Full Cup Blessings

Coming Back

2010-05-25T07:51:00.002-04:00

Okay fellow bloggers!!! It's been just too long since I've posted. A lot going on in my world right now. Hope everyone is doing well, and look forward to getting out more regular posts. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. Busy days, and busy nights this time of year. My daughter is in the middle of High School District Softball Playoffs. Tonight is a BIG game. If they win, they will be district season champs!! I'm so proud of this team. They are the Best!!

Southern Potato Salad

2010-03-26T08:01:00.003-04:00

This is a recipe that we love (sorry the picture is so dark). As most of you know, our daughter plays softball. School softball, then she plays travel softball in the Summer. I made a vow last year to do our best not to eat a lot of fast food during these weekend tournaments. This is a great recipe to have in the cooler on those warm Summer days.

4 potatoes
4 eggs
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1/4 cup sweet relish
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain and chop

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water; peel and chop.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, celery, sweet relish, garlic, mustard, mayonnaise and salt and pepper. Gently mix.

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Enjoy....Blessings,
Linda

Mini Fruit-Topped Triple Chocolate Pizzas

2010-03-24T08:28:00.006-04:00

Thought I'd share this recipe I got from our local TV Station. I actually made these for our Sunday School Class on Valentines Day. With Strawberries coming in soon, I decided to add it to my blog. They turned out great and everybody thought I had worked for hours. HA!

1 package of refrigerated cookie dough

2 squares (1 ounce each) white chocolate for baking

2 tablespoons milk

1 package (8 ozs.) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup thawed, frozen whipped topping (cool whip)

12-16 strawberries, cut in half

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1 tsp. vegetable oil

Bake chocolate chip cookies. Remove from oven and cool

Place white chocolate and milk in a small bowl. Microwave on High for 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Cool slightly

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix well. Gradually stir in white chocolate mixture. Mix until Smooth.

Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cookie.

Cut strawberries in half. Place on top of cream cheese mixture.

In a small bowl, place chocolate morsels and vegetable oil in microwave, uncovered, for 45 seconds, or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle over fruit

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Blessings,

Linda

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-22T08:06:00.004-04:00

Monday - Grilled Hotdogs with Homemade Chili, Baked Beans, French Fries

Tuesday - Grilled Ribeye Steaks, Baked Potato, Tossed Salad

Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salads

Thursday - Stromboli

Friday - Out

Saturday - Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Fried Rice with Veggies

Sunday - Subs, Veggies & Dip, chips

Banana - Chocolate Chip Muffins

2010-03-19T08:17:00.005-04:00

These muffins are a regular at our house. They freeze well too!!

1/2 c. butter (softened)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 - 1/2 c. (3 large) ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (I just use the regular size)
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 18 muffins tins or line with paper. Mix butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add bananas, milk, vanilla and eggs; mix well. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda. Salt if desired. Mix until moist. Add chocolate chips and walnuts. Fill tins 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Can serve warm with butter and enjoy!!

Blessings,
Linda

Party Ham Biscuits

2010-03-18T08:06:00.004-04:00

That's what we call these around our house. We usually have them at get togethers and such, it's nice because you make these up ahead of time. Worked great with crock pot green beans and deviled eggs. Everything was ready when we got home (our daughter had another softball game), just had to heat these babies in the oven for about 20 minutes.

Party Ham Biscuits

2 pkgs. rolls

1 lb. baked ham

1/2 lb. swiss cheese

1 stick melted butter or margarine

1 1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tsp. dried mustard

1 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

1 tsp. onion salt

Place ham & cheese on rolls - mix other ingredients together and spoon over ham rolls. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (sometimes I make up a couple hours before hand). Bake 15-20 min on 350.

Enjoy!!

Blessings, Linda

Working on Wednesday

2010-03-17T13:40:00.003-04:00

Here is a little guy I've been working on for my craft booth. I'm also working on some bigger carrots to display & sell. The pattern comes from Country Whims.

Have a great Wednesday :)

Blessings,

Linda

Slow Cooker Enchiladas

2010-03-16T08:23:00.004-04:00

Well, softball season is upon us. I will be relying on my crockpot and make ahead meals to get us through the next few months. We had these Enchiladas last night with a toss salad. I had everything just about ready when we walked in the door. It was freezing at the game, so this warm meal hit the spot. Sorry the picture isn't the best, but I was trying to show the layers.

1 lb. ground beef
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup copped green peppers
16 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or pepper Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (I didn't need this many)

Cook beef, onions, and green peppers in skillet until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain.

Add next 8 ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes

In slow cooker, layer about 3/4 cup beef mixture one tortilla, and about 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers.

Cover. Cook on low 5-7 hours or until heated through (my crockpot took about 4 hours)

Enjoy!!

Blessings,
Linda

Spring Forward Monday

2010-03-15T09:05:00.003-04:00

Hello my blogger friends. I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I have been living in pain for the last month. My thoughts and prayers go to those who live in constant pain. I just can't even begin to imagine. The past month has been very humbling!

