GardenWanders, Etc.

What is Your Favorite Mardi Gras Recipe?

2012-02-18T01:50:00.003-06:00

This recipe looks easy enough. I also saw one that used canned

biscuits...that can't be as good as this one!!

BEIGNETS

1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1 c. plus 2 tbsp. sifted flour
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
Oil for frying
Confectioners' sugar

In medium pan, heat butter, sugar, salt and water to boiling. Remove pan from heat and add flour all at once; stir vigorously until ingredients are combined thoroughly and dough leaves sides of pan and forms a ball. Add vanilla, then eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously. Dough should be smooth and glossy.

In another pan, heat about 1 1/2 inches oil to 375 degrees on thermometer. Drop heaping teaspoons of dough into hot oil and fry beignets, a few at a time, until golden. (Each beignet will puff up to about 2 inches in diameter when done.) Drain on paper towels. Dust beignets heavily with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm. Yields: about 50 beignets.

Send me your favorite Mardi Gras recipe.

Sandra

Monday Mornings Get Better

2012-02-13T09:35:00.001-06:00

Live Your Dream...

What is your life's Dream/Goal?

Twelve Steps to Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake

2012-02-10T05:17:00.000-06:00

Twelve Steps to Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake

Most chocolate cake recipes follow this basic sequence of steps.

1. ADJUST OVEN RACK
Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees.
WHY? If baked on a rack that's too high, the cake will overbrown. Too low? No browning at all.
2. CUT PARCHMENT
Trace the outline of the cake pan on parchment paper. Then cut out parchment circles to line the pans.
WHY? To ensure the baked cakes release easily from the pans.
3. GREASE AND FLOUR
Grease the pans. Line with parchment circles. Grease the parchment and flour the pans, shaking out extra flour.
WHY? To doubly ensure that the cakes will not stick.
4. COMBINE LIQUIDS
Combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla in a measuring cup.
WHY? Combined, the wet ingredients are easier to incorporate. Plus, it's easy to see how much liquid you’ve added in step 7.
5. WHISK DRY INGREDIENTS
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
WHY? For layer cakes, whisking aerates as effectively as sifting.
6. BEAT IN BUTTER
With the mixer on low speed, add the softened butter, one piece at a time, until only pea-size pieces remain.
WHY? This "reverse creaming" ensures a cake with a tender but tight crumb.
7. ADD LIQUID IN 2 PARTS
Pour in half of the milk-egg mixture and beat until fluffy. Then add the remaining milk mixture.
WHY? The liquid will be absorbed more efficiently, for a lighter cake with no streaks of flour.
8. SCRAPE INTO PANS
Divide the batter evenly between the greased, lined, and floured pans.
WHY? The layers will bake evenly and be of equal height.
9. TAP ON COUNTER
Gently tap the pans on the counter to settle the batter.
WHY? Tapping releases air bubbles that may have formed during mixing; they could cause tunnels in the cake.
10. BAKE AND ROTATE
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate the pans halfway through baking.
WHY? Switching the pans ensures that the layers bake evenly despite any hot spots in the oven.
11. COOL IN PANS
Leave the hot cakes in the pans for 10 minutes.
WHY? The cakes need a few minutes to cool and firm slightly, sot they won't break apart when you remove them from the pans.
12. TURN CAKE OUT
Flip the cakes out of their pans onto a wire rack. Flip onto a second wire rack so that the cake layers are right side up.
WHY? The rack lets air circulate underneath, so the cakes won't steam and get soggy as they cool.
Twelve Steps to Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake

Wacky Cake

Why this recipe works:While the name implies comical roots, Wacky Cake was actually born out of the seriousness of wartime rationing. At various times during the world wars, eggs, butter, sugar, and milk were all in short supply, so inventive home cooks and home economists did their best to create dishes with limited ingredients. Wacky cake is a moist chocolate cake prepared, miraculously enough, without eggs or butter. The cake relies on the last-minute combination of vinegar and baking soda for leavening. The reaction between the two causes the batter to bubble vigorously, and thus, rise. The cake has to be prepared in its baking pan; otherwise it doesn’t rise nearly as well. We made wells in the dry ingredients, added the wet ingredients—oil, vinegar, and vanilla—to the wells, and then added water and stirred quickly (but not too much) to blend the batter just moments before we put it into the oven. Streaks of flour remained in the quickly mixed batter.

Serves 6 to 8

This moist cake gets even better when served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup natural cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup water
Confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together in pan. As shown in photo 1, make 1 large and 2 small craters in dry ingredients. Add oil to large crater and vinegar and vanilla separately to remaining small craters. Pour water into pan (photo 2 below), and mix until just a few streaks of flour remain (photo 3 below). Immediately put pan in oven.
3. Bake until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Cool in pan, then dust with confectioners’ sugar. (If tightly wrapped, cake will keep for 3 days at room temperature.)
A Wacky Mixing Method
- 1. Using a spoon, make 1 large and 2 small craters in the dry mix.
- 2. Pour the vegetable oil into the large crater, then the vinegar and vanilla into the smaller craters. Pour the water over all the ingredients.
- 3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix the batter, taking care not to overmix; the batter should still contain a few streaks of flour
Sandra

Buffalo Wings - Super Bowl Night?

2012-02-03T00:57:00.003-06:00

2 packages (1 lb each) chicken drummettes

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup red pepper sauce

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

In deep fryer or 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil to 375°F.

Fry chicken in batches (to avoid over crowding) about 10 minutes each or until brown and no longer pink in center. Drain on paper towels.

Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan combine butter, pepper sauce, black pepper and garlic powder; cook over medium-high heat, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and mixture is blended.

In large bowl, toss chicken with butter mixture until

Real Buffalo wings are fried and are not coated with flour at all. They are just fried as is and covered in sauce. Always use Franks Hot Sauce and some like to put in a touch of vinegar.

Frank's Redhot Buffalo Chicken Dip

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened *part of the Mega deal at Kroger!

1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch saladdressing

1/2 cup FRANK'S® REDHOT® OriginalCayenne Pepper Sauce or FRANK'S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing Sauce ** In the 1/22 SS there was a 75¢/1 coupon; or you can print a 30¢/1 coupon here when you register for an account.

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese orshredded mozzarella cheese *Check the specialty cheese near the deli at Kroger... they mark cheese down all the time in that area

1. HEAT oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth.
2. MIX in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese.
3. BAKE 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

2012-01-01T01:54:00.001-06:00

2011-12-30T02:19:00.027-06:00

OliveGarden Three Meat Sauce CopyKat Recipes

Yield: 12 servings.
2 24 ounce jars Marinara sauce – use your favorite brand
1 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage – remove from casings
1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped fine
1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings
Sautee onions in a large pot with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When onions have become translucent add the two jars of marina sauce, and can of chopped tomatoes, and turn down to simmer. In a large skillet brown ground beef and Italian sausage until completely cooked, drain fat from meat, and add meat into the large pot with the sauce. Add chopped pepperoni to the sauce mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings to mixture and all to simmer for about 20 minutes before you season to taste with salt and pepper.

This makes a very large pot of sauce, if you have a larger family, consider stretching the sauce with an additional jar of marina, or a can of tomatoes. Since we are adding so many different spicy meats, wait until the all of the meats season the sauce before making any adjustments. If you have a smaller family, you may want to freeze this sauce, and use later.

Another Cookbook by My Aunt

2011-12-26T04:46:00.007-06:00

Cooking with Rotisserie Chicken: A Quick Start to Easy Recipes [Spiral-bound]

by Nell Millang

Rotisserie chicken is all about convenience, and these 225 recipes are as easy as stopping at the grocery store. With a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of time, you'll turn rotisserie chicken night into your family's favorite meal of the week!

