12/28/2011

Alterna BAMBOO UV Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide



O.M.G. this hair product totally rocks!
 I am 100% hooked on this amazing product.
My stylist encouraged me late in the summer to purchase this product before we headed to the beach.
I just had my hair colored with a reddish tint and did not want it to fade out. 
It is so very easy to use.
Simply pump the desired amount (no more than 7 pumps) into the palm of your hand, rub together and then rub throughout your hair. 
I only use four pumps due to having short hair and love the results. 
Simple enough.
This product does have a nice light fragrance that I look forward to every morning. 
My hair color holds up nicely for two months with no harsh fading and my hair is nice and shiny. 
The product contains natural ingredients including Bamboo extract.
Alterna BAMBOO UV Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide is weightless and can be used with your other styling products without an issue. 
Once you try this product you will be hooked.
I promise. :D
You can read up more about it here.
I love my stylist.



12/25/2011

Merry Christmas


Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.




Thank you to The Grapics Fairy for the clip art.

12/23/2011

Sights of Athens, GA


On Black Friday we piled into the car and headed to see the sights of Athens, GA. 
Dh and I had visited over the summer and wanted to go back and share the lovely town with the kiddos.
 Plus, it was a great way to show Nate a college without really trying. *grin*
The town is so lively and the university is beautiful.
Just a few pictures of various sights that caught my eye that day.

I love this sign!

Just a glimpse of a street downtown. 

The history of The University of Georgia. Click to open it up.


The Chapel Bell - beautiful
Sanford Stadium - home of the Bulldogs

Beautiful leaves were all over the campus in the bright fall sunlight.

Too cute of a sign to pass up. 
This flower was on the side of one of the buildings - beautiful.


A gem hidden behind the trees.


We had such a great day strolling around town and campus.
We even brought Teddyboy who  had just as much fun as the rest of us.
By the time we arrived home Spencer has decided that he is now a Univ. of GA fan and promptly placed his requests for clothing items for Christmas.
Gotta love it!


12/22/2011

Holiday Cheer ....


Some holiday cheer from our local hockey team.
I think they did an awesome job! 

Tastykake Red Velvet Cupcakes

I stumbled across these last weekend while back in Pa.
They taste as delicious as they look and no, I am not sharing.
These are a limited edition so you had best go find some fast.
You will not be disappointed.

12/07/2011

Busy Crafting

Headache has finally cleared (after 13 hrs) and now I am busy crafting. Fingers crossed they turn out as planned. Will keep you posted with final picture and link to project. :D


12/04/2011

Apple Butter time....

The house is filled with the mouth watering aroma of apples and spices. We had a boat load of apples left and were going soft so we opted to make apple butter. No sugar added to ours, just spices and apples. Mmmm....
Hopefully we will have enough to last until next fall.


11/30/2011

Makeover Rum Cake...


Mmmm.... Rum Cake 
I have to admit that I never really was a fan of this cake until DH brought one home from work.
Whoa! It was absolutely outstanding.
Nate had a slice and this instantly became his favorite type of cake. 
He found a recipe for a makeover cake in one of my many cookbooks and asked to make it.
No complaints from me.
He has made this item twice and it is oh.so.good. 
Perfect for the holiday season or anytime of the year really.
Thinking in the summer - topped with fresh strawberries ...mmmm... 


                     
* Exported from MasterCook *

                            Makeover Rum Cake

Recipe By: Catharine Seman
Serving Size: 16    Preparation Time :0:15
Categories: Desserts

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2           cup  pecans -- toasted
  18 1/4         ounces  yellow cake mix
     1/2           cup  skim milk
     1/4           cup  dark rum
     1/4           cup  canola oil
     1/4           cup  unsweetened applesauce
      2             large  eggs
Topping:

     1/2           cup  sugar
     1/4           cup  butter -- cubed
       2            tablespoons  water
       2             tablespoons  dark rum

1. Coat a 10 inch fluted tube pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with flour; add pecans. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, rum oil, applesauce and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes.

2. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. In a small saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;cook and stir for 4-5 minutes or until thickened. Drizzle over cake.

