.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Please excuse the mess while I work on my page tabs. They should be more organized and make sense soon!

MOZZARELLA CRESCENT ROLLS


These have probably been around a while but I have never tried them....not sure I have
even seen a recipe for them but I'm thinking they would be really good with spaghetti or rigatoni.
So easy to make...roll up mozzarella cheese in crescent rolls and bake...


Get the recipe here:









PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPY TREAT PRALINES


I got this one from Paula...here....

http://www.virginiasweetpea.com/2011/09/peanut-butter-rice-krispy-treat.html

who got it from Kevin and Amanda....here...


and I thought it was just so pretty on their websites that I had to also put it on mine ....
I love these quick and yummy recipes that make the rounds because they are so impressive!
Yum!


You can get the recipe at either of the links above...
Thanks Paula, Kevin and Amanda !!


CHEESEBURGER - AND - FRIES CASSEROLE


I like this recipe because you can add what you want for your individual taste before you eat it.
It gives you fries and hamburger all in one...



2 lbs. ground beef
1 - 10 3/4 ounce can condensed golden mushroom soup (I use cream of chicken instead)
1 - 10 3/4 ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 - 20 ounce package frozen crinkle cut potatoes
Hamburger toppings (pickles, mustard, chopped tomato, onion etc).

Directions here:

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

PRINTABLE FUN


This website has bunches of really cute printable things.  Here is a sample of the kind
of  bookmarks they have.  It is an awesome site for printables!
It has just about every cartoon character and movie hero you could think of....


You will have fun checking this one out...



EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK BARS


This looks like it would be a fun recipe for kids to help with.
So many choices of what to top these with....I'm thinking things like coconut, chocolate or
butterscotch chips...how about skittles or even popcorn?? ...on and on....
also I bet you could make these leaving the peanut butter out if you have
peanut allergies in your house right ?


1 package refrigerator chocolate chip dough ( 18 ounces)
1 jar marshmallow cream (7 ounces)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups cereal of your choice
1/2 cup M&M's
Other toppings of your choice

Full recipe with directions here:

EASY CHEESECAKE RECIPE


Today July 30th, according to my calendar of fun holidays, is National Cheesecake Day.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/calendars/ss/2013-Funny-Holiday-Calendar-Pages.htm

My niece Laurie makes a fantastic cheesecake that I actually dream about!
She gave me the recipe but I always say something like that is sooo much better
if someone else makes it...(hint hint Laurie)

To honor this holiday I set out to find a very easy cheesecake recipe.  I found this one that
looks delicious and easy to make.



1 prepared graham cracker pie crust
8 ounce soft cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces Cool Whip (just slightly thawed)

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar and mix well.
3. Add sour cream and vanilla and mix well.
4. Fold in Cool Whip.

5. Put mixture in pie crust and chill for about 4 hours.

Here is where I got this great recipe from:
Moms Who Think..I love that website name!

PISTACHIO PIE


What a pretty pie this is.
Pretty and easy to make.  Can't beat that.
I actually have never tried pistachio pudding other than in the 
pistachio salad that has been around for many years.  If it's so
good in that it has to make a great pie right ?



1 prepared graham cracker crust
1 package pistachio instant pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
8 ounces Cool Whip

Directions here:

Monday, July 29, 2013

UNCOOKED BANANA PUDDING


I love anything banana flavored and I also love pudding and vanilla wafers...
guess this recipe is for me !
Many of these ingredients could be sugar free too which makes it even greater...
and look how pretty it is...


Ingredients:

8 ounces sour cream
8 ounce Cool Whip
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (5 ounce)
2 cups whole milk
1 box vanilla wafers (16 ounce)
4 bananas (peeled and sliced)

Directions are here:

APPLE BAKE


This recipe was a little vague on amounts but it looks really good.
I'm guessing with the raisins you could use however much you want as it says they are optional and doesn't suggest any certain amount of them to add.
It looks really easy to make...and I like that!
I'm picturing a little sugar-free Cool Whip on top....



3 apples (cut into small cubes)
1 ready-made pie crust
5 tablespoons applesauce
raisins (optional)
 
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
 
2. Place apples in pie crust.
 
3. Sprinkle raisins on top of apples. (amount to taste)
 
4.  spread applesauce on top.
 
