Hats, hats, and even more Hats!

Sorry to take so long between posts, but I have been super busy.  Just a quick update for my Etsy Shop:


Hats....more hats :)  I have a couple new patterns of hats that will be coming to my shop very soon.  One is just  a regular cap beanie, alot like the ones I have now, just a different stitch and such and the other is the newboys type hat.  I will be offering them in all sizes from newborn to adult.  Prices are yet to be determined, but they won't be much different from  what I have listed.
I am also working on some new baby shoes...looking into cute baby boy booties as well as some different girl's shoes.
And of course, there are still alot of different items, ranging from house decor to baby items in my shop.  They make excellent gifts for any occasion.
Until my next trip to my blog.....

The cat...really?

My darling boy who keeps me busy all day, in fact, I have to keep a close watch on him even in his bed, until he goes to sleep that is, then I can relax.  
I find that some nights he will sneak the cat in, yes, Sparks, our calico cat finds her way into his bed.  She loves it there.  And he would actually sleep all night with her if I let him.  Most the time I would probably not know about the cat (he hides her under his blankets and lays so quietly) if his brother that shares the same room didn't tell me.  
Perhaps it is time to invest in a small stuffed kitten for him?  Maybe it is being able to snuggle up with something warm that doesn't shove him away or tell him to get into his own bed.  What ever it is, I do hope he grows out of it and soon!  

Attempting to switch over to all Natural cleaning stuff

I have been thinking about this for some time now.  I really like the idea of a cleaning my house and laundry with greener and more natural products.  Safer and in some cases, as I will explain here, cheaper.
This post is mostly about my homemade laundry soap.  I go through tons of laundry at my house, mountains of it.  A lot of them are pastels for my girls, who simply love the mud and anything else they can possibly get on them.
So started my journey.  With the economy as it is these days, we make barely enough money to pay the bills and get a few basic groceries.  I have read online how homemade laundry soap is so much cheaper.  I thought about this, cheaper is great, but does it clean?  So instead of buying my usual detergent 2 months ago, I bought the ingredients to make it and then would just hope for the best.  The first few formulas were a disaster!  I browsed some more and found new ones, and took the ones that worked fairly good and changed it to how I liked it.  I finally succeeded with 2 formulas, one powder and one liquid.
Make no mistake, these are no miracle workers, I still have to pre-soak and pre-treat.  Sometimes I will pull something out of the washer and spray it down and throw it back in the laundry for the next round.  All in all, my close are clean and smell good too!
To go along with my homemade laundry soap, I have made some fabric softener and pre-treating spray.
As I have the supplies to make soap, I get to choose from a variety of different scents.  (I also so have a soap shop on Etsy-link to the left)
I make my laundry soap with my hand-poured goats milk soap, great scents, even cheaper than buying soap, and still works nicely.
I am currently selling a Make Your Own Liquid Laundry Soap Kit in my soap shop so you can make some of this at home.  I will post my formulas for pre-treating spray and softener in a later post, when I make sure they are perfect.
More posts on making my house greener, safer and more natural will come as I slowly switch over.
By the way, to buy all the ingredients and make my own laundry items really has been a lot cheaper!

Being 2 Steps Ahead.

