Two Simple DIY Cranberry Garlands

These two garlands are so simple!  Promise.  And you just might have all ingredients in your home, garage or garden.

The first one up is popcorn and whole cranberries.  This was actually an activity we did during an Advent devotional last week. I could not get over I had never thought of this before.  I simply used fishing line and a large needle to string the popcorn and cranberries.  After it was done I added plaid ribbon to the ends.

And then I had so many cranberries left over I had to come up with something else.  First begin by searching your husband's stash (or maybe yours) for galvanized wire.  Next cut fresh rosemary from your yard (or go buy some).  Cut the wire to desired size of wreath...mine was about 16 inches.  Mini ones would be so cute attached to gifts!

"Thread" the wire through cranberries until full.  Bend wire to connect and cut excess wire to finish.  Lay rosemary on wreath and tie ribbon.

Both are so festive for the Christmas season.  And super simple.

The Weary World Rejoices

Last year I saw an indoor sign and immediately knew I wanted it for an outdoor Christmas sign.  Because I saw it too late last year it didn't happen, but this year it did!

I am so thankful for a husband who willingly takes on all my projects with love.

He may not always be happy about it and my projects usually take a few days as well as have adjustments to work through, BUT he keeps on keeping on with the task at hand.  That's love.

I've had the picture on my phone for a year as a constant reminder to not miss the chance this year.  So right after Thanksgiving we got started.

Supplies:
BIG piece of wood
Bright red paint
Metallic silver paint.

That's it!  After a coat of Kilz we then added two coats of the red. Next Brant free handed the wording with the metallic silver.  DONE!

I am so happy with the way it came out!  Next he attached "legs" in order to stake it in the ground.

Then we added a spotlight for night time viewing to share it with the world.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees, 

Oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, 

O night when Christ was born

O night divine, 

O night, O night divine, 

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees, 

Oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, 

O night when Christ was born

O night divine, 

O night, O night divine, 

O holy night

Only FOUR more Fridays!

Hang onto your hats.  It's gonna go fast!

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving!

Be back next week to continue with our Austin trip posts.

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo so I have been testing out some of my favorites.  Fresh is the key word.  And this is so fresh! This salsa is a nice change from a red tomato salsa!!!!  It was my first time having tomatillos and I must say I love them.  I followed a recipe from Annie's Eats (source below) but did change it up just a tad. 

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa
Ingredients:
-4-5 medium size tomatillos, husked, rinsed and quartered
-1-2 large garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
-1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped for a less spicy salsa; remove just a few seeds for more spice.
-1/2 to 2/3 cup of cilantro roughly chopped
-1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt
-water to thin as you like.

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender.  I used a blender and pulsed it to a course puree.  You could more if you prefer a not so chunky salsa.  Add water to thin it out if you like.  Transfer to a serving bowl and ENJOY with warm chips.  This makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Notes:
-You could also use 2 serrano peppers.
-You may notice red flakes in my salsa.  I removed all seeds and membrane in the jalapeno and it just was not spicy at all.  So I added red pepper flakes.  It worked. 
-This salsa would be great with the Fresh Lime Margaritas I shared yesterday.

Hope you enjoy!

Source:  Annie's Eats .

Fresh Lime Margaritas

Just in time for Monday!!!  You know Cinco de Mayo!!  Two things come to mind.  Margaritas and chips and salsa.  Hands down!  So this is a two part post.  Come back tomorrow and I'll share a new salsa recipe.  Fresh Tomatillo Salsa.  But for now lets get to the lime goodness.

This was my first time making fresh lime margaritas.  It has been many years since we've made margaritas.  For too long and actually when I did it was with a mix!  Margaritas are a favorite to order when at a Mexican restaurant although I bet many use a mix.  I knew when I set out to find a recipe it must be fresh.....really homemade.  So I got to searching.  I wanted to also use what we had on hand....Triple Sec and Sauza Blue Tequila Silver-white tequila.  These turned out to be so easy and pretty darn good. 

