LinniePies

Dog Toy Violence.....Really???

2012-01-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

This is little Gingy and he came to live with us at Christmas. He was a gift for Maddie and BJ. Yes - those are brains now coming out of the side of his head. His chipper smile is deceptive because he has taken quite the blow and left to his own resources, he will be stuffless or destuffed in short order. In the spirit of full disclosure, he does have a squeaker inside his little chest and I am aware that is more than likely the cause of his demise.

But......is there nothing we can do about this dog toy violence that occurs during the night, unprovoked??? I have tried all sorts of little "friends" for my two chewers and even the toughest of tough cannot withstand their quest to commit murder ---- slow tortuous murder. The poor little toys suffer the loss of body parts - normally the nose or an eye goes first but many times it is a single blow to the head as in this case. Their toy basket is strewn with parts and pieces of their pets and when all else fails they use the lifeless carcuss for a rowdy game of tug of war. Does the violence never end for these little souls??

I am on a quest to find a pet for my pets that will not succumb to their torture. I know there must be a fabric that I can work with to make them a friend that they cannot and will not mercilessly murder. If you have any ideas or suggestions, I welcome them. No one around here is admitting to this particular attack but they know I know the truth.

Words in a House.....

2012-01-13T17:03:00.000-05:00

This adorable little house was created by Artist Susan Branch whom I love! Looking at it gave me the idea that I should create something out of words this year. Not a novel idea but I thought it would be fun. I have been working on another blog about Thanksgiving - something different to be thankful each day for 365 days. How wonderful would it be to have a shape made up of the words of thanksgiving. I surely don't have any of the talent or imagination that Susan Branch has but I may just borrow her idea. She has another one on her site that is a tea pot full of recipes - just love it. You can find her at SusanBranch.com. You won't be disappointed if you visit her site - it is full of wonderful ideas and recipes and colorful artwork that will tickle your brain. I just can't get enough. I have one of her Christmas books and it is so worn from my use of it and I keep it out all year long. So thankful for people like Susan who keep us smiling! ;o)

Organization.......

2012-01-07T15:51:00.002-05:00

Ah Organization - the buzz word for every new year, almost as popular as dieting. Is it a dirty word?? - does it have to be? Anyone who knows me knows that I am very organizationally challenged! I border on being a hoarder and if I didn't live with other people, things would not be pretty. No this is not my space on the left but a link on Martha Stewart's web site. This is my dream.....my goal - probably not one I will ever reach.....

Soooo each and every year and many times in between, I get very excited about organization. For me it is the hope of organization - what could be. I peruse web sites that show beautifully organized rooms, labels, shelves. I spend hours looking at books and magazines, mark pages, save ideas and I really do attempt at least some of these. If a magazine has an article on the cover with the word organization in it then I want it. I try to look at myself as always learning - I will probably never be a very organized person - that is unless there comes a time in my life where I have no possessions at all. Sad but true, but I try to make the best of this handicap and I chose to make organization a positive ongoing process which will probably last as long as I draw breath. Here are a few little things that I have learned that actually work for me without much effort.

I save shoe boxes (I know more clutter) but if your guy or anyone you know has big feet, the boxes are wide enough to put file folders in them. You can do so many things with this sturdy staple - cover them with fabric or paper; use them for shelf storage; use them in the kitchen cabinets to hold all sorts of thing to keep your pantry organized and best of all they are free!!!
I save the little somewhat square tissue boxes after the tissues are all gone --- I know, I know. Anyway - put an empty one on your dryer and put all of those lint pieces, etc. when you clean out the filter, in there. When it is full, just chunk it. Keep one near your sewing machine for all of the loose threads and trash - the uses are endless and when full, then you can throw it away - that is unless you find another use for it.
Shoe bags - I know this idea is not knew, but they are so useful. Throw one on the back of every closet door, bedrooms, etc. I even have one hanging in my laundry area for dog leashes, collars, shampoos, etc. There are all kinds and some are very pretty. If the slots are not clear you can have fun labeling them.
Notebooks - I can't say this enough. Notebooks should be on the 12 step program for the disorganized! Buy the kind with a sleeve in the front so that you can customize the covers and they can help you in every area of your life. I use them for ideas, recipes, web site info, instructions for projects----the possibilities are endless....
Alpha File Folders - I picked up one of these years ago - it is like a big file folder with sections labeled for the alphabet. I keep it in my file drawer and when I purge my paper in box, I do a presort into the letters that correspond with the items. That way I am not so bummed about filing - it can be broken down into small jobs. These can normally be found at office supply stores - hint: They will fit into your big shoe box...

I will share more as I can - we can all share and learn together....organization is possible for the organizationally challenged-hoarder type people.

Looking for Inspiration....

2011-11-29T18:25:00.000-05:00

Allsorts.com

I don't know about you, but I am always looking online for inspiration and ideas for creativity. One of my very favorite haunts is Allsorts.com! This is her little winter Zoe and there are so many ideas and free templates tumbling out of her site that you can't possibly leave without some ideas in your head. My Pinterest is just full of her pics. Right now I am hoping to make something out of her Advent Calendar idea - so adorable.

Another sight I really love is the Better Homes and Gardens web site - they are packed with all sorts of food and sewing, crafting and more - many free patterns and beautiful pictures.

Next in my daily inspiration trek is The Inspired Room - such a fun place to hang out and she gathers ideas from all over the online community and I just drool over the rooms there. From there you can travel to hundreds of similarly creative sites through her links. Get settled in with a warm drink and a comfy chair for this one. I can browse these sites for hours until my fingers are numb!

As we make our way through the holidays, I am searching for inspiring sites and their ideas and I will keep you posted on my adventures here.....lots of free fun and I can feel my brain buzzing already!!

It's Always Time for Thanksgiving.......

2011-11-05T13:36:00.000-04:00

It is to nice to log onto Facebook now a days and find so many who are trying to count their blessings each day --- rather than dwelling on the problems we all face. Not only it is it a blessing to those who are counting, it is so inspiring for those of us reading their posts.

