tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76696041720143983842024-03-12T19:38:17.764-04:002 Teachers 2 DogsThis is just a way for family and friends to keep us with our crazy life! We are trying new recipes, trying new crafts, trying some DIY projects, and just trying to make our house a home. We love our two crazy dogs and wouldn't change anything about our amazing life!2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-82389068915549066712012-11-30T17:04:00.002-05:002012-11-30T17:04:34.973-05:00We're Moving...<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="322" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEV2YCkuf3hYx9AUlf9VHZ_wjFomcpDLsJr3CWPZtpV8TYCRSK_IbUluW7yQD-7i9NKmmHlLZLYDzgH8TAoVQypJFWIkE2JeEDw_oNfGYb_WPOKRF6fjJWcMh9gXTnX0FzQ9fJj11Foew/s1600/We've+moved.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="493" /></div>
We're moving the blog...for many reasons that you probably don't really care about. :0) You can find all the new posts at:<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2teachers2dogs.wordpress.com/">2Teachers2Dogs.wordpress.com</a></span></div>
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Can't wait to see you there tomorrow for the start of the Home Made Holiday Series!!</div>
2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-22997918637567608492012-11-21T08:09:00.001-05:002012-11-21T08:09:49.391-05:00A Short Sabbatical<p>Thank you to everyone who checks my blog frequently. I know I have worked so hard to post something everyday! That was my goal….everyday for a year. I have only missed a couple of days until recently. I have just been so busy enjoying family and friends during this Holiday season, and working on all my “Homemade Holidays” crafts that I just haven’t had the time to post.</p> <p>I promise that I will be back starting December 1st to share with you all the amazing homemade holiday decorations and recipes that we have been working on. Until then, enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends and make sure to let them know how thankful you are for them.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://files.myopera.com/Spots/blog/happy%20thanksgiving%20cat%20dog.jpg" width="430" height="595"></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-65983144625787998302012-11-15T19:02:00.001-05:002012-11-15T19:02:21.816-05:00Holiday Shopping<p>After work today I did a little shopping….I came back with three big bags from the following places:</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmYj6EO4GS1R-BuCuRwKblNIAvinRTjLdGrWqebfoO97LE5Ru47g" width="400" height="300"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQR0ZDRJcB-2wy9nRwcRdHgheQPWRPWSP6Xba5vHR7HPzWqWFqW" width="400" height="304"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXfm-hxrcWV4PPqgH6fhv-3fHSPjq_c0Az5EuT5Fma2MK3J9oo8A" width="400" height="412"></p> <p> </p> <p>I wonder what amazing Christmas decorations will be created out of the items in these bags…?? :0) Wait and see….</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-11320172837438461202012-11-14T06:59:00.000-05:002012-11-14T06:59:00.174-05:00A Bohemian Breakfast<p>Hubs and I spent our honeymoon (and the next 4 summers) on Grand Bahama Island. I loved (most) of the island food, but there is one taste, one flavor, that has <em>never ever</em> left my mouth….Banana Pancakes. I am telling you, the resort we stayed at every year made <em>the most amazing</em> banana pancakes you could ever put in your mouth. I have been trying to recreate that flavor for years, and I finally was successful last weekend!!</p> <p>I have tried slicing the banana and putting it in the pancake batter, and I have tried mashing the banana and putting it in the batter, but who knew that the secret was not in the pancake batter at all?! It’s in the topping! The best part about my little discovery is that it was SOOOO easy and fast!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s1IiHhoF0wU/UKLe9X3EpUI/AAAAAAAAFn8/V45Vf_WvjAo/s1600-h/IMG_3930%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3930" border="0" alt="IMG_3930" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f3gyqakqc_U/UKLe-ZsBjQI/AAAAAAAAFoE/bgoSufUZ10o/IMG_3930_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong><font color="#52c13e" size="4">Caramelized Bananas with Simple Buttermilk Pancakes</font></strong></p> <p><strong>Banana Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 bananas (sliced)</li> <li>2 T dark brown sugar (light brown sugar will work too – just not be as “rich” a flavor)</li> <li>2 T butter (real butter please people)</li> <li>1/8 t cinnamon</li></ul> <p>Melt the butter in a skillet. Add brown sugar and cinnamon and stir. Add banana slice and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly so the bananas don’t burn.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-92FeDwHXL6k/UKLfAIChgII/AAAAAAAAFoM/xZpGoIxiwXY/s1600-h/IMG_3928%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3928" border="0" alt="IMG_3928" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mkKzydIS4EU/UKLfBKGNeZI/AAAAAAAAFoU/FTDe1iN1rmQ/IMG_3928_thumb%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong>Pancake Ingredients: (* you can use any pancake recipe that you have on hand)</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 cup of flour</li> <li>1 t baking powder</li> <li>1/4 t salt</li> <li>a pinch of baking soda</li> <li>1 cup buttermilk</li> <li>1 1/2 t vegetable oil</li> <li>1 egg</li></ul> <p>In a large bowl, combine first 4 dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk other three wet ingredients. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until smooth. Cook about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake on a hot griddle. Top pancakes with the caramelized bananas and prepare to taste a little bit of the Bahamas.</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-47691399059879451222012-11-13T18:19:00.001-05:002012-11-13T18:19:01.552-05:00Easy Baked Spaghetti<p>All you have to do is look at the picture below and you will see that this is the perfect meal for my hubs….meat, cheese, and pasta!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KOsN5GdJBKM/UKLVXhP-MVI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/rAVEzybuD68/s1600-h/IMG_3785%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3785" border="0" alt="IMG_3785" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t2fEKI2jXUM/UKLVYziKJWI/AAAAAAAAFmY/zSbes9Aa1HY/IMG_3785_thumb%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 box spaghetti noodles</li> <li>1/2 lb ground beef</li> <li>1 jar pasta sauce</li> <li>1 can diced tomatoes</li> <li>1 t minced garlic</li> <li>1 T Worcestershire sauce</li> <li>1/2 T Italian seasoning</li> <li>1 egg</li> <li>2 T butter</li> <li>8 oz sour cream</li> <li>1 cup shredded cheddar cheese</li> <li>cooping spray</li></ul> <p>Preheat oven to 350<sup>0</sup>. Cook pasta according to package, then drain and put aside. Brown beef until cooked and crumbly. Make sure you drain your meat. Add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes until flavors mix. Mix <em>melted </em>butter and egg with the cooked pasta (make sure pasta is cool, or egg will cook immediately and leave chunks – yuck). Coat a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Add the pasta, layer it with sour cream, then beef mixture, then cover with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 350<sup>0</sup> for 20 – 30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting. </p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-36100532445755484252012-11-12T18:18:00.001-05:002012-11-12T18:18:51.651-05:00This one calls for an….O.M.G.!!<p>One of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat is Cracker Barrel. YUMM! I always order the same thing….vegetable plate with Chicken and Dumplings! I haven’t ever tried to make chicken and dumplings at home because I just knew that they would never stack up…well guess what!? Not only did this recipe stand up to the Chicken’n’Dumpling lover’s tastes, but also to the Hubs pickiness, AND it was so EASY!!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y1eKns-nwYI/UKGDubCElAI/AAAAAAAAFj0/CDfDBa21fdk/s1600-h/IMG_3403%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3403" border="0" alt="IMG_3403" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ANWicFk7FVI/UKGDvI5u9-I/AAAAAAAAFj8/853M6doOjm0/IMG_3403_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="350"></a></p> <p><strong><font color="#52c13e" size="5">Fast, Homemade, Chicken’n’Dumplings</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">Ingredients:</font></strong></p> <ul> <li><font color="#000000">1 pre-cooked rotisserie chicken</font></li> <li><font color="#000000">2 cans of chicken broth</font></li> <li><font color="#000000">1 can of cream of celery soup</font></li> <li><font color="#000000">1/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning</font></li> <li><font color="#000000">1/2 can of refrigerated biscuits</font></li></ul> <p><font color="#000000">Tear off bite-sized chunks of the rotisserie chicken and set aside.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7JkyUu51dtQ/UKGDxHXc9pI/AAAAAAAAFkE/UE92lnni0hk/s1600-h/IMG_3399%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3399" border="0" alt="IMG_3399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8YFldfjySdM/UKGDxw7RYHI/AAAAAAAAFkM/0yCW7xGfmiQ/IMG_3399_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="350"></a></p> <p>In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, soup, and seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oQNjzBBebeo/UKGDzcp4SaI/AAAAAAAAFkU/ztxzF2EBUKo/s1600-h/IMG_3401%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3401" border="0" alt="IMG_3401" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mRee1v4FSQ8/UKGD0dya2jI/AAAAAAAAFkc/sqpaQasVqTE/IMG_3401_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="350"></a> </p> <p>On a lightly floured surface, flatten your biscuits to 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1/2 inch wide strips and then cut in to make smaller bite sized pieces. Reduce your pot to a low boil and drop your biscuits into the broth 1 at a time. Simmer for ten more minutes and stir to prevent the biscuits from sticking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fORxhdX9wKU/UKGD1vcpTyI/AAAAAAAAFkk/BkU5Wc25PHc/s1600-h/IMG_3402%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3402" border="0" alt="IMG_3402" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sPhVZJZPdWQ/UKGD2JYOU9I/AAAAAAAAFks/7WOQNlFXf4o/IMG_3402_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="350"></a></p><strong><font color="#000000"></font></strong> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-86369333756627340962012-11-11T14:43:00.001-05:002012-11-11T14:43:55.060-05:00Crockpot – Cranberry Onion Roast<p>The mix of ingredients in this recipe almost made me skip right past it, but I decided to go out on a limb and give it a try. I am so glad I did. I t was so easy and so full of flavor!