Lesa's Life

A Peek At My Bookshelves

2012-01-20T22:51:00.000-06:00

As those of you who know me are aware, I love to read, and I have the books to show it! I have a closet library (okay, okay, it used to be a linen closet). I have a few small bookshelves here and there. Here is one I bought last summer. (Big Lots...$20.) It's squeezed in between my TV cabinet and a display shelf in the sitting room. There's a matching one on the other side of the TV cabinet.

For the fiction books I have read that I know are "keepers", I have been making book covers out of wrapping paper. (Think junior high brown grocery bag over your math book kind of cover.) The books are grouped according to author. When I'm looking for something new to read, it's very easy to tell what I haven't read yet. After I finish a book, if I think I will enjoy a re-read someday, I wrap it up. If I think I won't (most fall into this category), I donate the book to a thrift store here in town. Someone else gets to read it, and the money helps somebody else.

Think I'll grab one of these and a cup of tea, settle into my comfy chair, and enjoy a few hours of relaxation.

Blessings!

Penguin Christmas Craft

2011-11-13T18:32:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun craft my daughter and I did today. We bought a ceramic penguin that came with paints ($9.99 KMart). She painted it. After it dried, we used Elmer's Glue and Bath Salts from the dollar store.

We dipped one finger into the glue and spread it around the rim of the penguin's hat. Then we rolled the hat in the sea salts.

Isn't he cute?

Porcupine Balls

2011-11-13T12:31:00.000-06:00

PORCUPINE BALLS

2 lbs. ground beef

1 cup uncooked rice

1/2 cup water

1 medium onion-chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 can tomato soup

1 can water

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon celery salt

Mix everything together except for soup and water. Form large meatballs. Place in pan. Top with soup and water. Bake COVERED for 1 1/2 hours at 350.

I have been known to just use a packet of onion soup mix, beef, and rice to for the meatballs.

Bedding Bargain

2011-07-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

I found another bargain! Linens N Things had another fantastic online sale, so I snagged this bedding at a super low price. I love the soft green.

I spent 15 minutes per Flylady cleaning off my nightstand.

I spent 15 minutes cleaning off my dresser, again per Flylady. The jewelry box was a mother's day gift from my fabulous family. Now my costume jewelry looks all fancy shmancy. The candles were yard sale finds. The pictures are old and of my relatives.

I spent another 15 minutes clearing off my vanity (an antique store find at $50...including mirror). Every morning this is where I put my face on. ;)

Here's a view of the room from the doorway. The stained glass window hanging above the bed was rescued from a demolition pile. Not a crack or missing piece anywhere. Love it.

What bargains have you found lately?

Desk Straightened...Less Than 5 Minutes....

2011-06-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

Okay. I find myself doing this a few times every day. Straightening my desk. I walk away....kids put library books they're done with on my desk, hubby puts receipts and the mail on my desk, I set down my pens, etc. Next thing you know, it looks like this.....

I set the timer for five minutes and straightened it up somewhat. I need to pare down some of the stuff on there yet, but it works for now. Ahhhh....much better.

What can you do in five minutes to bless your home and yourself?

Getting rid of ants...I can't believe it worked!

2011-06-03T15:35:00.000-05:00

We were away for a few days. My teen son stayed in our home. The kitchen was scary when we came home. Food everywhere. And with the food.....

ANTS!

Having never had ants in my kitchen before, I went online to find a natural way to eliminate them. There are hundreds of ideas online. I found one that sounded reasonable....powdered yeast. You know....yeast....

I put 2 tablespoons of yeast right on the counter. Twenty four hours later, no ants! From what I read, they carry it back to the others, eat it, and it expands and kills them.

My kitchen is now my happy place once again!

Found Treasures For My Kitchen!

2011-05-20T11:56:00.001-05:00

I found these very country pics at a rummage sale last fall. Two dollars for all four. Love them. Felt stars on country fabrics. I had them on the wall beside the stairs, but found they were constantly being knocked off the wall as my children and pets thundered up and down (with their arms apparently flung wide apart and hitting the walls).

Meanwhile, my country kitchen needed ....something. The wall space is small, the cupboards plentiful. My hubby loves the cupboards and does not want them painted or changed out. I would love a country blue, but realize that I do not live in this house alone, and I want to take others' feelings into consideration.

I found a solution! These cute pics are small....hmmmmm....small enough to fit on the cupboard doors?

You know where this is going....don't you? :)

That's right. I did it. Even my hubby likes them. He said so. And believe me.....he would tell me if he didn't! :)

Can you see my apple curtains reflecting onto the keypad of the microwave/snack stash?(We don't use the microwave so it's a snack cupboard. Shhhh....don't tell the kids.)

Thanks for stopping by. What treasures have you found lately?

2011-05-01T23:53:00.000-05:00

Posting this flag in support of our Troops hard work and efforts to catch Bin Laden.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

2011-04-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

MYRNA'S MEXICAN LASAGNA

1 1/4 POUND GROUND BEEF
1 MEDIUM ONION, CHOPPED
4 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
2 CUPS SALSA
1 - 16 OZ. CAN REFRIED BEANS
1 - 15 OZ. CAN BLACK BEANS, DRAINED AND RINSED
1 - 10 OZ. CAN ENCHILADA SAUCE
1 - 4 OZ. CAN CHOPPED GREEN CHILIES
1 PKG. TACO SEASONING
1/4 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER
6 - 10 INCH FLOUR TORTILLAS
12 OUNCES SHREDDED MEXICAN CHEESE, DIVIDED
2 CUPS BROKEN TORTILLA CHIPS
BROWN BEEF, ONION, AND GARLIC IN LARGE SKILLET. STIR IN SALSA, BEANS, ENCHILADA SAUCE, CHILIES, TACO SEASONING, AND PEPPER. HEAT THROUGH.
SPREAD ONE CUP SAUCE IN A GREASED 13 X 9 PAN. LAYER WITH 2 TORTILLAS, A THIRD OF MEAT MIXTURES AND 1 CUP CHEESE. REPEAT. TOP WITH TORTILLA AND MEAT MIXTURE. COVER AND BAKE AT 375 DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES. UNCOVER AND SPRINKLE REST OF CHEESE ON TOP. BAKE TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES MORE. GARNISH WITH SOUR CREAM, OLIVES, AND TOMATOES.

ENJOY!
***For this and any other recipe from this blog, please read recipe disclaimer on blog's sidebar.***

Spring?????