So, I felt compelled to note some of my own - some that I overlook on many days and shouldn't. As always, the simple things in life that mean so much are the ones that we often overlook and take for granted - until we are without them. Of course there are the big ones like my four wonderful boys and their mates, my wonderful hubby, our home which we fought so hard for and our fur babies who bring so much to our lives each and every day. But - I have to take the time to remember the ones that we think of as expected --- but I now know, as do many others in this time we live in, nothing can be taken for granted because tomorrow could bring a very different life for any one of us. So here goes.....

I am so very thankful for

good friends who really care
a warm clean bed to sleep in
heat when it's cold and air conditioning when it is hot
clean water to drink and bathe in
simple good food to eat
clean clothes and a place to wash and dry them at home
beautiful falling colorful leaves
something to do that keeps me busy- even if it is not what I once did
daily routines that keep me alert and thoughtful
internet access and my little computer
ways to express myself and be creative
kind doctors and nurses who really care
holidays to celebrate with friends and family
cool crisp fall days to enjoy
cold weather so that I enjoy the warm when it comes
blankets to snuggle under
fires in the fireplace on a cold evening
sweaters - I love my sweaters
comfortable shoes
HGTV and Food Network - Hallmark TV and Lifetime (heheh)
walks in the sunshine
visiting new places
rainy days
sunny days
occasionally getting out of the house
strong feelings --- love, happiness, joy, sadness, ......
forgiveness
and the list goes on and on......

While my list will be different than yours, we all have one and it is a good idea to keep it handy and add to it daily, weekly - it will make a huge difference in your perspective in life. One day - it may keep you company on a rainy day when you need to remember.....

Black Bean Chili.........

2011-10-29T20:23:00.000-04:00

Oh Yeah - it is Chili time again! In our family we usually try to wait until around Halloween to start making our Chili - it is such a super comfort food especially on a chili day....heheh. Today I have a pot of Black Bean Chili simmering on the stove and I just love the aroma! While I have made lots of veggie chili - this is my first attempt using Black Beans. My Step-Father was Cuban, so I have eaten lots of black beans and I absolutely LOVE them all kinds of ways! And.....they are good for you - bonus!

For me there are few things I enjoy as much as a simmering pot on the stove, a clean kitchen and the hum of the washer and dish washer while I cook. I know this sounds a little crazy but I love it - maybe because I haven't always been able to do this kind of thing. Even better is the aroma wafting through the house. Doesn't get any better. Okay so I am getting carried away. Below is the recipe - go make yourself some happy - as the hubby would say it's Heartwarming!

Black Bean Chili
1 bag of dried black beans
1 chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup chopped carrots
1 medium can tomato paste
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
6-8 cups of water
Beef bullion or broth
Olive oil
Butter
Thyme
Basil
Bay Leaves

Add your beans to a stew pot and cover with water and a lid and let sit on stove over night. This helps to soften then. Saute carrots, onions and garlic in butter and olive oil until soft - about 5 minutes. Add rinsed beans and water along with seasonings to taste and beef bullion. Simmer this mixture until beans are soft - mine normally take a couple of hours. Then add tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot and stir well - a wisk will help break up and disolve the tomato paste. I also added a can of big red kidney beans to mine to bulk it up a bit. If you would like you can add corn or other veggies at this point and cook for another hour or so. All chili is usually better the next day so I make mine ahead of time. Top with grated cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, chives and serve along with corn bread and crackers. YUM!!!

20 Little Things.....

2011-10-09T13:16:00.001-04:00

As we have talked about in the challenge - Loving Fall is in the little things! So many little things that make it one great big enjoyable time of year! My hubby took a vacation this week, which he normally never does in the Fall, and it is surely making this time much more enjoyable! Yesterday we found a beautiful pumpkin and mums for our front porch and I am just loving it! We haven't done that in years and it feels so festive.

Today's post from The Inspired Room was a reminder of a post that she did a few years ago and it was such a wonderful reminder of what we can find in the everyday joys we live each day. I have listed them below, but do visit her blog for more inspiration. But - most of all, get out there and enjoy the Fall - it is only here for a very short time!

20 Little Things To Treasure in Autumn

from the Inspired Room

Quiet dinners by the fire
Reading mystery novels in darkened rooms
Flannel sheets at the end of a long day
Candles Flickering
Smelling cinnamon, oranges & cloves
Pumpkins
Roasts, Potatoes & Carrots
Fluffy feather beds on a cold night
Watching movies snuggled in soft blankets
Cozy socks
Pie in the oven
Warm crackling wood stoves
Squash with buttered brown sugar
Chili and corn bread smothered in honey
Wind blowing through leaves
Glow of lamps through windows
Laughter filling a room
Scrabble and popcorn
Caramel apples
Family

Baking Fever.....

2011-10-06T20:55:00.005-04:00

Well it is Day 6 in the Fall Blogging Challenge it is a beautiful Fall day here in South Carolina! I always want to bake and bake and cook this time of year. I guess because it is cooler and the oven doesn't heat up the kitchen as much. I found a wonderful simple recipe for Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits and they are baking as I write. The house smells so good and I have some cream cheese icing hanging out in the fridge that I will add to them when they are done. SWEET!!! The recipe is below - so much cheaper than going out for donuts (which I must admit we do on occasion) and they are so yummy!

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits
2 1/2 Cups baking Mix (I used Bisquick)
2 teaspoons softened margarine
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla

Vanilla Glaze
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
(I used some leftover cream cheese icing - thinned it with a tablespoon of milk and heated in the microwave for 30 seconds)

Set oven to 450 degrees. Measure the baking mix into a large mixing bowl and add the sugar, cinnamon and stir together. Add the softened margarine and cut in with knives or a cutter. When mixed together add the vanilla to the milk and then pour into the baking mix and stir together until it forms a stiff dough. Turn this out onto a floured board and knead about 10 times until it has a good texture. Cut into biscuits and place on a greased baking sheet. I spray mine with a butter spray but you could also baste with melted butter or margarine. Then sprinkle the tops with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake these about 12 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and place on a plate and add your preferred topping. Enjoy!

