Category Archives: Garden and Home

Olaf Magnet Activity for the Fridge

10 Saturday Jan 2015

Posted by in Craft Projects, grandparenting, toddler activities, Uncategorized

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I found some FUN Frozen inspired ideas for a toddler or preschool busy bag on the Disney Family website.  My wheels are turning for the different ways these can be used to keep little ones busy!  But I did print this one right away.  The Olaf Magnet Activity looks great on my freezer!

After printing the template, I roughly cut each piece out, then laminated the set.

Olaf Magnets

Then I cut out each of the pieces again.

Olaf Magnets

Olaf in laminated pieces

After this, it was time for the magnets.  I wanted a super quick project this time, so I found some adhesive magnets.

Olaf MagnetsOlaf Magnet

 

I actually made 2 sets, so I plopped 1 into a sandwich baggie and the other…

Right onto the fridge.

Olaf MagnetThis is what is waiting for my grand daughter to spot

Olaf MagnetSuper easy, fun little Olaf magnet and Snowman play forms.

Ebelskivers, Too Fun to Keep 2 Myself!

02 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by in Celebrations, Menu Planning, Recipes, Uncategorized

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So,  my kids and hubby always spoil me!  Christmas is not about the gifts, but my family knows that my love language is gifts.  And it’s not about expensive or “what I want.”  It’s more seeing creativity blossom in each of them, and then having them share with me!.

One such gift was this:

Ebelskiver and Boursin IMG_4724

Talk about a fun gift.  My oldest daughter is a creative cook and has lots of fun ideas in the kitchen.  She sent us the Ebelskivers cookbook and the pan!

The first morning, I made the Ebelskivers with raspberry jam, simple enough.  My family thought they were GREAT and we started discussing all the options we could think of.

Ebelskivers

Raspberry Jam Ebelskivers

The next morning I pulled out raspberries, blueberries, Brie and a new cheese product, Boursin.

Ebelskivers Boursin

Ebelskivers Boursin

 

Ebelskiver with Boursin

We already knew that Brie goes nicely with raspberries, but it was our first time trying Boursin.  I received the Boursin as a free review product from Smiley360.  You can see it there in the picture.  It was rather crumbly, but the taste is nice and mild.  After the holidays I think I will try making less sweet/fruity Ebelskivers and try to make some savory.  We also have Boursin garlic & herbs and a pepper variety.

All in all, I have to repeat, Ebelskivers with fruit and cheese is 2 Fun 2 Keep to Myself.  It is delightful to have a versatile variation on a old favorite!  Filled Pancakes, 2 thumbs up.

 

Thanks to Nikki  for the Ebelskiver gift and to Smiley360 for the introduction to Boursin!

Winter Break Projects

27 Saturday Dec 2014

Posted by in Craft Projects, Joy, Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

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Winter break projects are something I’ve been really looking forward to.  This fall was a big change, not more or less busy, but more out of the house.  We are much more accustomed to being home, working a little here and there on creative projects than we have been able to do in this season.  And part of our home is still under remodel construction, displaying items and creating some clutter in other parts of the house.  But, over the next nine days I am hoping for the restoration and joy that creative endeavors provide each of us!

Here are a few fun things I found while searching for a couple of quick to knit items.

Travel Mug cozies

Winter cozies

Tardis cozy!

I haven’t really found a pattern that I want to dig into, but I am planning to finally put the finishing touches on a cousin quilt.  Maybe by New Year’s Day it will be ready for gifting it to the precious little, but not so little, one to whom it belongs.  Then I might be able to choose a pattern and pull out my knitting needles.

Cousin Quilt

And then there is the playhouse table cloth that I started for the same little one.  It had to be set aside when my temporary work space exploded with the Christmas tree & packages.

How about you all?  Any exciting or quieting creative endeavors that you want to share?  I do hope there is time for rest, reflection and creative enjoyment for you in the quieter days of this season.

 

Grocery University ~ Graduated!

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by in Life Long Learner, Menu Planning, Uncategorized

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As usual, I am a little behind the curve, ha!  During our fall break road trip I downloaded and listened to Grocery University by Carrie Isaac.  This audio course has been around for some time and has even been re-released by Money Saving Mom, but as I said, I finally got around to listening this fall.

As a seasoned mom and homemaker, I have practiced many of the things shared in Grocery University .  But I was encouraged and inspired as the miles clicked by and I listened.  It is good to have a refresher from time to time.  And in the past year, as life has gotten a little more complicated, meal planning, coupon clipping and deal shopping has definitely taken a back seat!  I was inspired upon arriving home to pull out the coupon box and step back into more intentional meal planning and coupon shopping.

Another benefit to listening to the audio course during that road trip, my 15 year old sitting next to me listening in.  We had some good discussion about what refreshed me and what she learned.  Seeing as she already is a coupon clipper and uses swagbucks, she was able to make some good connections.  She is well on her way to learning the ins and outs of frugal living and managing her money.