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2011 Amazon.com

2011-12-23T09:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas Pies

Christmas Pies (by DH *D*)

There was always plenty of food to eat at our house. My folks survived the Great Depression of the 20’s and knew how to make do and to conserve. My Dad worked five and a half days a week in the oil fields in Union County, AR. Somehow he still found time to raise a huge vegetable garden, milk twice a day, tend to about twenty more head of cattle, raise an occasional hog and from time to time a yard full of pullets.

Mom prepared all of our meals from the garden and from the place. There was no such thing as one of us kids saying, “I don’t like that,” or “It doesn’t look good.” We learned to eat what was set before us (we ate very well). The menu of turnip greens, boiled okra and cabbage would not go far with the youth of today. Dried beans and boiled squash are not even close to a Big Mac and fries.

There was an exception to our normal meal preparation. The week of Christmas my Mother would spend baking sweets. Of course, every pie or cake was prepared from “SCRATCH”. That is, the ingredients did not contain any mixes or pre-prepared ingredients; they were made from “SCRATCH”. She would bake Pecan Pies, Dried Apple Pies, Raisin Pies, Mincemeat Pies, Coconut Cake, “Secret Recipe” Fruit Cake, Egg Custer Pies, Cherry Pies, and her tasty Christmas Cake. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? You are right. Sooooo the rule was, the week of Christmas, you could eat all the desert you wanted at any time you wanted, in place of any meal you wanted. YUMMM, YUMEE!! I always had desert for breakfast, desert for lunch and recall an occasional trip through the kitchen in the afternoon to snag a slab of pie to hold me over till suppertime. For a child that grew up on dried beans and corn bread that was quite a week.

Bless Your Heart. The Bible tells us that one of the first things we will participate in, as the Family of God; in heaven will be the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. A Royal Banquet to celebrate the salvation that comes only from our wonderful savior Jesus and to celebrate our relationship to and with Him. One can only imagine what the menu will be like. I must admit I have wondered how those who profess Jesus as savior but at the same time have no appetite for spiritual things, will make it on a heavenly diet. Makes you wonder if perhaps they will be taking their meals some place else. If one does not have a taste for spiritual things now, they will probably not be able to develop one then. Revelation 19:7-10 (copyright)

It's Snowing! December 7, 2011

2011-12-07T07:57:00.001-06:00

In the Mood for Cajun Cooking

2011-12-02T04:01:00.004-06:00

Red Beans and Rice (**Notes added by me)
Ingredients:

1/2 pound dry red beans (*I use pinto beans)
1/2 lb. ham cubed
1 large onion, chopped
3 Stalks celery, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbs parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed

*1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced

2 cups water
1 Tbs Wirsestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Water

Wash dry beans real well. Then cover with water and sock overnight. Next day drain beans and add all ingredients, except pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Cover with water and simmer two hours (add more water as needed). Then add pepper and Worcestershire sause and simmer on more hour. Serve over hot cooked white rice. (Serves 4 to 6) Best Of CAJUN CREOLE Recipes Cookbook by Theresa Millang (my Aunt)

**According to Louisiana tradition this would be served on a Monday - supposedly an easy meal for laundry day because of the simmering time -- accompanied by sweet, plain, or crackling cornbread and a glass of iced sweet tea. Practically speaking, it's a tasty and inexpensive any-day meal. Oh, and, andouille is a Cajun sausage made in Louisiana & pretty common in southeastern grocery stores; elsewhere, you might be able to find it in specialty stores or else ask if the manager of your grocery store can order it.(I used a spicy smoked sausage).

In Memory of my mother's Father and Mother, Leo and Alice McDaniel:

Who Would Have Thought

2011-09-30T03:47:00.003-05:00

Who would have thought...

..that when you wished your kids didn't need you so much, you would someday wish that they did?

..that when there wasn't enough time in the day, you might someday wonder how to fill your free time?

..that when you couldn't wait to get your driver's license, you would someday try to decide when to give it up?

..that you would finally have more than enough stuff?

..that grandchildren grow even faster than children?

..that when people told you to enjoy your (time, education, job, kids, friends, health, spouse, etc.), you would someday realize why?

..that some people are grateful no matter what, and some are ungrateful no matter what?

..that when you struggled to make ends meet, they finally would?

..that each day can be a blessing and a chance to be a blessing to others?

..that a smile, a touch and a listening ear are worth more than expensive presents?

..that there's always something new to learn?

..that you would never get tired of watching a sunset, a rainbow, or a baby's first steps?

..that the best things in life ARE free?

The Grape Vine

2011-09-16T12:06:00.001-05:00

The Grape Vine

Houses were scattered in the Mt. Holly Road Community West of El Dorado, AR. back in the 50’s; and therefore very few activities for children. No community ball teams, no community parks and few community children to play with. My mother was so understanding when I began to whine, There is nothing to do. She would quickly offer to find me something to do; I knew what that involved and would hit the screen door on the run. I could hear the echo from the slammer and the high pitch of my mother voice, Don’t slam that door! I had to get out of there quick, no time to close the screen softly as I was sure mom was going to pull the broom or mop from the pantry and give me something to do, so I would not be bored. Well I had several stand-by fun things to do that every country girl had to occupy her time. I just did not feel like chasing the chicken or having the goats chase me today. I needed more excitement.
Grapevine

As I wandered down by the creek on the edge of the pasture looking for something to occupy my time I crossed the shallow creek pretending to be in the jungle. There it was the beautiful grape vine that presented itself for my enjoyment. Now any vine that a 10 yr. petite girl could reach had to hang close to the ground and this one did. I always tried it out first by grasping the vine and pulling myself off the ground. Next, I would spin around in a circle. Yep it felt pretty good. Before I knew it I was swinging back and forth across that creek. As I grew bolder and the vine swung higher and wider, a girlish aaaaaaaahhhh! escaped from deep in my throat. (Not at all like the Tarzan sounds of my little brother, Billy). That always took care of all the panthers, bears and other critters lurking in the brushes. It sure worked well, as I was never bothered by such varmints. As a young girl I spent many enjoyable hours swinging on my Tarzan vine, deep in the jungle, hidden from the sight of my mother who wanted to find me something to do. When the wind rushed through my long hair, a smile covered my face and my feet were several feet off the ground I knew what happiness was.
It has been a life time since I last swung on that grapevine. I have spent my life raising my family and involved in the cares of life. However, I must confess from time to time I have taken a turn over that creek in my memories. Regardless of the pressures of the 21st century those memories still bring a smile to this girl’s face.

YOU KNOW There are a lot of things that have changed over the years in my life. It seems clear to me that I will never be able to physically go back and do those childhood events even if I chose to do so. Instead of looking back it is better to look forward. We are promised in the Word of God Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. The thrill of trusting that grape vine to hold me up, is a lot like trusting Jesus to provide things so much greater that we cannot even imagine it. YOU KNOW you can trust God’s promises to provide for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9-12. Memories of Sandra - by: Don

A Childhood Memory

2011-09-09T01:52:00.001-05:00

A Childhood Memory

Lost Kitten
(written by *D*, as told by Sandra)

Our family was greatly blessed as we were native to Louisiana and more particular the Opelousas area of South Louisiana with “kin” scattered from Houma to Shreveport. Back in the 40’s and 50’s it was common to hear French being spoken, smelling Chicory coffee and Chicken Gumbo simmering on the stove and enjoying the fun times at Mamma Alice and Pappa Leo rural home.

The excitement had been building for several weeks. At first my parents whispered to one another and would spell a lot of words. Though it was several months until Christmas, as an eight year old I was hoping that perhaps there was going to celebrate Christmas twice that year, with all the secrecy. You know what I mean; with a gleam in their eyes and smiles exchanged between the adults they were a-buzz until Terry or I came into the room. We were greeted with silence and more smiles.

At last the children were brought into the secret. Our family was moving to El Dorado, Arkansas, due to a “Big Job Promotion”. Our family worked for Halliburton Oil Co. and they needed my Dad’s expertise in the Oil Fields of South Arkansas.

