Spring Color in the Garden

     It seems like we went from winter to summer here in Louisiana. We had a couple of weeks of beautiful spring weather, then the temperature starting rising.  With that being said, the garden has been bright and cheerful. Looking at them, you can't help but relax and smile! 

     Here are some photos to brighten your day.....

Yellow Daylily

Water Lily

Hydrangea

Multi Colored Daylily

Pink Begonia and Yellow Lantana

Hummingbirds love color like this!

Add a few flowers to your garden and wait for them to show up!

What kind of flowers are in your garden?  Send me photos!

Serving Tray Project

      Recently I rearranged the living room and in the process, I placed a blue ottoman next to the sofa on my side.  Inside of it, is all of the extra blankets and throws for when we get cold.

     At first, I just put my magazines on it, but I needed a place to put my coffee cup, etc. without spilling it.  So, I started thinking of what I had around the house that I could use...

     I had some old baking trays that I was getting ready to throw out, but then I decided that I could recycle them into a serving tray for the ottoman!  I decided to spray paint it blue.  I found a place-mat that I liked, so I cut it to fit the tray. That way, if I spill something, I can just remove the mat and wash the tray.

This is what I started with....can't use this to bake with!

Spray painted it on both sides

 Cut place-mat to fit inside

 Done...using on ottoman!

   
You could use this on a coffee table, a side table, or next to your bed.  Use whatever paint, or stencils, pictures you have... Get creative!  You really can't mess this up. If you don't like it after it's done, the baking tray was going in the trash anyway!  What do you have to lose?

Blackberry Crepes

Are you always looking for something new to make for breakfast? I know I am. I saw an IHOP's commercial and decided I wanted a breakfast like that!  These crepes are very light and refreshing...I didn't feel like I was overstuffed after eating a few of these. You could add bacon and/or eggs if you'd like more protein with it!

Crepes
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2/3 cup flour
Dash salt

Put all ingredients in food processor and blend until mixed.  Heat small skillet (about 6") over medium heat - spray with cooking spray. Pour about 2-3 Tablespoons into skillet. Tip and rotate skillet to spread batter to ends of pan. Let cook about 1 minute on each side.

Cream Cheese Filling
 8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients until smooth.

Blackberry Filling
2 cups blackberries
1/2 cup sugar - more if you like it sweeter

Put ingredients in small saucepan and cook about 5-10 minutes, until heated through.


Build your crepe:
1-spread cream cheese filling in a line down the center of the crepe
2-add blackberry filling over the cream cheese filling
3-fold crepe over the filling
4-add cool whip


These were amazing!!!! Enjoy.....

Mardi Gras 2015

    Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!

I've been going to a few parades, so I thought I'd share a few photos with you.  Our local parades are very family friendly.  No flashing, etc. allowed.... We are here just to have a good time!

These are the goodies from just 2 parades!

I plan to mail these to my grandchildren so that they can share with their friends!  

It's all about spending time with family, eating king cake and catching beads....

Deer Stew WithHomemade Gravy

Recently my husband cleaned out the freezer and found some deer back-strap from last season that needed to be cooked.  I decided to make a deer stew with it.  I usually slice it thin and pan fry it, but I wanted something to bring to the camp ready to go.  I think everyone will enjoy this!

If you'd like to try this recipe, you can substitute beef or pork if you don't have deer meat. I cooked it in a slow cooker for about 6 hours on high.  Easy!

Deer Stew With Gravy

2-3 pounds deer- cut into cubes
3 large potatoes - cut into cubes
2 large carrots - sliced
1 large onion- chopped
2 cups broth - chicken or beef
seasoning to taste

Put all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high 5-6 hours. Check meat for tenderness.  Make gravy (recipe below) and add to pot.  Let cook until gravy thickens.  About 1 hour on high.  Check seasoning, add more if necessary. Serve over rice.


Homemade Gravy:
2 cups hot water
2 Tablespoons Kitchen Bouquet - see photo below
2 Tablespoons flour

Mix kitchen bouquet and flour into hot water.  Stir until well blended.   Add into slow cooker.  Let thicken.

