The majority of us learn the most from our parents.

It is from them that I have learned that the greatest joy in life is not from what is received, but from what is given of oneself to others...A gift from the heart.

They served our Country for a total of seven years...Dad in the Air Force and Mom in the Army...but it has been over the past 35 years that they have continued to pour their hearts into the lives of military men and women.

I am thankful for my heritage. Thankful that they served our Country and continue to this day- to encourage sons,daughters,uncles,aunts,dads,and moms etc. here in the United States and abroad as they now serve as missionaries to the military.

This morning on my way to taking my son to basketball practice...I didn't take my cell phone, I kept the radio off, and drove down our old route (SPEED BUMPS AND ALL!) and we prayed.

As we talked about Veteran's Day, I reminded him that if he ran into anybody at the gym who may be a Veteran-to be sure to thank them for their service to our Country. He listed the men he knew had served and assured me he would thank them if he were to see them.

As I drove out of the school parking lot, I noticed I was driving on empty AGAIN! I can't stand stopping for ANYTHING when I haven't had a shower, brushed my hair or teeth and have my slippers on!

Reluctantly, I pulled up to the gas station and found the least intimidating gentleman to help me. I stuffed a piece of gum in my mouth, rolled my window down and asked for $30.00 of premium... not really wanting to "chat".

I HAD to say good morning and ask how he was. It wasn't his fault I was running late and a bit irritated. How RUDE would that be? As I wished him a good morning and asked him how he was doing...I was completely overwhelmed. This is what he said, "Just HONKEY DOREY, MAAM!" Smiling back, I said, "That's nice, we need more people in this world like you!" He had a twinkle in his eye as he squinted just a bit and was quick to add, "I woke up this morning, and that's something to be thankful for!"

I have seen this gentleman quite frequently. I never talk to him because I am usually on the cell phone, cleaning out my purse, trying to hush my dog when they are out of "TREATS" or whatever other crisis is happening in my car...anyway, I just simply have not taken the time to REALLY talk to him. BUT it was quiet this morning. Most people were taking full advantage of their day off!

As the gentleman went to open my gas tank-which I forgot HOW to open!!! I thought since I had just lectured my son on thanking a VETERAN, I should at least ask him if he was. He acted surprised that I would ask. He walked over to my window and said, "MAAM, most of us old guys here are!” We had quite the conversation. I should have had him fill my tank to the brim...just to listen to his heart and to hear his passion for his COUNTRY he still carried in his voice after all of these years. What was it that he had seen, experienced or achieved in his life that gave him such a sweet spirit and a zest for life on such an early, chilly November morning?

OH MY GOODNESS! As I started up my car and thanked him for his part in serving our COUNTRY, I was completely fascinated by him. Maybe because he reminded me of my very favorite Grandpa...something about his sheepish grin, the lines in his face, his slight limp. I don't know!

Baffled, I pulled out of the gas station. My vision was a bit blurred from tears. As I drove home, I was wondering how many of these men and women are out there amongst people like me and like you who are so compartmentalized and are too busy to even recognize the people we pass every day who have served with a willing heart ? The sacrifices so many of them have made? How many have lost a friend in their very arms, and then come home to hold a new life only to find out that they, too, have forsaken them, lost hope that they may return.

I know that we realize there is a price for our freedom, but I don't usually think about these amazing men and women as individuals. They each have their own stories. Their own lives have been altered in one way or another. Maybe one night they were being kissed by their mom and the next, only by the dripping rain! Who knows?

As I pulled into my garage and turned the car off. I just sat for a minute. It dawned on me why this distinguished gentleman was still on my mind: He was still experiencing the greatest joy in his life...not from what he had received, but from what he had given of himself...although many years ago...it was the gift from his heart!

Thank YOU

Reposted from 11/11/2009

Today, I would like to thank Lindsey for featuring the "Little Sweet Pea" gift package on her blog: The Pleated Poppy.

I am so excited because I have been reading her blog for awhile and thoroughly loving it. She has really inspired me to "sew". Although I am still having a hard time figuring out how to thread my machine :), I am enjoying stitching by hand... Thank you, Lindsey for all your blogging inspiration and for ALWAYS answering my e-mails. You are the sweetest!

PS. I had no idea how many of you would like the Sweet Pea gift exchange. To answer the e-mail questions. Yes, I do sell the spoons seperately.