5. Bake 30 minutes.

Original recipe is here:


PRINTABLE CUBES


Good morning world !

This is one of my first attempts to post a project of my own, created by me, and I hope I do all of this right.  This blog thing is a little confusing when you first start out with it but I'm making some progress on learning how to do things here so hopefully this all works well for everyone.

I had fun creating these printable cubes.  Roll the 'dice' to help you decide what to make for supper, what to do on a day off or to sit around in a circle and create a fun story.  I also made a blank one that you can print out and then write each side with your own idea.

I printed these on card stock paper and it worked fine but if you want them a little stronger I would try using a heavier paper or even put some kind of stuffing inside of them.


Supplies:

1 sheet card stock paper for each cube
glue or double sided scotch tape
printer


Click link below for printing:
(NOTE:  I have all four cubes on one print out.  If you don't want to print all of them you can choose which page you want in your printer setup.)



Sunday, July 28, 2013

IMPOSSIBLY EASY BACON PIE


Wow...this looks so good to me..
I'm trying to think what would be good to serve with it.




12 slices crumbled crispy bacon
1 cup shredded swiss cheese (4 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup Original Bisquick mix
1 1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
touch of pepper

Instructions here:

VANILLA COCONUT MUFFINS


I need to try these really really soon...
I like that they have ingredients most people usually have on hand....



Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
2 cups shredded coconut 
2 large eggs
1 cup milk 
1 tbsp vanilla extract
5 tbsp butter, melted

You can get the instructions here:

                                    http://bakingbites.com/2013/01/vanilla-coconut-muffins/



ANIMALS OF THE WORLD 'OLDER KIDS' COLORING PAGES


Another great website for 'older kids' coloring pages. These are fantastic because
not only can you print the detailed picture of each animal but if you want to
you can also order kits to make the same animal in fabric.


Print at this link:

COLORING PAGES FOR OLDER KIDS


Pretty much anybody who knows me knows that I still love to color !  Both by hand and on the computer.
It was my favorite thing to do as a child and I just think it's so relaxing.

We used to find books to buy in the stores that had more complex pictures and designs for older kids and adults to enjoy coloring, but I haven't seen those in a number of years.

That's why I love this website below.  These designs look beautiful in a frame after you are done coloring them.
Enjoy !

This shows you what an uncolored one looks like:


...and da daa !
Here is a finished one of another design...so pretty...


These are free to print at the website below:


Saturday, July 27, 2013

BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE


Pineapple and Ritz Crackers together...
I have never tried a combination of those two foods 
but this looks so good I think I will soon....


For this recipe you will need:

1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (28 ounces)
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter (melted)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (8 ounces), plus a little for topping

...and for the instructions you can go here:

PRETTY PENCILS


I love these.  What a fun craft for both kids and adults.
It just takes some pretty paper and a little Mod Podge and you can
give your pencils a whole new look.
You could even print a fun design and add your name to it to
personalize them. (or even your website address)
....another simple little craft with endless possibilities !


Here are the instructions:

Friday, July 26, 2013

CHEDDAR BACON RANCH PULL APART BREAD


This recipe is easier than it looks.
I think it's really elegant looking...


Ingredients:

1 round loaf sourdough bread (not sliced)
3/4 cup butter (melted)
2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry)
5 strips bacon (cooked and finely chopped)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can change amount to suit your taste)

Instructions are here:

CHOCOLATE DIPPED LICORICE


One word for this one.....YUM!


I think these would be fun with any flavor of Twizzlers.
How about doing some with white chocolate too, those would be pretty.
I'm picturing the chocolate flavored Twizzlers with white chocolate...


Melted chocolate chips
1 package strawberry Twizzlers

You can get the instructions here:


Hello ??
....lookin around....
Is anybody out there in computer land ?
Somebody say hey to me !

ICE CREAM JELLO


So pretty and easy to make.
I remember this recipe from years ago, but I had forgotten about it along the way
until I came across it now. As it sets the ice cream comes to the top and you end
up with two layers with different textures.



2 large packages jello (6 ounces, any flavor)
1 packet unflavored Knox gelatin
4 cups boiling water
about 3/4 quart vanilla ice cream


1.  Mix water, jello and unflavored gelatin in a bowl.
2.  Add ice cream quickly and stir until melted.
3.  Pout into a 9x13 inch bowl and refrigerate overnight.
4.  Cut into squares.

