Wednesday, October 31, 2012

October Book Reviews

The Lost Stories by John Flanagan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a book of short stories with the characters from the Ranger's Apprentice books. It reminded me how much I like this world John Flanagan has created. I liked the short stories. It kind of gave an idea of what the rangers might do when they're not off on a big adventure.





Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fun, quick read. Perfect for tweens or teens. I think this one was my favorite so far in this series.








 Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families by Kevin M. Gilmartin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is recommended reading to my husband's police force and their spouses.
Very interesting read. It talked a lot about something called hypervigilance. Basically when officers are on duty their senses are extremely alert for any possible danger. As a result, when they are off duty their senses are dulled and that can cause problems in their relationships.
It also talks about officers making their career their identity, which also causes problems.

It was all very interesting and it all made sense. However there was only one chapter on what to do to combat the cycle. It talked about how exercise helps. Then basically said take responsibility for your actions and behaviors and don't make your job your life.{duh!} It felt a little lopsided, lots of info explaining what officers go through, but not much advice on how to deal with it.


Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was one of those quick, feel-good love stories. I love that on the cover of the book there's a little ribbon across the top that says "A proper romance". And it was that, there was nothing inappropriate in it.
This type of book always reminds me of the dating and engagement period of my life - you know, when the other person can do no wrong. And it kind of brings those feelings back.


Hell's Corner by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book, but I can't think of much to say about it. It's basically a mystery. I would recommend reading the other books in the series first so you get to know the characters.




Monday, October 29, 2012

Terrific Tuesdays #39

Are you all ready for Halloween? Do you make your own costumes? This year we made one, bought one and are reusing two. My kids are being a witch, Mario, a cat, and a care bear. We are planning on carving pumpkins tonight.

Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:
Cloth Napkins by JAQS Studio



Some of my favorites this week: {I was hungry again this week when I was looking through the links}
Cookies 'n Cream Magic Bars by Crazy for Crust
What a great twist on magic bars. And you know I'm gonna love anything with sweetened condensed milk in it. Which brings us to our next feature...

Homemade Caramel Dip by My Biscuits are Burning
I can personally vouch for this recipe. I tried it on Thursday and it is so good that I've been snitching spoonfuls of it out of the fridge. It's also super easy. It's definitely a keeper.


Corn and Potato Chowder by Inspired by Family Magazine

I'm so ready for a cozy warm dinner like this. We've had a few cold snaps, but then the temperature comes back up.



Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.
Here are my guidelines:
1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops, or link parties please.
2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.
3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.


Friday, October 26, 2012

Three Things to Can with Apples




This is my final canning post for this year. Be sure to check out my canning tips before getting started. 

This year my mother-in-laws tree was overflowing with apples. I grabbed 10 grocery sacks full of apples. We have eaten lots, made apple pies and apple crisp. But mostly I canned them and made dried apples.

Applesauce

Two of my kids love applesauce. I love to use it as a substitute for oil in recipes.

 Applesauce is fairly easy, just a little time consuming. I did a full tutorial last year on how to make pear sauce and applesauce is made the same way. If you're interested in making applesauce check out that tutorial.

Apple Pie Filling 

This was something new I tried this year. We've tasted it and it turned out amazing.  I think I'll add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg next time though. Remember when I made Cherry Pie Filling? Well, I got the recipe from the same source. 

Sliced Apples

Sliced apples are quite simple as well. First core and peel and slice the apples. {I have one of those tools where you turn the handle and it does all three} To prevent browning, place in a large bowl that has been filled with water and 1 T. each of salt and vinegar. Then place apples in jars. Fill with water and process in water bath canner for 25 minutes adjusting for altitude. I use these in apple crisp.

I also tried apple juice - lets just say that after a full day of steam juicing, I only got 6 quarts. We tried one jar last week and had to add some sugar and it still wasn't all that great. I like to do a lot of things myself, but I won't be trying to make apple juice ever again;)



  

Thursday, October 25, 2012

30 cute girls hairstyles - free printable booklet



When it's time to fix the girls hair, I generally ask them how they want it. 90% of the time I get "Just do it in a ponytail" While that is fast and easy, there are lots of other styles that are just as quick. I just can never think of them right at the moment I'm fixing hair.  Does this happen to any of you?


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Caramel Fruit Dip

This recipe is super quick and easy. You can have it made in under five minutes. Sometimes when things don't go as planned, you need a five minute recipe to fall back on.



Monday, October 22, 2012

Terrific Tuesdays #38

Last week I got the yard all ready for winter. I pulled out the dying flowers and garden and weeded it all one last time. I also planted some tulip bulbs. Now is the time to do it. I've been wanting to plant some more for several years, and I just kept forgetting or it was too cold and I didn't want to. I'm excited to see them come up in the spring.



Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:
Embroidery Hoop Pin Cushion by Yellow Spool



Some of my favorites this week:

Pumpkin Pie Muddy Buddies by What's Cooking, Love?
Can I tell you how much I love muddy buddies? I've tried the cake batter version too and love them. So I know I'm gonna love these pumpkin pie flavored ones. She added something special to the powdered sugar too. Go check it out.


Salted Caramel Sauce by The Farm Girl Recipes
 I can't wait to try this recipe. It looks delicious.

"Cream of Anything" Soup by A Heart-ful Home
We go through way too much cream soups. I immediately printed off this recipe. It looks so easy and I have everything on hand. Great money saver!



Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.
Here are my guidelines:
1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops, or link parties please.
2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.
3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.



Saturday, October 20, 2012

Home Canned Spahetti Sauce

Spaghetti Sauce is a staple at our house, especially in the winter months. And this is so much tastier than store bought. It is packed with flavor.

 I found the recipe at Taste of Home. The only thing I changed, was to omit the oil. I am a little leery of canning oils, unless I pressure cook them. Besides, why add all the extra fat and calories.

Click here for my canning tips.



Friday, October 19, 2012

Home Canned Picante Sauce

It seems that the entire month of September was spent canning.  I think I am done for this year, except to make another few batches of raspberry jam.  Now, I'm trying to get caught up with sharing all of that canning with you.

So here's another tomato canning recipe for you all.  This is called Connie's Picante Sauce. Before you get started, be sure to check out my canning tips.

Picante Sauce is very similar to salsa.


 My husband LOVES this sauce. I think it has a bit too much chili powder, but I can adjust that next time I make it.




Thursday, October 18, 2012

Disneyland Autograph Books

Some of my long time followers might remember that almost a year ago, we went to Disneyland. Well, I made my kids some little autograph books. And last month I finally printed out our pictures from that trip and finished the books. My kids love them.

I know that you can buy autograph books there, but these were so much more economical and personal too.  These were the perfect size to take. I think they're about 4x4.


 I started out with these little books that I had gotten for insanely cheap. I think it was a quarter a piece.


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Baptism {Scrap} Booklet

Last month my son was baptized. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We believe that children become accountable and are ready for baptism when they are 8 years old. They also receive a special blessing called a Confirmation, where they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I wanted him to remember this special day, so I made him a little booklet. I think this is a great idea for any special occasion. The kids love to look at them and it's easy to do.


Monday, October 15, 2012

Terrific Tuesdays #37

The most exciting news I have to share this week is that I got a new dishwasher!!! We have been without one for over 6 months. I'm loving it!

My little one got her tonsils out on Friday. She's doing well. She's back to eating and being her cute little self again.


Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:


Canning Lid Pumpkin by Fun Home Things
So cute and easy too!

Some of my favorites this week:

Chocopots by Chocolate, Chocolate and more
I gotta try this! 


Entry Bench Remodel by The Chirping Moms
I love this fabric. And it looks so easy, head over to see how she did it. 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle by Turtles and Tails

These look so pretty! As well as tasty!



Saturday, October 13, 2012

Reversible Bead Board Pumpkins

Last year I showed you how to make these super cute reversible bead board pumpkins. Since I have not made any new fall decor this year, I thought I'd share this again.



 For complete instructions go here.


Friday, October 12, 2012

How to Can Deer Meat

 About two weeks ago, my husband came home with a deer. We already have a freezer full of elk meat, so what else do you do with it? Well we make bottled deer meat. It comes out super tender and with the addition of peppers and onions, it is super flavorful as well.

Want to know how I can deer meat?



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Hand Made Jewelry - Prima Bead Product Review

I received a jewelry kit from Prima Bead in exchange for my honest review.



I received this kit:

Included were enough beads, chain, cord, findings and charms to make 2 necklaces, 4 bracelets and 2 sets of earrings{If you follow their instructions}. Also included were a 3 in one jewelry tool, jewelry making mat and jewelry patterns.

I love to make jewelry, but I must admit I have a hard time coming up with my own ideas of what to make. So this was perfect for me. It came with instructions! It was a great starting point for me. I made a few things following the instructions and a few I changed up a bit. I ended up making only 1 necklace, but I made more bracelets and earrings.

