Valentine Ideas

With Valentine's Day coming up I thought I'd share a few things I've found recently to add some fun touches of love to the day...

I recently found a site called The Dating Divas. This site is dedicated to ideas for dating your spouse. There are lots of fun ideas for dates and little gifts. This is definitely worth checking out. I'll admit that my husband and I need to work on this...we are fortunate in that we see each other a lot more than most couples because he works from home almost every day. But rarely do we set aside time to go out without the kids and really focus on each other.  Gotta work on this...



Here is a great Valentine's printable from Kristin at Simply Klassic Home. I love this one and used it last year on a table in my entryway.


We Love Being Moms posted 14 Days of Valentines for Kids...really cute little treats that would be fun to do for kids. 
 


Pinterest is full of cute ideas for Valentines for kids to hand out at school.  This is one of my favorites...

Source: batemanbuzz.blogspot.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest



There won't be a special date night or anything for us on Valentine's Day. I'll be shuttling my daughter to and from dance class, there will be homework and a quick family dinner...just like any other Tuesday evening in our home. Date night will have to wait for another day.

But I'll be sure to have a few fun treats for the family to show my love :)

So, do you have anything special planned for Valentine's Day?

Menu Plan Monday

Life has been hectic for the past week.  We dropped everything last week when we learned that Rob's grandmother passed away.  We quickly made plans to leave town for a few days and we headed to Pennsylvania for the funeral. 
I am glad to be home.  I've spent the weekend doing mountains of laundry and helping both kids with school assignments that their teachers gave them to complete during their absence.  It's always hard to get everything back on track after a quick (unplanned) trip like that. 

So, here's hoping for a less eventful week ahead!

  In my attempt to get things organized for the week I thought I'd share my dinner menu with you.  I really do rely on this plans to keep me organized during the week and at the grocery store.  Check out Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie for lots of menu planning inspiration.

Monday...spaghetti & meatballs, salad, garlic bread
Tuesday...Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken sandwiches, baked fries, slaw
Wednesday...Chicken Pot Pie Biscuits*, fruit
Thursday...loaded baked potatoes and salad
Friday...Belgian waffles and bacon
Saturday...out for a cub scout event
Sunday...Italian Chicken & Veggie Soup, bread

This week's sweet treat...Easy Banana Pudding Parfaits.

*I'll post the recipe soon!

So, what do you have planned for this week?

Friday Favorites

After all of the drama and unexpected chaos that happened yesterday, I am happy to report that today was quiet and uneventful.  I've received many emails about my previous post about yesterday's events and I thank you for your kind words.  It was quite a day!


So, on to my Friday Favorites.  Here are a few things I've pinned recently that I am anxious to try...


I love Holly's Chocolate Swirl Cake...easy and YUMMY!  By the way, if you've never seen her blog , Life as a Lofthouse, I encourage you to click over right now and check it out.  She always has yummy recipes!



I like this Tree of Love from Tatertots and Jello...a cute Valentine project for my kitchen table.


I saw that my friend Mandy pinned this "recipe" for a homemade Soap Scum Killa.  Last night she reported that she tried it and it worked great.  I am giving this one a try this week too!

What a Day!

I had a nice little post planned for yesterday...then life got in the way...big time. 

This is what our afternoon looked like...

That is my husband, Rob's, Jeep.

He and a co-worker were driving down the road heading to lunch when the engine shut off and he lost all power.  He could see a place to pull off the road just ahead.  Oncoming cars began honking and flashing lights.  Rob and Matt had no idea what was going on. 

Rob managed to drift onto a small access road off the main road he was on.  He put the car in park but it kept moving so he pulled up the emergency brake.  About that time smoke was rising from the hood.  He and Matt grabbed a few of their things and hopped out of the car as flames bagan rising.  Within about 45 seconds the car was engulfed in flames. 

A sherriff had been driving by as it was just beginning to happen.  He turned on his dash-camera so we have video of what happened.  He was a great help and stayed until everything was all taken care of 3 hours later. 