Isaac recently sold the rights to Grocery University to Money Saving Mom.  If you are interested in purchasing Grocery University, you can do so below.

Grocery University

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate links are included in this post.  If you sign up for swagbucks or purchase Grocery University through By Quiet Waters, I receive small compensation or bonus swagbucks.

Sparkle Gem Magnets

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Craft Projects, Garden and Home, Uncategorized

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Sparkle Gem Magnets are so simple and inexpensive to make.  And I surprised myself how much this older mom/grandmother enjoys sprinkling glitter!  Earlier in October when I visited my dear sister in law,  she had put this craft together for the ladies to do during our busy bag swap.

After returning home I gathered the supplies and set everything out on one counter in our kitchen.  This way, anyone who wants to can pause for a few minutes and make a little sparkle gem to put on the fridge or to give as a small gift.

Here is what you need for this easy peasy quick craft:

 

Gem Magnets

Bag of Gems from the Dollar Tree

Gem Magnets

Glitter set from Dollar Tree

Gem Magnets

Confetti Glitter Set from Michaels (40% off coupon)

Gem Magnets

Clear Nail polish (Dollar Tree)

Gem Magnets

Strong small magnets & super glue (Joanns with 40% coupons!)

Now the super easy, fun instructions:

Sparkle Gem Magnets

On an easy to clean surface (I used paper plates) set out a couple of gems and choose the glitter colors you want to use.  Lay a gem rounded side on the plate and paint the flat side with clear nail polish.

Sparkle Gem Magnets

Clear polish on flat side of gem

Quickly before the polish dries, sprinkle a generous coating of your chosen glitter to cover the gem.

Sparkle Gem Magnets

Glitter!

Sparkle Gem Magnets

Let Dry

Let dry for 10 or so minutes.

Pick up the gem and examine it, turn it over and see how it looks through the rounded side.  If you see clear places, dot the clear polish there and sprinkle with glitter again.  Let it dry again.  Repeat this step if necessary.

Next, cover the glitter with a generous coating of the clear nail polish.  You can brush it on, but I find that the polish brush moves the glitter around quite a bit.

Sparkle Gem MagnetsI carefully pour a little puddle of the clear polish over the glitter and carefully spread it around with the brush.  Let dry 20 or 30 minutes.  You may need to let it dry longer.  Test by lightly testing with your finger for tacky polish.

When your final coat is dry, lay out a round magnet.  Cover one side of the magnet with super glue and stick it to the glittery side of your gem.

Sparkle Gem Magnets

Sparkle Gem Magnets

Tada!  There you have a Sparkle Gem Magnet!

Sparkle Gem Magnets

These pretty little accents will be part of our teacher gifts this holiday season.  What are your ideas for simple fun craft projects this fall?

 

This Moment, Daddy Daughter Moments

31 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in Craft Projects, Parenting, teens, Uncategorized, {This Moment}

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{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo –  capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Daddy Daughter Times

grand prix plans

linking with SouleMama

Soups! Sausage Tomato Soup

14 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in Recipes, Soups, Uncategorized

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Sausage Tomato Soup

1/2 lb favorite ground sausage or meat

1 med Onion, chopped

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1 14 oz can broth (beef, veggie, chicken depending on sausage)

1 14oz can tomato sauce

1tsp dried basil

1/2 t dried oregano

Mozzerella cheese shredded to sprinkle on top

Brown ground meat with onion in a sauce pan.  Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer.  You can make this ahead of time and keep hot in the crockpot for an easy dinner after a busy afternoon.

What I’m Into, August 2014

31 Sunday Aug 2014

Posted by in Books and Thoughts on Books, Celebrations, Education, Gratitude, One Life, Recipes, teens, Uncategorized, {This Moment}

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What I’m INTO August 2014 Edition

This month has been full of dust, sun, new starts, laughter, frayed edges as the remodel work continues, as new school year gets going and summer dwindles down. Week four of no kitchen left me feeling out of it, and I discovered that while I am not frustrated or discontent, the adventurous energy that I started this venture with has dissipated and I feel as though I have frayed edges. Still holding it together and pushing forward, but with a little less gumption.

Read and Reading:

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle  This book was a delightful piece of comic relief as my home continued  the craziness of kitchen & bathroom remodel and sending the kids off to new school situations.

Sheba’s Song was another quiet time blessing.

Currently reading:

Where There Was No Church, Families Where Grace is in Place, Clutterfree with Kids, Generous Justice

(I completed _2_ books this month, but read a chapter or 2 or more in several others.)

TV:

We turned Netflix back on and started where we left off with Dr Who. Slowly, the 5 of us have become Whovians to varying degrees.

Music:

I’m really enjoying the classical station on the way to school on Monday morning, and listening to the Newsboys as we continue to work on the house.

Things I Love:

This bench and these plans. Thank you for sharing Ana White!