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--fQ7du3VTvQ/UJ__9ateJAI/AAAAAAAAFiI/Jy3CgO5p4ik/s1600-h/roast%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="roast" border="0" alt="roast" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v27gn05ydJ4/UJ__-ZX483I/AAAAAAAAFiQ/9wf2i4aQfNA/roast_thumb%25255B28%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>3 lb Boston Butt Roast</li> <li>1 can <strong>jellied</strong> cranberry sauce</li> <li>1 envelop dry onion soup mix</li> <li>1/2 cup orange juice</li> <li>1/2 t salt</li> <li>1/4 t pepper</li></ul> <p>Season you roast with salt and pepper, cook on low in a crock pot for 6 – 8 hours. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, soup mix, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Heat this mixture thoroughly. Serve the sauce over sliced pork, Enjoy!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-65478962354567288152012-11-08T05:42:00.000-05:002012-11-08T05:42:00.231-05:00My Grandma’s Door Egg<p>I have said many many times that I am extremely blessed to be in my 30’s and still have almost all of my grandparents with me. I have so many amazing memories of time with them when I was little, and one of my favorites is when my Grandma would make us “door eggs”. I was always amazed by them when I was little, and would scarf down a couple for breakfast any time I could convince her to make them for us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S8VK2Ue9Z50/UJbFLD2purI/AAAAAAAAFfM/lPAOQzemVKY/s1600-h/IMG_2422%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2422" border="0" alt="IMG_2422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YmVWO5PCWB0/UJbFLzo7-RI/AAAAAAAAFfU/X19o3oZGXcs/IMG_2422_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong><font color="#52c13e" size="4">Grandma’s Door Egg</font></strong></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>white bread</li> <li>eggs</li> <li>butter</li></ul> <p>1. Take a piece of white bread and cut a “door”out of the center.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LsQju6HO6BU/UJbFNBglYeI/AAAAAAAAFfc/hOx4CcF05e4/s1600-h/IMG_2417%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2417" border="0" alt="IMG_2417" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sjFvO0gVTpE/UJbFNk0AiZI/AAAAAAAAFfk/DR3AGI5eOTY/IMG_2417_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>2. Toast the “door” (with butter) in a small saucepan.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xdhRb_NzSr8/UJbFPFXCEkI/AAAAAAAAFfs/4_v5zzmvASk/s1600-h/IMG_2418%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2418" border="0" alt="IMG_2418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WEsNnPgnM4I/UJbFQEZh4aI/AAAAAAAAFf0/Cg6_tLbQZFM/IMG_2418_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>3. Now toast the “house” piece of the bread on one side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VtXc-b1894k/UJbFRpwahRI/AAAAAAAAFf8/pCv5mjDuRBo/s1600-h/IMG_2419%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2419" border="0" alt="IMG_2419" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dU76ogWivHA/UJbFSYm5q9I/AAAAAAAAFgE/HkwlnAG10yY/IMG_2419_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>4. Crack an egg into the hole in the center of the bread and fry it for about 3 minutes over medium heat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9O5BKfaJ9VM/UJbFTxXPOzI/AAAAAAAAFgM/-bJNsP5rOEQ/s1600-h/IMG_2421%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2421" border="0" alt="IMG_2421" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dw2nFgTJ3LA/UJbFUnL1k5I/AAAAAAAAFgU/qJWuQvVfxGc/IMG_2421_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>5. Flip the whole bread/egg combo and fry for another couple of minutes (until it looks like the white of the egg is fully cooked).</p> <p>6. Place the “door” over the egg and enjoy! The best part is when the yolk cracks open and there is already toast right there to sop it up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdUrz-ItPjI/UJbFWLBUUDI/AAAAAAAAFgc/sYP5GpjJIeM/s1600-h/IMG_2423%25255B33%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2423" border="0" alt="IMG_2423" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XEqeJdwWtEw/UJbFXHtaipI/AAAAAAAAFgk/dYR3ueGoC_0/IMG_2423_thumb%25255B30%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks Grandma for such wonderful memories!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-57206751632433623932012-11-07T05:22:00.000-05:002012-11-07T05:22:00.154-05:00Creamy Pasta Salad<p>Do ever just have a craving for something light and refreshing? I especially like to have something light on hand for weekend lunches when we are running around and trying to get a millions things accomplished.</p> <p>We tried this recipe from <a href="http://www.SimplyRealMoms.com">www.SimplyRealMoms.com</a> and really loved it! It packed up really nice for lunches too!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-677C_cARBf8/UJbAcdRDnAI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/ZiYfLDz-Cf8/s1600-h/IMG_2631%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2631" border="0" alt="IMG_2631" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aFEIRpVemjQ/UJbAdept23I/AAAAAAAAFdY/32FMJNJ1Mko/IMG_2631_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p><font color="#52c13e" size="3">Creamy Pasta Salad</font> <p>Adapted from <a href="http://www.simplyrealmoms.com/posts/creamy-pasta-salad/" target="_blank">SimplyRealMoms</a> <p>Ingredients <ul> <li>½ box shaped pasta <li>1 head of broccoli, chopped <li> 1 cup frozen peas, thawed <li>½ pkg mini pepperonis (regular size is ok, too) <li> 8 Monterey Jack cheese sticks (snack sticks) cut into chunks (you can use any kind of cheese that you like) <li> Ranch dressing </li></ul> <p>Instructions <ol> <li>Cook pasta according to directions on the box. Drain it. <li>Place colander with drained pasta into a bowl with ice and water in it to cool it off. <li>Put all the rest of the ingredients, except the ranch dressing into a bowl. Pour the cooled pasta onto a clean towel and really dry it off. <li>Pour pasta into the bowl . Stir in the ranch as you like it. A little, a lot—there’s no exact science to it. </li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ozHZGfb417g/UJbAejNz9RI/AAAAAAAAFdg/N7JWp-G8j6Q/s1600-h/IMG_2633%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2633" border="0" alt="IMG_2633" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yPEbj8yDTyI/UJbAf96Rv0I/AAAAAAAAFdo/u3pMUbD445o/IMG_2633_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-73489985931037551462012-11-06T05:29:00.000-05:002012-11-06T05:29:00.420-05:00Footboard Blanket Chest ~ lots of pictures!<p>A few weeks ago we bought our first table saw, and since then Hubs has really been putting it to work. I was in desperate need of somewhere to put all my blankets and pillows, so Hubs drew up some plans for a footboard chest for me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FofPnvkyCUI/UJaX7Qr73QI/AAAAAAAAFUU/2uqbVBO5yok/s1600-h/001%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DtvLm7pbUlE/UJaX8ThYsuI/AAAAAAAAFUc/vqeOK_1vxQ4/001_thumb%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="439"></a></p> <p>I am always impressed with how he just comes up with this stuff off the top of his head. We took our weekly trip to our favorite home improvement store and gathered all of our supplies. We used every saw we owned during this project!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vxdUj95JO3w/UJaX-SDF9GI/AAAAAAAAFUk/VssaRRRKPO4/s1600-h/IMG_2473%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2473" border="0" alt="IMG_2473" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mTjLfuyF8Kg/UJaX_S_sgFI/AAAAAAAAFUs/0GSA55_VlpM/IMG_2473_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We started by cutting the sides, top, and bottom out of the 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B4fT4CoduY0/UJaYAxYBnLI/AAAAAAAAFU0/2hs7_oQM58w/s1600-h/IMG_2474%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2474" border="0" alt="IMG_2474" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kGCSGZtZhVc/UJaYCRUY5mI/AAAAAAAAFU8/b3-6mS_W1-M/IMG_2474_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wh2FastrG1E/UJaYDnA6ImI/AAAAAAAAFVE/Ak5of50JEQ0/s1600-h/IMG_2486%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2486" border="0" alt="IMG_2486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sxzann5NPhA/UJaYE4N5LXI/AAAAAAAAFVM/epxMrl9sS9c/IMG_2486_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>Then we added the legs to sturdy things up a little. I love using the air nail gun!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k78p_sVaGpQ/UJaYGK6hX2I/AAAAAAAAFVU/ijLRdfnksHg/s1600-h/IMG_2487%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2487" border="0" alt="IMG_2487" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MVBjvS71OSg/UJaYHOm8f2I/AAAAAAAAFVc/RFNg-E2rEHM/IMG_2487_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>Next, Hubs worked on cutting the trim/molding pieces for the look he wanted.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DdJzE1O4klw/UJaYIrd6c9I/AAAAAAAAFVk/zvfMLWYMisY/s1600-h/IMG_2492%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2492" border="0" alt="IMG_2492" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8Uv6hK0N_5M/UJaYKafVocI/AAAAAAAAFVs/JRm1u4ZmP1Q/IMG_2492_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>It is starting to come together now….although I thought it looked more like a coffin than a chest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mexHg4BWnng/UJaYMFLrKRI/AAAAAAAAFV0/sEysOUdpF_0/s1600-h/IMG_2496%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2496" border="0" alt="IMG_2496" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oC7LMjriNDs/UJaYN4Xcd3I/AAAAAAAAFV8/8OWTIciH9e0/IMG_2496_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Of course Miss Brown Dog had to help carry the wood pieces to the scrap pile for us. She loves to carry anything!