping

I don't do windows because... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because... I am terrified a guest will slip, hurt themselves, I'll feel terrible and they may sue me.

I don't mind the dust bunnies because... They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because... I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because... I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't pull weeds in the garden because... I don't want to get in God's way, he is an excellent designer.

I don't put things away because. My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because... "A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty old woman!!!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

I finally did it

Well, I finally closed up the Y Knot Jewelry Shop. I hope to reopen it some day but you never know. I was just having so much trouble promoting 2 shops. And with the holidays and the craft shows it has gotten even harder. I have moved everything to my original shop Mondrys Y Knot Shop. Please feel free to stop by and check it out. If you see something you like please let me know that you found my shop from my blog and I will give you 10% off of your purchase price.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Friday Feature Happy Halloween

Well, first off I am in the process of getting ready for a show in the morning and totally forgot about the Friday Feature. So I don't have an interview available. But I do have some Halloween favorites.

First we have HorrorDecor with their great horror items everything from eyeball candles to bloody Christmas stockings.

Next is FoldedPigs with there spooky dinnerware. You can get brain plates and skull plates in this shop.

SistersOfTheMoon has some awesome scary head gear. Glowing Skeleton hand clips and skull headbands. Oh there is more in this shop folks check it out.

The last shop on my list is MistysCreations, this is not a Halloween shop but they do get in the mood. Check out these Weeping earrings and this Blood Thirsty Man print.

Well those are some great shops to get your spook on in. But hey Etsy is full of spooky stuff you just have to look for it.

Sorry no pics today of the items. Click on the links and be ready to fantasize.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Gifts In A Jar: Candy Cane Bath Salts

gifts in a jar:candy cane bath saltsPretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers. Sparked with the holiday scent of peppermint, Candy Cane Bath Salts are a seasonal treat.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable gift tags. New! Print the Candy Can Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Candy Cane Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peppermint essential oil
12 to 15 drops red food color

2 pieces cardstock (for tags)


Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

In second large mixing bowl, empty one carton Epsom Salts, and add 3 cups sea salt. Stir well. Add 1/4 teaspoon glycerin, 6 to 8 drops essential oil, and food color. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even.

gifts in a jar:candy cane bath saltsCEO's tip: use a heavy-duty stand mixer (such as Kitchenaid-brand) to mix bath salts easily. Set mixer to lowest setting and mix until color is even--but don't try this with hand mixers or smaller stand mixers!

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print two copies of the Candy Cane Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try red or green gingham lids for Candy Cane Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers!

Makes 12 gift jars.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Gifts In A Jar: Peaches and Cream Bath Salts

gifts in a jar:bath saltsPretty layered bath salts make a perfect gift for teens, co-workers or teachers.

Makes 12 gift jars at a cost approximately $1.50 per jar.

Includes free printable print gift tags! New! Print the Peaches and Cream Bath Salts gift tag in .PDF format.

Materials and Supplies for Peaches and Cream Bath Salts:

12 tall jelly (12-ounce) canning jars with lid and rings

2 4-pound cartons Epsom Salts (approximately 16 cups)
4 pounds sea salt or Kosher salt (approximately 6 cups)
1/2 teaspoon glycerin, divided
12 to 15 drops peach essential oil
12 to 15 drops orange food color

3 pieces cardstock (for free printable gift tags)

Instructions:

Wash, rinse and dry canning jars.

Empty one carton Epsom Salts into large mixing bowl or batter bowl. Add 3 cups sea salt, stir well. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon glycerin and 6 to 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.

In second large mixing bowl, empty one carton Epsom Salts, and add 3 cups sea salt. Stir well. Add 1/4 teaspoon glycerin, 6 to 8 drops essential oil, and food color. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even.

CEO's tip: use a heavy-duty stand mixer (such as Kitchenaid-brand) to mix bath salts easily. Set mixer to lowest setting and mix until color is even--but don't try this with hand mixers or smaller stand mixers!

Holding canning jars at an angle, layer salts in jars, alternating white and colored mixtures.

Print three copies of Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts gift tag.

