Earth Day Giveaway!

       April is knocking on our door, blooming wildly and budding out all around us, so is Earth Day!  And I'm honoring that day with a giveaway, a green cleaning giveaway! Earth day should be everyday, we take advantage of our planet and treat it so badly at times. Just try to imagine our world without flowers, trees and birds....this makes me sad to even think of such a day. But, it could happen....one day.  God forgive us!

     As a gardener, bird watcher and nature lover, this matters to me, ALOT!  I grow organicly, no pesticles here. I ban products like Roundup and other chemicals that only do harm to our planet. Monsanto sucks! And that's enough from my potty mouth! We got to take a stand for something, or not stand at all! I prefer to stand up for our planet, I want my grandchildren to enjoy the great outdoors as they were intended.

     Ok, stepping down from my soapbox and back to the giveaway, I have a brand new copy of a wonderful little book, "The Naturally Clean Home" that I will be gifting it to one lucky reader, this book is a great handbook for cleaning your home without chemicals and using natural products, like herbs! A wonderful resource for the beginner or pro. Just leave me a comment here on how you celebrate Earth Day, do you have a annual ritual  or a new way to save mother earth? Inspire us, you have till April 22, Earth Day to get your comments posted and shared.  Let's make a difference and give back to our great planet!

Tasty Tuesday

     So, the other day, I set out to make some blueberry oat muffins and found that I didn't have enough oats needed and I really didn't want to run to the store (again) just for one thing, so I did the next best thing and got on the internet in hopes of finding a muffin recipe for the ingredients I did have on hand.  Low and behold, the cake fairy came to my rescue, I found a recipe for cake muffins, using a cake mix. How cleaver and very tasty too! So, this week's Tasty Tuesday post is in honor of cake mix muffins! Just imagine, a cake and muffin all in one nice wrapper, perfect portion control and comes in many flavors! This is a hidden secret, no more!

Cake Mix Muffins

1 box cake mix, your choice
1 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. flour
2/3 c. milk
1/3 c. oil
3 eggs
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix on high speed for 1 min. Pour into greased or paper lined muffin tins, and bake till done, about 30 min. but watch them. Usually makes about 18-24 muffins. Fruit, nuts, chocolate chips can be added and folded in before filling cups. Enjoy!

    So, I made  lemon blueberry muffins since I had a lemon cake mix in the pantry and blueberries already defrosted. I must say, they were very moist and a hit at Sunday school. Now, whenever I need to make muffins and not sure what kind or haven't checked my supplies, I'll be making cake mix muffins, as a box of cake mix is always in the cupboard......you never know when you will need a box!

Recycle and ReUse

   While hunting up ideas for a cheap garden shed, I came across these made from wood pallets that can be found pretty easily. I love this idea! Not only are they cheap, but we'll be recycling and reusing what other wise might end up in the landfill. Just look at the amazing results from discarded pallets! My mind is rushing with ideas and styles, my dream of a garden shed is just a few dumpster diving trips away!

    

Garden Wish List

In less than a week, April will be here, followed by Easter and my favorite season, planing season! I'm searching the web for garden ideas, as I'm having my super sweet hubby build me 3 new flower beds, the first one is done and just waiting on dirt, who would of ever thought I'd be buying dirt! Last spring we bought a dump truck full, it turned out to be the worse dirt ever! The ad promised it was river bottom soil, but it wasn't, it was a sad excuse for used dirt that had more weed seeds than dirt! But, after tons of weeding, our raised beds produced in spite of their growing conditions, and thanks to free manure from the stock yard! A lesson learned.

I'd love a water feature, like the one above, that one is perfect for our place! Better yet, a small goldfish pond would be ideal, in my mind. My hubby would say other wise, tempting critters too close to the house. I want a secret garden, or room too, covered in flowering vines with a bench in the middle, complete with candle light, or a hanging chandelier, have you seen those made for outside? Of course, I'd find a old one from a old house, paint it a shabby color of blue and replace the light bulbs with candles.

A butterfly garden is on my wish too also. Have you heard that the monarch's are in danger! Join me, won't you in planting more flowers for the butterflies! I can't imagine our planet without butterflies or bees for that matter, can you?

What's on your garden wish list this year? I'd love to see your garden too, so if you have photos posted from last year, please leave us a link so we can take a peek! Off to start some seeds indoors so my hands can rejoice in playing in some good, clean dirt!

Tasty Tuesday

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but cookies have turned into art! And I'd love to a cookie artist, wouldn't you? So, for today's Tasty Tuesday post I'm sharing a no fail sugar cookie recipe so you too can become a artist with your own verison of pretty Easter cookies.