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v4zxGTe-rnA/UJaYQZln0xI/AAAAAAAAFWE/EcRJGA07p18/s1600-h/IMG_2543%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2543" border="0" alt="IMG_2543" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tH8Q1hBMcr8/UJaYR0liGoI/AAAAAAAAFWM/Se70vgL2Ag4/IMG_2543_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Willow was so funny about the nail gun. She would put her nose right up to it to see what was going on. She has no fear! (Harley was hiding on the whole other side of the back yard!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oCsr6NA7Ros/UJaYT0LJ4oI/AAAAAAAAFWU/a83Crhd-jGs/s1600-h/IMG_2561%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2561" border="0" alt="IMG_2561" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ieUDaki7uFU/UJaYVFe9y1I/AAAAAAAAFWc/ANrCusVjvvE/IMG_2561_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>While Hubs was putting the finishing touches on the design of the chest, I headed inside to cover the seat cushions….of course I couldn’t do it without a little help from The Boss Man.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SduNV2Dyl2A/UJaYW6yU7ZI/AAAAAAAAFWk/VhrSqcqppVE/s1600-h/IMG_2572%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2572" border="0" alt="IMG_2572" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JdlvIAVCQTg/UJaYXre3nvI/AAAAAAAAFWs/jDVRTBCnsvY/IMG_2572_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Really!? I need you to get off the batting so I can measure and cut it!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kkTnrJI58M8/UJaYy-iPEHI/AAAAAAAAFW8/4imPWGxgTDk/s1600-h/IMG_2581%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2581" border="0" alt="IMG_2581" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DC9zTlhuwS0/UJaY0CSq1cI/AAAAAAAAFXE/NeliakLK2Yg/IMG_2581_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>Well, moving to the side is better than nothing. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3pbbZ1CpDqY/UJaY0len5HI/AAAAAAAAFXM/eqsJ0dJL1bw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> I used the boards Hubs had cut for me to trace out the amount of foam batting needed for each cushion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bVd3DpcjZA4/UJaY1nRnP5I/AAAAAAAAFXU/ZC96JT3mVsM/s1600-h/IMG_2582%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2582" border="0" alt="IMG_2582" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xxw4oNNFO2s/UJaY2ioGZSI/AAAAAAAAFXc/zU6au3pR45k/IMG_2582_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>It was a booger to cut because It was 2 inches thick, but well worth it when I was done!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7nzdQbYueJQ/UJaY4OBAaHI/AAAAAAAAFXk/tQDKwXXv76o/s1600-h/IMG_2583%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2583" border="0" alt="IMG_2583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xaU0mPrfo6A/UJaY41YJabI/AAAAAAAAFXs/M6JYNb1KVOU/IMG_2583_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Once my two pieces were cut, I took a little break to play with The Boss Man. I just love that he is 8 years old and still loves to play and has such a sweet little kitten face! I play with him any chance I can get.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EaEfanUKiQ4/UJaY6XSQiTI/AAAAAAAAFX0/_6rOETvQ6ek/s1600-h/IMG_2584%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2584" border="0" alt="IMG_2584" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-djwq1zBNyZc/UJaY7Z3cBFI/AAAAAAAAFX8/z_PcfK53m_8/IMG_2584_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qtjclRHsTpI/UJaY8ASyJ7I/AAAAAAAAFYE/wTX2zsXf9lY/s1600-h/IMG_2589%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2589" border="0" alt="IMG_2589" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M-UGQw30OHk/UJaY9KcdfiI/AAAAAAAAFYM/ubUDfMh6JSg/IMG_2589_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-00X0tkrRGro/UJaY-WkedzI/AAAAAAAAFYU/wItQJYNMqAI/s1600-h/IMG_2593%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2593" border="0" alt="IMG_2593" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KH7MY_-CTvk/UJaY_ue8EsI/AAAAAAAAFYc/3XSqgTybLEs/IMG_2593_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>Now that he is tuckered out, I can finish what I was doing. I cut my fabric to be 2 inches longer than the foam on each side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EmI43F5SCbo/UJaZBfWw_1I/AAAAAAAAFYk/gLD_GYUFr48/s1600-h/IMG_2594%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2594" border="0" alt="IMG_2594" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-diuFCGPr2BI/UJaZCWA2iAI/AAAAAAAAFYs/2M7KC5kAQbw/IMG_2594_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Finally, with Hubs Help, we stretched and pulled the fabric around the edges and stapled it to the plywood piece that Hubs had pre-cut.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zZkGwqDIcWM/UJaZD1U7ZtI/AAAAAAAAFY0/xSmugdBsspw/s1600-h/IMG_2595%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2595" border="0" alt="IMG_2595" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ce6pCsKQPu8/UJaZFICpBhI/AAAAAAAAFY8/8x31xwIrErg/IMG_2595_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gIAamQr7Jz8/UJaZG-65C5I/AAAAAAAAFZE/Cd2oOZ7STis/s1600-h/IMG_2597%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2597" border="0" alt="IMG_2597" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1k_EQchay-w/UJaZH9qHqsI/AAAAAAAAFZM/WgGv-f4T7no/IMG_2597_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>All that’s left is the finishing touches! We used a piano hinge across the back length of the chest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DCPwgZf6IyA/UJaZJLIVmAI/AAAAAAAAFZU/faV3H2zsMrw/s1600-h/IMG_2598%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2598" border="0" alt="IMG_2598" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qTXA2MpqdEc/UJaZLIvD61I/AAAAAAAAFZc/hkThXohXkzw/IMG_2598_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>I tested my cushions to make sure they fit….perfect!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HsHv2itIHN8/UJaZM7xXrSI/AAAAAAAAFZk/YHsQetTwsFE/s1600-h/IMG_2599%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2599" border="0" alt="IMG_2599" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S_4H7ORnCHk/UJaZNmwTipI/AAAAAAAAFZs/LqbN4zu4IjY/IMG_2599_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Hubs added some little details to the front legs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tps_u_p6dDM/UJaZO78x_dI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/sQJPnmHo9pg/s1600-h/IMG_2600%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2600" border="0" alt="IMG_2600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JmdLv9vskpE/UJaZQJgZqbI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/Gi4_ebtoJDk/IMG_2600_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>It works!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3pMLbP4x0Xo/UJaZRayEI2I/AAAAAAAAFaE/mU8MslvkxjQ/s1600-h/IMG_2601%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2601" border="0" alt="IMG_2601" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BTorDhYxRns/UJaZSSulEsI/AAAAAAAAFaM/Z9AcDyT6cks/IMG_2601_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Hubs added some extra support hinges to the insides to help hold the (very heavy) top up when you are trying to put things in the chest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mOdkq0PxeQ4/UJaZTovM7cI/AAAAAAAAFaU/Is6eIK6eGmQ/s1600-h/IMG_2606%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2606" border="0" alt="IMG_2606" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XkqzxEZwhGE/UJaZUQuPDXI/AAAAAAAAFac/d3JVh_Ne0Es/IMG_2606_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We started by trying to stain the inside blocks of the chest, but ended up not liking the look and just painted the entire thing black (which matches our master bedroom furniture). I am so glad we did because I love the final look!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hHg4twueH2M/UJaZWfaOi9I/AAAAAAAAFak/mF7HlMg2Ptw/s1600-h/IMG_2607%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2607" border="0" alt="IMG_2607" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BhGuVwuxF24/UJaZXronD9I/AAAAAAAAFas/14sjWW_5s6c/IMG_2607_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yQZhKY9Sj0k/UJaZZBV6TyI/AAAAAAAAFa0/8rej8Wghsbk/s1600-h/IMG_3853%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3853" border="0" alt="IMG_3853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LF6bkL3bHEE/UJaZZ5DLEiI/AAAAAAAAFa8/2B3UJhwlOOk/IMG_3853_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Hubs found these beautiful pieces of hardware at the local antique fair to add an extra special touch to the finished piece.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wOCX6opzcRk/UJaZbZDNuFI/AAAAAAAAFbE/nhWQ-XpgYAo/s1600-h/IMG_3856%25255B36%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3856" border="0" alt="IMG_3856" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mg_rFlJ0_pc/UJaZcCaCi3I/AAAAAAAAFbM/0lPlBC8l_pA/IMG_3856_thumb%25255B31%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uDuw17Ihnfk/UJaZdn6BLSI/AAAAAAAAFbU/PaA8SC0hmIQ/s1600-h/IMG_3857%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3857" border="0" alt="IMG_3857" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-40v2yFdEPnw/UJaZeqXwRuI/AAAAAAAAFbc/cFQ-hmhDNXw/IMG_3857_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dte4-fbEKr8/UJaZgA-Po_I/AAAAAAAAFbk/T2yT09DOM68/s1600-h/IMG_3854%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3854" border="0" alt="IMG_3854" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ibe5veZwucM/UJaZg5ja5SI/AAAAAAAAFbs/k53dbrDGSJg/IMG_3854_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>I am in love with this piece, and even more impressed with my Hubs’ skills. He completed this project in a weekend!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-79023031301283672042012-11-05T04:30:00.000-05:002012-11-05T04:30:00.918-05:00Oven Baked Cheese Sticks<p>Meat, Cheese, Meat, Cheese….that is about all the Hubs eats! I try my best to lighten up some of his favorite recipes whenever I can. When I put these baked cheese sticks on his plate, I worried that we would stick his nose up since they weren’t deep fried. Instead, he took a bite and said, “These taste like they are straight out of a restaurant! So good!” Yes! Another Success!!