About 1 year ago, my five year old boy (Ruey) who then was four, was diagnosed with ADHD/ODD. Which is much worse that just ADHD, but occasionally happens. (Read about ODD HERE.) It was a serious change in my lifestyle.  We had been in and out the of Doctors office since he was 3 and showing signs of odd behavior.  He would rush and attempt to stop traffic, he was mean, and started yelling.  It was all so quick, as a baby and toddler, he was happy and easy-going all the time.  Nothing bothered him.  Nowdays it is a completely different story.
I get to be up in the mornings before him so I can make sure he gets his Adderall right at 6:30 otherwise, it ends up being too late to give him a second dose 6 hours later. (He can't have it after 2:00PM or it keeps him up all night.)
The good news is, he is usually pretty mild when he first wakes up.  He likes to just lounge around on the couch wrapped in a blanket.  Lucky for me, so I have time to get the 2 oldest off to school.
A year ago when we finally figured this all out, I wasn't too concerned.  My thoughts at the time were "oh, this should be easy, just make sure he gets his pills and he will be normal and everything will work out"  How I wish I was more concerned back then.  It wasn't just that simple.  I dealt with the mood swings and the being mean, just thinking "He had his pills, so this must be a phase or something like that."
The truth out the matter was and is, I have to be 2 steps ahead at all times.  I need to have a schedule worked out and stick to it.  He loves crafts and coloring and stuff like that. So that is one thing I need to stay on top of.  We run out quickly because he will do some for hours.  Gluing popsicle sticks, perler beads, beading on strings...you name it.  He loves them and I get something done and know he is not burning the shed down. (He actually lit it on fire one day when he was unattended for 2 minutes while I was changing the baby, but that is another story.)
  Getting him to so even the simplest chores can be an act of congress at times.  Other times he is willing to do his chores if he is getting something out of the deal.
We have been to see his pediatrician several times and changed his meds and doses.  Right now, he is quite a different boy.  The meds this time seem to be helping.  But that is no excuse for me to lax...his body still moves faster than is brain sometimes.  He never thinks about consequences, but I am told, as he gets older and I make sure to keep his meds regular, he will start thinking about things like this, and making better choices on his own.
I have changed alot in his diet, taking out highly processed foods, and Red 40.  I do, however, let him had processed food sometime and even red 40 sneaks into his diet occasionally.  I have on the blog some recipes that I have adjusted and made healthier. Check them out if you have a second.  Just changing his diet to a healthier, less processed diet has been beneficial not only for him, but for the rest of the family as well.
I am posting this because I know this is no rare disorder and tons of other children out there have it, whether their parents will admit it or not.  I would love to hear your suggestions and your stories about the best things you have done for yours and what has helped you.

Super Creative Tags...

I came across this great blog when I was bored and searching for ways to make things more creative.  I found these FREE, very cute, vintage gift tags.  I was very pleased with them, they make great "Thankyou" tags for tie to my sold Etsy items.  I love leaving little thank you note on them.  
Anyway....  Click Here to go to this exciting new blog that I found "Eat Drink Chic" by Amy Moss, and print your own tags.  This blog is just a whole lot of fun with some great ideas.  Thanks Amy, glad I found you.

A New Tactic

I have decided to try merging my 2 Etsy shops in to one and hopefully start getting a lot more traffic and hopefully a lot more sales.  It is a slow process as I don't have a lot of time on the computer to do it, so it will be a little here and a little there until I get them all done.  I have a lot more crocheting lined up to do and add to it as well, so keep checking back.  

Knitting.....

I have decided that it would be a lot of fun to learn to knit.  So I have ordered a few books and some basic supplies to learn how.  It will be fun to do something different than crocheting, but still making cute things.  I will post picture and post about my progress.  Hopefully I catch on quick so I can get some more darling things in my Etsy shop. 

My Mind is Cranking.....

I have been super busy the last little while creating new and exciting items to put in my Etsy shop.  I have a got a few in there, the latest being my cute Mary Jane Baby Shoes.  
I have in mind to make some soft crocheted baby blocks, still working it all out.  I am going to make a set for my baby and then, depending on how they turn out,  some to put in my shop.  
I will post pictures as soon as I get my first set done.  

Sneek Peek at My New Item

I have been working on something new and really cute to put in my Etsy shop.  I finally got it all worked out and practiced up enough to make some really cute little baby slippers.  They are alot of fun and super easy to adjust and add too.  There are so many options for these little cuties.  I don't have any in my shop yet, but am currently working on a pair to put on.  

Here are some sets that I made for my Sister-in-Law who recently had a set of twins.  They turned out really cute.  