I cracked my tooth about 5 weeks ago. My fear of the dentist had me waiting three weeks before I had it checked out. Last week, my dentist drilled it and the tooth broke off. He was pretty sure he had gotten all the crack, so he refilled it and sent me on my way. Well, after the numbing went away I found out that he DID NOT get the crack. He had drilled, and refilled the tooth, packing the filling into the crack. Next day he told me that he could not guarantee that a root canal would work. I didn't want to spend lots of $$$ and end up loosing the tooth anyway, so I went to an oral surgeon and had the tooth pulled. I'm still not back 100%!! All the work done those two days left my other teeth so sensitive. I'm praying really hard that I have no permanent damage done to those nerves.

Hey, but looking on the bright side......I'VE LOST 8 POUNDS!!!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-15T08:55:00.008-04:00

What's cooking at our house this week:

Monday - Slow Cooker Enchiladas, Toss Salad
Tuesday - Party Ham Biscuits, Green Beans, Deviled Eggs
Wednesday - Homemade Chicken Nuggets, Baked Potato Slices, Steamed Broccoli
Thursday - WW Chili - making either nachos, or taco salads
Friday - Grilled Hamburgers, Mac. Salad, Baked Beans
Saturday - Out for FIL Birthday

Sixteen

2010-02-23T07:59:00.002-05:00

Aren't they adorable? My uncle's Golden Retriever had SIXTEEN puppies over the weekend. Bless her heart....she had such a rough go. She had two on her own on Saturday, but was unable to deliver the rest. They loaded her up and took her to the vet where they did a c-section. Needless to say they are going to be very busy in the upcoming weeks.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-22T13:17:00.008-05:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers!!! Well, this month is flying by, and I know I haven't posted forever. It's never a dull moment around our house, that's for sure. We still have snow on the ground in our part of the country. Our daughter has school tryouts starting today for softball, and they can't even be on the field (it's covered in snow). They will be in the gym at school, and she is so excited to get the season started. It's raining here today, so I'm sure a lot of our white stuff will disappear. Let's keep our fingers crossed for sunny days ahead to dry those fields up :)

Here is our menu for the week:

Monday - Vegetable Beef Stew in Crock Pot

Tuesday - Tenderloin, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy & biscuits

Wednesday - Taco salads with left over taco soup in the freezer

Thursday - Homemade Pizza

Friday - Chicken Fajitas, Salsa cream cheese dip

Saturday - Party Ham Biscuits, potato casserole, baked beans

Blessings,

Linda

Snowed In Weekend

2010-02-01T10:41:00.003-05:00

We had the best weekend. Started snowing Friday night and we ended up with about 10 inches. We stayed in all day Saturday. Yesterday, church services were cancelled and hubby ended up cleaning the driveway and walks. I know a lot of people around here are getting tired of the white stuff....not me!!! I LOVE IT!!! It was especially nice we had snow on the weekend, my daughter didn't miss school, hubby didn't have to brave it to work, and well, I stayed in my p.j's. Our son?...he was out & about with his friends (as usual). I just love downtime!!!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-01T10:29:00.005-05:00

Monday - Grilled Hamburgers, Potato Salad, Baked Beans

Tuesday - Black Bean Enchiladas, Toss Salad

Wednesday - Party Ham Rolls, left over potato salad, green beans

Thursday - Pesto Tomato Ravioli, Toss Salad

Friday - Eating at mom's :)

Saturday - Birthday Dinner - Eating Out

Sunday - Taco Salads/finger foods

Blessings,

Linda

Broccoli & Cheese Casserole

2010-01-29T08:06:00.004-05:00

My brother always teases me when we have family get togethers. I take this dish A LOT!! He always says "What did you bring?"....knowing exactly what I brought, and I tell him I brought it just for him. LOL!

Broccoli & Cheese Casserole

2 boxed packages frozen chopped broccoli (thawed)

1 cup minute rice

1/2 stick margarine or butter

1 cup cold water

1/3 cup diced celery

1 small jar cheeze whiz

1/3 cup chopped onion

1 can cream of celery soup

Mix all together and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees

Blessings,

Linda

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-01-27T09:04:00.007-05:00

Sorry!! I know anybody can get this recipe cause it's on the back of Nestle Toll House Semi-sweet Morsel bag, but I'm sharing it anyway. Last week I fixed the "Good for you Cookies", this week I fix the "Not so good for you Cookies". I justify it because I know they are better for you than the store bought packaged cookies....and besides....I was really craving some chocolate chip cookies!!

Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cup morsels
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla in large mixing bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one ta a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes in a preheated 375 degree oven.

Blessings,
Linda

I've added some new items on my Selling Site

2010-01-26T13:26:00.005-05:00

Thought I would share a few pictures. All these items were made by my friend Rose. She has tons of merchandise and has been primitive crafting for 30 years. I have learned so much from her. I just added them to my selling site this morning http://www.fullcupblessings.com/ These are just a few. Hope you enjoy!!

