Newest Crafting Project

I am currently working on a baby gift set consisting of handcrocheted beanies and washcloths at the moment.  I really want to make this darling crocheted blanket, but must wait for the time being.  I will post pictures as soon as my baby gift is done, as well as listing them on my Etsy.  Stay tuned......

Shark Navigator

I am in love with my new vacuum.  I finally just broke down and got a decently price one...not too cheap, but not extremely expensive.  I think it was close to $200.  I must say, it does an excellent job and is still working like new.  I have had it since February and I am still very pleased with it.  My last vacuum did a terrible job from day 1, but I just dealt with it until I was able to get a new one.  If this new Shark Navigator ever breaks, I will break down myself and just start crying.  It is bagless and the filters can be washed and air dried - no more buying filters for a while - and it is simple to clean out if the hose ever gets plugged or anything.  My children actually ask to vacuum the floor.  I have to keep telling them no because only I get to use the vacuum. (I really don't want it to break! Who knows what they will do to it.) So if you are in the market for a new vacuum, I would highly recommend this one. 
Cheaper is not better for sure!

Completely Unhealthy but Yummy!

Got discourage today with my donuts that did not work out at all.  But still in great need of a snack so I decided on something not very healthy, but my, it was good.
RICE CRISPIE ROLLUPS

Make a sheet of Rice Crispie Treats, making it only about 1 inch thick.  Let dry for a little while, enough to make it plyable, but not crisp.  Then take peanut butter and chocolate chips and melt together.  Spread on the Rice Crispie Treats and roll up carefully.  You may put what every else you would like on it before rolling it up.  I put Coconut on mine.  If you have extra chocolate sauce, spread it on the top and decorate how you like.  It was so delicious.
 I am still working the donuts, I will give it another try next week and hopefully adjust the recipe to turn out right!

Yummy way to brew coffee

A friend once shared this creative way to make home - brewed coffee a little more, well, creative.  I don't do this everyday, but when I just want some delicious coffee. 

Before brewing your coffee, sprinkle about 2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon on the grounds and a pinch of salt.

Fill your coffee maker with water and get everything ready to go.  Then take your coffee pot and fill just the inner circle with Grade A Maple Syrup.  If you pot does not have the little indented circle then I am approximating 2-3 Tbles of Maple Syrup.  Brew as usual, making sure the cycle is complete before serving.  Cream however you like and enjoy a different, but delicious start to your day.  

I use just half and half or heavy whipping cream when done this way as the maple syrup does sweeten it some.

Great way to cut back on  sugar if you are on a diet as well.

What are Dogs thinking?

Why do dogs chase cars?  There is a little tiny dog that lives down my street that runs out and tries to bite my tires.  Are they that dumb?  My tires are at least 3x bigger.  I just know one day that poor little pooch is going to get run over.  Hopefully I am not the one. 

Lemon-Butter Brussel Sprouts

Believe it or not, my 9 year old has been begging for brussel sprouts.  Apparently my sister in law made some really good ones for him a while back.  I finally decided to give in, it's healthy, what can in hurt.  Anyway, here is her recipe which is really good.

15-20 Brussel Sprouts, Steamed with the ends cut off and peeled to the nice part.
1 cube of butter, melted
1 fresh lemon, squeezed
salt and pepper
Mix the melted butter and lemon juice to make a sauce.

There are 2 different ways to serve this:
1. Serve the whole sprouts with the sauce to dip in.
2. Cut the sprouts in 1/2 and drizzle the sauce over them.  Sprinkle salt and pepper.

I like the 2nd way a lot better, the halves seems to soak up more of the sauce and had a better flavor.

I had to keep from picking in them, they were so good!

Another great product!

I have come across another great product to use in my daily life.  I finally decided to try Downy Pure Essentials -  Aloe and White Lilac.  I have been hesitant to try it, not knowing how it would effect my clothes etc.  I am picky with my fabric softener because what I get I have to use all the way up before buying more.  
I was very happy with the results.  They have such a fresh, clean scent.  My sheets smelled just wonderful!  Not to mention, my husband actually complimented on how nice everything smelled.  That means alot to me.  
So, if you, like myself have been holding back, go on and try it!