I am offering the gift package at an introductory price of $39.99. You have the choice between the personalized baby spoon and the baby's first fork and spoon. Thank you for your kind words, e-mails and comments! xoxo

Picnic in a Basket

 

Since the sun has not been shining much at all lately, putting a picnic together sounded like a lot of fun even though we weren't going anywhere. {I just put the picnic together for the picture and am really excited about this summer's picnics!}

We had lunch with dear friends today{even though we haven't had much time together...our hearts are connected!} We LOVE having company over and every time our guests leave, I want to do it again.

It is not about your house, freshly vacuumed carpets, dusted shelves, and a well-manicured lawn. It IS about getting together and encouraging one another. Listening with your heart and not being distracted by your list of "to do's". It is your chance as a hostess to welcome your friends into your home to feel pampered, loved and cared for.

There is a time for inviting friends over for a spur-of-the moment dinner, but there is also a time to have them over for a well-planned, but not overly extravagant meal where the focus isn't the surroundings but the fellowship.

Here is a simple picnic for the park or your dining room table!


Menu:
Lavash Wraps
Fruit Salad{Fresh pineapple slices and sliced strawberries}
Kettle Chips {Our Favorite}
A fun drink...today we had Limonata and Sparkling Pomegranate Juice
Leftover ice cream with cones

Everything was made ahead and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

So, if you have been thinking about having someone over and you find yourself being too busy, call them, text them, facebook them or whatever other means of communication you might use. Set a date and stick to it. Keep it simple... sandwiches will do just fine and cute napkins always make any meal extra special!

It will be time well spent and I am sure you will want to do it again...sooner than later!

Lavash wraps
Softened cream cheese
Shredded carrots
Avocado
Red leaf romaine, torn
Garlic deli turkey , all natural
Sharp Tillamook Cheese, shredded

Directions: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on Lavash bread. Be sure to cover all the nooks and crannies. Layer veggies, then the turkey. End with cheese. Roll tightly. Wrap with a piece of waxed paper. Cut in half. Tie a ribbon around the middle.

For a picnic: These can be made in advance. Place prepared wraps in Large gallon size Ziploc. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Just MAKE SURE the carrots and lettuce have been dried with a paper towel so you don’t end up with soggy wraps and end up ordering SUBWAY for your picnic. {ASK me how I figured that out!}

The Yellow bakers twine was ordered from Whitney @ DIVINE TWINE. You will have to visit her site.

Home is...Pictures on Walls

Hope you are comfy and have a little time on your hands because this is going to be a bit longer than usual.

No matter what art or trinkets one may collect, I think it is the photos that hang on the walls in our homes that make any house a home.

With as many times as I have moved in my life, it never really feels quite like "HOME" until after the nails are hammered into the studs {or NOT!} and the pictures are hung.

Our homes are a very real place. It is the place where trust is learned and where we have our first glimpse of how life is. It is in our homes where our families are nurtured and grown.

I am pretty sure every new mom has been offered their share of advice. There are times you love advice and there are times you just want to go home, tuck the baby into bed, tip-toe to your bedroom, gently!!!!cloooose the door, gather all the bed pillows AND the rocking chair pad, stack 'em all on top of each other, bury your face and SCREAM!

Well, not in this case. This was advice that was soothing to my ears and most welcome. "PUT THINGS IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES TO REMIND THEIR HEARTS THE MEANING OF WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT TO TEACH THEM." Isn't that great advice?

Back to pictures. I am not talking about a Pottery Barn Catalog Ad with shelves and shelves of B.U.TIFUL pictures...with perfectly groomed children who have supposedly been playing at the beach ALL day long, model parents who look like they have spent the day at the spa, pictures of afternoon walks where the wild hair has been cropped and where yellowing teeth have been whitened...I am talking about Real Pictures of Real Events and Real memories. Old pictures that link us to our past and pictures of our babies when they were still babies. Pictures of our grandparents with their children. Pictures of family friends. Framed pictures of fun family vacations etc.

One of my favorite pictures in our home is framed in a black frame {my only one from Pottery Barn!} Inside each of the beveled windows is a black and white wedding picture. My in-laws on one end, Scott and I in the center and my parent's wedding picture on the other end.

We pass by the picture every day. So do our children.

It is a great example of putting things in front of our children's eyes {and ours for that sake!} to remind their hearts {and ours} of what commitment means. Commitment in this day and age is rare. When things get tough, it is so easy and tempting at times to quit and walk away.