</p> <p><b><font color="#52c13e" size="3">Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks</font></b><br><i>Original recipe on <a href="http://www.Skinnytaste.com">www.Skinnytaste.com</a></i></p> <p><b>Servings:</b> 12 <b>• Serving Size:</b> 2 pieces <b>• Old Points: </b>1 pts <b>• Points+: </b>2 pts*<br><b>Calories:</b> 86.8* <b>• Fat: </b>4.8 g<b> • Protein:</b> 7.4 g<b> • Carb:</b> 3.5 g <b>• Fiber: </b>0.2 g <b>• Sugar:</b> 0.2<br><b>Sodium:</b> 168.6<b> </b><br><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p5uOYa1qkAA/UJWM8Dd91UI/AAAAAAAAFSA/cGvrJbJkr3A/s1600-h/IMG_2467%25255B33%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2467" border="0" alt="IMG_2467" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5xeiIlWuuLM/UJWM838YDMI/AAAAAAAAFSI/Cz94a6FcD8g/IMG_2467_thumb%25255B30%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong> </p> <ul> <li>12 sticks part-skim, reduced sodium mozzarella string cheese (I used Weight Watchers cheese sticks) <li>1 large egg, beaten <li>2 tbsp flour <li>5 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs <li>5 tbsp panko crumbs <li>2 tsp parmesan cheese <li>1 tbsp dried parsley <li>olive oil cooking spray </li></ul><br><strong>Directions:</strong><br>1. Cut cheese in half to give you 24 pieces. Place cheese in the freezer until cheese is frozen<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xtade2KCfgY/UJWM9zJJPtI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/i6NcgyA8NBo/s1600-h/IMG_2463%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2463" border="0" alt="IMG_2463" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DVzl9JzlJa4/UJWM-l-AWII/AAAAAAAAFSY/7w-hiGpCTS8/IMG_2463_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="309"></a>. <p>2. In small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the flour on another small dish. In separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, panko, parmesan cheese and dried parsley. <p>3. Dip the frozen sticks in flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then coat with the crumbs. <p>4. Repeat this process with the remaining cheese placing them on a tray with wax paper. Place cheese back into the freezer until ready to bake (this is a must or they will melt before the crumbs get golden).</p> <p>5. When ready to bake preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with oil.</p> <p>6. Place frozen cheese sticks on baking sheet. Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with a little more oil and bake in the bottom third of your oven until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and bake an additional 4 - 5 minutes watching them closely so they don't melt.<br></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-etlvPjM81PM/UJWNAep_3hI/AAAAAAAAFSg/Fyw5pCbmaPk/s1600-h/IMG_2465%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2465" border="0" alt="IMG_2465" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ChL9kbh3vj4/UJWNBTMJJOI/AAAAAAAAFSo/EokyXf_GNrQ/IMG_2465_thumb%25255B29%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong>Makes 24 pieces</strong>.</p> <p>* There will be extra crumbs and flour after breading, I've deducted them from the nutritional info. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajxHXURxiDI/UJWNC_R8fMI/AAAAAAAAFSw/K_gBoL-pdLc/s1600-h/IMG_2468%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2468" border="0" alt="IMG_2468" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dU21-PkksuY/UJWNDzbarfI/AAAAAAAAFS4/POyia3ZV9Vo/IMG_2468_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-11514375362485566332012-11-04T04:17:00.000-05:002012-11-04T04:17:00.106-05:00Crock Pot Sloppy Joes<p>Easy and Delicious!? It doesn’t get any better than that. I usually am not such a fan of Sloppy Joes, but these were amazing! Joe through this together in the crock pot before heading out to a birthday party, and when we came home they were ready to be devoured.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RPwYeI4WDgs/UJWJ7s6SGvI/AAAAAAAAFQg/kfoU99Zquxs/s1600-h/IMG_3793%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3793" border="0" alt="IMG_3793" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gpt1Ix62YM/UJWJ9B3PA4I/AAAAAAAAFQo/S7RxwoGaqFo/IMG_3793_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>3/4 lb of ground beef</li> <li>1 teaspoon minced garlic</li> <li>1 1/2 cup of frozen bell pepper and onion mix</li> <li>1 cup of canned tomato sauce</li> <li>2 Tablespoons canned tomato paste</li> <li>1 Tablespoon of brown sugar</li> <li>1 Tablespoon of cider vinegar</li> <li>2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce</li> <li>3/4 teaspoon paprika</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon chili powder</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon of salt</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon of pepper</li></ul> <p>In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, garlic ,and frozen vegetables over medium-high heat until your beef is cooked through. Combine all the other ingredients in a crockpot. Add your meat mixture and stir. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Spoon your Sloppy Joe Mix onto some toasted buns and make sure you grab a napkin!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-37780399725341939112012-11-03T14:00:00.001-04:002012-11-03T14:00:38.579-04:00Dark Shadows Date Night<p>Halloween was a great night this year. We spent an hour or so on the front porch with the pups handing out candy to all the super cute trick-or-treaters, then headed down to the basement for a Dark Shadows {Stay-at-Home} Date Night!</p> <p>The girls got all dressed up for a fun night of handing out free kisses to all the kids (and receiving lots of pets too!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MVMQj_QpOdE/UJVbdi5bazI/AAAAAAAAFMw/osJvAm13vyU/s1600-h/IMG_3801%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3801" border="0" alt="IMG_3801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mQch2Jsnt3M/UJVbes_4eHI/AAAAAAAAFM4/nl6u9rZ6PcU/IMG_3801_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Last year Harley was too small to understand what was going on, and Willow was so wild that Hubs had to walk her around the neighborhood to get her to calm down. This year we tried a new tactic. We borrowed a large piece of plexi-glass and barricaded the pups on the porch. They LOVED this because they got to see all the kiddos and everyone gave them attention….they are BIG attention hogs!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IgVqDtYErKs/UJVbf5WIbFI/AAAAAAAAFNA/bZrcxdx1H38/s1600-h/IMG_3806%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3806" border="0" alt="IMG_3806" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RBkWavJoxhI/UJVbgmMwSlI/AAAAAAAAFNI/a2f9p_qykJA/IMG_3806_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OXJTN8yAKbs/UJVbhpzBvqI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/2A4VBSsmoVY/s1600-h/IMG_3813%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3813" border="0" alt="IMG_3813" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9lOuhF9-1e0/UJVbifvZL2I/AAAAAAAAFNY/6UaEpm4nawc/IMG_3813_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jPGXQfn6VZ8/UJVbjaMRcII/AAAAAAAAFNg/Kc8WsGwyEBQ/s1600-h/IMG_3827%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3827" border="0" alt="IMG_3827" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFiOkXOmf48/UJVbkEbnw_I/AAAAAAAAFNo/1tUi5EXjPJU/IMG_3827_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6O3hruUq4b8/UJVblr4wXqI/AAAAAAAAFNw/8zp55_hDfEY/s1600-h/IMG_3828%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3828" border="0" alt="IMG_3828" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PJwVYq4WoaQ/UJVbmknKHUI/AAAAAAAAFN4/6sT8ChSHLEo/IMG_3828_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RlU9ij-bD-U/UJVbnsykFUI/AAAAAAAAFOA/opRCmEo85KI/s1600-h/IMG_3833%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3833" border="0" alt="IMG_3833" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XZumHZwVrzo/UJVbo4Dy38I/AAAAAAAAFOI/6GhFUqJtr3o/IMG_3833_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>When we were ready to head in, I had a little surprise date waiting for the Hubs. Yes, this theme fit <em>perfectly</em> with Halloween night, but you could re-create this date any time you might want to watch <em>Dark Shadows</em> with Johnny Depp!</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/ba/Dark_Shadows_2012_Poster.jpg/220px-Dark_Shadows_2012_Poster.jpg" width="269" height="399"></p> <p> So let me tell you a little about the movie and how I planned out the date night. </p> <p><i><b>“Dark Shadows</b></i> is a 2012 American horror comedy film, based on the gothic soap opera of the same name that was produced for television between 1966 and 1971. The film is directed by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a 200-year-old vampire who has been imprisoned in a coffin. Collins is eventually unearthed and makes his way back to his mansion, now inhabited by his dysfunctional descendants. Collins also discovers that his jealous ex-lover, Angelique Bouchard, played by Eva Green, has taken over the town's fishing business that was once run by the Collins family (Bouchard is a witch who was responsible for transforming Collins into a vampire). Michelle Pfeiffer also stars as Collins' cousin, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, the reclusive matriarch of the Collins family.<sup>” {<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Shadows_(film)" target="_blank">source</a>}</sup></p> <p><sup></sup> </p> <p>I used some of the characters and settings in the story to set up a fun and creative date night for the Hubs and I . (I rented the movie for only $1 at Redbox!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JeSQ53ZE30Y/UJVbqDrRURI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/6ttE2BYetwc/s1600-h/IMG_3841%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3841" border="0" alt="IMG_3841" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bJGm4NTWBVU/UJVbq_H-xoI/AAAAAAAAFOY/oQm5gJpR50I/IMG_3841_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>So to go along with our theme of a Dark Shadows Movie Night, I started by making these delicious Vampire Bite Cookies! (Because Johnny Depp plays a Vampire, of course!