**I use this gravy in many of my smothered meat recipes.  It works for just about everything! 

Sorry  the picture is sideways! 

Here's a link on amazon if you'd like to buy some for yourself! It comes in large and small sizes. I buy the large because I use it often, but you may like a smaller bottle. 

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Bouquet-Browning-Seasoning-Sauce/dp/B001GHYO5I

Enjoy!

Steen's Syrup

  Steen's Syrup is one of my families favorite syrup. It's made in a small town called Abbeville in South Louisiana.   It contains 100% pure cane syrup, so it doesn't have many of the preservatives most other syrups do.

    It has a much stronger flavor than the regular syrup you buy from the grocery store.  A little goes a long way!  Since you can use less, it is also economical.  Helps to stretch the food budget!

    I love it on french bread with butter.  It's also very delicious heated and poured over pancakes!

 Order some today at this website and have it delivered to your home!
  https://www.steensyrup.com/


Give it a try and see how you like it!

Spice Cabinet - Organized

      Now that New Year's Day has come and gone, it's time to get organized!  I'm taking a closet, one drawer, or one cabinet at a time.  That way it's not such an overwhelming task.  This is my latest quick and easy project.....

I recently saw a cabinet spice organizer on television.  Instead of another gadget for the kitchen, I decided to try to organize my spice cabinet without one!  It may not be organized exactly like the one on television, but it will do for my needs.

Look around your house and see how you can do things differently.  Think outside the box and use what you have in another way.

I'd love to see some of your ideas!  

Merry Christmas!

     Before life gets too crazy the next couple of days, I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  I have been busy preparing for the holiday myself.  It will be a wonderful day.  I will have my husband, both military sons and my grandchildren here!  

     I am so blessed to be able to spend the holidays with them all.   I hope you get to spend the holidays with friends and family also!  That's what I love most about Christmas...

     The menu will be deer roast, turkey, rice dressing, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.  For dessert, we'll have zucchini brownies, cupcakes, candy turtles, and finger cookies.  Most of those recipes are on this blog if you'd like to check them out.

     There will be more posts coming after the holidays.  Until then.....



Merry Christmas!!!

   



   

Christmas Promise

I recently returned from my trip to visit my son and his family.  Now, it's been a mad dash to get everything ready for Christmas! I hadn't put up the tree or any decorations before I left.

We did celebrate Christmas with the grandchildren while I was there, so I don't have as many presents under the tree this year.

Last year, I made a promise that I wouldn't go overboard with gifts for the grandchildren.  I am happy to report that I stuck to my promise!  I bought them each two gifts and didn't spend a fortune on each gift.  I set a limit and stuck to it.  The kids were happy with what they got - they were things they had asked for.

When all is said and done, most children don't care how much you spend.  They are just happy to open presents.  I challenge you to do the same!  We are all bombarded with commercials, etc. to buy more and more stuff....  Think really hard about what they want, and only buy those things.  Less is more!!! 

Sometimes we get upset when they open a present and then just toss it aside to open the next one....does this sound familiar? The fewer gifts they have, the more they will appreciate the gifts they did receive. (Just make sure it is something they really like and want.)

Have you tried this? I 'd love to hear from you!


We should be enjoying this time of year, don't stress yourself out.  Do what you can to make it easier on yourself so you can enjoy spending time with your family!  

Recovering Soldier Christmas Cards

  I recently found about about this program and thought I'd share it with you...There are many recovering soldiers in hospitals that need to be reminded that they haven't been forgotten.  It's such a small thing, but will have a huge impact on a soldier this Christmas!

Send a Christmas Card (or more than 1) to:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
NW Washington, DC 20307-5001

Please send what you can.  I have already sent some. Our military have made a huge sacrifice for our freedom.  Even one card would brighten their day!

As a military mom, I thank you!

