The winners of the Hidden Object Game

                              And the winners are! These are the winner of my Hidden Object Game. 

           (  First Place ) Kathy Usher http://movingontothepast.blogspot.com/  won the apron.

                         (  Second Place) Bobbie Wilbur won the Fannie Farms baking book

                               ( Third Place) Denice Fern won the measuring cups and spoon.

                                 Congratulations to everyone. And a special thank you to everyone that played.

Welcome to the fourth and final hidden object room

Welcome to the fourth and final room. Good Luck everyone.

This room is posted from midnight Monday to midnight Wednesday at which time the room will be closed and the winner will be announced on Thursday   You can e-mail your answers to dusty198909@yahoo.com or if your a face book friend you can go to my home page and message me your answer there.  For each right answer you will be given another chance to win . If you wish to see the prizes just scroll down . Good luck everyone. Have fun.

1) I make your room smell good.

2) I help keep the doctor way.

3)I am unfinished.

4) You use me to open things.

5) You use me to put family recipes on.

6) Ring my______.

7) I help things rise.

8) I help you hold food together.

9 )Birds love me.

10) I would make a great pet.

Welcome to the third hidden object room. Have fun,

 If your new to the game, here is a brief summary of how it works..  Each room is posted for two days. This room is posted from midnight Saturday to midnight Monday at which time the room will be closed and the fourth and final room will be opened.   You can e-mail your answers to dusty198909@yahoo.com or if your a face book friend you can go to my home page and message me your answer there.  For each right answer you will be given another chance to win . If you wish to see the prizes just scroll down . Good luck everyone.

1) You have to use oil to make me work.
2) I help keep you warm on chilly nights.
3) I gave birth to a very important person.
4)You will find I have black spot.
5) I help keep things clean.
6) I am the baby version of a cake.
7) Kids believe I am hiding under their bed.
8) Come fly with me.
9) I can lend a helping ____ .
10) I hold your coins.

Try and enlarge the page if you cannot see the photo.

Second hidden object room is now closed

Welcome to the second room. If your new to the game, here is a brief summary of how it works..  Each room is posted for two days. This room is posted from midnight Thursday to midnight Saturday at which time the room will be closed and the third one opened.   You can e-mail your answers to dusty198909@yahoo.com or if your a face book friend you can go to my home page and message me your answer there.  For each right answer you will be given another chance in the drawing . If you wish to see the prizes just scroll down . Good luck everyone.

1) You can find me in a English Pub.
2) I carry a presidents face on me.
3) I am man's best friend.
4) You need me to read in the dark.
5) I helped wash your clothes.
6) I tell time.
7) I make a little red light that cats love to play with.
8) you can draw on me.
9) Asian countries use me to eat with.
10) I make tea.

First Hidden Object Room Is Now Closed

This room is now closed. You are welcome to play the other 3 rooms.

 1) I keep your feet warm
2) I ____ in miracles.
3) In my Easter _____ .
4) Babies play with me.
5) You use thread and needles to finish me.
6) I am in a glass bubble.
7) I will lighten up your life.
8) I can see!!!
9) I change colors.
10) You find me under ground.

Please post your answers at dusty198909@yahoo.com . If your a face book friend you can leave a message on my home page. (  Friday I will post the second room.) Have fun.

Hidden Object Game Reminder

Just a reminder to all that wish to play. I will be posting the first hidden object room tomorrow morning. You will have two days for each room to look for answers. Then we will go on to the next room . There are four room in total. With each right answer you  get, you have another chance to win the game.  Example: If you find 4 of the objects your name go,s in the drawing 4 times. If you miss a room you can still play in the others.You can post your answers  at my e-mail address ( dusty198909@yahoo.com) or if your a face book friend just leave me a message on my home page. Please do not post answers in the comment section below. Hope everyone has a great time playing . See you tomorrow.

Homemade Sweetend Condensed Milk

 There are several thing that have changed in my life since joining the blogging world. One of these is paying more attention to what comes into my home and what we put into our mouths. So I am always happy when I find thing I can make from scratch. Homemade items are great for several reasons. One ,They taste better . Two, I know whats in them. Three, they are usually made with normal pantry items we all have. This recipe was found on face book from Granny's Favorites Cookbook  site .( I really need to remind myself to check and  see if she has a blog.) With the Holidays on their way I will  definitely  be using this recipe a lot.

 Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

 1 cup sugar ½ cup water 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup dry milk In saucepan combine, sugar, water and butter, bring to boil, stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Put in Blender and add dry milk. Blend until smooth. Makes 14 oz. equal to 1 can.

Pictures of the game/ give away prizes.

Finally found my camera. So here are the pictures of the prizes  as promised.  

