Christmas goodies

 

 

This is from a swap over a My Treasured Friends.  Chris G. sent me these awesome goodies!  The small wrapped package ended up being a gorgeous necklace! Loved all my goodies!! Thank you so much Chris!! 

Outgoing mail

 

I worked on Christmas Cards for several days.  Here is a photo of what I am sending out this go round.  I love decorated envelopes and hope that everyone loved them as well.  Do you make your envelopes cute when sending out your Christmas Cards? 

I will be glad once pen pal letters start rolling in after the holidays! I always love getting happy mail!

Everyone have a blessed Christmas!

Christmas Decorations

 

 

Am working on getting our small tree decorated! It looks sad here but I do plan on adding more stuff to tree.  Last year I didn't decorate at all so am proud of getting this little bit done. I want to add some beads and tinsel to the tree.  I also think when I plug it in the lights will help it look much better. I love snowmen of all kinds. 

 

 

My treasured Friends Pen Pal Group

                                          My Treasured Friends Group

Hello! I am in this wonderful group.  We just did a Christmas Swap.  I got Chris G as my partner.

 

 

This is what I sent her.  Am hoping she will like it.  I sent  items that I like. I wrapped the package in wrapping paper and made sure to tape it well.  I wanted her to have a festive looking box when she picks up her mail at the post office.  I am all about making my mail cute and colorful these days!

Do any of you do mail art? I just usually add lots of cute stickers to my mail.  Sometimes I will make a cute envelope out of scrapbook paper. Just depends on how much time I have!

Outgoing Cards

I am trying to finish up on my Christmas Cards.  It seems to take me more time to fill out my cards as I try to write in them and decorate them with stickers.  I want my card to look like a gift by its self. I know that's crazy.

Here's a few that I have sent out a few weeks ago.  My favorite is the red one.  I didn't want to show addresses on here out of respect for my pen pals. 

I need to take a photo of my Christmas cards I have received this year.  I tape them to the back of a door in my living room so I can enjoy them.

 

 

Hello December!!

 


Wow! Where does the time go?  I am not sure I am ready for December to be here.  Looks like I had better get my rear in gear and get everything accomplished that is on my list.

*Christmas Cards
*Make cookies, candy, fudge
*Clean the house extra good (by Wednesday night!)
*Get some of the gifts wrapped
*Keep my car extremely clean! (this is the hardest thing for me to do)
*Make menu out for this the week. Then go buy everything I need.



My cousin made some awesome fudge the other day. I am going to look up the recipe and make it for my family as well!

Three Step Fudge
2 (9 ounce) bags milk chocolate melts

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup chopped pecans

2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. Microwave chocolate and milk in large bowl on HIGH for 2 min., stirring after each minute.
2. Stir in pecans and vanilla.
3. Spread evenly in foil-lined 8-inch square pan.
4. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
5. Store, covered at room temperature.

As most everyone knows I love easy and fast! Blenda thanks so much for sharing this recipe with me! My three boys love fudge. 

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Need to get busy with some holiday cooking!!

Saving Money!!

 

 

I went shopping with my coupons and this is what I bought.  It would have been 100.00 but I paid $25.00 for it all!  I also got back $16.00 in register rewards!  I am so loving Walgreen's.  I did multiple transactions so I could roll the register rewards to get the most out of my money.  I know I probably could have done better but had Aaron and Alexis with me.  From now on for the bigger hauls I think I will go by myself.  I don't think very clearly when I am distracted. 

I am using the 3 mouthwashes, 3 toothpaste and 3 toothbrushes in my baskets for my boys.  I have other items I will be putting in the baskets as well. 

My Treasured Friends swap

This is what my partner Betty sent me for the fall swap.  I loved it all! Snuggle socks, postcard, stickers and gift tags, gingerbread tea, book and a handkerchief Wonderful items!.

 

I belong to a wonderful group on Facebook called My Treasured Friends.  It's a pen pal type group. I am loving everyone in the group.  They treat me like I have always been a part of their group when in fact I have only been a member for a few months.

Blake is 23 today!

My oldest son is 23 years old! I am so proud of the man he is becoming. 

I just had to share some of the pictures I have of him.  This last one of him and Logan has to be one of my favorites! 
Blake hope your birthday was as awesome as you are son!! Moma loves you very much!

Snow Day!

The area schools have closed today! Which means I am staying home as well! I've been on a roll and have been making my Christmas Cards out.  I also wrote several pen pals as well. I am so trying to stay current with pen pal letters plus write back to pals I've neglected the last several months. I think I am doing a great job so far.  Chipping  down the incoming mail pile feels good.



I actually have been home alone since Thursday evening.  It has been a blessing for me.  Normally my bonus son is here with me 24/7.  He took a road trip to Tyler Texas.  I am so proud of him.  He took the bus and had some hiccups along the way but he made it.  He is very use to his mom and
Mr. C. taking care of him.  His mom did call the bus station to check up on him..uugh.  At this rate no wonder he isn't mature.. Just saying. 



I am thinking about trying to make some homemade Christmas cards.  I know I can do it I just need to go get the right supplies for the project.  May put this on my list for next year.

I am going to make a Christmas Junk Journal! I do have all the supplies to start it.  So will start working on that soon. 

You will never believe that I cleaned up my craft room yesterday!! It looks 100 percent better.  I bet Mr. C. will love how it looks when he comes home,  I was NOT going into that room cause I was overwhelmed and it was looking like a junk room.  No way could I even think about creating in that horrible mess that I had made thru the last many months.  It isn't perfect but it looks so good. What a weight lifted off my shoulders. 