Sweet Simple Things........

2011-10-05T12:24:00.003-04:00

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.–Laura Ingalls Wilder

I really can't explain it - maybe it is because I am an October Baby, maybe it is because I am older and dealing with hot flashes - I just don't know, but I am so in Love with Fall! The air smells better, the sun shines brighter and I just can't soak it up enough. I know all too well that it will soon give way to darker shorter days and less sunshine and the aches and pains of cold weather so enjoy this I must!

Now - on to my project for the day! I spend a good bit of my time trying to knit and crochet - and I say trying because I am not that good but I do enjoy it so much. As part of the Binky Patrol SC, we send items to several different groups who serve children. At this time of year we are busy getting things together to celebrate Fall and Halloween. My contribution this year will be pumpkin hats. This is not a complicated pattern and anyone could do it if I can. They are fun, warm and great for taking pictures of little ones to remember their first Fall. Give one a try - they whip up very quickly and are such fun!

Pumpkin Knit Hats

Size 8 Knitting Needles

Orange or Pumpkin Colored Yarn

Brown or Green Yarn for Stems

I used Red Heart for mine, but if you use that yarn you will want to give them a gentle wash after they are done to soften them up. A vinegar rinse really helps with this process.

First cast on 50 stitches. One trick I use because my hands are old and arthritic, is to cast on with a size 9 needle and do one row of all knit and them use the size 8 needles from her on out. For the first 3 inches do the knit one row, pearl one row pattern. This will give you a nice curl at the bottom. Then I start decreasing to give the hat some shape. Start on a knit row and decrease by knitting two stitches together every 10 stitches, Knit pearl another two rows and then decrease every 8 stitches, then 6, then 4. If you need a longer hat you can put more regular rows between the decreasing rows. Newborn hats should be about 4-5 inches long with the curl. When your hat is the size you like, cut the thread about 10 inches long and thread into a sewing needle. Cast the stitches off onto this thread and pull time to draw up the top and close. Continue sewing closed all the way down and close. Aren't they cute? They turn out very stretchy and fun!

To make the stem, cast on 3 stitches onto any size double pointed needles and knit an I cord for as long as you would like. Cast off and pull the ending thread all the way through the stem carefully so that you can't see it - this will allow you to bend the stem as much as you like. Pull the two threads through the top of the hat and secure on the inside and your hat is all done. So fun!!

In a Pinch.....This Will Do Just Fine....

2011-10-04T13:04:00.003-04:00

I am getting back into cooking slowly but so enjoying it. I haven't spent much time in front of the stove for the last few years for lots of reasons, not the least of which is lack of time and energy. It has just become to easy to heat stuff up and get the occasional take out. It is also so very tempting to just eat out but that has become so very expensive that we are rethinking ideas to reduce our food budget.

My Grannie was full Irish as my Mother would say and I grew up eating lots of potatoes. I absolutely love them and they have been good to me during lean times when I needed to prepare meals for my family that were very inexpensive. This time of year, I am always reminded of how versatile and delicious they really are.

Today after reading the daily email from theinspiredroom.net, I thought about how important it is that we learn to enjoy what we have and use what we have on hand. Particularly during this time of year - Fall - the season we are trying to celebrate and appreciate, it is so easy to stay in and enjoy our surroundings and cook a good meal!

So, to that end, I am sharing a staple that has been in my family for years and it can be the base for many meals. I know everyone has a potato soup recipe and may enjoy it. I thought I would share the idea of how versatile this wonderful soup/stew can be!

Since I don't have a car or drive right now (long story for another blog), I have to make the best of what I have on hand many times. My hubby works very long hours at a supermarket and does the best he can to keep us well stocked but many times I don't have all of the ingredients on hand that I need. Hence the variables of this soup. Forgive my lack of exact cooking terms and measurements - this is a build as you go soup - make it your own. Give it a try and let me know what you think.....it is sure to become a favorite of your family if they like potatoes!

In a Pinch Potato Stew
6 or 7 large potatoes
1/2 good sized onion
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 stick Butter or Margarine
4 Chicken Bullion Cubes or Broth
2 stalks of celery
Garlic Powder (I use the parsley kind)
Basil
1 cup mashed potato flakes
1 cup Milk (I use skim but you can use any kind depending on taste)

I start by peeling and chopping my onion and add it to my soup pot with the butter and oil. Melt the butter and cook the onions on medium heat while you peel your potatoes. I do a rough chop on my potatoes but you can cut them any size or way you like. I wash and add the potatoes to the pot as I chop and rinse each one. I also go ahead and throw in the bullion in if that is what I am using. Then I chop the celery and add to the pot - if you don't have celery on hand, celery salt and or celery seed will give you a nice flavor as well. If I have some baby carrots in the fridge I will add some of those chopped as well. I add the seasonings to taste at this point. Keep stiring this as it sautees for about 10 -15 minutes. The potatoes should be golden brown but not done all the way through.

Add 4 cups water to the pot and put a lid on and let it gently boil for about 30 minutes. The potatoes should be softened up at this point. Add 2 more cups water and milk now and let the mixture come to a soft boil. If you like you can smash some of the potatoes now - I just leave mine alone.

As soon as the mixture is hot and slowly boiling, add the potato flakes and stir with a wisk until they are dissolved into the mixture. You can make it thinner or thicker using potato flakes. At this point the soup should be thickened and ready to eat......but you don't have to stop here.....

Sometimes I mix up a simple batch of potato dumplings and add in. They are very simple using 2 cups Bisquick and 2 tablespoons softened butter and 2/3 cups of milk. Mix together just like biscut dough and add 1/4 cup mashed potato flakes (Add more if you like a stiff batter). You can spoon these into the boiling soup or roll them and cut into pieces and add. Cook them for about 20 minutes longer - 10 with the lid on the pot and 10 without spooning the soup over the dumplings to be sure the get done all the way through. This makes a wonderful hearty soup. Chopped cooked chicken or other vegetables can be added if you like. Enjoy!

