Warm Heart, Cozy Home

The Ambiance of the Holiday......

I added this lamp I had in storage the other night and it has just created that ambiance in the evenings that makes one feel so comfy cozy.  My husband actually just loved it and now makes sure it is lit in the evenings when he is relaxing after a hard day of work.

The Holiday is so fast approaching.  Many of us are swept away in the madness getting our homes ready for  the big day of family and great food.  My little home this year on the day will be quiet and intimate and I just thought I would share with you my table setting I thought was very simple yet festive.

My vintage plates of my grandmother's..I love this simple yet very elegant gold/cream design. I think my vintage silver is a bit tarnished :)

The very intricate goblets.  I love the vintage etching.

Fall gourds and baby pumpkins, corn candy in vintage sherbets and the glow of a little candlelight in West Virginia glass.

Of course my burlap chair decor rounds it all off.

The Thanksgiving Menu.....

Enjoy the holiday with the ones you love.. Thanksgiving Greetings to all :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

It's a great Holiday Menu Planning Monday :)

 

Monday - Baked Asian Mahi Mahi, Stir Fried Vegetable Medley.

Tuesday - Zuppa Tuscana, Bread Sticks.

Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, chips & salsa.

Thursday - Turkey Day!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Menu - Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Potato Casserole, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms,  Sweet Corn Souffle, Cheese & Apple Gallette and of course Pumpkin Pie. :)

Friday - TGIF!  Off Holiday shopping and date night!

Saturday - Bourbon chicken & Rice.

Sunday -  Cracked Pepper & Roast Garlic Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Malts.

Snack - Apple Cinnamon Cookie Bars

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Bars

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp cinnamon Pinch of fresh nutmeg 1/8 tsp allspice Pinch of ground cloves 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 T vanilla extract 1/2-3/4 cup raisins (you can leave these out or try dried cranberries) 2 apples, cored and diced, I used Granny Smith Cinnamon Sugar mixture to sprinkle on top Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 pan with cooking spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter with the sugars on medium until creamy. This will take a minute or two.  Scrape down the sides if necessary. On low, add the eggs, one at a time. Beat until combined. Add in the vanilla. Beat on medium until everything is smooth and mixed together. Turn mixer on low. Add a little flour. Slowly mix and add until all of the flour is combined. Don't over mix. Stir in the raisins and apples. Spread the dough evenly into prepared pan. Use a spatula to make sure the dough is nice and even. Sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Bake for about about 30 minutes. You want the bars to be golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a rack. Cut the bars once they are cool. Serve and enjoy!

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

 

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

 

My Menu Planning Monday Menu.....

Tuesday - Cheesy Vegetable Chowder, Homemade Bread.

Wednesday - Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir fry.

Thursday - Shredded Beef & Caramelized Onion Enchiladas.

Friday - Date Night!..TGIF!

Saturday - Scandinavian Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Corn Puff Casserole, Homemade Biscuits.

Sunday - Chickamauga Chicken, Spanish Rice.

Snack - Mini Pumpkin Delights!

Mini Pumpkin Loaves & Muffins

1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large egg whites
1 cup pure pumpkin
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup low fat plain yogurt (I used fat free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon (I used 1/2 cinn., 1/2 pumpkin pie spice)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Spray metal loaf pan or mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle with flour.

In large bowl, with wire whisk, combine brown sugar & egg whites. Add pumpkin, oil, yogurt & vanilla. Stir to combine. In medium bowl, combine both flours & remaining ingredients. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Don't over mix. For a 8 1/2" x 4 1/2 " metal loaf pan bake 45-50 min or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack completely.

If you use a mini loaf pan or a mini muffin pan set your timer for 20 minutes then check with a toothpick. Mine were done in less than 25 minutes. Makes about 6-7 mini loaves or 24 mini muffins. 

 

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

 

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

It is Show of your Cottage Monday :)

  
 
 

Another beautiful fall week and Show of your Cottage Monday :)  Today I am wanting to share my dining room of my Grandma Rhoda's lovely cottage I now live in and share the memories through the years of times with her.  This home means everything to me...I am the luckiest of people to be able to live with such memories day by day.....Looking in from the living room ....before the big fall transformation a few days ago....

My pink thermos and chenille tablecloth....

My dining chairs...what a little vintage pillow case and hankie can do....

 
 

A cupboard I have with a cute fall banner and primitive decor.....

My home is full of built in's...This is the buffet and cupboards in the dining room....

Looking into the living room...see the pocket doors I have throughout my whole house.

My transformation into fall....

 

 
 
 Thank you so much Cielo over at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com. Please stop over to her sweet blog for more blogs to go and enjoy on this beautiful fall Monday! 

A Friend from the Heart :)

Pink can also so be in Fall Decor :)

Happy Pink Saturday! 

I am sharing some of my favorite Pumpkin Pink finds from my inspiring fellow bloggers and just inspirations from online......I wish I was half as talented as they are :)

This was a little project over at An Enchanted Cottage Blog...I love these :)

These also I found over at Ronda's Tempting Textile Shop....These are finding a home at my house :)

More Funky Pink.....I knew I could find a home for that lonely shade and glasses I had in the drawer...Who woulda thought of vintage pin apparel being utilized in this way .....ha...The earrings are a hoot!

These are adorable..with a little glitter and glam anything is possible :)

This is just plain fun....I found this by The Pinkineers for Breast Cancer....What's a Pinkineer? It's someone who adds pink to the world to save lives." Their motto is that of the infamous Musketeers "One for all & all for One".

It just comes to show that Pink can also be so in a Fall Decoration :)

Well.... for many more wonderful Pink Saturday posts please pop on over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound blog.  Enjoy your Saturday and get whisked away in a Pink Saturday getaway :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Take a Glimpse at my Fun Fall Dining Table......

While browsing some of my favorite blogs the other day I got inspired to do a little fun fall tablescape....What a little burlap and remnant curtains can make, with a sunflower or two :)

The fall plaid runner is remnant vintage curtain.

Thank you Cathy from Cobblestone Farms for the inspiration :) 
 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 
 
 
 
 

Menu Planning Monday.....

Tuesday - Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir Fry.

Wednesday - Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Homemade Bread.

Thursday - Oven Baked Steak, Mashed Potato Casserole, Green Beans, French Bread.

Friday - Date Night! TGIF!

Saturday - Chicken Enchilada Pasta. French Garlic Bread.

Sunday - Meatloaf in Tricolor peppers, Smashed potatoes with chives, Green Beans, Garlic Bread.

Enjoy the week!  For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 

It is Show off your Cottage Monday.....

I just found this lovely blog and decided to join the Monday festivities.  I am also doing the Menu Mondays but will post those on Tuesday for now.  I am just going to start with showcasing my cottage kitchen which I love.  My home used to belong to my Grandma Rhoda and the memories flow out of the walls as I bring the vintage cottage flare into each room....but mostly I love my cozy home.....

A view into my kitchen from the dining room.....You can see the vintage island I have incorporated and also the kitchen nook I have such memories of sitting drinking tea and cupcakes with my dear Grandma Rhoda.