2011-04-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

FINALLY!!!! A few beautiful green signs of spring growing in front of my little friend Edgar Eagle!

If Animals Could Talk Video....

2011-04-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

YAY! HAZEL IS HERE!!! You know when you see her that she has something fun to share! Click on her pic and watch a hilarious video of animals. I love the chipmunk! Enjoy!

Roosters?

2011-03-28T11:56:00.001-05:00

Okay. I'll admit it. I am a collector. I have a small collection of nesting dolls. Some tiny little turtles. A variety of Doughboy items in my kitchen. Some Avon Easter rabbits. The thing is.....I generally know what I collect. As I was walking into my sittingroom today, I noticed something. A rooster pillow. Cute, yes? I remember buying it thinking "oh, cute".

But then my gaze wandered just a little and lo and behold....another rooster pillow. This one was a gift to me from a friend. Hmmmm.........

Am I now collecting roosters? Why wasn't I aware of this development?

Oh well. The kitty doesn't mind.

Nor does the dog.

As long as the sunbeam hits the back of the couch, these two have an uneasy truce going.

Look around you today....what collections are secretly starting at your home?

Here's A Wonderful Book....

2011-03-03T08:31:00.001-06:00

Country Living Simple Country Wisdom 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas To Simplify Your Life by Susan Waggoner. This book is a must HAVE. Not a must read....a must HAVE. You will want to re-read this one over and over. From gardening to cooking to cleaning to what makes a welcoming home, this book has it all! Love, love, love it! And the pictures.....oh, so pretty and inspiring! Even if you don't like the country look (not sure what that says about you as a person, but anyway...) this book is wonderful. It is filled with baking tips, laundry tips, how to live a greener life. It is fantastic!

Baker's Rack Mini Makeover

2011-03-02T09:02:00.001-06:00

When we moved into our current home, I moved to a much smaller kitchen with no pantry. It has taken some adjusting, but I do love this home! One wall of the kitchen, holds a microwave on a microwave cart, my Great-Grandmother's stepstool/chair (painted red) that holds a small wicker basket that my hubby keeps his work papers in, and my baker's rack. Storage is a necessity in this kitchen. Here's the top of the baker's rack. The large wooden box on the second shelf is a recipe box that is filled with baking recipes only. My non-baking recipes are in the striped box next to the apple cookie jar.

Here's the problem. The bottom shelf is a catch-all. Extra pop, canning jars, commercial sized plastic wrap and aluminum foil (Sam's Club...check it out!), potatoes, my handy-dandy handheld vac that I use daily on the stairs, a large vase I love, and my hand painted butter churn. UGLY all together. What to do....what to do.... Well, butter churn to better location. Pretty white vase I love to the entry to sit on top of small table there. And the rest.....organize as much as I can, and then........

HIDE IT!!! Three dollar vinyl flannel back tablecloth from Big Lots! I cut it to size with pinking shears. Two strips from side to side and one large strip front to back.

Ahhhh...so much better. Still easy access to the things under there I need, but I don't have to look at them ALL OF THE TIME!!!

Oh, did you see my breadbox...white with apples on it? Kids' school snacks kept there. Bought it at an estate sale for a dollar. Oh, yeah!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

A Slumber Party...Yikes!

2011-02-21T21:01:00.000-06:00

Ahhh. Little girls. So cute. So sweet. So LOUD when having a sleepover. My daughter had a sleepover at our house the other night. These are things I heard during the first hour from her friends.

I hate meatloaf.

Tomatoes are gross.

Why is the big white guy all over your mom's kitchen? (I believe she was referring to my Pillsbury Doughboy collection.)

I'm bored. (While listening to stereo (Justin Bieber), watching tv, movie on portable dvd player, 20 Barbies all over, and PlayStation being set up.)

What bad words can't we say at your house?

What's with your dog?

Is your cat a he, she, or it?

My brother makes out with our dog.

There was a lot of giggling going on that night. Everyone had fun, I guess because the slumber party lasted for 24 hours. And how was your weekend?

Yesterday...

2011-02-21T11:36:00.000-06:00

While I was watching some shows I had recorded....my kitty Junior decided he wanted to be the center of attention....

I'd say he was pretty comfy.

Strawberry Smoothie

2011-02-18T20:11:00.000-06:00

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

In a blender, mix one 8 oz. container plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 cup skim milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3 cups frozen strawberries. Slowly blend in one cup of ice cubes, one cube at a time. That's it! Enjoy!

***As with this and any recipe from this blog, please read recipe disclaimer on blog's sidebar first. ***

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T17:08:00.000-06:00

Hubby had flowers delivered to me and another bouquet to daughter. He's a keeper. Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Hugs and Blessings!

Super Easy Lemon Cake Bars

2011-02-13T16:25:00.000-06:00

SUPER EASY LEMON CAKE BARS

18 1/2 oz. pkg lemon cake mix

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup butter..cut into pieces

1-1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Mix together cake mix and butter. Spread into greased 13 x 9 pan. Blend sugar into cream cheese, spread over the top of cake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees until golden...about 25 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

****As with this and any recipe from this blog, please read recipe disclaimer on blog sidebar before attempting.****

These made me laugh....yes, out loud.....

2011-02-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!

FOR MORE ADORABLE ANIMAL PICS BE SURE TO CHECK OUT WWW.ICANHASCHEEZEBURGER.COM

Fluffy and I have a lot in common!

2011-01-24T22:21:00.000-06:00

99 Cookie Recipes

2011-01-23T12:13:00.000-06:00

Click on the bowl of apples above and you will be directed to a wonderful site that a friend sent to me. It has recipes for 99 different cookies...mostly Christmas cookies, but hey...cookies are good year round! The recipes are easy to follow and they sound wuuuuunderfullllll. Enjoy and a special thanks to Miss Kathy!

This Basement Is FANTASTIC!!!

2011-01-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

Hazel's back! When you see Hazel, you know you can click on her image and she'll take you somewhere great! Two different people sent me the link where Hazel will take you. I just love what this man has turned his basement into...wait until you see! I would LOVE to decorate it for the holidays!!!! Enjoy!!!

Pumpkin Bread

2011-01-16T18:21:00.000-06:00

PUMPKIN BREAD

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup bran flakes cereal

3/4 cup sugar (I use Splenda)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 eggs

1/4 cup cooking oil (I use applesauce)

1 can pumpkin

cooking spray

Combine flour, sugar, cereal, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add 2 beaten eggs and the cooking oil to the flour mixture. Add one can pumpkin and mix well. The batter will be thick and lumpy. Spray a loaf pan (8x4) with cooking spray. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, until done. Check middle with toothpick...should come out clean. Let cool. Enjoy.

