Hoo are You? Get to know other Bloggers!

It's time for another Hoo are YOU?  Party at Night Owl Crafting!

1. What is your least favorite thing to clean in your house?

Floors.  For now anyways.  There is so much old tile in this house and I HATE to clean it.  I also hate to IRON.

2. What color of shirts do you wear the most?

I think I wear a variety but most are neutral colors.

3. Do you have long hair or short hair?

It is long now, but I am thinking of getting a cut.  Probably won't go any shorter than my shoulders though.  Or maybe I'll grow it out.....

4. What time do you usually eat dinner?
I would like to eat at about 5:30 but with the kids sports right now we eat when we can.  It's kinda crazy!
5. What is your favorite dessert?
Chocolate cake, brownies.  Really anything chocolate will do!

Chocolate Waffles...Mmmmm....

Waffles are definitely a favorite in our house. Usually on Sundays after church the hubs makes us waffles. Yep! This is about the only time HE does any cooking. It all started when our waffle maker died a couple years ago and he decided to buy a fancy new one for HIM! 

Today, like any other Sunday we had waffles after church. And later when we needed a yummy treat before bed, we made more waffles. Only this time they were CHOCOLATE!

Here's how

You will need your waffle maker and your favorite

chocolate cake mix

Mix up your cake batter as normal and cook like you would waffles!

Yep!  It's that easy!

Oh and did I mention the ice cream and hot fudge?

And when you get smiles like this, you know you've done good!

Back to School Fun!!! PB&J Braid from Fast Easy Bread

One of my friends owns Fast Easy Bread and she has just been featured over on The Girl Who Ate Everything.
(It is a great article with lots of info and more recipes so be sure to check it out!)

I was so excited when I saw her feature!  This stuff is amazing and makes bread making fast and easy!  I have taken her bread class and I don't think I would make bread as  often as I do without it!

So what does this have to do with BACK TO SCHOOL?

Look at this YUMMY Peanut butter and Jelly Braid!

PB&J has never looked so good!

This braid can be easily cut into 12 pieces.  Put in baggies and stored in the fridge so the kids can grab them and go.  Makes packing lunches easy peasy!  (especially if you have several to pack like I do!)

And better yet, the kids can help!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Braid Filling
Peanut butter
Favorite flavor jelly

1. Spray counter and hands with cooking spray and knead for a few seconds to form smooth ball.
2.  Roll dough into a 15-in. x 12-in. rectangle. (scroll down for FAST EASY BREAD Recipe) Place on a greased cookie sheet. It's very important to place the dough on the cookie sheet before you fill it because once you fill it, it will be too heavy to move onto the cookie sheet. Spread peanut butter and jelly down the center third of the rectangle.
3. On each long side, cut 1 inch wide strips about 2-1/2-inches into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling.
4. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
5. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
6. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack or cutting board with 2 spatulas.
8. Let cool before cutting.  Enjoy!


FastEasyBread Dough Recipe
2 and 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour (you can buy this in bulk at Costco or find it at your grocery store by the regular flour)
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp SAF-instant premium yeast
1 tsp Easy Squeezy Soy Liquid Lecithin
1 cup hot/warm water

Instructions:
1.Mix Dry ingredients. (yeast is a dry ingredient)
2.Make 1 dimple in dry ingredients and squeeze the lecithin into the bottom of the dimple about the size of a quarter.
3.Add water slowly, add 3/4 cups and then the remaining 1/4 cup. Mix for 1 minute and check consistency. The dough mixer should be sticky and pull itself off bowl.
4.Mix/knead in mixer on medium setting for 5 minutes or knead for 5 minutes by hand.

This dough is an all-in-one!!  Use the same dough for your braid as you use for rolls, cinnamon rolls, or pizza crust!  Check out Fast Easy Bread for more info and recipes!

Creamy Crockpot Chicken

I go through phases when I use my crockpot ALOT and times when it just sits in the back of my cupboard.  Like it has been since we moved.

Last night I dug it out and cooked some chicken.  In fact my 7 yr old, most pickiest eater ever, said it was the best chicken in the world and would I make it every night!?

Well, if its that good, I guess I'd better share!

I don't really have a recipe.  Its just something I threw together that I think my mom makes and I am pretty sure I have made it several times.  But its always different depending on how much I have on hand.

You will need:

Chicken breasts

Cream of chicken soup

cream cheese

dry ranch dressing mix

Place your chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with ranch mix.

Add 1-2 cans soup depending on how much chicken you have.  You want your chicken covered to keep it moist.   I use about 3-4 oz cream cheese per can of soup.

 

Let cook on low for 4-6 hours and serve over your favorite pasta, rice or mashed potatoes!

It was so easy and made my day a whole lot easier to know I didn't have to worry about dinner.  I really need to use my crockpot more.  Do you have a  favorite recipe?  I'd love to give it a try!