We top ours with bacon bits (or you can fry up some bacon), sour cream and grated cheeses. Chives are a great addition too!! Delicious on a cool Fall evening!

Perfectly Pumpkin........

2011-10-03T13:12:00.000-04:00

Okay - so I am not a master baker but I sure do love to make things sweet and delicious and if they are easy, all the better. My hubby brought home a box of this magical potion this week and I have been brainstorming on how I could make something (other than cookies) with this mix. Well if you look at the bottom of the back of the box there is a great recipe and I tweaked it just a bit. Turns out it works great and this same idea could be done lots of different ways to please your family's taste. Oh and even better - they will make your house smell deliciously FALL!!! Gotta love that! So here goes.

Pumpkin Praline Toffee Bars
1 (17.5 oz) Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin Cookie Mix
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter melted
1 large Egg
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of toffee chips
Heat oven to 350 and spray an 8 X 8 inch baking pan with cooking/baking spray. (The instructions on the box stated that the pan should be lined with foil - I chose not to do that)
Stir Cookie mix and 1/2 cup melted butter in a medium bowl until well mixed. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Whisk egg, corn syrup and 2 tablespoons of melted butter together with vanilla. Stir in toffee chips - you could substitute pecans or other nuts here - until well blended. Spread mixture over baked layer.
Bake 23 to 25 minutes until topping is set and golden brown. Depending on your oven this may take a little longer - mine did. Cool for 15 minutes and serve with whipped cream. YUM!

Here is how mine turned out.......if you want to go crazy, you can add a can of cream cheese icing to the top and serve with whipped cream. So delicious!!

Food and Fall......Go Hand in Hand....

2011-10-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love it when you go to the store this time of year and they have already started putting those big center isle sections loaded with baking goods, party mixes and everything you need for the holidays! I know they do that to draw us in and it sure works for me. As my hubby would say - it is just heartwarming...heheh. For those of us who dream of making bread, cookies, soups and stews and more this is a true delight. I could just hang out there and dream of all of the concoctions I would love to put together.

Well for many years, I have purchased those supplies and for some reason or another, they sit in my cabinet until they expire and I am determined to get some of those things done this year. I want to make bread - that is one of the first things on my Fall Bucket List! It doesn't have to be fancy or complicated - it just has to smell good and taste good. I am in search of a great recipe and I will let you know when I find one. I know they are out there for those of us who are baking impaired but truly want to do this. Really!

Another thing on my list is to make cookies - I used to bake quite a few and my guys love them so I will do my best to get this done so that when they are here there are cookies in the jar and not the bargain ones from the grocery store.

Making chili is one of our Fall staples and I don't want to miss that either. I just love cooler weather because we can have lots of soups and stews - one of my favorite things to cook. I have found the most wonderful inspiring cooking club - you must check it out. It is free and so much fun - sort of like a FaceBook for cooking.....Just a Pinch..... You can set up your own page and collect your recipes and sort and share them. What a wonderful idea. If you really like it you can upgrade and get a free apron and more for about $10 but that is optional. Check it out - just another way to get Fall and the Holidays underway!

Sweet October - Finally You are Here.....

2011-10-01T13:50:00.001-04:00

The first day of October - just about the sweetest day of the year for me besides my children's birthdays. ;o) I just love October and every year I look so forward to it and it goes by so very fast. This is day 3 of my blogging Fall and I am so hoping it will make the season last just a little longer - that we can savor the days of Fall, rather than looking back and feeling like it passed us by. The logo above is from one of my favorite blogs - The Inspired Room - and this challenge was her creation. Such a wonderful idea!! Follow her along - she has wonderful ideas for everyday, but even better for Fall!

Even better there are lots of other participants - you can find them by going to http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/09/30/31-days-participants/ and click on their links. So much fun - so much inspiration!!!! I am in heaven and lovin this!!!

So - join us in this celebration of Fall and the holidays to come and make life just a little sweeter one day at a time....just by participating!!

Red and Aqua and Inspiration - Day Two of Blog Fest

2011-09-30T15:38:00.000-04:00

Oweee - I just Love RED and even better is red and aqua!! I had seen this combination several places on line but none better than Allsorts.
If you have not visited this site then you must go. It is a delicious delight of color and whimsy as well as creativity. Jenny B. Harris is the creator and artist of this wonderful site and I just can't get enough. She inspires me in so many ways with her art and seasonal patterns and goodies. If you need inspiration and just a smile - go there - you will be Happy you did!!

Another thing I learned from this site is Pinterest! I had seen this logo here and there but was not sure what it was. I still don't know all of the ins and outs but it is a wonderful place to put your ideas and pictures, etc.. If you are like me and are always finding things online that you want to remember and save then this is the place for you. It is like a huge bulletin board for all you see and love and are interested in online. What a wonderful idea and another great inspiration. Check it out at Pinterest.com. So much fun!!!

Ah--- Awsome Fall......

2011-09-29T13:46:00.001-04:00

I know I have said it many times before but I just absolutely, head over heals, no holds bared LOVE Fall!!! Only problem is it goes by way too quickly and gets all caught up in thinking ahead till Christmas and I look back and don't remember enjoying it the way I would love to.

So - I am taking the advice of one of my favorite bloggers, The Inspired Room, and challenging myself to write something about Fall everyday in the month of October - okay - so I am starting early but I am excited.

Another favorite thing in Fall is all of the beautiful art that is out there to help us get in the mood - the little guy to the left is a perfect example. He just makes me happy and smile every time I look at him and he was created by one of my favorite artists - Primsy Doodle Designs. She has the most wonderful whimsical designs for every event and season and I so love the colors. There are several links for her sites scattered on the blog - check her out and you will be inspired.