Here is where I got this recipe:

Thursday, July 25, 2013


Once again, if you see something jumbled up here on my blog it's because I am new to this and I am working to learn the ways of doing it all.
Right now I am trying to figure out the best way to offer printable versions of my own
crafts I put on here.
It has been pretty confusing until today but I think I finally figured out how to do it....hope hope !
Please excuse anything you may see that doesn't make sense over the next couple of days.
These things take me a while but I usually get them figured out...
gotta love a challenge !

PRINTABLE MUPPETS PENCIL TOPPERS


I thought with school coming up in a month or so that kids would have fun with these.
Especially the little ones.
Cute little muppet pencil toppers that you just print out.


These printables are here:

STRAWBERRY BREAD


Strawberry bread with applesauce in the recipe.  Interesting!
It does look really good...


You can click the link below to get the recipe.
This website has recipes for people who can't tolerate dairy products:

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

PAPER BIRDS


These are so fun to make.
All you need is pretty paper, colored paper clips and a little glue...
and you can make these cute little birds.
I love simple little craft projects like this.
Wouldn't they be cute flocked together on a shelf or a desk....


I may have mentioned this website below before.  It is great!

PHOTOS BY PHIL


My husband Phil's favorite hobby has always been photography.
He has always enjoyed taking pictures, especially scenic landscapes and sky pictures.
I put together this slide show of a few of his pictures that he has taken here in North Dakota this summer 2013.
Hope you enjoy them....


BLANK FACES DRAWING PAGE


Here's another fun and easy printable that kids love.
It lets them draw faces and use their imagination on how they want each person on the page to look.
Great idea that even adults would enjoy!


You can print this one here:

PAPER DOLLS AROUND THE WORLD


When I was a kid I used to spend hours cutting out and playing with paper dolls.
One of the most exciting things for me was to get a new book of them, which was usually for my birthday.
I remember when I was in elementary school and we would get 'free time' in art class I spent it drawing a paper doll and making all kinds of clothes for her. I also taught my granddaughters how to do that.
Now I love to make them on the computer, and I may be adding some of those on here at a later date..

This website has tons of them including some from just about every country in the world.
You can print the doll to color and one traditional outfit along with it.
I think this is great....the one you see below is Sweden....

     

Here is the link to this website where you can print them from:

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

DIABETIC STRAWBERRY PIE


Here is another recipe recommended for diabetics and it looks great.
It has many good reviews too.


You can find the recipe here:

CORN PUDDING


I love corn anything and this pudding looks so good.
Simple ingredients and simple preparation and look how attractive it is:



1  (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn (do not drain)
1  (14 1/2 oz) can creamed corn
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 ounces sour cream
1 (8 1/2 oz.) box Jiffy cornbread mix


1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Pour into greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
2.  Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Here you go:

OOPSIE ROLLS (Gluten-Free Buns)


I have not seen this recipe before but from the reviews I read it must be awesome!

I am always looking for recipes for food that won't raise my glucose too much and I am hoping this will be one that doesn't.  It always jumps up too high from breads of any kind so I am looking forward to getting the ingredients and trying these.

(if you have tried these maybe you could leave a comment and let us know how they worked for you,  would love some opinions on them.)


Here is where you can get this recipe:


Monday, July 22, 2013

SUGAR-FREE OATMEAL BANANA RAISIN COOKIES


As I have mentioned before, I am a diabetic...and I think it's time I start to post some good diabetic-friendly recipes on here too, along with the regular delicious ones.

These cookies look easy to make and very good...



3 bananas (ripe)
2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
 
1.  Set oven at 350 degrees.
 
2.  Mash bananas in a bowl and stir in all other ingredients, combine well.
 
3.  Drop cookies by teaspoon onto an oil sprayed cookie sheet.
 
4.  Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.


If you are looking for a good website for diabetic recipes here is the one I found this recipe on.
It is a very good site:



HAMBURGER CRUNCH


Something about this really looks good....gotta try this one soon.
I think some pasta added to it would be good too.



2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon onion, minced
2 cans (10 3/4 ounce tomato soup)
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 cups corn chips
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese


1. Set oven at 350 degrees.

2.  Brown ground beef and onion in a large pan.  Drain.

3.  Stir in soup and chili powder.

4.  Place in ungreased 9x13 inch pan.

5.  Top with the corn chips.

6.  Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.

