Friday, April 5, 2013

april 5

 
 
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Turtle-Bars
 
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour - - divided
 
1 1/2 cups quick oats
 
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
 
1/2 teaspoon salt
 
3/4 cup butter or margarine melted
 
1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate pieces
 
1/2 cup chopped pecans
 
1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping
 
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and salt.
 
Add butter, mixing until crumbly, reserve 3/4 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
 
Bake in preheated oven 375ยบ 10 minutes.
 
Sprinkle chocolate and nuts over partially baked oat base. Combine caramel topping and remaining 1/4 cup flour; Drizzle over chocolate and nuts.
 
Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over caramel mixture.
 
Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.
 
Cool thoroughly: chill to set chocolate.
 
Cut into bars.

*******

Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

 
How to Make a Wreath Out of Ribbon

How to Make a Ribbon Wreath Craft
Before you start any project it is easiest to gather together all of the supplies. For this homemade wreath you will need:

  • Styrofoam Wreath - Mine is 10-inches across

  • 45 Yards of Ribbon - I used 5 yards of 9 different ribbons. You can use more or less ribbon depending on how full you want your wreath to be and what size styrofoam wreath you buy.

  • Straight Pins - I used about 360 pins

  • Ruler - not pictured

  • Scissors

Now we can begin... We will now cut up the ribbon...
Start out by cutting your ribbon into pieces about 4 1/2-inches long. I used about 360 pieces of ribbon for my 10-inch styrofoam wreath. I had 9 different ribbons I wanted to use so I cut 40 pieces from each ribbon. You can use more or less ribbon depending on how full you want the wreath to look.

The next step is to make the ribbon loops...

Make Ribbon Loops for Your Ribbon Wreath

Form each piece of ribbon into a loop shape as shown in the picture. The ends should overlap about a 1/4" - 1/2". This does not have to be precise, just estimate each one. If your ribbon has a front and back side, make sure the front side is facing out. Poke a straight pin centered through the ribbon to hold the ends together. Start at the inside of the ribbon so the pointed end is on the outside of your ribbon loop.

Now I will show you how to attach the ribbon to the styrofoam wreath...

Attach the Loops to the Wreath

Now, you can attach your ribbon loops to the styrofoam wreath by simply poking the pins into the styrofoam, pushing them in all of the way. I found it was easier to work with one color of ribbon at a time so I could get them evenly spread out around the wreath. If you prefer you can completely fill in an area of the wreath as you go.

Once you get the hang of this, you can fill in the rest of your wreath...

Filling in Your Wreath

You will want to place the ribbon loops close enough together so you cannot see any of the styrofoam between them. Continue poking pinned ribbon pieces into your wreath until it is full.

Now you are almost done, you just need a couple of finishing touches...

Once you have all of the ribbon loops in place, you can embellish your wreath if you like. You can use buttons, rhinestones, beads, or anything else you have on hand. I decided to leave mine simple and plain, although I am looking for a larger brown ribbon so I can add a bow to my wreath.

To hang my wreath, I simply put a nail in the wall and pushed the wreath onto the nail. If you like, you can attach another loop of ribbon to the back of the wreath and use it for hanging. Make sure you secure the ribbon and pin in place using a strong glue!

 
******
 

 
*******
 
 

Billie C.






Tuesday, April 2, 2013

bcc April 2

Hello.  I think Spring is hiding again. It's sunny but cold outside. I had to wear my  coat to take the dogs out at 10 am. They did what they needed to do then ran back to the door to be let back in. They all but pulled me back to the door to be let in. The cats were hiding under the camper and as soon as the door was opened they jumped inside even faster than the dogs could move.  Hopefully this is the last cold spell. I don't mind cool so much but I don't like cold
*****
Tropical Banana Bread
 

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
12 teaspoon salt
 
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large bananas, mashed
8 oz can crushed pineapple, very well drained
12 cup toasted pecans pieces
 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 9×5 inch metal loaf pan with flour-added
cooking spray.
Whisk flour, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl, using high speed of an electric mixer;
add eggs, one by one, beating 30 seconds after each egg. Beat in vanilla and
bananas. Stir in pineapple.
Stir flour mixture into banana mixture in three parts - mixing (not beating)
with a spoon. Stir in pecans. Transfer to loaf pan.
Set loaf pan on a cookie sheet and place on center rack of oven and bake for 60
minutes or until loaf appears done and a wooden skewer inserted in center
 
Makes 1 loaf
....or 4 mini loaves (bake for 30-35 minutes).
*******
"To a New House at Christmas"
by Rosemary Clifford Trott,
from the December 1957 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Magazine

This year - and hereafter -
Let every beam and rafter
Echo love and laughter.
Store up the sound of fife and drum,
Hold close new babies and the cry
Of young delight. Let children come.
Enclose much love, for people die,
And years grow old. You cannot keep,
Except in mind, the footsteps gone.
The homing heart may joy or weep.
Yours is the wonder that is born
Of holding close all those who call
Your roof their own. Confide to boughs
About your eaves in spring or fall,
In June or now, that life endows
A house with Christmas laughter
For now - and ever after.