{I am NOT suggesting that we are perfect and have everything figured out-and for those of you who know us-you KNOW!}

As a result of our parents commitment to one another and to keep their vows, we have been challenged to love each other despite our differences, despite broken dreams, despite lost hope, and despite fear of the unknown.

The wedding vows we took on different years, in different churches and in different cities were not only a commitment to our spouses, but most importantly to God.

We have always had a wedding picture hung where our children could see it, because not only is it comforting, but it is also good for them to see how we have changed in many ways. Our hair is different {THANK GOODNESS!}, styles have changed, we now have lines on our faces, and with time there is no arguing that we have AGED...but our JOY has not withered away {Joel 1:12}

When our children look at our wedding pictures along with those of their grandparents when they have their own families, I want their hearts to be reminded of what commitment means and how with God's grace and mercy...their joy will also abound.

Sentiment Cakes

 

I had totally forgotten about this idea until I saw a post on Your Homebased Mom. We had made these years ago for a tea using tea saucers and then even used paper plates and paper cups{Martha Stewart Kids Magazine}. The ideas are endless. I used an old saucer from the Thrift Store and a sundae glass for the base. I use my hot glue gun for everything, so that is how I attached the saucer to the base. The cake is a PINK LEMONADE CAKE...I have to tweak it one more time and then I will post the recipe. I think it is going to be our new FAVORITE cake at least for the summer!

LABELING...the fridge...

 

I have already been called "eccentric" for this one. Trust me. BUT IT WORKS! How many times are you asked where something is in the fridge? Be honest.

My hubby got me my very first P Touch labeling machine years ago, and I had labeled everything there was to label in the house {yes, even my children's chest of drawers!}except for the...FRIDGE. Let me tell you, it has been the best thing ever. I took everything out of the fridge, cleaned it out and labeled away.

My mom used to always clean out the fridge before grocery shopping, so that when she brought the groceries back, there was plenty of room for fresh food and no room for nasty odors.

So, now with my labeled shelves, I simply dispose of leftovers from the shelf as opposed to wasting time digging around and when the kids get hungry, they know exactly where to find what they need.

This has been the only snag: Laurissa's best friend came over one night and wanted a snack. I handed her a container with leftover veggies. She didn't eat all of them, so she went to put them away and asked in her sweet, little mousy voice, "Mrs. Pearson, do I put these in the veggie drawer or in with the leftovers?" We LAUGHED SO HARD!

It's not like I am freaking out if everything isn't kept perfect. It is just to help keep things a bit more organized and to save on time. Because quite frankly, I need all the help I can get. I will take a picture of the fridge at the end of the week, but this is what it looks like at the beginning og the week before grocery shopping. Nothing like starting the week semi-organized!

Sweet Stands

You have to check this out! If you LOVE cupcakes and if you LOVE paper. You are going to LOVE these adorable little SWEET STANDS! They would be the cutest gift with a birthday cupcake sittin' on top with one mini candle.

Homemade Ice Cream Cones {mini}

Making your own ice cream cones is fun and economical. The added benefit is no junky chemicals and guaranteed sweet dreams. Who doesn't like going to bed in a home that smells like an old fashioned candy store?

Pizzelle makers can be found at Thrift stores and garage sales for the perfect price. Who knows, your Grandma might just have one sitting around!



Grammy’s Old –fashioned Waffle Cones

3 eggs
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp. almond extract
1 ¾ cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder

Directions:
Beat eggs and sugar together. Stir in melted butter and almond extract
Heat Pizzelle maker and Brush with canola oil and a bit of flour combined.
Fill pastry bag with thick batter
Squeeze batter onto center of Pizzelle maker
Remove when the steam stops
Wearing food prep gloves, remove and shape into a cone.
Hold for a second until it holds its shape. Sprinkle inside with cinnamon sugar.
Store cooled cones in ZIPLOC bag

 

Shared with: Skip to my Lou, stone gable, comfy in the kitchen

Scott's Dump and Run BBQ Chicken

Last night was fun. We always love company for dinner, especially the children's friends. I always thought it would be exciting to have a BIG family or to be dorm parents. Last night I was reminded of the joy that comes from sharing a meal together.