Hoo are you Tuesday?

I just couldn't miss out on this great party again. It's a nice change from other blogging and hops and so much fun to learn about other bloggers!

Here are this weeks questions! 

1. Do you prefer to write in cursive or print?

I am a printer.  Sometimes when I am in a hurry it turns into a mix of printing and cursive.

2. Do you prefer to shop online or go out and actually 
go to the stores?

I used to love to go shopping in stores, but now that I have moved my shopping is limited so I have done more online.

3. Would you prefer to go camping or stay in a motel?

As much as I like to go camping and enjoy time outdoors with the family, give me a motel anyday with a comfy bed and no dirt and bugs!

4. Do your prefer going to the movies or staying 
home to watch one?

 Its a fun treat to go out to the movies, but I love getting comfy and cuddling up at home where I can pause the movie or rewind as needed.

5. Do you prefer a shower or a bath?

Shower.  They are quick and easier with my busy schedule.  But if I can take the time to relax or am not feeling well, I like to take a bath.

Now its your turn.  So go link up!  And have a great Tuesday!

Monday Mumbling and more FLOWERS!

Wow!  What a week! Sorry for the lack of blogging lately.  But, as if I don't have plenty to do, I decided to go help my sister with her move.  (which was crazy in itself...)  So I packed up my kids and headed to Idaho on Monday afternoon.  Stayed with my mom that night and headed to Utah first thing Tuesday morning with my daughter.  (The boys got to stay with Grandma)  I helped her unpack and move boxes and set up the kids rooms.  And finally left for Idaho Wed afternoon.  I was too tired to drive the 3 hours home so I stayed at my Moms another night and headed back to Montana on Thursday morning.  And I was exhausted from the quickie trip.  But then we packed up on Friday and headed to my Grandpas cabin on Friday.  Spent the whole weekend there with family and friends and even went to Yellowstone!  Got home last night and realized I have 1 week to get the kids ready for school......then maybe I can get back into a routine of some sort and get my blog rolling again.

I did take a little break though and finally made some singed flowers.  However, the ones I made I gave to my sister and nieces and didn't get pictures.  I will be making more and post pics soon!

I looked at several tutorials and these were my favorites.

These are made by  Little Birdie Secrets

And these by Craftaholics Anonymous

I do have some fun plans for my blog!  And I am really excited!  So if you notice things are a bit off,  be assured I am working on it! 

I am also thinking of starting a LINKY PARTY so you can share all your fun projects too! 

And am scheduling some spotlighted blogs, and blogswaps, so if you are interested, please contact me ASAP!!!!

Weekly Inspirations....

I haven't been doing a lot of anything crafty or bloggy related lately, but I did find 2 fun projects for this upcoming week!

Doesn't this just look scrumptious?  I am a HUGE lemonade fan.  Especially love flavored lemonades.   Make IT and Love It shared an awesome recipe this week for her Raspberry Lemonade Slushies

Get the recipe HERE

I also found a crochet pattern I am excited to try this week at Handmade By Annabelle

Don't you just love these colors?

Birthday Fun!

Today is my daughters 5th birthday, so here is what I will be making today....

I am not a wonderful cake maker or decorator so I hope mine will turn out as cute.  I found this on Family Fun HERE in case anyone else wants to give it a try.  A couple years ago I got really ambitious and made this Dora cake for her

This year I decided to make it easy, since she hasn't requested anything special.  Until. Now.  As I sit here typing and she wanders over, sees this pic and says, "ooooohhh!  I want a Dora cake!"  Silly girl!

Here a couple fun pictures of my birthday girl

This was taken last month at cheer camp and I had to do some digging, but I knew I had an older picture taken in the same pose. This was her first Easter, 8 months old! (and yes, as uncomfortable as it may look, she loves to sit like this!)

Giveaway Winner Announced!!!

Drumroll please.....




The winner of the $40 CSN Stores Giveaway, chosen by Random.org is #48

Robyn!!!

She said, "I would get the little tikes push and ride car for my little boy. And some new towels!"

Congratulations Robyn!!!!!!!!!

(you should receive an email shortly)

Do you Crochet?

I used to crochet. Guess I still could if I wanted to. And I do. I would love to start doing more.

Here are a couple of the afghans I made my 2 oldest boys when they were babies.

I want some new inspiration! I have only done afghans, pot holders, and booties.

Anyways, I was browsing some books the other day and got a little overwhelmed. There are so many that look like great books and have great reviews.  Do YOU have a favorite go to book for crochet projects and techniques? I would love to hear what you like and don't like!

Decorating Dilemma

Most of you know that we have recently moved and we are slowly getting all settled into a rental home. The town we moved to is very small and very old.  Housing here is quite different from what we are used to.  So our rental is a temporary situation, while we decide on buying or building the 'perfect' home.

