Song Sunday

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

~Third Day- "Cry Out For Jesus"



Lucky Me

I can't normally call myself lucky. I have the worst luck in the world. I can't even win a prize out of gumball machine. It's that bad.

I entered a give-away to win a beautiful ceramic message board from Botanic Bleu. I will sometimes enter different blog give-aways but never think I will be a winner. I went home that afternoon and told my husband about the give away I entered and already planned a place for the message board if I win.

I was going to go out and buy a little chalk board for my kitchen, but now I put that off because....

I WON! I won the lovely fleur-de-lis ceramic message board.

I plan to use it in my kitchen. Not sure what I will be writing on it yet. The possibilities are endless. I can use it to display a doodle, dinner menu, love note to my sweet husband or daughter, holiday inspriations, or simply to welcome you into my kitchen.

Now, go check out http://botanicbleu.blogspot.com/. Its a French country home and garden blog that is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside as she displays so many of her photos and decorations. This is just another reason I love her blog. I would love to visit France one day so in the meantime her blog is the closest Ill get.


Thank You Botanic Bleu!

DIY Cork Stamp

Here's a cute little idea for you stamp lovers. Make your own...I know, I know, there are some really great kits and supplies to make a more perfect stamp but why not be unique and imperfect and make one yourself by just using a wine cork.

I have actually be collecting corks for a project I plan to make one of these days. It will take a lot of corks, therefore meaning a lot of drinking, and well, for me, it will take forever to collect enough corks to make what's laying on my mind. But time will tell. I have asked friends to collect them for me in the meantime.

I sacrificed one the other night just to try this little project.

A CORK STAMP

 

All you need is a cork, pen, razor blade, and ink.

 

 

Draw your design

 

Now chip away. I ended up using a pairing knife. I'm sure I would have cut my

finger off with a razor blade so be very careful and don't let your children do this. As a matter of fact, don't let your teenager or spouse do it either. Only you. The creative one.

 

Grab and ink pad and begin stamping.

 

 

For this one, I actually only used my pen to color and stamp. I cheated.

I didnt even take the time to grab paper. I was so excited I just used a paper towel.

 

Now you have your very own, one of a kind, imperfect little stamp. Now get creative and make you one. Just be a little more creative than I was on this one. The possibilities are endless.

 

 

I've shared this at:

marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks

make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse

nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm

the-diyers at homecomingmn

Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug-blessings

made-by-me-95-linky-party at jaqsstudio

friday-link-party at craftionary

blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker

diy-vintage-chic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song Sunday

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory’s side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

~Chris Rice- "Come To Jesus"

Thogging (Updated)

Thogging- Made up word by me meaning thinking and blogging or blogging while thinking...
or maybe its already been made up by someone else. I don't know but it sounded good to me.

Have you ever had so much on your mind you feel overwhelmed? That's me. My mind is so full of ideas, worries and thoughts. Stuff is always swirling around in there!  Sometimes its painful.

  

I like to create. I have inspirations on things to create but cant seem to wrap my thoughts and skills around how to do it. Some things I want to make are small enough to fit in the palm of my hand to things big enough to change the look of my house. Its all in there waiting to come out. I'm not going to say I don't have the time or money to do these things because most things are ideas of re-creating and making use of old things. ohhh. The thought process is pounding! Pinterest is dangerous. Just saying.

 

I also have a lot of thoughts on what I want to do in life. I have been working at the same place for twenty years. I'm burnt out. I like what I do but I feel I'm at a dead end and this is it. I want to better myself but do not have the schooling to do so. I thought about getting a certificate in something or taking a small course in something new. What I REALLY want to do is be a Phlebotomist. Its a short class to learn an important skill that I would love to do. BUT, the class is held only once a year and its hard to get in to. Besides, I'm not sure I could even pass the college test or get through an interview. Just another reason I think I've been at one place to long. I have no clue what I would have to go through.