Our Menu:

Plain old water
Roasted French Potatoes...AGAIN, because they were requested!
Scott's Dump and Run BBQ Chicken
Sourdough Hoagie Rolls
Shredded Cheddar {forgot to serve the chopped onions!}
Dinner Salad with veggies and Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette

Homemade Ice Cream {thank you, Honey BUNNY!}
Fresh Strawberries and white cake
...and the kids were still snacking at 10:00!

This is the perfect dinner if you are short on time.


Scott’s Dump and Run BBQ Chicken

9 boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts {soak in kosher salt water overnight. Rinse until water runs clear, and cut any extra fat off} You don't have to do this!
1 tsp. granulated garlic
1 tsp. onion flakes
2 Tbsp. Wrights Liquid Smoke
2 cups Prego Spaghetti sauce
1 cup Trader Joe's Bold & Smoky Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce {So good and no High Fructose Corn Syrup!}
1 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar

This is all you do: Seriously, do NOT make this complicated. Put all of the ingredients into the crock pot {No layering necessary, Kerri! }
Doesn’t matter how. No need to mix sauce or anything.
Just dump it all in and run your errands or mow the lawn…whatever.
Just be sure to cook on high for at least 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the BETTER.
Before serving, take two forks and pull it apart. You can even let it sit for awhile so that the chicken soaks up more of the sauce.
Serve on toasted Sourdough Hoagie Rolls.
Top with chopped onions and shredded Tillamook Shredded Cheese.
DIVINE!



Leftovers?
Make a sandwich:
Hoagie roll
leftover BBQ Chicken
Shredded carrots
cucumbers
jalapeno peppers...fresh or pickled...SO VERY GOOD...you may even want to make that for dinner and have the plain ones for leftovers.

Okay. Last thing. This chicken freezes really well. Just scoop cooled chicken into a large Ziploc. Freeze.

To serve: Place frozen BBQ chicken {or thawed} in crockpot on low and VOILA!
We took this to State last year for the basketball team and it worked perfectly. Just kept it in the cooler over ice and stuck it in the crockpot the next morning for the evening dinner. I made two batches and took two crockpots...

Recipe shared with:

women living well

Pesto Pizza To- Go

 

This can be assembled quickly.
It is something different and the basil can be enjoyed all summer long!
The directions are already included on the package of Trader Joe's dough!
Last year, I froze the dough and used it to keep the cheese cool. Try to deliver them after school, so it can be taken home sooner than later.

This is just a basic idea...you may include plates, cups, napkins etc...but I like to keep this one simple...kinda like a quick little appetizer while teacher's are settling into their "home for the summer" routine.

Enjoy!

Strawberry Shortcake To- Go

Zesty Strawberry Shortcake

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
2 Tbsp. organic sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
Zest of 1 orange
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whipping cream...sweetened a bit
Coarse sugar

DIRECTIONS:
• Mix dry ingredients together; Cut in butter; Add cream. Mix until dough is soft
and ingredients are all mixed in. It will look like cookie dough.
• Place six to eight mounds on greased baking sheet or SILPAT. Flatten just a bit.
• Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake at 425 for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Note: Let cool and wrap each shortcake in cellophane bag.

BERRIES:
Slice four pints of fresh strawberries, add about half cup of sugar
Sprinkle with a little lemon juice;
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Slice shortcake in half, add strawberries, top with ice cream.

If you want to make these in advance, just bag the individual wrapped shortcakes, put into gallon Ziploc bag and freeze. They will stay as fresh as the day you baked them!

















{ALWAYS TASTE TEST to make sure it is okay!}

GRANDMA'S PRAYER BOARD

 

According to Sir Merriam-Webster, heirloom is defined as "something of special value handed on from one generation to another." That is EXACTLY what my Grandma's Prayer Board is. It is a treasured heirloom, but more than that, it is the memories that go along with it.

Have you ever been given a family heirloom that is extra special, simply because of the memories that go along with it? It could be something that is plain as plain can be, but when you take into consideration the sentimental value, it becomes priceless~ {I think maybe I have watched one too many VISA commercials and/or Antiques Road Show episodes!}.

When we were little, my Grandma came to live with us. Every night, she would climb into bed with her long flannel nightgown and cold cream on her face and would read to us for hours at a time. She read us books like Little House on the Prairie, The Five Little Peppers, and literary textbooks from when she was a teacher. We would always end the evening by saying the 23rd Psalm out loud and praying.

Since my bedroom was next to hers, it was not unusual for me to fall asleep listening to my Grandma praying out loud. If she thought about somebody or something that needed prayer, she would pray.

