A little recreating

Me and the hubby were out to lunch the other day at a local establishment, Mary's Market. My lunch order came with a free cookie. Instead of going for the old traditional, standby chocolate chip cookie, I ordered the "cookie of the month" which happened to be an oatmeal cookie with a caramel drizzle. YUM. The cookie looked fabulous. I almost skipped my 1/2 sandwich and side salad so I could eat that cookie first, but I was a good girl and finished my lunch before I had dessert. It was tempting though.

The cookie was good, but not great. I told my husband that I was going to take on a challenge and try to recreate it with my own flare. I'm sure he thought "oh here we go again...", but oh well! What's life without a few challenges, right? So, my mission next week during my vacation from my "real job", I'm going to attempt to make this oatmeal, chocolate chip cookie with a caramel drizzle. Who wants to test them out? Let me know! Stay tuned for the results!

Cindy

Kitchen Menu Chalk Board

I am rarely able to go garage sailing, but man did I find a steal about 3 years ago! I bought an old large calendar frame for $1! It was in my craft room for about 2 years before I decided what to do with it. I always plan out my weekly meals and I get tired of hearing everyone ask that dreaded question: "what's for dinner?"--now, they just need to look at the board!
Here is the result:

To get this look, I just taped off the wood part and spray painted chalkboard paint on the plywood piece (the part that the calendar would cover). I did 3 coats of chalkboard paint.
When that was dry, I put newspaper over the chalkboard part and taped it. I spray painted the wood border a burgundy color. This took 2 coats. Once it was dry I tried out my masterpiece with chalk. Not so great! I went to the craft store and bough a package of chalk markers--MUCH BETTER!
I hung this on the outside wall of my pantry. I used the 3M Command Hook to hang it (again, avoiding and nail hole into the cabinet!). It's easy to take down and clean off! I always leave room at the bottom to put something fun--when the picture was taken, it was my husband's birthday! Sometimes I put a quote up, and funny phrase or I let the kids do something! I love this addition to my kitchen!

I made a smaller version for my sister-in-law and neighbor friend. I will share those sometime soon!

Catch ya later!

Cindy
Linking up to the following parties:
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Linky Party, Pity Party at Thirty Handmade Days
  

Tasty Tuesday - Hot Cheesy Taco Dip

We were invited to my husband’s cousin’s to watch the Bears game over the weekend. When I asked what I could bring, they suggested an appetizer. This is a new recipe that I pinned awhile ago and I thought it would be a good football party app! And it was simple to put together (I only made a minor tweak to the original recipe). We ate it with (orange & blue) tortilla chips, but I think pita crackers or little garlic toast rounds would also be a good dipper too! Here it goes:

HOT CHEESY TACO DIP

adapted from My Kitchen Addiction

1 lb ground beef

¼ red onion,chopped

Clove of garlic, chopped

8oz lowfat cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. light ranch dressing

1 Tbls chili powder

1 tsp cumin

3 oz. pepperjack cheese, shredded

3 oz. co-jack cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain and set to side. Combine cream cheese, spices, dressing and ½ of the cheese. Mix in beef until combined. Spread into pie dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Place in preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Do you have a favorite go-to appetizer for Sunday Football games?

Cindy

I linked up to the following:
Mandy's Recipe Box's "Totally Tasty Tuesdays!"  
Linky Party, Pity Party at Thirty Handmade DaysHookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Bloom Designs Link Party 

Lady Behind the Curtain Cast Party Wednesday
Look What I Made at Creations by Kara
Christy's Cuties Tip-toe Thru Tuesday
Lil' Luna Link Party 96 
Wonderful Food Wednesday at @ Home Take 2. 

Believe

I took one of my favorite quotes and made it into a quick little printable. Email me if you'd like the font in a different color! Have a great week!

Click here for the FREE PRINTABLE.

Cindy
Linking up at the following awesome blogs:
Bloom Designs Link Party
Lil' Luna Link Party 96
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Sweet & Salty Falltime Mix

Fall is my favorite time of year! You get to pull out your comfy sweaters, go to the apple orchard, carve pumpkins and watch the scenery change. I remember making "leaf houses" when I was a kid! Too bad we don't have a lot of full grown trees yet for my kids to do the same!
Fall is also a great time to snack! I mean there are football games, bonfires, etc...and I've got the perfect go-to falltime snack! It's quick and easy to put together and is ALWAYS a hit!
Take dry roasted peanuts, m-n-m's, candy corn and Bugles and mix them together. That's it! Put in as much of each as you'd like--or add in some of your other favorite things--like raisins, dried cranberries or pretzels.
I put this little baggie together for the kids to give to their teachers today! I got the tags from here and printed them off, cut them in a circle, punched a hole and tied it up with bakers twine.

What's your favorite falltime snack?