The excitement of the move overshadowed the sadness of leaving our family and friends. For weeks we prepared, wrapped and packed. The U-Haul was all packed and it was time to climb in the car for the eight hour journey. I had packed my most valuable stuff to be with me in the car; dolly, coloring book, PJ’s, and the fluffy blanket for my KITTY to sleep on. “Here KITTTY, KITTY. Here KITTY, KITTY.” “Mamma where is KITTY? “Look in the house one more time”. “Here KITTY, KITTY”, look under the car; is she up the Catawba Tree??” “Terry run next door and see if you can find KITTY!” “NO MOMMA! I will not get in the car without KITTY. Just leave me here. KITTY will soon be back and we will live here alone”. “NO, NO, NO I will not leave KITTY” “NO, NO, NO I do not want another kitty when we get to El Dorado, I want my KITTY”. The tears fell like rain as I was placed in the car and we pulled away from Opelousas. I wept as I fervently looked out the rear window of the car for a glimpse of KITTY.

It was the saddest day of my life. I was heartbroken. I hated El Dorado, I hated Terry. I hated my parents, I hated everyone. “Oh, KITTY I love you and will never forget you.” Well, you know things have a way of working out and the Lord truly loves little children. As the door of the U-Haul opened in El Dorado, AR out jumped KITTY right into my arms. In bed that night, with KITTY purring in my arms I said, “Momma and Dad I love you. Terry I love you, KITTY I love you. Thank you Jesus, I love you”.

Free Kindle Edition Books

2011-09-07T00:15:00.001-05:00

Free Kindle Edition Books – For Kindle Or PC

Did you know that Amazon has free books for the kindle every day? Did you know that Amazon also has a Kindle for PC FREE Download? So even if you don’t have a kindle, you can enjoy free ebooks from Amazon!

Here are a few of the free books that are available on Amazon today:
Finding Grace by Sarah Pawley
Untouchable by Scott O’ Conner
Making Sense of People: Decoding the Mysteries of Personality (FT Press Science) by Samuel Barondes
Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times, New and Expanded Edition by Jon M. Huntsman

Some of My Memories

2011-09-02T11:48:00.006-05:00

Forbidden Fruit Is Tasty

Eunice, Louisiana is not not exactly the center of Southern culture nor has it been the destination for exotic vacations; however it was part of my childhood. Our family lived there for a few years and that made is close enough for an occasional visit to Rosa, LA where Papa Leo and Mama Alice lived. Now Eunice is about right for a Cajun girl like me to recall many memories.Times were hard for all of those in the working class back in the ’50’s. There were no such things as trips to Baskin Robins or McDonalds. Terry and I were encouraged to be grateful for the rice and gumbo that we did enjoy. Now you must understand as a 7-8 yr. old girl I did not realize that our family feasted on the very best Cajun food on earth. I longed for the variety of other foods, which brings me to my story. Have you noticed that the tastiest items may grow in the neighbor’s yard? Well I noticed. I was not sure what the small fruit was but it looked like baby Oranges. A small tree of the Kumquat fruit grew in our neighbor’s yard (yum, yum.) When was the last time that you kept one eye on the front door of two houses at once? Yep I had to watch out for my mother and at the same time watch out for our neighbor as I harvested the luscious Kumquat fruit from the citrus tree. Of course I was forbidden to eat the fruit; why do you think they tasted so sweet? I escaped detection which is more than I can say for the Kumquats that were in my grasp

It was a few years later that our family moved to Tyler, Texas following the work in the Oil Fields. No, one there knew there were Kumquat trees growing there; however Mamma Farish had a neighbor who had a Pomegranate tree on their property. I can assure you that the grass does seem to be greener on the other side of the fence. It seemed to me that all those Pomegranate fruit were going to waste. I thought I would do my good deed and sample a few of those tasty fruit, which I did. As I have thought back I am not at all sure if the neighbor really cared if this little girl sampled the fruits growing in their yards but the unknown seemed to make the effort more worth while.

It was while we lived in Tyler, TX, on Confederate Street, that I was first introduced to the scrumptious” taste of an A & W Root beer. As I made my way home from school one afternoon I stopped and asked the attendant what it would cost to try one of those sodas? With a smile on his face he asked if I would like one of there small “free samples”. I have never forgotten the marvelous taste of the root beer in that miniature “frosted mug”. As a matter of fact I stopped by the A & W every day on my walk home from school for one of those “free samples” and you know, I never recall being denied a sample as I flashed my “knock-em-dead” 7 yr. old smile.

A few years later when our family lived in El Dorado, AR another new temptation found me. Now it was not the Kumquat or Pomegranate fruit (again on our neighbors’ property across the road) but a handsome Mulberry tree loaded with scrumptious berries. I realize that girls are not suppose to climb trees but what can I say? I found myself perched on one of the lower branches stuffing my mouth with the most delicious berries that I have ever tasted. The juice dribbled down my chin, stained my teeth and my clothes marked me in such a way that all could readily see that again I was feasting on forbidden fruit. However, Mr. and Mrs. Hardin, with a smile on their neighborly faces, welcomed this 9 yr. old girl to climb their Mulberry tree any time the urge struck me, and it struck often.

YOU KNOW…There was a tree in the Garden of Eden whose fruit was forbidden to be eaten less death passed upon all mankind. The Bible tells of a second tree planted in the Garden of Gethsemane and all are encouraged to eat from that tree and it will provide an antidote from the poison of the fruit of the Garden of Eden. In September of 1967 as a young 22yr. old, I partook of the fruit of the tree planted in Gethsemane. I bowed at the foot of the cross asking Jesus to forgive my rebellious heart and give me a new life in Him. YOU KNOW…I have never regretted that day when Jesus came into my life. Oh by the way, do YOU KNOW? (Genesis 2:17; Acts 10:39; John 6:53-63).

My Recent Radiofrequency ablation

2011-08-27T02:06:00.001-05:00

I could not begin to tell you about the recent proceedure for my 20 yr. struggle with Chronic Pain; the following is what took place:

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment where radio waves are used to create heat and destroy a part of a nerve. This technique is most commonly used to treat pain that is originating in the facet joints of the spine. The procedure is used to destroy the end of the small nerves that provide sensation to the facet joints. Once the nerve is destroyed, you should no longer feel the pain from the worn out, painful facet joints. This procedure is also sometimes called a RFA, rhizotomy, or a neurotomy.

MORE information: Radiofrequency ablation

2011-08-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

Southern FOLKS know their summer weather report:

Humidity

Southern FOLKS know their vacation spots:

The beach

The rivuh

The creek

Southern WOMEN know everybody's first name:

Honey

Darlin'

Shugah

Southern WOMEN know the movies that speak to their hearts:

Fried Green Tomatoes

Driving Miss Daisy

Steel Magnolias

Gone With The Wind

Southern FOLKS know their religions:

Baptist

Methodist

Football

Southern FOLKS know their cities dripping with Southern charm:

Chawl'stn

S'vanah

Foat Wuth

N'awlins

Addlanna

Southern WOMEN know their elegant gentlemen:

Men in uniform

Men in tuxedos

Rhett Butler

Southern girls know their prime real estate:

The Mall

The Country Club

The Beauty Salon

Southern girls know the 3 deadly sins:

Having bad hair and nails

Having bad manners

Cooking bad food

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit, and that you don't "HAVE" them, you "PITCH" them.

Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up "a mess."

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of "yonder."

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is, as in:

"Going to town, be back directly."

("Dreckly" in my family)

Even Southern babies know that "Gimme some sugar" is not a request for the white, granular, sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

All Southerners know exactly when "by and by" is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad.

If the neighbor's trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin'!

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between "right near" and "a right fer piece." They also know that "just down the road" can be 1 mile or 20.

Only a Southerner both knows and understands the difference between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and Po white trash.