Thanksgiving Dinner and No Shopping

  I am sure many of you are preparing for Thanksgiving dinner.  We celebrated ours this past weekend at the camp, because I will be visiting my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren for a couple of weeks. (I will not be posting again until mid December.)  We had the usual turkey, yams, homemade bread, rice dressing, and of course, pumpkin pie!

I wanted to show you how easy thanksgiving can be if you are hosting the dinner.  There are many ways and shortcuts to get dinner ready!  I did most of it the day before.  I cooked the turkey the day before we went to the camp. I only have a toaster oven there, so needless to say, a turkey wouldn't fit!  I also baked the loaf of bread and the pumpkin pie.

Sunday, I cooked the yams, and the rice dressing.   Then it was just a matter of microwaving the turkey and slicing the bread!

 The turkey looks a little funny, but it was very good! Seasoned, baked at 350 degrees for 3-4 hours.

 I love sweet potatoes! Drained juice, added a little brown sugar and butter, heated, then mashed.

Made this loaf of bread from frozen bread dough! Easy...



I found this really easy pumpkin pie recipe.  It was delicious!

Pumpkin Pie

1 can pumpkin
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 beaten eggs
pinch salt
1 pie shell
cool whip topping

Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs and salt.  Pour into pie shell.  Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Let cool.  Top with cool whip.

Don't be intimidated by cooking for the holidays. Do what you can, make it easy on yourself.  It's all about spending time with family anyway!!!


On a more personal note....

I understand people have traditions such as Black Friday shopping.  Now the stores have started earlier- Thanksgiving Day. I will not be shopping on Thanksgiving! I think all people should be able to spend that day with family. Stores have practically 364 other days of the year to make money.

 We should be able to devote at least 1 day a year to be thankful for family and what we already have!  


Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Tony Chachere's Seasoning

This is my all time favorite seasoning!   I use it on almost everything.  It's inexpensive and easy to use.  So, just in case you've seen it in some of my recipes, and didn't know what it was or where to get it,  I thought I'd show you the link to their website!

You can order your own and have it delivered to your front door.  There are also a few recipes on the website for you to try.  Add some spice to your life and get yours today!


http://www.tonychachere.com/

Catfish Balls

     Recently my husband and son went fishing and they caught a couple of  catfish.  One of them was pretty big and fatty.  I fried the first batch, but the catfish was so fatty that we didn't really like it.  I don't care how much ketchup we used!   So, this time, I decided to try a garfish ball recipe.  I just substituted the catfish instead.  Tasted much better!

     Catfish Balls


1 lb. catfish - cut into chunks
1 chopped onion
1  clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-2 slices bread - broken into chunks (or use 1/2 c bread crumbs)

Put catfish chunks into food processor.  Pulse until chopped into smaller pieces.  Add rest of ingredients and mix until blended.  Heat up about 1/2-1 " oil in frying pan.  Using ice cream scoop, make small round balls.  Drop into 350 degree hot oil.  Cook approximately 4 minutes on each side.  I served it with roasted potatoes and a side salad.  Serves 2.

To make roasted potatoes, I just chopped two potatoes into cubes.  Pour a little olive oil in skillet, brown and cook on low until soft.


We liked the fatty fish much better this way.  They would be great for appetizers or finger foods too!  You may want to try your favorite fish for this recipe...

Enjoy!

Old VHS Tapes - A Priceless Gift?

     

     Last year, I was cleaning out closets and came across a bunch of old VHS tapes of my kids.  I wanted to put them on DVDs, but the cost of bringing them somewhere was too much.  I had about 40 tapes! I think the cost was about $25 dollars each...not going to happen!  So, I went online and found a program for $50 called Honestech VHS to DVD 5.0 Deluxe.

     After I received it a few days later, I set it all up. It was really simple to do!  Don't be intimidated.  You do need a VCR or your video recorder.

     Then the stroll down memory lane began!  I documented 30 years of our families life.  There was a lot of laughing and crying involved..... How long did it take, you ask?  About two months! When it was all said and done, we each had about 24 DVDs.  (You can make several copies at a time before moving on to the next tape. You can't go back once you've burned the DVDs, so make as many copies that you need at that time.)