As I was thinking about the word heirloom, I instantly thought, “What am I passing down to my children? What are they are going to have that is left of me when I am gone?” Is it going to be my Christmas dishes, Old photographs, Grandma’s bright-colored linens, my vintage German sled with the frayed rope? While I hope they appreciate those things and don't haul them off to Goodwill, I want them to know that we have a very rich heritage in having a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want them to know that God has been faithful to their Grandparents, to us and to them. Nothing...and I mean NOTHING is impossible with God.

"The story of the parting of the Red Sea was a memory that every Israelite would recall and cherish because it reminded them of God's power, protection and love for them as a nation. Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness often sustained Israel through their difficulties, reminding them that God was capable and trustworthy." (One Year Through the Bible)

All this to say if I had one heirloom to choose it would have to be the one that has no worth to most people. It is an old piece of cardboard from who knows where. It has some brittle tape on it along with names. (Lots of names!) It is my Grandma C.'s Prayer Board. It is not a fancy prayer journal...it doesn't even have lines. It certainly is not of archival quality, either. However, it’s a reminder that we were taught at a very young age that God is faithful and that we can come to Him for anything and everything. It spurs me on to pray all the time...no matter how insignificant the request may seem, because if it matters to me, it matters to Him. I want my children to know that God is trustworthy. I am thankful for that old piece of cardboard that was stuffed between the wall and my Grandma's bed and that all these years later we have something tangible to look at and to see God's miracles and faithfulness even when things are difficult... and that is why, above all other heirlooms, my Grandma’s Prayer Board is so dear to my heart.

Today I am linking up to Reluctant Entertainer. Be sure to see what Heirlooms others are writing about.

Simple Gifts For...This. That. And The Other

 

Please e-mail me for custom orders, color options, gift ideas and prices.

Another chance at a Sweet Pea giveaway

Here is Another chance at a Sweet Pea giveaway for you to enter if you would like!
Just go to Saving Money and Living Life to enter Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB MORNING CAKE
adapted from Martha Stewart

FRUIT SAUCE:
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice {1 lemon}
1/3 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
Combine in medium saucepan


ADD:
5 cups strawberries, cleaned and sliced
5 cups rhubarb, cleaned, trimmed and cut into small slices
Cook until rhubarb is soft and sauce has thickened {about 15-20 minutes}. Pour into bowl and let cool.

CRUMB TOPPING:
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup flour
¼ cup Earth Balance, melted
Combine sugar and flour. Pour Earth Balance over sugar and flour mix. Mix until crumbly. Set aside.

CAKE BATTER:
3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. sea salt
Whisk together


ADD:
1 cup Earth Balance, softened a bit
Cut into flour mix until incorporated


ADD:
2 eggs
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
{I like to pour the buttermilk into a 2 cup liquid measuring cup and mix the eggs and vanilla in}


Preheat oven to 350. Grease pan with Julie’s Pan Release. See recipe below.

Set aside.

Spread pan with half of the CAKE BATTER.

Top with half of the FRUIT SAUCE.

Spread the rest of the Cake Batter on top of the FRUIT, and top with the rest of the FRUIT SAUCE.

Sprinkle with CRUMB TOPPING.


Bake for about 1 hour or until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched in the center. Let cool slightly on wire rack. Serve warm with a TALL glass of fresh orange juice and scrambled eggs.

ENJOY!

Adapted from Martha Stewart.




Recipe shared with: mom's crazy cooking

Button Cookies

Teacher Gift Idea

 

Saturday in May

Scott's Famous Homemade Ice Cream

 

Since I talk about him all the time, I thought I would introduce you to my dear, sweet hubby.

We met at Bible College in 1988 and got married a couple of years later. We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in August and we are very excited!

He cooks at work a lot and when I meet people he works with, they tell me how famous he is for his homemade ice cream. So, I thought he could share his recipe with you! {firefighters are very picky about what they like and don't like!...Trust me!}

From Scott: I originally got this recipe from Lisa about 17 years ago when we bought our first ice cream maker. We were looking for a fun family activity and figured that making our own homemade ice cream would not only be fun but also tasty. Fast forward 12 years and I was looking for something special to make for the station on the 4th of July. Lisa had given me all the measurements and I was in the middle of adding ingredients when the alarm tones sounded and we caught a run. Upon arrival back at the station I headed to the kitchen where I realized I had no idea where I had left off! I had measured the sugar and milk but was in the middle of adding the 1/2 & 1/2 and whipping cream. So what was I going to do....... What I always do in the kitchen WING IT. I figured if I added ALL of the whipping cream and 1/2 & 1/2, it would be close enough. Since MORE is always better when it comes to these ingredients, how could it go wrong.... and boy was I right! That night my crew attacked that ice cream like it was the last time we would ever eat! Since that day I have gone through three ice cream makers and during the summer I will make ice cream about every other shift. So, if you're a fan of dump and run recipes here it is.
One more thing: this is a 6 Quart recipe because as I said before more is always better!


