Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Summer Drinks

Spring has arrived with all its' glory and Precious Husband has been enjoying working in the yard.  We have both been on a mission to get all the little pestie weeds out of the yard and that is always a challenge.

With the arrival of spring and warm days I wanted to share a tip concerning cold drinks that my family greatly enjoys. 

Several years ago my mother turned us on to Lipton Peach Tea powder and it was a hit with all our family. My tip today is taking the mix one step further and making it so much better.  If you have had peach tea at the Olive Garden restaurant you will see there are peaches in the glass and that is my tip to recreate Olive Garden tea at home - yummy.  I usually buy the generic peach tea mix at Walmart (much cheaper) and then mix as stated on the can.  Open a small can of sliced peaches and add to the pitcher along with a good portion of the peach juice.  This is so pretty and so good.  

Lemonade is good with the addition of maraschino cherries in the pitcher or your glass.  Lots of options - your imagination can give you many combinations I am sure.  Enjoy and remember, "it's all in the presentation!"

Still My SuperMan!

Look what I found while cleaning my little sanctuary (my office).  Precious Husband is still my SuperMan after nearly 30 years!

. . . . . how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Luke 7:11b

It's All About Home!

Allow me to share some quotes this morning from one of my very favorite authors and Bible teacher, Kay Arthur.

"A sanctuary you can create, a harbor of safety for loved ones from the storms of life, your shelter in the world - from the world."

"This is part of the joy, the wonder, of being a woman.  Here you celebrate the expression of being you as you take a house and make it your home.  What you create in your setting makes it uniquely you."

"Like the fragrance of a delightful potpourri, your sanctuary is filled with the scent of a woman.  For, in large portion, the presence of you, the essence of you, permeates and sets the atmosphere of this place called home."

"You know, for you've watched the power of a gentle smile, of a non-condemnng, listening ear, of open, forgiving arms, of your words and tone of voice, the mystical effect of a soft answer that turns away wrath, the power of words of kindness and encouragement when they grace your lips . . . "

"As you walk through your home, turning out the lights, closing another day, there's a sense of satisfaction, of accomplishment, as you give one last, loving touch, putting away the remnants of the day. . . knowing that with everything in place, when you awake you can begin with a sense of peace and grace."

ABM Cinnabon Rolls

ABM means automatic bread machine and with it you can make these incredible cinnamon rolls to bless your family and friends.  Ooohhhss and aaaahhhsss will be heard if you dish these up with a pot of hot coffee.  Oh ya, they are a winner.

Cinnabon Rolls

Dough

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup water

1/2 box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup milk

1 egg. Beaten

1 tab. Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

4 cups bread flour

2 1/2 teaspoons Yeast

Filling

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 teaspoon milk

Place ingredients in the bread machine and set on dough cycle.  After complete, roll out to a 17 x 10 rectangle.  Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.  Spread soft butter over dough and sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture.  Roll tightly from long end, pinching edges closed when completely rolled.  Slice rolled dough into 1/2”slices.  Place into greased pan.  Let rise until doubled.  Bake at 350*  for 15-20 minutes, until golden.  Do not overbake.  Frost while still hot from the oven.

Usually I make these up at night and refrigerate after putting them in the pan.  Then in the morning I take them out and let them rise and bake them. 

Allow Me To Brag

This is a long over-due post.  My Precious Husband is what causes the sun to rise each day for me.  How can I begin to tell anyone, let alone someone who has never met him, what an extremely special man I am married to?

This man with the big heart is the most unselfish person I have ever known.  It amazes me how giving one person can be with no thought of anything in return.

Our family most certainly would not be what it is if it were not for this husband and father that gives us all our stability.   Last night as we spoke to our daughter Michelle in Kentucky she remarked that she is a "daddy's girl" and proud of it.  Truly 5 children could not have a better father.

This month began a new season in our life.  Precious Husband is now retired and I am happy to report he is loving his new status.  I am thankful to the Lord that Precious Husband now has time to give of himself and get involved with our church family in ways he could not before.  It thrills my heart to see him take his Bible and study books out to the pond to ready himself for Tuesday night Bible study with the men.