A closer look at the kitchen nook.  I have made a chenille curtain out of vintage chenille bedspread and utilized vintage handkerchiefs for added valance.  I distressed the wood in my kitchen in a green and just love how it turned out. 

Another angle of the nook...You can see I have several center displays taken at various seasons..but the same cozy kitchen nook.....

My old porcelain kitchen sink.  I love it.....

Above the sink...my vintage windows and collection of heart cake pans.

A little candle flare with hankies displayed on the island.

I think by now you can see everything is pretty much pink themed in my cozy home...and finally on the counter you will find a pink vintage gumball machine...and vintage rose china. 

I love my vintage stove.....

Well that is my kitchen for this wonderful Show off your House Monday.  Thank you so much Cielo over at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com. Please stop over to her sweet blog for more blogs to go and enjoy on this beautiful fall Monday! 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It's Pink Saturday and I've Really Missed It!!!..:)

  Happy Pink Saturday.....

A little fall tablescape to share with you this wonderful Pink Saturday....Looking into the dining room.... 

My pink thermus and fall arrangement...chenille bedspread, pink of course...Anything goes...

Happy Weekend...

Well.... for many more wonderful Pink Saturday posts please pop on over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound blog.  Enjoy your Saturday and get whisked away in a Pink Saturday getaway :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 
 

A Little Fall Burst of Color.......

Hey All.....Why do the days go by so fast...it turns into weeks and then months...before we know it we're a year older.  I'm feeling that these days.  My birthday is Monday and my Husband's is Tuesday.  We're flying by the seat of our pants as to what to do...but would be nice to take a road trip and do something out of the ordinary.  I have managed to bring a little fall inspiration inside my home and took some snapshots today to share with you......First I snapped a view looking through the house into the kitchen.....

This is a little decor I have behind my couch.....

This old toolbox is in the dining room and of course I love my Autumn Banner.

What would fall be without our whimsical pumpkins above.  I found these and fell in love. Below is my fall centerpiece in the dining room.  I saw something a little more fallish I am going to try and will take pictures and update you when I get it all put together for you....but for now..this is it....

This is in the dining room on the built in buffet.....Autumn Blessings....

My old wooden bread bowl filled with burst of fall colors....

My fall embroidered tablecloth I have used as a runner on top the buffet....

My centerpiece in the kitchen nook.....Lots of orange.....

A fall embroidered picture I love...

A wool Autumn pumpkin rug I have laying in front of the TV in the living room.....

My basket full of sunshine you are greeted with upon entering my home....It spells fall all over....

I hope you enjoyed the burst of fall I shared with you...I love Fall....and all it's colors.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Fall Window Box......Gourd Choir...

Well, the big 16th b-day bash is over...she is out on the streets so watch out world!  I snapped a couple pictures of the window box for fall.  It gets a little tricky right now because there is so much luscious greenery left in season..so I just have made it a mix and build as it dormants.  I also took a picture of my steps with the addition of my smiling gourd choir....It just kinda puts you in the mood for the season doesn't it?

 

Also in my blogging journey's on the net I went to one of my favorite blogs to have a look see and poof she was gone?  Does anyone know what has happened to our dear sweet blogger friend Kim from City Girl Country Heart blog?  

A Friend from the Heart :)

Fall has come......

Because of a few precious blog fans that have written me wondering if I am okay because I have not blogged in a few days I have decided I must return and share some pictures.  I have to admit that life has swept me away and it just won't slow down!  I am buried in party plans making my ideas come into reality for my daughter's 16th party bash this weekend.  I tend to be at my best in a last minute crunch...which of course I have done!  Yikes!  I have moved boxes of fall upstairs to sort and proudly attach to their appropriate spots but I did manage to snap a few pics of the front porch which is modestly attired for fall at the moment.  I'm glad so many of you missed me and I treasure each and every one of you who pop in and check up and see what I am up to and keep me focused!  You will find that Grandma Rhoda's porch is decked in fall decor and the swing is wearing its' autumn attire.....

I picked up a new door charm at the farmer's market last weekend in Lincoln and I have to admit I am obsessed by them and you can find such whimsical ones to exchange for anything!

Hope this gets you in the swing of things...Fall has arrived!

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

Beginning to Feel Like Fall........and Great News :)

I have Wonderful news!  I am going to be a Grandma again! 

My oldest daughter is having another baby in March :)  This will be Grandbaby #7 for me.  Where am I going to put all these grandbabies?  My son hasn't even began to start his family yet ..heheh...:)  She has 3 and this will be her 4th.  Big sister is very excited to babysit she says :)  She is only 5.hehehe.

It is beginning to feel like fall in Nebraska.  Shorter days, cooler mornings and nights, the trees will be turning soon and of course fall sports are in full force with Nebraska Football!  I have had many irons in the fire.  I am in the processing of switching some of my medications because of insurance mandates for trying something cheaper and boy I've been oh so tired and motivation has been at a stand still.  I can't have this!  I have so much to do. 

My youngest daughter is quickly turning 16 the end of this month.  I am having a Outdoor Movie Theater Party for her with a few of her friends coming.  Lots to organize and do.  My daughters are helping also which is wonderful!  We finally got the invites made and given out last weekend. The birthday girl helped out and I think they turned out pretty good.

We are having an 80's theme costume and the movie being played will be Sixteen Candles!  We are having a movie theater concession stand with Monopoly money and trivia questions to obtain the goodies.  How well do you know the birthday girl?? :)  It is all just in thought process so the next couple weeks will be busy busy....

I have started also trying to transition over to fall decorations.  I haven't bought many new items so that leaves me to use my imagination and creativity to create something different.  I haven't did a thing in the house and really haven't brought a lot upstairs from the basement but I am changing out a few things on the porch.  This is just a beginning and I am sure I will be switching out, moving around and changing as the process goes on.  I did happen to find a very cute Autumn door charm for my front door last weekend when I was at the Farmer's Market.

This is what I've started...It's the beginning of fall decorating!.....

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

The Treasures you Only find in Grandma's House.....

In thinking today I can only think of the wonderful things that surround me you only find in an old vintage home...i.e. my Grandma Rhoda's home....

Such as...The beauty of pocket doors...

The vintage paned door...I have these in the entrances of my living room and office..which in its time I'm sure was the fancy sitting room.

Vintage hardware...nothing better...

Just the beauty of the vintage door..It is all the original finish..This is the door separates my dining room from hallway.

And the beautiful built in's you only get from the vintage era...Check the hardware out on the buffet...

The beauty of the built in china hutches on both sides of my buffet....All original finish.

To the kitchen....the kitchen nook and its magnificence....It is probably my most favorite treasure in Grandma's house....

The intricate kitchen table....

and the ironing board all tucked away in its cubby.....only at Grandma's....

The original old wooden ironing board.....

More doors...My red front door.......

There is something wonderful about vintage screen doors...They are everywhere around me...

Inside and out....

A look from the kitchen through dining room, pocket doors into the living room....

 

It's all a beautiful gift from Grandma Rhoda......

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday...

Monday- Bacon & Swiss Meatloaves with Portabella Mushroom Gravy, Smashed Potatoes & Chives, Green Beans. Garlic Bread.