What I'm Into, August 2014

grilled nachos

your one life

Beautiful words

Winnie the Pooh

an old favorite shared with a new generation

 

porcelain tile

progress

friendship

friendship

The Newsboys in Concert

Singing the Gospel

1GirlNation, Lindsey

Young women encouraging each other

In the Blogosphere:

~ “I’m slow to process, slow to think, slow to respond. Rather than fight against that, I’m learning to celebrate it in my own way.” Oh Emily, thank you for the admonishment to stop fighting my slow processing thoughts and responses! Spending some time this month pondering the idea of celebrating that aspect of introverted me.

… take no relationship for granted. 

My sisterinlove recently shared a link on facebook that led me to The Imagination Tree, oh my.  This playdough looks like a recipe for fall fun with a precious little one I get to spend a few days a week with!  I just can. hardly. wait. for the new kitchen!

On The Blog:

I shared

why my family is committed to child sponsorship

and my “back to school” plan for September/October

 

Your turn, what are you into this grand month of August?

Linking with Leigh Kramer

 

 

Grocery University, Offered by Money Saving Mom

19 Tuesday Aug 2014

Posted by in Life Long Learner, Menu Planning, teens, Uncategorized

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Tired of Spending Too Much at the Grocery Store?

Want to find more ways than clipping coupons to stretch your food budget dollars?

See Below for Money Saving Mom’s special pricing for today, August 19!

“You don’t have to bust your budget to feed your family! Enter Grocery University: a 2 hour, 19 minute audio course that will teach you everything you need to know about making the most of your grocery budget, regardless of whether you’re new to bargain shopping or have been a super-shopper for years.

This original, in-depth course goes deeper than anything you’ve ever seen before and will have you stretching your grocery budget farther than you ever thought possible! I’ve taken years of experience teaching live seminars and developed a comprehensive strategy that’s proven to reduce your grocery budget.

And there’s no reading required! If you’ve been wanting to learn about saving money on your groceries but haven’t had time to sit down and read all the websites you’ve had bookmarked for months, this is the course for you – just download the MP3s and listen anywhere! You’ll learn everything you need to know by listening to the series.

It’s so well-rounded and comprehensive that it will help everyone from the most experienced coupon shopper to a newbie who doesn’t want to clip coupons at all!”

 

What’s Included?

The Grocery University course includes:
Grocery University

✓ 139 minutes of audio MP3 files – learn everything you need to know by listening!
✓ 40-page student workbook (PDF) with more tips, visual aids, and example scenarios.
✓ BONUS! The Grocery University Rock Bottom Price Database PDF ($10 value on its own!)

All information is delivered digitally so you can start learning right away! Keep reading for more information or buy now so you can listen immediately.

 

More Information & To Buy Now

Affiliate links are included in this post.  If you sign up for swagbucks or purchase Grocery University through By Quiet Waters, I receive small compensation or bonus swagbucks.

Camping and Hobo Dinners

22 Tuesday Jul 2014

Posted by in Garden and Home, Gratitude, One Life, Parenting, Recipes, teens, Uncategorized

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We haven’t done a lot of camping in recent years, and I haven’t made “hobo dinners” since my daughters were pretty young.  Early this summer the kids were after us to plan a “real” camping trip with Dad as last summer we girls got out and did some camping, but Dad was away working.  So a camping trip was one of the first items put on the summer calendar!

And as this post shows up on the blog we are at camp, in a beautiful tent site on the river.  Our hobo dinners are in the cooler all ready to be cooked for the next 2 dinners.

Two mornings while the kids were all at vacation bible school earlier in the month I set to work.

The veggies were prepped.

hobo dinners prep shredded veggies

Shredded Carrots & Cauliflower

chopped carrots

chopped carrots

Veggies all prepped

Veggies all prepped

The ingredients all measured and mixed together for Turkey Veggie Hobo Dinners, using this recipe

Pretty Eggs

Pretty Eggs

Turkey Veggie Hobo Dinner

Turkey Veggie Hobo Dinner

I tore out 8 pieces of foil that were about the size of a small rectangle cookie sheet.  I spooned the mixture onto the first sheet and began folding and shaping the packet.  Once I had the shape I wanted I rolled the foil on top.

folding hobo dinner

folding hobo dinner

Then I pressed and patted it all again to make a nice rectangle and folded the ends up somewhat like a present.

hobo dinner assembled!

hobo dinner assembled!

Finally, I wrapped the hobo dinner with another layer of foil.

Five packets fit nicely into the gallon freezer bag, so I ended up with 2 bags for the 8 servings.

hobo dinners ready for freezing

hobo dinners ready for freezing

Hobo Tacos is another set that I assembled.  We’ll eat them with tortilla chips and fresh veggies.

hobo tacos

hobo tacos

Keeping the hobo dinners in the gallon bags inside the cooler keeps everything nice, with no waterlogging our dinners and no contaminating the other items in the cooler.  The bags of dinners also help keep the cooler cold!

Do you make Hobo Dinners?  And what recipes do you fill them with?  I’d love to expand our hobo menu!