Blessings,
Linda

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-25T09:08:00.003-05:00

Monday Again???? I'm excited about my menu this week. Got it all planned out, and didn't even have to grocery shop (except for milk & bread). I'm trying to use up everything, and last weeks plans got shot a couple nights. Friday night we ate at my parents house, and Saturday night we just had sandwiches. Here goes:

Monday - Weight Watcher Garden Vegetable Soup
Tuesday - Country Ham, Navy Beans
Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salads
Thursday - Breakfast for dinner (Sausage Gravy, biscuits)
Friday - Chicken Philly's, French Fries
Saturday - Finger Foods (Game Night)
Sunday - Crock Pot Spaghetti, salad

Have a great week!!
Blessings,
Linda

Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

2010-01-22T11:12:00.005-05:00

Outback is our all time favorite restaurant. Granted, we only get to go on special occasions such as birthday's & anniversaries, but we love, love, love it. I have had this recipe for years. It's a copy cat recipe for their ranch dressing. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper (I use regular)
1 dash dried minced garlic

Mix well and refrigerate.

Watcha Workin on Wednesday

2010-01-20T09:17:00.003-05:00

Wow - Unlike last week, this week seems to be flying by. Today I will be finishing up my Valentine Hearts that I started last week. Also, I have a ton of items to add to my selling site, so hopefully I can get those added within the next few days. Along with my daily chores and errands to run this afternoon, it's going to be a busy day. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!!

Blessings,
Linda

It's Southern Living - They know what they're doing!!!

2010-01-19T09:30:00.007-05:00

Okay - so I decided I would make my fam some good ole homemade cookies. As I'm flipping through the new Southern Living Magazine last night I stumble across a very yummy looking recipe for Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies. Yum...this is the ticket. I will make these first thing tomorrow morning (which is today)....

I start getting the ingredients ready, and I'm thinking...hmmm.... 1/3 cup butter doesn't seem like enough, but oh well....it's Southern Living....they know what they're doing. So, I'm mixing and the ingredients keep getting dry, and crumbly, and I'm thinking...this is soooo wrong, but I keep on. Finally, I'm getting really mad. Here I've wasted all these ingredients and the dough is like granola, but it's okay, it's Southern Living.....They know what they're doing!!!

As I start to put the dough on the cookie sheet, I feel like I'm building a sand castle. I am actually packing the dough trying to get it to stick together. I look back at the recipe to make sure I measured everything right....3 TIMES, I looked!!!!! Yep, I did what it said....they've made a mistake!!

So, I put the first batch in the oven, and check about half way through, and they are still just little balls, no flat cookies there!! Now, I am MAD!! I wanted one of those yummy Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, Pecan Cookies soooo bad!!! SO - As I am reading the recipe for the FOURTH time, I look at the top of the page, and you know what it said.........

HEALTHY LIVING

I am making "good for you" cookies. I am baking my family a great thing. Cookies that are actually good for you. I pull those suckers out of the oven, and you know what!! Even though they don't look like your normal "not good for you cookies", and they don't taste like your normal "not good for you cookies". They are actually not bad!!! They taste pretty good!! Can't wait to see how the fam likes them. I think I'll go have another one...you know, since they're good for me and all :)

It's Southern Living and They DO know what they're doing!!! Enjoy!!

I may even rename these to "Good for you Cookies" Here is the recipe:

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, and Pecan Cookies (Southern Living)

1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup uncooked regular oats
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate mini morsels (I used regular)

Preheat oven to 350. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant. (Be sure to watch these...my were burning after 5 minutes).

Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients. Beat sugars and butter at medium speed with mixer until well blended. Add vanilla and egg, beating until blended. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until combined. Stir in toasted pecans and morsels.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until edges of cookies are lightly browned.

Blessings,
Linda

Ground Chicken Enchiladas

2010-01-18T11:03:00.004-05:00

I'm telling you here & now....My son should have been born a Mexican. He loves Mexican food. I swear he would eat it everyday if he could...but 1. He suffers with acid reflux, and 2. My daughter hates everything about it, (other than nachos & cheese every now and then) so having Mexican every night for dinner just would not work, plus.....I don't think nightly bologna sandwiches would meet the recommended daily allowance for a growing girl.

Here is my easy version recipe Ground Chicken Enchiladas:

1 lb. ground chicken (I buy this in the meat section already packaged)

1 pkg. taco seasoning mix

sour cream

shredded cheddar cheese (I use sharp)

9-10 Tortilla Shells

Brown ground chicken in skillet then drain. Add taco seasoning & water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Spread sour cream on each tortilla shell, add the chicken, sprinkle with cheese, roll up. Bake on 350 for about 20 minutes.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-18T08:53:00.005-05:00

Whew - Busy, busy weekend here! I got a lot accomplished. My biggest project was cleaning our closet. Boy, was I in the trashing mood. I really wish the trash would run soon though, cause I don't want to find myself digging through the bags because I'm having remorse from throwing away clothes that "MAY" fit again...NOT...Who am I kidding??? Anyway, it looks great, and I feel so much better to have it clean & organized.