*******
 

Guardian Angel Ornament

In case you haven't noticed, I am the Queen of Late Last Minute! I saw this on Pinterest on the way to do my last little bit of Christmas shopping (don't worry - Leigh was driving). Thanks to Samantha at Southern Bell Scentz for the inspiration.

It is kind of hard to tell in the picture but the glass ornament is full of white feathers. I only had the flat disc type glass balls on hand and think that it would look better in a round ornament. Oh well, maybe next year.

Christmas Ornament

What makes the ornament so special is the poem on the back -




Here's a jpeg of the poem. I printed it as a 3.5 x 5 and used my 2 1/2 inch punch to cut it out.

 
 
 
********

 

Billie C.




Monday, April 1, 2013

April 1


 
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SUPER DUPER CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
1 16-1/2-ounce package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup chocolate-flavor sprinkles
2 tablespoons milk
About 40 dark chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet; set aside. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine cookie dough and cocoa powder. Seal bag; knead with your hands until dough is well mixed. Remove dough from bag.
2. Place chocolate sprinkles in a shallow dish or small bowl. Place milk in another shallow dish or small bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip balls in milk to moisten, then roll in chocolate sprinkles to coat. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet.
3. Bake in the preheated oven about 8 minutes or until edges are firm. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Makes about 40 cookies.
To Store: To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
 
******
 

What Child Is This

What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Raise, raise, the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

(  http://www.share-christmas.com/carols/whatchild.htm  )

 

 
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How to Make an Angel using a Clothespin

  • 1 Flat Clothespin

  • Feathers

  • Craft Glue

  • Ribbon

  • 2 Wooden Hearts

  • Acrylic Paint

  • Paint Brush

  • Glitter

  • Embroidery Floss

  • Metallic Chenille Stem
  •  
    Trim down a feather and glue it over the split end of the clothespin.
     
    The feathers will act as the angel's skirt.
     
    Make the angel's shirt by simply wrapping a piece of ribbon around the clothespin above the feather. Use the ribbon to hide the end of the feather. You can also use a contrasting piece of ribbon to look like a belt or sash.
     
    Use some paint and a fine paint brush to make the angel's face. You can also use a marker if you like, but you might want to test it first to make sure the ink won't bleed.
     
    You can add hair to your angel by cutting lengths of embroidery floss or yarn. Glue it in place on top of the head.
     
    Paint the two wooden hearts white. While the paint is wet, sprinkle them with glitter. Let the wings dry. You can also add the glitter by spreading glue onto the dried, painted wings and then sprinkling the glitter on.
     
    Cut a piece off the chenille stem that is about 3-inches long. Form one end into a circle shape. The straight end can be glued to the back of the angel to secure. This should look like a halo sitting just above the angel's head.
     
    Cut a piece of ribbon about 12-inches long. Fold it in half and glue both ends onto the back of the angel. You can use this loop as a hanger for your angel.
    Finally, add the wings to the back of the angel by gluing the two hearts together and then glue them to the back of the angel (refer to the photo). The wings will hide the ends of the ribbon, etc.

    Let the glue on the angel dry, hang it up, and enjoy!

     

    *******

     
     
     
     

    Billie C.




    Magic Bullet Chocolate Mousse

     
    Magic Bullet Chocolate Mousse   ***** (5 stars)
    About This Recipe
    "This is from the Magic Bullet cookbook...according to the recipe you will think you died and went to heaven :)"
    Ingredients
    1/4 cup heavy cream
    2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
    Directions
    Add ingredients to the short cup.
    Blend until smooth.
    Enjoy.
    OPTIONAL: Using the flat blade, grind a few chocolate chips up in the short cup. Twist on a shaker/steamer top and sprinkle a little on the top of your chocolate mousse. You can also whip some cream and add a dollop to the top.
    --------
    NEVER RUN THE BULLET FOR MORE THAN ONE MINUTE - IT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. IF YOU DO OVERHEAT THE MOTOR AND IT STOPS, UNPLUG THE POWER BASE AND LET IT REST FOR A FEW HOURS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE IT AGAIN.
    Page 2 of 2Magic Bullet Chocolate Mousse (cont.)
    Nutrition Facts
    Serving Size: 1 (97 g)
    Servings Per Recipe: 1
    Amount Per Serving
    % Daily Value
    Calories 335.6 Calories from Fat 227 67%
    Amount Per Serving
    % Daily Value
    Total Fat 25.3g
    38%
    Saturated Fat 15.1g 75% Cholesterol 82.2mg
    27%
    Sugars 12.5 g Sodium 151.5mg
    6%
    Total Carbohydrate 25.0g
    8%
    Dietary Fiber 1.0g 4% Sugars 12.5 g 50% Protein 2.9g 5%

    Billie C.