Fresh Lime Margaritas

3/4 cup silver tequila
3/4 cup triple sec
3/4 cup fresh lime juice (this ended up being 9 small limes and it took way too much time, but it was so worth it!)
2 tablespoons sugar

Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small pitcher; stir to dissolve sugar. Add crushed ice to your glass and stir for a full 15 seconds to chill the mixture and properly dilute it with the melting ice. 

Notes: 
-This only made two glasses....glass seen in picture above.
-Allowing the mixture to melt the ice makes a big difference.  After making them we tasted them without ice.  WHOA!!  After adding ice, stirring and the ice started melting it was right on!
-I have always been a frozen rita gal, but these I really liked.  Rocks may be my new thing. 

Recipe adapted from HERE .

Brownie Pie

Before I share a super decadent chocolate treat that would be perfect for your love on Valentine's Day let me catch you up a bit.  We ARE ALIVE!!!  For lack of a l  o  n  g boring story of why I have not blogged in almost a month let me just say this......it's not that I don't want to blog anymore, it's just that I don't care to blog right now.  If you are a blogger you will totally get that.  BUT something hit me to share this.  It hit me as I dished out the last two pieces of this Brownie Pie to the boys last night.  As it has always been on my blog when I try a new recipe that we all totally adore I must share.  So without further ado I give you this. 

Warning! It's rich!

This is a chocolate lover's dream!  Can you see all that ooey gooey goodness?!?!  We didn't stop here folks.  I made homemade whipped topping to cut all the chocolate because there is a bunch!  I also think just a couple fresh strawberries or raspberries on top would be so pretty.  And for Valentine's Day! YES!  Before I share the link let me tell you how this "pie" came about.  We are a family that loves to cook and bake.  Or just basically be in the kitchen together.  We all also love to watch Food Network.  So the other day me and the boys were watching Ina.  She was making this beauty.  On the show she called it Brownie Pie.  The recipe online she calls it Brownie Tart.  Call it whatever you like! 
We call it GOOOOOOOD! Here recently math has moved to the kitchen.  The boys love to help and make things so I figured we could kill two birds.  They learn more about fractions, common math and learn to cook at the same time.  ALL BOYS need to know how to cook!  So when Matthew saw this recipe he asked if they could make it.  I bought all ingredients and supervised.  They did a great job.  It is harder on me to let go in the kitchen.  It is so out of my comfort zone, but it truly is the only way they will learn.  Now if you are wanting something super rich you must give it a try.  It is super easy too!  You can find the recipe HERE .

Happy Tuesday y'all!  Just remember you've been warned!

Saying NO in December

Well Hello December! I swear just yesterday was November and I blinked and December is here.  Are you ready for the whirlwind of a month?  Have you started decorating yet?  What about shopping? 

Like so many others December is probably my very favorite time of the year........the gift of Jesus, the lights, the cheer, the memories to be had, the sweets treats to make, bake and share, the perfect gift to buy, that amazing wrapping paper and trying to make that department store bow, the carols to sing, the parties and get togethers, the Christmas cards to send, pictures to be taken, the crafts (darn Pinterest!) and more crafts, the days of decorating inside and out, the Christmas movies, the anticipation of the countdown and SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!  ALL while life continues to go on......school, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, washing, drying and put away clothes and SO MUCH MORE!

Oh I could just go on and on about the JOYS this month can bring!!!!!  BUT, did you sense a but coming, I am taking a different approach this December.

After reading a recent post on The Nester's blog I felt like she was speaking to me!  It was just what I had been thinking.  And pretty much feel every December, but usually give in.

Are you one who over commits to things in December?  And then you find yourself tired, run down, wanting to throw a fit like a child to give up and then eventually end up mad at yourself?  Or maybe you are the one who sees all the cute crafts on Pinterest and must make each and every one?  And let's not forget all the recipes!! 

Yep, that is me!  And I usually feel guilty because I made SO many plans and we barely even accomplish half?! 

Well NOT this year.  I am making a decision right now to do things differently.  I am NOT saying I will be a Scrooge this year by any means.  Nope, no way!  What I am saying is all those fun things will happen, just a little differently.  And maybe not quite as much.

This year I am saying NO in December and will NOT feel guilty.  I am making a "to do list" as well as a "NOT to do list".