Tuesday - Salmon Cakes, Orzo with Thyme and Lemon Zest, Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Wednesday - Spicy Fried Chicken Bites with Derby Dip, Baked Potato Wedges.

Thursday - Volleyball game night.... Cream Chicken & Wild Rice Soup in Bread bowls.

Friday - TGIF - Date Night..Maybe some High School Football :)

Saturday - Game Day...Go Nebraska Cornhuskers!...Night Game....Chico Nachos, Emeril's Chili, Vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls and Cream cheese Frosting.

Sunday - Poppin Garlic Ranch Biscuit topped Chicken Pot Pie.

Snack - S'Mores Cookies

S'mores Cookies
Adapted from Baked Perfection

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour ( I added 1/2 cup more)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups miniature chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
2 Hershey bars, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, salt. Whisk together. In a separate larger bowl beat together the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly beat in the flour mixture until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8 minutes, and remove from the oven. Push 3 to 4 marshmallows and a few pieces of hershey bar into each cookies. Return to the oven and bake an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Cool cookies on a wire rack.

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.  

Please check out www.orgjunkie.com for more exciting Menu Planning Mondays!.....

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

 

 

My couch and chair need some creative lovin :)

I am in desperate need of making slipcovers for my couch and chair.  I have no idea where to begin and they both are over-sized making it difficult to just purchase something.  I want to be creative though so it will fit in my house decor.  It is just not the time to replace or buy new.  The slipcover I found for the recliner above has indeed worn out now also.  I have an adorable puppy who has fell in love with stuffing from a bitty hole in the chair seat and every time it gets exposed she digs and makes it worse.  I've tried pepper...I've tried this cover I got off Overstock.com.  My couch has a very worn arm that my cat has clawed and the fabric has just worn out and the trimming around the cushions is wearing and looking tattered. The seat and back cushions are all separate and unattached.   It just needs some tender loving care and a really cute slipcover to bring them both back to life.  Any creative ideas and minds please speak up now!....I have no idea where or what type of fabric I can find that is inexpensive, whether it be online or not.  I am really hoping there is one of my precious blog friends that can please help advise me on this new venture.  I love to sew ...I just do not know where to begin and what to use or maybe there is even somewhere online I haven't found yet.  If anyone would love to tackle this project for me I would even consider that also!   I had thought of using denim but compared to the cottage flower design it now has that seems a bit blah...maybe not?...HELP...I really look forward to the advise of any of my blog friends..It just has to be done....:)  Thanks! 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday but really Tuesday..lol

Tuesday -  Burrito Pie, Rice and Beans.

Wednesday - You Won't Be Single for Long Cream Pasta, Green Beans, Cheesy Garlic Stuffed French Bread.

Thursday - Dry Rub Rib-eye, Pommes Chef Anne Skillet Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night !

Saturday - Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Tossed Cobb Salad.

Sunday - Salisbury Steak over noodles, Cornbread Bites....recipe below.... 

Cornbread Bites (Southern Living Magazine)

2/3 Cup flour

1/2 Cup yellow cornmeal

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 Cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 Cup sour cream

1/4 Cup thinly sliced green onions

1 8 3/4 oz can cream style corn

Dash of hot sauce (Tabasco)

1 large egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 375. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop into 2 mini cupcake pans that have been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Drink - Refreshing summer drink or cocktail......BlueBerry Lemonade.

 

3 cups blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 cups cold water
Ice cubes

Combine blueberries and sugar in the blender until well blended. Strain blueberry mixture. Add the lemon juice and cold water. Serve over ice.

This recipe also makes a great cocktail, add a shot of vodka or rum to the lemonade.
Cheers!!!

Snack - Mini Peanut Butter Cookie Cupcakes with Chocolate Chips.

FOR THE CUPCAKES

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup natural, creamy peanut butter

3 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream

FOR THE FROSTING

12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, plus more for decorating

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 3 standard 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
2. Make the cupcakes: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Mix in peanut butter. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Add flour mixture; mix until combined. Mix in sour cream.
3. Spoon scant 3 tablespoons batter into each muffin cup. Bake until pale golden and a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 13 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool completely.
4. Make the frosting: Put cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and butter into the clean bowl of a mixer fitted with the clean paddle attachment; mix on medium- high speed until pale and fluffy. Stir in peanut butter with a rubber spatula.
5. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons frosting onto each cupcake. Refrigerate until frosting is firm, about 10 minutes. Using tines of a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar, score each top in a crosshatch pattern. Cupcakes can be refrigerated in single layers in airtight containers up to 2 days.

If you are interested in more yummy and exciting menu plans please pop on over to http://orgjunkie.com/ for more plans and recipes.  Enjoy!

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

The Pink Tutu.........

My grandbabies Libby & Annie just got new family pictures taken and this just happened to be one of the pictures.

Walking down the path of life with my sister.......

Have a great day...and give your sister a hug or call and say "hey" just because....

A friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday.....

Monday- Meatloaf in Tri-colored Peppers, Smashed Potatoes & Chives, Green Beans. Garlic Bread.

Tuesday -Grilled Mexican Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa, Potato & String beans (A simple side).

Wednesday - You Won't Be Single for Long Cream Pasta, Green Beans, Cheesy Garlic Stuffed French Bread.

Thursday - General Tso's Chicken, Fried Rice.

 Friday - TGIF Date Night!

Saturday- Horseradish, Cheddar & Apple Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Malts.

Sunday - Pizza Roll Up ( A great new twist on pizza), Tossed Salad.

Snack -

Rosemary Scones
Adapted from Giada De Laurentis

Scones:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup jam

Glaze:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon
2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or silpat).

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking powder, rosemary, sea salt and butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer the mixture to a medium bow. Gradually stir in the cream until the mixture forms a dough. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into 1/2 inch thick, 10 inch circle. Using a heart shaped cookie cuter, cut out heart shaped pieces of dough and place on the cookie sheet. Gently knead together any leftover pieces of dough and cut into heart shapes and add to the baking sheet. Using a small round measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each pastry heart. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of ham into the indentation. Bake for 18 to 2o minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Transfer scones to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.

To make the glaze, mix together lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the water until the mixture is thin enough to spread. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let the scones set for approximately 30 minutes. Can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.

For more delicious recipes and menu plans please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

Menu Planning Monday.....

Monday- Meatloaf in Tri-colored Peppers, Smashed Potatoes & Chives, Green Beans. Garlic Bread.

Tuesday -Grilled Mexican Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa, Potato & String beans (A simple side).

Wednesday - You Won't Be Single for Long Cream Pasta, Green Beans, Cheesy Garlic Stuffed French Bread.

Thursday - General Tso's Chicken, Fried Rice.

 Friday - TGIF Date Night!

Saturday- Horseradish, Cheddar & Apple Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Malts.

Sunday - Pizza Roll Up ( A great new twist on pizza), Tossed Salad.

Snack -

Rosemary Scones
Adapted from Giada De Laurentis

Scones:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup jam

Glaze:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, from 1 large lemon
2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or silpat).