 Sorry it took me so long to get them posted. For those of you who are new to my blog . I am starting a new game/give away this Wed . I am doing a hidden object game. If you would like to join us just scroll down to my game post for details.

                                              Hope you can join us. it will be a lot of fun.

Game and Giveaway prizes.

I totally forgot to list the prizes when I told you about the game / giveaway ( in the post below. )
The prize box will include a choice of a chicken apron or table runner. there will also be set of chicken measuring cups and spoons from Paula Deen, and a  cook book. And as soon as I find my camera I will post pictures( Brain is not wanting to work tonight.)
I gave  a choice of an apron or a table runner since some of my blogging friends make aprons. Please come join us for a fun time.

It's time for a new game and give away.

I really enjoy adding a game to my give a ways. So far I have done a Christmas quiz  and Bingo game. This time I am going to try a hidden object game using my own house as the back drop. Each day I will show a new room and a list of objects to find. Each right answer will give you one more chance to win. There will also be a riddle you have to solve , for one of the objects you need to find If there is a tie ,there will be a drawing.   Two days after the room is posted, it will be closed . This will give you a second chance at the room if you miss a day. Every two days I will add another room.  There will be 4 rooms total. Once the room is closed any answers posted will not be counted. All you need to do is E-mail me your answers for each room.  If you are interested in playing please leave a comment in the comment box below. All are welcomed to play. I will be starting the game on  Wednesday morning. I will send out a reminder on Tue of the starting date to all that  wish to play.

First room, wed and Thru

Second room, Fri and Sat

Third room, Mon and Tue

Four room, Wed and Thru

Winner will be announced Fri

My favorite free pattern site

This is a great web site. http://www.freepatterns.com  
They have a lot of different crafts to choose from .  I have a 3 ring binder full of future projects. If your into crafting for the Hoildays they have something for everyone.

Crochet

Bead Work

Sewing

                                                                        Cross Stitch

                                                                   Plastic Canvas

                                                                  knitting
The pattern do change. Some of them are from companies ,some from people just like you and I.
If your in the market for homemade items give it a try.

Faith's homemade rolls

These are so good. Mine were gone before I thought to get a picture so this picture is from Faith's own original post. Because of the cold weather we been having I let these raise in my oven with a pan of boiled water like I do for my bread. They rose so nicely.
 Recipe:
1 1/2 cups warm water   (110 to 115 degrees )
1 tbs yeast
3 tbs oil
2tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
3 1/2 cup flour ( t - ) a lot depends on weather or altitude. If sticky add a little flour, if real dry add a little water.

Into a large mixing bowl, goes the water,yeast,sugar and a cup of flour. Cover for about 1/2 an hour it should be really frothy and bubbly.
Then add the salt to the reaming flour stir together then add to your frothy mixture. Let rise for about an hour or till doubled.
Pinch off a bit and roll into a ball. Place in a circle on your cookie sheet. Let rise till double. Bake at 350 ( 20 to 25 minute ). For the shine, brush with egg whites before baking.

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Halloween decor canning jars

 I love the way these turned out. We usually don't do Halloween but I loved the black cat and had to find a way to use  it.

 The gel clings were on sale so it made this project less then 3 dollars. Right up my alley. I used canning jars that were to  old to use for canning an longer. But you can use any glass container you wish.

 These are so simple, just stick the gels on the outside of the jars and add a fake tea light. My picture don't do them justice. I tried but couldn't get rid of the glare cause by my camera when I took these pictures. They are really pretty at night. They admit a soft glow thru the gels.
I found some gel leaves for Thanksgiving. At Christmas I plan to use these in my kitchen window with holly all over them. But I will probably add pine scented candles instead of the tea lights. Snowmen would look cute too. These are also a great project for kids. NO MESS.

Cheesy Baked Dip

Cheesy Baked Dip

8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
16 oz. cheddar cheese, grated (sharp or mild)
4 oz. chopped green chilies                                                                                                                                             Green onion (suit your own taste)
1 c. chopped ham
1/2 pound chopped bacon
1 round bread loaf, hollowed out

Mix first seven ingredients together and put into the hollowed out bread loaf. Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for one hour. Serve with leftover bread or chips...
from:triedandtasty.com

Super easy carmel sauce

Wow I got this from a friends post, I did not know this!!!!

"Been doing this for years! My mother taught it to me! Unopened can of sweetened condensed milk + 8 hours on low (completely submerged in water) in the crock pot + cool down in the fridge = Caramel! This is the best caramel I've ever had, let alone made! It's so easy! Need to try this! — 3 hours on the stovetop!"