Cindy 
Wonderful Food Wednesday at @ Home Take 2.
Motivate Me Monday at Keeping It Simple.
Linky Party, Pity Party #106 at Thirty Handmade Days.
Strut Your Stuff at Six Sisters' Stuff. 

DIY Kitchen Art

Ever since watching the show Cougar Town, I've wanted to add an EAT sign in my kitchen.

Well, I finally do! It's my own version to go with my "vineyard" theme kitchen. I love how simple it was and how cute it looks! I have this narrow space between the laundry room door and the pantry doors. I think this is the perfect DIY art piece for that space!

I found the letters at JoAnn Fabric's for $1 a piece, and bought two 12x12 scrapbook papers in a pattern that I liked that also coordinated with my kitchen decor. I opted not to go with 3 different patterns, but I think that would be cute too.
I traced the letters on the paper and cut it out. I painted the letters a burgundy so the sides of the letters would match the design on the paper. When the paint was dry, I put a layer of modge podge on the letters and carefully placed the paper on top. Let dry. Next, I sanded down the paper edges to give it a more rustic look. I added puddy on the back of the letters and stuck them on the wall. My husband isn't fond of nail holes, so this made him happy. The letters are light enough and so far they haven't moved (even with all that humidity we had this summer)!
I am thrilled with how they turned out! Have you done a DIY art piece? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy 
Look What I Made at Creations by Kara
Home Stories A to Z Link Party.
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog.
Motivate Me Monday at Keeping It Simple.
Strut Your Stuff at Six Sisters' Stuff.
Linky Party, Pity Party #106 at Thirty Handmade Days.
Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatortots and Jell-O. 

Tasty Tuesday--5 Minute Minty Ice Cream Pie

Last week was my husband's birthday. He turned 39. He had a simple request for his birthday dessert--Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream (ahhh...a man after my own heart, no wonder we've been together for EVER!). But, I can't do simple. I wasn't going to give him a bowl of ice cream, no way. I had to add my special touch! And you can too--this is super easy, but looks amazing.
Here it goes:

For this pie you will need:
1 container of mint chocolate chip ice cream
1/4 cup sugar free hot fudge sauce, heated
1 Chocolate pie crust
12 Andes Candies
2 large Peppermint Patty Candies
Magic Shell

Take ice cream out of the freezer and put to the side to use in a minute. Chop up candies into bite size pieces. Pour hot fudge sauce on bottom of prepared pie crust. Scoop thawed ice cream into pie crust (on top of hot fudge sauce). Smooth ice cream out to your liking. Sprinkle chopped candies on top. Drizzle with Magic Shell. Put back into freezer until you are ready to serve. For best results, take pie out of freezer about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delicious dessert, perfect for any occassion!

You can twist this pie into your own creation. Really, the sky is the limit. If you don't care for mint chocolate chip, you can substitute your favorite flavor. Just think of the concoctions you could create: cookie dough ice cream, chopped up chocolate chips, chocolate bars, etc. OR peanut butter ice cream with chopped up peanut butter cups and Reese's pieces...ooh...I see another post in my future!

Let me know what combo's you would put together!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy 
Lady Behind the Curtain Cast Party Wednesday 
Christy's Cuties Tip-toe Thru Tuesday 
Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatortots and Jell-O.
Hookin' Up with HOH #117
Bloom Designs Link Party
Linked up at Riverton Housewives Roundup #33

It's SUNDAY! Free Printable!

In honor of Football Sunday, I created this fun subway artwork. Put it in a cute frame and put it on your snack table for the big games today!
Like it? Please share it!

Now, let's play ball!

 Bloom Designs Link Party
Sundae Scoop Link Party! at I Heart Nap Time. 
Linked Up at Riverton Housewive Round Up #33
Hookin' Up with  HOH #117

It's the weekend!

Happy Friday!

It's finally the weekend! I feel like this week really dragged on and on! This weekend is busy, as usual! What are your plans? 
I'm hoping to post a crafty project I did as well as a yummy treat to share with you on Tasty Tuesday.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cindy

39 candles

Today is my hubby's birthday. He turns 39. We are so lucky to have him! He works hard protecting the public and then comes home to protect us. He is a great dad. He is a great partner. And I hope today, he realizes how much he is loved.

If you see Darren today, wish him a Happy Birthday!

Cindy
 

All things Fall

Well, since Fall is here, I thought I'd create a little subway art to share with you. Just right click on the picture and choose the option to print. Or, leave me your email address and I will send you the file.

Happy Fall Y'all!

fall subway art by crazylou

Cindy

This post was linked up with Hookin Up with HoH #116.
And also at Bloom Designs Link Party.
Strutin' My Stuff at Six Sisters' Stuff.

Tasty Tuesday-Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies

It's some kind of illness, I'm sure, my obsession with mint chocolate anything! I love all things that have the yumminess of mint and chocolate. These brownies will not disappoint. Besides the mint chocolate chips, you probably have everything in your pantry to make these.

 Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
adapted from My Baking Addiction

12 Tbls. Unsalted Butter
1.5 c. sugar
2/3 c. cocoa powder
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. dark chocolate mint chips; divided

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. (this is the first time I did this--clean up was a breeze and the brownies were much easier to cut and serve!)
Warm butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add the sugar and stir well. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder.
In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs and vanilla. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl and whisk in with the eggs and vanilla until well combined. Gently stir in the flour and salt. Try not to over mix the batter. Fold in 3/4 cups of the mint chips.
Spoon batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top with spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chips on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes (mine took 38 minutes). Do not over bake. Cool completely and enjoy!

What shall I try next? Hmmm...tune in next Tuesday to find out!

Cindy

This post was linked up with Hookin Up with HoH #116.
Strutin' My Stuff at Six Sisters' Stuff.

Sundae Scoop Link Party! at I Heart Nap Time.
Wonderful Food Wednesday at @Home Take 2. 

Give Me Strength

How am I going to deal with the teen years when I can't deal with the drama of a ten year old? Today, after an hour of curling her hair (school pictures were today!), it looked horrible. With five minutes to go before the school bus arrived, I brushed it out and tried to repair the mess. Ugh, the tears, the yelling, the talking back. It's my "Welcome to 5th Grade" party--although I never asked to be invited.

Look how sweet and beautiful she was:

And still is today...

Oh man, give me strength to deal with this strong-willed, talented and beautiful girl!


Cindy

Butterfly Canvas Art

I've been a "blog stalker" for about two years now. I love reading and being inspired by so many talented people. I love their creativity and how they express it. It's because of them that I started my own blog. This is my outlet. I'm starved for creativity at work, so in my spare time--that's what I do--create.
This project has been one of my all time favorites! It was inspired by this blog, who was inspired by this blog ...who probably inspired many other people, too! It was fun, easy and enjoyable for Hailey and I to do together. We added our own touch to it but putting a quote on it that we felt was fitting.
Here is our version of the Butterfly Canvas:

Butterfly Canvas by crazylou

Supplies needed:

Canvas (ours was 8x10)
Craft paint (any color)
Paper punch--we followed the butterfly theme, but you could do hearts or anything, really!
Watercolors & paint brush
Hot Glue Gun
Optional: Cricut paper cutting machine for quote (or stickers)

Pick the color of the paint that you would like your canvas to be. We wanted ours to be a lime green color. Have kids paint the canvas in even layers. Let dry. Meanwhile, the kids can watercolor the paper, painting with or without a pattern. Less water makes for brighter colors. Let dry. Punch out as many butterflies as you can or that you think you may need. This was fun for the kids! Now, begin hot gluing. This is recommended to be done by the adults unless you have a low temp glue gun. Arrange your butterflies on the canvas. We chose to do ours on an angle, as if they were flying off the canvas. Next, we decided to add a quote that we like. This is optional. I used my Cricut Cutting machine to cut out the letters and then Modge Podge them on the canvas. Next time, I think I will use vinyl!

This project of ours was featured on www.rockfordparent.com a few months back too! 

Thanks for checking in!

Cindy

 Home Stories A to Z Link Party.
This was posted to the Hookin' Up with House of Hepworth's!

 

 

 

Tasty Tuesday--Grilled Tomato & Basil Pizza

Grilled Tomato & Basil Pizza

What a simple and fun summer dinner! In our hectic lives, I'm always trying to find quick and healthy dinner solutions. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Here's what you'll need:

Pizza Dough (I used dough from our local UBake, but you could use your own or one from a tube)
Olive Oil
Sliced Fresh Garden Tomatoes
Fresh Basil Leaves
Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Chopped Garlic (I just used the jar garlic)

Follow the instructions for preparing your pizza dough (I had to have mine rise, which I did while I was at work). Roll out the dough to your desired thickness.

Preheat the grill --ours is gas, so it took about 5 minutes. I brushed olive oil on both sides of the dough and the grill.  Turn down the heat of the grill to about Medium. Now your ready to put the dough on the grill. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, watching it closely. When it starts to puff up and bubble a bit and is golden down on the bottom, flip it over. Working quickly, put a bit of chopped garlic down first, then the tomatoes, basil and topped it off with the cheeses. Close the grill and wait about 2-3 minutes. I turned my pizza a few times around various spots on the grill so that it would cook evenly;  about 2-3 more minutes. Carefully take the pizza off the grill, slice and eat! It was delicious. I also made a turkey pepperoni one for the kids. They both tried this one and said it was surprisingly good. Not sure what that meant, really, but I'll take it!

Have you ever grilled pizza? What's your favorite toppings? I'm looking forward to doing my ultimate favorite pizza--BBQ Chicken! Can't wait!

Cindy 
Linked up at Wonderful Food Wednesday at @Home Take 2.