No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.

A Southerner knows that "fixin" can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, .... And when we're "in line", we talk to everybody!

Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they're related, even if only by marriage.

In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.

When you hear someone say, "Well, I caught myself lookin'," you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!

Only true Southerners say "sweet tea" and "sweet milk." Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not like our tea unsweetened. "Sweet milk" means you don't want buttermilk.

And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, "Bless her heart" ... And go your own way.

To those of you who are still a little embarrassed by your Southerness: Take two tent revivals and a dose of sausage gravy and call me in the morning, bless your heart!

And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all this Southern stuff.....bless your hearts, I hear they're fixin' to have classes on Southernness as a second language!

Southern girls know men may come and go, but friends are fahevah !

Kerri - Diligent Woodpecker Dad

2011-08-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

Kerri at Colors Of the Garden has wonderful pictures on her site:

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Diligent Dad

' Red-bellies are often misnamed red-headed woodpeckers '.

My Grandson

2011-08-11T02:14:00.001-05:00

My 21 year old grandson is here; I forgot how quiet it has been around here.

I am glad he came.

100th Birthday!!

2011-08-06T10:58:00.000-05:00

We love Lucy! http://t.co/YHSooSM You'll feel better after a little ageless hilarity...cc @GoogleDoodles http://t.co/drYIn1C

My Message In A Bottle

2011-07-30T01:14:00.001-05:00

THANKS TO: The Redhead Riter

Meet Ginger's Brother

2011-07-05T02:07:00.000-05:00

Gone Fishing, Again

2011-06-24T01:47:00.002-05:00

Nice sized bream.

and Catfish.

35 in all (already fillett and eaten.=)

Thanks Reily Foods

2011-06-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

I posted a note on the Lousianne Tea page about their product and received this email response.

I Did Not ask for a coupon, but was happy to receive one. =)

"Thank you for your message and your loyalty to Luzianne Tea. We always enjoy hearing from people interested in our products.

Can we have your address? We would be happy to send you a Luzianne Tea coupon.

We thank you once more for your patronage and hope you will continue to use and enjoy products manufactured by Reily Foods Company."

Sincerely yours,

Brenda Macaluso

Consumer Affairs Manager

Reily Foods Company

More Blooms, etc.

2011-06-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Wistera 'beans'.

Aren't the "Dominac" (velety black) daylillies beautiful?

More Color!

Our 30+ yr old Minosa tree blooming.

Guess what we are having for supper, tonight: fresh fillet brim!

How 'bout his new haircut?! He loves it!

Kennel Cut for Ginger

2011-05-27T03:17:00.002-05:00

May 26, 2011 - Her new Kennel Cut:

Walk With Me May, 2011

2011-05-24T13:32:00.001-05:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

To our Friends in Christ,

As this "Good Friday" draws to a close, I pray that your heart is
profoundly touched by remembering that nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus
went to the Cross, died, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. For
several days, Jesus' body remained lifeless as His followers melted
with fear and found their faith in the icy grip of confusion and
despair.

Thank God! Jesus' crucifixion story does not end with the Lord's body
enslaved to death and decay in that borrowed tomb! No, Sunday was
coming even though none of Jesus' followers seemed to expect the
events of that incredible Resurrection Sunday Morning. They were
completely surprised, held breathless by the incredible experiences
of meeting the Lord alive again, walking, talking, and eating with
the One they loved so deeply and that they thought was gone. Some
were startled. Some fell and grasped his feet. Others disbelieved for
joy. Another placed his hands in the imprints left by the nails and
spear. And little by little, follower after follower, Jesus showed
himself alive and offered many different proofs of his resurrection
and they believed. They then testified to their faith, sometimes at
the cost of their own lives, so they could share this good news with
others.

So my prayer is that you wait with anticipation for Resurrection
Sunday, this first Sunday after Passover. And with the coming of this
glorious day, I pray that the Holy Spirit, the gift of the risen
Jesus, will re-enivorate your passion, hope, and courage to live for
our Lord no matter what challenges you face! -copied

First Picture of Spring 2011

2011-03-23T01:09:00.001-05:00

We planted this Wisteria when we moved here, in 2002 and has bloomed for us the last four years.

Spring Flowering
Wisteria vines make excellent "roofing" for garden arbors. You can be sure that the flowering of any successful wisteria vine has been the subject of many a double take from passersby. A stunning bloomer, in spring this climber yields large, drooping clusters of fragrant bluish-purple or white flowers. Wisteria vines can be grown in zones 3-9.One problem with the Chinese and Japanese wisteria vines is waiting for their success -- i.e., flowering. Waiting for them to finally flower can be just too long a wait for some folks, although some growers report success in speeding up their flowering through rigorous pruning (for more information, see my full article on wisteria vines.

Another problem with Japanese and Chinese wisteria vines is the potential for invasiveness. You'd better be a hands-on gardener if you want to grow Chinese wisteria vines or Japanese wisteria vines. Be ruthless about keeping their growth checked through pruning.

Valentines Day 2011

2011-02-13T16:32:00.003-06:00

Digital Elements

Thanks Nancy for the pretty Tulips!

Happy Valentines Day Little Cole!

6th Snow

2011-02-09T15:14:00.000-06:00

Our 6th Snow of the Year February 9, 2011

Digital Elements

Going To McDonalds

2011-02-08T17:46:00.001-06:00

Blue Willow February 4, 2011

2011-02-04T15:27:00.000-06:00

Did I tell you I LOVE Blue Willow Dishes?! I have been collecting them for over 30 yrs. I have a 8 place setting; some are dated 'occupied Japan'; others are replicas; and the teapot I bought today!

Here is the display of some of my dishes I have collected over the years. My FAV is the Blue Willow and the next shelf is my Christmas 8 place setting from Williams Sonomia; with 24 k gold reindeer and gold rim with a 12 in platter. (you can see the platter behind the Blue Willow.)

Here is Ginger roaming through the recent 6 in snow ! She had a time playing.

Digital papers and elements

Second Snow January 20, 2011

2011-01-22T11:16:00.000-06:00

Our second snow of the year, only about 1 inch. It was beautiful, as usual. The "Happy Children" love it.

Valentine Card

2011-01-17T15:17:00.000-06:00

I have wanted to start making cards from digital sites and finally worked up the nerve to post this one. I want to use Valentine ribbon to hang the card. I bought the red heart doily from Dollar Tree and wished I had picked up the ribbon there too, it was really pretty; but I was not sure what I wanted to do with it. I already had the gold ribbon (that I threaded through the doily.) The Vintage Valentine picture can be found here: Graphics Fairy .

2011 - First Snow

2011-01-10T10:29:00.000-06:00

R.S.V.P. Very Important!

2010-12-14T11:03:00.001-06:00

Above Image © "Inspirational Designs" by Roxanne

You are cordially invited to

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25

but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.

(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.

(You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.

He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about

new white robes and crowns for everyone.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's

already paid for everyone...

(He says you wouldn't have been

able to afford it anyway...

it cost Him everything He had. But

you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a

far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"

followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: Your life. He's one of those

people who already has everything else.

(He's very generous in return though.

Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,

Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,

Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,

Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!

(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!

He must know ahead so He can

reserve a spot for you at the table.

Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future

reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!

Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will

see at the party, share this with someone today!

Original Message/Link

Thanksgiving Trip

2010-12-06T09:48:00.000-06:00

We went to Houston, TX to visit my DH's brother and family and had a wonderful Thanksgivng meal. One of their daughters, Donna, her DH and sons were there; I was surprised to learn that their oldest son was attending UT in Nashville. Anyway Donna baked the turkey and dressing. The vegatables in the turkey pan were really tastey. Susan her DH and their DD were also there and helped with the meal with serveral side dishes. We had desserts galore! I broght the family recipe "Icebox Cake" (it brought back alot of memories of our MIL cooking/baking. She was a marvelous cook) and 3 of my pecan pies. When we returned home I baked 3 more pecan pies and another Icebox Cake. We traveled on to visit with Donald our grandson. It was so good to see him and Crystal and her family. Here is what they gave me for Christmas.

