Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap Year

February 29 is a date that usually occurs every four years, and is called leap day. This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure, because the earth does not orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days.

That is the shortened explanation of why we have to add an extra day to our calendar every four years. All the other information I read was way too much.

Do you have a Leap Year or Leap Day celebration?
We do not celebrate Leap Year or Leap Day,
but if we did I am sure the theme would include frogs.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Wall Decor

In the bedroom where we stay, when visiting my Mom, these sconces with perfume bottles and necklaces hang on each side above the bed. Directly over the bed is a beautiful oil painting. This is pretty simple to make a decorating change in a bedroom or bathroom. My mom has a knack for doing things that look neat and don't cost an arm an a leg.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Pork Chops

My husband found this huge package of assorted loin pork chops with a reduced sticker making them $1.59 a pound. He brought them home and fixed the 4 best ones, by just cooking in the skillet with a little bit of oil to get them brown.

Then he took the others and cut them into little pieces and put in the bottom of the crock pot. He sprinkled the crock pot pork with liquid smoke, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper and minced dried onions. Then he put a 2 pound package of pinto beans in with the meat and cooked all day (10 hours).It was the best beans ever!
This is just a box of mac and cheese that he added a handful of extra grated cheese.
This was one simple meal and really good meal.
I just had the mac and cheese, a pork chop and jalapeno pepper.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Shadow Box

Mom found this old picture frame years ago and had it made into a SHADOW BOX.
Four pieces of plywood were attached to the back and then to the frame.
Four strips of wood were attached to the inside,
of the outer edge, of the "box" to hold the shelves.
Two boards were cut to fit inside the "box" and made the shelves.
I never figured out why she didn't paint the inside of the Shadow Box.
This would be a fairly easy project if you had scraps of wood and a frame.
The Shadow Boxes of my youth had mirror in the back to reflect the objects inside.
You will need to find them in Antique Stores!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Friday Foto

Sister-In-Law, Husband, Daughter and Me
Last Friday I posted a photograph of the awesome light fixtures in this photo.
I took the photo from standing under it and looking UP.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Happy Cat

I received this catnip newsletter in the mail, and it has some good information for us cat lovers. Note the information about signing up to receive the newsletter http://www.tuftscatnip.com/ and to purchase the Happy Cat, Happy You book by Arden Moore frrom http://www.tuftsbooks.com/. Also, a toll free number to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at the bottom.



Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Avocados

I got a package at work from my mother and this is what was inside!
My mom knows how much I LOVE avocados.
To all you moms....
no matter how old your child happens to be you can still spoil them.
My mom is the best, and even if I am 58...she still spoils me:)
If you plan to ship avocados make sure you purchase firm ones that are still not ripe.
If you try to ship soft ripe ones they might turn to mush during the shipping.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Loretta Lynn 2-18-12

LORETTA LYNN - 50 YEARS!
I won tickets on KWEY Radio to attend the Loretta Lynn concert at Concho, Oklahoma.
My husband did not want to go so my daughter came to the concert with me.
I was excited, because my Aunt was also driving from Arkansas for the event, but
she did not know my daughter and I would be there!
My daughter took this photo and enhanced it on her cell phone!
We were like on the fifty yard line in a football field size building.
Free tickets are free tickets! Saved me $95
My Aunt was ten rows from the stage!
They bought their VIP section tickets...
I took this fuzzy photo with my point and shoot Kodak camera with the zoom on.
OMG...that dress was head to toe sparkle. I can't imagine how much it weighed.
This concert tour was so special, because Loretta Lynn was celebrating
50 YEARS OF BEING A COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND!
Camera photos and edit from my daughter.
I am amazed they turned out this good as far back as we were!
I love the way she added the music at the top of the photo.
This is a photo I snapped of my Aunt and my Daughter after the concert.

This was a "bucket list" event for me...I grew up listening to Loretta Lynn, getting to see her in person was just a once in a lifetime event!

50 YEARS OF ENTERTAINING
LORETTA LYNN IS AMAZING!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

New Great Grandson!

Introducing my new Great Grandson
Shawn Xavier Wilkerson
shown here with his mom Lacey
He is the son of my grandson Jonathon Ray Wilkerson

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday Foto

Look up for photo opportunities.
This photo is awesome enlarged and framed.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Callie Ann the Computer Cat

WHO ME?
I am in your way?
What do you mean move!
You can't see, because of my tail?
Really?
Here is the mouse....I will get it for you.
Stop telling me to get down...
I am NOT on the keyboard this time!
Just type you don't need to see.
Callie Ann the Computer Cat

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Lentils Good for the Budget

Lentils are good for us, easy to prepare and inexpensive to incorporate in our food budgets. Lentils originated in India. There are a variety of lentils providing a great protein source, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Look for lentils at your store and give them a try. With everything getting so high, these will be a good alternative for our budgets. 
Red Lentils: require no soaking and are quick to cook. Easy to digest and perfect for soups, stews and Indian dal.

Yellow Lentils: require soaking and need a longer cooking time than the red lentils. To speed the process a pressure cooker can be used or break out the crockpot and let them simmer for the afternoon. When using a pressure cooker add a teaspoon of oil to prevent the scum from clogging the pressure valve.

Split-pea Lentils: a deep yellow color they have the same appearance as a green split pea and can be cooked in much the same manner, which requires time and watching. These lentils also can be cooked using a pressure cooker or crockpot, so do not let their cooking time put you off using them in your recipes.

Green Lentils: deep green in color and called mung beans in China, these lentils are perfect for sprouting or used in a wide variety of Asian and Indian recipes.