Source:
  "Taste of Home 2011 Healthy Cooking Annual Recipes"
Copyright:
  "2011"
Yield:
  "16 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Pecans are optional - tastes wonderful without the nuts, too.


11/28/2011

Scottish Shortbread Rounds...


Nate was in the mood to bake last night and he wanted to try his hand at making some shortbread. 
I stumbled upon this recipe a few weeks ago and pulled it out for him to try. 

Just from watching him it was very easy to prepare and they baked up in no time at all. 
Well all except for the bakers issue of using wax paper instead of parchment. 
That was a bit nerve wracking  but we caught it in time and saved the cookies. :)
They are a wonderful shortbread cookie that will be made again in this household.

                   
* Exported from MasterCook *

                        Scottish Shortbread Rounds

Serving Size: 26    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories: Desserts

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
 1/2     pound  unsalted butter
  1       cup  confectioner's sugar
1/2      teaspoon  salt
  1       teaspoon  vanilla
  2       cups  all-purpose flour

  • Mix the first four ingredients together.
  • Cream well
  • Add in the flour, mix well and forms a stiff dough.
  • Spoon dough out onto a length of wax paper, about 18 inches long or so.
  • Form dough into a log, roll up in the wax paper and chill until firm, about an hour.
  • Once your dough is firm, slice log into slices a little thinner than half an inch.
  • Place slices onto an ungreased cookie sheet, about an inch or so apart.
  • Bake at 350* until the edges are slightly golden.
Let the cookies sit on the sheet for a few minutes before removing them or they may crumble on you.

Source:
  "Noshings.Blogspot.com"
Copyright:
  "Nov. 2011"
Yield:
  "26 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serving Ideas : nice cold glass of milk

11/26/2011

Jalapeno Chedder Tortilla Combos

O.M.G.  these are so good. Needless to say they did not last long.


11/25/2011

Fizzing Bath Salts....





I created this earlier this year - early fall to be specific and am finally getting a chance to post.



Really quite easy to make.

I found the jar at Wal-Mart, chalk and then the chalkboard sticker I purchased over the summer through GroopDealz. (I adore GroopDealz!) You can find the chalkboard stickers on Etsy.




Wash out container & dry well.
Use chalk to write what the jar contains and then carefully peel off the backing.
Place the prepared chalkboard on the jar.

Fizzing Bath Salt Recipe....

I had so many of the supplies left over that I figured why not make some fizzing salts.
2 cups of Sea Salt -I prefer the fine grain
1/2 cup citric acid
1/3 cup of Epsom Salts (good for aches and pains but can be omitted)
2-3 tablespoons of fragrance oil (must be body safe)

I like to mix the sea salt, epsom salt and fragrance oil first then add in the citric acid. 
Mix well and let air dry for a day. 
You can loosely place a piece of wax paper over top the salts to keep the dust out.


I made more than what is listed above as you can see in the pictures below. 


This is what I started to make my bath salts in (way too small) and
below you see what I ended up putting them in.


I know there are those who would yell at me for placing my salts in an 
aluminum pan because the fragrance oil could have a reaction.
 I have made them for 11 year and never once had an issue (knocking on wood). 

There you go- simple, easy and fun. 
















11/24/2011

Happy Thanksgiving...


Happy Thanksgiving.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. 
Enjoy that turkey!

11/22/2011

Pumpkin Nut Bread Recipe....



          With it being fall and all it was time to pull out my pumpkin recipes. 
I love pumpkin bread.
 I can remember coming home from school and my mom would have a slice of pumpkin bread and a glass of milk ready for me. 
Yummy!   
This recipe is still as good as I remember and it has been quite some time since I made it.
This time I subbed in natural apple sauce instead of using all the oil. 
Really easy. 
It is a 1 to 1 replacement and then just 1/2 tsp (if you want) of oil. 
The bread turned out wonderful.
I was also able to use some very finely ground nuts from Oh! Nuts  which
added such a nice flavor. 

A slice makes a very nice snack or breakfast.