I am an avid Coca-Cola collector. I decorated one of our bathrooms with alot of Coca-Cola items. They bought this kitchen set with salt and pepper set, napkin holder and the breverage container. It will look really good in my red-themed kitchen.:)

Thanksgiving Labor of Love

2010-11-22T14:31:00.000-06:00

This is why it is called a Labor of Love. It is a lot of work to have everything ready for the annual Thanksgiving meal. I begin baking at least one week in advance for the day and also do my Christmas baking on the same day. It is a lot easier for me to go ahead and have it all done, with all the baking ingredients and recipes already out I can get it all done quicker.

I have a Deep Dish Pecan Pie recipe that if you double the ingredients you will have three regular pies. It is very rich so the smaller slices are just right. DH likes whipped cream on top, but I had rather leave it off; after all that makes it really fattening. lol

This year I baked the Southern Potato Pie that was given to me by my mom. It is the best I have ever eaten. It is not overly sweet so you can use whipped cream on top or as the recipe calls for you can add meringue

This is probably the closet you are going to get to seeing the recipe for my MIL Christmas Cake. It is very easy to make and very delicious...it it a much have on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Labor of Love for our Children's Choir.

Thanks for all the time you have spent working with our

future choir members.

And the Greatest Labor of Love:

Thanksgiving Feast

2010-11-19T09:20:00.001-06:00

Simple Thanksgiving recipes makes it great for us who like to spend more time in preparing the foods for our family.I have once again sorted through my recipe cards for the annual Holiday cookoff at my home.

Sweet Potato Pie (Traditional Southern Recipe)
Ingredients

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 pound butter, softened
2 eggs, separated
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, butter, egg yolks, brown sugar, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and evaporated milk. Mix together well.
3.Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; add 1/4 cup sugar and fold into sweet potato mixture.
4.Pour into pie shell and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Reduce heat and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until firm.
(2).Pecan Pie (Traditional Southern)

Grandmother's Christmas Cake a recipe handed down by my mil. I have never seen another recipe like this so it remains a secret (hidden in my recipe card holder).

Butterscotch Pie (Paula Dean's) I am making it this year for my DH; I hope it will as good as his

Butterscotch Pie

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie shell
1/4 cup butterscotch morsels, plus more for topping
Whipped cream, recipe follows

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Slowly add milk, constantly stirring until it thickens.In a separate bowl temper 2 egg yolks by whisking in a small amount of hot mixture to bowl. Whisk in the eggs and add the butter and vanilla. Allow to cook for a few minutes.
Pour into a dish and refrigerate, allowing to cool. When ready, fill pie shell with butterscotch mixture.
Mix the butterscotch morsels into the whipped cream. Cover pie and garnish with more butterscotch morsels.

I Am Thankful That:

One day a year hardly seems adequate...

2010-11-18T13:30:00.000-06:00

"We have so much to be thankful for...one day a year hardly seems adequate" image

Thanksgiving - When our girls were little we lived far away from extended family. So instead of gathering with Grandparents and cousins, we were invited by friends over for the holidays. For many years we were so graciously invited by Mr. and Mrs. Bateman, one of our closest friends. She became a Christian listening to her home church's radio station one Sunday morning as my DH preached. Since that day we were always in her home Thanksgiving Day. (and many other times!) Mrs. Bateman became fraile and was not able to have all of us in her home. Soon our girls married and we spent Thanksgiving as a family. We had chosen to live/pastor nearby so we could we around them. Mr. Bateman called last week and I was reminded that each year about a week before Thanksgiving they always called to invite us over for that marvelous meal. I wanted him to come over, but he reminded me, "I don't go anywhere much, anymore." They only came to see us once, when we moved back to Arkansas and that was a rare thing. They did not want to be a bother to us. I am eternally grateful to this family as they became our Family throughout eternity.

Another Great Savings At Walgreens Today!

2010-11-16T12:15:00.000-06:00

PURCHASED : $48.25 PAID $16.15

Thanks for all the Couponing Sites that help me SAVE!

Thanks Erica at I Love Wags !

Meet our Youth Singers. I am so proud

of our young 'ladies'.

Thanksgiving Thanks!

2010-11-15T09:27:00.001-06:00

Thank you for the reminder, Karen @ Just Call Me Grace

"God has forgiven you,
for all your selfishness.
And all the times you yelled at your husband and kids.
And the lies you've told.
And for manipulating.
And for not trusting Him.
And for your gluttony.
And for the times you chose strife over peace.
And for your pride.
And for your smart-aleck mouth.
And for not being thankful for your home.
And even for hating your kitchen, especially the sink.
And for worrying.
And for not being an encourager.
And for your laziness.
And for not showing grace to others.
And for taking His grace for granted.
And for not being a good Christian witness.
And for not counting your blessings.
And for not honoring your parents.
And for not cherishing your husband's and children’s' love.
And for coveting, lusting, and gossiping.
And for not praying without ceasing.
And for living in the prison of fear.
And for believing the world's lies,
instead of His truth."

Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions

for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

Thanksgiving and My Annual Holiday Cookoff At My Home.

2010-11-13T03:08:00.014-06:00

Simple Thanksgiving recipes makes it great for us who like to spend more time in preparing the foods for our family.

I have once again sorted through my recipe cards for the annual Holiday cookoff at my home.

1). Sweet Potato Pie (Traditional Southern Recipe)

2). Pecan Pie (Traditional Southern) with 'secret ingredient' and

3). Grandmother's Christmas Cake a recipe handed down by my m-i-l. I have never seen another recipe like this so it remains a secret (hidden in my recipe card holder).

4). Butterscotch Pie (Paula Dean's) I am making it this year for my DH; I hope it will as good as his
Butterscotch Pie

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie shell
1/4 cup butterscotch morsels, plus more for topping
Whipped cream, recipe follows

Directions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Slowly add milk, constantly stirring until it thickens.
In a separate bowl temper 2 egg yolks by whisking in a small amount of hot mixture to bowl. Whisk in the eggs and add the butter and vanilla. Allow to cook for a few minutes.
Pour into a dish and refrigerate, allowing to cool. When ready, fill pie shell with butterscotch mixture.
Mix the butterscotch morsels into the whipped cream. Cover pie and garnish with more butterscotch morsels.

Traditional Christmas Cards: What are you doing this year? Are you considering NOT sending? Sending less? Or going with an email greeting? This year time is really playing a HUGE factor in my decision in addition to saving money.

I Am Thankful That:

Kroger Shopping!

2010-11-11T02:55:00.003-06:00

Kroger Mega Event Nov. 10, 2010

Purchased: $112.43

PAID: $ 52.87

TOTAL SAVINGS 55% - $59.56

+ $2.00 Rebate

MFG Coupons: $10.39

Bonus Coupon Savings: $2.70

$46.07 Kroger Mega Event Plus Card Savings

Grab My Button!

Great Savings at Walgreens Today Nov. 9, 2010

2010-11-09T11:46:00.001-06:00

Great Savings at Walgreens Today!

I am getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas baking and Walgreens really helped out.

Purchased: $51.07

PAID: $26.51 + tax

WAG COUPON SAVINGS: 8.67

WAG ADVERTISED SAVINGS: 2.50

MFG COUPON SAVING 13.39

TOTAL SAVINGS $24.56

PLUS $5.OO REBATE

Ginger thinks I did good shopping at Walgreens today!

AND my granddaughter, Arielle who is graduating this year loves all the deals too!

Isn't she beautiful and so very sweet.

Cajun Recipe

2010-10-30T04:22:00.001-05:00

Usually around this time of the year I get homesick for my "Cajun Country" heritage. In honor of my grandmother, my mom, my sister and my aunt I post a great recipe. I am not near the cook they were/are but that has never stopped me from trying and enjoying the marvelous meals.