***As with this and any other recipe from this blog, please read recipe disclaimer on blog sidebar before making.***

Dancing Doughboy For You!

2011-01-08T22:16:00.000-06:00

As a special gift to all of you, click on the Doughboy to watch a special dance just for you from me! Enjoy! (I just luuuuv when he does the robot!)

Taco Rollups

2010-12-30T15:19:00.000-06:00

TACO ROLLUPS

8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
4 oz. chopped black olives
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
5-10" flour tortillas
salsa

Mix all ingredients together except the salsa and tortillas. Divide filling and spread evenly over shells. Roll up and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate several hours. Unwrap and slice into 1/2-3/4" slices. Serve with salsa.

***Before using this or any recipe from this blog, please read recipe information on blog sidebar.***

Merry Christmas From Me To You!

2010-12-12T17:59:00.002-06:00

Click on the angel for a special card from me to all of you. Make sure your sound is on. Let's remember the reason for the season. Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Christmas Music

2010-12-12T17:44:00.000-06:00

I received an email with a question about the Christmas music on my blog. If you scroll down to the bottom of the blog to the music player and click on "pop out player", it will open the music in a window of it's own. You can then leave my blog and the music will continue to play until you close the window. Enjoy!

A Funny For Your Day....

2010-12-11T19:13:00.002-06:00

Charlie Brown Dessert

2010-12-05T13:46:00.000-06:00

CHARLIE BROWN DESSERT

3 CUPS GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS

1 1/2 CUPS PEANUT BUTTER

2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR

MIX AND PRESS INTO 9 X 13 PAN. CHILL.

FILLING...MIX 2 PKG. INSTANT CHOCOLATE PUDDING ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS WITH 3 3/4 CUP MILK. POUR INTO CHILLED CRUST. CHILL. TOP WITH COOL WHIP. SPRINKLE WITH SHAVED CHOCOLATE OR CHOCOLATE CHIPS.

****BEFORE TRYING THIS OR ANY RECIPE FROM THIS BLOG, PLEASE READ RECIPE DISCLAIMER ON BLOG SIDEBAR.***

My Kitty....

2010-12-04T15:39:00.001-06:00

When you walk up the stairs in our house and look up....this is what you usually see. Our kitty loves to sleep in this spot. I think we need a wider railing.

Recalls...keeping your family safe.

2010-11-29T10:45:00.000-06:00

As I was reading my email this morning, I saw that there were more children's medicines recalled. Have you signed up for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)'s free email recall notices? You choose the categories you are interested in, and when there is a recall on food or medicines, toys, pet food, etc. , the FDA sends you an email. Instantly. You know immediately sometimes hours before you hear it on the news. Click HERE to go to their website to sign up. It's free. As a mom, we owe it to our family to take the best care of them.

Irish Creamy Mashed Potatoes

2010-11-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

IRISH CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

10 large potatoes

2 teaspoons salt

2 (3oz.) pkg. cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup half and half

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

paprika

Cook potatoes with one teaspoon salt in boiling water until tender, about thirty minutes. Drain well. Mash potatoes with potato masher until smooth. Add cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, garlic salt, pepper, and one teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth. Gradually add half and half and one cup milk, mixing until smooth after each addition. Turn mixture into greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake at once or cover with foil and refrigerate. Dot top of potatoes with remaining two tablespoons butter and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 325 degrees for thirty minutes. Increase heat to 375 degrees and bake thirty minutes more.

***Please read recipe disclaimer on this blog's sidebar before using this or any other recipe from this blog.***

Thanks to Diane for this great recipe. I used it for Thanksgiving this year....wuunderful!

My Latest Bargain Hunt........

2010-11-17T20:32:00.000-06:00

Found this at an antique store in the furniture department. It was on a coffee table. FOUR DOLLARS. Great shape. I am enjoying looking through it.

Better Homes and Gardens Garden Book How-To Help On Gardening, Landscaping, Lawn Care...

...1954

Love it!

Apple Cream Pie

2010-11-17T15:41:00.000-06:00

APPLE CREAM PIE

3 cups of apples, finely chopped with one tablespoon lemon juice on to keep from browning

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 rounded tablespoon flour

1 cup cream

1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inch)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees with cookie sheet on middle rack. Mix apples, brown sugar, salt, flour and cream together in a large bowl. Pour into pastry shell. Place on cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees for an additional 10 minutes. With knife, push top apples down into rest of pie. Bake an additional ten to fifteen minutes.

Enjoy!

***Please read recipe disclaimer on blog sidebar before using this or any recipe from this blog.***

Look What I Won!

2010-11-07T18:34:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Tina over at LemonDropsSimpleStuff for the ca-ute Halloween treats! Check out her blog!!! She is so crafty and creative! She sent me a wonderful banner, a cute card, and a fun jar full of yummy taffy.

Isn't this card adorable?

Even the taffy jar is ca-ute!

Lots of details!

Here's the place of honor where the banner went.

Thanks to Tina....Check your mailbox soon for a little thank you!

For Cat Lovers....Halloween For Big Cats

2010-10-30T13:12:00.000-05:00

Click on the pumpkin above to watch the sweetest kitty video. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

What Is A Calorie?

2010-10-29T17:42:00.000-05:00

Calories get into your wardrobe at night and sew your clothes tighter.

My closet is infested with the little critters!

Thanks to Miss Alice and to Miss Kathy for sending this to me! Hugs.

Universal Truths

2010-10-29T17:10:00.003-05:00

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your

computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize
you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was
younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure
I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the
person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work
when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the
rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't
want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if
I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did

not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -
ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Crap!),
but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail.
What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing

anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to
answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or

Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and

suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw

it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than

take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to

finish a text message.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and

hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and

smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to
prevent an idiot from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and
sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Jeans? Jeans never get dirty,

and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are

going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not

remember what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys

in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey -

but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3

feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Computer Funny

2010-10-28T22:50:00.001-05:00

Special thanks to Miss P for sending this to me. :)
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Sam, the 11 year old down the street, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come over. Sam clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.

As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?

He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error.'

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, 'An, ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.'

Sam grinned.... 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?

'No,' I replied.

'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it out.'

So I wrote down:

ID10T

Here's A Household Hint For You.....

2010-10-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Amen!