My mind worries. I hear nothing but bad news on TV and local newspaper. Everywhere I go, I'm surrounded by pessimistic people and I'm an Optimistic person. I always try to find the good in everything and everybody. I think bad luck happens to pessimistic people. I also believe if hateful people truly have God in there hearts, they would not be so pessimistic.
I also worry about the world. Its going to hell in a handbag. So many lost people are out there. So much hate. So much sin. So much sickness and no faith. So much immorality. I wish the world would wake up and straighten up. Just imagine how happy everyone in the world would be if we all baked cookies at the same time. Just a thought.

 

My brain wonders. I wonder why friends disappear. One day your hanging out with them and before you know it, they are not around any more. I guess they have a lot of other things to do too. Things I'm not into. I don't know.
I wonder why family is so distant. I have always been the one to do all the calling, texting or just showing up. They never make the effort. By the way, we all live in the same county. I stopped the effort just to see what happened and now I never hear from them unless its at a family get together, This hurts. They do not even read my blog or visit my online store or even follow me on Twitter or Facebook. They have no clue about me any more. I love them but they are never around. I just keep thinking, Thanksgiving will be here soon and well catch up I guess.

I Dream. There are so many things I want to do , places I want to go. Stuff I want to see. Even though we don't have a lot of money, I do not think anything is out of reach, but I'm the only one that thinks that way. I guess its kind of nice not to be able to do things or have things because it gives me something to dream about.

On this all being said, I will continue with new ideas, I will figure things out eventually. I will always be creative, I will be my own friend. I have a wonderful Husband and daughter that I get to see and spend every day with and this makes me happy. I will continue praying for others and just live one day at a time. 

 

I should remember this.......

UPDATE!!!!!

Two months after writing this post, I went to a local school here in my town and completed a Phlebotomy course. So excited and cant wait one day to use my certified skillzzzzzz.

Easy Brownie Cake

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day. We ended the day by grilling some steaks, a loaded salad and a glass of wine. Afterwards I wanted an easy dessert. I didn't want to crank up the oven because its been a hot day. I decided to make this brownie cake.

Can you believe, this only took five minutes to bake and I didn't have to use my oven?  I used my microwave. Yep, I nuked it. Now, I'm not going to lie to you and tell you its the best cake I've ever had, but I will say its good. Its not as good as a real cake or real brownies. I think I could have possibly added some chocolate chips or pudding to the mix to make it better.

But it is easy!!

Easy Brownie Cake

 

Boil 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons sugar added. (set aside)

 

In a bowl, mix together

1 cup sugar
2/3 cup self rising flour
2/3 cup cocoa

Then add

3 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

(will be a thick mix)

 

Pour the mix into a buttered 8x8 casserole or 9 inch pan (Tupperware works too).

Then carefully pour the boiling sugar water in the center of mix (do not stir).

Cover with lid or plastic wrap

Microwave high for 5 minutes.

 

Top with your favorite topping.

If you make this and figure out a way to make it better, Id love to hear your addition.

Original recipe with nutrition and calorie facts found  HERE.


Ive shared this at:
terrific-tuesday at adventuresofadiymom
two-girls-and-a-party lifewiththecrustcutoff
made-by-me-94-linky-party jaqsstudio
kitchen-fun-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
saturday-share at wijnker



Song Sunday

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

 

~Laura Story- "Blessings"

 

Best Fried Pickles

I used to stop in this little joint below my workplace and get fried pickle spears. They were the best ever! When the place closed down, I was determined to learn to make them.

Then one day shortly after, I seen a recipe in the local newspaper of, you guessed it, "Fried Pickles". It was a sign that I must make these or die. So I did. They tasted just like the ones from the restaurant. Oh my goodness. I actually sat down and ate a whole jar. I regretted it and have only made them a few times since.

I went to the farmers market this past weekend and when I saw Green Tomatoes, they screamed for me to take them home and fry them, that's when I thought back to the fried pickles I loved so much.