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oCsqyV_Pz_M/UJVbsKAmsRI/AAAAAAAAFOg/Hnph09EoHww/s1600-h/IMG_3839%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3839" border="0" alt="IMG_3839" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yuf2XQTzKko/UJVbs4WIo2I/AAAAAAAAFOo/SEr4PX4p86c/IMG_3839_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>They were yummy shortbread cookies, stuffed with raspberry jam filling. You can go <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2008/10/vampire-cookies/" target="_blank">here</a> to BakingBites.com to grab the recipe! (They really were yummy – Hubs ate like 5 in less than 5 minutes)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v_Q8yWm8RnE/UJVbt6qeC0I/AAAAAAAAFOw/CvyS8GsScD8/s1600-h/IMG_3840%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3840" border="0" alt="IMG_3840" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z21phyqhkns/UJVbuxJ0o6I/AAAAAAAAFO4/IYXzHBTjHY8/IMG_3840_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>We washed down our Vampire Bite Cookies with Blue Poweraide. Why? Because the local pub in the town of Collinsworth (in the movie) is where all the town’s problems are solved, and it is called “The Blue Whale”</p> <p>After we enjoyed a little snack, we spent some time making a little Dark Shadows Mansion of our own!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yvzJBZ-JqS4/UJVbwQtMviI/AAAAAAAAFPA/F9dvk2vpeDk/s1600-h/IMG_3845%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3845" border="0" alt="IMG_3845" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rPm12Xpn_Nw/UJVbxXwz3SI/AAAAAAAAFPI/Yy1SJb0JO4M/IMG_3845_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We had such a fun time making our Dark Shadows House while we watched the movie. It was a great finish to a perfect Halloween night!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-48063244130945390182012-11-01T06:57:00.000-04:002012-11-01T06:57:00.146-04:00Cheap Sweetness ~ 35 Reasons Why…<p>Let me tell you a secret about my hubs….he hates chocolate! I know, weird huh? Well, he does make one exception…he loves Twix Bars! So with Halloween season going on I grabbed up a bag of the mini Twix Bars and put a little plan in motion to let the Hubs know how much I love him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZvQud_l4SoQ/UJBb5mlvmSI/AAAAAAAAFLA/GGhp_Xj4z5A/s1600-h/love%2525202%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="love 2" border="0" alt="love 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hKnqoSEycR4/UJBb6Xl1WRI/AAAAAAAAFLI/_5arAQSyFdE/love%2525202_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>I dumped out the bag of candy, counted the bars (36), ate one, subtracted one from my total (35), and then pulled out the computer. I used a label template to make sure my sayings were all the same size (OCD much?) and would fit on the mini Twix bars when I cut them out. I typed out 35 reasons why I love my Hubs, some sweet, some funny, and some very serious. I printed, cut out, and taped one reason to each Twix Bar and filled up the container next to his side of the bed (I knew I would find a use for that container!). He was super surprised to find his box of love, and enjoyed having one little treat (sometimes a few more than one) each night and reading the reasons why I love him so much!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GKOZ7IKhQOE/UJBb8QaF12I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/qNevBUc4eTs/s1600-h/love%2525201%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="love 1" border="0" alt="love 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8Sm_e5pWkx8/UJBb9VkwPMI/AAAAAAAAFLY/LhsxHi39Vh0/love%2525201_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><font color="#52c13e" size="2"><strong>$ Cost of Cheap Sweetness = $2.99 for the bag of Twix, I already had the paper, tape, and box!</strong></font></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-529312669352596002012-10-31T06:47:00.000-04:002012-10-31T06:47:00.161-04:00Mumified Oreos ~ Perfect for a Pumpkin’s 1st Birthday<p align="center"><font color="#ffc000" size="6" face="Freestyle Script">Is this not the most precious face you have ever seen!?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zh8uBiMRB7M/UJBZBQRVocI/AAAAAAAAFHg/x5mzhkQHz3Y/s1600-h/177036_4108185865856_326021209_o%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="177036_4108185865856_326021209_o" border="0" alt="177036_4108185865856_326021209_o" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6tgzcgWvzAQ/UJBZCU7JtaI/AAAAAAAAFHo/ew0HQ89NFAE/177036_4108185865856_326021209_o_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="796"></a></p> <p>I can’t believe this little pumpkin is turning ONE today! This is my best friend’s little pumpkin that lit up everybody’s world on Halloween last year! Her mommy planned a super-special first birthday party for her. We all had a great time!</p> <p>I helped her momma with a super special treat for the party….Mumified Oreos. You can Google, or search Pinterest and see many versions of these, but today we are going to show you how we did it. :0)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUUuvxI8NlY/UJBZDlGho4I/AAAAAAAAFHw/Z9LYVpZnLww/s1600-h/IMG_3421%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3421" border="0" alt="IMG_3421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jeqeiitcwt4/UJBZElcdv4I/AAAAAAAAFH4/Hrbjew1D3s4/IMG_3421_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We started by twisting apart the Oreos and putting two “cream sides” together…with a stick in the middle. (If we had thought about it, we would have just bought double stuffed Oreos)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3nc1bF7KTmk/UJBZGEIL2xI/AAAAAAAAFIA/-xSzWWSA4gM/s1600-h/IMG_3407%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3407" border="0" alt="IMG_3407" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QwtZArN3Nkk/UJBZG_uQ_-I/AAAAAAAAFII/9S_feD3GFsc/IMG_3407_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Jamie was in charge of the chocolate dipping. After we had the Oreo on a stick, Jamie covered the entire Oreo with white chocolate (delicious!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AEsQwgHEf4M/UJBZH9c5XqI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/s5I3-3caiyA/s1600-h/IMG_3408%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3408" border="0" alt="IMG_3408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EepEm1zTXq8/UJBZJB0Bm-I/AAAAAAAAFIY/CJ21nnI1WJQ/IMG_3408_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3SDMSaVqj38/UJBZKoAEXfI/AAAAAAAAFIg/ke0yIiavIlk/s1600-h/IMG_3409%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3409" border="0" alt="IMG_3409" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4Ehqdoj2uB4/UJBZLv3dwfI/AAAAAAAAFIo/lTiSN75IqIc/IMG_3409_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Next, I had some white chocolate in a Ziploc bag. I cut a little end of the bag and used it like a piping bag to pipe the “mummy wrap” onto the top of the mummy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dPhusDSmB0U/UJBZM7bhesI/AAAAAAAAFIw/RM6GFpG9-U4/s1600-h/IMG_3411%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3411" border="0" alt="IMG_3411" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_joZ-EZgykI/UJBZNoZ_0UI/AAAAAAAAFI4/vBstVM8E0gM/IMG_3411_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>And finally, we had a little helper that added the candy eyes to the mummies. (Jamie found the eyes at Walmart of all places!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oV4rE8ErYFs/UJBZPK7b30I/AAAAAAAAFJA/TgKUHL_MjLA/s1600-h/IMG_3417%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3417" border="0" alt="IMG_3417" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6DvDjfiF6dY/UJBZQL6YaDI/AAAAAAAAFJI/azxEkGs4xzo/IMG_3417_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>They turned out so super cute….and they were delicious too!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GQ9gouG-d1U/UJBZR7WM01I/AAAAAAAAFJQ/UcqFXGxqK70/s1600-h/IMG_3420%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3420" border="0" alt="IMG_3420" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JEA9i7yeASM/UJBZS26WmBI/AAAAAAAAFJY/z8gFODrIiO4/IMG_3420_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sewt4hYyOOQ/UJBZTlmnSCI/AAAAAAAAFJg/hUlCYhKRph4/s1600-h/IMG_3422%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3422" border="0" alt="IMG_3422" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iJKVIwcuuk8/UJBZUndtVUI/AAAAAAAAFJo/NCxcONJq2rM/IMG_3422_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-86180156951751572942012-10-30T17:49:00.001-04:002012-10-30T17:49:50.307-04:00A Warm Home = A Happy Wife<p>Since Nasty Sandy and the Nor’easter have blown through, the temps around here in Georgia have gotten down right chilly! I can’t stand to be cold, so I was glad to have some firewood on hand to warm the home. </p> <p>Oh yeah….and “Having a Fire”was on my bucket list too! (perfect timing)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--0nWt-IMFWc/UJBLLabdjyI/AAAAAAAAFEk/cXBL3QnikFU/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HvDAGktKPPM/UJBLM7byEII/AAAAAAAAFEs/346FsGtLDeE/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>* Side note – I went ahead and marked “carved a pumpkin” off the list since it is the one bucket list item that we won’t get accomplished this year. There was just so much going on in October that we had to prioritize….pumpkin carving had to go.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--l8VG05T5Vo/UJBLO_JUm8I/AAAAAAAAFE0/dUqzsYdyyYI/s1600-h/fire%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire 1" border="0" alt="fire 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izK93WBX1b4/UJBLPi8mL7I/AAAAAAAAFE8/Ecd6A3kpPgs/fire%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WYNTedqIggA/UJBLSPDkRkI/AAAAAAAAFFE/yYl8QNqlAxg/s1600-h/fire%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire 2" border="0" alt="fire 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2zhrLEsDT-k/UJBLTCtP2cI/AAAAAAAAFFM/M6Wj4wA0co8/fire%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tvTJteh8JVo/UJBLVlooymI/AAAAAAAAFFU/oghD4PH0NH4/s1600-h/fire%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire 3" border="0" alt="fire 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9snkNIj-I7w/UJBLWhCl2yI/AAAAAAAAFFc/OQFjj1MAV1A/fire%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GP1n7pXhhrg/UJBLY9jsZTI/AAAAAAAAFFk/_j7d_ADPLzI/s1600-h/fire%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire 4" border="0" alt="fire 4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-87Q2tOrNUAs/UJBLZnFSoeI/AAAAAAAAFFs/SNt6R4lQknw/fire%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></p> <p>I have the best Hubs….and he makes the BEST fires! (the pics above and below were AFTER we turned off the gas starter….he rocks!