This house is very old and has some interesting brick work that I am having a hard time deciding what to do with.   Maybe I should just leave it alone?  So I am coming to all of you, my creative blogland friends for ideas.

This house is split level.  Here is the view up the stairs from the front door.  The brick goes all the way to the ceiling. Oh and just so you get the idea, there is a 'seat' there.

Here is the view from the living room......see, I told you there was lots of brick!

Above the fireplace....

And so you can see where the carpet meets the floor of the brick wall below the fireplace

So what would you do?  Leave it?  Hang something?  I have always wanted a fireplace so I could decorate it, but this has no mantle and isn't working for me.

Thanks for any and all ideas!

Hope you all have a great weekend.....I think we will be organizing the garage today!

Welcome Wednesday and where's my sewing machine???!!!!

Yes, you guessed it! My sewing machine is still packed. I can't seem to find the right excuse to pull it out of the box when there are still so many other boxes to go through. So I don't have any new projects to share, but I want to show you some of the first sewing projects on my to-do-list! Ruffled Checkbook Cover by The Sweet Life Misty @ The Creative Itch just finished one using a bandanna print! So cute! And Katie @ Something About Katie posted her tutorial for a scripture cover I have been wanting! Go HERE to see it! And lastly, since I don't have anything new for my favorite crafty link parties, today I am partying at Welcome Wednesday!

And if you haven't already signed up for my giveaway, go HERE!

Hoo are You?

It's time for another Hoo are You? sponsored by Night Owl Crafting. I missed this party last week due to busy times unpacking, but am glad to be back today! 1. What is your natural hair color?

Dirty blonde, dishwater blonde, light brown.....you could call it a variety of things. I do not dye my hair though. And I don't consider myself a Blonde ;)

2. Which do you prefer, sunrises or sunsets?

Definitely sunsets as I am not an early morning person.

3. What is the first thing you notice about people? I notice smiles and eyes. 4. Do you prefer talking or texting on your cell phone? BOTH!!! Texting is great when you just need a quick answer and don't want to get stuck on the phone, but I do love to chat! 5. What size of shoes do you wear? I wear a 7 or 7 1/2. And to Leslie who thinks all the cute shoes are in a 7, they are always out of that size when I find something cute!

So that's a little more about me! So why don't you go link up now and tell us Hoo are You?!!!!

CSN Stores Giveaway!!!

Soooo....I promised a giveaway, and here it is! I am very excited to announce this giveaway, brought to you compliments of CSN stores. They carry a variety of items. From decorative items for your home like these great wall sconces,

to bedding and furniture. They have stuff for the kids and even shoes!

CSN Stores is generously giving away a $40.00 gift certificate to one lucky winner!

This gift certificate can be used at any of their 200+ stores.

And browsing through CSN's sites is really not as difficult as you might think. On their main page, HERE, just type in a search word, like toys, linens, or cookware, and it will take you right to the appropriate site for searching.

Required Entry: To enter, first visit CSN Stores and find something that you like. Come back here and leave me a comment on how you would spend your gift certificate. Be sure to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner!

Additional Entries: 1. Follow Mommas Kinda Crafty, and leave comment saying you are. 2. Help spread the word about this giveaway! Link to me on your blog, facebook, or twitter. Leave a comment letting me know how you helped to spread the word! This giveaway is open to Residents of the US and Canada. And will be open until August 10, at 12:00 pm (Noon) Mt standard time. When I will pick a winner using random.org. Good luck to all!

Money $aving Mondays

Let me start by saying that not only am I kinda crafty, but also kinda frugal.   That being said, this will not be a crafty post-Sorry.
I have gotten away from couponing lately due to the move, but am excited to start up again. Being in a new area though, I need to find new strategies for the stores in my town. The stores here DO NOT double coupons, so that will be a challenge for me. We have a Walmart, Alberstson's, Safeway, and CVS.

I wanted to start a series of posts to share some of my finds and hope in return to see the deals YOU are finding!  And any tips you have to share.

I will keep my post simple today and just list a few good printable coupons I have found online this week.  Hope you are able to use them!  And remember some printables are limited so print yours NOW and get them before they are gone!

$1 Off Dannon Dano-Nino Printable Coupon.
(Keep your eyes open for packages that contain a free letter magnet inside.)

 Off Yoplait-Go-gurt (scroll to where it says Try It With A Coupon)

 

Oscar Mayer Coupons
(3 different ones: Turkey Bacon, hot dogs, and Deli Fresh Meats)










$2.50 off Huggies Diapers!!!

I can't wait to see some of your deals and hear your frugal money saving tips, so please share!

And most importantly, since this is a Crafty blog, we do have a Joann's here.  ( and I think that is it-except for Walmarts craft aisle)  I will admit, I was very sad to leave my beloved Hobby Lobby.  I have shopped at Joann's in the past as well, so I'd better get my info updated with them so I can get their coupons and save on my next crafty projects!