Black Lentils: often prepared in curry recipes, they are also used to make the lentil pancakes, poppadums and dosas.

Brown Lentils: most common type used in traditional lentil soup. When overcooked they turn to mush, which can work well when making a lentil pate.

French Green Lentils: small, flavorful and stay firm during long simmers. Great in salads, casseroles and stews.

Tips for Cooking Lentils

1. Place 1 cup of lentils in a strainer and rinse them well, making sure to remove any small stones or shriveled lentils.

2. Place in a heavy saucepan or soup pot, cover with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, skim off any foam and simmer until tender. Depending on the type of lentil cooking time can vary from 10 – 60 minutes. 1 cup dry lentils yields 21/4 cups cooked.

3. Since salt, as well as, tomatoes lengthen the cooking time of both lentils and beans add these ingredients towards the end of the cooking process rather than at the beginning. Cook the lentils and in a separate skillet sauté onion, garlic, ginger and spices and add them once the lentils are tender.

Using Herbs and Spices

Lentils work well in recipes that call for strong herbs and spices and long cooking vegetables such as carrots, onions and cabbage, which add a sweet taste; vegetarian sausage or whole grains for a stew like consistency; spinach, kale or Swiss chard when making lentil soup; and always celery, which compliments the small green lentils in a compatible marriage of flavors.

Italian style lentils: use the small but hearty French green lentils with onion, garlic, dried basil, thyme, oregano and red pepper flakes. Add vegetarian sausage or other protein of your choosing.

Cajun Style lentils: sauté onion and garlic in olive oil and add a mix of chili powder, paprika, allspice, cayenne and thyme. Add the rinsed green lentils and water, bring to a boil and simmer until tender. Salt to taste.

Indian Style Lentils: cook red lentils in water. Meanwhile sauté cumin seeds, curry powder, onion, garlic, and ginger in ghee or coconut oil. Add to lentils along with a handful of baby spinach and simmer until greens are cooked. Salt to taste.

French Style Lentils: sauté chopped leeks in olive oil in a heavy soup pot. Add rosemary, thyme, savory and basil, then green puy lentils and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Salt to taste.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine Wreath

This is the Valentine Wreath I made for my daughter. I found this 18" heart shaped wreath at the local second hand shop for $1.50. My daughter loves wreaths in her classroom and at home.
I already had a 9 foot spool of red ribbon that I had purchased for $1.00.
I wrapped the ribbon around the wreath using the ends to make the "hanger."
Next, I took glitter foam craft sheets purchased at the Dollar Tree and cut out hearts.
I glued the hearts on top of the wrapped wreath.
Easy and cheap! Valentine Wreath $3.00.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Weatherford Weather 2-12-12

Weatherford, OK 2-12-12 at 9:00 PM
SNOWING

Those of you who really do photography....how do you photograph snow at night? The stuff was blowing...getting my poor little Kodak and me wet...we never got off the front porch!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Rolo-Pretzel Candies

Rolo-Pretzel Candies
Rolo candy
Mini Pretzels
Pecans
preheat oven to 275 or 300 degrees
Place mini pretzels on sheet pan
Place Rolo candies on top of mini pretzels.
Place pecans on top of Rolo candy
Put in the oven for 2 or 3 minutes until cand softens
Take out of oven and push pecans down to squash the Rolo candy into pretzels.
Allow to cool and they are done!
Hardest part of this recipe is unwrapping the Rolo candy pieces.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Paul Newman Foundation

Go to www.newmansown.com/pizza and get a $1.00 off coupon for Newman's Own Pizza. Check out the other items on the site while you are there. I did not know about the Paul Newman foundation prior to finding this site. The pizza is made with all natural toppings, real mozzarella and extra-crispy crust in just 10 minutes. With all profits going to charity it is a win win situation.
Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation donates all net royalties and profits after taxes it receives from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $300 million to thousands of charities around the world.

Vision: A world where need is viewed as an opportunity to make a difference.

Newman’s Own Foundation is committed to honoring the spirit, values and philosophy of our founder, Paul Newman. We incorporate his personal style and principles into the way we do our work.

Paul’s approach, our approach…
•“Let’s give it all away.”
Paul Newman believed in sharing his good fortune with those in need. He never accepted any personal compensation from Newman’s Own, and donated every penny he earned from the sale of Newman’s Own products to charity. Newman’s Own Foundation is honored to continue this generous tradition.

•“The need is great and so are the opportunities to make a difference.”
Paul sought to make a meaningful difference by recognizing and pursuing opportunities where others only saw problems. Newman’s Own Foundation upholds this philosophy by partnering with leaders of action in their pursuit of the Common Good.

•“From the very beginning, I bucked tradition. When the experts said that something was “always done” in a certain way, I’d do it my own way.”
Newman’s Own Foundation refuses to be constrained by orthodoxy and safe thinking. We seek to find solutions to problems, and are prepared to back a good idea or to respond quickly to an urgent need.

•“While my taste for salad dressing is discerning, I’m a great believer that good ideas can come from the most unusual places.”
Paul welcomed input from staff and friends, and always sought to unearth and unleash transformative ideas and fresh solutions. He listened and so we listen. He asked and so we ask. He challenged his own beliefs and so we challenge ours. He sought and so we seek.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Friday Foto

Say something! Talk to me!
Lizzie Tu her first day at our house.
She was so little then.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Love Doll

I got this "Love Doll" from my friend for my birthday, but I think it would make an awesome valentine too! She added everything on the doll to go along with the card that was attached.
Check your crafting scraps and see if you have all the items listed!