7/26/2012

Scout Bag Rocks!


I took a leap a few weeks ago and purchased a coupon from 
Plum District on a Scout bag.
I knew we would be going back to PA to pick up the kiddos and
 I am always in need of large bags to hold my loot. 
They looked really cute. 
So. 
I purchased, anxiously awaited for arrival and put to use. 
OH MY!!
This bag can hold so much and I am totally in love with her!
She will be going on many, many trips with us.
Interested?




7/12/2012

It really works!



I found a recipe for Tub and Shower Magic on Pinterest - pinned and printed it out I knew exactly where I was going to give it a whirl.

Today was the day to give it a try. 
I sprayed the glass doors in the shower in the shower in the boys' bathroom. 


Sprayed on the cleaner and walked away for about 5 minutes. 
Back with a scrubby brush in hand and rubbed the glass.
Rinsed.


Yeowsa! Soap scum was gone. 
I had my doubts but it really did work and worked really well. 
The door now sparkles. 


Quick and easy to make.
So, if you have some stubborn soap scum give the Tub and Shower Magic a try. 

Seriously this stuff rocks! 

Tub and Shower Magic

  • 12 ounces white vinegar
  • 12 ounces liquid, blue dawn detergent

Directions:



  1. Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle.
  2. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.

  1. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum build-up, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse.

    original recipe here

7/11/2012

Sun Pickles



Oh...my...
so..
DELISH!

I had stumbled across someone who posted on a blog about making sun pickles.
Huh..never heard of them.
My mom canned every type of pickle growing up but never recalled a sun pickle.
This required a call and she had no clue as to what they were. 
No clue = a Mission for me
I did some research online and figured that I could make these!
I have to say they are so easy to make and the taste is so, so good.
They are sour, a bit salty, dilly, spicy.. simply wonderful.
I have made seven more jars since I whipped up my first batch three weeks ago.
Yes, they are that good. :)
I left the pickles outside in the sun three days with the first batch, four days with the second batch and 
days with my last batch. The only real difference I have noticed is that the pickles are softer 
(yes, I had to try a jar from each batch when they were done.) 
The items went to the top on the first batch but then settled down on the bottom after the first day.
So, if you want to give something different a try and enjoy a good pickle 
make some sun pickles!

The recipe I decided to use was from April's Cooking and Lifestyle Show blog.
Thank you, April!

7/09/2012

How many times ?!

So, this morning I decided to venture into the dreaded teen bathroom. The boys are responsible for cleaning it so I trust them. They have been away for the past 5 weeks and I figured I would give their bathroom a good scrubbing.
All those bottles were empty and sitting all over in their shower. These were in addition to the four or so I removed when they left. Spencer tends to bring his empty bottles to the recycling bucket but Nate is another story. I can't tell you how many lectures he has had about leaving them around. How hard is it to pick them up and take them to the recycle bucket?
Gah! I worry that he will turn into one of those hording people.
I hope he snaps outta this and soon. Not sure how many more gray hairs I can stand.


Blueberry Banana Muffins with Almond Streusel Topping


We love blueberry season.
We have been going to a local farmers market this summer and enjoying the wonderful fruits.
I had printed out a recipe last month and could not wait to get a chance to try it.
(recipe is from Lisa's Dinnertime Dish)
The last sad looking banana that was in the house was put to good use and tossed into the batter.
These muffins were packed with wonderful blueberry and banana flavor. 
The sweetness comes from the topping and the muffin part is nice and light. 
I made four small loaves of bread so that we can enjoy a "summer" treat in the winter.
Excellent muffins!

My slivered almonds came from: Oh! Nuts  always fresh and have an excellent almond flavor.

                      
* Exported from MasterCook *

          Blueberry Banana Muffins with Almond Streusel Topping

Recipe By: Lisa
Serving Size: 24    
Categories: Breakfast

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
For Muffins:

  2           cups  flour
  2           teaspoons  baking powder
1/4          teaspoon  salt
  1           stick  butter -- softened
2/3          cup  sugar
  1           teaspoon  vanilla
  1           cup  non-fat greek yogurt
1/2          cup  milk, 2% lowfat
  1           pint  blueberries
  1           medium  banana
For Streusel:
1/4           cup  butter -- softened
1/3           cup  brown sugar
1/2           cup  oatmeal
1/2           cup  sliced almonds
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line 24 muffin tins with baking cups or with cooking spray.
  3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  4. Set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt and milk.
  6. Set that aside, as well.
  7. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  8. Beat eggs in, one at a time. 
  9. Add vanilla and beat in.
  10. Mash banana in a bowl and set aside.
  11. Alternate between flour mixture and yogurt mixture to mixing bowl, a little at a time, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
  12. Gently fold blueberries and banana.
  13. In a small mixing bowl prepare the streusel topping.
  14. Combine the brown sugar, oatmeal, butter with a fork until crumbly. Then gently add in the almonds.
  15. Divide the batter between the 24 cups and top with almond streusel.
  16. Bake for 25 -30 minutes until golden brown.
  17. Remove from the muffin tins and cool. 


Source:
  "lisasdinnertimedish.com"
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 157 Calories; 8g Fat (43.3% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 16mg Cholesterol; 126mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES: 
  • Banana can be removed from the recipe.
  • Toss the blueberries in 2 tsp of flour. 
  • This will help stop them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.