Many will come as the month goes on.  Many I am sure will be spur of the moment.  BUT here are a few I will intentionally give my all to.

NOTS:
-we will not have a big tree this year.  Although we did last year we now realize this house is way too small for a big tree and all our furniture.  We have already decorated and it feels so much like Christmas!  Even without a big honking tree.  And nothing say Christmas more to me than LIGHTS!!!  Our LR and DR is covered in lights this year.  The question popped in my head a few weeks back...a tree or furniture?  I personally prefer being comfortable with furniture thank you very much :)
-I will not over commit to things in December.  The boys start Upward Basketball practice this week so that in itself will make our week different.  Our family does better sticking to our schedule as much as possible.  And we all LOVE our bedtime.
-I will not send out Christmas cards to every Mary, Suzie and Tom this year.  I didn't last year either.  And if I do give any cards out they will NOT be a picture card!!!
-I will not go Christmas cRaFt CrAzY this year. Nope, not gonna do it.  As I type I only have one craft in mind to share with you.  And really it is not a craft now that I think about it.  SIMPLE is my other key word for this December.  SIMPLE and NO.
-I will not feel guilty saying NO to things in December.  Doing something that you truly do not want to do and then holding those feelings inside is much worse than just saying NO.

*** Christmas Jar is up in the air.  I am NOT saying we will NOT make it a part of our December, but I am saying I'll let the boys give me the cue.***

To DO:
-Use PAPER NAPKINS!  I told you SIMPLE was a key word.  This December I have decided this somewhat paperless family WILL use paper napkins on the weekends.  Good grief all the months we have not used paper we have already saved a zillion trees!  (I might even go so far as to buy paper plates and make it the whole month!!!)
-I will allow the boys to help more.  I will give them the pleasure of wrapping gifts and doing more of the baking in the kitchen.
-We will make memories.  Baking cookies, playing football in the yard or driving around looking at Christmas lights in our PJs......it's all about the memories. 
-Daily I want to remind my family of what this Christmas season is truly about.   

Most importantly I want this December to be as stress-free as I can possibly make it.  I realize things will come up and totally mess up my plans.  And that is OK.  Life happens.  I'll go with the flow.  But because I am saying NO to so much this December it will make it that much easier to deal with the heat.  At least that is what I am hoping......think positive!

How does your December look so far?

Happy Thanksgiving Week

Today is our second day of constant rain with cool temps.  Many prefer to be all snuggled up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, but I love getting out in this mess.  The boys can only take so much.  And yesterday they had their fill.  So today we will stay in.  That in itself creates a little havoc after a while.

Two eight year old BOYS inside all day eventually leads to trouble.  And when you throw a cat in the mix this Momma goes a little CrAzY! 

I see DoodleDrawArt in our future and lots of DVDs and reading!  School is sorta out this week, but learning is always taking place.   

Blogging has been far from my mind lately.  If you blog you know these times well.  I have not been good at following up with comments either.  I do apologize.  With that being said I will likely turn off comments during the holidays.  Unless I am sharing a recipe or craft where someone might have a question.  It is too easy to ignore this blog right now.  I do check emails though.  Lots of thoughts are going through my head right now for this December.  And I'll post about that next week. 

But for now I couldn't let this week go by without saying Happy Thanksgiving.     

With the holidays in full mode now it is so easy to forget the meaning of Thanksgiving.  I know for me I get caught up in the preparations.  I'll spend Wednesday preparing desserts all the while thinking about decorating for Christmas this weekend.  Then we'll sit down, eat an amazing meal and have wide eyes for dessert.  Then it is OVER!

Be intentional about being thankful.  Teach your children about the real meaning of Thanksgiving.  Start a new tradition.  Maybe use the five kernals of corn this Thursday before everyone devours their meal.

Whatever you do I am certain you have many things to be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy the FEAST!

    

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Goodbye October and Hello November

 

Goodbye October.  It was fun, but I am happy to see your friend today.  Hello November!  November brings lots of excitement.....or stress whichever way you want to look at it.  Lists are made to begin Christmas shopping for some.  November also brings a special intentional time of thanksgiving for many.  And the beloved FEAST!  Hello November.