I have waited a long time for this season and yes, I give thanks to the Lord for the season and for my Precious Husband to share it with.

Life will always hold challenges but I am thankful that God in His mercy and grace brought my Precious Husband into my life nearly 30 years ago to truly complete me.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Magic Cookie Bars

 

Today linking up with Tempt My Tummy Tuesday I want to share another old classic recipe called Magic Cookie Bars using condensed sweet milk, graham crackers, coconut, nuts and chocolate chips.

The recipe is very quick, easy and uses ingredients easy to keep in the pantry - all reasons that make this a total winning recipe.  Besides everyone loves 'em!

Magic Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Meet Lil' Alicia

This cute little doll baby came home to live with us after our Chapel Women's Ministry had their first yardsale.  Isn't she the cutest thing you ever saw?

It was these boots that made her extra endearing.  Oh, she is precious, to be sure.

 

This is the Alicia that she is named after (pictured with her husband Jeremiah - the love of her life).

Alicia's brother had a need and the Lord put it on the heart of one of our WM ladies to have the sale.  It was just amazing how God blessed the two day sale.  We actually made $400 to bless Alicia's brother with.

I had to name our newly adopted lil' girl Alicia because in reality I would love to adopt the real Alicia.  What an amazing young woman she is.  She radiates the Lord in all she says and does.  She touches my heart in so many ways.  

Just one observation about Alicia - I doubt she would have ever been in time out as a little girl - but then again who knows.

So today I am sharing pics of our new baby and also of her namesake, a very special young woman.  Most importantly I am praising God for His provision through our yardsale.

Later this week I will share another blessing that occurred at our yardsale - so stay tuned.

Southern Arizona

Sharing more pictures of our day trip to south-eastern Arizona.  It was a beautiful day and country I had not seen before yet all in my own home state of Arizona.

This is the Singing Wind Bookstore we found way in seemingly in nowhere. 

Below is the cute resident donkey that greeted us and posed for pictures when we arrived at the bookstore.

 

It was fun finding formations in the rocks.  Can you see what looks to be a mushroom above?

Here it is up close.

So, can you see Cochise's head?

Lots of old trees with such character.  I so enjoyed our day.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Steak Marinade

These pictures were taken last week on a day trip to South-Eastern Arizona.  Beautiful day in Arizona with wonderful blue skies and special loved ones to share it with.

Precious Husband and I like to do cook-outs when we entertain and I came across the following marinade that gives us rave reviews every time.  I actually omit the basil and go heavier on the garlic but it is all about personal preferences really.  

Linking up at http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/ with Lisa and the ladies sharing wonderful recipes each week.

Steak Marinade

Combine in a large bowl:

4 T oil,

4 T soy sauce

2 T lemon

1 T brown sugar

2 crushed cloves of garlic

1 T basil leaves

This is best prepared the day before or at least the morning of so your meat can soak up the spices.

This marinade is called Lylah's Best Chicken or Steak Marinade and came from her blog.  She is a pastor’s wife and they live and minister in Scottsdale, AZ    http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/

Special note of thanks to my smart Precious Husband for suggesting another browser for my blog.  I had not been able to post pictures and all I could find was the suggestion to clear out the cookies which I did not want to do because of losing so many passwords.  So sure enough I tried another browser and walla I am up and running again.  Thank you Honey!  I love that you are so smart!

Another note: go see my delightful friend Heather at her blog and wish her a happy birthday today.  She is very special and you will enjoy her blog.

Love & Encouragement

So amazing when you receive encouragement and love from friends.  Even more amazing is when you receive those things from new friends.    Such encouragement and love came this past week in the form of a butterfly and teapot nightlight among other things.  My heart is so touched by such acts of love and encouragement.  

I am now encouraged to go out and do the same.  How about you?  Will you allow the Lord to use you to bring love and encouragement to someone in need today?