7.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Here is the link to this recipe:


MASHED POTATO GOULASH




1 pound ground beef
chopped onion (to taste and optional)
1 can mixed vegetables
1 can cream of chicken soup
mashed potatoes
 
1.  Cook ground beef and onion together until well done and browned.
 
2.  Add mixed vegetables.
 
3.  In a bowl mix cream of chicken soup with water until it is gravy texture (about 1/2 soup can of water).
 
4.  Pour thinned soup over mixture in pan and simmer until hot.
 

5.  Serve over mashed potatoes.  (also good over rice or pasta)

PEEK-A-BOO TOY


Mr. Printables website is great.
I could spend so much time on it.  It has so many cute projects, and they are not a huge challenge that takes forever to make.

This one below is so cute.  What little child doesn't like to play peek-a-boo...and this little toy is just adorable.

I am sure it has been shared on Pinterest many times but it's so cute I just had to add it again....


Go here to meet Mr. Printables!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY


Today,  July 21, 2013 on my calendar of funny holidays
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/calendars/ss/2013-Funny-Holiday-Calendar-Pages.htm
is
da daa da daaaaaa......

National Junk Food Day!

so does this mean we can eat all of this stuff that we want today ?????


Since our house is no longer full of junk food I borrowed the above photo here:



CHOCOLATE BANANA WAFFLE PANINI


This looks good.

  Much like the grilled ham and cheese waffle sandwich I posted earlier but this one is more of a dessert type.

I like quick dessert type things where you don't have so much left over to eat up later.

2 frozen waffles
1 tablespoon butter
2 oz. chocolate (chips or other chocolate chopped up)
1/2 banana (sliced)
 
1.  Butter one side of each waffle.
 
2.  Make a sandwich with buttered side of waffle on outside putting chocolate and banana inside.
 
3.  Grill in pan or on griddle over medium heat until chocolate is melted and waffles are golden brown and crispy.

Got the idea here:

Friday, July 19, 2013

HAND BEADED HANGERS


Look how pretty these hangers are.
This would be a fun craft to do while watching TV.
....and they would make really nice gifts too!


All you need is some wire hangers and pretty beads...
Click the link below for instructions for making these...


GRILLED HAM AND CHEESE WAFFLE SANDWICH


Here is a different idea to try in place of the usual grilled cheese sandwich.
I don't know why I didn't think of this one sooner too.
Instead of the ham all the time it would be fun to try some different ingredients.
I'm thinking it would be great with bacon or deli chicken or just cheese or just eggs or sausage or, or, or...
any other ideas for it ????



2 frozen waffles
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Thinly sliced ham
Thinly sliced cheddar cheese
Butter

1. If using the mustard spread one side of each waffle with it.
2.  Place ham, cheese and remaining waffle on top.
3.  Butter outside of top and bottom waffles.
4.  Cook in pan or on griddle until cheese melts and waffles are golden brown.

Here is where I got this idea:

Thursday, July 18, 2013

FROZEN OREO DESSERT


What a pretty dessert this is!
...and so easy to make.




1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding (large, approx. 6 oz.)
3 cups milk
12 ounces Cool Whip
1 package crushed Oreo cookies (20 oz).

1.  Make pudding as directed on box, using the milk.
2.  Fold in Cool Whip and cookies.
3.  Put in a 9x13 inch pan.

4.  Freeze until firm.

Found it here:

FUN SNACKS


Here are some fun snack ideas for kids (and adults).
Some different ways to make S'mores too.  Using cookies for them is a great idea.


Check out this fun website...

CINNAMON SUGAR PIE STICKS


I like pie crust recipes.  This one is so easy.
All you have to do is buy the refrigerator crust and a in few minutes you can have such a simple and good dessert or snack.  
I'm thinking they would also be good with a little frosting drizzled on them too...
....or served with a side of frosting for dipping....



Pie crust dough
Cinnamon
Sugar
(all amounts of your choice)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

3.  Cut pie dough into strips and sprinkle with mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

4.  Bake sticks until golden brown.  About 15-20 minutes.

5.  Place sticks on cooling rack.

Thanks to Krissys-Creations for this easy recipe!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

PIE CRUST CRACKERS


Here is something I never would have thought of but don't they look good!
Crackers made from pie crust.  Amazing what you find on the internet.
I think these would also be really good with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top of them.