Once-A-Week-Chicken

1 Fryer 3lb cut in pieces

2 Tbs vegetale oil
1 Medium onion, Chopped
3 Cloves garlic, chopped
Water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken, chopped onions and garlic. Stir fry, browning chicken on both sides.

Add 1/2 cup water. Cover skillet with lid partially off (allowing some steam to escape). Check often; when water is reduced, turn chicken over and add 1/2 cup more water, Cover as befoe and continue the same process for one hour. Then uncover completely and let the water reduce to oil. Turn chicken once and take out, place on a serving platter. Add 1 1/4 cup water to onions, garlic and drippings. Stir well scraping the bottom and sides of skillet. Simmer to 3 to 4 minutes. Serve this natural sauce over hot white rice along with the chicken.

Recipe taken from my Aunt's cook book Roux Roux Roux (pronounced Roo) by Theresa Nell (McDaniel) Millang.

Thank you Lord for the rich heritage and the love of cooking passed down from generation to generation.

*************************************************************************

I recently posted at The Redhead Riter - Witty, Intelligent & Addictive Community regarding her Garage sales forum:

10/27/2010: Oh Heather how have you Not gotten into flea markets/garage sale/ and/or thrift shops! Only sugguestion get up early, because there are A Lot of 'salers' out there. ;o) and have fun. I love knowing that I have saved alot of money 'thrifting' for things to decorate my house. I am trying to think of the one thing my "most favoite find" but having done this for 40+ years it's hard. Yes, now I am at the stage where there is little that I do not have/want, so now I am l@@king out for my friends and family!

Decrotive Wall Art, etc

2010-10-30T03:21:00.000-05:00

I Love this Decrotive Wall Art Tutorial. Maybe someday my Little Brother will make this for me!

Alyssa at Boston Bee instpired me to make this:

I framed "Grandmother's"ole time fav Fresh Strawberry recipe that my DD Becky hand-copied. It is old and falling apart, so I decided to frame it and matte it, like Alyssa did.

I thot it would be neat in the kitchen hung beside a picture that Becky bought we several years ago.

"Mom, We're Home, What's For Dinner?"

Apple Dumplings

2010-10-29T03:28:00.005-05:00

I made these!! Mmmmmmmm...
Apple Dumplings- Thanks for the recipe The Pioneer Woman!

Ingredients

■2 whole Granny Smith Apples

■2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls

■2 sticks Butter

■1-½ cup Sugar

■1 teaspoon Vanilla

■Cinnamon, To Taste

■1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda

Preparation Instructions

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

************************************************************************

7 Secrets of Couponing had a live chat that will continue each week. Join the fun!

Vintage Thursday

2010-10-27T19:06:00.001-05:00

Colorado Lady at BlogFrog is hosting a Vintage Thursday Linky. Here is one of my Vintage collection that was given to me by Mrs. Bateman. She was one of the finest ladies I have ever known. She gave me this years ago and I thing about her all the time. Especially when I glance at this "Hunting Hound" cookie jar. I use it just for decorating; as I would not want to break it.

57% Savings on Groceries!

2010-10-21T11:52:00.003-05:00

Could not wait to show ya'll my savings at Kroger today!

2-70 oz.Tide, 2 pkg Idahoian Potatoes, 6 cans Grands Biscuits, 2 cans Glory Black-Eye Peas, 2 Crest Toothpaste, 4 Hungary Man Meals, 4 Mrs. Callenders Meals, 2 Banquet frozen meals, 1 Apriva sweetner, 1 pkg Mini Carrots, and 4 Dawn Dishwashing Detergent.

Reciept shows a savings of 57% - Purchased $84.45 Paid $37.35 - using $14.40 in coupons!

PLUS Catalina coupons : $3.00 from Pillsbury On Next Purchase and .75 On next purchase of Idahoian Potatoes and $1 off next purchase of Big K drinks. Also TIDE had $3.00 coupon in each box!!!

Check this site out! Is Couponing Worth Your Time?

Thanks!! Saving A Bundle.

Score!

2010-08-23T16:16:00.000-05:00

My trip to Walgreens today, August 23, 2010:

I BOUGHT products valued at $59.65 and only PAID $17.24.
4 Pepsi 12 pk 4/$13 - $5 RR
8 2-Liter Pepsi 4/$5.00
3 Dawn Dishwash Liquid $.99 each
2 Air Wick iMotion Kits
3 Walgreens Bleach $.99 each

Used 2 BOBO free Q's on Pepsi 2-liter (totoal of 4 )
Used 2 $4.00 Q - iMotion on sale for $3.99 Each FREE
Used $1.00 Q - Dawn on sale for $.99 each FREE

RR $5 applied to total OOP = $17.24

Top 10 Reasons to Stockpile- Why I Clip Coupons

2010-08-20T08:41:00.003-05:00

Why I Clip Coupons

Thanks Melissa from Stockpiling Moms

10. Because you never have to pay full price for your gas again.

9. You can never have enough (free) Lysol products from Meijer‘s half-price sale!

8. With the hundreds of dollars you save a month you can make a car payment, buy season passes to the zoo, afford extra’s for your children or afford a date night!

7. You have enough FREE personal hygiene products for a everyone in your neighborhood….shampoo, Johnson’s Buddy Bars, shaving cream, razors and more!

6. You are always prepared to whip up a recipe when unexpected company comes over for dinner.

5. You always have the ingredients on hand when your hubby comes home and says…”I forgot to tell you we are having a food day tomorrow at work”

4. When there is a predictions for snow you don’t have make a run for the grocery store…you just eat from your stockpile.

3. You are always prepared in case of of a natural disaster or epidemic!

2. You never have to pay retail for your groceries and you never run out of an ingredient.

1. With all the money you save from Stockpiling you can take your family to Walt Disney World!

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I have a small stockpile, probably enough to last 3 months for the two of us. Visit Stockpiling Moms and you will see how much stockling is done! I worry that my 'relatives' may see my stockpile and think they need to visit! LOL

BTW yesterday at Walgreens, I purchased items totaling $51.62 and only PAID $28.20!!

Seasonal Advice

2010-07-08T08:18:00.003-05:00

Now that Summer has a firm hold on all of us. The average temperature just about everywhere in the country is above 70ºF, and thunderstorms are nearly as abundant as ants at a picnic.

Gardening

In July, summer bugs are at their best (or worst, as the case may be).

Keep your houseplants happy and healthy by following these tips:

Most flowering plants need to be within three feet of a sunny window.
Most plants require 12 to 16 hours of light per day.
More houseplants die from overwatering than from anything else.
Water plants with room-temperature water.
Most houseplants are happiest when the relative humidity is 50 percent or higher.
Cluster houseplants together when humidity is low, and water more often.

Thanks Farmers Almanac

Give Away

2010-07-07T11:24:00.001-05:00

This weeks giveaway is being hosted by the amazing SHELLEY from

WONDERFULLY WORDY VINYL

If you haven't checked out Shelley's BLOG ( house of smiths) and all the AMAZING

things she shows you how to do with her vinyl lettering you MUST check it out right now!!

Shelley is GENEROUSLY giving away a $25 gift certificate to use in her "ready print vinyl" section! There are TONS to choose from

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T09:22:00.003-05:00

Walk With Me

2010-06-11T11:22:00.000-05:00

We are have guests visiting us this week: "Susie" and "Little Man". They are Ginger's Mother and Father!

Susie

Little Man

Susie and Ginger (in back.)

Little Man and Ginger

Ginger resting.

47th Anniversary

2010-06-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

My DH had this floral arrangement made for our 47th Anniversary; it is a tradition at our church for the congregation to provide fresh flowers on their special days. It was a complete surprise to me and so sweet of him to do this in honor of our marriage. Arrangement is now on our kitchen table.