Doubled Colored

Just recently added to my Etsy shop are some really cute 2 colored scrunchies.  Handcrocheted with 2 different threads, the result was just amazing and cute.  I made a bunch for a few friends, who really liked them.  Now is the chance to get your own.  If there is 2 particular colors you are looking for, I can probably find and make it up for you.  Check them out now. 

More crafting.

I got some more supplies for crafting, so you will be seeing some more pop up in my shop.  Some more socks, bigger sizes, and some different scrunchies - soft fuzzy ones.  These fuzzy ones are my favorite, I just wish I could find alot more colors.  I will keep looking.  So, keep checking my shop to be the first to get these great new items.

We have adopted another pet.

The newest addition to our pet family arrive about 1 week ago.  My 9 year old along with the neighbor boy caught a horny toad and it came to our house to live.  I don't really mind, as it just overjoys to boy to have a cool little pet like that.  It was rather shy in the beginning and would his and snap at him when he tried to pick it up, but after a while, he figured out that if he just rubbed behind the little horns on the top of it's head, it calmed down.  Great, now we get to chase the little guys around and make them scream.  
So, a place was made to keep the lil' toad thingy safe from the cats.  They really wanted to eat it!  So for a few days in lived in a barrel type home will plenty of red ants for snacks.  Now it has been moved to an empty fish tank filled with sand and rocks to enjoy a safer life.  We are still looking for names, so any suggestions would be great.

What do little people think?

The other morning I was combing my 2 year old girl's hair.  She was just jabbering along and through the course of the conversation, she let me know that the neighbor boy, about the same age, said she was ugly.  Then she stops, looks up at me and says "Kick him?"  I say no, we want to be friends.  She hangs her head for a moment then looks up again and says "Bite?"  It just made my day.  Makes me wonder what her idea of a friend was.

QuickRewards

Here is another great site I have found for taking survey and earning cashback while shopping online.  QuickRewards is a great place.  I have cash out so many times.  The great thing is, they don't require a minimum to cash out.  This is one place that I use alot, they have a pretty quick turnaround time in paying  as well.  They also pay through Paypal, which I used alot.  Here is the link so you can try it out.
QuickRewards

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow!  I have been so busy focusing on my Etsy shop that I have neglected my baking and cooking section.  I will get something made and the recipe and picture hopefully posted soon.  Don't give up on me :)

Got a bunch more scrunchies in my shop.  A few different colors.  I am currently working a barely small ones for those who have thinner hair, like myself.  Hope they turn out to be good sellers, I am starting to get discouraged. NO!  I will not, I will be patient and things will start selling.  Here are a few pics of the ones that are done and up for sale.  

Got my baby gift set completed finally.  I spent so much time trying to find the right ribbons for it (which I never did find so I gave up).  I just added my own decorations and it turned out super cute.  It is now available in my Etsy shop. I would have kept it myself, but I don't think I baby BOY would appreciate GIRLIE things on him.  They are going to be a great hit at baby showers and if it ends up selling quick, I will probably be making more.  Meanwhile, I am going to be stocking up on ribbons, buttons, and bows, etc. to keep on hand so my next set won't take quite so long.  Check it out and let me know what you think. 

I miss the beach.  Last time I went to the beach was about 15 years ago.  Got to spend a week at Capistrano beach.  I see all these beautiful pictures all over the net and makes me think I should start saving up.  Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Seaworld all in one week, man, I could definately do that again.  

Just about finished up with my baby gift set.  It consists of 2 darling crocheted baby hats, 1 darling headband with a flower, and 1 baby washcloth.  It will fit a 3+ month old baby.  I am looking forward to putting it in my shop.  It turned out so cute.

I finished up this custom order about a week ago.  It turned out so cute.  I bet the little girl that got those was really happy.

New Etsy item

Slowly getting my Etsy shop built up.  I got a fair amount of socks and am now introducing some cute hair accessories.  Not a whole lot right now, but will be adding more and lots of different colors.  My little girl begged me into making some for her and a friend, which of course I had to say yes!  Check them out and tell me what you think.