Cut gift tags apart and attach to jars. Tags may be trimmed and placed beneath canning jar rings, tied on with ribbon, or taped to gift jars.

CEO's tip: decorative canning jar lids add presentation punch for a small price! Try Peach lids to add a designer touch to Peaches 'n Cream Bath Salts. Find decorative canning jar lids in the canning section of the supermarket.

This recipe makes 12 12-ounce gift jars, plus a bonus of 3 to 4 cups extra bath salts. Package them in small plastic zipper craft bags for easy stocking stuffers.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

We got busy being CREATIVE

Tonight after dinner we got busy carving our pumpkins. It is a tradition for us to get 3 pumpkins and we each get to decide how to carve it. (I know most people do this) Well we have to make sure hubby is going to be at home and not working. This is what we came up with this year.
All of our pumpkins


April's Pumpkin


My pumpkin

Hubby's Pumpkin


April posing with her pumpkin.

Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla's

Ingredients

Serves 4.

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (2 1/4 cups) button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces (about 8 cups) prewashed spinach, shredded
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add spinach in two batches, letting the first batch wilt slightly before adding the next; cook until spinach is completely wilted and mixture is dry, 2 to 3 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Brush one side of tortillas with remaining tablespoon oil. Place 4 tortillas, oiled sides down, on two baking sheets. Layer each tortilla with cheese, spinach mixture, and more cheese, dividing evenly. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas, oiled sides up, and lightly press to seal.
  4. Bake until cheese has melted and tortillas are golden brown, turning them once, about 10 minutes. To serve, cut quesadillas into quarters.
Provided by Food Everyday

Monday, October 27, 2008

Weight Loss Challenge

One of the teams that I am on is doing a weight loss challenge and today was the first day. We all weighed in and shared some of the things that we plan to do to try to lose weight. I was pleasantly surprised when I got on the scale today. I lost my job in June and have been home munching all the time. But I also had all of my teeth removed in August and had to relearn to eat solid foods. I am actually about 10 or so pounds lighter than I was when I was working.

We are not actually going by pounds lost we are going by percentage lost. I can't wait to see how we all do.


My Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

OK I am going to give y'all my secret recipe. Everything is to taste. I don't measure.


INGREDIENTS

2 - 29oz cans tomato sauce
1 or 2 - 15 oz stewed tomatoes (sliced)
Italian seasoning
parsley flakes
basil
oregano
garlic powder
chopped onion
1 pound ground meat or meat balls
small can stems and pieces mushrooms

DIRECTIONS

Brown meat with seasonings, mushrooms and chopped onion.
Mix tomato sauce and tomatoes with browned meat. Simmer. It is done when the sauce is warm. Pour over noodles and enjoy.

You can use all fresh ingredients if you prefer. I usually have all of the canned items on hand.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Slow Cooker Chili with Beans and Corn

Something for these cool fall dinners...

CHILI WITH BEANS AND CORN

INGREDIENTS

1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney or navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup diced jalapeno peppers*
1 tbs chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

* Jalapeno peppers can sting and irritate the skin. Wear rubber gloves when handeling peppers and do not touch your eyes. Wash hands after handling.

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

My kind of dog!

I received this in an email and thought I would pass it on to all animal lovers.





The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord.

He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats.

K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Thought you'd find this interesting.

Talk about animal intelligence and bonding with humans!

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!


A New Use For My Coffee Maker

We don't drink coffee but for some reason we have a coffee maker. I just came across this recipe on Cooks.com and I believe that I am going to try it.

HOT APPLE CIDER (WASSAIL)

1/2 gallon of apple cider
2 pts. of ginger ale
16 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 c. of red hots
Pour cider and ginger ale into large coffee pot. Place cloves, cinnamon sticks and red hots into coffee pot basket. Perk for 15 minutes.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Friday Feature Bailey's Basics

Today I would like to feature a great seller by the name of Andrea. I had the pleasure of receiving several samples for a show that I am doing and, well, I had to sample the samples. She sent me Lotion Bars, Tub Cleaner and Laundry Soap. Well the lotion is great for my daughters eczema and the tub cleaner, well, lets just say my scummy rental tub is now clean. I have not used the Laundry Soap yet but I will. This shop is just great. Now a little from Andrea.