Unless The Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1a

Works For Me Walgreens May 23

2010-05-26T04:51:00.002-05:00

Bought $83.85 Paid $16.21

Memorial Day — May 31

The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemetery grounds and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition.

In the U.S., patriot ceremonies honoring the military dead became more prominent after the Civil War. For many years, towns and states observed this day on different dates. Now, by federal law, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Thanks Graphics Fairy

Saturday Scrapping

2010-05-22T04:04:00.007-05:00

Congratulation 2010 Seniors

(from our Church)

Garage Sales Crafts

2010-05-14T01:40:00.003-05:00

The weather was absolutely gorgeous Saturday before Mom's Day; and I found these beauties. Including this 4-piece candleholder set with wrought iron "legs". and the decroative plate

I turned the candle holder 'bowl' over and glued a small candle holder on top and placed it on the decorative plate that I bought at the garage sale for .25 cents. Then I placed the decorative plate on top of another clear plate that had the matching smaller candle holder gorilla glued to the bottom. I did not want to glue down the decorative plate to make it a permanent fixture.

Here is this finished craft.

I GGlued the wroght iron 'legs' to another clear plate to change it up, just to see what it looked like. I see now that the decorative platter and the wrought iron are not compatable.

I had already made the pink and the tourquoise cake plate covers. I turned the large candle holder 'bowls " upside down and glued the matching candle stick holders, because they were so beautiful . I am not going to glue another candle holder to the bottom, as the cover on the tourquise plate is very heavy and I like the pink one the way it is.

I loved this plate that I found at the SA and was happy to find an idea in the blogging world to use it in this manner.

Here is the cake cover with a clear plate and another of the smaller candle holder, on the bottom.

A lot of Bloggers are adding wooden bases and some are making smaller covers as Cheese Domes seen here . "There are a ton of these around at garage sales and thrift stores. I've been seeing multiple examples of do it yourself cake plates.

I liked them so much I wanted to have one for myself.

Now what craft will I have for ya'll next week?

Thankful and Transformation Thursday

2010-05-13T11:09:00.002-05:00

Thesse Mums are beautiful..(Mums for Mom!) My DD,GD and GS sent these to me! I love the colors and The Petal Pusher in our home town did a beautiful presentation. It's always nice to be rememberd on special days.

My DH Transformed my ugly mailbox cover at my request. He is so talented and thoughtul to do this for me.

Want one?

The "Almost Old-Fashioned Roses" are showing off for the 'photo shoot'.

Ok since I started this blog to post about my flower garden, I wanted to share with you some: Transplanting Tips -Thanks Famer's Almanac

For many gardeners, May is the biggest transplanting month. A seedling’s move to the outdoors can be traumatic. Here are some tips to minimize transplant shock:
• Be sure that the plants “harden off.” During the plants’ last week indoors, lower temperatures a bit, withhold fertilizer, and water less often.
• For the last 7 to 10 days, bring seedlings outdoors for increasing periods each day, first placing them in dappled shade, protected from winds, and then gradually moving them into full sun and wind.
• Do not leave outside if there is danger of frost. See your frost-free dates.
• When buying transplants at a nursery, choose stocky plants with deep-green foliage. You’ll need to harden off these transplants, too.
• Ideally, the transplants that you grow or buy are in individual containers so that you do not disturb the roots of neighboring seedlings when you remove each plant.

2010-05-11T02:35:00.001-05:00

I recently found this site when I featured Under the Table and Dreaming's Link Party.

Check the site out for some really neat projects. Don't forget to

click here to enter his sterling necklace give away.

Showcase Party - Updated Electric Candle

2010-05-10T14:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Sunday Showcase Party!

Hosted by

Under the Table and Dreaming

gift from
Shelley at Wonderfully Wordy this week!

I bought this lighted Orange candle at a Garage Sale for 50 cents, but the orange color did not go with my 'decor'. eeewww!

So I used a "Graphic Fairy's" print,added a 'heart' button and small flowers to dress it up(I did not have to paint the base as it was all in new conditon. I was going to give this to a friend, but as usual I liked it so much, I find it hard to give away. (Am I Bad?) lol

Late Update on Walgreens' Savings

2010-05-07T03:46:00.029-05:00

Walgreens Trip! April 28

Off! Clip On Mosquito 4
Airwick Freshmatic Compac iMotion Starter Kit - 2
Clio Beauty Trim 4
Plackers Dental Flossers 4
Skintimate Shave Cream 4
Scotch Packing Tape 6
Tone Body Wash

Price $102.75 Paid $15.18

I Like The Results!

I posted about my Dogwood Tree and noticed the entertainment center needed an update. See the Hobby Lobby cabinet on the floor between the TV and Dogwood Tree? Look at it below on top of the entertainment center. I placed 5 of 'The Graphics Fairies' Vintage sewing pictures in the 'frames'; placed two angels on each side and added an antique magazine holder in front of the tree.

After

Walgreens Trip! April 28

3 Tide Detergent

2 Lindsey Olives

1 Cascade Liquid

2 Tresemme Shampoo

3 Coffee Mate

6 Gillette Body Wash

3 Dawn Dishwashing Liquid

3 Downy Fabric Softener

2 Softsoap Body Wash

Price: $101.67 Paid: $13.36

I still have only been able to maintain 35-45% savings at Kroger.

Procter and Gamble has an offer of 100 free coupons for every $50 purchase of their product. Just send proof of purchase with products circled by mail. Form is in the 5/2/2010 circular.(offer expires 5/31/2010

Don and Ginger

She has really calmed down alot! Today I took her with me to some Garage Sales today and she was really well behaved. I was glad 'cause I want her to learn how to 'act' in public.

Wordy Wednesday and Kookie

2010-04-21T02:33:00.003-05:00

Remember, I found a box full of collectable sheet music at a garage sale. I previous posted a pix of Elvis and "The Sound of Music: Do Re Me". I remember as a teenager watching the "77 Sunset Strip" series on television and Kookie slicking back his hair with his comb.

The "Happy Children" wanted you to meet the Fountain Girl, (she is at the top) and a fav of mine that a neighbor threw away and DH was able to get it to working again. He is so smart! ;o)

Close up:

Visit this site for some doable/creative crafts

"Get Your Craft On Tuesday!". These fun projects really inspire me to be more creative.

Here is one crafter who submitted this project on

"how i made a chalkboard that's as tall as i am"

One Mother's Day my DD gave me a string of Dogwood Lights. I thought I would use them to make the tree below. Finding the right artificial tree proved time consuming but finaly I found one at SA; it was just the size I needed and it was not jammed with a lot of leaves. I printed and cut out dogwood blooms and glued them on some of the leaves to have a balanced look. Who doesn't like a Dogwood tree?!

My new helper, Ginger is really enjoying this beautiful Spring weather!

What new projects have you waited all Winter to start and the beautiful days have inspired you to do?

Container Flower Gardening

2010-04-14T03:42:00.019-05:00

Is this any way to greet a Visitor?

I put down these concrete stones and added two small container flower gardens. It really improved the entrance.

Here is another container flower garden with the ‘Happy Children’. You will see these children off and on in my photos. They keep me busy.

This swing is one of 4 that we have; it is our favorite place to have our morning coffee.

Container flower gardening is a great way to instantly introduce color, fragrance, and beauty into our lives.
Great annuals for pots include: begonia, browallia, dusty miller, fuchsia, lobelia, marigold, morning glory, portulaca, snapdragon, statice, sweet alyssum, and sweet pea. Great perennials for pots include: astilbe, bee balm, bergenia, bleeding heart, coneflower, evening primrose, hosta, hybrid daylily, Maltese cross, speedwell, and tansy.

A recent garage sale find: 62 embrodered linen napkins for $5.00.