Monday - Hawaiian Meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn

Tuesday - Weight Watcher Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches

Wednesday - Chicken Philly Sandwiches, tossed salad

Thursday - Country Ham, navy beans, potato salad

Friday - Homemade Pizza, tossed salad

Saturday - Grilled chicken, broccoli casserole, baked potatoes

Have a great Monday,

Linda

Philly Cheese Steak Subs

2010-01-15T09:27:00.007-05:00

Joining in Colleens Recipe Swap for this week, this is my version of Philly Cheese Steak Subs.

Package of Top Sirloin Steaks (I used two)

Chopped onion

Chopped Green pepper (I didn't use this time because I didn't have one)

Can of mushrooms

Mozzarella Cheese

Sub Rolls

Butter

Steak sauce of your choice (I used Dales)

I put the steaks in the freezer for a little bit, so they would be easier to slice. I sliced the steaks into thin pieces first. I then put the steak, sauce, onions & mushrooms and cooked until done. I buttered the bread, put the steak mixture on the bread, then added the cheese. I then put under the broiler in the oven until cheese melted. These are always a huge hit with my family. I served them with tossed salad and chips. I guess I should add; this was just enough for my family of 4.

Blessings,

Linda

Weight Watcher Chili

2010-01-14T08:22:00.004-05:00

This has turned out to be a family favorite.....(except for my daughter, she was having none of this. She turns to cereal when we have something she doesn't like). Oh well!! It's very good and I ended up putting it in the crock pot for about 4 hours. The recipe came from my friend Rachel.

Chili - WW - 1 cup = 3 points

1 can Mexican (or Italian) stewed tomatoes

1 can fat free chicken broth

1 can fat free refried beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can pinto beans

1 can black beans

1 onion

1 package chili mix

1 lb. lean ground beef

Cook beef with onion (diced). In large pot mix all ingredients and cook on low for desired time.

Enjoy!!!!

Blessings,

Linda

Watcha Working on Wednesday

2010-01-13T08:49:00.003-05:00

I finally decided to give this a try. I've been working on these great smelling Valentine Ornaments. I still have some to finish painting, and then I will need to seal them. I got the dough recipe from Colleen at And Baby Makes Five. I will be hanging some on my ornament tree in the shop, and using some as bowl fillers here at home.

Ornamental Gingerbread Dough

3 T shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 cup water

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp each: ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg

Beat shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in molasses. Mix dry ingredients together. Stir them into sugar mixture and gradually add water. Dough will be very stiff. Refrigerate overnight.

Heat oven to 350. Cut dough into three pieces. Roll one piece at a time (between two pieces of waxed paper) to a thickness of about 1/4". Cut out desired shapes and pattern. Note: If you are planning to hang these ornaments, poke holes in the shapes now with a straw or toothpick. Bake for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.

Finished ornaments can be painted, sealed or dipped in melted wax. The possibilities are endless.

Thanks again to Colleen at "And Baby Makes Five" for the great recipe.

Blessings,

Linda

Kris Kringle Cakes

2010-01-12T08:29:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay, I know Christmas is past, but I have to tell you....I made these pancakes last weekend and they were delicious. I got the recipe from "Finding Joy in my Kitchen". I usually just make pancakes from bisquick, but wanted to try something different. Yummy!!

1/2 cup white flour

1/2 cup wheat flour

1 cup oats (I used quick oats)

2 T. brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1 egg

1/3 cup applesauce

1 cup milk - may need a little extra

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix together applesauce, egg, and vanilla

Add Milk

Then mix dry ingredients together.

Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until moist. You may need to add additional milk if the mixture seems overly thick. Cook pancakes on a griddle heated to medium. Flip when little bubbles begin to form. Enjoy!!

Blessings,

Linda

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-11T16:28:00.006-05:00

So - my big plan this year is to eat out less!! I think it will help me be accountable is I join in the "Menu Plan Monday". I'm just posting dinners so far. I'm breaking myself in slowly. So...here goes:

Monday - Weight Watcher Chili Recipe - From my friend Rachel

Tuesday - Philly Cheese Steak Subs

Wednesday - Pork Medallions with Mushroom Sauce (from my friend Laura)

Thursday - Chicken Enchiliadas

Friday - Stromboli's

HELLO January!!!

2010-01-11T11:22:00.004-05:00

Well - I had planned on doing a better job of posting on my blog. Maybe starting today I will do just that. Being a mom sure is a hard job. You know...as my children have grown, I actually thought juggling would be easier, but it seems it is just the opposite. I think my grown son assumes we have a motel here. He eats, sleeps and showers here and it is so seldom that we get to spend time with him. Between working, going to class & hanging with his friends - It feels like the beginning of the empty nest, but I still have his laundry!!! And it seems I'm just the Taxi Driver for my daughter.

Oh well....I really am going to have a hard time with the empty nest thing!!

Here are some Valentine Heart Ornaments I've been working on. They turned out really cute, and I added them to the shop yesterday. What do you think?

Blessings,
Linda

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

2009-12-11T07:33:00.005-05:00

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. milk
1 (2 1/2 oz) jar dried beef, cut in pieces
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. butter
11 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion chopped

Oven toast pecans in butter and salt. Mix cheese, milk, beef, green pepper, onion. Fold in sour cream and half the nuts. Place in baking dish and sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Bake at 350 for 20 min. Serve hot with crackers or bread.