     It's not hard to copy to DVD.   Basically, you just turn on the VHS tape, press record on the Honestech program and let the tape run.  Press stop when finished.  Make copies to DVD.  Done!

     Part of the reason there were so many DVDs is because of all the extracurricular activities the boys were in.  Mostly baseball and band.  Add in all the videos of normal everyday life and you end up with a lot.  Even if you don't have that many, do it anyway!  You would be preserving family history.

    This is my stack.  On the back of the envelope, I wrote the year and what was on it.  For our children, I put their DVDs in a case.

     It was part of our children's Christmas presents last year. I wanted them to have copies so that if anything happened to our house, ( we do live near the Gulf of Mexico - hurricanes!) all would not be lost.  Now, they each have a record of their lives.

     What a priceless gift you can give to your family! 

Home Buying Tips

 

 Several years ago, I had a job as a Realtor.  It's not the easiest job to have, let me tell you!  You are on call 365 days a year/ 24 hours a day.  I know many people think they make a lot of money.  Some do, many don't make very much.  There were a lot of phone calls, showings, open houses, etc. that you don't really get paid to do.  Realtor's don't get paid until closing day.  That being said, I learned a lot!

  I do have some tips to share with you.  I have nothing to gain financially by sharing this.  These are things I would tell my clients that were house hunting here in Louisiana.  Your state may be different, so check with a local Realtor.

1- When getting pre-approved, I personally would only include the highest income in the family.  Why?  Think of the future.  One of you could lose your job, you could have a baby and maybe mom wants to stay home.  If you based your income on both of you and bought a home at that price range, it would cause some financial hardship!
 Yes, I know that would mean a smaller, less expensive home, but very few people really need a huge home.  Unless you have MANY children or a multi - generational household!

2-Get estimates on house insurance, and property taxes on the house that you are interested in.  Insurance goes up pretty often, and property taxes are reassessed every four years.  That means you pay more every month!  If you are maxed out on your mortgage payments because you bought the high end of what the bank said you could, you may be in trouble...

3-Really think about your lifestyle...
- Do you want to have time to enjoy your life, or do you want to be stuck with a large mortgage?
 -If you like to take vacations, have medical issues, children in extracurricular activities, etc. you may want to   consider a smaller mortgage. ( You never know what life will throw at you, so you need to have a safety  net..)
-Can you manage with a smaller, less expensive house?
- Do you REALLY need a 3000 square foot home? You do realize that you have to clean it too! (Or pay a  housekeeper to do it - which adds to the monthly bill...)

4-If you are a buyer, you should have a Realtor.  It doesn't cost you anything, because the seller usually pays their commission.  They are there to support you and look after your interest.  They know things you may not have even thought about!

5-Home inspections - Some banks require a termite inspection, but not a home inspection.  They are well worth the costs. You don't want any surprises after you've spent all of your money buying your home!  If you can get a home warranty for a year or two until you get some money saved again, take advantage of that.  I have had clients that had the air conditioner go out within weeks of buying their new home.  The home inspector checked it out and it was fine at the time, but they can't predict the future!


These are some of my most important tips - I'm sure I will think of more after this post.  Feel free to ask questions or share any tips of your own!

 I hope they help you!!!

Banana Nut Popsicles

   
      We are having typical September weather here in Louisiana....Temperatures in the low 90's, heat index of about 100.   Whew- It's time to cool off!

     I wish I could have ice cream everyday, but that's probably not a good idea.  So here's a different option.  OK, maybe not as good as ice cream, but it'll have to do!


                     
 
Banana Nut Popsicles

2 ripe bananas
1/4 cup milk
1/4  cup peanut butter
3 T. honey

*optional - 1/4 cup chocolate chips - chopped (For the days you really need something chocolate!)

      Put all ingredients in food processor or mix by hand.  Pour into popsicle molds. Makes about 6 small.  Freeze a few hours or overnight.