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, baking powder, rosemary, sea salt and butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer the mixture to a medium bow. Gradually stir in the cream until the mixture forms a dough. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough into 1/2 inch thick, 10 inch circle. Using a heart shaped cookie cuter, cut out heart shaped pieces of dough and place on the cookie sheet. Gently knead together any leftover pieces of dough and cut into heart shapes and add to the baking sheet. Using a small round measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each pastry heart. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of ham into the indentation. Bake for 18 to 2o minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Transfer scones to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.

To make the glaze, mix together lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the water until the mixture is thin enough to spread. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the scones. Let the scones set for approximately 30 minutes. Can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.

For more delicious recipes and menu plans please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

Random & Real Takes........

Sometimes it just gets a little hard to think of fun to blog about so today I just thought I would be real and just take it as it is around here....Just some fun snapshots  inside and outside that aren't staged and fussed over for perfection...it's just being real....

This angel is Ms. Gabriella and she was taking a in a leisurely Saturday Afternoon...I love her little black/white belly....

Ms. Pus...she hangs out any room I'm in at the time...at this time I was getting ready for a bath and she always lays on whatever clothes I take off at the time....

I love these old windows with dried arrangements inside....

Don't fib to me...we all know we have these...hehe

This is the glass in my bathroom window...it is gorgeous and gets lost in the shuffle of vintage in my house sometimes....

My quirky husband is always leaving random stuff around just to see if I find or notice it..ya have that problem??  He is so funny.....Such as in my bath...on a random nail on the cupboard he hung these hair pins..."just because"...hehe....I'm sure he found them on the floor or somewhere inappropriate and he does this....

Does your husband store his pocket change like this??  Again this was my sighting today..in the bath ledge by the sink...2 lonely dimes...hehe..again..I'm sure he found them on the floor..just hanging...I find stuff like this while he is at work and just makes me giggle...that is exactly why he does it I'm sure...

 

He knows this bugs the heck out of me...Random shoe storage in the dining room of all places......lol ..and why?..

and last but not least my favorite...the change pile on the dresser?? It never gets all quite back in his pocket though...and why??...Ya gotta love em...

A great smiley face..remember those?...My daughter's bed when she is over...

 

More of her room...her name is Lydia :) She is not really into vintage much so we compromised with some modern and vintage....

More random....in the living room...

My front door and curtain....

In the office....cute umbrella...on top of desk....

A stack of books on the desk..the cute red phone was Grandma Rhoda's....memories :)

The medical library for work...with my loved ones attached.......

My work lamp...pretty quirky ha.....:)

In the kitchen we go.....yummy breakfast this morning...cherry coffee cake...

hmm fresh homegrown produce my honey brought home from work the other day....

My island and potato and onion bins..and don't forget the fresh garlic....lol

Storage above my stove.....

My trash can.....original ha....You would have thought I won the lottery...I loved it...my husband thought I lost my mind...

Coffee station....my dollhouse dresser I put recipe cards in....

My toaster cover...I just found it mixed in a bunch of old aprons in the basement....

My kitchen woodwork...and hardware.....

Centerpiece in my kitchen cubby...the cute flower pots I got at my neighbors garage sale for free....Love it!

Now out the back door......Trellises gone wild.....

A little vintage pottery to embellish is a good thing :)

On the patio.... potato vine going nutso......My dahlias are beautiful this summer...

More of the trellis.....no kidding it's wild ha.....I was tucking all the ends in but I just couldn't keep up...it's crazyy!

More patio....

Around the garage in the back yard.......My old wash tubs you can't even see anymore..the invasion of the flower plants.....

Everyone has to have a garden gnome right?....My crazy trailing plants....Everything has just gone wild this summer.....I love it!  Here piggy piggy.....My quirky garden pigs...

If you look closely there is one hiding amongst the flowers....

A little rust here and there....I know I'm silly.....

There is a plantar in here somewhere...again flowers gone wild and crazyyyy.. See the funky chickens?..

To the front of the house....I love my red wagon I found at the flower shop....

I'm sorry but we all have neighbors like this...cars everywhere...It could be worse I know...I just put this little sitting area in my front landscaping...come have a sit?

My window box.....

I wanted to paint the old window red...but haven't got it done yet...there is little funky chicks hidden about....

The front porch.....We all know the infamous swing....

My little rubber boots......

My porch is filled with random birdhouses....and believe me you there are no vacancies..!

Well I hope you enjoyed my random takes this Saturday afternoon...It truly is keeping it real and how it is at my house this day......

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

The Muffin Tin.....

I recently purchased the prettiest earrings and bracelet wrapped up just for me in pretty little packages...I love when they give it that special touch....

A pearl, rhinestones and crystal hearts...all in one...

I've already warn them several times. :)

Now my vintage tin I store jewelry in....

It's a muffin tin........

My way vintage inspiring some of my favorite jewelry.....

Have a great day...A friend from the Heart :)

The Dearest Lift Me Up.........

I don't know about you but I have met one of the sweetest blog friends in the world :)  I have never met this dear lady but even though through my blog we have become such dear friends and she surprises me ALL the time with the sweetest gifts in the mail.  She knows just the things that make me smile and out of the blew I received this wonderful card and group of gifts....I smiled :)  Thank you my dear friend Jean :)  I love them all :)

Just Because.....

Everything is in "pink"...She knows it just makes me happy.....

A crocheted potholder with the most adorable vintage pin attached...

A vintage doily in pinks & blues......

A beautiful vintage "pink" apron.......

She just knows me...I treasure my blog friends so much...and it made my day :) 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday....

Monday - Fast Fire flank Steak, Crash Hot Potatoes, Wax beans, Garlic Knots.

Tuesday - Sweet and Sour Chicken, Egg rolls.

Wednesday - Shephards pie, Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread.

Thursday - Potato Chowder- crockpot, Cobb Salad.

Friday - TGIF!! - Date Night!

Saturday - Out Kicking up my heels Dancing!

Sunday - Spicy Blue Cheese Hamburgers, Baked French Fries, Malts.

Snack - Rice Krispie Biscotti.......

makes about 20 - 22

3 tablespoons butter
40 large marshmallows - 1 (10 ounce) bag
6 cups Rice Krispies
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
5 - 6 tablespoon half and half
sprinkles

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir to melt. Take pot off heat and stir in Rice Krispies. Let cool until it can be handled without burning your hands.

Scoop out about 1/3 cup of the Rice Krispie mixture and form into a biscotti shape - a thin log shape. Place on a piece of parchment paper to cool. Continue with the remaining Rice Krispie mixture until all biscotti are formed. Let cool completely.

Melt chocolate chips with the half and half in a heat proof bowl over simmering water and stirring occasionally. Dip half of each biscotti in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sprinkles. Place on parchment paper to harden. Store in airtight container.

Have a Great Week of Menu Planning Ideas.......For More Menu Ideas and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday.....

Monday - Grilled fresh garlic & gouda Chicken sausage, zucchini and sweet red pepper pizza, tossed salad. 

Tuesday -Grilled Mexican Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa, Potato & String beans (A simple side).

Wednesday - Summer Thyme Corn Chowder,5 minute Rosemary Focaccia.

Thursday - Grilled Salisbury Chicken, Tossed Salad,Pillsbury French Bread.

Friday - TGIF!  DATE NIGHT :)

Saturday - Crab Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Rice & Beans, Pico de Gallo. 