When I see Fall art, and crafts, they inspire me to do - to act and get involved. I hope you are inspired to do the same and enjoy this absolutely wonderful season!!! For those of us in the hot South - this is also a respite from the extremely hot weather we have over the Summer and the disappearance of the humidity. Better hair days - long walks, great food and more......join me in challenging ourselves to live in the moment and enjoy this Fall.....

Homemade Jambalaya ~ Sort Of

2011-09-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

In our family we love Jambalaya and it can be pretty labor intensive. My hubby can make it from scratch ala Paul Prudhomme and it is fantastic. Me - not so much. I have used Zatarans mixes and they are great too. But, if you are in a pinch and need a good quick dinner this is the way to go.

I get lots of food emails as I am very interested in relearning to cook. So today I was playing the what can I make with what I have game and discovered something pretty good. I believe I will start doing it on purpose from now on and trying some other varieties. Let me know what you think.

Sort-Of Homemade Jambalaya
1 cup rice
2 cans Progresso Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Soup (Really)
Seasonings to Taste

Put the soup in a large saucepan and heat. Cook the rice according to package directions - I use uncle Ben's Converted Rice and it works great but any rice will do. After the rice is done stir it into the soup and cook on low for about 30 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb the liquid in the soup and it is excellent! We add shredded cheese, sour cream along with chopped onions as toppings. This stuff is surprisingly delicious. If you have some chicken or sausage on hand, that could be chopped and added as well. Either way it is very inexpensive and tastes like you went to lots of trouble. Give it a try and you might be delightfully surprised! There are lots of other varieties of Progresso soup that can be used the same way - and no I don't work for them - just trying to save money and still feed my family something good.

Eggies.......What Were You Thinking.....

2011-08-13T19:37:00.001-04:00

Eggies

Dear Eggies:
I received your little brown box today and I must admit I was excited to try your new product. I rarely succumb to the temptation of "As Seen on TV" products, but this one struck my fancy. I LOVE eggs and all of my family enjoys the occasional boiled egg. The idea of making them without the peeling mess as well as having the flat bottom really appealed to me. I also loved the idea of being able to prepare egg whites and seasoned boiled eggs.

Well - right out of the box, I have to tell you I was somewhat perplexed. The product was poorly packaged and, at least for me, a bit difficult to figure out. With only a black and white single sheet instruction page, I had some trouble putting them together. But....I pressed on to my dream of the perfect boiled egg.

I washed all of the pieces as instructed and left them to dry - came back a little latter and was very disappointed in how difficult they were to put together again - I would never recommend these to anyone who has any issues with their hands or the elderly. My next disappointment was that they require greasing - I had hoped they were made of the newer silicone and did not require this step. None the less - I moved to the next step and sprayed cooking spray onto a paper towel and wiped them out with this completely as you advised in your sparse instruction sheet.

Okay - my goal was to try 3 or 4 just in case they got stuck and I didn't want to waste my precious eggs. First egg - not too bad - it precariously slipped into the small opening of the eggie. Not so lucky with the second - the little cup turned over and egg went everywhere. Soooo one down 3 to go. I went very slowly and added the third egg to a cup all while thinking this is NOT easier than peeling an egg! I then plopped my little eggies into the hot pot of water on my stove. Well - at least they are very cute floating and bobbing. I set my timer as per the instructions for 5 minutes -----the bell dinged and I still had runny eggs. So I reset the timer for another 5, but before it went off I heard a little pop and saw that one of my little eggies had exploded into the boiling water. Okay - so I had one poached egg - not a total loss since I had never made poached eggs before. My Jack Russell, Maddie, and I enjoyed that one - but let's focus here ---- poached is not our goal.

The two final eggies boiled up nicely after about 20 minutes, which by the way is the time it normally takes to boil and egg in it's own shell. I removed the eggs and placed them on a plate and popped them in the fridge and let them cool about 30 minutes.

I have to say the main thing that I had feared, was not a problem - they popped out just fine and made two little flat bottomed boiled eggs - or boobs as my son advised they resembled. So.....are they worth the ridiculously high shipping and handling charge (they don't cost that much - the shipping does)??? Ah the million dollar question. If you are not in need of special flat bottomed boiled eggs or eggs made from the kind that come from a carton or egg whites, then I would not recommend your product to my dog and by the way she liked the poached one better! Be ashamed Dear Eggies - this product is just not what it appears. But---shame on me for falling for this rather than waiting to find out what others thought after using this product! Not again Dear Eggies!

We're Cooking Now.....Mashed Potato Casserole

2011-08-13T18:25:00.000-04:00

At the ripe age of almost 55, I am relearning the skill of cooking. I won't bore you with details, that's another story and another blog. ;o) But....I have come to enjoy it, even with the flubs and bad food that I many times create. My Guinea Pigs are my 16 year old son and my hubby. If my recipes pass that test, then I try them on my entire family when all of the boys and their spouses and girl friends and an occasional good friend or other family members come to dinner. Many don't make the final review, but I am learning and keeping my brain active and at the same time using some of the creativity I still possess. That part is not always a favorite of my family - my idea of trying new healthy alternatives and ingredients sometimes leaves them underwhelmed. But, every now and then I hit gold and last night's recipe was just that. ;o)

In search of something simple and soothing last night, I stumbled onto a recipe for a Mashed Potato Casserole. I would never have thought of this idea on my own. I had some cheese and instant potatoes on hand and began my search. If you like potatoes and have not tried this, you must. I used the instant kind but you could easily use the real ones. Here is what I came out with in the end:

Baked Mashed Potato Casserole
3 Cups of prepared instant mashed potatoes (I used fat free half and half and skim milk to make these)
Hint - don't use potato buds - use flakes - they work much better
4 Ounces of cream cheese (use low fat if you are being more health conscious)
1/2 Cup Monterrey Jack Cheese
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese or 2 Slices of Cheese
2 or 3 Slices of cooked bacon or turkey bacon cut into small pieces
Parsleyed Garlic salt

This would work well with leftover potatoes as well. Soften your cream cheese in the microwave and then add to the Mashed potatoes (works better if the mashed potatoes are hot as well) and stir in the Monterrey Jack and mix well. The potatoes will begin to look very fluffy - even instant ones.