  
* Exported from MasterCook *

                            Pumpkin Nut Bread

Recipe By: Mom
Categories: Bread

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1        cup  flour -- sifted
  2        teaspoons  baking powder
 1/2      teaspoon  salt
 1/4      teaspoon  baking soda
 1/2      teaspoon  cinnamon
 1/4      teaspoon  ginger
 1/4      teaspoon  cloves
  1        cup  brown sugar -- firmly packed
  1        cup  quick-cooking oats
 1/3      cup  nuts -- chopped
  1        large  egg -- beaten
 1/4      cup  oil*
 1/3      cup  milk
  1        cup  pumpkin
  • Heat oven to moderate 350 degrees. 
  • Sift flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and spices together.
  • Stir in sugar, oats and nuts.
  • Add egg and oil, milk stir until dry ingredients are moist.
  • Blend in pumpkin.
  • Pour batter into greased loaf pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven 55 to 60 minutes.
  • Loosen edges, cool on wire rack about 10 minutes.


Yield:
  "1 loaf"
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serving Ideas : Nice cold glass of milk

NOTES : Sub in natural apple sauce for the oil 1 for 1 - then add in 1/2 tsp of oil.


11/21/2011

A Mazing Fun

In October the boys and I took a trip to Pennsylvania.
We ended up doing a corn maze with my in-laws.
 I had always wanted to do a maze so I was pumped and ready to go. 


Looking up at the tower deep in the center of the maze.


Heading into the maze


Planning out which way to go with Grandpa.

Wagon in the field with the leaves starting to change.

Pumpkins!


Lots of apple gourds for sale.

The maze we went to was called Mazezilla - click me
It was excellent and had so many wonderful gourds, pumpkins, mums and corn for sale.
It was a perfect way to spend a fall day.

11/20/2011

ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas Schedule - 2011


ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas Schedule for 2011.
A wonderful way to spend some time with your family.
There are movies starting Nov. 20th and continue up until Christmas Day.
Check out the ABC website here.


11/19/2011

Personalized Plate




I have had a wee bit of time on my hands and have been a tiny bit crafty. 
Personalized plates seem to be all over currently and I jumped on the band wagon.
There was an offer back in September from GroopDealz for a custom letter Monogram.
How could I resist?!?
About two weeks ago I had some time and was finally able to put it together.
I think it took me all of oh... 2 minutes to put together. 
Fun, easy and I love how it turned out.
Vinyl logo was $2.00 with shipping $5.50.
White Plate from Dollar Tree $1. 49 (tax included)
Plate Stand - Hobby Lobby  $2.99 ($40% off coupon used) $1.92
Grand Total: $8.91 <----- *squee*

I have to admit that I simply adore GroopDealz. 
Wonderful items at budget friendly prices. 
Check them out for yourself.

11/15/2011

View from Above....

This is our view from our season seats to watch our much loved Road Warriors. :D


11/12/2011

Proud to be a Penn Stater & RAINN Partnership




This is an outstanding grassroots program that has taken off in the past two day.
Helping to raise money to prevent and help those of sexual abuse.
It is something that I totally believe in, have donated and want to share.  

Check out
 Proud to be a Penn Stater for RAINN

11/11/2011

Thank you, Veterans



We have beloved freedoms b
ecause of you. 
Thank you for your service and sacrifices. 



An Open Letter to the World from a Penn State Alum: Dear World...

I could not have said it any better.
Excellent Post and Thank you, Sir.

An Open Letter to the World from a Penn State Alum: Dear World...: First, let me apologize in advance. There have been enough talking heads in all of this that reading one more may cause a nosebleed, I under...

9/30/2011

Charging Basket

Ooo...I am one happy camper today. My Peterboro charging basket arrived!  My phone and camera batteries will be tucked safely away and organized. I simply love their baskets.
You can order yours here Peterboro Basket.  American made in Vermont.