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--YijHAig89s/UJBLbS7ym0I/AAAAAAAAFF0/KR7gVqOu8Ts/s1600-h/fire%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire 5" border="0" alt="fire 5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ukc-_pVLzr4/UJBLdGDjX0I/AAAAAAAAFF8/J3vbUi_GSFw/fire%2525205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>Of course as soon as the fire was rolling, I was sitting right in front of it sucking up all the heat (I learned that from my momma :0) !</p> <p>I hope you are all enjoying some cozy warm fires with your family too and staying warm!!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CaM-4QHWMGk/UJBLdxbuPLI/AAAAAAAAFGE/aw66EcpRL-A/s1600-h/Blog%252520Signature%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blog Signature" border="0" alt="Blog Signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dt_ndxxgFpQ/UJBLeqBBKZI/AAAAAAAAFGM/t5vw6UFBs0I/Blog%252520Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="153"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-8055829294962630762012-10-29T05:53:00.000-04:002012-10-29T05:53:00.072-04:00Caramel Apple Cake<p>Well, I guess it is time I break down the walls and show you something we tried that was a fail…not an epic fail, but not a success either. I actually made this recipe way back in September when we went to the apple farm, but I was not going to share it because it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. I finally decided that it still tasted delicious, so I just needed to get over myself and share it with you! So here goes…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LZr9TIvrE6U/UI3FlrctK5I/AAAAAAAAFCE/wCSgeIn3KRk/s1600-h/IMG_1975%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1975" border="0" alt="IMG_1975" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kd_u8UJFqpY/UI3Fm_iIQeI/AAAAAAAAFCM/CqrZVBgq2bc/IMG_1975_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><font color="#52c13e" size="4">Caramel Apple Cake</font> <p>Original Recipe Adapted from <a href="http://www.aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com/2011/10/caramel-harvest-apple-cake.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+APrettyLifeInTheSuburbs+%28A+Pretty+Life+in+the+Suburbs%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">A Pretty Life in the Suburbs</a>. <p>Make each part in the order as follows: <ul></ul> <p><strong>Caramel Sauce</strong> <ul> <li>1 cup brown sugar <li>½ cup whipping cream <li>½ cup butter (do not use margarine)</li></ul> <p><strong>Apple Mix</strong> <ul> <li>3 apples <li>¼ cup brown sugar <li>½ tsp cinnamon</li></ul> <p><strong>Caramel Cake</strong> <ul> <li>½ cup butter <li>1 cup white sugar <li>2 eggs <li>1 tsp vanilla <li>2 cups flour <li>4 tsp baking powder <li>1 cup milk <li>¼ to ⅓ cup Caramel Sauce (I used ⅓ cup)</li></ul> <p><strong><u><font color="#52c13e">Instructions</font></u></strong> <p><strong>Caramel Sauce</strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6dSqEXSa548/UI3Fn8E2H9I/AAAAAAAAFCU/ZJNL9raEXMY/s1600-h/IMG_1964%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1964" border="0" alt="IMG_1964" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ckgoXAJ--h8/UI3FokLQNyI/AAAAAAAAFCc/PDnYHh3ZJdY/IMG_1964_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> <ol> <li>Make the caramel sauce first so it has time to cool to room temperature. <li>In a sauce pan melt the butter, then add the brown sugar and whipping cream. <li>Stir over low heat until the sauce thickens. <li>Set aside to cool (or put it in the fridge to cook quickly).</li></ol> <p><strong>Apple Mix</strong> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-boVpFVPNIy4/UI3FqCbuNrI/AAAAAAAAFCk/_4rOuxwXAss/s1600-h/IMG_1963%25255B36%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1963" border="0" alt="IMG_1963" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MNAKbBqvvXg/UI3FrJiktiI/AAAAAAAAFCs/mJsetLr9M30/IMG_1963_thumb%25255B30%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> <ol> <li>Peel and cut up the apples into small chunks (about 1cm cubes). <li>Add sugar and cinnamon to the apples, and mix well. <li>Let rest for at least 15 minutes, stirring often so the sugar turns kind of syrupy. <li>Set aside, it’s time to make the cake batter.</li></ol> <p><strong>Caramel Cake</strong> <ol> <li>Prepare a Bundt pan with butter and flour, or a cooking spray like Pam. Set aside. <em>(This is where I messed up, royally! As you see, my cake lost a third of the top that was still stuck in the pan…boo!)</em> <li>In a mixer beat butter and sugar until fluffy. <li>Add eggs one at a time. Mix well. <li>Add vanilla. <li>In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder. <li>To the butter mixture, add the flour mix in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. So add ⅓ of the flour mix, half of the milk, ⅓ of the flour mix, the rest of the milk, the rest of the flour. Mix well. <li>Add ¼ to ⅓ cup of the cooled caramel sauce. Mix well. <li>Put half of the cake batter into the Bundt pan, covering the bottom of the pan. <li>Give the apple mixture one final stir, and add to the cake in a layer covering the first layer of batter. </li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6zLSz-7alcU/UI3FsXFenKI/AAAAAAAAFC0/GXuWapXGF9w/s1600-h/IMG_1972%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1972" border="0" alt="IMG_1972" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DMSv2z6FLpY/UI3FtO8zLVI/AAAAAAAAFC8/6IGOhYkjpog/IMG_1972_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>10. Cover the apples with the other half of the batter. </p> <p>11. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.</p> <p>12. Set the cake aside to cool for at least 10 minutes, then remove from the pan onto a serving plate.</p> <p><strong><u><font color="#52c13e">Putting the Caramel Cake all together</font></u></strong>: <ol> <li>After you have removed the caramel cake from the pan, wait until the cake has cooled before serving. <li>Drizzle the cake with some of the remaining caramel sauce!</li></ol> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q11kmmssgTc/UI3FuaUaUpI/AAAAAAAAFDE/-wAhf81Dr1Q/s1600-h/IMG_1976%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1976" border="0" alt="IMG_1976" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JgHNxT6c0h4/UI3FvDeorYI/AAAAAAAAFDM/KxSgbjJ-6SQ/IMG_1976_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-1509070457577588922012-10-28T05:39:00.000-04:002012-10-28T05:39:00.033-04:00Fall Bucket List ~ Petite Le Mans<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oCCtu8RRDtw/UIx0tF9peSI/AAAAAAAAFAU/cIAVxrklIOY/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rGKq7ExJg1k/UIx0uAethUI/AAAAAAAAFAc/1SIsCAhgVKc/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>Yep, here comes one more bucket list post :0). Every year, for the past 14 years, I have gone to the Petite Le Mans 10 hour race at Road Atlanta...And this year was no exception. For those of you that don’t know, I spent pretty much my entire childhood at Road Atlanta. My dad raced, my mom worked rescue, and my grandfather ran the radios at each race. I loved being at the track, learning about the cars from my dad, learning the hand signals and meaning of all the flags from the rescue workers, and being grandpa’s little helper. This is all a true story. :0) I am glad that my Hubs has a love and passion for cars too (honestly, I am glad he doesn’t race, because that would tear my nerves up) and that we can share this love together.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 410px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:e2e79fe5-be4d-4242-a9a8-afe1c6e4b967" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;width:410px;border-collapse:collapse;'><tbody><tr><td style='margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;width:auto'><a style="outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;" target="_blank" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=c9368211dd620b57&page=play&resid=C9368211DD620B57!231&type=5&authkey=!AKITctyempVWacM&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos"><img style="outline:none;border-style:none;padding:0px;margin:0px;border:0px;background:none;background-image:none;vertical-align:bottom;" alt="View album" title="View album" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7OADC7of9yk/UIx0u7tG_fI/AAAAAAAAFAk/ibl1OfLXL7o/album%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style='width:410px;text-align:center;overflow:visible;padding:0px;margin:0px;'> <div style='width:410px;overflow:visible;'><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=c9368211dd620b57&page=browse&resid=C9368211DD620B57!231&type=5&authkey=!AKITctyempVWacM&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:1.26em;padding:0px;width:410px;font-size:26pt;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" defaultText="Enter album name here">Petite Le Mans 2012</span></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;padding:9px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style="text-align:center;width:auto;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;border-collapse:collapse;"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 12px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=c9368211dd620b57&page=play&resid=C9368211DD620B57!231&type=5&authkey=!AKITctyempVWacM&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">VIEW SLIDE SHOW</a></td> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 0px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=c9368211dd620b57&page=downloadphotos&resid=C9368211DD620B57!231&type=5&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos&authkey=!AKITctyempVWacM" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">DOWNLOAD ALL</a></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>Two years ago we lost my amazing grandpa to cancer, and every weekend, when the wind blows just right, and we can hear the race cars from Road Atlanta, I feel like it is really grandpa’s whispers from heaven. That year we lost him, I almost couldn’t go to the track for the Petite, but I did and it rained the entire time. It was the worst weather of all 15 years. Last year it was incredibly cold and I got sick…so I only went for the first half of the day. But this year, dad was in town, the weather was perfect, and I took a personal day to enjoy the race. Year 15 was the best year so far!</p> <p>I hope you enjoy the pictures!