Enjoy!!
Blessings,
Linda

Eye Candy

2009-12-09T11:46:00.007-05:00

Here are some pictures of our craft booth. The first belongs to my friend Rose. I have some of her products for sell on my selling website. If you see anything you're interested in, just let me know, and I'll gladly send you price and availability.

Go check out the Christmas Item Sales on http://www.fullcupblessings.com/

This craft booth belongs to me:

Sausage Balls

2009-12-04T14:26:00.005-05:00

Sausage Balls

1 lb. Hot Sausage

2 Cups Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2 Cups Bisquick

1 Egg

Mix together, roll in a ball and bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Magic Meat Loaf - Crock Pot Recipe

2009-11-27T12:24:00.003-05:00

Here is another favorite for my family. So easy too!!!

I love crock pot recipes. Makes it so nice to have it ready when you walk in the door, or have a busy day at home.

2 pounds ground beef

2 eggs

1/3 cup quick cooking oats

1 package dry onion soup mix

1/2 cup ketchup

Reserve 2 tablespoons ketchup. Combine all other ingredients and place in crock pot. Spread remaning ketchup on top. Place in crock pot, cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6 hours.

Note: I have also mixed this up and placed in freezer. It freezes well!

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Linda

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T09:21:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone to have a safe, and happy Thanksgiving. We will be spending Thanksgiving with my parents and my brother's family. It is so nice to have this family time to relax, eat, and just spend time together. Everyone stays so busy all the time!! I look forward to this time of year with the Holiday's approaching. Just being together and having great fellowship means more to me than anything.

Also, prayers being sent to families who have lost loved ones this year. To my friend Sara, who lost her dad two weeks ago, my heart goes out to you. Also, to families that have members serving our country, who are not able to be home for the Holiday's. Thank you for your sacrifice of being away from your family to keep mine safe.

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Blessings,
Linda

If you Give a Moose a Muffin Monday

2009-11-23T07:54:00.003-05:00

I love these books, and my kids loved me to read these books to them (when they were little anyway sniff, sniff).

Well this is exactly how I feel today. Every time I turn around to do something...I see something else that needs to be done, and I'm not getting a lot accomplished. It's all good though, I'll get there.

I have so many things to be thankful for!! It's going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving week, and I'm looking forward to spending a lot of quality time with my family.

Open house this week at the shop where my craft booth is located. I'm still working on some things to get there, and I keep telling myself after this is done I'll concentrate on the house, or baking some goodies, or washing clothes, or shopping, or decorating, or, or this, or, or that. My list just keeps getting longer.

Blessings,
Linda

Butterscotch Delight

2009-11-20T11:47:00.004-05:00

Here is a favorite family recipe. I will be making this for dessert to take for Thanksgiving Dinner at my parents. Hope you enjoy!!

Butterscotch Delight

1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 stick butter
2 small packages instant butterscotch pudding
1 cup cool whip (I usually buy the larger one)
1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese
3 cups milk

Mix flour, butter, pecans and press in bottom of greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown at 375 degrees. Cool completely.

Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese & cool whip in one bowl. Mix pudding & milk in another bowl. Layer the two mixtures on cooled crust, ending with additional cool whip on top. I usually reserve some chopped nuts for garnish.

This recipe can be used with other flavors of pudding.

Blessings,
Linda

I must be CrAzY

2009-11-19T11:33:00.003-05:00

Tonight is the big premier of "New Moon" oh, joy, joy!!! I promised my daughter we would go, got the tickets online about a month ago. Now, I'm thinking I must have been delirious when I told her we would go. They have sold 1700 tickets at our local theater...Can you just imagine 1700 screaming teenagers seeing Edward on the big screen (give or take a few hundred crazy mom's like me)?!! Can you imagine standing in line just to get a seat? Can you imagine standing in line with 1700 people, to get a seat, in the pouring rain? Oh, oh, oh....It gets better. I have daycare kids who arrive tomorrow morning at 7:15 - 4:00 THEN my husband and I have Bingo Night, starting at 5:00 (we work bingo a couple times a year to help fund our daughter's softball team) eeeeek!!! We will probably be there until 11:00. Yes...I would say the word of the day is CrAzy!!

Can you tell I love Snowmen?

2009-11-17T13:28:00.004-05:00

We have a Fall Open House at our shop next weekend, so I'm trying to get some things finished.

We've been so busy here at home....as usual!!!! We have several family members in the hospital, so please keep them in your prayers.

With the Holiday Season just around the corner, I know everyone is busy in their own little world, but I know, in my little world, my family & I need to stop and remember what the real season is all about. Everything gets so commercialized and people don't stop to give thanks on Thanksgiving, or remember that we are celebrating the Birthday of Christ....we just go along in our busy world, trying to buy this, and that. Hopefully we can take time to remember what the Holiday Season is all about.

