Something new to try...

I've been invited to try Time4Learning's online education program for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience! Find out how to write your own curriculum review.

Have Crust Will Quiche!

This is what became of my pie crusts - sausage and mushroom quiche. They were so very yummy! This crust was perfect for a savory dish, but I would down the salt and up the sugar if you use it for a sweet pie.

The Dirty Deed is Done!

 

FINALLY, I have a compost bin.  Drake used his handy man skills and helped his ol' ma get one made.  I'm mighty glad too, the little collection of all things green and gross has been growing in my kitchen for weeks....I am officially ready to get things in the ground, but am hesitant as to their outcome.  I have been told I need to have a shade screen or everything will just shrivel and die.  Great.  So...that is this weekend's project. The idea of 3 raised beds seems pretty ambitious at this point, and costly.  I am going to have to make do with the one, and just hope and pray I get some kind of harvest! I wish Mom could come to visit and help this poor girl out! Hint...Hint...

Bag that Water!

Saigen is off to a great start combining her talents and creativity to make a little extra moo-la!  We made an assortment of Christmas gifts this year that were well received, so she started doing a little "family" marketing to see if she could "sew-up" a little business.  These are three of the water bottle holders she made recently.  They hold both the disposable plastic, or more eco-friendly reusable water bottles.  She will be setting up shop under the name "Sweet Sage Artistries" as she intends to expand her wares to all things crafty.  She is now taking orders!

Fire Ants are not a vegetable!

After much digging, pulling, shoveling, fertilizing, weeding and a not-so-great sunburn, my garden plot is ready for planting. Well, almost.  You see, I have these tenants who refuse to move.  They are these red, stinging fire ants who are holding their (my) ground at all costs.  Being somewhat environmentally conscious, I am trying to evict them - naturally.  My latest attempt involved gallons of boiling water with orange oil. Hmmmm, now I just have citrus scented mud. When it's all said and done, me and my irritating little friends will just have to learn to get along.  And I will need to get a taller pair of boots!

Recipe of the Month - Pantry Pancake Mix

This is a healthy and delicious time saver!

Makes 3 lbs

6 cups white flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup wheat germ

1 ½ T salt

9 T baking powder

9 T sugar

3 cups powdered milk

Mix well and store in an airtight container.

To use, combine in a bowl:

1 egg

1 cup water

2 T melted fat or oil

1 ½ cup pancake mix

(double or triple as necessary)

A Very Cherry Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas we spent with family in Oklahoma.  Nothing is better than food, family and fun!  The trip took about 10 hours, but all the kids (and adults) kept it together for the most part, and had record bladder control to boot.  At the Copus' home, we enjoyed a visit from Santa on Christmas eve, and a teasing of snow.  My sister-in-law, Christina, made us a treat of frozen cherries and champagne, which was absolutely divine!  The children enjoyed endless hours of Barbie, Rock Band, and Karaoke, while the over-the-hill club played our favorite game, Catch Phrase.  All-in-all, as they say, it was the best Christmas ever!