One of the drivers who had honked at them came back to make sure everyone was ok and said that flames were visible underneath the Jeep as they were driving/coasting to get to a pullover spot. 

Three fire trucks responded and it took about 30 minutes to get the fire out completely.  The fire marshal arrived.  It was quite a scene. 

It's amazingly scary how fast that Jeep burned.  Needless to say it is totaled.  Here's a picture of the fornt seat area from the passenger side window (that was completely melted and shattered).

We are SO very thankful that no one was hurt.  Both Rob and Matt got out just before the flames really erupted. 

We have no idea what caused this...and we may never know.  The insurance people and the Jeep people are beginning to investigate so we wait. 

Rob and I (and I'm sure Matt too) really hope for a calmer, less eventful day today.

TGIF!

Sloppy Joes

I love this recipe.  I've grown up eating these homemade Sloppy Joes.  They taste much better than any canned version!  It's so quick and easy and I bet you already have the ingredients on hand. 

Enjoy!

Sloppy Joes

2 lbs ground beef
1 bottle ketchup **
1 small onion, chopped (optional depending on taste.  I never use it)
2 tablespoons mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
dash of salt & pepper

**the old recipe does not list a bottle size.  I use whatever I have on hand.  Eyeball it until it looks good and saucy.  You may not use a whole bottle**

DIRECTIONS:  Cook the ground beef in a skillet.  Drain grease and wipe out skillet.  Return meat to the skillet and add the remaining ingredients.  Mix well and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Serve on buns. 

This recipe can easily be cut in half for a smaller amount.  Leftovers are great and it also freezes well. 

I am sharing this recipe at Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Reading and Kristin's Simply Klassic Sundays.

Friday Favorites

Wow...where did this week go?  I had such good intentions of posting a few times but somehow that didn't happen.  However, I have worked on some posts today and you will see them next week, including my recipe for Sloppy Joes and one for the birds :)

I did manage to find a few minutes to see some neat things online this week.  Here are few favorites...

I am anxious to start creating some of my own fun printables thanks to the tutorial from Thrifty Decor Chick...


I thought this was a good tutorial for making the Scrabble tile coasters that are all over Pinterest.  This was found on Domestic For Dummies.
 

And since I have been trying to stick to healthy eating choices I have no immediate plans to make these treats but I know at some point I will give them a try.  Don't these look amazingly yummy!?!?  Thanks Cookies and Cups!



Have a great weekend! 

Catching Up

Well, it's been a while since I've posted.  I didn't really intend to take so much time away during the holidays but it just sort of happened.  Life got busy.  But my family and I did enjoy a nice Christmas and I hope you all did too.

Now on to the new year...
                                             
I've been working on getting the house back to normal after putting all of the decorations away.  As much as I love having the house all dressed up for Christmas, I'll admit I was ready when the day came to pack it away and clean up. 

I am excited that we've almost completed our first home project for the new year.  Rob built a big 4 x 8 shelf for the garage to store most of our Christmas stuff.  This will make it much easier to get to each year.  The shelf hangs down from the ceiling but it's above where the garage door opens (does that make sense?).  He's finished one shelf and is going to build a second one soon to complete the project.  I love the extra storage!

It's a terrible photo but I snapped a quick picture to show how the shelf hangs from the ceiling.  The garage door is partially open so you can see that aspect too.  There's lots of room up there. 

I'm back to menu planning for our dinners.  Do you do it?  It really helps me feel organized to know what I am making each night and keeps our budget under control too.  I base my plan on using items I already have on hand, plus items that are on sale at the store each week.  Here's how this week looks...

Monday...Oregano Chicken with rice, green beans
Tuesday...loaded baked potatoes and salad
Wednesday...grilled chicken and veggies on angel hair pasta
Thursday...penne with vodka sauce, salad
Friday...Sloppy Joes*, oven fries, slaw
Saturday...Taco Soup, beer bread
Sunday... grilled tilapia, rice, steamed veggies

* I will post this recipe very soon.

