Sunday, June 26, 2005

Saturday Morning Donuts

These are easy and yummy! I remember my Mom making them for us on Saturday mornings when we would watch Smurfs, Muppet Babies, and Fraggle Rock cartoons! Now, I am making them for my family on Saturday mornings!

1 can refrigerator biscuits
oil
sugar

Heat oil in sauce pan (about 2 - 3 inches) until 275 degrees. Cut centers out of biscuits with a cookie cutter to make holes. Cook biscuits and holes in oil until brown, turn and repeat. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Roll in sugar and serve.

Yummy!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Home Organizing

I just finished a great book! Cleaning Up The Clutter by Emilie Barnes. This is the most practical book I think I've ever read about home organization, chores, and meal planning. My sister gave it to me for my birthday and I have been motivated to make some changes in how I do my chores.

For example, she suggests dividing household chores into daily portions so that you do some each day instead of trying to clean the whole house in one day. I had wanted to do something like this remembering Ma Ingalls being wise enough to do the same, but never landed on a system that worked for me.

I have now been doing this for a few weeks and it works great for me! Thanks, Carrie, for the great gift!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Hurricane Readiness

In an effort to prepare our home and life for a possible hurricane this season, I've been creating a hurricane kit. Today, I've been doing a household inventory and serial number inventory for insurance purposes just in case. It seems like I should have done this ages ago, because as I'm doing it, I can see how useful it could be in any number of situations.

Here is the list I used from the Red Cross. I thought it was funny that I disassembled my "blizzard emergency kit" from the trunk of my car to assemble my "hurricane kit" in the same bin! One extreme to the other I often say!

Vacuuming Is Fun!

We finally replaced my $20 flea market vacuum yesterday with a really nice vacuum that should last most of our lives! It is so nice! I'm really thankful for the way God provided! It does not have bags that need to be emptied, but a cannister that you can just empty into the trash and I wonder...why do I get such pleasure out of seeing how much dirt can get into that cannister? I guess because I can see results or know that the dirt is no longer on my floor! I imagine that I'll be vacuuming more often for a while - just for *fun*!

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in my life! I am thankful for you! And, I love you!

Walnut Apple Dessert

8 c. sliced peeled tart apples (about 6 medium)
2 1/4 c. packed brown sugar, divided
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 c. butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. finely chopped walnuts, divided
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Place apples in a greased 12-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 c. brown sugar and cinnamon. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and remaining brown sugar. Add eggs. Stir in flour and 1/2 c. walnuts. Spread over apples. Sprinkle with remaining walnuts.

Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes or until the apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream if desired. Yield: 12-16 servings.

I made this last night and it was easy and very yummy! I made half the recipe and used and 8x8 inch pan. We had it warm with ice cream and it was great! Enjoy!

Recipe from Taste of Home.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Berry Lemonade Slush

Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 5 min
Makes: 4 servings, 3/4 cup each

COUNTRY TIME Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix (dry)
1/2 cup water
3 cups ice cubes
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

MEASURE drink mix into cap to 1-qt. line (1/2 cup). Empty into blender container.
ADD remaining ingredients; cover. Blend on high speed 10 sec. Turn off blender. Stir with spoon; cover. Blend an additional 5 sec. or until smooth, using pulsing action.
SERVE immediately. Store leftover slush in freezer.

I made this last night and it was really yummy and extrememly easy! The only thing I would change is putting in less lemonade unless you like things really tart! I used the Wal-Mart brand of lemonade and fresh strawberries. Very refreshing for a hot summer day. If you try it, let me know what you thought!

Recipe from Kraft. Kraft offers a great free magazine that comes out four times a year. Click here to sign up.

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Happiness Is...

... being at home!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Psalm 15

Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary?
Who may live on Your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Happiness Is...

... yummy smells from the kitchen!

Monday, June 13, 2005

My Prayer

Dear Lord,
You are the One who has put this dream in my heart. You are the One who has given me the joys and gifts of enjoying the simple things of home. You are the One who has given me the desire to share this with others. Let Your will be done. Bring Yourself glory through me. Thank You! Amen.

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Sunday, June 12, 2005

The Homespun Heart

Once upon a time there was a baby heart. It lived in a home that encouraged simplicity and joy in simple things. It loved being creative and grew to know it's Creator more and more. One day, when the baby heart was grown up and had a home of her own, she longed to share these gifts and joys with others to help them cultivate a joy in the simple things of life. That heart is mine.

Today I am dreaming of sharing my crafts and ideas with others. I'd love to have a craft sale at my home or in a larger sale. I receive great joy from making simple, homespun gifts and crafts and I'd like to share them with others.

I'm praying about what to do with this dream of working from home, creating things to encourage others to enjoy being at home.