2010-10-28T22:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

Click on Linus (love him) for a special Halloween card from me to you! Thanks to Miss Kathy for sending this to me. The kids and I really enjoyed it!

More Decorating Bargains

2010-10-24T00:19:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my mantle. You know me....it was all a bargain!

Runner...clearance $7. Candle holder is a cereal bowl that was clearanced down to $2. Candle was a quarter at a rummage sale...smells like peppermint. That's Sushi, my fish in a Wal-Mart clearance apothecary jar that was clearanced at $5.

Another picture of Sushi.

The lamps were purchased from a going out of business sale at a local store...$16 for both. The $2 thrift store flowers are on a box and journal from Tuesday Morning...$4 for the set.

The pitcher and bowl were $10 at an antique store...there's a $1 placemat under the bowl (Kohls), and the bead things were purchased years ago from a candle party. The berries were snipped off of another decoration. Total cost of my mantle decorations $47.25. Yes. I am Lesa... The Bargain Hunter.

Organizing Tip of the Day

2010-10-23T23:58:00.001-05:00

By clicking on the picture of Martha Stewart, you will be directed to her site. Click on Home & Garden, scroll the sidebar to Organizing Tip of the Day, and you can sign up for a free daily email organizing tip. While some ideas are unrealistic for us mere mortals, most of them are helpful and motivating. Enjoy!

Banana Bars With Peanut Butter Frosting

2010-10-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

This recipe is from one of my co-workers Myrna. The peanut butter frosting is so, so good!

BANANA BARS

2 1/2 cups flour

1 2/3 cups sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

1/2 cup salad oil

2/3 cup sour milk

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup nuts, optional

Place flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, baking powder in bowl and mix. Add eggs, oil, milk, and bananas. Beat until smooth. Add nuts. Bake on large cookie sheet (12x17) at 350 for 35 to 45 minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

3/4 stick margarine, softened

3 or 4 heaping tablespoons peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Add milk, beat to spreading consistency.

***Please read recipe disclaimer on sidebar of blog before using any of the recipes here.***

My Grandma's Apple Butter Recipe

2010-10-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

Apple Butter

recipe from Lesa's Grandma J.

5 cups apple sauce
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/16 teaspoon ground cloves
Combine all ingredients in kettle-simmer 20 minutes or until mixture is thick as pudding. Stir often. Seal in jars.
Enjoy!
***Please read the recipe disclaimer on the sidebar of blog before using any of the recipes here. ***

Cereal Recipe

2010-10-16T17:11:00.001-05:00

Cereal

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

9 cups dry cereal of choice (we like any of the chex brands)
1 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate-frozen
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (I use 2 cups...love cranberries)
Put cereal in baking dish with almonds. In microwaveable bowl, combine orange juice, brown sugar,and butter. Heat for one minute. Stir. Pour over cereal. Mix until it's evenly coated. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes. Mix in cranberries. Let cool to room temp. Stir and break up big pieces. Store in airtight containers at room temp.

Enjoy!
***Please read the recipe disclaimer on the sidebar of the blog before using any of the recipes here.***

Cute!

2010-10-12T17:54:00.000-05:00

Something To Make You Smile...

2010-10-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

Recipe Sites

2010-10-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

Are you searching for a little recipe inspiration?

Check out these wonderful sites for recipes, kitchen tips, coupons, and more!!!

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Enjoy!

Praises

2010-09-27T19:19:00.001-05:00

My wonderful friend Miss Alice sent these to me, and I just had to share with you. So pretty. Thank you, Miss Alice! Wouldn't these make a great screen saver?

My Tabletop...What A Bargain

2010-09-20T12:48:00.003-05:00

Okay. Here's a picture of my tabletop. Let me tell you....it was a bargain!

The table and chairs were left in our home when we bought the house. The table had a broken leg, the chairs were in bad shape...broken legs, ripped cushions, etc. I ended up repairing the table and chairs and recovering the chair seats with a creamy suede fabric. Suede fabric remnant from clearance bin $5.00.

The placemats were clearance from Kohl's. One dollar each. The lace oilcloth runner was from my great-grandmother's dressertop. Total cost $6.00

The cute apple candle holders came with candles at a rummage sale. I asked the teen how much. She said, "I dunno. A quarter?" Candle holder cost $.50. Lesson learned about never letting a bored teenager run your rummage sale...priceless.

The large metal container that my flowers are in was $2.00 on clearance at WalMart after Christmas one year. It was full of bath products. The flowers (total of 5) were also after Christmas clearance at WalMart...$1 each. The fall flowers are just pieces that have fallen off of other fall decorations.

So, all together $18.50 for my table, chairs, and tabletop decorations. Yes. I am Lesa...The Bargain Hunter!

Cowboy Toast

2010-09-05T13:24:00.001-05:00

Here's a super simple recipe I made up for lunch today that was a big hit with everyone. The kids loved it!

COWBOY TOAST

Frozen Texas Toast garlic toast...as many as needed to feed your family...I used two 8packs

Ground beef...browned...again...as much as you need...I used 3 pounds

ketchup and barbecue sauce to taste

Shredded cheddar cheese....I used 2 cups

Make Texas Toast garlic toast according to pkg directions. Brown ground beef then add ketchup and barbecue sauce to taste. (I use about 1 cup ketchup and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce)

Plate up the toast, top with meat, and then top with cheese. Serve immediately. Super easy. Enjoy!

My Latest Treasure

2010-08-29T19:04:00.001-05:00

My latest treasure cost me a quarter. Obviously, it's not an expensive treasure! While driving home on Saturday, I spotted a rummage sale. I had hubby stop...not the easiest move in the world. He stayed in the car, while I browsed. Turns out, it was an estate sale. I found this......

Remember these?

My grandma used to have one (with yellow and orange plastic flowers, I believe.) This one has purple flowers. It makes me smile.

Here it's on my dining room table, but it's forever home is by my sewing machine to hold all of the fabric squares I've cut for the quilt I'm slowly working on.

It's in wonderful condition. It's made of at least two ice cream buckets...one placed over the other.

Someone spent some time on this. The same sale had a whole lot of Christmas ornaments/decorations from the 60's and 70's. Nothing more than a quarter. Most of them were a dime. There weren't any left at the sale when I left. What can I say....I like Christmas. What treasures have you found lately that make you smile?

Denim Quilt & Quick Family Update

2010-08-22T16:10:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone! Sorry I've been away for so long! How has your summer been going?