Scott's Famous Homemade Ice Cream



INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 cups milk
2-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 quart half & half
1-1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 quart and 1 pint whipping cream


DIRECTIONS:
• Heat milk until bubbles form around pan.
• Remove milk from heat
• Add sugar and salt, stir until dissolved.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.
• Place into ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s directions.


This is such a versatile recipe! Eventually you will come up with your own variations.
One of my favorite things to do is crush a package of Oreos and fold them in at the end. {Don't tell Lisa, she thinks hydrogenated oil and preservatives are bad, VERY BAD!} I will make sure we have some fun things to eat around here! I have your back.
This was fun. Maybe she will invite me back.


From Lisa: Since we make sooo much, we pour extra amounts into these little ice cream containers {from Cash-n-Carry} and freeze them. They make a quick treat to take to people or if I am tight on time and don't have enough time to take a meal. During strawberry season, I take one container of fresh strawberries sliced, sugared and sprinkled with a bit of lemon juice. and a container of ice cream for each family member...unless they are little. Everybody loves to have their own, and they can save some if it is too much!

Next week we will talk about teacher gifts: strawberry shortcake, pesto with a basil plant etc. they are frugal, but beautiful!

Happy Friday to each of you!

A French Breakfast for Dinner!

 

Oh.what.fun! This is clearly my family's new favorite dinner! So refreshing and it makes the house smell heavenly. The only thing that would have made the dinner even better is if we had picked the berries ourselves. Thankfully, Costco berries were really yummy this week, not to mention convenient.


Menu:

Dad's Fluffy Scrambled Eggs
French Roasted Baby Red Potatoes
Old-Fashioned French Crepes
Fresh-cut Strawberries with Sugar and Squeezed Lemon
Fresh Whipped Cream flavored with White Chocolate
Oma's Homemade Applesauce

...and somebody asked, "What is for dessert?" I told them to have another crepe!

 

Lisa’s French Roasted Potatoes

10-12 medium sized baby red potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, cut

Let oil, salt, garlic and rosemary sit at room temp for several hours or overnight. The longer the flavors meld, the better!

Before roasting:
Preheat oven to 400
Pour flavored oil over potatoes.
Roast in baking dish for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and brown.
Sprinkle with Herbs de Provence before serving.



Old-fashioned French Crepes

1 ½ cups milk
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla
1 Tbsp. rum {optional}
3 large egg yolks
2 Tbsp. sugar
1½ cup flour
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Blend all ingredients in blender for 30 seconds.
Scrape down sides and blend for 30 more seconds.
Chill overnight or during the day if you are making them for dinner.
Bring to room temperature.
Blend again.

Heat crepe pan over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles on the pan.
{My first crepe never turns out, so, let me know if yours turns out}
Pour about 1/3 cup onto pan, tilting pan til bottom is covered with batter.
Lightly brown crepe and flip, cook til lightly browned {see picture}
Place crepes on plate covered with a sheet of wax paper and covered with a towel.
The crepes can be kept covered up to a couple of hours at room temperature or covered with plastic wrap and kept chilled for up to two days. {GREAT FOR A CREPE PARTY!}
May be transferred to covered baking dish and baked @ 400 til heated through.

To serve, top crepe with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Roll up and ENJOY! OOH LA LA!


For Strawberries:

Let fresh berries soak in fresh, cold water. Rinse and let soak again. Drain. using a small knife cut stems off berries and slice over bowl. Sprinkle with a couple of Tbsps. sugar and squeeze juice from half a lemon. Let sit until ready to serve.

For Whipped Cream: Make as usual except add 2 Tbsp. White Chocolate Torani Syrup! You will be an addict!