A Good Laugh

I came across this while reading my email and it just made my day!
Super Good Laugh

Looks like my children enjoy this tree as well, only for different reasons, unfortunately.  I found these poor blossoms on my kitchen floor.

So Sad!

Finally, It's in Bloom!

My Purple Robe Locust Tree!  It only blooms in the spring like most other trees, but these blossoms are more than gorgeous.  My favorite part about this tree, the beautiful bright pink blossoms smell alot like Lilacs, but stronger. Not sure why it is a named purple....
In the morning and evening for some reason they smell even better.  This tree is quick growing and makes a great shade tree.  

My Etsy Is Getting a Makeover!

I decided to give my Etsy shop a makeover.  I really lacked character and was kind of boring.  I really had alot of fun shopping for my banner and avatars from other Etsians.  There were so many to choose from and alot of them were extremely darling.  Still waiting for the Etsy banner set to be emailed to me.  Redid alot of the pictures to make them nicer and hopefully more catchy to the eye :)  Check it out and let me know what you think in my comments.  There is still more to come so keep checking back.

Cute Girlie socks

Got a few more pairs of socks finished up and in my Etsy shop.  They were alot of fun and quick.  Great for when you want a project you can finish up quickly to give as gifts or add to an online store.  Check them out if you get a chance.  Little girls love the ruffles and they are a darling addition to anything, not to mention they are under $5 including shipping!  That's my favorite part.  I was able to make them cute with out having to make them spendy.  Please do not think that selling them for a bit cheaper is because they are made cheaper...they are most definately not :)  I know that money is tight for everyone these days, and I wanted to make these affordable.  

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!

Next Great Project.

I have my next great project lined up for me.  I am going to attempt homemade, sugar free, sprout wheat donuts.  I love donuts and homemade are just delicious.  Now I have got to find the perfect recipe to revamp and make many batches until I get it just right.  This one will be a keeper in my box for sure, if I can get them to turn out right.  I will post recipe as soon as it is perfected. 

Yellow Cake Recipe

1 c. Butter
1 c. Agave
2 Eggs
3/4 c. Milk
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 3/4 c. Flour (All purpose or wheat)
1/4 c. Cornstarch
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
Preheat oven to 350*  Sift together dry ingredients.  Cream together butter and agave.  Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.  Stir in Vanilla.  Beat in flour mixure alternately with milk until smooth.  Bake 25-30 minutes.  Let cool completely before frosting.
This turned out quite moist and very delicious.  I topped it off with Sugar-free vanilla pudding and canned peaches.  Using sprouted wheat instead of regular will make this gluten free :)

Good News!  I have finally got everything figured our for my soap making hobby/business.  You can follow it Scented Scenes . Can't wait to see you there.

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Try this yummy dip!

Spicy Bean Dip

1 Can       Pinto Beans
1 Can       Great Northern Beans
1 Can       Corn
1 Can       Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
1 Can       Diced Tomatoes
1 Pkg       Taco Seasoning


Mix everything together in a saucepan.  Heat on medium heat until hot. You could also do this in a crockpot with equally as good results. Serve with any kind of tortilla chips.


*You may replace the Feista Nacho Cheese Soup with regular for a milder flavor.  

Too Many Broken Crayons?

If crayons at your house are anything like they are at mine, chances are, you have a ton of little broken ones kicking around.  Instead of throwing them out and buying a new box, here is a good way to make them usable again.  Sort them all into same color piles, different shades and such is ok.  Grease the bottom of some muffin tins and put the piles into each of the cups.  Melt them on low until they are all melted.  Let cool and remove from pan.  You may need to wipe the grease off with a paper towel.  Now you have very unique crayons that your children will be overly excited to use.  You will have all the colors with different shades and maybe glitter in a round fun crayon.  If you want to throw in a variety of colors to make them rainbow that would be just as much fun I am sure.  