9/29/2011

Hershey's Air Delight



Over the summer I discovered that Hershey's came out with their own air bar. 
Which meant that I just had to get my hands on one and give it a try.
It is very similar to the Aero Bar (European) which you can find a review of the mint bar here


You see all those cute little bubble holes inside of the chocolate bar?
 These holes tend to give the chocolate a nice light texture when you bite into it and eat it.
I did not think that the holes were as light as those in the Aero bar but were quite plentiful.
I did enjoy eating this chocolate bar (it's chocolate for heavens sake) but I must admit that I still prefer the Aero bar. There is just something about the other bar that this bar is missing.
My kiddos however adore the this candy bar and the cute little Air Delight Hershey Kisses.
We now have a permanent container of the Air Delight Kisses in the house.
 That is something for these two - they are not big candy/chocolate consumers at all.
Pick up a bar or a tiny bag of the kisses and give them a try.
You just might find a new favorite chocolate bar. 


9/28/2011

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff


My all time favorite meal is Beef Stroganoff.
*drool*
I always, always had it on my birthday and pretty much still do. :)
I really did not feel like cooking all-day-long, so I went on the search for a tasty looking crockpot recipe.
The recipe below was hands down a winner!
Much better than my attempts with canned cream of mushroom soup and too much garlic. *blush*
Nate (oldest & most pickiest eater) could not get enough.
Spence had a nice sized serving.
DH kept raving about the meal.
The meal was so tender and the taste was so flavorful.
Please, try this recipe it will not disappoint one tiny bit.

                      
* Exported from MasterCook *

                       Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Recipe By: Betty Crocker
Serving Size: 8    
Categories: Main Meal

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2                pounds  beef stew meat, R-T-C
  1                cup  onion -- chopped
  10 3/4       ounces  condensed cream of golden mushroom soup
  10 3/4       ounces  condensed cream of onion soup
  6               ounces  sliced mushrooms
  8               ounces  sour cream
  8               ounces  cream cheese -- cubed
  6               cups  egg noodles, yolk-free
  1. In a slow cooker, mix beef, onion, soups and mushrooms and pepper.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8-10 hours or until beef is very tender.
  3. Stir in sour cream, cream cheese into beef mixture until melted.
  4. Stir sour cream into beef mixture. Serve over noodles. 


Source:
Copyright:
  "2011"
Yield:
  "8 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

9/27/2011

It's that time of year.....


It's that time of year again...
Apple Picking Time!
We went a bit later this year, it was packed but still a lot of fun.
There is nothing like picking apples in the fall. 

9/26/2011

Jeez...changes

Gosh... I go missing  take a break from blogging and bam! Blogger changes a little bit on me.  New way to see who is visiting, posting and so forth. I can resort back to the old way if I want but hey, I need to get with the times right?
Things have been a whirl wind to say the least since the kiddos arrived back home in late July. I thought by getting the blogger app on my phone would help with keeping you updated on stuff but that has not panned out.  Over the next few weeks I get out some pictures of places we have been over the summer and *blush* last fall (I know really bad) ,  share a few new decorating ideas and share a thought on some new wax I have been using.
Hope everyone has been well and thanks for staying with me. : D

Carribean Scents - Review



Over the summer I made a purchase via Etsy in a store called Caribbean Scents.
I have to say that I am thrilled with everything I purchased.
 It is now September and I am still using the shampoo that I purchased. 
I admit to having really short hair but still! 
My colored locks are enjoying the product, keeping their tint and loving the fragrance.
The tarts I purchased were pineapple and made my room smell like a tropical escape.
I even received two free samples of body products which were fab!
If you are in the mood to try some wonderful products or surround yourself with some great fragrances then give Caribbean Scents a try!

8/14/2011

Sunday Morning Fun

Not really but we need clean clothes for the week and our washer will not be fixed until Tuesday. It dies however bring back memories from college and when we were first married.


8/01/2011

Spider!!


Yep, that is a black widow spider.
Yes, it was found in our yard along with two others.
Yes, I am still creeped out by finding them under a HUGE log in our yard.
I am very thankful for a little frog that caught my attention otherwise my hand would 
have been on top of her - no gloves on.

Hopefully I will not find any more lurking around and will always have my handy dandy can of insect spray with me. 

*shudder* Spiders *shudder*

7/18/2011

Sherlock Holmes 2 - Official Trailer (HD) - Preview



I am so looking forward to this movie!
The last one I really, really enjoyed and this one looks like it will not disappoint.
*sigh* Robert Downey Jr
So, will you be going?!