So, The next afternoon I fried that green tomato and went ahead and made some of those delicious, green spears of goodness while I was at it.

I have had fried pickles in other places but they are pickle chips and by the time they get to the table, they are cold and often soggy. I recommend using pickles spears instead of chips. Much better for dipping too.

 

Here goes the recipe :

Fried Dill Pickles

In a bowl mix together:
1 egg beaten
1 cup milk
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
5 or 6 drops of hot sauce (Texas Pete will do)
1 Tablespoon flour

In another Bowl mix:
2 cups flour
salt and pepper to taste

Dip pickles into the flour first, then dip in the egg mixture, then again in the flour mixture.
Fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.
Dip in Ranch or any other favorite dip.


Ive shared this at:
lifewiththecrustcutoff
whatd you do this weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
tasty-thursdays at mandatorymooch
showcase-your-talent-thursday at whatscookinglove
kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
super-sunday link party at whoneedsacape

Crochet Butterfly Beanie *PATTERN*

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I didn't do much but sit around all day since it was cool and rainy. It made a great day to snuggle on the couch and crochet. I have been working on a few things lately. One is a baby blanket which seems to be taking me foreeeeeveeer.
The other things Ive been working on is some more little hats to give to charity and some photo props for my favorite Photographer.
That's what brings me to sharing this cute little beanie pattern for free.

 

 

I wanted to crochet a new style of hat so I went searching for a new pattern. I seen a crochet baby beanie that caught my eye. The only problem was, I could not find a pattern for it. I just studied the look, and on my second try, I was able to make it myself. Its called a butterfly beanie. I made a pink one that will be in my shop soon. I also made this blue one which is currently in my shop ready for purchase.

I figured this out on my own so I hope it works for you. You are welcome to sale what you make using my pattern but please do not sale the pattern itself. I would also love if you link the pattern back to me if you use it.
 
Good luck.
  
Lisa's Butterfly Beanie
H hook
New born Size:

Make a magic circle
Round 1: ch 3, 12 dc in magic circle. sl st in top of beg ch:  (12 dc)
Round 2: ch 3, 2 dc in each dc around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (24 dc)
Round 3: ch 3, (2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc) around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (36 dc)
Rounds 4- 6: ch 3, dc in each dc around, sl st in top of beg ch-3: (36 dc) 
Rounds 7-9: Ch3, dc in next 12 dc, ch 6, skip 5, *slip st chain in the 6^th dc, ch 6 skip 5, dc around
Round 10: Ch3, sc in next 12 dc, ch 6, skip 5, *slip st chain in the 6^th dc, ch6 skip 5 sc around

Finish off

*Note: In rounds  7- 10, the slip stitch is done in the same hole each time.


Now let me get back to crocheting that blanket!

Ive shared this at:
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
super-sunday-link-party at whoneedsacape
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
Handmade Tuesdays at ladybug blessings
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
lifewiththecrustcutoff
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
crochetboulevard
thecraftyblogstalker
friday-link-party at craftionary
anything-blue-friday at thededicatedhouse

 

Song Sunday

God loves a lullaby,  In a mother's tears in the dead of night

 Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 God loves a drunkards cry, The soldier's plea not to let him die

 Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah.

 

The woman holding on for life, the dying man giving up the fight

Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

The tears of shame for what's been done, the silence when the words won't come

 Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are , the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah

 

Better than a church bell ringing, better than a choir singing out, singing out.

 

We pour out our miseries,  God just hears a melody

 Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts

 Are better than a Hallelujah

 

 ~AMY GRANT - Better Than A Hallelujah~

Big and Beautiful

I Just got in from a weeks vacation at the beach. This time I did not sport a bikini like I have always done in the past . No, No. I actually invested in a couple new bathing suits. This time it was a two-piece but with a modest skirt bottom. Well, It looked more like a big ruffle instead of a skirt once I put it on. It was just enough to cover my bikini line in front but still barley covered my bum in the back but it was a lot more coverage than before. The other new bathing suit was a two piece tankini type. I have to say, I felt more comfortable.