For Scrambled Eggs: My hubby does NOT measure, and I can't watch him make them and take notes because it drives me CRAZY, but they always taste AMAZING! I do know that to make them as fluffy as spring clouds, he adds a bit of milk to the eggs...oh and he added the extra whites left over from making the crepes. I'll let you know if there is anything else he does!

Okay. I think this is the most detailed post I have ever done. Hopefully it is clear!

Happy Thursday!

I am loving the e-mails. Thank YOU!...and you are MOST welcome!

Soda Fountain Gift

How many of you remember the craze of Soda Fountains? Raspberry Flips, Pink Sodas and Patio Punch Soda's were all the rage. Well, here is a fun, frugal way to give an Italian Cream Soda to go as a gift.

This can be given as a shower gift, a graduation gift {teenagers love these!}, a birthday gift, a teachers gift etc.

They are great baby shower gifts as well. It is fun for the Momma-to-be to be able to take something home for the rest of the family or hubby to enjoy as well. You could even include a gift certificate for a pizza to be enjoyed on a day where cooking is not at the top of the "to do" list.

These Italian Cream Soda gifts are very fun to embelish. You can use colors or a theme to customize the gift.

As mentioned before we are talking FRUGAL, so I made mine for under $10.00.
white gift bag: .79 {Party Depot}
2 12x12 sheets of scrapbook paper: $1.00 {Paper Zone}
napkins: $1.00
straws: $1.00 at the Dollar Store {on hand}
cups: $1.00 {the Dollar Store}
Torani Syrup: $3.99 {Cash-n-Carry}
Club Soda: .87 with deposit {Winco}

Ribbon I had on hand.

DIRECTIONS:

Club Soda:
Cut scrapbook paper into 6x6 square.
Remove label from Club Soda.
Glue 6x6 sheet on to Club Soda bottle being sure to cover any leftover residue from original label.

Drink Tags:
Use any size craft punch and punch drink tags out of scrap paper from cutting down your 6x6 sheet of paper.
Punch a small hole with a regular sized hole punch for straw.

Straws:
Place a handful of straws into standard cellophane bag or tie together with ribbon.

Italian Cream Soda Label:
Cut second sheet of 12x12 paper into 8 1/2X11.
Print label with Italian Soda directions.


I put enough for 8 into each package, but always more straws. They are inexpensive and fun to have extras. Can one ever have too many straws?

Suggestions if you are NOT on a budget:

*Add a glass straw dispenser with colorful straws.

*Add cookies or biscotti to carry the Italian theme.

*Add an ISI whipped cream maker...you get the idea!

For Christmas: make it fancy with silver and gold decorations.

For a whimsical Christmas gift, you could include red and white striped straws, napkins and homemade biscotti etc. HAVE FUN!

Enjoy!

Shared with: Skip to my Lou,

A Mother's Day Memory

When was the last time you thought about a Mother's Day Memory?

Every Mother's Day is filled with events that become the next year's memory.

I had so many different thoughts as to what I was going to write about but I decided to keep it simple.

Today, I was digging through my stash of handwritten notes. I was looking for my very first Mother's day card from my hubby. As I have said before, I have not been a scrapbooker, but I have saved every note from my hubby. They are all piled into an old suitcase that still has my Dad's name on it. It is the perfect keepsake box.

There, amongst all of my other cards from my family was just THE ONE I was looking for. Still, after all of these years it is one I will always cherish. I wasn't officially a mommy, but to my hubby I was a mommy because I was carrying our child. It was the sweetest day. He blessed me with his affirming words and I felt like the most loved mommy-to-be in the world!

Mother's Day 1991:

"What else can I say honey.
I'm so excited that we're going to have a little baby. I promise to be as sensitive and caring and patient as possible during the next months as well as the rest of our lives. I really do love you sweetie. This card sums it all up. But I just wanted reassure you of how proud I am knowing that together we have a baby to raise together. I'm excited for the day that I can actually hold our child in my arms.

...I have a totally new respect, love, and appreciation for you and new knowledge of how special you really are to me.

I love you sweetie pie and am glad to be home with you again...

Again, I want to tell you how excited I am that together we're having a BABY, BABY!

I love you
Lisa


I Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.





{I love you Scott! Thank you, BABY...for being the best Daddy ever to our children and for making me one HAPPY MOMMA!}

Today I am linking up to the Reluctant Entertainer click on the button below to see what memories others are sharing.

REMINDER: Don't forget to enter the Sweet Pea Baby Giveaway @ Your Homebased Mom!