What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Our shop is Baileys Basics, and we sell natural health and cleaning products, herbal products, and will soon feature some sewn goodies.

What is your shop's URL?
Baileysbasics.etsy.com, or you can just use www.baileysbasics.net and it’s linked right to Etsy

When did you start selling on Etsy?
We posted our first items in July 2008

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
The wide variety of items available, and the quality of most of the handcrafted items!

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
That it’s all natural! Everything in our shop is chemical free, and the only fragrances are from essential oils. It’s all good for you, good for your home, and good for the environment!

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
I personally love the skin salve, and any of the teas.

What teams do you belong to?
We’ve applied to join the Christian Artists Street Team (CAST), so we’re waiting to see about that.

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
My mother took some of our products to an event she was helping with and sold them there. We offered gift boxes for auction there, too, and made samples to offer. It was lots of fun to get such a big effort organized and spend a few weeks making everything. It was stressful, but a great experience!

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I just received some great earrings from amberpurejoy, and a candle that smells great. And we both absolutely love soaps from agoodwitchtoo. I really like caughtredhanded and theblackapple, too!

What do you do in your spare time?
What is that??! We both have full-time jobs and Brian runs a computer repair business, too, so we’re seriously busy people. But, we enjoy spending time with our families, having friends over, and being outside on gorgeous fall days! I love to cook, too.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I’d just like to thank everyone for being so friendly, kind, and willing to help! We’ve had a great experience on Etsy so far, and look forward to growing our little shop in the future. Thanks for featuring us!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Coffee Marshmallow Crispy Treats

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan and hands
  • 1 (10-ounce) package mini marshmallows
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso
  • 6 cups rice cereal (recommended: Rice Krispies)

Directions

Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan.

In a large pot, melt the butter over very low heat. Stir in the marshmallows, getting them all coated with the butter. Slowly melt the marshmallows, stirring frequently. When the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the instant coffee (2 tablespoons for a rich coffee flavor, 3 tablespoons for a real kick) and mix until it is dissolved into the melted marshmallow. Gently fold in the rice cereal. When it is completely coated, lightly press the mixture into the prepared pan with your buttered hands. When cool, cut the treats into bars and serve.

Yield about 24 bars


Recipe from the Food Network


Doll House Giveaway

Can you believe this. Little Windows Shoppe is giving away a Caring Corners Mrs. Goodbee Dollhouse, and donating another to a Children's Hospital. You can enter to win by going to the Little Window Shoppe blog and entering to win. The drawing will be on Friday Oct. 24th.

The only dollhouse that comes to life and encourages caring, sharing and preparing as your child plays! It has 12 big rooms; 400+ activities, songs, words and sounds; it helps children learn social and emotional skills through imaginary play and real-life experiences; and it is a 2008 Outstanding Product Winner!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Portobello Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 portobello mushrooms
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning, crushed
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, split
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 to 8 pieces bottled, roasted red sweet pepper
  • 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Scrape gills from mushroom caps, if desired. Drizzle mushrooms with oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and crushed Italian seasoning.

2. On charcoal grill, cook mushrooms on rack of uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Top each mushroom with a cheese slice. Place rolls, split sides down, on grill rack. Grill 2 minutes more, until cheese is melted, mushrooms are tender, and rolls are toasted.

3. Serve mushrooms on rolls. Pass mayonnaise, sweet pepper pieces, and basil leaves. Makes 4 servings.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Kahlua Bowl Cake Recipe

A great dessert, made with chocolate cake, Kahlua, candy bars, and more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 chocolate cake, 13 x 9-inches, cooled, cut in cubes
  • 1/2 cup Kahlua
  • 1 package chocolate instant pudding, prepared
  • 12 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 chocolate toffee candy bar (Skor)

Preparation:

Assemble in a 2-quart bowl:

Put half of the cake cubes in the bottom of the bowl then pour half of the Kahlua over the cake. Spread half of the pudding over the cake and Kahlua then spread half of the Cool Whip over the pudding.