Then I added garlic salt and pepper to taste and put the potatoes into a greased baking dish. Set the oven to 350 and cut your sliced cheese into little pieces or shred regular cheddar and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole. Then place the cut up bacon pieces over the top. I sprayed the top of the casserole with spray butter and baked it for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top and the cheese is melted. It will be almost like a souffle - really. Enjoy!!! ;o)

Pocket Doll Contest

2010-03-18T15:19:00.000-04:00

Enter to win this contest and YOU will be the winner! The rules are simple.
To enter please request the entry form by e-mailing Vicki@DinkyBaby.com

As your entry you will need to make three pocket dolls along with "Angela's Quiet Baby Purse" and mail the finished purse & dolls to Vicki. The address will be on the form.

Use your imagination! Come up with some great ideas of how to dress and decorate your dolls and purse.

Please use pattern #061-068 and craft velour (for faces) other then that be creative.
If you need the pattern and fabric it is available below at a great price. Velvet ribbon is also available below.
I will photograph each entry so that it can be added to the "Pocket Baby & Purse Idea CD". All those who enter will receive a copy of this CD for FREE. You will receive credit for your ideas below the photograph. This CD will be sold with all the proceeds going to a charity of Lynne's choice, http://www.binkypatrol.org/.
CONTEST PRIZES
First place prize is $50 in patterns from Dinky Baby
Second place prize is $30 in patterns from Dinky Baby
Third place prize is $20 in patterns form Dinky Baby

Everyone wins because all the Pocket Dolls and Purses will be either donated to a charity of Lynne's choice, http://www.binkypatrol.org/

All entries must be received by April 1, 2010.

I LOVE DinkyBabies!!!

2010-01-17T00:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!! I cannot believe we are already halfway through January 2010! I have been dreaming of DinkyBabies - big ones, little ones, fat ones and more!

They are such fun and the possibilities are endless!! As the Mother of four boys, the opportunity to make frilly dresses with pinks and lavenders are such fun. I have been dragging my feet for the last few months and not creating much of anything but it's a new year and a new opportunity to raise money for the March of Dimes! DinkyBabies are the perfect way for me to do that and what better way to remind Moms how adorable babies are and most importantly how very important it is that they arrive healthy and stay that way. It doesn't take much to make a big difference - take a minute to visit the March of Dimes!

Babies are our future and we can all help to see that each one gets the 9 months they need!!

Help Me - I am Blog Obsessed!!!

2009-11-30T17:40:00.000-05:00

I have not been able to do much lately and have been doing little more than surfing on my computer. I am amazed at the blog stuff out there. There is a universe of information, graphics, opinions, links and so much more and the best thing is that it is all FREE!!

The hard part is not saving it all and trying to get off the computer. I have become obsessed with blog freebies like backgrounds and headers and soooo many gadgets. I just cannot believe the coolness of these things and more, that their creators give them away freely and generously. Some favorites that you may want to check out are listed below. If you make anything, have a child, just want to blog about anything, you will find something you love on these pages. Be careful though - you may get hooked like me and it is so hard to stop!!
http://www.mystylebackgrounds.blogspot.com/
http://butterflygirlmsblogdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.shabbyblogs.com/
http://www.sneakymommablogdesign.blogspot.com/
http://bloggerblogbackgrounds.blogspot.com/

Fall is A Time to Celebrate!

2009-10-27T15:47:00.000-04:00

I just LOVE Fall and I can't really believe it is here again!! So many fun things go on during this time of the year and it is always so exciting!!! Like the colorful leaves from the trees, ideas for new projects just waft through my brain. If only I could materialize all of them, or at least some! For me that is one of my favorite things to do - dream about all sorts of things that I could create!!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I want to recognize a very special lady - Vick Riley with DinkyBaby.com. She is a breast cancer survivor and so much more. Vicki works tirelessly to help others in any way that she can. She donates patterns, materials, as well as profits from the sale of some of her patterns and way to much more to mention here. If you are fortunate enough to know Vicki, then you will know what a huge heart she has!! All of us in the DinkyBaby Yahoo Group would like to pay special recognition to her this month and hope you will too. Stop by the DinkyBaby Fan page and leave a message for Vicki - she would love to hear from you all! We can't thank her enough for all her support and generosity as well as sharing her secrets and knowledge!!

November is Prematurity Awareness Month for the March of Dimes and so fitting that we also recognize Vicki during November. Vicki created a special pattern for us to honor preemies and she donates a portion of the profits for each of these patterns. She also donated her prototype "Teenee Preemee" doll to SC Chapter of the March of Dimes and they use her in their teaching programs. You can find kits for this doll on Vicki's web site at DinkyBaby.com as well as a downloadable version of the pattern at www.linniepies.com.

Help us recognize Vicki and thank her for all of her efforts as well as recognizing her for all she does for those in need!! Send her a shout on the DinkyBaby FaceBook Fan page, purchase a pattern and let her know we appreciate her, or just visit her blog and leave her a note. Fall is our time to appreciate Vicki Riley and DinkyBaby.com!!

Exciting News..........

2009-09-25T16:26:00.000-04:00

This is Riley - probably one of my most prized posessions and he is a 14 inch DinkyBaby! He was a gift to me from Vicki Riley and she created and made him herself. He is a "real" boy and he is helping me get ready for some exciting news about our relationship with DinkyBaby! We will be making an announcement soon!!

He is also pictured with a new set for fall - a punkin hat and booties along with a security blankie - made just to size for Dinkies his size. This little set will be available soon to raise money for the March of Dimes. Riley is pretty excited to be our model this year! Be sure to watch for more items we will be adding to the site and also our exciting news!!! Visit our site often at www.linniepies.com!

Emmie is Ready For Her Close-Up!