Healthy Caramel Recipe

2 c.         Evaporated Cane Juice
2 c.         Cream or Evaporated Milk
1 cube     Margarine (not butter)
3/4 c.      Agave
      Mix everything except 1 cup of milk or cream in your saucepan.  Bring to a boil and add the other cup of milk or cream.  Bring to a boil and boil until caramel colored.  Pour out into prepared pan and let cool for 3 hours.
* You can add nuts or anything else that sounds good.  I usually spray my dish and sprinkle nuts, etc., on the bottom, but you can sprinkle yours on the top.  The agave makes this a little softer than corn syrup. This starts out as a light tan color, it is done when it is thicker and a deep tan, almost brown.  (Because everyone has a different idea of caramel color, that is how I judged it to be the right color.)

I have decided that reading a small, fun story every morning helps me in my day.  I will post everyone story that I  find enjoyable here to share will all you.

 Unconditional Love
A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco."Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring home with me."
"Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him."
"There's something you should know the son continued, "he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us."
Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

The Concert

I was sent this story this morning, and I am passing it on to you to read.


The Concert
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her child was missing Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out" Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear,"Don't quit . . . keep playing." Then, leaning over , Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child,and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic," Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly note worthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music.  However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.  The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully.  You may hear the voice of the  Master, whispering in your ear," Don't quit . . . Keep playing."May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips  the 'called.' Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. So touch someone by passing this little message along. May God bless you and be with you always!and remember," Don't quit . . . Keep playing."

My Handmade Soaps

The time is drawing near. I am getting much closer to making my own soaps, and hopefully soon, candles. I am researching an all natural, herbal hair shampoo. My hair has fallen out so bad this last year and I am afraid I will lose more if I don't do something about it right now. This too will become part of my soap line if it turns out well...if not, then it will stay at my home :)

I have just about got all the materials and whatnot needed to start my soaps. I am getting really excited about it, strange I know, but I get to make my own scents, colors, and all sorts. Not to mention any small amount of money I make selling will be helpful. I will be listing most, if not all my soaps on Creative Creations, not sure if I will do any on Etsy or not. If you have any good ideas on scents you would like to see, please I am open to any suggestions (email me at arvi5214@hotmail.com). Keep checking back, I will keep my blog updated. Can't wait to hear what scents you have in mind.

Adorable little girlie bobby socks

I just got my darling little girl socks finished up. They have a really cute and dainty crocheted edge. I will do custom orders, they are listed in both my shops. My little girls think they are the cutest things in the world, for now anyway.

Delicious Banana Nut Bread.

Healthy Banana Nut Bread

1/4 c. shortening

½ c. maple syrup or honey

2 eggs

1 3/4 c. flour (add more if needed)*

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 c. mashed ripe bananas (2 – 3 )

Nuts (optional, as much or little as you like)

Cream shortening and honey or maple, then add eggs. Combine all dry

ingredients and add alternately with mashed bananas to creamed mixture. Pour into 1

greased bread pan. Bake at 350* for 50 – 55 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before

removing from pan.

*You can use fresh ground wheat or fresh ground sprouted wheat in place of the flour and it turns out just as good. A delicious snack you can feel good about eating.

Cute Newborn hats

I got some of my newborn baby caps finished and they turned out very cute. I had to hide them from my little girl who wants them for her dolls. They will be listed on my Etsy Shop and Creative Creations. Very excited about making some more. They are relatively easy and you can adjust and make additions. So many variations with one simple pattern. Figuring out the right pattern and stitches was the hard part, but that is done. Please check them out and let me know what you think.

Another Great Product!

Due to my hands cracking and bleeding until they nearly fell off, I decided to branch out and try a new dishwashing soap. I had a favorite brand and that is what I got everytime. I decided that with the air drying my skin out so badly and having to wash dishes 3 times a day, not to mention all the other chores that require putting your hands in water, I need to give them all the help I could. I decided to try the Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay. What it says on the bottle I agree with wholeheartedly! It only took about 5 times washing dishes to notice softer and less dry hands. I got the Pomegranate Splash and I just love the scent, it is so refreshing. Give it a try if your hands are cracked, dry or bleeding and see it work wonders.