130 Beannie Babies with tags and storage totes for $15.00

My 'To Do' List

2010-04-12T17:28:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to figure out how you ladies manage to keep your blog updated, visit here Spring Fling, comment on others' blogs, respond to comments on your blog, ~~handle Twitter~~, and update your FB pages.I may have to have marked them off my 'to do' list; it all seems to take up a ton of time (and profits little). I seem to be able to manage keeping my blog updated and comment response and my couponing but everything else, will have to go!

I'd much rather show off my beautiful wisteria vine!

I like this blog because it posts doable crafts (for even me)! Visit it today! click on image.

Saturday Scrapping - Spring 2010

2010-04-10T03:20:00.003-05:00

It is nice to have a next door neighbor who has a beautiful yard! Thanks for sharing, Mrs. Lamb!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Best coupons event to date! SC Johnson had a rebate offer of $5.00. Here is what I did.
Buy 3 products (Soft Scrub) on sale at Walgreens @ $2.99 each = $8.97
                                                                               Minus MFG coupon -2.99
                                                                Minus Printed MFG coupon -1.50
                                                                             Miinus Rebate          -5.00
Deal Maker: 3 FREE and -$1.52 off Total Register receipt.
This was the time I bought $163.42 and only PAID $63.18. I received my rebate Monday 4/5/2010. :o)

Thursday Thanks - April8, 2010

2010-04-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the cutest quote you ever read!? I've got it framed to give as a gift! and I am going to make one for myself!

Last post I told you about going to our home town and DH preaching at his home church. Well, we stopped in Little Rock and did some garage saling, (of course). Here is what I found in a large box of sheet music. You are gonna be floored and turn green. Elvis Presley sheet music copyright 1959.

And

And

Do you remember "Kookie, Kookie Lend Me Your Comb"? Got that one too will post....later.

Resurrection Celebration

2010-04-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

One of the prettiest ceremonies for the Resurrection Celebration was presented at Union Baptist Church, April 4, 2010. The flowers were placed on the cross by members of the congregation while "The Old Rugged Cross" was sang in the background. It is an annual program and indeed very touching.

We were honored to be a part of this Resurrection Celebration held in our home town. We were so sweetly welcomed by each one. A special effort on the part of the congregation to invite their friends and family to have a packed representation. It is wonderful to see the love for the church in the efforts of those who participated.

Praise the Lord for the special friends who are still serving the Lord, together for almost 49 years. Our Tribute to you:

To God Be The Glory!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1 Corinthians 15:27 - "For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him."

God has given us kingdom authority. Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19). When problems get over your head, remember they are under His feet. You need not be discouraged when troubles strike. It is the pathway your Savior has walked before you. It is the way of the cross, and He has won the victory!
Write down the hardest thing you're having to deal with today. Now, put that paper on the floor. Look down on it. Now you have a glimpse of God's vantage point over the problems in your life.

L@@k at the wind chime I received as a gift! Thanks ErvIn!

In Loving Memory

2010-03-31T13:57:00.000-05:00

Harvey - February 2000 - March 30, 2010

The new Moon March 31, 2010

The Bible says that God created Light before He created the moon!

Genesis

1:3 - And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

1:15 - And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

1:15- And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

1:16 - And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, F5 and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

1:17 - And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

1:18 -And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

1:19 -And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

More Couponing, Etc.

2010-03-26T07:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Thursday at Kroger I saved 45% on my total grocery bill.

The greatest "deal" was buying Kingsford charcoal brickets and getting Ranch Dressing, KC Masterpiece BBQue sauce and any Glad product FREE plus $1.00 back from Gladware; and $2.00 of any type meat! The charcoal was $6.99 minus $10.00 on 3 products and $2.00 off my meat product. Fist time I every made money buying groceries!! WooHoo!
Kroger now has a type of Register Rewards. I don’t know what they are calling it. The deal today was, buy 4 Phillsbury Cinnamon Rolls and get $4 “On your next shopping order”.
Finally I received, for the first time from the Catalian machine 20% off any purchase at Payless Shoe Source (they have the ‘kutetess’ shoes) and a Catalina worth $.75 off my next order of three Bumble Bee tuna pouches.

I want to start making a small Dogwood tree with these blooms I edited and also use the Dogwood Bloom Lights my DD Becky gave me! I think it will be kute! Just need to wait on Don to find the 'perfect' tree base!

Does this make you think "Spring"?

Walgreens Savings March 24, 2010

2010-03-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a pix of the items I bought today. Not included is the FREE 8.4 oz Olay Body Lotion with purchase of Olay Quench Body Lotion 20.2oz; which I received a raincheck. Their are 2 Hormel bacon (for $6) minus two coupons. They had the Cool Whip for .55 cents. Don't you just love the Donut dispenser for the Magic Tape

The total price was $75.43 with tax BUT I only paid $35.99. WooHoo! AND I recived two RR coupons which totaled $11.00.Hoping Coupon Queeny and MyMemphisMommy will drop by and 'comment' if this is a good savings at Walgreens.

My DH was asked to preach at his "Home Church" on April 4th. He is so excited (1) To get the opportunity and (2) to get to spend some time with our dear Friends Ervin and Becky. Ervin was our best man at out wedding and we named our oldest DD after "Becky" ! (We also named our youngest DD after Becky's sister "Nancy". They have been there for us all our ministry! Thanks E and B!! ((hugs))!

So we will need a "dog sitter" for our sickly dog Harvey, our g'son, Weston usually likes to take care of him; don't know about Ginger, she is mighy wild! LOL
Hoping Coupon Queeny and MMMom will drop by and 'comment' if this is a good savings at Walgreens.

Couponing

2010-03-19T00:02:00.001-05:00

Remember this scene? Couponing is fun and alot of work;but it does "pay" off. I need to be more organized. Phew!

At Walgreen, I bought $123.00+ but only paid $62.00.

I have managed to save 43% at Kroger; but today I only saved 38%. I am still happy with this, but plan to do better in the future!

Southern Women's Show

2010-03-12T08:18:00.000-06:00

We are on our way to the Southern Women's Show! Memphis, TN.

Thanks for the Free Tickets Tanya!

Transformation Thursday

2010-03-11T10:03:00.000-06:00

Great Big Thanks to who "Transformed" my kitchen table to this: LOL Guess you might call me an avid coupon lady! :)

Although I am sure that this qulifies for

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Blog Hop - SERVING OTHERS

2010-03-09T09:53:00.002-06:00

Blog Hop - Serving Others- 3/8/2010 -Brent at "..where laughter lives" has created this blog hop! I think it is a great idea. Read his story and you will see a family experiencing great trails with their adopted daughter, Abby and cancer.
I was inspired by this post and when I saw where Brent was doing this Blog Hop I wanted to post about my DH Don, who inspires me so much in Serving Others!

Don is a seriously sweet, talented man.
who surprised me when he had worked on a "secret project" all day -
it was a unique Valentine gift he made just for me.

He also had been ministering to a sweet seven year old girl, Grace who lived next door. She always commented on the Birdhouses that he made. Recently, the parents divorced and Grace and her mom began packing to move away. Don gave little Grace a birdhouse as a 'remembrance' gift. (They was a neighbor who took the time to talk with me, and he cared for me).

Yes, I am one lucky girl. And, oh, how I ♥ him!

Update On Ginger!

2010-03-08T13:33:00.002-06:00

I have had a time trainng this little girl! lol Some of her fav things to do:

Can I help?

I Need to Eat!

Let's Play!

Leave Me Alone.

Close up of this 'innocent' little girl.

Grrrr!

Saturday Scrappin

2010-03-06T06:33:00.000-06:00

Scrappin Saturday - Spring Is In The Air

2010-02-27T03:07:00.001-06:00

I am in zone 7 and seed planting time is almost here!

Do you plan on having a garden this year? I'll be planting some flower seeds! ;)

It Is Official!

2010-02-20T04:51:00.001-06:00

Meet Ginger!