Fall time thoughts:Scenic Byways and salted Caramel

🍂 Scenic Drives, Salted Caramel, and All the Fall Feels 🍁

 

Fall is here, and I’m absolutely soaking it all in! Watching the leaves slowly shift into those golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds is one of my favorite simple joys. I’ve always wanted to take the Talimena National Scenic Byway just to experience those breathtaking views in person. It’s about a 5-hour drive one way, so it would definitely be a “pack your bag and stay the night” kind of trip. I’m not about to be driving home in the dark super tired—better safe than sorry!

Truth is, I love everything about this season. Can you tell? 😂 The cooler weather, the cozy sweaters, and of course all the seasonal flavors (give me all things salted caramel, please and thank you). That first sip of a salted caramel latte just feels like fall in a cup.

I still haven’t decorated my house for fall, though! We did get the store decorated, which is more important right now, but by the time I get home I don’t have the energy to dig through the totes in the shop. Honestly, what I really need is my own personal decorator to sprinkle pumpkins, leaves, and cozy vibes all around my living room. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

One thing I do try to do, even if I don’t get the full décor out, is bring little touches of fall inside—like a salted caramel candle burning in the evening or a cozy throw blanket ready on the couch for when the evenings turn chilly. Even something small makes a big difference in creating that fall feeling at home.

So whether it’s a scenic road trip, sipping a fall drink, or simply slowing down to enjoy the crisp air, I’m here for it all this season. 🍂

 Fall is here! Am enjoying watching the leaves change colors.  I have always wanted to do the Talimena National Scenic Byway to check out the great views.  Wish Mr.C. was into road trips just to enjoy the scenic view.  Yes this is on my bucket list!! I know to get there it is like a 4 hour trip one way.  So really I think it would be best if you stayed the night somewhere.  I hate to drive home in the dark super tired.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe it's already Halloween!  Have seen some really cool people dressed up for the occasion around Marlow Oklahoma this morning.  I am not one to dress up for Halloween but I sure enjoy the ones who do dress up for the holiday.



Anyone making any special treats for this special day?  I sure want to but am running out of time.  Am thinking about making some Pumpkin Loaf.



Elizabeth Chambers' Bird Bakery Pumpkin Pecan Breakfast Loaf
5 cups all-purpose flour
4 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons fine salt
3 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 large organic eggs
1 cup water
29 ounces organic pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups pecans, halved, plus extra chopped finely for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the oil and water. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the pumpkin, mixing well.
Pour the liquid mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Once combined, stir in the pecans.
Spray loaf tins with cooking spray and line with parchment, leaving about 2 inches of excess on either side. Pour the batter until the tin is 3/4 of the way full, smoothing the top. Bake for 1 hour, 15 minutes, adding chopped pecans to the top after 1 hour (cover with foil if over-browning). Transfer pan to wire rack and let cool completely. Slice in one-inch pieces and serve. Enjoy!






Pretzel rods
Halloween sprinkles
Ready-to-make bags of chocolate (Available at Michaels) or a bag of semi-sweet chocolates
A cooling rack (The perfect size to stand up the pretzels to cool)
Icing bags & nozzle
In a small bowl melt chocolate for 40 seconds in the microwave - no longer as if the chocolate gets too hot, it becomes unworkable.
Tilting the bowl towards you, dip the pretzel rod all the way into the bowl, very slowly twisting it on your way out. This will give the chocolate a smoother finish.
While chocolate is still wet, decorate with your sprinkles of choice. If drizzling, drizzle across the top of the sprinkles.
Place on rack to cool.



2 parts Sauza Blue Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
1/2 part DeKuyper Mixologist Collection Ginger
6 parts apple cider
1/2 part real pumpkin puree
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Small lemon sliced into wheels
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Dash of fresh ground nutmeg
In a non-reactive sauce pan, combine all ingredients except the whipped cream and heat just until steam rises then lower heat to keep warm. To serve, ladle into coffee mugs, top with whipped cream, and dust with fresh ground nutmeg.

All these look so yummy!  I always enjoy a adult cocktail.  I collect a ton of recipes for beverages but tend not to make very many of them.

Everyone have a Happy and Safe Halloween! 

Pumpkin Patch

Went with Blake, Jessica and Logan and Jessica's mom to the Pumpkin Patch.  We really had a great time! I had been wanting to go to one for ever.  Having a small 3 year old in your world sure helps you to do things you have been putting off. Seeing the excitement in Logan's eyes is worth a million dollars. I wouldn't trade that boy for anything! 



We had a great day!  Am glad Blake and Jessica let me be part of there day.  Although I have forgotten how much energy a 3 year old boy has...Wow! I was ready for a nap by the time I got home..

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (any % you choose)
• 4 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso
• canned whipped cream

Instructions

1. Add the milk, pumpkin, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice to a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring almost to a boil, stirring constantly - if you allow it to boil it will get thick (yuck). Whisk the mixture until it starts to froth, about 1 minute. Divide milk mixture between two mugs. Add the coffee slowly down the side so you don’t disturb the milk froth, add a squirt of whipped cream and a pinch more of the pumpkin pie spice and enjoy.

Notes

NOTE: Keep a spoon on hand, because of the thick nature of pumpkin puree, you will want to stir the latte occasionally to keep it from getting thick at the bottom of your mug.

Another Note: To get a good thick froth, you can add COLD pumpkin mixture to a large glass mason jar. Cap and shake vigorously. When you have a good froth, REMOVE CAP and microwave the milk mixture to desired temperature. Never leave the cap on and do not shake a capped jar with hot liquid or you will get injured.

Read more at http://www.farmgirlgourmet.com/2012/11/pumpkin-spiced-latte.html#rWYGQj1Rxm3lP1Az.99 

I love fall time and all the fall recipes! I could drink pumpkin spice latte every day.. Love farmgirlgourmet.com and this recipe seems like it would be so easy to make homemade!