Repeat layers then break the Skor bar up and sprinkle pieces over the top.


from Margo Dupont

Monday, October 20, 2008

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup

Something for these cold days that are coming upon us. If the vegetables are precooked this will work well in the crock pot. This also freezes well, so make some ahead of time for a really cold day. I guess technically this could be considered a vegetarian meal as there is no meat in it. There is cheese though....hmmmm.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1-2 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium potato, shredded
  • 1 carrot, peeled shredded
  • 1 shredded medium onion
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1-2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. pre cook medium head of cauliflower and.
  2. medium bunch of broccoli (cook in cold water to boiling point.
  3. turn down to simmer and cook for 10 minutes chop into bite size pieces).
  4. prepare a white sauce made from milk and flour in large pot (can use low fat milk).
  5. stir in cheese and spices.
  6. cook on medium low heat until cheese melts.
  7. add vegetables and stir inches.
  8. simmer until vegetables are tender.
Serves 6-8

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Vegetarian Chili

OK So one of my friends asked me why I don't do vegetarian recipes. Honestly, it is because I EAT MEAT. lol I love meat and put it in everything even my mac and cheese. But I am willing to help out a friend and so here is a Vegetarian Chili. I suppose if you are a meat eater you could easily plop some burger or steak in it. LOL Now for the recipe...

Vegetarian Chili


Ingredients

  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes, plain undrained
  • 14 ounces garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
  • 14 ounces red kidney beans in chili sauce
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup diced parsnip
  • 1-2 cup diced butternut squash
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 2 cups v- 8 low-sodium vegetable juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried chipotle powder or other roasted chili powder
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. Place vegetables in slow cooker with squash on the bottom.
  2. Mix spices with V-8 and honey and pour over vegetables.
  3. Cook on low 8 hours.
  4. Sprinkle with cilantro and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve.
Serves 6.

Enjoy

Saturday, October 18, 2008

BBQ Beef Sandwiches (crock pot style)

OK So I didn't blog yesterday, shoot me. LOL It was my birthday and I didn't feel like doing much of anything and I cut mad fabric for heat pads. Now just to sew them all up, fill them and nuke em. lol Ok on to the recipe...

bbq beef sandwiches (crock pot style)

Ingredients:

1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinigar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
10 to 12 French rolls or sandwich buns

1. Place beef in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingrediants except rolls in medium bowl; pour over meat in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours.

3. Remove beef from slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. Combine beef with 1 cup sauce from slow cooker. Evenly distribute meat and sauce mixture among warmed rolls.

Makes 10 to 12 servings

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

April is singing!!!

Ok well we got this awesome opportunity for April recently. She is taking 2 after school classes. Not as punishment but as extra curricular activity. lol BIG WORDS. Any way on Mondays she is going to Singing and Rhythm and on Wednesdays she is going to Art and Literacy. She had her first music class yesterday and she really liked it. It is very one on one there were only 4 kids there. lol She said first they did rhythym by banging sticks to the beat and then they sang some easy songs. But she had fun. I am so proud of her for doing this. Now just if I could get her on the soccor team next year. She really badly wants to play soccor.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Easy Microwave Fudge

EASY MICROWAVE FUDGE

1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 (6 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
1 can chocolate frosting
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows

Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in glass bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until melted; mix well. Blend in frosting, fold in nuts and marshmallows. Pour into greased 9 x 9 inch pan, Chill for 1 hour before cutting.

Todays Featured Artist

Today I would like to present the wonderful crafts created by Celene of MariaSoleil. Celene is a craft addict that is sure that her crafting will someday make her rich. As of this moment she does not have a lot in her shop but that is because she just had baby number 3. I forsee her shop filling back up quickly. Celene resides in Michigan and is a member of the Etsy West Michigan Team. Her favorite materials are paper, stones, wood and glass. I personally have some of Celene's fabulous cards in my possesion and I love them. Here are a couple of items that can be found in her shop.

Boo - Halloween Ticket Tags - Set of 26



Autumn Harvest Tags - Set of 12