I'm not going to say I'm obese but I am every bit of a size ten. That's big to me considering twenty years ago I was only a size zero. I had been skinny all my life. On the way to the beach, I told my husband and daughter that I was not going to complain about my fat and weight and just suck it up because it is what it is. There is nothing I can do about it now. Its my own fault I'm the size I am. That's when my daughter said "That's right Mom, Just be big and beautiful." [*sigh*] So that was my motto for the week.

Big can be beautiful. While sitting on the beach I noticed a lot of men and women just let it all hang out. I just smiled and thought, "They are big and beautiful (and brave)". Its not your size that matters, Its your health. If your weight makes you not feel good, do something about it. Being over weight is hard on your heart, muscles and bones but if your a large size and feel good then go with it! If you smile, be friendly and love yourself, then you can be beautiful no matter what.

 



I still plan to loose some weight. I want to loose at least thirty pounds and go down about two sizes. Even after that, I will still have curves.  My diet will start at the beginning of the week. My weight has made me have knee problems and no energy. Wish me luck. I have no will power when it comes to sweets and breads! Until then, I will continue to be "Big and beautiful."

Pecan Pie Muffins

Oh for the love!............Pecan Pie Muffins. I call them muffins because its a cupcake without icing.

One of my favorite (of many) desserts is pecan pie. Usually it hits the spot when I need a quick sweet fix. Those little mini pecan pies you get the convenient store will do the trick.

I made these little pecan pie cupcakes muffins the other night and "WINNER"

 

 

At first I thought they looked a little blahhh. Impatiently as I am, I had to have one hot right out of the oven. They were good but once they cooled all the way down....Delicious.! They are better cold. No icing is needed. They are good just they way they are and tasted just like pecan pie!!!

Now, grab a glass of milk and go make you some!

Pecan Pie Muffins

1/2 cup self rising flour
1 Cup packed brown sugar
2/3 Cup melted butter
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon coffee (optional)
1 Cup chopped Pecans

Preheat oven 350 degrees

In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Pour into muffin tins 3/4 full (spray tin with non-stick cooking spray).

Bake 15-18 minutes
Makes 12

Note: Once they are done, flip onto a cooling rack. If they cool to much in the tins, they will be hard to remove.

Ive shared this at:
twiggstudios Sunday-off-linky-party
kitchenfunwithmy3sons
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrykitchen *Featured*
marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks
Handmade tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
Brag about it Tuesday at bebetsy

Pickle Snowball

I'm not a big fan of the shave ice things called snowballs. I just don't like the whole idea of the sticky, gooey, sugary syrup they put on top that's so sweet it will make your throat tickle. They are full of artificial coloring and flavoring.

Any way, we now have a new place in town called Pelicans Snoballs. When my daughter saw this, she got excited and told me this was a big thing when she was in college and I should try it.
So, this weekend, we decided to give it a try. I figured I could at least try it since they have over 100 flavors I was bound to find an interesting one.

Ashley is studying hard to figure out the one she wants.

 "Dill Pickle"-That's the flavor I picked.

I even had them add extra pucker on top.

 

I wanted to pick the craziest flavor they had. They even have "toothpaste" flavor but I'm sure that's just minty. It was a hard decision and I'm so indecisive possibilities were endless. My Daughter chose one of the newest flavors,"Reese Cup" with extra chocolate drizzle.



source
 

Ok, so this one does not look like the one in their picture.

But she said it was really good.

 

I just cant wrap my mind around the thought of any kind of chocolate on ice. eeesh. Ill leave that one on the hot cocoa or coffee side of things.

Here are a few interesting facts I seen posted on the building.

I don't believe the "no stain one".