One of my goals this year is to try at least one new recipe each week.  I did this last year too.  We found some good recipes that have become family favorites.  I look forward to sharing some new recipes with you too. 

Some of the recipes I am anxious to try will be on the healthy side.  Yet another one of my goals for the year is to get healthier, which means losing some weight.  I have started making some changes...drinking more water and eating more fruits and veggies.  I've walked some too but I need to be more consistent with it.

So, what kinds of goals have you made for the new year?  How are you doing so far?

Friday Favorites

Don't forget to enter my fun little giveaway.  Today's the last day.  Go here to enter to win a special edition OXO Good Cookie spatula, plus a couple of other goodies from me!


Here are a few things I've added to my Pinterest boards recently...

Salty Caramel Oat Bars from Cookies and Cups

the blog is full of amazingly yummy stuff!

Source:  cookiesandcups.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest

Lots of gifts from your kitchen from Talk Crafty To Me



Source:  talkcraftytome.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest





Rubber Door Mat Wall Art...I am SO doing this project after Christmas!!

The description says it is a black rubber doormat and it's sprayed with Heirloom White spray paint.  LOVE!

Source:  salvagedior.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  My family and I will be busy with all sorts of festive fun...attending a birthday party for Jesus with the kids at our church, finishing our Christmas shopping, whipping up some goodies in the kitchen for gift-giving and enjoying a family movie night with a Christmas classic (haven't decided yet ~ maybe Elf...that's a cute one!).  

Making Christmas Memories

Making family memories is important to me.  I especially enjoy it at Christmas time, which has always been a favorite for me.  Although big exciting things can make for great memories, I think it tends to be the little things that stick with us. 

My daughter shared something with me the other day that just made me smile.  She said, "Mom, do you know what I really love to do sometimes during Christmas?  I love it when it's dark except for the Christmas tree lights and we snuggle up and watch a Christmas movie together.  I feel all happy and safe." 

See, it's the little things.


photo credit

So, this season we'll definitely have a few movie nights all snuggled together watching a Christmas classic.  Last year we introduced our kids to A Christmas Story.  That's definitely a classic and favorite in our home.

I'm also looking forward to riding around town looking at all the pretty Christmas lights, reading Christmas stories with the kids and baking cookies. 

What kinds of memory-making activities are you looking forward to?

Cranberry Hootycreeks and a Giveaway!

It's that time of year when thoughts turn to baking all sorts of cookies.  I want to share one of my favorites with you. 

    A few years ago I received one of those cute jars with cookie ingredients layered in it.  The attached recipe was called Cranberry Hootycreeks...what a strange name, right?  Well, I have no idea what the name is all about but I can tell you that this is one yummy cookie!  These are great for gifts whether you make the layered jars or bake a batch for someone.  Or just enjoy them yourself like I did today!  I hope you give them a try (see recipe below).

This is also a great time for me to share a little something with you from OXO.  I was recently chosen by OXO to receive one of their Be A Good Cookie spatulas to try out.  I love the products this company makes and have quite a few in my kitchen.  This is a great spatula for cookies.  It's made of silicone and the

end gives just a little to make it easy to slip under the cookie to lift off the baking sheet.  The size is great making it easy to use, even on a sheet crowded with lots of cookies.  The handle has a non-slip cover that is just a little soft and is very comfy to hold.  

To make this cute little spatula even better, the Be A Good Cookie spatulas support Cookies for Kids Cancer, which is an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research and was founded by two OXO employees whose son was diagnosed with cancer.  Proceeds from the sale of these special spatulas will go to the organization.  As a survivor of childhood cancer myself, I just love supporting this cause.  These special spatulas are sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond, as well as Amazon.  I'm attaching some of these to the cookie jars I'm making for gifts this year. 

Click HERE to learn more about Cookies for Kids Cancer.