We've been busy, busy. We enjoyed a LOT of travel this summer. We also had some beautiful evening fires in our firepit. We've attended numerous drive-in movies, movies at the park, outdoor concerts, and yes...at one, we even did the....!

It's hard to believe that it's already

Back To School Time! This year, while going through the kids' older clothes, we had a whole lot of jeans that were outgrown. After doing all of the hand-me-downs, fixing the knees that could be saved with patches,

we ended up with a lot left over.

We donated the ones that were in good shape. The rest I am cutting up and saving. I'm thinking of making a denim quilt someday. I don't have enough denim now to make a quilt, but I'm sure I will by next fall. Click HERE for fantastic quilt directions.

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!

A Funny For Your Day.....

2010-08-03T23:40:00.001-05:00

Last night, my husband and I were sitting in the living

room and I said to him, 'I never want to live in a

vegetative state, dependent on some machine

and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens,

just pull the plug.'

He got up, unplugged the Computer,

and threw out my wine.

Brownies, Brownies, Everywhere!

2010-07-21T22:08:00.004-05:00

It was a cloudy and rainy day today, so I did some baking with my wee ones.

We made four dozen frosted brownies. Then we plated up a bunch, wrapped them in plastic-wrap, and delivered to some of our neighbors.

Followed, of course by us enjoying some after supper.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

What's For Dinner Tonight?

2010-07-06T13:34:00.004-05:00

Tonight we are having grilled burgers topped with tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar, and grilled onions. We're also having macaroni salad, baked beans, and watermelon for dessert. What are you having?

Comment Away!

2010-07-06T13:21:00.002-05:00

My fun bloggy (get over it spellcheck...it's a word in my world!) friends...comments are back on! I turned them off several months ago, but have decided to turn them back on. They will be moderated, and I promise to try to post them and not just delete after I read them. If you want to post anonymously and just put your first name at the end of the comment...that works too! Thank you for all of the great emails. I have enjoyed chatting with you all. Feel free to keep emailing me...I just want to make things easier for others.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

I have NOT seen your lipstick!!!

2010-07-05T11:03:00.005-05:00

No, I have not seen your lipstick! Why would you even ask me that?

I'm insulted!

Every time something goes missing, everyone looks at me.

For your information, I don't even wear that shade!

It doesn't flatter my complexion, and it tastes terrible......

....oops!

Special thanks to Miss Alice for this adorable funny.

AMAZING Jump Rope Performance by US Naval Academy "Kings Firecrackers"

2010-06-30T16:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, this is fantastic!!! Go to the very bottom of blog and mute music before playing.

Holiday Inn Book Review

2010-06-30T16:12:00.002-05:00

This book is a must read! Kevin Kling is a wonderful storyteller. I'll admit it...I was intrigued by the cover, so I picked up the book. What a fabulous surprise it was. I cannot wait to share it with my sister. She will love it because the stories about his family strike very, very close to home. This is the best humorous book that I have read in a long, long time. Run out and buy this book!

Summer Fun...Family Update

2010-06-29T23:24:00.003-05:00

Well, Happy Summer, everyone! We have been busy, busy enjoying all of the wonders of this season. Our family has taken a couple of mini 3 or 4 day vacations so far. We've spent hours at various pools and parks. Tonight, we saw a play in the park. The night before last, we enjoyed a beautiful concert by the river. Then the sun went down, and we became mosquito food!

We have grilled several meals and look forward to many, many more!

I have read numerous books so far. The time by the pool and at the park are wonderful opportunities to just relax and read. The kids and I have frequented a couple of different libraries, as it's always fun to go to a different one.

Little Miss and I have given each other weekly mani/pedi's. My fingernails are currently bright red with black on the ends and black dots on the rest of the nail. That's right....she gave me ladybug nails. My toes are sporting black with silver polka dots. Why not?! It's fun...she's creative...why not just go with it! I must say that I am liking the ladybug nails much more than the hot, hot bright, bright purple nails she gave me last week. :)

We've eaten our fair share of watermelon and ice cream this summer. I've been buying the frozen bags of mixed berries and topping our bowls of vanilla ice cream with them. The kids love it, and it's good for them.

We have big plans for the fourth with company coming for a visit. I hope all of you are having a blessed, happy, and peaceful summer.

Talking Dirty With The Queen of Clean Book Review

2010-06-11T00:03:00.003-05:00

Talking Dirty With The Queen of Clean by Linda Cobb was a very motivational read. Most of the tips can be found online here and there, but it's always nice to have it all in one easy to look up place.

Rhubarb Bars

2010-06-10T13:30:00.003-05:00

We received a large bag of wonderful, fresh rhubarb yesterday as a gift. I searched my cookbooks for a new recipe and found one I wanted to try. I made some adjustments to it. A recipe almost identical to the one in my cookbook was in this morning's newspaper, so it's obviously a good one. I made the bars last night, they were super simple, and my family loved them. ALL of the kids really liked them. Enjoy!

RHUBARB BARS

4 cups fresh sliced rhubarb

1- 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar (I use Splenda)

1 -1/2 cups oatmeal

1/4 cup water

1 cup brown sugar (I use 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup Splenda mixed)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons vanilla (yes, tablespoons)

1 cup margarine

Preheat oven to 375 .Cook rhubarb, sugar, water, and cornstarch over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Set aside.

Combine margarine, flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, baking soda in a large bowl. Mix with a fork until combined and crumbly. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with nonstick spray. Pat 3/4 of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Press down with the back of a spoon. Pour rhubarb over the top. Carefully smooth out to cover the oatmeal. Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture on top of the rhubarb covering as evenly as possible. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from oven. Let cool for 20 minutes, then serve while still warm with whipped topping or ice cream. Any leftovers can be refrigerated.

***Please read recipe/blog disclaimer on the blog's sidebar before using this or any recipe from this blog.***

What we've been up to.....

2010-06-08T22:27:00.002-05:00

We have been enjoying our summer! We've been on two mini-vacations. We've been to the drive-in movie. We've grilled numerous times and have enjoyed a nice juicy watermelon.

We've been swimming and to several parks to play.

And we've sat in the backyard and counted stars and watched fireflies.

Hope you are enjoying your summer,too.

Blessings,

Lesa

Emilie's Creative Home Organizer Book Review

2010-06-08T15:14:00.002-05:00

This one is a keeper!!! I filled a whole bunch of pages in my planner with hints and tips from Emilie Barnes' book Emilie's Creative Home Organizer. She covers everything with this book. Along with Flylady's Sink Reflections, every home should have this!