Go check out the Menu. I may go back again just to try another kind. If you went here, what taste would you pick? You can even mix them up.

Princess Shoes

This could possibly be my first fashion post.

My Husband recently found me a pair of shoes online he thought I would like. I thought they were cute so he bought them for me. They are Sebago brand loafers. Perfect for the beach.
 

I have been looking for some loafer / moccasin type slip-ons that can be worn with shorts or jeans.
I have worn these a lot and I'm loving my "Bala" shoes by Sebago.

While looking online, I found the Sebago site and decided to see what other shoes they have......Ok, honestly, I was just trying to find the ones like mine and see what they really cost. ha!
I noticed they had a picture of a lady wearing a pair. Who was this lady? It was Kate Middleton- Duchess of Cambridge. {score!}

 

These must be her favorite shoes!

(source)

I have always admired Kate's simple elegant styles.

After I saw this I immediately told my husband "you bought me princess shoes!"

 

Mine are slightly different in color but still the same. Now if I could just find some of those outfits.

 

Ok enough with blogging about shoes. I need to go bake something!

Carrot Cookies

Yes, Carrot Cookies but nothing like Carrot Cake.

I had another sweet tooth but tried to keep it healthy [fail]. I decided to make some cookies that my Mother-In-Law used to make. I love these things. They are so light and fluffy and will melt in your mouth like a hot Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut.

This is a great way to get you kids to eat vegetables. Don't let me fool you by trying to convince you that these things are healthy because they are still full of sugar. No, they are not really healthy but I guess they are more healthy than an Oreo. I mean, the main ingredient is carrots. I don't like cooked carrots by the way but you cant even taste the carrots in these cookies. Your kids will never even know. I personally think they tasted like a soft vanilla wafer or light sugar cookie.

You will fall in love with these and they go a long way. One batch makes four dozen so they would go great for party or shower.

CARROT COOKIES

1 cup sugar
1 cup Crisco
1 cup shredded, mashed or baby food carrots
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups plain flour
2 tsp baking powder*
1 tsp salt *
*OR just use self rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt (that's what I do).

Cream together sugar and Criso- Beat carrots, eggs and vanilla in to the sugar mixture-then add flour to mixture.  Drop by spoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes*
*No need to check them, 10 minutes will do it. I made some on a shiny pan and a nonstick pan and they worked the same. They will be soft and lightly browned on the bottoms.

For the optional glaze- Make a mixture of Orange juice and powder sugar.

Oh and let me say too, they cool really fast so you can just eat them almost immediately. Don't just go and do that, Im just saying you can. I did because I have no will power when it comes to sweets. 

ENJOY!

UPDATE! Husband just informed me that he had strawberries and whip cream on top and it was like strawberry shortcake!

ENJOY! more

Ive shared this at:
marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
brag-about-it-tuesday at bebetsy
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
simple-supper-tuesday at hunwhatsfordinner
adorned-from-above-blog-hop
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker
kitchen-fun-crafty-friday-link-party at kitchenfunwithmy3sons

Crochet for Charity

I have been crocheting things for my Etsy shop now for a year. I find crocheting to be relaxing, challenging and fun. It has kept me from being bored at home with no time or money to do anything else. It has also took my mind of worrying about a lot of things.

Every day that I crochet, I challenge myself to learn new stitches and new creative items to make. Its more of an art to me instead of just making things. I find it challenging to learn new things because I am a Lefty, so every video or pattern I try to do, I have to do it backwards. I have to done everything backwards all my life. I will even flip through a magazine backwards. Crazy, I know.

Since God has given me this talent, I have decided I want to make baby hats for charity. Not sure what or how to go about it but I have already started on the hats. I plan to just crochet a few each week and hope to have enough to give away soon.

They are so darn cute. I'm sure something will come along that will need these little things. I don't care if its around my neighborhood or around the world, I want to do something good.