OXO wants you to have one of these spatulas too!  They have provided one for me to give away to one lucky reader (and I'm throwing in a little something too...some cookie cutters and cute Christmas napkins!). 

**To enter, simply leave me a comment below about your favorite Christmas cookie. 

This giveaway will end at 11:59pm on Friday, December 9th.  One winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email.  If the winner does not respond within 48 hrs, a new winner will be chosen. 

And now, on to the recipe...

 

Cranberry Hootycreeks

5/8 cup flour

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I've used walnuts and pecans...both work well)

*if layering in a jar for gifts, layer in the order above and attach the following recipe*

Preheat oven to 350.  In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp. vanilla until fluffy.  Add jar of dry ingredients and mix by hand.  Drop by heaping spoonful onto cookie sheet.  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges start to brown. 

 **Disclosure:  I was provided a Good Cookie spatula by OXO to try out and review and was provided a second one to give away.  All opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own. 


I'm joining Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.  Check out what everyone's cooking this week!

Friday Favorites

I used to have a Friday Favorites post most weeks where I would share a few of my favorites things from other blogs.  It was a good way for me to keep track of the fun things I was finding.

Then I discovered   .

I'm guessing most of you already know about this fun (and totally addictive!) online tool but lately I've had a lot of people ask me about it.  Basically, it's like an online memo board where you "pin" sites that you want to refer back to for a recipe, craft project, gift idea, etc.  You can see what others are pinning too, which helps you find so much cool stuff!  You can categorize your boards in as many ways as you'd like (some of mine include Christmas, Favorite Recipes, School Stuff, etc).  I love how easy it is to find something online that I want to save for future reference, click "Pin It" from my toolbar and then the link (and a cute little picture of it) goes right onto one of my boards. 

So, when you have some time, check it out.  If you need an invitation to join in, let me know and I will send you one. 

In the meantime, here are a few things I've recently pinned...

Super cute Santa cookies made from Nutter Butters


Source: brownpaper--packages.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest

Lasagna Soup

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Jennifer(HomeMatters) on Pinterest

Tips for taking pictures of your Christmas tree

Source: unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com via Jennifer (HomeMatters) on Pinterest

So, the week got away from me and this is my first post.  I'm prepared for next week though.  On Monday I will be sharing my favorite cookie recipe and I'll have a little giveaway to go with it.  Hope you'll stop by to visit.

Have a great weekend! 





Thankful For The Technology Break

  I've been without my computer for a couple of weeks now.  Some crazy virus had started attacking my computer and each time I tried to use email or open a new page on the internet, it would attack my system all over again. 

So, now my computer seems to be fixed and running well (thanks to my husband!). 

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends, and good food! 

I'll be back to posting this week with a recipe and I'll give you a peek at our Christmas decorations.  Hope you'll stop by to visit.

Southern Christmas Show

"Cakes and cookies, toys and gifts.  Christmas at your fingertips..." 

If you live anywhere in the Charlotte area you are probably quite familiar with that little jingle advertising the Southern Christmas Show.  This is its 44th year.  I grew up going to it and even worked at it with my parents for a few years.  It's a tradition for many in this area and kicks off the holiday season. 

Lauren and I were trying to sneak pictures as we walked along so the photography is not the greatest.  Between the huge crowds and some vendors not allowing pictures, we did the best we could.  Of all we managed to take these turned out the best. 

She loved all of the twinkling lights hanging down. 

Lots of eye candy with room vignettes set up by area designers. 

There are also door displays and Christmas Tree Lane.  Lots of fun stuff to see. 

The Southern Christmas Show runs through Sunday, Novemebr 20th.  Tickets are available at the door and you can also get discounted tickets at all area Harris Teeter stores.  See all of the information you need HERE. 

Tomorrow I will share a couple of the neat things we bought at the show and share my recipe for Apple Pie Cake.  Hope you'll stop by...