2009-09-16T16:47:00.000-04:00

This is little Emmie - she has a very big smile on her face because she is complete and ready for a diaper and clothes! Emmie was created from a little 6 inch DinkyBaby pattern and she is ready to play. I am definitely not an expert at cloth sculpting but Emmie and Tico are helping me to learn. She is wearing a handmade pink cap covering her sweet little bald head. She is giving me all sorts of ideas for her clothing and she will be modeling them very soon. If you want to learn this type of cloth doll creation, DinkyBabies are a great place to start!!

I Said Stop Procrastinating!!!

2009-09-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

How many times do I tell myself this - every day, every week.......but then I procrastinate!

Little Tico sits on my desk and while he has a very sweet face and hair, his hands and feet are not done and he is not dressed! He wants to play football but with claws for hands, it is hard to say the least. He keeps whispering to me that he is not the only one! There are patterns all around me and dolls that are cut out, one that is dirty and needs to be cleaned and new clothes made, and etc, etc. and on and on. They all speak to me and know that their day may never come if I don't get back to working on them.

I tell Tico it is too warm for his cute new hat and booties and so he takes off the hat and says he still can't hold the football and round and round we go. I tell him I am outing myself by showing my friends his pictures and possibly that will motivate me to finish him up. My health issues do slow me down and make me forget but......I still need to get something finished!!! It is good for me, good for Tico, and most of all will be good for the babies we try to help through the March of Dimes.

It is so true what they say about doing for others - when you are so consumed with your own personal issues, whatever they may be, the best cure is to focus on doing something for others!! Right now it is saving my sanity in so many ways - Tico would agree! Hut - Let's play ball!

Getting Ready for Prematurity Month!!!

2009-09-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

November is Prematurity Month with the March of Dimes!

We are gearing up for a great month raising money for the March of Dimes in November. There are many activities planned to help ensure that all babies are born healthy. We have several listings online and our Web site is dedicated to helping babies through the March of Dimes. Please check it out at www.linniepies.com! Our Ebay listings are at http://myworld.ebay.com/linniepies.

In our State of South Carolina the statistics are not good and nationwide they are very scary. We all need to work together to give all babies the 9 months they need!

Peristats for an Average Week on our State:

184 babies are born

preterm

33 babies are born
very preterm

121 babies are born

low birthweight

22 babies are born

very low birthweight

If you have healthy children in your lives, donate in their honor!

I'm Back!

2009-07-10T21:39:00.000-04:00

I'm Back! I finally decided today to put on my big girl panties and get back on the March of Dimes fundraising! I have been a little down and out and haven't accomplished much for the last month or so. Well no more - I have to put my best foot forward - albeit a little wobbly at times. I have materials all around me and a small little room to work in - all I have to do is get motivated.

I have several partners in crime and they create dolls, patterns, etc. to help with not just this effort but also several others. Creating for a cause is our goal and our passion. Check us out at http://www.linniepies.com and see what we have been doing. Our babies Help us Help Babies! A portion of everything we do goes to the March of Dimes!

2009-04-18T13:16:00.000-04:00

We only have one week left to raise money for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies!! This little cutie was designed by Vicki Riley of DinkyBaby.com. Vicki graciously donated her and she is our model for the Prematurity Project and she travels with the March of Dimes here in South Carolina to give others an idea of how small a preemie is. Also thanks to Vicki, a portion of every purchase of this pattern or kit will be donated to the March of Dimes. This is an ongoing project for us but we would love to increase our total for the Walk for Babies which ends on 4/25/09. Please consider helping out! If you have a child in your life or your family or friends have been touched by prematurity, please make a donation. Just click on the MOD link on the right. It is tax deductible and very easy to do. Any amount is appreciated!! Help us continue to Help Babies!!

Walk for Babies ~ March of Dimes

2009-03-13T14:35:00.000-04:00

We are so excited - it is that time of year - time for the March for Babies! See the link below:

March of Dimes

Please join us in working to support the Prematurity Project through the March of Dimes! This is so important, especially in the economic times we find ourselves in now. So many new moms don't have insurance or good prenatal care which is the best assurance for a healthy baby! We will be loading new dolls to our site to sell for the benefit of this fundraiser - please check back often and help us help babies! They are the key to our future.

We're Moving!

2009-01-06T23:03:00.000-05:00

We will be moving the Miss Myrtles site in the next few days. Due to the fact that both my husband and I were unemployed for the last 3 months, we are finding it necessary to cut every corner possible. I am sure lots of others are in the same boat. Anyway - we will be combining all 3 of our Web sites in one place. We will still be raising money for the March of Dimes and the Prematurity Project, we will just be doing it under our WordLee web site. The site should automatically send all visitors to that site within a couple of days. We have some exciting dolls to sell for the cause and should have them loaded soon!! Check back often to see what we have. Let us know your thoughts about the new site - it is under construction now.

www.wordlee.com

Still Working!

2008-08-22T00:09:00.001-04:00

We are working hard to get crafters on board to help us with the Miss Myrtles Babies site and the Prematurity Project. Several have promised us dolls and we are so excited!! This week I received a huge box in the mail and inside was an assortment of the most wonderful dolls from Kate Erbach. If you visit Kate's Etsy site linked above, you will see that she makes the most wonderful dolls. I am surrounded by a monster, a pumpkin, a geisha, and so much more. You can't imagine the fun I am having with them visiting me until they are auctioned off for the cause. I believe my favorite is a tall thin man dressed in a red silky shirt and tie seated at a martini bar having himself a much deserved drink. I have had a rough time of it lately but these guys have more then lifted my spirits. The local March of Dimes Director has advised that they would like some of our dolls for an auction in November - I am sure these wonderful creations will bring in a good bit for them. Kate is also the one who donated the Keizi Matthews "Dear Ones" pattern to us for use in making dolls for the Miss Myrtles Babies site. Thank you so much Kate for all your help and support!!!