Of Mice and Men Book Review

2010-06-08T15:04:00.002-05:00

Reading this book for a book club was such a wonderful reminder of why John Steinbeck's works will always be classics. If you're not familiar with his work you obviously slept through your high school English lit. class. :) No, no, no....I mean...if you're not familiar with his work, this is the book to start with. I plan on buying my own copy just so I can enjoy this novel over and over again.

Check Out SugarPie Farmhouse!!!

2010-06-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Look everybody......it's Hazel. You know when she shows up, she's going to take you somewhere great! Click on Hazel, and she will take you over to Aunt Ruthie's place...SugarPie Farmhouse. It's a great site full of country goodness. You just have to check out her house....wow! And more good news....Aunt Ruthie now has a new E-Book available just in time for summer. Just click the fun cover below and check it out!

Ten Commandments For Kids

2010-05-26T17:04:00.003-05:00

I have copies of this in each of my kids' rooms. Don't you love it?!!!

I received this in an email. I have also seen this on other blogs. It is a poster that has four reproducible activities on the back. Quite a few sites sell the posters. One of them is http://www.rainbowresource.com/ . I believe it's only $1.95. You should check it out!

Don't Put Lipstick On The Cat Book Review

2010-05-26T11:18:00.003-05:00

This wonderful book Don't Put Lipstick On The Cat! by Debbie Farmer was hilarious. Debbie Farmer writes a column about the joys of parenting that is touching and so, so true. This book is a collection of those columns. I really enjoyed it, but it's not a re-read kind of book for me. I wouldn't make a special trip to the bookstore for this book, but it's worth a trip to the library.

Enchanted Hovel Blog

2010-05-25T11:18:00.002-05:00

She's back! When Hazel shows up, you know there's a fun place to go!!! Click on the lovely Hazel above and she will take you to a great blog called Enchanted Hovel. Have a great time! There's lots to see and read. Enjoy the motivation and the laughs. She's one of us, people.

Furry Babies

2010-05-25T11:02:00.003-05:00

Okay...the sentiment is not nice...BUT....the look is exactly like the look my sister's cat gives me. I don't have a picture of her cat Midnight (yet) that I can post, but she looks like half of this cat. Midnight has body issues. Here are two of my furry babies taking a short break from chasing each other around....Pepe' Le Poo and my kitty Junior. There was only one sunbeam available when this picture was taken.
Junior moved on to a different nap place...Princess' bed.

Ooops....woke him up. He gave me a short purr before he ignored me completely and went back to sleep.

Here are our two pups, Pepe' Le Poo and Princess. I am such an amazing photographer! Their eyes really do glow like that...it's not the photograph at all. Good grief!

Hope you have a great and blessed day! Give your furry babies an extra hug today!

Bedding Bargain

2010-05-20T22:03:00.005-05:00

Yes. I am Lesa----The Bargain Hunter! This post was on my blog a month ago, but it went away with the blog redo. I love the bedding so much, I am reposting this. I searched for a very, very long time. Found this bedding INCLUDING sheets & decorative pillows & the soft, soft throw BRAND NEW on clearance for UNDER fifty dollars. That's right. Hold your applause please. You were applauding, weren't you? No? Just me? Alrighty then....

The picture is at a wonky angle or something. Although it appears much smaller, it is a king bed. One of the best features, though are the wonderful seams that run down the comforter. As those of you who know me know...I make my bed very early in the morning. The seams serve as a kind of guideline, so I put the comforter on straight. It's all in the details, baby.

Patty Jane's House of Curl Book Review

2010-05-20T21:53:00.003-05:00

I recently read Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik. Not only did I truly enjoy this heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking tale, but I placed a hold at the library on every book by Lorna Landvik I could find. I read a library copy for book club, but Amazon is winging a copy to me as I type. This one is a keeper. I already look forward to reading it again!

The Hidden Hero of Cleaning Products

2010-05-20T21:46:00.003-05:00

When you clean with a typical cleaning product, you can usually have visible results. Don't forget to disinfect. It's the hidden germs that really need cleaning. I've used Clorox Anywhere Spray for three years now. I use it EVERYWHERE.

Love it!

As with any cleaning product, please read label directions very carefully.

My Favorite Household Helpers

2010-05-20T21:35:00.003-05:00

Here are a few products I just absolutely think are worth the money. SWIFFER DUSTERS...not only do they do a fantastic job....they're scented. The lavender & vanilla is really nice.
PLEDGE FABRIC SWEEPER FOR PET HAIR... If you have pets and furniture, you have fur on your furniture. This little cutie is worth every penny. I run it over our furniture every morning. If you're really careful, you can pop out one end of the roller and remove the disgusting fur blob to extend the life of your sweeper. Don't tell Pledge I told. ;)

WINDEX...The generics do not work as well. They just don't. If I'm going to clean a mirror or a window, I do not want to smell like an Easter egg (vinegar) and I do not want to have to redo thanks to streaks (most generics). Just trust me on this one. :)

As with any cleaning products, please read label directions very carefully.

Animal Insight

2010-05-20T20:54:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to Miss Alice for the funnies!

Orange Julius

2010-05-20T20:34:00.002-05:00

ORANGE JULIUS

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk
1 cup cold water
1/4 cup sugar (I use Splenda)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ice cubes

Put all ingredients in a blender except for ice. Blend on pulse for a few seconds. Add an ice cube, place lid on blender, blend on pulse for a few seconds, add another ice cube, repeat until all ice has been blended in. I like mine a little thicker with small pieces of ice. If you prefer smooth, just blend on a different setting until it's the consistency you like. Serve immediately.

***Please read recipe disclaimer on blog sidebar before using this recipe.***

Survival for Busy Women Book Review

2010-05-20T10:02:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading Survival For Busy Women by Emilie Barnes. It has a lot of great ideas for managing your home. Her time management ideas mesh with Pam & Peggy's SHE system and Flylady, but with emphasis on being a Christian homemaker. Continuous references to being a busy woman of the 90's dates the book a bit, but it is still worth checking out.

Lee DeWyze singing Hallelujah

2010-05-20T09:45:00.005-05:00

Click on Hazel's pic and you'll get to see American Idol's Lee DeWyze sing Hallelujah. This is why our family just loves watching this show. Absolutely beautiful.

Recent Rummage Sale Finds

2010-05-16T23:57:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the great finds I found at rummage sales this weekend! This brand new condition tapestry is now hanging over my stairway. It's draped here on my sofa. Pepe' Le Poo jumped into the shot....he's such a ham! The tapestry quotes Proverbs 24:3-4 across the bottom.