I've have been on the Internet searching and searching. I have found places such as hospitals that accept crocheted Items but it looks like they are overloaded with them. I even emailed Levine's Children's hospital asking them if they could use some hats but I never got a response. They are crocheted in a smoke and pet free home and I keep my hand free of any perfume or lotions while I crochet. I even plan to take necessary measures to sanitize them.

If any one knows of a mission, charity, homeless shelter, etc. that I can really help, let me know. Maybe one of you are taking a mission trip where babies could benefit from these. I want to get as many ideas to choose from as I can. If anyone has ever had experience in doing this, Id love to hear your story. I plan to have enough made to donate the first of fall.


Ive shared this at:
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
brag-about-it-tuesday-link-party at bebetsy
two-girls-and-a-party at lifewiththecrustcutoff

Decisions Decisions

I have been pondering on buying a new vehicle for a few months now. I usually will by a new car, pay it off within 3 or 4 years and then trade it in on a new one. I like the idea of having a warranty and knowing I'm the only one that's owned it.

The last car I purchased was a new 2005 Ford Escape. Its now 2013 and I still have it. I really wanted one of these and finally got one. Now I do not want to let it go. I still like it and its not gotten old to me yet. Its got two little dings in it. One where I backed into a car that was illegally parked behind me and the other is from a bicycle incident. Neither place is easy to spot unless you look directly at it. Its been a really good car. While under warranty, the computer went out and that was a pretty big deal but its all good now. I was planning on keeping it until my daughter graduated college. Well, she's graduated and I still want to hold on to this one. It's broken in. I do not have to worry about little nicks and dings. I'm comfortable with it and don't feel like I have to be so careful with it all the time anymore. It's just a part of me.

But.......

Things are starting to go wrong with it like, it needs new tires, shocks, a tune up or down, The seat is starting to split a little, etc.... I need to trade it in now before it gets to the point its going to start costing me or to the point where it will not bring a good trade in. It still has under 100k miles on it.

Oh, but what to do.... Do I make enough money for a new car? Not really. It will take everything I make to pay for one. I will still have to make payments even if its a used one.


What I drive now



What I really want

 

What I'm thinking about getting

What I can really only afford.

 

 

Do I want another SUV? or A sedan? After all, its just me, my husband and occasionally my daughter. But we want something that's comfortable to take on our beach trips. The payments will be about the same but I do not think Ill be real happy with a car now that I'm spoiled on an SUV.

 

I wish I could just keep the one I have now and buy something else. I'm gonna have to make a move soon though. I can just pay for it with a wing and a prayer.

 

Decisions, decisions.

UPDATE: Its July again but one year later than this original post. I finally did it. I purchased a brand new 2014 Ford Escape (black). Like the one pictured above that I was thinking about getting. This one is newer than the photo and has shiny chrome wheels. Man this car has everything! It even talks to me. 

A fish Tail

I have a foster fish named "Duncan Gaither FinNuckles". Excuse the poor picture qualities. Its hard to take a picture of a moving fish.

He is actually my daughters fish, but until now, I have been the one to take care of him while she was in school. This is our only pet.

Duncan is a "Half moon Betta". We purchased him a year ago. He is red white and blue. Sometimes, depending on his stress level, he may only be one color.

After we had him about four months, we noticed his tail disappearing into frazzled, choppy, painful appearance. I was concerned, so I googled the possibilities of what could be going wrong with the poor fella. After all, he is not the happiest acting fish I ever had. In fact, this one does not have much of a personality at all.

 

While searching for an explanation, I found that its possible he could have Fin Rot. This is due to a disease or fungal infection from poor water changes or diet. I'm sure this is what he had but I'm a little confused because I made sure I kept his bowl clean and fed him well, but what ever the reason, I know I needed to fix him. I did not waste any time and ran to the pet store for some aquarium salt. I read somewhere that you can add some salt to the water and it will cure the bacteria or infection that's eating him alive.