Blessings,
Linda

Our Trip to Amish Country

2009-11-15T13:21:00.003-05:00

Oh my Goodness!!! Hubby and I just got back from a wonderful trip to The Amish Country in Lancaster, Pa. I LOVE visiting this area. Usually I go with my mom & friends, and we've been going once or twice a year for 20 years now. This time was relaxing time for hubby & I. We celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary in September, but were unable to do anything then....with our daughter playing softball, we were still having tournaments. So, we went this past weekend and stayed at a Bed & Breakfast and it was wonderful. Hubby about died with NO TV reception, but he survived. We also saw "The Miracle of Christmas" and words cannot describe what a wonderful show this was...just awesome. On top of the fun, I probably gained 10 pounds, the food is soooo good in this area. I did do a little shopping and have some great ideas for our booth, and website. Problem is..getting it all done. Here are some pictures.

Look what I've been working on:

2009-11-10T10:54:00.002-05:00

I've been working on this little snowman. I think he turned out pretty cute. I've added him to my selling site, but not so sure I want to let him go. I think I'll make one for myself while I'm at it. It's tough getting started into crafting & sewing again, I don't have my supplies built up, so it seems I'm constantly needing to run to the craft store for materials and supplies. I think I got a pretty good deal the other day at Joanne Fabrics. I found warm & natural batting in queen size for $9.99. The sales lady told me it was much cheaper than buying it by the yard. They only had one left, so I'm lucky I got it. Have a great Tuesday!!

Blessings,
Linda

Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

2009-11-06T11:26:00.010-05:00

I've been following And Baby Makes Five Blog. Every week she has a recipe swap, and starting today it's a Holiday Recipe Swap. I enjoy getting these yummy recipes each week. Join in!!

I can tell you this recipe I got from Mommy's Kitchen is a new favorite for my family. These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies were delicious, and so moist. You've got to try them!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 - 1 cup canned or fresh pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups quick or old fashioned oats (I used quick oats)
1 2/3 cups (11 oz pkg.) Nestle Butterscotch Chips

Preheat oven to 375. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 7-8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes from crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Reindeer Ornaments

2009-11-02T08:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been working on these cute little Reindeer Ornaments. Thought I'd share. I've added a couple to my website, and I'm putting some on my Christmas Tree in my booth. We are starting to stock for Christmas, so I hope to have some pictures to share.

I got this adorable little pattern from The Olde Country Cupboard. Simple to make...even for me. I changed it just a little by using a pip sprig for antlers instead of sticks. A BIG THANK YOU to The Olde Country Cupboard for sharing your pattern.

Can you believe October is already behind us!! I'm telling you, I just don't know where the times goes. I hope everyone had a safe Halloween.

Blessings,
Linda

Craft Booth Photos

2009-10-29T11:48:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of my craft booth. I know they are a little dark, but I didn't use the flash. I went during store hours and didn't want to disturb anyone with a flash. Mom & I are starting to put Christmas in on Monday, so I thought I'd post a few before then.

Remember my $3.00 shelf find...Well, this is it. Perfect for what I needed.

A Beautiful Fall Day

2009-10-25T19:58:00.006-04:00

It has been the most beautiful day here in the Mountains of Virginia. Hubby & I enjoyed a motorcycle ride today with my dad, and a few friends. We ended up going about 100 miles. It was a nice ending to the weekend. Here are some pictures.

I FINALLY DID IT!!!!

2009-10-22T12:37:00.003-04:00

YAY - I opened my own selling website. WOW, I am so excited. I have worked so hard getting this started. I want to say THANK YOU to Amy at AmyBug's Primitive Attic. She has been awesome. I purchased the graphics from her and just went by the directions on the DIY website. She has been so kind and has responded and helped with any questions I have had. So...if any of you want to take the big step...I highly recommend Amy!!

Please check it out and let me know what you think. You can click on the banner to the right or just go here.

Blessings,
Linda

Going Back in Time

2009-10-20T12:57:00.003-04:00

Last weekend my daughter & I visited The Big Otter Mill. They had a little festival and are trying to raise money to restore it to working order. My great, great, great grandfather built this mill around 1920. I was just mesmerized at the workmanship of this Mill. I got to meet some extended family too. I can't wait to visit again and take the rest of my family. My father is a genealogy buff and has traced our ancestors back 100's of years. I am so glad he has taken the time and worked so hard to learn about our family. It's a great thing to pass to my children. Any other genealogy searchers out there?

Blog Award

2009-10-18T17:33:00.003-04:00

Thank you very much Krissy for the blog award!! I am so new to this whole blogging world, but am having a lot of fun.

I am passing along this award to 15 blog sites I LOVE to visit....in no particular order...here they are:

A Primitive Place

Mommy's Kitchen

Palmer Falls Primitives

The Pickled Pepper Patch

The Country Girl At Home

Home is Where the Heart Is

Eat At Home

And Baby Makes Five

The Primitive Country Bug

Olde Annie Primitives

Making a House a Home

Taylor's Farmhouse Attic

Behind My Red Door

At Home with Amy

Simply Prim

Fall????