Here's a black & white hook that is now hanging in my hallway. Luv, luv, luv the rooster.

Isn't it fantabulous? Luv it!

The super bargain of the weekend was an entire bag of cookie cutters, 22 in all for $2.00! Cute, yes?

They're not all Christmas cookie cutters. There is a rabbit, a chicken, a dog, and my favorite, the deck of card suits.

You just never know what treasures you will find.

Have a blessed day!!!

Lesa's Life Update

2010-05-13T22:57:00.006-05:00

~Why Tigger you ask? Well, I'll tell you. Cuz I love him. He makes me smile. Smiles are good.

T I double ga rrrr.

~~~I'm listening to the 70's music station on the tv. Is it wrong that I know all of the songs? I just want to be your everything. Open up the Heaven in your heart and let me be the things you are to me.....oh, sorry started an Andy Gibb sing a long there.

~~~Life has been crazy busy the last couple of weeks. Can't decide if that's good or bad.

~~~One of my sweet co-workers has decided to leave. I am very saddened by this, as she was a hard worker and always fun. She wants to enjoy her retirement. Wishing her blessings and happiness.

~~~Little Miss had another soccer game tonight. The boys and I wore heavy coats, wrapped ourselves up like mummies in blankets and watched from our lawn chairs with runny noses. It was cold!!! Little Miss scored some goals. She would have scored a lot more had the goal been about one foot wider on either side. Just sayin'.

~~~The oldest turned 22 this week. Don't know how that is even possible. He called me on Mother's Day and we talked for an hour. Very proud mama here. He is doing so well, although he keeps insisting that he's an adult. Whatever.

~~~Little Miss has five butterflies in her little butterfly house now. It has to be 55 degrees out before we can set them free. They came out of their cocoons a week ago. ANY DAY NOW!!

~~~Everyone in the house is really excited about the end of the school year, with the exception of Dear Hubby. He doesn't really care one way or the other. (Doesn't directly affect him. )

~~~The next couple of weeks hold the end of school, semester tests, soccer games and practices, field trips, one Girl Scout bridging from Daisy to Brownies ceremony, and a graduation from elementary to middle school.

~~~Just checked my email. I have 94 unread messages. Suppose I should glance at those.

~~~Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Many, Many Bread Recipes

2010-05-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

BREAD RECIPES

Just click on any of the breads below to get the recipe from the fantastic North Pole site. While you're there, look around their site for lots and lots of fun. I absolutely adore it. Enjoy!

Almond Bread
American Pancakes
Apple Bread
Apple Bread
Apple Bread
Applesauce-Rasin Bread
Banana Tea Bread
Banana Bread
Banana Bread
Banana Nut Bread
Banana Raisin Nut Bread
Bishop's Bread
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Nut Bread
Broccoli Corn Bread
Caramel Pecan Rolls
Carrot Tea Bread
Chelsie's Famous Monkey Bread
Chocolate Bombs
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Chunk Pumpkin Bread
Chocolate-Buttermilk Bread
Christmas Morning Cranberry Muffins
Christmas Shortbread
Christmas Shortbread
Cinnamon Buns
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Strips
Cinnamon Sugar Toast
Cornbread Sausage Dressing with Apples and Pecans
Cranberry Banana Loaf
Cranberry Bread
Cranberry Muffins
Crescent Caramel Swirl
Date & Nut Bread
Date Nut Loaf
Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
Doubly Good Yeast Rolls
Easy Breakfast Treat
Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Eggnog Bread
Favorite French Bread
Gingerbread Delight
Glazed Poppyseed Bread
Grandma Joe's Brown Bread
Grandma's Cranberry Bread
Grand's Brown Bread
Haley's Special Strawberry Bread
Harvest Bread
Hawaiian Holiday Bread
Holiday Cranberry Bread
Holiday Stollen Bread
Holiday Stollen Bread
Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread
Italian Sausage Bread
Lemon Bread
MeeMa's Strawberry Bread
Momma's Southern Cranberry Banana Bread
Monkey Bread
Orange Scones
Peanut Butter Mini Chip Loaves
Pecan Sticky Rolls
Pineapple-Zucchini Bread
Pistachio Bread
Pizza Bread
Popovers
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Muffins
Red Lobster Biscuits
Skyline Apple Muffins
Southern Style Biscuits
Spinach Loaf
Stephen Lichti's Bruschetta
The Best Pumpkin Bread
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Bread

Ghost Hunters Academy

2010-05-09T15:04:00.003-05:00

Watch new recruits being trained to disprove paranormal claims. This show is fun...it's a cross between Survivor and Ghost Hunters. Click on the picture below to learn more.

Ghost Hunters International

2010-05-09T14:57:00.003-05:00

If you like the show Ghost Hunters, you really should check out Ghost Hunters International. Same premise as the original show, except they hunt everywhere in the world. They try to disprove claims of the paranormal, unlike most paranormal shows. Click on the picture below to find out more.

If Women Ruled The World...

2010-05-06T17:52:00.004-05:00

Many thanks to my friend, the wonderful Miss Alice for the funnies! Hugs!

Beautiful Gift

2010-05-01T22:19:00.003-05:00

I purchased this fantastic notebook from Deb over at A Fine Feathered Nest as a gift for someone special. She made it out of a beautiful vintage pillowcase. I love the soft muted green roses and border and the pretty coral leaves. Check out the pretty clasp she added.

Here's the back of it. Didn't she do a wonderful job?

And when you open it up...it has a coordinated notepad and pencil.

It also has a convenient little pocket. Isn't it great?!?!

I just love this and hope the person I'm giving it to loves it too.

Have a happy & blessed day!

Back Home Again Book Review

2010-05-01T21:11:00.006-05:00

I just finished reading Back Home Again by Melody Carlson. It's the first book in the Tales From Grace Chapel Inn series. I found the entire series in a used book store for five dollars. Woo-hoo!

I enjoyed the book and look forward to the rest of the series. I'm glad it's not a library book because I'm sure that I will read this one again.

Lilac Picture-Rummage Sale Find

2010-05-01T17:08:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited about my find. I drove by a rummage sale on my way to work yesterday and found this lovely picture from Home Interior for..........................drumroll.............one dollar!!! My bathroom is silver and lilac. This is a picture of lilacs in a silver frame. Hmmmm....wonder where I will hang it. It's up now. And very hard to photograph with all of the lighting in the bathroom. Maybe from an angle...............
Not a nick or a scratch on it. I love lilacs! Sooooo pretty.