Sunday -Sugar Snap Peas & Ham Risotto, Cornbread Muffins.

Dessert - Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce.

Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce

3 pounds of MacIntosh apples, peeled and cut in chunks
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup water

Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Applesauce with be both smooth and chunky.

Have a Great Cooking Week !  For more fun menu's and recipes please stop over to http://thehappyhousewife.com/menu-plan-monday-turn-off-the-oven-edition/.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

The Shabby Red Bench......

Over the weekend I went antiquing and found this cute little red bench.  I've been looking for exactly something like this for my front porch to sit in front of my swing.  Last week I rearranged my porch into a little sitting room and added a little rocker and side table and lamp so the little red bench was the cherry on top.

 

 

I switched out the quilt on the swing.....

 

 

 

 

I added this lace tablecloth to the swing...hmmm I like it :)

 

 

I just finished work for the day so it's now time to go sit a spell and have a little coffee and a muffin...Yummy :)

 

My new cozy outdoor room........

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

The Best Entrance............I'm doing the Dance too!

OMG...I just saw this video and I just think it's wonderful and so fun!  You have to watch it.  The Greatest Entrance Wedding Dance Video EVER :)  It is a dreary day here in Nebraska and raining and pouring out.  I can't get enough of this song..it is so infectious and the words are so TRUE.....It is an actual video of a wedding from St. Paul, Minnesota. I will admit it is a bit unconventional for a wedding entrance but I can absolutely see myself being one of these wonderful people enjoying the committment they are about to make to one another and dancing and treasuring the day.....Please watch it...I applaud these free spirits on their special day....It is a day to take seriously I know..but rejoice and be so happy in the dance of life and love and this is so that!  (Before you click and watch the video go down to my favorite music down in the left sidebar and click on the bottom green arrow on the circle that goes to the right and mute my blog music so you can listen to the video completely).........

It just makes you want to rejoice in the dance of life and love :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Just a lazy day........

I'm having one of those lazy days...ya know what I mean??  I've got the candles burning.....and it smells just heavenly....

Candle burning is "Oh My Darling Clementine" from 5B & Candle Co....

 

Candle in a vintage punch glass...who would have thought :) Candles burning in my kitchen also...

 

A place to just sit and relax on the front porch besides the porch swing.  I played around the other day and made this little sitting area using a vintage rocker of my Grandma Rhoda's I had in the basement and decided to put a little reading lamp on an old chest beside it.  I turn it on at night and it glows from the front porch...I thought it was kinda neat.  I added the vintage tablecloths in red for color.....

 

Grandma's chair....

 

It's kinda sweet :)

 

I also added the red/white checked blanket.  I wanted to bring a lot of red accent color out for more curb appeal and I think I am slowly but surely doing that...What do you think??

 

 

Have a Great Wednesday!  A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday.....

 

Monday - Tacos de Carnitas with Red Chile Salsa (I am going to use chicken) & Chips.

Tuesday - Sausage, Pepper & Onion Pizza. Garlic Cheese Bread sticks.

Wednesday -Bruschetta chicken Bake, Pillsbury French Bread, Tossed Salad.

Thursday -Mexican Meatball Soup, Cobb Salad.

Friday - TGIF!  DATE Night!

Saturday - Wok Seared chicken with asparagus. Cheesy Zucchini & Red Onion flat bread.

Sunday - Drunken Chicken on Grill, Vegetable Kabobs, Leftovers of Cheesy Zucchini & Red Onion flat Bread.

Snack - Hot Little Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie. I got this from PickyPalate.com.

 

Hot Little Chocolate Chip Cookie Pies

1 roll Pillsbury Pie Crust, thawed and cut into 12 2 1/2 inch circles (I used a cup to press out all the circles)
1 batch of your favorite cookie dough

1 egg white plus 1 teaspoon water
3 Tablespoons Turbinado sugar or normal granulated sugar
Powdered sugar for dusting on top

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place all 12 pie crust circles onto a baking sheet. With a small cookie scoop, place a heaping teaspoon of cookie dough into the center of each pie round, pressing cookie dough down slightly without touching edges of pie crust. DO NOT overfill each pie, if too full the dough breaks through the pie.

2. Dip your finger in water and brush bottom 1/2 of the pie crust edge with water and fold top crust over to seal. Using fork tines, press to seal around edges. Continue until all crusts are sealed. Poke each little pie on top once or twice for steam holes. Lightly brush each pie with egg white whisked with a teaspoon of water then sprinkle with turbinado sugar (normal sugar is also fine). Bake for 20-22 minutes or until pie crust is just barely golden. Note that some of the cookie will escape through the pie crust, if this happens, just cut them in half and no worries. To prevent it, make sure you don't overfill your crusts.

3. Just before serving sprinkle with powdered sugar and even ice cream if desired. Make sure to enjoy these warm, shortly after out of oven!!

For more wonderful recipes and Menu Ideas for the week please pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

Also....

I received a wonderful award!

 

This one is fun! You tell 10 things about yourself so your blog friends can get to know you better!
This one I got from Lisa over at http://pupylov.blogspot.com/.  Thank you Lisa!..She is the most faithful blog friend and writes me the most inspirational comments ALL the time!  Her blog is adorable..go over and take a peek!

My ten things about me:

1.  I am divorced and remarried 4 years ago.

2.  I have 4 beautiful children 3 daughters, 1 son and 6 grandbabies I just adore, Libby, Jack, Annabelle, Lilly, Eden, Olive :)

3.  I am a medical transcriptionist by day and work out of my home full time.

4.  I LOVE antiques and old and vintage.

5.  I have 2 dogs 1 dachshund and 1 Maltipoo Maisie and Gabriella.

6.  I am somewhat of an Introvert also..I think you have to be to do what I do for a living and work from home.

7.  I love to sew and very often sewed my children's clothes growing up. ...My girls often dressed a like.

8.  I am 48 years old.

9.  I love to go out dancing and my favorite music is classic rock :)

10.  I live in the Swedish Capital of Nebraska!

Now you know a little about me :)...Feel free to pass it on to your favorite blog friends so you can get to know them better :)   I am sending to:

1.    Stephanie over at http://citygirlcountryhearts.blogspot.com.

2.    Pamm at http://stmichaelswife.blogspot.com/.

3.    Katy at http://countryblossom.blogspot.com/.

Have a great rest of your week!  A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Welcome! It's Pink Saturday :)

My Pink Saturday contribution is going to be  an old vintage pink sink I have utilized in my kitchen.  I saw someone else do this and thought it was so cute and how fun!  I have put it on the counter right next to my sink and it stores my washcloths in the oven and on top on a little porcelain holder is my pot scrubber.

 

Next is my new woven rag rug I purchased at a flea market.  I have used it in my little kitchen nook as the table cover.

 

Last but definitely not least as you all probably have read on my blog I just became a new grandma #6.  This is her cute baby announcement and it was of course Pink!  I love you Olive Joy :)

 

Have a Great Pink Saturday and for more wonderful Pink Saturday Treasures pop on over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound blog.

Vintage Red Bicycle.........Oh My....