Goats milk soap

This is my favorite goats milk recipe. I have to Thank Heidi from http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/ 
 

Introduction

Nestled in the charming town of Sharon Springs, 200 miles north of New York City, is Beekman Estate. This slice of rich farmland is the home away from home for our vice president of healthy living, Dr. Brent Ridge.
Brent has about 75 Saanen Sable and Nubian goats on his farm, and he uses milk from these goats to make natural soaps. His soap, called Beekman 1802, is handmade, unscented, and chemical-free. The soap uses the maximum possible percentage of pure goat milk, and the milk's unique high butterfat content ensures that Beekman 1802 soap is one of the most moisturizing bars available, while its chemical free recipe makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
The farm at Beekman Mansion is a recently restored Georgian/Federal estate. The Beekman goats graze the land freely and drink the mineral water that once made Sharon Springs the most famous spa destination in the world.
Resources: Lye can be purchased at camdengrey.com. All other soap ingredients may found at Whole Foods. If you'd like to learn more about what Dr. Brent Ridge is doing on the farm or would like to purchase Beekman 1802 soap, visit beekman1802.com. Special thanks to Dr. Brent Ridge for giving some of his natural goat milk soap to our studio audience.

Materials

• Protective mask and gloves
• Stirring spoons or sticks
• Candy thermometer
• Electric hand blender
• Spatula
• Large bowl
• Pitcher
• Soap molds
• Cookie racks
• 12 ounces partially frozen goats' milk
• 3 ounces lye
• 4 1/4 ounces extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 ounces coconut oil
• 12 ounces soy or vegetable shortening

Steps

1. Step 1

   Wearing a protective mask and gloves, place milk into large bowl and slowly add lye. Stir until the mixture is smooth and without lumps. The lye will interact with the fat molecules in the milk and should bring the mixture to between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Step 2

   Melt the olive oil, coconut oil, and shortening together in one pot and bring to 115 degrees.

3. Step 3

   Add the oil mixture to the milk and lye and use a hand blender to combine until the mixture demonstrates "tracing" (drips from the blender leave a noticeable path in the mixture). This will take 2 to 5 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Using a spatula, fold the mixture to remove bubbles. Transfer to a pitcher and pour the mixture into soap molds.

5. Step 5

   After 24 hours, turn the soaps out of the molds onto cookie racks. Allow to cure for 2 weeks.

Cycle of the Seasons

 I have learned not only do the seasons have a cycle, but how we approach our gardens also has a cycle. Around Feb. we start planning our garden. We can't wait until we can start planting. We buy all these seeds of every different kind we can find. We lay them on the counter or put them in our seed box. We still have a couple of months 'till planting. But they call to us, "Come look at me you know you want to plant me." But we are strong. We hold out. Then the dreams come. Sunshine,hot weather, and the birds singing. We're joyously standing there watching our plants grow. Only to be woken by the loud, and persistent alarm clock. March comes and they are still calling us. Too early, but we can get the ground ready! So what if there is still snow? We have shovels! April we're finally able to free our shovel from the frozen ground. They are still calling us. "Come plant me". Mid-April we can't take it anymore. We start them in the house. So what if we no long have table or counter space? And it won't kill our husbands to share the counter space and behind the toilet. For our plants that need the moisture! May they are too big for they pots. Now they are yelling "Plant me out side!" Too early. "Plant me out side!" So we plant them out side. Then there's the cold frames. To keep them warm that our husbands just loved giving up their weekends to make. June  they are doing great. We can relax. All that's left to do is: water, feed, watch for bugs, keep the deer out, catch ground hogs, chase away squirrels, patrol to stop stray cats from using your garden as a cat box...Is the list getting longer or is it just me? July, we find our garden taken over by the zucchini. They are multiplying as if possessed . We freeze them. We make zucc pickles,bread & butter pickles, and relish. But still they come. "Work YES!" We will take them to work and give them to friends. Everyone loves zucchini.  But soon our  friends won't answer their door. Co-works run the other way when they see us. Sept. yes, canning time. So what if our family can't walk thou the kitchen due to the boxes of jars everywhere. The stove is crowded with presser cookers and hot water bath pots. Counters are  covered with our bounty, plus every tool ever made for canning. "DINNER!" Isn't that why they made fast food. Oct.time for our winter garden. Beets, spinach, chard, ect. Feb. time to start planning our garden. We can't wait to plant................. 

 

I posted this a year  ago. I thought my new follower might enjoy it.

Homemade Apple Chips

These are a wonder snack.

this makes about 25 chips
Ingredients:
1 large Granny Smith apple
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a mandolin, slice the apples as thinly as you can.  Mix the sugar and the cinnamon in a shallow bowl and dip the apple slices lightly in the mixture, just lightly coating them.  Lay the slices on the baking sheets, about 12 slices per sheet.  Bake for 1 hour.  Remove one pan at a time and flip the apple slices over with tongs.  When you return pans to oven, also rotate them - put the one that was on the top rack on the bottom.  Bake for one more hour.  Remove pans from oven. Apple slices will start to harden up pretty quickly.  Remove with tongs.  