     To get them out of the mold, run hot water on the bottom part of the mold for a few seconds. They will slip right out.

****Kids can help with these too!  



Refreshing and delicious-  I hope you enjoy them!

What's your favorite popsicle flavor?

Gratitude

   

    I know with everyone's busy life, that we usually just focus on the negative things going on in our lives.  For the past few years, I have been trying to live a life of gratitude.  I know it can be hard!  We are bombarded with a lot of negativity.  Just look at the news for example.  Very seldom do you see anything positive.

     How do you change your outlook?  If you focus more on the positive things in life, that's what you get more of!  Every morning or before bed, find at least one thing to be thankful for.  If you can think of more, great...  The more, the better!

 Here are a list of things that will help you get started:

* Family - Always at the top of my list! Even though we are miles apart...

*Friends - Where would we be without the love and support of our BFF's?

*Health - Can you walk, talk, breathe, eat?  I have had several family members with ALS (2 couldn't walk, 1 had trouble breathing)  Another had throat cancer and couldn't talk, and had to eat with a feeding tube. Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it???

*Pets - Any kind that makes you smile!

*Sunsets and sunrises

*Flowers

*A cup of coffee

*A good book

*You have a job!

*Running water and a hot bath!


The list goes on and on if you look around.  I'm not saying we can avoid all of the negative things, but you don't have to dwell on it.  There is so much beauty around us...take the time to notice!

Focus more on the positive and see how your life changes!!!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for!

Goodbye to Dieting

     Like many of you, I have been battling my weight for a long time.  Some say it's because of our Cajun Culture.  Yes, many of the things we eat are not very healthy for us!  Of course, I can't eat that way all the time.... I try to counteract the unhealthy foods with healthy ones whenever I can.

     I have tried many, many diets in the past.  At this point, I think I have dieted my way to this weight.  When I think back to how I used to eat and never gain weight, and how I eat now and STILL NOT losing weight, it's very unnerving!

     I came across this video recently and it really hit a nerve.  Since my son and his family moved, I needed something to focus on.  Evidently I chose my diet.  What to eat, what not to eat, how to combine foods, low carb, high fat, daily/weekly weigh ins, etc.... ugh!

     After watching this video, I think it's time for a change.  So, I will give this a try.  What do I have to lose?  Evidently my way isn't working...
   
    Focus my energy outward - eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full. (This does not mean pigging out!)  Maybe I will volunteer to help others.  So many possibilities.    Who knows, I may be happier in the long run because I will be able to enjoy life more.  Not just on what I am eating.  Life is really too short to do that!

     Let me know what you think.   I hope this will help you too!



https://www.dianastobo.com/innervoice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xSy3STEDfU

Jezzebelle's Puppies Have Their New Homes

     The puppies made it to six weeks old and the time came to say goodbye.  We have sent them to their new homes.   Hopefully, they love the new families they have gone to.  I have to admit, it was a difficult process for me.  The whole letting go process is tough...  We watched her give birth and take care of them.  She was a very good mother.  It was so much fun watching the six of them play and learn new things.  We got pretty attached to them all!

     Although we had a wonderful time with the puppies, we have decided not to breed Jezzebelle again.  It really took a lot out of her.  She didn't handle the puppies leaving well either.  She searched our vehicles, the house, the camp and everywhere outside looking for them.  Even though I brought her with me to bring a few of them to their new owners.  It was heartbreaking!

     After many tears (from me), we said goodbye to them.   She's back to her usual self (active as ever).  She is scheduled to be spayed soon.   Life goes back to normal...

Jezzebelle's A Mom

     We recently had 6 new additions to the family!  Our jack russell terrier Jezzebelle had a litter of 6 puppies.  One female and five males!  It has been an adventure watching them grow and seeing their personalities develop!  They are precious....

Jezzebelle has been a really good mama for her first litter.  They are so healthy!  It will be hard to place them in new homes, but keeping all of them is impossible!  I know they will bring their new owners much joy and many smiles....