Cute Little Hat

Finally got my next project done. Took a while and some adjusting to get it how I wanted, but I am happy with the result. Very cute toddlers hat, which is listed in both my Etsy store and Creative Creations. I was able to get two hats out of one skein of yarn. It was alot of fun. I am working on some newborn "Bring Me Home" caps and so far they are turning out just as nice. I will be listed them on my stores so keep checking. I will also be updating here as well.

Here is the address to my Etsy shop: www.arvi5214.etsy.com

Healthy Apple Crisp

Delicious Healthy Apple Crisp

6-7 apples

3 c. oats

1/2 butter, melted

1 c. Crushed Corn Chex

1 c. Agave (divided 1/2)

Peel, core and slice apples. I usually cut them into quarters and each quarter into quarters. Place apples in large casserole dish or 2 small ones. Drizzle 1/2 cup agave over the apples. Mix oats, corn chex, butter and 1/2 c agave in a bowl. Sprinkle on top of apples. Bake at 350* for 45 minutes. Optional, you can add pretty much whatever else you want to the topping, such as nuts, coconut, toffee bits, what ever sounds good to you. You can also add pears or peaches to the apples. This is another gluten free recipe that I use all the time for surprise visitors when I don't really know preferences or dietary restrictions. There is no refined sugar in this recipe unless you add the coconut, or other things that might. Very delicious!

For a sweet topping I use:

Heavy Whipping Cream

Agave

Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, add agave to desired sweetness.

Honey Almond Granola

This granola never lasts around our house.

1 c. Chopped Almonds (you can use whatever kind suits you)

4 c. Crisp Rice Cereal

4 c. Oats

2 c. Coconut (Health Food stores may have the unsweeten kind)

1/2 c. Flax seeds (optional)

1 tsp Salt

1 1/4 c. Honey (can be switched with Agave or Real Maple Syrup)

1 1/2 Tbs. Molasses

3/4 c. Butter

1 1/2 Tbs Vanilla

Almond Extract to desired taste

Preheat oven to 350*. Mix first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside. In a sauce pan mix salt, honey, molasses, and butter. Cook on med heat till boiling stage. Remove from heat and mix in flavorings. Pour into the oat mixture and stir together. Pour mixture onto greases cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. *Note: You may need to turn your oven only to 325* to prevent overcooking.

MMMMM.... I can smell it already. I will be making me another batch this coming week for sure!

Is it Springtime Yet?

I miss Spring, I wish it was here. I ache to plant flowers and watch my trees bloom. I need warmth now. I have had my 3 months of cold weather. My yard is plain with no color and is begging for variety. My vegetable garden just waiting to be prepped and planted. Shopping for plants and tools and my, I had better stop. *Sigh* someday......

Free Samples

Free Samples

A fun site to browse through when you have too much time on your hands or if you just want to find some nice freebies.

Finally Finished!

I finally got my hand-embroidered pillowcases done. They took a while, but turned out really pretty. They are listed in my Creative Creations Store. (Link on the left side) Please check them out. Now to go out and shop for another set to embroidery, or maybe crochet a baby afghan. Guess I will decide when I go shopping.

Free Coffee is Always a Good Thing.

Delicious Peach Smoothie

Ready for a very refreshing smoothie? Although my children call them shakes, I think they are probably more of a smoothie. This is just an idea of what to go off, I really don't usually measure, I just add till it tastes good to me.

1 c. Frozen Peaches

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Tble Agave (you can use honey or maple syrup)

1 1/2 c. Milk (more if it is too thick)

Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Very delicious and healthy. You can use this same basic recipe for any frozen fruit you would like to make into a smoothie.