2 ready-made refrigerator pie crusts.
1  egg (beaten)
salt and pepper (optional)
toppings of choice such as shredded cheese, bacon bits etc.

1.  Cut dough with cookie cutter or knife to shape and size you want.
2.  Put a few little holes in cracker with a fork.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
3.  Brush tops with egg. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.  Add other toppings such as cheese, etc.
4.  Bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

GIFT CARD HOLDER


What a neat idea this is.  
I have come up with all kinds of ways to present gift cards as gifts without buying a gift card holder because they are so expensive for what you get.
I'm going to have fun making some of these...
The ideas are rushing through my head on how to design them...fun fun!


Go here for directions..

BACON WRAPPED POTATO WEDGES


I love bacon.
  I love potato wedges.
  I love quick and easy recipes.
  I love food that I make that people I make it for love.
  I hope you love this recipe.  It even has an easy dip to go along with them.  Yum.
  The link to the site I borrowed this from is below.
  She has a great blog with wonderful recipes.  Check it out!  You will love it!



Bacon Potatoes:

5 - 10 small or medium sized red potatoes.  Cut them into wedges.
1 pkg. bacon.  Cut slices in half.

Dip:
 
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced (optional)
3 - 4 dashes Tobasco sauce
Tooth picks
 
1.  Preheat oven ro 425 degrees.

2. Wrap each wedge with 1/2 bacon slice and secure with toothpick.

3. Place in single layer on lightly greased baking sheet.

4. Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until bacon is crispy and browned.
 
5. Mix sour cream, Tabasco sauce and chives.  Serve as dip.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

CINNAMON SUGAR WAFFLE FINGERS


These would be good (in moderation of course) along with some eggs
and hash browns, or a nice omelet.


1 frozen waffle
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Cut the waffle into sticks (1/2 inch).
2.  Melt the butter with the sugar and cinnamon in skillet over medium heat.
3.  Add waffle sticks and cook, turning often, until caramelized and crisp.  (2 or 3 minutes)

KATIE'S OATMEAL RAISIN PUDDING


For some reason I woke up bright and early at 5:00 am and started thinking about breakfast recipes.  
So I decided to go on a search and see what I came up with for unique oatmeal recipes.
I love oatmeal, not just for breakfast but in cookies and cakes etc.
I always think of it when I hear the words 'comfort foods' because there's something about it that brings back some nice childhood memories for me.  

Anyway,  here is one I want to try, looks so good...




2 cups milk
1 serving oatmeal (already cooked)
1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
 
Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
 
Turn down heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pudding is desired consistency.

Thanks Katie!

Monday, July 15, 2013

S'MORES DIP


Yum!  This is good anytime!



14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
12 large marshmallows
pretzels and graham crackers for dipping

 
1.  In large microwave safe bowl, add condensed milk and chocolate chips.
 
2.  Microwave for 1 minute.
 
3.  Stir and add the marshmallows.
 
4.  Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and microwave another 30 seconds.
 
5.  Stir and serve with pretzels, graham crackers, fruit, etc.
 

CINNAMON SUGAR APPLE ROLLS


Crescent Rolls are one of my favorite foods.

There are so many thing you can make out of them.  I like to make the ones with sloppy joe mixture and cheese rolled up inside of them, the crescent dogs, and last week I made them with cheese and sausage links inside and a mixture of hash browns and scrambled eggs along with them.  It was a quick and easy 'breakfast supper'.  I've also filled them with shredded chicken and that is good too.

Now I want to try making some desserts with them.  Here is a fun and easy one...


2 package crescent rolls
1 large apple
3 tablespoons butter, melted
4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon


 
1.  Cut the apple into 8 wedges, leaving the peel on.

2.  Unroll the crescent rolls and brush with melted butter.

3.  Mix the sugar and cinnamon together.  Sprinkle over the crescent rolls.

4.  Place an apple wedge on each one and roll it up, tucking corners underneath.

5.  Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture.


6.  Bake 350 degrees for about 15 min.

PLASTIC CANVAS FACE MASK CLIPS

PLASTIC CANVAS FACE MASK CLIPS I have been sitting back wondering how I could help with this pandemic... I wanted to do...