As we say goodbye to October we turn the page on Halloween.  It was just plain different this year for us.  Maybe because we decided to do this whole Halloween thing and had high hopes of such fun.  On Wednesday we took the boys to a church function.  "Light in the Night" it was called.  It was basically a carnival/trunk or treat.  And it was very obvious the boys are too old for this kind of thing.

All the games were for much younger children in my opinion.  But the boys had to check it out.  Their favorite part inside was the face painting.  But truly all they were concerned about was trunk or treat.....the candy part.  Once that started they made their rounds to all cars and trucks, filled their buckets and we were gone. 
We had planned to go trick or treating on Halloween, but our weather was the pits.  100% rain all around us.  It stayed dark and gloomy all day and rained, and rained and rained.....we knew trick or treating was out of the question.  So yesterday morning I did what any mother would do.  I got up and put on my costume and encouraged the boys to do the same.  They may have had candy for breakfast too.  I was determined to make it a fun day regardless of the rain!  We also ran to Sonic for fifty cent corn dogs for lunch....in costumes.  And then made a stop to see my mom at work.  And of course paraded all around in costumes to visit everyone. 

My crystal ball showed rain most of the day, but I was seeing an end to it right here.

It did indeed stop raining by dusk, but it was too wet, too soggy and we were ready to get comfortable and settle in for the night.  As promised I made kettle corn and we all piled on the couch to watch Tom and Jerry cartoons.  And we I decided this would be a new Halloween tradition---kettle corn and TV....all piled on the couch together.  Cartoons are optional :)

Perfect ending!

As we begin November I quickly put out the "Thankful Acorn". We started this in 2009 and it went well.  I started sharing it here on the blog the next year.  I love going back to see how it has changed (not much) and getting a glimpse of each year past.  I love reading the "thankfuls" from years past.   The little stem on the acorn basket has seen better days, but we press on with it.

I'll spare you another year of explaining it and just say, be thankful.  Make an effort to really think about all the many, many blessings you have been given.  Although we thank our Heavenly Father daily, we like to spend this month setting aside a time every night to talk about and discuss those blessings. 
If you are interested in learning more about the "Thankful Acorn" you can read about each year HERE or HERE or last year's post HERE .  It is a fun and meaningful way to be intentional about being thankful. 

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
    “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Happy Friday Y'all!  Enjoy your weekend.

Happy 4th of July/Throwback Thursday!

We are off today to a Fourth of July party at my parents.  The last time we were at my parents for the 4th was back in 2005 when the boys were not even three months old.

Ryan with clenched fists was cheering for the US of A!!

While Matthew had other plans.

Today they are both raring to go party.  They are ready to EAT some good food, swim and SLIP-N-SLIDE, eat a cupcake (or two!), play games and hopefully watch a few fireworks later this evening. 

Whatever you do today I hope you all have a safe holiday!!! 

4th of July Links for FUN and Food

Today we are busy making one last craft, Patriotic Ribbon Wands.  And making cUpCaKeS!!!!  Of course with tons of sprinkles----WARNING: Red Dye 40 Alert!!!

You can find the wands HERE .

 

Girls and boys alike will love this one!  I usually do not have this much fun with July 4th crafts, but this year I have come across some cute "stars and stripes" inspirations/copy cat FUN.   

I can see the boys now running through the yard as the first fireworks fall from the sky, waving these wands to watch the ribbons fly as we all stand around singing the Star Spangled Banner.  Now that is a vision, but here is how it will probably go....I can see them taking these wands and whacking each other on the head! 

If nothing else they will look nice on a table for a party decoration.  Maybe these were meant for much younger, sweet little girls. 

Below are a few more crafts and just a couple of food links I have shared before. 


More 4th of July Crafts:
Firework Decorations

Statue of Liberty Crown and Torch

Tin Can Wind Socks

Yummy Stuff for the 4th:
Strawberry Bruschetta

Not Yo' Mama's Berry Pudding Trifle

Enjoy!  And Happy hUMp Day!