7/12/2011

Today's Fun



Making small batches of wax melts. I have made juicy lemon, chocolate chip cookies so far will be making some candid apple and grandma's cupboard as the day goes.
Using a new wax - I will share shortly.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

White Soap Bar Success

I created this batch over the weekend using black raspberry fragrance oil and held my breath that it would stay white.



I have white bar success!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

7/10/2011

Whole Wheat Bread

                      Nothing beats a wonderful fresh homemade loaf of whole wheat bread.
My love for making bread comes from my great aunt, she could 
I made this recipe about two weeks ago and have to say it was a total hit.
I have tired other recipes for a wheat bread but never had any luck, this time however I have struck gold!
The wheat flour I am using is freshly ground from Hagood Mill which is local. 
When it came out of the oven I could not wait until it was cool enough to slice and top with a bit of homemade sugar free apple butter. 
Oh, it does not get any better.
Seriously, this recipe is a sure hit!
I made another loaf tonight and again a perfect.
Can't wait to to have some in the morning. *drool*



* Exported from MasterCook *
                            Whole Wheat Bread


Recipe By:
Serving Size:
16 slices / 1 loaf    Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Categories: Bread

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
1 1/8        teaspoons  active dry yeast
1 1/4        cups  warm water -- 110-115
1/4           cup  brown sugar, packed
2              Tablespoons  butter -- melted
3/4           teaspoon  salt
1 1/2        cups  whole wheat flour
2              cups  all purpose flour -- or 2 1/2 cups

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Add the brown sugar, butter, salt, whole wheat flour and 1 cup all purpose flour.
  3. Beat until smooth.
  4. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough (dough will be sticky).
  5. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top.
  7. Cover and let rise until doubled about 1 hour.
  8. Punch dough down and turn onto a floured surface; shape into a loaf.
  9. Place in a 9 x 5 loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
  10. Cover and let rise until doubled - about one hour.
  11. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Remove from pan to a wire rack and cool.

Source:
  "Taste of Home Magazine"
Copyright:
  "June/July 2010"
Yield:
  "16 slices / 1 Loaf "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES:
  • Fast, easy and wonderful loaf of bread
  • I use 2 cups of white flour - but depending on where you are you may need more or less flour.
  • I use my bread hook on my mixer to speed things along just a little.

7/06/2011

And it's back!

My camera!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Walter St,Easley,United States

Banana Crumb Muffins...


There is nothing like a good banana muffin in the morning.
As always, I am on the lookout for new muffin recipes especially those that have a crumb topping. 
Mmm...crumb topping
Right.. these are quick to whip up and have ready in thirty five minutes.
These muffins are a moist wonderful breakfast treat!
I have to say I added nuts and vanilla to the batter and I am so glad that I did.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a great breakfast.
                     
* Exported from MasterCook *

                           Banana Crumb Muffins

Recipe By: Lisa Kreft
Serving Size: 8     Preparation Time: 15 min
Categories: Breakfast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1 1/2      cups  all-purpose flour
  1            teaspoon  baking soda
  1            teaspoon  baking powder
1/2           teaspoon  salt
  3            large  bananas -- mashed
3/4           cup  white sugar
  1            large  egg -- lightly beaten
1/3          cup  butter -- melted
1/3          cup  brown sugar -- packed
  1           teaspoon  vanilla
1/4          cup  walnuts -- chopped
  2           tablespoons  all-purpose flour
1/8          teaspoon  ground cinnamon
  1           tablespoon  butter

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Lightly grease 10 muffin cups or line with muffin paper.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla and walnuts.
  5. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
  6. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon.
  8. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles course cornmeal.
  9. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 18 - 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
Source:
  "allrecipes.com"
Yield:
  "8 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 271 Calories; 12g Fat (40.3% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 51mg Cholesterol; 456mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fruit; 2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas:
  • Cup of tea or coffee.
  • Nice tall glass of milk
NOTES:
  • I added in the walnuts and vanilla for extra flavor.
  • The other item I used was a larger muffin tin. I would say that you will make 10 muffins if you use a regular muffin tin.



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