In fact, I cut a vase full of them this morning. My house smells sooooo wuuuuuunderful right now.
Have a happy and blessed day!

Why Dogs Shouldn't Watch Jaws.....

2010-04-29T08:51:00.001-05:00

I Hate When This Happens.....

2010-04-26T22:01:00.001-05:00

Kitty Vs. Doggy

2010-04-26T21:38:00.001-05:00

Many, Many Cake Recipes

2010-04-26T19:25:00.002-05:00

These great recipes are from a fantastic Christmas site... www.NorthPole.com . Click on the recipe you want to see and then while you're at the site, look around at all of the fun things there are to do there. Enjoy!

"Night Before Christmas" Coffee Cake
"Real New York Style" Cheesecake Supreme
"Special" frosting for the Red Velvet Cake
A Cake That's Fit For A Queen
Apple Cake
Apple Cake
Apple Cake
Apple Cider Cheesecake
Applesauce Cake
Applesauce Cake
Applesauce Fruitcake
Apricot Nectar Pound Cake
Aunt Jennie's Plain Cake
Baby Cheescakes Baby Cheesecakes
Baumtorte (Tree Cake)
Becky's Pumpkin Cupcakes
Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake
Caramel Coffee Cake
Carrot Cake with Hot Glaze
Carrot-Pineapple Cake
Cheesecake Bars
Cherry Cake
Cherry Cake Sauce
Cherry Cheesecake Cups
Cherry Loaf
Chocolate Angel Food
Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Browny Cake
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Cookie Sheet Cake
Chocolate Fridgecake
Chocolate Ice Box Dessert
Chocolate Logs
Chocolate Lovers Triple Threat Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Chocolate Supreme
Chocolate Surprise
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cake
Christmas Blondies
Christmas Cake
Christmas Chocolate Cake
Christmas Mixed Glace Fruit Loaf
Christmas-Comes-But-Once-A-Year-Chocolate Cake
Cinnamon Morning Delight
Classic Yellow Cake
Coca-Cola Cake
Coconut Buns
Cookie Pizza
Cranberry Coffeecake
Cream Cheese Icing
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Cream Puff Cake
Creamy Chocolate Cupcakes
Creamy Chocolate Layered Cake
Creamy Rich Chocolate Cake
Cup Cake Faces
Decadent Chocolate Cake
Decadent Fudge Cake
Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars
Dreamcicle Cake
Dreamsicle Swirl Cheesecake
Drizzle Cake
Dump Cake
Earthquake Cake
Easy Chocolate Chip Cake
Easy Coconut Cake
ɣlair Cake
Edie Ching's Cherry Cheesecake
Extra Moist Coconut Cakes
Five- Star Browmnies
Flower Garden Cake
Fluffy Pumpkin Cheesecake
Fresh Apple Cake
Fruit Cocktail Cake
German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake
Golden Bacardi Rum Cake
Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey Chocolate Brownies
Grandma's Famous Cheesecake
Gum Drop Cake
Heavenly Pecan Cake
Hedge Hog Cake
Holiday Cake
Holiday Pumpkin Cake
Holiday Rum Cake
Honey Bun Cake
Honey Cake
Ice-Cream Chocolate Roll
Johnny Appleseed Cake
Kitty Litter Cake
Krystal
Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
Lemon Cake
Lemon Pudding Cake
Linda's Yule Log
Low-Fat Cheesecake Squares
Mandy's Cake
Mango Delight
Microwave Scottish Pudding
Mini Cheesecake Bites
Mini Fruitcakes
Miniature Cheesecakes
Mississippi Fudge Cake
Mississippi Mud
Mock Lemon Meringue Cake
Neiman Marcus Cake
No Bake Fruit Cake
Norwegian Gold Cake
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake
Old Fashion Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Light Fruitcake
Old-fashioned Gingerbread
Orange Date-Nut Cake
Oreo Cheesecake
Patti's Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake
Pavlova
Peach Dumpcake
Peanut Butter Pound Cake
Peanut-Topped Devil's Food
Pecan Icing
Peppermint Cake
Pineapple Heaven
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Plum-Nut Cake
Pound Cake Pound Cake
Pull Apart Biscuit Cake
Pumpkin Cake Roll
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Pumpkin Log
Pumpkin Nut Roll
Pumpkin Roll
Queen's Cake
Quickmix Fruit Cake
Red Velvet Cake
Reese`s White Cake
Reese's Brownie Cupcakes
Refrigerator Chocolate Cheesecake
Rich Dark Ginger Cake
Russian Tea Cakes
Russian Teacakes
Santa's Breakfast Cake
Self-Filled Cupcakes
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Sour Cream Pound Cake
Southern Apple Cake
Stawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Delight
Strawberry Delight
Strawberry Shortcake
Super Granny Cake
Swedish Nut Cake
Texas Sheet Cake w/ Frosting
The Most Irresistible Cheesecake Ever
The Perfect Chocolate Cake
Tiny Christmas Fruitcakes
Tiramisu Cheesecake
Toll House Carrot Cake
Topsy Turvey Fruity Tootie Pudding
Triple Chocolate Dessert
Triple Chocolate Torte
Turtle Bars
Turtle Cake
Uncooked Chocolate Crisp Cake
Warcake
World War I Cake
X-mas Fruit Cake Delightb

Hot Spiced Wine

2010-04-25T19:02:00.004-05:00

HOT SPICED WINE

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
12 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
Boil for 5 minutes.
Add
2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups orange juice
Simmer for 15 minutes
Add
4 cups red wine
Simmer, but do not boil.

Enjoy.
Special thanks to Miss Diane for this recipe.

****Please read recipe disclaimer on blog sidebar before using this or any recipe.****

Why Dinosaurs Are Extinct....

2010-04-25T19:01:00.002-05:00

Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble

2010-04-25T15:47:00.002-05:00

Click on my friend Hazel (above) and she'll take you directly to a wonderful Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe over at Deb's blog, Homespun Living. Enjoy!

What a teenager is like...........

2010-04-25T14:32:00.002-05:00

Ummmm.....'nuff said.

Ghost Hunters

2010-04-23T09:00:00.003-05:00

This is my favorite show on tv. (Click on the picture above to go to The Atlantic Paranormal Society's official page.) Unlike most paranormal shows, TAPS tries to disprove the claims of paranormal activity. Click this to go to syfy's page for the show. Enjoy!