No Fail Sugar Cookie

1 stick butter, unsalted, softened.
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1 lg. egg
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. all purpose flour
Beat butter, sugar and salt in large bowl with mixer on med. speed till light and fluffy, about 3 min. Reduce speed to low and add egg, blend well. Beat in corn syrup, lemon zest and vanilla. Add flour in parts. Shape dough into 2 disks, wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat oven to 350. Roll out one disk between 2 sheets of wax paper to 1/4 in. thick. Remove top layer of paper and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 12 min. or till cookies turn golden. Cool. Repeat with second disk. Decorate with favorite icing, royal icing is a popular choice and many recipes can be found.

So, even if your not a cookie pro, you can bake up some fun. Gather the kids around, dye your Easter eggs then bake some cookies. Make a day of it which will quickly turn into a tradition, and after reading all the comments from my Easter Blessings giveaway post, we love traditions, don't we! Enjoy and happy baking!

Easter Blessings Winner

Is Cindy of "Life is in the Details" blog and a buddy of mine on facebook, thanks random.org for your service once more! Congrats Cindy, shoot me your mailing info. so I can shoot your Easter goodies off to you this week! A big, heart felt thanks to all who entered, I really loved hearing your Easter memories and traditions. So many of you remembered getting a new outfit for Easter, attending sunrise service and a family feast. It's so nice to know that some things haven't changed, and that family comes first!

To thank you all, scroll down to the bottom of my page and snag yourself some free coffee from Dunkin Donuts, this is a real sample and not a coupon so I hope you will take advantage of it. I love coffee, freebies and sharing them both! So, enjoy!

Pioneer Woman Movie!

In case you haven't heard all the buzz, hear it here first, The Pioneer Woman is making a movie! Black Heels to Tractor Wheels is a story she began writing in 2007 with a possible movie deal soon. Ree is working on her second book as I type and I can't wait for it and the movie! Who do you think should play her? A big name star is interested, can you guess who? Now, if your a friend on my facebook page, you already know, cuz Ree announced this today. Just goes to show you what a little blogging can do! Congrats Ree, looking forward to all your endeavors!

Ok, back to real life here.....can you tell I'm a fan of the Pioneer Woman? lol Don't forget my little Easter Blessings Giveaway, you have till Sunday at noon to get entered, all the memories of Easter have been a delight to read, thank you all. I hope spring has hit your part of the world, it has here, only to be disrupted this weekend with colder temps. and a chance of snow! I knew there was a reason why the snow shovel is still on the porch! Blessings and buds abound!

Shabby Spaces

Leave it to Country Living to come up with a shabby space to call your own no matter how small your home is, this closet was made to be a office! I just wish I had a closet to transform, but I"m blessed to have a craft room all to myself but this spot sure is sweet! Which brings me to my post today, I'm wondering how to transform a drop ceiling into a warm addition that will fit into my decor? The ceilings in this house are the only thing left untouched and for some odd reason, all are drop ceilings except the bathroom and kitchen, and I hate the dropped look. I'm pondering the idea of painting or staining them but not sure how that will go over? I'd like to paint the metal frames black to match my decor but something has to be done with the white inserts? Anyone got any ideas or have tackled such a project?

Tasty Tuesday

Pucker up! Today's post is more than tasty, it's terrific! With spring, comes light and fluffy cakes and pies, and thanks to Pillsbury.com, you can find any recipe needed for any occasion. I'm thinking this Lemon pie will be on my Easter menu, what do you think?



Stuffed-Crust Lemon Layer Pie Recipe



INGREDIENTS

Crust

1 box (15 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1 package (7 oz) almond paste
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling (first layer)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 eggs yolks, well beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon peel
3 drops yellow food color

Filling (second layer)

1 cup powdered sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 boxes (4-serving size each) lemon instant pudding and pie filling mix

Garnish

1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Unroll 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom. In food processor, crumble almond paste; add almonds and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cover; process 1 minute. Spread in crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust; press down. Crimp edges together. Prick crust several times with fork. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

2. In 2-quart saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, the cornstarch and salt with wire whisk. Beat in cold water and lemon juice. Add egg yolks; beat until smooth. Add butter; gradually stir in boiling water. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add lemon extract, lemon peel and food color. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool 30 minutes. Pour into pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat 1 cup powdered sugar and the cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in milk until well blended. Add pudding; beat 2 minutes longer or until thickened. Pour into pie plate.

4. In medium bowl, beat garnish ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 2 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Place mixture in decorating bag fitted with star tip. Decorate top of pie as desired. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

Doesn't that just make your mouth want to water and taste some pie! And such a pretty pie too, it's all about the details, in everything! Thank you all for your sweet comments on my Easter Blessings Giveaway, what memories you shared! I'm really enjoying reading them all. If you haven't got yourself entered in my giveaway, just scroll down that post and leave a comment about your Easter traditions, one lucky winner will be chosen on Sunday. Now, back to my Easter menu!