 

I found this wreath and thought it was adorable with the vintage red bicycle attached.  It's mine now :)

 

 

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

Cottage Banner & Some Holy Water.......

 

  

 

I found this on Etsy made by our own Ms. Cherry from Cherries Jubilee!  I needed something red to hang in the entry.  I loved the cottage reds and the banner.

 

I got a little care package from a dear friend of mine who owns a candle shop in Weston, Missouri.  She knew I have been battling an awful bronchitis/pneumonia for several weeks now and of course she just had to send me something to sooth my soul. She told me to "scrub my nose" with the soap which is made at a Monastery with a scent of Rosemary Mint. The little card on the soap details it's contents which includes:  "These soaps are fragrant moisturizing bars containing saponified vegetable oils and natural glycerin to scent and soften your skin; a bit of "Holy Water" and a prayer for you.  Sr. Cathleen Marie makes these with her own hands.  I thought it was so touching.  Also, the candle is one of Marsha's magnificent candles in the scent of Eucalyptus Mint which really does help when you are not feeling very well :)  What do we do without friends.......

 

  

A Friend from the Heart :) 

 

Menu Planning Monday .....

  

Monday - Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir Fry.

Tuesday - Creamy Spaghetti Risotto, Tossed Salad. 

Wednesday - Italian Wedding Soup, Crusty Bread.

Thursday -Spicy marinated pork chops, Brown Rice and Vegetable Kabobs.

Friday -  TGIF! Date Night!

Saturday - Mashed Potato and Picodillo Pie, Sweet Corn, Biscuits.

Sunday - Texas Dry Rub Beer Can Chicken, Smashed Potato Salad, Green beans/Garden Beets, Garlic Bread.

Snack - No Bake Cookies.

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening(I use Crisco)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 T. cocoa powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 3 cups quick oats
• 1 cup shredded coconut(I used unsweetened)
• 1 t. vanilla

Directions: In a medium saucepan mix together the shortening, sugar, milk, salt and cocoa. Bring to a full boil. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon cookies(1 Tablespoon) onto wax paper to cool. When the cookies are cool and set, ENJOY!

Enjoy the week!  For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Backyard Fun.......I love Flowers in the Summer!

Introducing “Outdoor Wednesday”

I Love Flowers....I found this cute little plant stand at a craft show...My flowers have gone wild and I love it!

 

My patio...My trellis has finally took off.  I can't wait for it to bloom.  I put red lights everywhere this year, on my front porch grapevine and on the patio trellis and garage.

  

A cute little sign I got at a flea market.I have it hanging by one of the original screens from the house from days gone by.

 

My privacy fence and old kitchen sink I used for potting that came from an old farmhouse. It gets better and better each year with rust...hehehe.....I love the patina.....

 

We got rid of our eye sore of a hot tub and this is what we put in its place. I kind of want to put one of those old glider couches from back when if I can find one or maybe a hammock but this will due until then.

 

My pink/red chairs..they are my favorites....

 

I have two of these large pots which give it a more tropical feel.

 

I love vintage containers for planters and used this old ice chest.

 

More flower pots.....

The garage off the patio...is just more landscape and purpose also.

 

My tubs gone wild!

 

The little wooden chair....

 

The side of the garage.....all decked out.  I'm thinking of painting my garage red!...

 

My Mom and dad had this big old cast iron pot..I don't know if they made soap maybe in it in the old days but I utilize it in my landscaping...

 

Please visit our host Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for more Outdoor Wednesday posts.

Have a Great Wednesday!  A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday....

 

Monday - Shepard's Pie, Rustic Country Bread.

Tuesday - Ham & Vegetable Pizza, Tossed Salad.

Wednesday -Chicken Corn Chowder Topped with Avocado and Tomato, Left over Rustic Country Bread.  

Thursday - Burrito Pie, Chips & Salsa.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night!

Saturday - Sesame Chicken & Asparagus Pasta, Garlic Bread.

Sunday - Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, Cobb Salad, Grilled Sweet Corn.

Snack - Snickerdoodle Muffins.

Snickerdoodle Muffins

submitted by Melanie

3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 1/4 stick), softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup buttermilk

1 Preheat oven to 375°F.

2 Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.

3 In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together, beating until fluffy (about 2 minutes with an electric mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating until incorporated after each one. Add the vanilla yogurt and buttermilk .

4 Now add the dry ingredients. Mix until all is moist. Do not over beat.

5 I used a mini muffin muffin pan and had enough batter to make 2 batches. Spray each muffin tin with cooking spray or brush with butter. Distribute the muffin dough equally among the cups. Bake until muffins are golden brown, about 10-13 minutes(20 for regular size muffins). Test with a long toothpick to make sure the center of the muffins are done. Set muffin pan on wire rack to cool. After 5 minutes, remove muffins from pan.

6 While the muffins are cooling, melt 1/4-1/2 cup of butter and prepare a bowl of cinnamon sugar. While the muffins are still a bit warm, dip the top of the muffins in the melted butter and then in the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!

 

That's it for this week.  Have a great week of cooking in YOUR kitchen :)  Please stop over to www.orgjunkie.comfor more delish menu's and recipes.

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

   

Festive Door Charm......

  

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Holiday weekend.  Just posting some holiday decor and my newest fun find.  I stumbled across this great little neighborhood that everyone had an adorable door charm to greet you and they were so fun!  I made one and hope to make more.....I would love to get this started in my little neighborhood....So welcoming!  Thought I would share.....

 

 

I found these little red boots in an antique store while in North Dakota...Had to have them!

 

My entry rug..I got this hand woven red/white/blue rug at a festival.

 

My Holiday Birdhouse.....Lots of Flags.....

 

 

 

My vintage mailbox plantar in my landscape....

 

A little polka dot ribbon and red/white/blue textiles.....

 

More Textiles....

 

My flowers have grown!

 

 

My window box has a whimsical feel don't you think?  I still haven't gotten my window painted red...

 

 

My Snow on the Mountain...I hope to get this going all the way down the driveway someday..:)  It is such an old vintage plant...I love it!

 

Well.....Hope you enjoyed....Until next time! 

A Friend from the Heart :)

A Little 4th Centerpiece.....

 

My Table Centerpiece......

 

I love this "Old Glory" picture I found of my mom's in the basement of this house when I moved in.

 

Vintage child's quilt.....

 

More Americana...Geraniums in a vintage pitcher and of course flags....and a whimsical polk dot or two....

Enjoy the rest of your day!

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

The Girls are Back in Town :).....My Menu :)

 

We're Back :)  We had a lovely trip, long but lovely.  I'm very glad to be back home and in the "groove" again though!  We are finally going CAMPING this weekend for the first time this season...yayyyy!  I haven't did a thing in the camper so I'll be cozying up the camper but I have a horrible cold :(.....I know I'm late for menu planning monday this week..but better late than never.....

Monday - Mexican Chicken Crostada, chips & salsa.

Tuesday - Pepperoni pizza pasta, Tossed Salad, crusty bread.

Wednesday - Mexican Style Stuffed Green Peppers, Cobb Salad, Garlic Bread.