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAQdyYk-eGc/UIx0vXxrguI/AAAAAAAAFAs/8U5B1rej-wA/s1600-h/Blog%252520Signature%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blog Signature" border="0" alt="Blog Signature" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oct5LOEL1mE/UIx0vzXh6eI/AAAAAAAAFA0/QTS9oZDuU44/Blog%252520Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="153"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-68565806359878774092012-10-27T19:26:00.001-04:002012-10-27T19:26:09.693-04:00Fall Bucket List ~ Yummy Pumpkin Recipe<p>Yep – we are still working on that Fall Bucket List at the Carver house :0). I have a guilty pleasure and it is pumpkin! I love just about ANYTHING with pumpkin in it. It just screams fall to me. So of course I had “make a yummy pumpkin recipe” on the bucket list.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RTSK9pKJ4_A/UIxteEt2OyI/AAAAAAAAE-c/1RCxd_jGMqw/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tnr06pzcc2U/UIxtfDSahrI/AAAAAAAAE-k/jfL-JAjX9bU/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="356"></a></p> <p>As I was on the hunt for something new and different to make with pumpkin this year, I got a blog post in my GoogleReader from <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/2012/09/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">My Blessed Life</a>. I love all of Myra’s recipes and her project gallery always gets my creative mo-jo going, that’s why I subscribe to her blog. Anyways, she has this awesome recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and I figured I would give them a try. They turned out soooo delicious! Hubs and Dad ate them up like they were going out of style :0).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6yKcUBmPooI/UIxtg59wgXI/AAAAAAAAE-s/vQGblidEjgc/s1600-h/IMG_2634%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2634" border="0" alt="IMG_2634" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pbC-Y-iZTJE/UIxthjup7_I/AAAAAAAAE-0/p0-lPBElhi4/IMG_2634_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><strong><u><font color="#52c13e" size="3">Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies</font></u></strong></p> <p>Original Recipe from <a href="http://myblessedlife.net/2012/09/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">My Blessed Life</a></p> <h4><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal">2 cups all-purpose flour</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1 teaspoon salt</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1 teaspoon baking soda</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1 teaspoon cinnamon</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">3/4 cup sugar</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">3/4 cup brown sugar</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1/2 cup butter, softened</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1 egg, beaten</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1 teaspoon vanilla</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1/2 cup canned pumpkin</font><br><font style="font-weight: normal">1/2 cup </font></font><font size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal">mini chocolate chips</font></font></h4> <p><font size="2">In a medium bowl, combine first four ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter. Add egg, vanilla and pumpkin; beat well. Gradually mix in flour mixture on low speed of mixer. Stir in chocolate chips.</font> <p><font size="2">Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container.</font> <p><font color="#52c13e">Special Additional Note: You only use a small amount of a can of pumpkin to make this recipe. If you have a dog around your house, did you know that pumpkin is good for them?! They love it too! It helps regulate their bowels and is good for their tummy. Harley and Willow finished off our can of pumpkin for us, one spoonful per day. :0) ** Just make sure it is PURE pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling. **</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GuyFWO80u74/UIxtjP-QlxI/AAAAAAAAE-8/1s-8sVIZBcQ/s1600-h/IMG_2407%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2407" border="0" alt="IMG_2407" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O9iCQYK3dPQ/UIxtj3VxHQI/AAAAAAAAE_E/ij8ey-MisU8/IMG_2407_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-52401708731969539822012-10-26T05:04:00.000-04:002012-10-26T05:04:00.397-04:00Fall Bucket List ~ Corn Maze Face-Off<p>We are still rockin’ and rollin’ on marking things off our fall bucket list.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WFoEaYZP9E0/UIiCLx0DWzI/AAAAAAAAE8k/1bsr2vE1TTg/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNJwGsBVRqs/UIiCNHGsMGI/AAAAAAAAE8s/cKAM0je149E/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="356"></a></p> <p>One of the best traditions we started a couple of years ago was Hubs vs. Wives in the Corn Maze. Wives are 0 and 4, but after we invest in some headlamps, ditch the noisy necklaces, and get on our running shoes, we know we are gonna kick Hubs butt next year! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iSv0vLLt0nE/UIiCOrNfHPI/AAAAAAAAE80/2CjPmRhp8qQ/s1600-h/cm1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cm1" border="0" alt="cm1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HMHmMm0yGqs/UIiCQCdX3eI/AAAAAAAAE88/XjNIrfDy1aA/cm1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="792"></a></p> <p>We were so close and almost had them this year, but it doesn’t matter because we had loads of fun!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TUbjrrbOwLU/UIiCRxeZymI/AAAAAAAAE9E/NQOblCXbkcc/s1600-h/cm2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cm2" border="0" alt="cm2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uULbqw05b1U/UIiCTK0YkQI/AAAAAAAAE9M/rPRlqIIUY98/cm2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-21896708125773323762012-10-25T05:09:00.000-04:002012-10-25T05:09:00.260-04:00Fall Bucket List ~ Mule Camp Market<p>Hubs and I are well on our way to marking things off our 2012 Fall Bucket List. One of the may things that was on our list this year was a visit to Mule Camp Market.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e0PgZrtEuT0/UISOyz6VOpI/AAAAAAAAE58/NG3bU9ueA3g/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HTVzTDjDi7c/UISO0C630MI/AAAAAAAAE6E/sd2bp8257cc/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="352"></a></p> <p><em>“The City of Gainesville or Mule Camp Springs as it was once known, hosts this rich Appalachian festival at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. This festival showcases various mountain arts and crafts. The family can enjoy mule rides, live music, and great food, while the kids enjoy the petting zoo and many other activities.” <a href="http://www.gainesvillejaycees.org/about/projects/mule-camp/" target="_blank">(source)</a></em></p> <p>I just love walking through Mule Camp and aweing over all the hand-made items in the booths, while Hubs loves saying, “we could make that”. :0)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yfgdMSIfTYQ/UISO26s1L6I/AAAAAAAAE6M/j0OZdot8RSU/s1600-h/mulecamp2%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mulecamp2" border="0" alt="mulecamp2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-whutq2EIpcw/UISO3_uIw3I/AAAAAAAAE6U/cN-eHSEWbyQ/mulecamp2_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We had fun enjoying all the booths, walking over the fancy new bridge in our little small town, having Brad’s Burgers for lunch, and picking up some special art for our basement!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VckSP_WJsO0/UISO5dEISFI/AAAAAAAAE6c/FS72X9Tbj9Q/s1600-h/mulecamp3%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mulecamp3" border="0" alt="mulecamp3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IXUFbYGeWTo/UISO6T_XAtI/AAAAAAAAE6k/Df_gnrorTAs/mulecamp3_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cL4m5zqA9yE/UISO8LEboII/AAAAAAAAE6s/s05k2XgTdqA/s1600-h/mulecamp1%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mulecamp1" border="0" alt="mulecamp1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q3-B30mGPfA/UISO9NE69EI/AAAAAAAAE60/Qqi1hV7GXIc/mulecamp1_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9wASDV2_s8c/UISO_tn84uI/AAAAAAAAE68/LZe9vFrLpyI/s1600-h/mulecamp5%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mulecamp5" border="0" alt="mulecamp5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P15iLlGXLH0/UISPAsMXZVI/AAAAAAAAE7E/iVDAZQ40LFA/mulecamp5_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>We even found some inspiration for a 2Dog Dog House!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-swxrFK39p8I/UISPCn39A8I/AAAAAAAAE7M/_fJm41A3T0A/s1600-h/mulecamp4%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mulecamp4" border="0" alt="mulecamp4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QIPPtZb7ctI/UISPD7KtAoI/AAAAAAAAE7U/H6XMr_UHMeA/mulecamp4_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-88928602941747125772012-10-24T05:53:00.000-04:002012-10-24T05:53:00.186-04:00Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup<p>Y’all know I love anything I can put in the crock pot. I also love any kind of hearty soup, Hubs loves anything with meat and cheese, and it was a cool day so why not try this recipe. </p> <p>I found this recipe through Pinterest, on the <a href="http://livinglifeofriley.com/category/my-life/cooking/" target="_blank">Living Life of Riley Blog</a> and I must say that I was uber-impressed with Nikki’s on-the-fly creation skills in this recipe. I wish I could just pull randomness out of my freezer and create something this delicious! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--CqtAUZnrEU/UISLJgiRnVI/AAAAAAAAE4o/PE95ZxmEekQ/s1600-h/IMG_2416%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2416" border="0" alt="IMG_2416" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aDYDRfr5N2w/UISLKPVKKjI/AAAAAAAAE4w/GrLU5uppEq4/IMG_2416_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#52c13e">Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup</font></u></strong> (adapted from <a href="http://livinglifeofriley.com/crock-pot-bacon-cheeseburger-soup/" target="_blank">Living Life of Riley</a>)</p> <p>Ingredients:</p> <ul> <li>1 lb of ground beef</li> <li>1 container of Philadelphia Cooking Crème – Garlic Flavor</li> <li>1 bag Ore Ida Hashbrowns</li> <li>1 Velveeta cheese 8 oz stick</li> <li>1 chicken broth stock (32 oz)</li> <li>1 small onion, diced</li></ul> <p>Brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Place the hashbrowns in the crockpot, then the ground beef, then the chicken stock and cooking crème, and finally dice up the Velveeta stick and mix it all together. Cook on high for 4 – 5 hours, stirring occasionally. I served it with French’s Fried Onions on top – delicious!