Easter Blessings Giveaway

The time change is the gateway to springtime and the first holiday of spring is always Easter. I love traditions, and can remember always getting a new Easter dress each year, once complete with hand muff and matching purse, we were stylish back in the day, weren't we. I know stores still go all out to take advantage of each holiday and the Easter dresses have been out for display for weeks now, but I wonder just how much tradition is still left in Easter? Do you attend sunrise service at your church? Dose your family gather for a feast and egg hunt? Just how do you celebrate Easter? That is the theme for my Easter Blessings Giveaway, because I think tradition matters and I enjoy hearing of all the ways people celebrate such holidays, so leave me a comment here on how you celebrate Easter. This giveaway will be open for one week, ending next Sunday, March 21. The giftie will be Easter goodies of course, maybe for decorating, eating or to start your own tradition. Blessings are born from our family rituals and memories are made. Let's keep the true meaning of Easter close in our hearts and in our families. Good luck and blessings abound!

Spring Fling Giveaway

Another Sue, of Not Quite June Cleaver fame is hosting a spring fling giveaway with three sweet gifts. Apron lovers rush over to see the adorable half apron that I hope to win. LOL Susan is very generous in her giveaways and I love her aprons, so simple yet pretty and practical. Life is sweeter when you have a apron tied on! Good luck and check back next week, I'll be hosting a Easter giveaway you won't want to miss!

Homemade Cadbury Cream Eggs

With Easter being early this year (April 4th), I thought I'd better get on the ball and post my annual Cadbury Cream egg recipe, so you can wow your guests with this homemade Cadbury treat! I'm not a big fan of these cream eggs, just too rich for me but I love the challenge to make something like these at home. I've done it once and even though they were exactly like the store bought, they were a good imation and worth sharing the recipe so you can try to make these yourselves. Have fun and enjoy!



Cadbury Cream Eggs Recipe

1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
4 drops yellow food coloring
2 drops red food coloring
1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable shortening

Combine the corn syrup, butter, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.
Beat well with an electric mixer until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, a little bit at at time and mix by hand after each addition.
Mix until creamy.
Remove about 1/3 of the sugar mixture and place in a small bowl.
Add the food coloring and mix well.
Cover both mixtures and chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.

When mixtures are still firm roll a small, marble size from the orange filling.
Wrap a small amount of the white filling around the orange.
Form into the shape of eggs and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Repeat until done and chill for at least 4 hours.
You want them"set.

Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a double broiler or ceramic bowl.
Melt down and mix well.
Take each egg filling and dip into the melted chocolate mixture and return to baking sheet.
Repeat and chill again for 2 hours.
Repeat the dipping process, chill again and your good to go!
Makes 16-24 eggs.

Tasty Tuesday

To help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day next week, I'm sharing a tried and true recipe for Irish soda bread muffins. I used to bake the famous Irish soda bread to go along with our green meal for that day, but I wanted muffins so I did what all savvy cooks do, search google for a recipe and I found the one below from Recipe Girl. As you know, I"m a big fan of muffins and cupcakes so this was fun to do and even better to eat, still warm with some green butter spread on top! I look forward to St. Patrick's day for the food. When my kids were little, I would dye the mashed potatoes green, fix green eggs and always a green dessert. So, even if your not Irish, you can still celebrate the day and have some fun in the kitchen.

Irish Soda Bread Muffins


2 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup currants
1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease small muffin tins or large muffin tins.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With pastry cutter or two knives used scissors fashion, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (You can also do this part in a food processor and let the blades mix the flour & butter together). In a small bowl, stir together buttermilk and egg until blended. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and stir to combine. Stir in currants and caraway seeds (if using).
3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake 20 to 25 minutes (longer for the larger muffins), or until cake tester inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean.
4. Remove muffin tin or tins to wire rack. Cool 5 minutes before removing muffins from cups; finish cooling on rack. Serve warm or cool completely and store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yield: 12 regular- sized muffins or 5 large

Get your Craft on!

If you noticed my new button, you noticed it was National Craft Month, so I thought I'd share some inspiration with you so you too could get your craft on! I know the coming of spring is center in our lives right now, but with spring, comes the rains, and this cute site offers many rainy day ideas to keep your creative side happy and content. I've always wanted a tea cozy and I'm thinking this one just maybe my lesson in making them, isn't it adorable! And wouldn't they make lovely Mother's Day gifts too? Always thinking ahead, I am! Don't let March get away from you without getting your craft on or checking out Retro Mama. I love that name and such a well organized site full of ideas and tutorials, we love tutorials! Happy Craft Month!