Thanks To All The Veterans...



credit: IncrediMail Social Connect



Host a Hershey's Cookie Exchange Party

I've been quiet the past couple of weeks.  Life has been busy.  I do have some new posts in the works so stay tuned for some new recipes in the coming days (cookies, dessert and dinners!).

In the meantime, I wanted to share some information about a fun opportunity.



You can apply to host a Hershey's Cookie Exchange Party.  How fun!  Simply fill out the form to enter and if you are selected you will receive this following...

(1) Hershey’s® and Betty Crocker® co-branded Holiday Apron for the Host

(3) packages of Hershey’s® Kisses® chocolates

(1) container of Hershey’s® Cocoa

(3) pouches of Betty Crocker® Cookie Mixes

(15) Hershey’s® bakery boxes for guests to carry their favorite cookies home

(16) Hershey’s® and Betty Crocker® recipe cards featuring classic cookie recipes including: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Snowballs, Easy Holiday Cutout Cookies and Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hershey's will select 1,000 people to host these parties.  Winners will be notified by the end of this month. 

Good luck!  Let me know if you are one of the lucky winners. 

Double Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Homemade cookies are so much better than store bought ones.  Don't get me wrong.  I am very happy with a package of Oreos.  But they can't compete to homemade treats. 

It had been a while since I'd whipped up any homemade cookies.  These cookie bars sure hit the spot.  We all loved them.  I'll definitely be making these again.  Thanks, Cookin' Mimi, for the recipe!

Double Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1-2/3 cups of mixed chocolate and peanut butter chips (Nestle makes a combination bag)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small mixing bowl. 
In a large bowl cream butter and sugars together.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat until mixed thoroughly.  Slowly add flour mixture and mix until just combined. 
Stir in oatmeal and chips by hand. 

Grease a 15"x10" jelly roll pan and spread mixture to the edges. 

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. 

Cut, serve, and enjoy!

A Nicholas Sparks Book + Kleenex

These two things really go hand-in-hand. 

I finished the latest Nicholas Sparks book, The Best of Me, a few days ago. 

I cried.  Isn't it a given that you'll cry when reading one of his books?

I loved every single one of the 292 pages. 

{sigh}

Are you a Nicholas Sparks fan like me?  Which one is your favorite?

Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Freschetta Proud To Support Pink giveaway is #7 Tiffanee!  Congratulations :)

An email has been sent to the winner.  I will pick a new winner (via Random.org) if I do not hear back from the winner within 48 hours. 

Hope everyone has a great day today!

Pumpkin Muffins

I love most anything made with pumpkin!  This muffin recipe is from my childhood.  I'm not sure where my mom got it but it sure is a good one...so moist and full of yummy fall spices.  Hope you enjoy it!

Pumpkin Muffins

1 cup pumpkin  (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1-1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil  (I use canola oil)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1-2/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Pour into muffin tins.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.


I've joined Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty & Bedlam  and Feasting In Fellowship at Comfy In The Kitchen this week.  Stop by and see what everyone else is cooking!

Fun Birthday Card Treat

My kids and I had fun making Rob's birthday card the other day.  He loves candy, especially chocolate, so when I saw this cute idea I knew it would be perfect for him. 

I've seen different versions for birthdays, Mother's Day/Father's Day, Teacher Appreciation. 

It was a big hit...he LOVED it! 



The message reads...

Dad, We were going to give you a WHOPP ing 100 GRAND for your birthday but the money slipped through our BUTTERFINGERs.  We didn't have an EXTRA WHATCHAMACALLIT to sell and it wasn't PAYDAY.  We didn't think a pet KITKAT, a trip to New YORK, or an ORBIT around the MILKY WAY would be appropriate.  We do want to wish you MOUNDS of ALMOND JOY both NOW & LATER as  you eat this card.  We hope it doesn't make you ROLOver and get sick.  If it does we promise not to SNICKER.
Love your favorite AIRHEADS

*We couldn't find an individual package of Now & Later candy so we just wrote it in.

I'm joining Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Reading.  Stop by and see what everyone has been doing this week!