Hello July-Easy S'mores and Ice Cream in a Bag

Happy JULY!!!  I am going to pretend that it is not July already.  One more week of FREE time and then we will begin school.  Of course it will be much more laid back and fun, but it is a sure sign summer is coming to an end soon.

So what are your plans for Thursday?  Are you looking for something different for the kids to do on July 4th?  Here are two kid-friendly desserts we made last week and the boys LOVED them both.  One more than the other because it involved little to no work. 

I've seen them called Lazy S'mores and Poor Man's S'mores.  Both names would fit in this instance, but I tend to like to call them Easy S'mores.  In my opinion they were better than the usual S'mores.  And would be great for camping, any outdoor party or at home any day of the week using your gas stove.  It's so easy it could be dangerous!

With ONLY two ingredients, these were a winner in my book!

Easy S'mores:
-Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies
-Big marshmallows

You know how it's done, now go enjoy an easy s'more.

 

Although the boys complained a little about this one the payoff was well worth it.  I'll provide the link below and give you our thoughts.  It took way longer than 5 minutes.  After five minutes of shaking we tossed the bags in the freezer for about 15 minutes.  It still was not ice cream, more like very soft serve.  At this point the time was getting too long. As you surely know eight years can not wait for long.  The boys were happy to eat the very soft serve ice cream.  Add sprinkles and mini chocolate chips and everything is good!  I say try it for yourself.  Line the kids up in the shade and give them a bag.  If nothing else it will keep all the kids busy while you plan 4th of July games.  And it will keep them cool in the blazing outdoor heat....at least their hands will be super cold.

HERE is the link.

Happy Memorial Day

FUN Weekend-Beach, Memorial Day, Recipes AND a Craft!

Happy Friday to you. I have all kinds of FUN to share today.  But first lets chat about what this weekend brings.  For many it will bring a L O N G weekend.  That extra day off resulting in a short week next week.  All because of our holiday on Monday, MEMORIAL DAY! 

Memorial Day is not only a special day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, it also kicks off BBQ season.  So as you fire up the pit pay some respect to those who gave their lives for YOU.

BBQ season is here and also time to head to the BEACH.  Finally.  I am so excited that tomorrow my toes will be in SAND.   

I have been waiting for months to go and can hardly contain myself that the day is finally here.  I'll spare you today from all my obsessive thoughts, feelings and love for the beach.  Pure beachful bliss is in my very near future.

Tomorrow's Motto

Now, lets get on with the recipes. 

In light National Strawberry Month I am sharing several strawberry recipes from the archives. Although I think any of these would be great to make this weekend, pay special attention to the second one, Not Yo' Mama's Berry Pudding Trifle. 

This is a show stopper and everyone will love you for making it.  It is the perfect dessert for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. 


Strawberry Bread with Strawberry Butter -perfect breakfast bread for the holiday.

Not Yo' Mama's Berry Pudding Trifle -dessert to make you famous!

Strawberry and Cream Popsicles -for the kids.  Adults too.

Strawberry Brushchetta -perfect appetizers while your honey is busy working the pit.


And last, but certainly not least my super, duper easy craft to make for your Memorial Day party.  My crafty one, Matthew AKA #2,  ask yesterday if we should make something special for Memorial Day.  I tell you what, that little boy thinks just like his Momma.  And always reminds me of decorations for ANY holiday.  We call him Matthew Stewart.  This little banner would also be cute with bright colorful fabric for summer.  I hope to make one soon. I got the idea from HERE .

This will be used again for 4th of July although #2 says it needs flags on it.  It cost me nothing.  I'll beat you have stuff in your stash too to make one up today.  Make sure to check out the link for other banner ideas.


I love the simpleness of this banner.
Yarn, twine and scrap fabric made up this festive little banner.

Be safe this weekend. Wear sunscreen during extended times in the SUN.  Otherwise soak up the natural vitamin D.  Dr. Mercola advises it!
Hang your flag on Monday and think about those who serve.  Thank those you know personally who have served and are serving now.  Maybe thank a stranger too!

Whatever you do this weekend get OUTSIDE and have some FUN!!!!!