Hoping for Spring Winner

I sure did enjoy reading all the comments left in my hoping for spring giveaway, the winner is all of us for enjoying the first few flowers that spring bestows on us but only one winner can be chosen to win the giftie and thanks to random.org the winner is...........RubyJune! Congrats RubyJune, love your name and the little history behind it. I came across her blog just weeks ago, don't remember how but sure am glad I found her, a delightful blog full of crafty links and yummy recipes. So, hop over and say Hi, this young blog is worth visiting. RubyJune, send me your mailing info. so I can get your giftie in the mail soon. Thanks to all who entered, be sure to read the comments left, there is a poem and many fond memories shared. Even RubyJunes comment has a nice little story behind her favorite spring flower. I love it when flowers are planted for a reason, a special occasion that grows and deepens the meaning of that flower for a family to share forever, what a gift! As you all are gifts to me, thanks for reading me, I appreciate you all so much! Hugs!♥

Mini Make-over

In the last leg of winter, I get restless. I want to be outside, digging up the earth and adding to the landscape but I can't. So, I usually sink my energy into a home project, like painting. Now, if you've been following me long enough, you know the story of our home "Hilltop Haven" and how we re-did every room in the house. The library got painted a tan color, the same as the playroom, which was fine for the first 2 years (it'll be 2 yrs. in June when we moved in) but the longer I looked it at, I wanted a change, something to break up the tan in the house. So, I took a day last week, stayed home and painted the library a gold color. Now, this middle room is gold and black and feels more at ease with the rest of the house. Blogger posted my photos out of order but you get the idea.

I'm still waiting on hubby to build me a shelf which I'll paint black and it will go above the red seatee which will also get a coat of black paint, this summer. And I'm looking for a better floor lamp, in black to match and update the space some. It's amazing how a can of paint and a little rearranging can make a room look totally different. I'm still a bit restless, only for spring to come now!

Don't forget to get entered in my hoping for spring giveaway that ends this Sunday at noon. Scroll down to that post and leave a comment on your favorite spring flower and keep your fingers crossed. The winner will be notified Sunday afternoon. This prize is something springish! Good luck to all!
P.S. Click on photos to enlarge

Facebook Fans

Facebook is a wonderful place to connect with friends, old and new but did you know it was also a great outlet for artists of all kinds, not to mention keeping track of your favorite blogs or websites. Last week,a sister of a our pastors wife liked one of my barn photos so much, she asked me if she could use it for a painting. I was honored and within a week, she completed it. Her canvas of choice are old windows, and from one photo came this lovely work of art! Thanks Tammy for turning my barn photo into a masterpiece! Don't think Facebook is just about chatting, it's also about sharing, learning and connecting with people of all levels of talent. Look me up if your a facebook fan like I am!

Tasty Tuesday

I'm cheating big time today, and using a borrowed recipe from a cookbook that is still on my wish list and from a fellow blogger who has made it big, one I've been following for years now and always wished would do a cookbook. See girls, wishes do come true! I don't think I have to introduce you to Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman because she should be a household name by now!

I was so happy to see a article on her in the March issue of Woman's Day magazine complete with photos and a recipe that she claims is the only casserole her hubby will eat. Now, I haven't tried this yet, but I am this week, I figure if a rough -n- tough cowboy likes this dish, my buffet man should, right? We shall see.....

Chicken Spaghetti

1 cut up chicken (I'm cheating and using skinned breasts)
1 lb. thin spaghetti, broken into 2 in. pieces
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. diced green bell pepper
1 jar (4 oz.) diced pimento, drained
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1/8 to 1/4 cayenne pepper, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Heat oven to 350, add chicken to a stock pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer till chicken is cooked, about 25 mins. Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool. Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot and set aside. Bring the remaining broth to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook till done, drain it and set aside. Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Then add the onion, green pepper and pimento. Add the seasoned salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken and broth. Stir together well, then taste to check the seasonings. Pour mixture into a large baking dish and top with remaining 1/2 c. cheese. Bake for 35-40 mins. till bubbly.



I think I'll even cheat some more and use the whole wheat pasta in hopes of making it a bit better for you, small hopes, but all hope is good! So, while I wait to add this cookbook to my collection, her blog offers a wonderful sample of down home cooking, on or off the range! So, gather your gang and experience how the pioneer woman cooks!

P.S. 3/4/10 I made this dish last night and it was so good that my hubby didn't come up once till it was time for seconds! lol It was a hit! And I must say, you can't tell or taste the mushroom soup, delish!