    Sunday, March 31, 2013

    time I got back to posting a few Christmas things

    BCC
     
    ******
    Sugar-Free Cranberry Salad
     
    2 small packages sugar-free black cherry Jell-O
    1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
    2 (10 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained (save for another recipe) and rinsed.
    1/4 cup Splenda
     
    Rinse cranberries and process until coarsely chopped. Sprinkle with Splenda and stir in the oranges gently. Make the jello according to package directions and pour over the fruit mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results. Delicious!
     
    *******

    Angels we have heard on high
    Sweetly singing over the plains
    And the mountains in reply,
    Echoing their joyous strains.

    Glo-ori-a. In excelsis de-o
    Glo-ori-a. In excelsis de-o

    Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
    Why your joyous strains prolong?
    What the gladsome tidings be,
    Which inspire your heavenly song?

    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o
    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o

    Come to Bethlehem and see
    Him whose birth the angels sing;
    Come, adore on bended knee
    Christ, the Lord, the newborn King

    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o
    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o

    See Him in a manger laid
    Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
    Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
    With us sing our Savior's birth.

    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o
    Glo-ori-a In excelsis de-o

     
     
     
    ********
    milycrafts.about.com/od/christmascrafts/tp/Day1ChristmasCrafts.htm
     
    Advent Candy Tree
     
    Materials Needed:

    Instructions:
    Cut a large Christmas tree shape out of cardboard. I cut mine approximately 14" by 18". Coloring book pages like these make for good templates. Color or paint the tree. Glue the bell to the top point of the tree.

    Write this poem on the tree, choosing a spot that will not be covered with candy. Good options are to write it on the trunk or choose a spot to highlight in the center of the tree.

    December 1st 'til Christmas is the longest time of the year.
    Seems as if old Santa never will appear.
    How many more days 'til Christmas? It may be hard to count,
    But this little gift of candy will tell you the exact amount.
    Untie a piece of candy each day when Sandman casts his spell
    And Christmas will be here by the time you ring the bell.

    Cut 24 pieces of ribbon, each about 10" long. Glue the center of each piece of ribbon onto the tree, leaving the long ends loose to tie around the candies. Try to evenly space the ribbons all around the tree. Let the glue dry and then tie a piece of candy onto each ribbon. Hang up and enjoy!

     

     
     
    ********
     
     
     
    *******
     
     
     
    Billie C

    "Household tasks are easier and quicker when they are done by somebody else."
    -- James Thorpe



    Spring countdown banner

    Wednesday, March 27, 2013

    "Christmas Comes But Once a Year"

     "Christmas Comes But Once a Year"
    by Edgar A. Guest,
    from the December 1954 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Magazine

    God grant ye joy this Christmas Day;
    May every heart be jolly;
    Love kiss ye now beneath the bough
    Of mistletoe and holly.
    The long hard year of toil is done;
    Today the bells are ringing.
    Put down your burdens every one
    And share the carol singing.

    For Christmas comes but once a year,
    When harvesting is ended;
    With merry din, the day comes in,
    By love and mirth attended;
    The children dance and shout with glee,
    The eyes of all are beaming,
    And high above the Christmas tree
    The Star of Hope is gleaming.

    So homeward turn the car once more,
    And give a kiss to mother;
    Let horn and bell the glad news tell
    Of each returning brother;
    For man has conquered time and space,
    Regardless of the weather,
    And Christmas Day, by God's good grace,
    Should find us all together!
     

    Billie C.

    Monday, March 25, 2013

    "Dreams Take Their Place..."

    "Dreams Take Their Place..." by R. Armistead Grady
    from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1962

    It's over now, this lovely day.
    Dreams take the place of laughter gay.
    We dim the lights on Christmas tree,
    And then we tiptoe around to see...
    Mother and I, each little bed,
    To touch every weary little head.
    We tuck them in... Mother and I,
    With mingled smile and prayer and sigh.
    It's over now, the day is done,
    But ah! what mem'ries have begun.

    The shouts of ectasy and joy,
    The charm of happy little boy,
    The budding mother-love aglow
    As little girls their dollies show.

    The sweet clean faith of little lad
    In Mother, Santa Claus, and Dad.
    The smiles that flash from heart to heart
    In mem'ries play a lovely part.
    The stars in Mother's eyes I see,
    To light my memories for me.

    We dim the lights on Christmas trees,
    But ah! ...what lovely memories
    Light up our hearts, and shining there
    Make every day almost as fair.
     

    Billie C.
    GOD don't make ugly....
    Odd, or unique maybe, but not Ugly.