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Oatmeal Cookies

 

(Picture from Quaker's website)

This week I want to continue with my tried and true recipes with my two daughters again in mind.  My Kentucky  son-in-love really likes oatmeal cookies.  This recipe gets rave reviews everytime.  I am quick to tell people it comes from the back of the oatmeal box but they always tell me mine are somehow better.  

Maybe my cookies are extra good because I only use butter and real vanilla.  I add lots of walnuts and raisins too.  So give the cookies a try and let me know what you think.  While you are at it don't forget to go see Lisa and check out all the goodies shared there.

Quaker's Best Oatmeal Cookies

• 1-1/4  cups (2-1/2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
• 3/4  cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2  cup granulated sugar
• 1  egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1-1/2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2  teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3  cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• chopped walnuts and raisins

Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat margarine and sugars until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; mix well. Add oats; mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 9 minutes for a chewy cookie or 10 to 11 minutes for a crisp cookie. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

The Wise Woman Builds

The wise woman builds her house,
   but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.  

Proverbs 14:1

Reading today's Proverb I came upon the following notes that I wanted to share.  The following paragraph is from the Woman's Study Bible.

The fact that this woman is called “wise” indicates that she fears and reverences the Lord. She conscientiously builds her house, making her entire household thrive, because she has learned that wisdom brings the happiness and prosperity she desires for her family. The wise woman cares for her home, causing it to flourish and become a haven to those who live there. She builds her home by making wise choices in her relationships with her husband and children. She works on her marriage, knowing that intimacy does not happen naturally but must be developed. All building takes time, picturing brick set on brick until a sturdy safe home is constructed. In contrast, the foolish woman does not build. She tears down both her possessions and her relationships. She destroys by her own efforts- with her hands, her tongue, her idleness, and her lack of interest. (taken from The Woman’s Study Bible, unknown author)

So quick lesson from Proverbs 14:1

The wise woman:

1. conscientiously builds her house - nothing hap-hazard here.
2. cares for her home - TLC
3. makes wise choices
4. works knowing nothing comes instantly or easy
5. is patient laying brick upon brick one at a time

 In contrast the foolish woman:

1. does not labor
2. is destructive

• with her hands
• her tongue
• her idleness
• her lack of interest

The wise woman - definitely a roll model for me and I hope for you too.

Happy Valentines Day

 

Happy Valentines Day!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

What greater Love could there be?

Share His love with someone today - especially your family 

and then anyone else He brings in your pathway.

Using What You Have

When it comes to decorating and especially creating table scapes I love to use what I already have around the house.  Using what I have and thus decorating with a frugal flare.  It is fun.  It makes me use my imagination.  Getting an idea from someone else and adding a twist of my own.  One of my favorite things about reading blogs is seeing all the beautiful decorating ideas ladies come up with.  This often fuels my imagination for my own decorating.  Shopping from my own shelves to create something fresh and new -- a fun and frugal thing.

Techno Problems?

Well Blogger seems to be giving me problems this morning with photos.  I get the Cloud and then it gives me an error.  I had this problem several weeks ago and just had to wait it out. 

Because blogs aren't fun without pictures in my opinion I will just wait to post what I wrote today.  After all it was a decorating post and like I said, what is a blog without pictures?

I am sure glad God never comes back with a screen that says "error, try again" or that His site has too much traffic and He can't help me at the moment.  Yes, Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  No surprises, no technical difficulties to put up with. 

As for God, his way is perfect. Psalm 18:30

Mémère Fun

Fun time spent with my 4 TLC's on Wednesday.  Sure miss my 3 special grandchildren in Kentucky and hoping to see them this spring. 

If Fish Could Talk . . .

If our fish could talk I think they would say, "brrrrrrr!"  

 

And this my friends is why:

Can you believe it?  And this is Arizona at 2 in the afternoon.  Unreal!

But this 'ole hen will take this cold any day compared to this:

I am thankful for warm boots and thick sweatshirts today.  You can always add more to get warm but it is hard to get cool in the summer when it is 115* in Arizona.