 

After I started adding a little salt to his water with every water change, I noticed he was somewhat happier and made big bubble nest like betta fish will do when they are feeling good or in the mating mode.
Its been about six months now since I started adding the salt. I'm gradually weaning him off the salt by adding less and less to each water change.

While feeding him today I realized, he's got his tail fin back!

 

He was really showing his colors. Its July! What a perfect time for him to be patriotic.

• Duncan lives in a 1/2 gallon marina betta pals aquarium.
• His water is made using betta safe water conditioner and teaspoon of Jungle Aquarium Salt.
• The water is left out for 12 hours to get room temperature and to make sure the chlorine from the city water has evaporated before adding him to it.
• He eats once a day. His diet consist of Aqueon Betta Pellets and freeze dried worms.

If anyone has any more suggestions I could use in keeping him healthy, please comment and let me know.

Plastic Bag Holder

I have a stash of yarn that is as scratchy as one of those old crochet throws from the 60's. I know most of you know what I'm talking about. Probably most everyone has one of those blankets that your aunt or grandma made you that would work better as a back scratcher than a snuggle sheet.

I found the perfect thing to make with this type of yarn.
You can find these ole things at any yard sale, thrift store, or again, in grandmas house.

Its a "Bag holder"!!  Aka: "bag bag", "bag pooper" what ever you want to call it. I made one.

Its ugly, I know, but its going to be great. Right now, I have plastic bags inside of bags and on the floor around it. I'm ashamed to admit, one of these is going to come in handy at my house.

At least I can say, I made it.
You can make one too!!!

Here is how I did it:

• chain 35 or 40 ( I did 40)
• join chain to make a circle (make sure its not twisted)
• Single stitch 1 row. (don't join. this is done in rounds)
• double stitch around and around until you have the desired length.(mine is 18 inches long)
• after you get your length, do a single stitch around.
• Last: Single stitch around a rubber band.
• slip stitch at end and finish off.

I didn't use a marker: I just pretty much guessed at my starting round. Since its going to be gathered with a rubber band at the bottom, being a stitch or two off isn't going to show.

Decorate it and there you have it!

Ive shared this at:
friday-link-party at craftionary
super-sunday-party at whoneedsacape
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at coastalcharm

Mississippi Roast

What's for supper?

Those words are spoken alot around here. It always drives me crazy trying to figure out something for supper every night. I'm sure it's worse for my husband since he usually has supper ready when I get home from work each day. Never the less, he can always comes up with something.

Sundays are the days I like to cook. I like to make Sunday dinner and/or something ahead for Monday. So, as I was racking my brain on something to make, my husband shoots me an email from across the room. Yes, really, from across the room. It was an email with a recipe for "Mississippi Roast". It looks easy enough and it has been a while since I've made something in the crock pot so, I gave it a shot. I was a little saddened because there was not any work to it. Just plop it in the pot and go.

It turned out marvelous!
Its so easy! Here is how I did it.

Mississippi Roast

 

1.   Put roast in the crock pot (or slow cooker)

2.   Sprinkle Hidden Valley ranch dressing on top.

3.   Sprinkle McCormick Au Jus mix on top.

4.   Put a stick of butter on top.

5.   Put about 5 pepperoncini peppers on top. (You buy them in a jar.).

                     Do NOT add water..

Cook in crock pot on low for about 8 hours.

 

 

 

It was so delicious. I suggest serving this with mashed taters because it makes a scrumptious gravy.

 

You can find many recipes for this on Pinterest.

 

Maybe next I can make a Mississippi Mud pie!! yea? 

And yes.....I did have to sing that song to type "M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i"


Ive shared this at:
marvelous-mondays at thisgalcooks
brag-about-it at bebetsy
whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa
made-by-me-86-linky-party at jaqsstudio
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
kitchen-fun-crafty-friday-link-party at kitchenfunwithmy3sons