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7/08/2012

Ugh.. Tired of the Bug Bites


I have had it this year with the mosquitoes and No See Ums
Mostly the No See Ums. 
First off I need to admit that I had no idea what No See Ums were.
That all changed when I was getting my hair done and was asked how I treat my No See Um bites.
Uh... mind churning at that point then the light bulb turned on.
I knew they were not mosquito bites because they always became red, swollen and itched like nothing I have ever had experienced before. 
It appears that I have an allergic reaction to the bites.
They swell, turn very hot and itch like no tomorrow for about 3 days.
Sheer insanity for me.
The worst part is that they are biting me in the same areas as before. 
I have tried so many items it is incredible.
Some make they itch more and others don't even touch the itch. 
My poor legs are not looking so hot right now.
I douse myself in bug spray and that sometimes helps but not always. 
If anyone has any words of wisdom on how to stop them and the itch let me know!


7/07/2012

Makeover Real Man Quiche

                      
Quiche is something that I discovered when I married my husband.
I noticed this recipe in the June/July 2012 - Healthy Cooking Taste of Home Magazine 
and just had to try it.
It was really, really good and you could not tell that is lower in calories.
I subbed in turkey bacon and egg beaters for the two large eggs to cut down the calories a bit more. 
Great for hot summer nights or a treat during those long winter months.
The calories are not for using turkey bacon or egg beaters. 

* Exported from MasterCook *

                         Makeover Real Man Quiche

Recipe By: Ruby Hochstetler
Serving Size: 8     
Categories: Breakfast or Main Meal

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1            package  refrigerated pie crust -- * only need one
  4            bacon strips
  1            large  onion -- chopped
  4            egg whites
  2            large  eggs
1 1/2        cups  fat free milk
1 1/2        cups  part skim milk mozzarella cheese -- shredded
  1            package  frozen chopped spinach -- thawed and drained
1/4           cup  sun-dried tomatoes -- not packed in oil
  1            tablespoon  cornstarch
1/2           teaspoon  dried basil
1/4           teaspoon  pepper

  1. On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry.
  2. Transfer to a 9 inch pie plate.
  3. Trim pastry to 1/2 inch beyond edge of plate; flute edges.
  4. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. 
  5. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain and crumble.
  6. Drain skillet.
  7. In the same skillet, cook and stir onions over medium heat until tender.
  8. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs whites, egg, milk, cheese, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cornstarch, basil and pepper.
  9. Pour into pie crust.
  10. Sprinkle with bacon.
  11. Bake at 375 for 35 - 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
  12. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. 
Source:
  "Taste of Home Healthy Cooking"
Copyright:
  "June/July 2012"
Yield:
  "8 "
  Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 248 Calories; 13g Fat (6 grams saturated fat); 13g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 75mg Cholesterol; 378mg Sodium 2 Fat.

                                  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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7/06/2012

Have you checked out FingerSnapper?

What a great site where you can find some wonderful products that you can help you create
some amazing items for not a lot of $$.


Today they have some really cute vinyl address decals up for sale and at a super price!

Check out FingerSnapper! and snag some fabulous deals.

Cinnamon Peach Cobbler


*Swoon*
This recipes is absolutely delish!
I am always willing to try different cobbler recipes since they are DH's favorite.
Houston - we have a winner.
Not that those before were not good they were not what he remembered as a kid but this one is dead on.
I have to admit that it is ... well, drool worthy!
Super easy to make and will make anyone smile.

* Changed it up for the 4th and used a pie crust for the bottom, and added in some nectarines.
Oh boy...
Seriously - you have to give this recipe a try.
Don't forget the vanilla ice cream for the top. 

                   
* Exported from MasterCook *

                          Cinnamon Peach Cobbler

Recipe By: Victoria Lowe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Categories: Desserts

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  4        cups  sliced peaches -- peeled
1/2       cup  sugar
2/3       cup  Bisquick® baking mix  and 1 tablespoon -- *see Note 
1/2       tablespoon  ground cinnamon
  3        tablespoons  brown sugar -- *see Note
1/4       cup  butter -- cold and cubed
  3        tablespoons  milk

  1. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar and 1 tablespoon of biscuit mix and cinnamon.
  2. Transfer to a greased shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining biscuit mix.
  4. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in mix just until blended.
  5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto peach mixture. 
  6. Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Source:
  "Taste of Home -  Online"
Copyright:
  "2012"
Yield:
  "8 "
                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Serving Ideas: Nice scoop of vanilla ice cream.

NOTES: 

  • Note #1 - Can use any type of biscuit mix (Bisquick, Jiffy, Pioneer)
  • Note #2 - can use 2-3 tbsp of brown sugar
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7/05/2012

Holiday Vinyl Easy Craft Project



Quick and easy crafting that is my style right now.
I purchased this vinyl a few months back and finally had some time to put it together.
Just in time for the 4th of July but will be a permanent in our family room.
I have a few items that I have created with vinyl around the house.
This one came from Thoughts in Vinyl with whom I have purchased from before.
I cleaned the glass off with vinegar to create a clean surface, then peeled off the vinyl and placed on glass.
Really, it is that easy.
I am quite pleased with the end result.
Thoughts in Vinyl has many different designs and I am sure you will find something just for you.



7/04/2012

Happy 4th of July



Happy 4th of July!!

Hope you are able to spend time with family and friends today.
Please remember to thank those that have fought and are still fighting for our freedoms.

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