Carmen with Shweet Potato Designs is also keeping me in good humored graphics for the sites and much more. The two little girls above playing together made me think of how all things are possible when we work together. Thank you so much to Joann Bevan, Sandy Schodt and the other ladies of the DinkyBaby group - they have really kept me afloat!! Joann has sold two of her babies and donated the earnings and she allows us to use her babies for all sorts of things. She has some new ones in the nursery now at LinniePies! Sandy has made the most beautiful Baby to donate - she looks so real and huggable!! Theresa with Grammies Doll Nursery has created a layette for 8 inch babies and she will be donating a portion of all of the sales on that pattern to MMB also! We will have it loaded within the next day or so - it is downloadable!

We are very lucky to have such great doll making friends and we could not do this without them!! I hope to have pictures of all of the babies and dolls contributed posted soon! They are too wonderful for words!!!

Downloadable Pattern is Ready!!

2008-08-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

You can now download the Teenee Preemee Pattern by Vicki Riley! Click here to purchase your copy and a portion will be donated to our cause!!! Be sure to read the instructions. Let us know what you think!! We think this is one of Vicki's best yet!!!

We are Getting Official!!!

2008-08-08T21:04:00.000-04:00

We are getting official - finally. I was able to obtain a tax ID number for Miss Myrtle's Babies today!! We have put in the paperwork to open a checking account and received donation which came from Vicki Riley with DinkyBaby.com! We are pretty excited. We have also received emails from at least 4 doll makers who will be donating dolls for the cause. We will be posting them on the web site as they are available. The first one is little Caleb from Joann Bevan with Grandamas Crafts in Bluffton, near Hilton Head, SC. He is such a little cutie - you will have to go by and see him. He is dressed in a sweet little homemade diaper with a blue blanket and cap. He has a little dark brown wisp of hair and a sweet little cherub face. He is up for adoption and his fee will be donated to the cause. Visit him at www.missmyrtlesbabies.com under the adoption link. Joann has also donated a sweet little Monkey and he has his own little handmade bib and diaper. You can also find him under the adoption link.

Thanks so much to all who are working toward this effort - I know we can make a difference!! Please send us your stories about pre-term labor or premature deliveries - we would love to post as many as we can on the site.

Excitement is in the Air!

2008-07-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

Teenie Preemie Almost Ready!!

We are pretty excited around here today!!

Well Vicki Riley of DinkyBaby.com sent me the picture of the prototype baby for the Teenie Preemie yesterday. You can see her here - she is just so adorable I can't believe it!!! She is our new poster child for Miss Myrtles Babies! My favorite thing is her little hand behind her ear. :) Vicki will be allowing us to sell this pattern on our site as well as donating some of the proceeds to our cause - the prematurity project!! Soon we will be adding some personal stories to the site about pre-mature babies and their families. One of the first will be my beautiful little Great Nephew Carson. He was born at 33 weeks after my Niece went through a very rough two weeks in the hospital trying to stall the labor. He is a beautiful little guy but she really went through a very scary couple of months. I can't wait to post his before and after pictures. He is one of the most beautiful babies I have seen and yes I am a little prejudiced!

Many of you know that I have 4 boys - two of them were difficult labors beginning at 24 & 26 weeks. We almost lost our 3rd Son during that ordeal and I did miscarry my 4th pregnancy. My fifth pregnancy was successful with my Son Philip - now 13 and healthy! He and Clay were born at 37 weeks miraculously after hospital stays, drugs, and so much more. My first two - Andy and Josh - were very normal pregnancies. Proof that you just never know. That is our goal - to help in research to find out what causes so many pre-mature labors and how to better stop them. Our State - South Carolina - is one of the worst in infant mortality rates and pre-mature births!! We hope to help work on that.

As I have droned on about in other blogs, articles, I worked in administrative stuff for the past 30+ years (now I am telling my age) and although this work does require some of those skills, I am so happy to be back to crafting and working for a cause. As many of you know, the past 3 years or so with my work have been very difficult and this year was very painful - sort of like a divorce with my contract. But........through pain and difficulty can come joy and that is what I have found. I just know that Miss Myrtle would be so happy to lend her name to this wonderful cause - if you knew her then you know that she was the most generous caring individual that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!! I hope to provide more information about her and what a wonderful person she was as we go along. Many of you may not know that she was my dear friend Ann Epting's Mother.

Watch as we grow and move on with this most wonderful cause. Help us help Babies!!!

Miss Myrtle Up and Running!

2008-07-19T15:54:00.000-04:00

Well Miss Myrtle's Babies Web site is up and running - finally! Annie with In A Pickle Web Designs saved me - I just could not get it to load for some unknown reason. :) It looks great and we are getting ready to start filling it with products and information to raise money for pre-term babies and research! The Web address is www.missmyrtlesbabies.com - I believe it may take some time to get it rolling but we are over the first hump. Now we have to file the paperwork for the non-profit. We have 3 board members so far - Ms. Carol Martin, Ms. Ann Epting, and myself. I would like to add maybe one or two more for ideas and points of view. If you drop by let us know what you think as we grow and develop the site and the group!
Lynne
www.linniepies.com
www.wordlee.com
www.missmyrtlesbabies.com

Changes! July 14, 2008

2008-07-14T22:50:00.000-04:00

Well things are changing around here almost every day! This is my first entry onto the "Official" blog. In the past we have just used a page in our Web site to post the blogs but I thought it may be time to make a change!

We have also completely changed the Web sites to move them more to the craft side as I no longer have any active administrative contracts. I have been working very hard to get the Web pages some activity and start adding more dolls and babies!! We are also working on a new site which will be a non-profit to benefit BABIES!! My favorite topic!! The new site will be Miss Myrtles Babies in honor of a dear frind of mine that died a couple of months ago - Ms. Myrtle Baker. She faught a long battle with Cancer and she is now at peace. Watch for more info on this site - I hope it will do much good!!! This little guy will be our logo - he is "Thinking Andy" which is very appropriate since my oldest is named Andy! I have fallen in love with Shweet Potato Designs and Carmen over there worked this up for me. I just love her graphics and will be using them on all three sites. Change can be very exciting after all!!