I
I don't remember where I got this recipe from. I have had it save for a while. If it came from one of my blogger  friends please let me know so I can give you credit. It's to good of a recipe not to take credit for it.

 

 

Is it over yet?

Today has been one busy day.
To do List:
1 Cook breakfast. (done)
2 Dishes ( done)
3 Use up apples by make 2 1/2 dozen Apple Raisin Muffins to freeze. ( done)
4 Blanch and freeze green beans. ( done)
5 Wash. ( almost done)
6 Ironing ( not happening in this life time)
7 Make lunch for hubby ( done)
8 Dishes ( done again )
9 Making homemade bread. ( rising)
10 Can and freeze tomatoes. ( done)
11 Cut and freeze bell peppers and onions. ( done. )
12 Dishes ( done. Why did I even bother leaving the sink today. )
13 clean chicken coop. ( Added to tomorrow list )
14 Deep clean and dust. ( Ya, like that's happening today )
15 straighten up my canning and craft stuff in garage. ( not done)
16 Dinner ( to early to start )
17 Dishes ( daughter is in for a BIG SURPRISE. )
!8 Glass of wine. ( On it's way. Just think of it as my Kit-Kat break.)

 

Garden Update

 Sorry my monthly update is late I honesty just forgot. Old age does that to you.  This was my garden last month. We were having a problem with the effects of the heat on my plants.

 This is what it looks like this month. The heat played a toll on it. But It still grow it's little heart out for me. Yes that's weeds you see. Between trips and every day life I haven't been able to get out there and weed. You can probably guess what I will be doing this weekend.

 My tomatoes are getting bigger now that the weather has cooled off.  We did get down to 58 degrees the other night. You can see the damage of the heat then cold on my leaves.

 The green pepper are loving the cooler weather we are starting to get. I got 4 lovely peppers off them yesterday.

 This is the last of my carrots. The rest are canned  and ready for  those winter meals.

                  My cabbage is ready to be picked and made into German red cabbage.

 Still getting lots of zucchini. I think my neighbors are  hiding from me . Time to go to parking lot and hide zucchini in unlocked cars. LOL

                           Onions are almost ready . The tops still need to turn a little browner.

These were harvested out of my garden today. I will be giving most of  the spaghetti squash away since I don't know a way of preserving it. If anyone knows of a way, please let me know.

Pumpkin Cake with Apple Cider Glaze

For the Cake:
1 Yellow Cake Mix
1 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree

For the Glaze:
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons apple cider
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Empty the contents of the boxed cake mix and pumpkin puree into a large bowl. Using a hand-mixer or stand mixer beat until well incorporated. The batter will be very thick, but will come together nicely.

Pour batter into a greased 7 x 11 X 2 pan. Or two round cake pan for freezing ( add glaze after you have thawed and warmed them).

Bake at 350 degrees for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over bake.

Let cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then flip onto a platter.

Make the glaze while you're waiting.

Combine powdered sugar, apple cider and pumpkin pie spice. Glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more sugar or cider if needed. Pour over the cake while still warm. Reserve some to pour over each slice when served.

Things Your Mother Should Of Told You

• 1. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
  
  2. Use a meat baster to “squeeze” your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you’ll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time....
  
  3. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
  
  4. To prevent eggshells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.
  
  5. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan and the marshmallow won’t stick to your fingers.
  
  6. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.
  
  7. To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
  
  8. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces and there won’t be any stains.
  
  9. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won’t be any white mess on outside of the cake.
  
  10. If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it’s still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant “fix me up.”
  
  11. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
  
  13. Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it.
  
  14. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
  
  15. To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away.
  
  16. Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
  
  17. Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
  
  18. If you have a problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.
  
  19. Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.
  
  20. To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
  
  21. Ants, ants, ants everywhere … Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
  
  22. Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous china. Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka-Seltzer tablets. Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka-Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka-Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water

  
  

My first try at making goats milk soap.

 This was a lot of fun to do. My soap cooled to  fast ,making it get thick really quick. That's the reason for the air holes and bubbles  in my soap. I stirred my frozen goats milk and lye in a bowl placed in a larger bowl full of ice water. I 'll leave that step out  next time or have my milk only partially frozen. The first time is always a learning curve.  I am very happy with the way it turned out, it is so soft on the skin.

 They still need to be trimmed and cleaned up. I will probably do that after they are cured. When they are harder.

These are the silicon plates that you put into the bottom of the mold to create the design. You can get them at Micheal's. They are only 4 dollars for a pack of 8. We are planning to go back and get a couple more. I  am hoping to be good enough by Christmas to be able to give these as gifts.