Scripture Totes

I found a couple of other sites with super cute ideas of scripture totes. Here they are!

http://itsagirlthing1.blogspot.com/2009/09/scripture-toteanyone.html

http://scripturetotesbyloree.blogspot.com/

Anyone find a store with really cute placemats? I have heard Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, but I haven't looked yet.

Cinnabon Popcorn

12 c popcorn (natural; I use Orville Redenbacher's "natural" microwave popcorn)

1 c pecans

1 c brown sugar

3/4 t cinnamon

1/4 c karo syrup

1 stick butter

1/2 t baking soda

3 squares almond bark (vanilla flavor) or white chocolate

Preheat oven to 250.

Put popcorn & pecans in very large bowl (will be messy when stirring, so go bigger than you think you may need).

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon really well (or won't work right) in large microwave-safe bowl or Pyrex 2qt measuring bowl works great. Chop butter into chunks and place on top. Pour karo syrup over. Microwave high for 30 seconds. Take out & stir. Microwave 2 mins, take out & stir. **I stop here but the recipe goes on; my microwave runs high; too much carmelizes it. Should be really really bubbly but not super thick.  

Microwave 2 mins (if not done), remove. Add vanilla and baking soda. 

Pour over popcorn/pecans. Stir quickly (dries fast) until well coated. 

Pour onto foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 30 mins total; take out and stir every 10.

Remove and pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet. (or will stick to foil). Let cool while you melt almond bark - according to directions on package. Drizzle with fork and let cool.

Calendar Update

I have decided to order the tins from the CPS container store here in Eagle. We can get them for around the same price, but they are better quality tins.
With that being said, we can do as many calenders as we want, so if you know of someone who wants to make one then let me know and we can get them on the list. (let me know by this Friday so that I can have a week for the order)
So far we have on the list:
Kim D
Jocelyn M
Chelsea M
Sara E
Jen R
Jill B x3
Trisha M

I know there were a few from book club interested (Sharla and someone else, I can't remember), but I don't have their emails, so if someone can email them then that would be great.

Calendar Project

I bought enough tins and canvas' for 4 calendars. If you would like to make one then let me know by Wednesday (October 14th) so that I have enough time and coupons to get the stuff for you. Below is what is required for the project. What is highlighted is what you still need to bring. I painted my canvas black, but you can leave it white or any other color. Email me what color you want yours and I can get that done before we make them.


· One 16" x 20" blank Canvas * Cheap at Michaels. You don’t need the really nice canvas’*
· 24 metal tins (2" diameter Wilton® favor tins were used here, available at Michaels in the wedding favor section) *With a 40% off coupon you can get these for around $12.* *Correction- they ran out of tins and we can't order on the internet, so we are going through CPS containers in Eagle. They are way better quality for a couple of dollars more. I think it is worth the extra $$*
· Patterned Paper *2 each of 4 different patterns*
· Coordinating Cardstock *2 for squares and 1 for letters/numbers (I also did a shadow on my letters/numbers so if you want to do that you will need 1 sheet of a shadow color Mine is white)*
· Strong and regular adhesive (SNAIL and Terrific Tape) *super important*
· Ribbon *5/8" for edging, but not necessary*
· 24 Velcro™ dots

Peanut Butter Balls

Per Belle's request I am adding this recipe.

2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. chunky peanut butter
3 T. melted butter
1 pkg chocolate chips
1/3 c. crushed graham crackers

Combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and graham crackers in a bowl. Knead until well mixed. Roll into balls and chill. Melt chocolate chips and dip balls in chocolate. Chill.

Marshmallow Krispie Bars

1 pkg Brownie mix
1 pkg mini marshmallows
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 c. rice krispie cereal

Prepare brownies according to directions on box. Remove from oven. Sprinkle marshmallows on hot brownies. Return to oven and bake for 3 mins.

Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, & butter in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted. Add rice krispie cereal.

Spread mixture over marshmallow layer. Refrigerate until chilled.

Advent Calendar

While grabbing a picture of the chair covers I saw my advent calendar picture and thought I would put this up as an option. It is kind of pricey to make (around $30), but worth it.

I also have a Cricut that cuts vinyl that I used to make It's your day Chargers. (You use it for a birthday to put a plate on) I gave a birthday set as a gift for Christmas last year. (chair cover, charger, and centerpiece)

Chair covers

Here is another idea we thought of doing. I made these for Christmas and through out December we filled the back pocket with "love notes" that we opened up Christmas Eve. It set a great tone in our home for that night and the next day. I also made one that was bright for birthdays that we stick on the birthday persons chair and that day we write a "love note" to that person. Good stuff- thanks to Carlene Tanner for the idea.

Garden Soup

2 cups Chicken-cooked/cubed
1 cup Minute Rice- uncooked
1 cup Carrots- grated
1 large Zucchini -grated
2 stalks Celery- chopped
1 can Cream of Chicken
3 cans Chicken Broth or 6 cups water & 6 Chicken bullion
1Tbl dried Onion
Salt and Pepper to taste

Put all the ingredients in a crock pot and heat all day on low.

2Tbl Butter 2Tbl Flour 1 cup Milk Green Onions- chopped

About an hour before serving brown butter in a sauce pan and then add flour and milk and stir until smooth. Heat on med until it thickens and then add it to the soup. Add green onions. Salt and pepper to taste.

Placemat Scripture Tote Bag

Keeping on our theme of Christmas gifts, November 5th Maria will be teaching us how to make scripture bags out of placemats! (I stole these images from a tutorial I found online)


Materials needed:
1. One sturdy/thick placemat.
2. 1 1/2 inch "gross grain" ribbon. 2 pieces, 16 inches long each for handles.
3. Any flowers, ribbon, & fringe to embellish the tote. Approximately 1 extra yard will be needed to go all the way around the tote.
4. Matching thread for placemat and embellishment ribbon.
5. Glue gun & fabric glue for fringe.
Anything else Maria?

For our recipe swap we will be doing pies and soups. Bring whichever one you want... or both! :)

Pink Lassies

This is a great treat for special events. I serve it at our grandchildren's Christmas sleepover on December 23rd. (other variations use pineapple juice and a splash of soda) serve in mock tail glasses.

Pink Lassies:
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice

Blend and serve

Pumpkin Dip

1 - 14 oz can of pumpkin
1 - pkg cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar

Mix together and season with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to taste.

If you would like to use the larger can of pumpkin, use 2 pkgs of cream cheese and a bit more powdered sugar according to taste. Put in fridge to chill and serve with cinnamon seasoned pita chips.

Fruit Smoothies

1 Cup Fat Free Milk

1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt

1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 1/2 Cups fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 Cup canned unsweetened pineapple chunks

1/4 Cup nonfat dry milk powder

4 ice cubes

2 Tbsp. sugar

Directions:

In a blender combine all the ingredients. Cover and process for 30-45 seconds or until smooth. Stir if necessary. Pour into chilled glasses and serve.