Thursday - We're off camping!  Pizza on the Grill, Sausage, pepperoni, onion pizza, Tossed Salad,  Peanuty Smores :)

Friday - Still Camping! Chicken, Potato & Olive Kabobs and Grilled asparagus  I will add onions and peppers too, French Bread, Campfire Banana Splits.

Saturday - Happy 4th of July!...Still Camping !  Best Ever Beer Steamed Burgers and Feisty Mustard Topped Hot Dogs,Salty Grilled Potatoes, Monster Cookie Bars. 

Sunday - Home at Last :)  Grilled steaks, hash browns, grilled sweet corn, garlic bread.

Snack - Monster Cookies...

 

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips. 
• 1/4 cup raisins, optional
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST...........

Introducing my newest grandbaby....OLIVE JOY :)

 

Have a Great week! 

A Friend From The Heart :)

 

On the Road to see Olive Joy!

 

Guess what I'm doing :)

 

Just letting you know my daughter and I are taking a little road trip this week to see the new baby in North Dakota.  I'll be returning home Friday. i'm sad and glad all in one.  Sad to leave my honey home alone with our our baby girls (the puppies) and glad I'm on my way to spend quality time with my daughter and her family.  I'm having a little anxiety as I have not been apart from my husband for more than overnight for 10 years and is it wrong to be a little sad to not want to be apart and still feel alone even though I'll still be surrounded by my loved ones?  Think of me and pray for comfort, bonding and safe travels :)  I'll catch you up when I get back!......

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

I have 2 Posts Today....Welcome Olive Joy!

Yep...Olive Joy has arrived!  I'm a grandma times 6 now :)  My daughter Emily had her third little bundle of joy Tuesday, June 16, 2009. We all knew she had a doctor's appt that day and were waiting on pins and needles thinking she was going to have to be induced...so as I'm waiting..what do you know..I pop on the infamous Facebook as I do quite often to touch hearts with my peeps...and low and behold Grandma reads this on Emily's Facebook page........"3 of a kind . . . Olive Joy. 1 hr labor, 2 pushes. 8.5 oz.".  Okay...I''m thinking wow...Hallelujah she's here!..and a little undertone of another "CRAP"..Grandma finds out on Facebook...hehehe :)  Don't worry...like 5 minutes later I got the official call from Daddy.  Amazing how you can blog off your cell phone these days!  Anywho..I just LOVE the name "Olive".  She fits right in our little vintage world :)  She lives in North Dakota though so grandma can't get her arms around her as of yet..."BUT" I'm thinking maybe a road trip is in order in a few days :)  My daughter takes after her mother...short labors, easy deliveries and beautiful babies :)  Her Big Sisters, Lilly Emma, Eden Grace are so very much "In LOVE" with their new Baby Sister, Olive Joy.

 

Welcome to the World Olive Joy :)  I can't wait to catch the scent of that baby smell, the little sounds of baby gruntlings and of course the crying too! 

It's been a busy week in my world!

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Tornado Season has arrived!

I'm still here....it just is hard to come inside and sit at the computer when it is so nice outside and flowers to tend and yard work..etc.  Now we have tornado watches, warnings and weather to worry about in dear old Nebraska.  This week has been a busy week especially with warnings every night and some pretty close to home.  It was a bit humid and just one of those days you know there is going to be activity somewhere with the weather.   Totally amazing to me Facebook is a wonderful thing isn't it?  I jumped on my facebook page to keep in the loop the days happenings with my kids and close friends and what do I read on my daughter's page..."Please pray for my family...tornados right by our house, my kids in town stuck in a parking lot with grandma in the middle of the bad weather".  I'm thinking "CRAP".  I turn on the TV and it's all over and she's right in the middle of it all and you feel so totally helpless in all this.  I'm thinking..what the heck are you doing on the computer when it is right there you idiot!..hehe....Anywho everything was fine...just some fields and crops damaged, some pivots blown over and we're very thankful.  She just built this beautiful new home last year and was finally getting it all finished and cozy comfy and you just feel so helpless and then your like a mother hen you want your chickies under your wing and there they were so exposed and mom finds out on facebook!..lol  My daughter sent this email yesterday about a storm chaser that was there taping the whole formation of the funnel clouds throughout the day into the tornado and I can't tell you how amazing it is to watch so I just couldn't wait to share it with you all.   The storm chaser was Ashley Walker.

6/15/2009 - Assumption, NE Tornado

One of the most rewarding chases of my career -- at 6 pm I was sure it was a bust, but I continued north toward the area of convergence near south-central Nebraska (despite all the storms in sw Kansas tugging at my heart strings) and bagged an amazing supercell and tornado east of Minden, NE. I was rewarded with one of the more dramatic occlusion processes I've ever seen. Patience paid off today. The time lapse of this should be quite remarkable; however, it will have to wait b/c I must drive to Chicago Tuesday and I'm running of fumes currently. Thanks to Matt Powers for nowcasting (and moral!) support. A lot more when I can find the time to process images/movies.

Clear slot wraps in.

Second funnel ... first one (and possible tornado) seconds earlier blocked by the only tree in my view -- chainsaw anyone?

Tornado!

Now go over to his blog from my link and please watch the streamline videos he posted at the bottom of the blog on 06/15/2009 from Assumption, NE.  Amazing!!

 

http://thetae.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

 

 

 

Menu Planning Monday :)

 

 

Monday - Joosie Loosie, Beer Battered Apple and Onion Rings, Fresh Fruit Salad.

Tuesday - Walking Tacos, Chips & Salsa.

Wednesday - Potato Corn Chowder, Tossed Cobb Salad.

Thursday - Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Mushrooms, Red Onions & Garlic, Grilled Pork Chops.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night :)

Saturday - Garlic Toasted Spaghetti Bruschetta, Tossed Salad.

Sunday -Roasted Potato Leek Soup, Herb Garlic Bread.

Snack - Cherry Coffee Cake From Finding Joy in My Kitchen Blog.

1/2 C light butter or margarine (or, 1/4 C butter, 1/4 C applesauce)
3/4 C sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 C sour cream (fat free works just fine)
2 1/2 C (use up to 1 C whole wheat)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 can cherry pie filling (alternatively, you can make your own with frozen cherries)
1/2 C sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Cream together butter and sugar. Beat eggs and add sour cream to the eggs; stir well. Add this to the butter and sugar mixture and cream. Mix flour, salt and soda together and add to the dough mix. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for topping.

Layer half of the dough in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Pour pie filling over the bottom dough layer. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mix. Top with remaining dough. It works best to plop the dough over the cherries and carefully spread to fill in the holes. Top with remaining dough and sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. 

That's it for this week.  Have a great week!  For more wonderful menu ideas please stop over the www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

It's "Pink Saturday"..:)

 

Another wonderful Pink Saturday is upon us.   It's been a very rainy cool week in Nebraska.  My plants and flowers are enjoying the moisture but now need some warm humid weather to burst into bloom.  My pink this week is a couple of items I have put together outside this week.  I rearranged my porch swing and added an old quilt I usually put out for Valentine's but had a little aha! moment and to the swing it has come.  My swing cushion and pillows I sewed out of old vintage tablecloths and one side was a pinkish/red flower with some green and whites which I usually use but the reverse is a pink/red and white almost paisley like flower pattern and when I put the quilt over the back of my red swing it sort of all came together and I really liked it.