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-15852072012036080192012-10-23T05:15:00.000-04:002012-10-23T05:15:00.562-04:00Cheap Sweetness ~ A Flashback<p>Do you remember those sweet mixed-tapes that your letter-jacket-wearing-boyfriend would make for you back in the day? They were always so sweet with all the mushy love songs that would make you cry and tell all your girlfriends about what an awesome guy you had and would never let go…</p> <p><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/169/398994569_a268d1488e.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/"><font size="1"><img title="Attribution" border="0" alt="Attribution" src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_attribution_small.gif"><img title="Noncommercial" border="0" alt="Noncommercial" src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_noncomm_small.gif"><img title="No Derivative Works" border="0" alt="No Derivative Works" src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/cc_icon_noderivs_small.gif"></font></a><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/"><font size="1">Photo</font></a><font size="1"> (some rights reserved) by </font><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/missnita/"><font size="1">Ani-Bee</font></a></p> <p align="left">Well, I decided to try a much more up-to-date version of the mixed tape to show the hubs how amazing he is to me. I started by jumping over to YouTube and hunting down some of those classic songs that remind me of the Hubs.</p> <p align="left">Here is my final playlist – I tried to make the final playlist about 30 minutes long to last for the duration of his ride to work.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nzN6NMr--Y8/UHjCLF8k2FI/AAAAAAAAEq4/s_8UXtrCIPU/s1600-h/image3.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lnZHtCbAb6s/UHjCNIBMhDI/AAAAAAAAErA/j9mt8LQogo8/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="529" height="457"></a></p> <p align="left">How did you get these songs off YouTube and saved as an MP3, you ask?? Well, I found this post on Pinterest and thought it was too good to be true….but it really worked!!</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrGoCq8UZs0/UHjCOBm1WvI/AAAAAAAAErI/c4UdhNcqqoo/s1600-h/144748575494072161_gGqea6gk_b13.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="144748575494072161_gGqea6gk_b[1]" border="0" alt="144748575494072161_gGqea6gk_b[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kF_Oc9RmHdQ/UHjCPJ70dbI/AAAAAAAAErQ/lPVNWBkoJhs/144748575494072161_gGqea6gk_b1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="996"></a></p> <p align="left">Um…THANK YOU weandseredipity.blogspot.com! I am not sure if it is totally ethical or not, but I am not selling or even handing out the songs, I am only using them for this one little purpose of cheering up my hubby. If I am wrong, I will come back and take down this post quickly…but until then….</p> <p align="left">So once I had all my MP3’s on a flash drive (because our new Kia accepts flash drive content – whoop whoop!) I had to find the perfect time to sneak down and get the car all set up.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dd7zZj73Xqo/UHjCQNoeObI/AAAAAAAAErY/U_xoU0GvlTc/s1600-h/IMG_2430%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2430" border="0" alt="IMG_2430" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X4xyjEvSaMk/UHjCQ__JT6I/AAAAAAAAErg/iPt9tqoCe3o/IMG_2430_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p align="left">I put the flash drive in place and set the car on the USB-flash drive mode, so that as soon as Hubs turned on the car, the songs would start playing.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-80-ndogCIFc/UHjCS6oZNvI/AAAAAAAAEro/zkDh6POeEew/s1600-h/IMG_2433%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2433" border="0" alt="IMG_2433" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ms6GVFQ8z-g/UHjCT01VRjI/AAAAAAAAErw/A3_nkoTnnik/IMG_2433_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p align="left">Then I put this sweet little note on the wheel so he knew why his typical morning playlist had been sabotaged! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WJiu8Ugcan0/UHjCUI-9UnI/AAAAAAAAEr4/lEtIFhhpOv4/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HS9LBrsJa0w/UHjCV3h_QVI/AAAAAAAAEsA/PmFUHB8lsNY/s1600-h/IMG_2432%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2432" border="0" alt="IMG_2432" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b1tKVVWYu04/UHjCW4B-qeI/AAAAAAAAEsI/F74eApiYDpE/IMG_2432_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kCnovauqcmQ/UHjCX3kLGuI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/hfAEGHdB-ZU/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZnJAFWkUmbg/UHjCZC8Y_QI/AAAAAAAAEsY/zCHWvpyOc70/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="529" height="681"></a></p> <p align="left">I can imagine the smile on his face as he thinks about all these songs and where we were, what we were doing, and the memories we were making the first time we heard them together. </p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000"><font color="#52c13e">$$$</font> </font>Cost of this cheap sweetness – nada, zilch, ZERO dollars! Gotta Love it!</p> <p align="left"><font color="#ff0000">Update: If I had known that the flash drive content would show up on his radio monitor with the words exactly how I saved it, I would have tried to think of something sweet, cute, or a memory to save each song as so that it would show up on his screen as the song played. Just one more little touch to make it more personal. Unfortunately, I was setting this up at the last minute. Oh well, I will save it for next time!</font></p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-22653182666032438912012-10-22T05:35:00.000-04:002012-10-22T05:35:00.124-04:00Fall Bucket List ~ Cream Cheese Chicken Chili<p>One of my favorite things about fall and the cooler weather, is all the yummy chili recipes that I can try! One thing on my bucket list was to make a hearty chili and I was determined to step away from my go-to recipe and find something new to try. This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili was so delicious that it has officially bumped my old go-to chili recipe off it’s 5 year podium! <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pZEdfnZg98E/UISGx3N3nyI/AAAAAAAAE2k/6HLWQfDDW7c/s1600-h/Capture%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o8vYXu6QBe8/UISGzKzVL-I/AAAAAAAAE2s/NEEK4CxOl40/Capture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="356"></a> <p><u><strong>Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili</strong></u> (recipe from <a href="http://yummyhealthyeasy.blogspot.com/2012/04/easy-crock-pot-cream-cheese-chicken.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Yummy-Healthy-Easy+%28Yummy+-+Healthy+-+Easy%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Yummy Healthy Easy</a>): <ul> <li>1 can black beans <li>1 can corn, undrained <li>1 can Rotel, undrained <li>1 package ranch dressing mix <li>1 tsp. cumin <li>1 Tbsp. chili powder <li>1 tsp. onion powder <li>1 8-oz package light cream cheese <li>2 chicken breasts</li></ul> <p>This chili makes the best leftovers and even freezes good. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--kFoFEJceZU/UISG0D0kexI/AAAAAAAAE20/lI0b4Ccps2Y/s1600-h/IMG_2161%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2161" border="0" alt="IMG_2161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p0PP6nbqDIA/UISG0zAJRVI/AAAAAAAAE28/f9LJIwT7bCY/IMG_2161_thumb%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> <p>Drain and rinse the black beans. Place your chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, then pour out the whole can of corn (undrained), Rotel tomatoes, and black beans on top of chicken. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YzZQdUiCE1A/UISG2gDcIgI/AAAAAAAAE3E/BwZ20Fl8eh8/s1600-h/IMG_2162%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2162" border="0" alt="IMG_2162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xtctmcfWRUk/UISG3TqemeI/AAAAAAAAE3M/FCj-Jm-jtaE/IMG_2162_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> <p>Top with seasonings and ranch dressing mix. Stir together. Place cream cheese on top (see picture above). Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_SfOgL2tBFY/UISG4wePWwI/AAAAAAAAE3U/mjMLid9U6pM/s1600-h/IMG_2165%25255B28%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2165" border="0" alt="IMG_2165" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UCHp1czOSS0/UISG56CDhZI/AAAAAAAAE3c/Tu8SQ9gwdhc/IMG_2165_thumb%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a> <p>Before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese. Serve warm, even a dollop of sour cream on top is tasty! 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7669604172014398384.post-51026916680095014382012-10-21T19:05:00.001-04:002012-10-21T19:05:07.924-04:00FTLoP ~ Smelly Vacuum<p>For the Love of Pinterest! I can’t find the post where I found this original idea (sorry), but I can say that I tried it and it worked!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7RVUz6RwVu0/UIR_lBzwyaI/AAAAAAAAE1A/CoMv2c7-AI0/s1600-h/IMG_1535%25255B31%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1535" border="0" alt="IMG_1535" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AHIJDgws7tQ/UIR_maU-EuI/AAAAAAAAE1I/BuAcC8wgvyk/IMG_1535_thumb%25255B28%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>When you have dogs, like I do, sometimes the vacuum gets a little smelly. I saw this tip on Pinterest, gave it a try, and was very pleased!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D6eEoOdZxEQ/UIR_nknqIdI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/nB_17ER4wB8/s1600-h/IMG_1536%25255B30%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1536" border="0" alt="IMG_1536" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1LEJTlc79_Y/UIR_okscL_I/AAAAAAAAE1Y/Uycq9FiSePw/IMG_1536_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="354"></a></p> <p>All you do is sprinkle some essential oil of your choice on a few scraps of toilet tissue, sprinkle the tissue pieces around the floor, and just vacuum them up first. Then as you vacuum the rest of your house, your vacuum will fill the air in each room with the smell of your essential oils. Love it!</p> 2Teachers2Dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13454276828572657339noreply@blogger.com0