2009-10-17T23:25:00.003-04:00

Sure felt like Winter today!!! Our daughter had a softball tournament and the high here today was a balmy 53 degrees...now, that doesn't sound all that cold, but add to the fact there was no sun, and the wind was blowing...it was down right COLD. They ended up winning all their games, even though she was just a cheer leader. She fractured her wrist and just got the cast off yesterday, so she is out of commission for a few weeks...just in time for the season to end. We came home to chili in the crockpot (thanks Rachel - it was soooo good) and a football game on TV. Doesn't get any better than that.

On another note. I am waiting on my website to be set up. I ordered everything on Monday...so, stay tuned. I'm really exciting about this new adventure.

Have a wonderful weekend (what's left of it)
Linda

Simple Times

2009-10-14T19:33:00.002-04:00

Do you ever wonder how our ancestors would react to our world today if they could come back? I mean really!!! What happened to the simple times. Were they really simple back then? Did they feel overwhelmed with life as they lived it? Like I feel today? Yesterday, when I did 8 loads of laundry I had to stop and think about it. They didn't have washing machines....they scrubbed on boards in a creek. They made all their clothes, cooked all the meals, from scratch I might add. No boxed cake mixes or packaged cookies. They didn't have Kroger to run to. My conclusion...they didn't own 10 pairs of jeans, and didn't change clothes 3 times a day (like my son). They didn't have softball practice, or soccer practice...women didn't work outside of the home. I know they were just as busy....just a different kind of busy. I think I could live like that for a day (or two) - hmmmm wonder what they would think of microwaves, ice makers, running water, and flushing toilets???

Okay - I feel better now!!
Have a great one,
Linda

Black Bean Salsa

2009-10-07T13:15:00.004-04:00

Note to Self: Dear Linda, Please put the Salsa in the Pumpkin before your son eats it all.

I should have put the Salsa in the pumpkin before I told my son what we were having for dinner. I then played taxi and dropped my daughter off, came home to this....it's all I had left.....one little bowl of salsa. Yep, he downed it.

Okay - the idea is to make the salsa and place inside a cleaned out pumpkin. We had chicken enchiladas and this YUMMY Black Bean Salsa (what was left of it). Makes for a great display if you have a Fall Party to attend.

Black Bean Salsa

1 15oz can black beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup red pepper diced
1 cup corn nibbletts
1/4 cup sweet onion chopped
3 tbsp. celery
2 tbsp. minced jalapeno pepper - optional
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. red vinegar
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. commercially prepared salsa
2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy,
Linda

2009-10-06T07:39:00.002-04:00

I'm still recovering from our very busy weekend. My daughter had her Homecoming Dance. Her softball team also had a tournament. Even though she can't play due to a fractured wrist, she still wanted to go to the first game to cheer her team....then we had nails done, hair done, picked up flower and dressing up. She was beautiful and they had a great time.

We have just about completed our craft booth. I still haven't taken pictures....I forget to take my camera. Oh well!! next time. I've got another Fall Recipe I want to share, so I'll do that later this week.

Have a Blessed Tuesday,
Linda

Buttermilk Chocolate Bread

2009-10-02T07:24:00.007-04:00

Yay - Finally Friday!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful upcoming weekend. Pictures coming soon on the stocking of our craft booth (Just have to go over and take some). Thought I'd share the chocolate muffin recipe I made for the church bake sale (recipe from Lynns Kitchen Adventures). Enjoy and have a wonderful Friday.
Linda

Buttermilk Chocolate Bread
1 stick butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

You can bake this in a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, but I decided to make muffins. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking powder, baking soda & salt. Stir into buttermilk mixture until moistened. Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips. If making as bread....bake 55-60 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. If making muffins...bake 18-20 minutes. YUMMY

Hello October

2009-10-01T14:17:00.002-04:00

Okay - I mentioned earlier I had to bake some goodies for a Church Bake Sale. Here they are. All wrapped and ready. I made Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies and Chocolate, chocolate chip muffins.

Busy, busy

2009-10-01T07:03:00.005-04:00

Busy day here today and the rest of the week!! We have Homecoming this weekend, so you know what that means. I'll be busy all day Sat., with picking up flower, nails done, hair done, pictures taken...yada yada yada. When did it get so complicated? When I was in high school...I painted my own nails, did my own hair with those electric hot rollers, plucked my own eyebrows......my how times have changed in just 3 years LOL!! I wouldn't trade it for anything though. Memories in the making, and my beautiful daughter will be just beautiful. Love you sweetie!!

Today I'll be making cookies and brownies for a church bake sale. I'll post pictures later. The bake sale is Saturday too, and hubby will drop the goodies off tomorrow morning. Also today...we will start moving into our new craft booth. My mom and dad just came from a shopping trip, so we'll have lots of new stuff. I wasn't able to go this time and I was bummed. Within the next couple weeks I hope to have a selling blog or website set up to sell our goodies.

Have a great day!!
Linda

Jets

2009-09-30T09:57:00.004-04:00

Is it Christmas?