 

 

The quilt up close.  It really is a worn old quilt that has ragged edges but I love it and use it many ways.

 

Next I have a wonderful vintage pink tub I've used just about everywhere and this year I put a little dirt in it and planted some flowers in it along side my house in a flower bed.

Well.... for many more wonderful Pink Saturday posts please pop on over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound blog.  Enjoy your Saturday and get whisked away in a Pink Saturday getaway :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

Menu Planning Monday.....

 

I'm a day late...but who cares :) 

Tuesday - Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Salad.

Wednesday - Seafood Nachos.

Thursday - Grilled Horseradish, Cheddar & Apple Burgers, Grilled Asparagus, Chips.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night!

Saturday - Olive Garden Spaghetti, Olive Garden Salad , Olive Garden Dressing.

Sunday - Meatloaf in Tri-colored Peppers, Smashed Potatoes & Chives, Green Beans. Garlic Bread.

Snack - Aunt Glynn's Chewy Cake

• 1 (1-pound) package light brown sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 stick butter, softened, plus more for greasing
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and butter. Add eggs and vanilla and stir well. Fold in coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips until well combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted through the middle comes out clean. Cool the cake completely in the pan before cutting it into squares.

Have a Great week in your kitchen's!  For more delicious menu ideas and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

It's Pink Saturday :)

 

Happy Pink Saturday.....For more wonderful Pink Saturday Blogs please pop over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound.

My Pink this week consists of a Beautiful Pink Chenille tablecloth I found and have displayed it on my dining table and the Centerpiece also.  My Grandmother's old Pink Wastebasket I just love and an old vintage Kerosene lamp.

 

 

 

My dining room wallpaper.....

 

That's it for this week!  It's a great Pink Saturday.  Enjoy browsing!

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Happy Friday and My Wash Tubs.....

 

My Vintage Garage....I actually do park a vehicle in this garage...it's pretty cozy..but fits!  Love the cracked driveway..:) It somehow tells a story.  I can just imagine my Grandma Rhoda driving up and down the driveway in her old black car.

 

The vintage picture of my house when Grandma Rhoda lived here....All the trees...I don't have but a couple now..  See the little garage tucked behind the house...:)

 

I can remember driving downtown with Grandma to the dime store where she worked.  Memories. 

The old Wash tubs I have on both sides of the garage.  

 

 

  

 

Around the corner on the side of the garage.....Just a menagerie of fun. 

A picture of Grandma Rhoda....

 

That porch swing is the same one I use today...only painted Red :) 

Thank you Grandma...for my home and all my memories :)

Enjoy your Weekend Dear Friends :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

Remembering a Miracle 29 Years Ago Today........June 3, 1980.

The Devastation.....

The 1980 Grand Island tornado outbreak, also known as The Night of the Twisters, affected the city of Grand Island, Nebraska on June 3, 1980. Seven tornadoes touched down in or near the city that night, killing 5 and injuring 200. The name "The Night of the Twisters" comes from the semi-fictionalized by book of the same name by author Ivy Ruckman, which in turn inspired a 1996 made-for-TV movie seen on ABC Family. Another article to read about it from the Grand Island Independent the day after of interest is:

http://www.nebraskaweatherphotos.org/giijune3-7.html

I was somewhat involved though I did not live in Grand Island at the time.  I lived in Fullerton, NE about 40 miles away on a farm, I was Lisa Johnson, was 20 years old, married, 1 little girl and 4 months pregnant.  I was helping my husband then Scott and was driving a tractor behind our house.  We had a running creek directly behind it with quite an embankment.  I was backing up the tractor..the brakes failed and I flipped over the embankment with the tractor and it landed in the running creek on top of me pinning me underneath.  I don't talk about it much but I think about it a lot especially on June 3rd each year.  Besides all of the many stories of those who lived the tornadoes in GI there was underlying behind the scenes stories like mine that make the day memorable also.  I was rushed by ambulance into GI in the middle of the tornadoes.  It was a miracle in my instance. 

This was an article in the Omaha World Herald of my mother's experience. 

 

Another article. I think I ended up having like 29 broken bones.. I was later found to have a broken hip and broken left arm amongst all of the other injuries mentioned above.  I was rushed to a local hospital later to be transferred to Lincoln and spent the summer in the hospital recuperating from the injuries.  When I returned home I had to use a walker to walk.  The miracle of all out of this...I was 4 months pregnant when this happened.....I delivered that baby in November, a normal vaginal delivery.  That beautiful baby is my daughter Emily who will be 29 years old this November and is perfect in every way. 

 

Emily and her family today.

Miracles do happen. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday...

  

Monday - BBQ & Ranch Chicken & Cheddar Pizza Roll em ups, tossed salad.

Tuesday - Sweet Onion Pork Chops, Long Grain Rice, Green Beans.

Wednesday - Burrito Pie. Chips & Salsa.

Thursday - Oven Baked Steak, Mashed Potato Casserole, Green Beans, French Bread.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night!.....

Saturday - Chicken & asparagus and pistachios/brown rice.

Sunday -  Spicy Mac Burgers, My Homemade Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Snack - Chocolate Chip Cake

Cake Batter:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups sour cream
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Middle & Top:
cinnamon sugar (I keep my cinnamon and sugar in a glass shaker so I didn't measure exactly how much I used - a guesstimate would be 2 tablespoons for each layer)
1 bag chocolate chips, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 if using a glass pan). Grease a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl combine all of the cake batter ingredients. Mix for 1 minute at low speed; mix 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour 1/2 of batter into greased pan. Generously sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over batter making sure to get the corners and then sprinkle with 1/2 bag of chocolate chips. Pour remaining cake batter on top and spread across bottom layer. Repeat with cinnamon and sugar and chocolate chips. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs (don't overbake or cake will be dry!).

For more great menu plans and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Happy "Pink" Saturday.....

  

Happy Birthday of One Year of Pink Saturdays!  My post this week is leaning towards a favorite drink and vintage Pink containers I have.

 

This is my favorite wine in the world.  Of course it is Pink and I found it in a winery near Kansas City.  I bought a case :)  Not dry, very smooth and yummy.

 

Pink Catawba is a semi-sweet Red, more pink in color with Catawba flavor

 

For a while I was really into West Virginia Glass and I found this vintage margarita pitcher and glasses set.."in Pink" :)

 

And this lovely Pink West Virginia Liquor set...Little shot glasses and decanter.

For more Pink Saturday Posts please stop over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound Blog.

Have a great Weekend.......

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Americana.......

 

Sharing a little Americana for the holiday.  I hope everyone had a great Memorial Weekend.

 

One of the houses I have Baby Finches living.....

 

A planter I made up and put out at the cemetery on my parents grave....

 

I added my Americana birdhouse in the display and some baby blue eggs to the nest...A flag here and there.

 

My Garden Flag...We also just added this border in the landscaping this spring.

 

An ole Americana flag painted on barn wood framed.

 

My window box is growing! 

 

Just another angle .......

 

The garage door Americana.....

A Friend from the Heart :)