Here's what I made:


Monday, October 8, 2012

Terrific Tuesdays #36

Last week was one full of canning. Monday, I canned grape juice.  Tuesday, I cut up the deer meat to be ready to can. {My husband usually does this, but he had stitches in his finger. It made me appreciate that he normally does it.}Wednesday, I canned the deer meat. Thursday I took a break and celebrated my baby's birthday. She's 3 now! Friday, I canned applesauce.  This week I feel like just puttering around, doing only what I feel like.


Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:
Pantry Organization by Candace Craves


Some of my favorites this week:
USA Quilt by While Wearing Heels
This is amazing! It looks like it was a lot of work, but the end result is so worth it.

Bumble Bee Skirt by Notions from Nonny
This skirt looks super easy. Head on over to see how she whipped one up in no time.

Rainbow Circle Skirt by Sewing The Littleheart Collection
This is just too cute! And she has a great tutorial so you can make your own.


Friday, October 5, 2012

Home Canned Pizza Sauce

We have had tons of tomatoes this year. Last year I canned pizza sauce and we really liked it, so I decided to make some more this year. Be sure to check out my canning tips before you get started.

Here's what you need to make your own pizza sauce:

Thursday, October 4, 2012

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

September Book Reviews

It's that time again. Time for book reviews. I'd love to hear what you've been reading. I'm always looking for a good book to read. Here's what I've been reading in the last month.




Rena's Promise: A Story of Sisters in Auschwitz by Rena Kornreich Gelissen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This true story pulled me right in. Except for high school history class, I knew next to nothing about the Holocaust. It was hard to read emotionally. To think that people were treated as if they weren't even human beings. How people could treat another person so cruelly and think that it was somehow ok is beyond me. It's amazing that Rena lived through it. In the middle of the book there were some pictures of Rena and her sister soon after they were freed. Their eyes were haunting. I can't even fathom going through what they did. It helps to put my own life in perspective. How grateful I am to live such a blessed life. After reading this, it has made my own challenges and difficulties miniscule.



A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable read. It was very interesting to read about city life in the early 1900's. It's about a girl growing up in Brooklyn and about making the best of things and over coming hardships. This would be a great book club book, as there is a lot to think about as you read the book.



Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is definitely a quick easy read. It's about a group of women whose husbands are deployed to Afghanistan. They get together each week, become friends and help each other out through their different difficulties.

At a certain point in the book, I became very annoyed with two of the characters. Without giving to much away, they each had life changing things happening to them and they didn't tell their husbands FOREVER. One of their reasons was that they were too far away to help, so they didn't want to bother them. That makes sense when it's something trivial that is upsetting, but I would be super ticked if I was left in the dark about something major. At the very least they could offer support and advice.

Another thing it made me think about was the tendency of women to want to do it all and not ask for help when they need it. Most women I know would help right away if they knew they were needed, so why do we always think we need to struggle through challenges on our own?



The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great love story! It makes you think about the real meaning of love, more than just the romance of it.
It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes:
“True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller

The last sentence bugged me. What that sentence implied seemed unrealistic. I don't know how to say any more than that without spoiling it.




The Magic of Ordinary Days
by Ann Howard Creel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not much to say about this one. I liked it well enough to finish it. It was a little slow at times. I didn't see much "magic" until the end. Mostly it was just "ordinary".


Monday, October 1, 2012

Terrific Tuesdays #35

As you might remember, I've been working non-stop on my kids scrapbooks. I've completed my two oldest kids books. I'm nearly done with my 5 year old's book - I'm caught up to last year at this time. Then I have my {almost} 3 year old's and my own left to do. I was going to work really hard on it this week and get them done. BUT, my husband came home with a deer. So now I have to bottle deer meat. I also went and picked some grapes and more apples. So I have a full week of canning ahead of me. Maybe next week I can get the scrapbooking all done.


Now on to the party!

The most viewed link:

Lego Crayons by 2 Little Superheros
So fun! My kids would love these!

Some of my favorites this week:
Floating {Cheesecloth} Ghost by Love and Laundry
I remember having one of these growing up! I totally want to make one with my kids. 


Candy Corn Star Burst by Mom on Timeout.
This looks so neat! It would be a very expensive addition to my fall decor. 


 "Boo" Decoration by Tessacotton 
What a  clever way to use wreaths!







Now let's see all the terrific things you've been up to.
Here are my guidelines:
1. Link up any projects, crafts, or recipes you have blogged about recently. You can definitely link up several projects. No shops or link parties please.
2. Comment, comment, comment.  My vision for this link party is not to link and go. Please comment on two other links.
3. I'd love for you to follow my blog.{This is not required, but I’d love for you to take a minute and check it out.} Also if you're so inclined, you can follow me on facebook and pinterest as well.

4. Display my button somewhere on your blog - in the post, the sidebar, or on a party page.