This is what my son ask while I was fixing these. JETS!! See, I only (usually) make these once a year. Well, it was my sister in law's birthday and she loves them, so I made some for her birthday. Of course I made a double batch so my family could enjoy a little Christmas in September.

JETS

1 & 1/2 boxes powdered sugar
6 oz peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 sticks margarine
12 oz chocolate chips
1/2 block parafin wax

Mix margarine and sugar until creamy. Add vanilla and peanut butter and continue mixing until dough is formed. Roll in small balls, and dip with toothpick in the melted chocolate chip and wax mixture; place on wax paper until cooled.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2009-09-29T09:53:00.005-04:00

Good Morning........as I try to type on a key stuck key board. Don't you hate it when you tell your kids 10000 times, NOT to drink at the computer. Wonder what part of the "NOT" did she not understand? Yep, our keyboard is a sticky pepsi mess.........thanks to my 15 year old.
Oh well, could have been worse....at least it didn't fry the computer.

Thought I'd share another recipe. My family loves these garlic mashed potatoes. The best part.........to my Weight Watcher friends.............they are only 3 points per serving.

7 cups peeled baking potatoes
6 garlic cloves - peeled
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes ad garlic in a saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes; drain. Return potatoes and garlic to pan. Add remaining ingredients; beat at medium speed until smooth. Enjoy!!

On - and don't pay much attention to the slab of butter on top of my potatoes...that doesn't count!!

Have a great Tuesday!
Linda

Hazel Nut Chocolate Mocha

2009-09-28T11:24:00.007-04:00

Hello Monday!!

After a fabulous weekend, I’m ready to get this Monday started. I decided to change the blog look a little. I’m still so new to this, so I’ve been playing with it. How cool is the Blog Header picture???? This is a treasure. One of my great grandmother’s pictures. It’s about 100 years old. She had an old photo book and I borrowed it from my dad and have been scanning the pictures. I loved this one. Just a simple table with food, ready for a family gathering. I have a picture with the family sitting at this same table too. I just LOVE it!!

Woke up to a chilly morning, so I decided to make my copycat Hazelnut Mocha, my favorite from Starbucks ™. I don’t like regular coffee…never have…but add a little chocolate (or a lot), and some hazelnut cream, and syrup…and now we’re talking. This is how I make it:

Just brew regular coffee. While the coffee is brewing, add the Hershey syrup, hazelnut syrup, and hazelnut cream to your cup. I then nuk it for about 40 seconds in the microwave. I stir in the coffee, add some whipped cream on top, and waaalaaaa, a yummy beverage on a chilly morning. This is a favorite for my husband & I to take to Sunday School, or have on a cozy Saturday morning. Hope you enjoy!

Have a wonderful, blessed Monday!!

Linda

Prayer

2009-09-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is having a beautiful and restful Sunday. We are having a great day. It is absolutely gorgeous here. We had a great church service then had lunch with some friends of ours.

As I was listening to our pastor this morning, he made the comment about "how little" most people pray. It really hit home with me, especially being a mom. The bible tells us to "Pray without ceasing".....I Thessalonians 5:17.....If I'm not praying for my kids and my family like I should be....WHO IS? I will certainly be more diligent with my prayer time.

Have a wonderful Day!!
Linda

Moving Day

2009-09-26T12:38:00.004-04:00

Busy, busy rainy day here. Our son is headed to the Virginia Tech Game. Our daughter is headed to the mall with a friend. My husband & I get the fun job of packing up our craft booth. We are moving to another location. Fun, Fun!! Hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed day.

TGIF - Wooohooo

2009-09-25T08:28:00.004-04:00

Even if it is rainy here...at least it's Friday. A very busy weekend ahead for us. My mother and I are relocating our craft booth. Our previous craft mall has decided to close due to slow economy and we are thankful we have a place to relocate.

I found this cool shelf at a yard sale last week....$3.00....Now I will need to add top shelves and paint it. The top shelves that came with it are glass and I want to add wood shelves.

Blondies

2009-09-24T21:52:00.001-04:00

Well, this is one of my families favorites. Usually doesn't last but a day around here. Now, if you went to elementary school in the Mountains of Virginia (like me) you would call them Congo Bars. Sometimes I would trade everything on my plate for another Congo Bar. They are also call Blondies. Anyway, super simple and they are yummy.

Congo Bars - Blondies

1 stick butter - melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch salt
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup nuts - optional
1/2 cup to 1 cup chocolate chips
(I'm the chocolate lover - 1 cup of morsels for me)

Butter 8x8 pan. Mix melted butter with brown sugar. Beat until smooth, then beat in egg, and add vanilla. Add salt and stir in flour. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!!
Linda

A New Journey

2009-09-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Oh my Goodness. This is my very first start in the world of blogging. Hmm....I guess if I can get past all the mumbo, jumbo....figuring out things. I just might find a like it. Tell me? What in the world is a Gadget? I guess I'll learn as I go. I have lots of ideas to share and I enjoy reading other blogs. I love collecting crafty things, and eventually would like to have a selling blog. Don't know the difference in the two yet, but I'm learning. Hang with me on my new journey.