Saturday, November 30, 2013

Christmas Series Day 9 - Homemade Cheeseball


On the 9th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

CraftyNightOwls - Mom Kristine 

Her gift to us is a post on

 "homemade cheese ball"


Favorite Family Cheeseball


Many years ago I played around with a couple cheeseball recipes until I came up with this one that has become a family favorite.  Christmas around our house isn't the same without this yummy munchie.
We like it best with "Wheat Thin" crackers, but you can use any kind you like.  One of these cheeseballs, along with a bag of crackers, makes a great holiday food  gift, also.
                       
                                            FAVORITE FAMILY CHEESEBALL

                                            2 oz crumbled blue cheese
                                          * 1 [8 oz.] jar Kaukauna sharp cheese spread
                                             2  [5 oz.] jars Kraft pimiento cheese spread
                                             2-3 [5 oz.] jars Kraft Old English cheese spread
                                             2 [8 oz.] pkg. cream cheese, softened.
                                             6 TBS. dreid parsley leaves, crushed
                                             4 tsp. dried minced onions
                                             1 cup finely chopped walnuts

                                              2 TBS. dried parsley leaves, crushed
                                              1 cup finely chopped walnuts



*If you can't find the "Kaukauna" sharp cheese spread [or an a similar brand container of sharp cheese] , then substitute another kind as we did here. Thie sharp cheese tubs are usually found in the deli or refrigerator cheese section.  For these balls we substituted a "cheese whiz" type brand, but my preference of taste is a sharper cheese]  Also, the small jars of cheese can be very expensive so watch for them to go on sale. Super Walmart sometimes carries these at the lowest prices.
If you're not a big fan of blue cheese, don't be afraid of using it here. People can't even tell it's there, but it certainly adds to the wonderful flavor of this cheeseball.  I always add some crumbles, mix and then taste.  You don't want the blue cheese to over power the other cheeses, but to just compliment the overall flavor.


In a large bowl, blend cheese sperads, cream cheese, the 6 TBS. parsley leaves, onion and 1 cup chopped nuts. [I usually mix this together with my hands] This picture shows the bowl of second cup of chopped nuts mixed with the 2 TBS. crushed parsley leaves to roll the balls in later.


Shape into six round balls. [they may flatten out a bit at this stage] Place these balls on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Cover loosely with foil and place in the frig for a few hours or overnight.



Remove cheeseballs from the refrigerator and with your hands, shape into a round ball.  Roll the ball around in the nut/parsley mixture. Wrap each ball in a square of plastic wrap and store in frig until ready to serve.
[wrap a second time in foil if they are going to remain in frig for a few days to make them air tight.]
They can be refrigerated for up to a couple weeks and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

We hope your family and friends will love this cheeseball as much as our family does





Friday, November 29, 2013

Christmas Series Day 8 - Christmas Gift Tag Tutorial




On the 8th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Summer with "Summer Scraps"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"Christmas gift tag tutorial"







         http://www.summerscraps.com/2013/11/christmas-gift-tag-tutorial.html






Thursday, November 28, 2013

Christmas Series Day 7 - DIY Snowballs




On the 7th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Dria with "DIO Home Improvements"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"Diy snowballs"





http://diohomeimprovements.com/blog/2013/11/28/diy-snowballs/







Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Christmas Series Day 6 - Naughty or Nice Tree Scroll




On the 6th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

A great idea for my tree!
So I am sharing it with all of you
Today I am personally posting :)


My gift to You is a post on "Naughty or Nice Tree Scroll"




 To Make you need: a roll of kraft paper and a black marker.

 Unwrap the top 8 inches of the the roll of kraft paper and start to tear. 
Keep tearing until you get the desired length you wish to use. 
With a black marker write: Santa's Naughty or Nice List
Then draw 2 sqaures and a name and keep going all the way down the scroll. 
I did family names and then added disney characters and 
movie characters I liked to fill the scroll.


 Start attaching the scroll at the top of your tree and then wrap around the tree.



Make sure to check mark some of the boxes as each day passes.






Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Christmas Series Day 5 - Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

Image Map

On the 5th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Katie with "Clarks Condensed"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"Chocolate Peppermint donuts"








Here is a link to her post:

                    http://www.clarkscondensed.com/dessert/chocolate-peppermint-donuts




Monday, November 25, 2013

Christmas Series Day 4 - Chocolate Dipped Mint Oreo Cookie



On the 4th Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Allison with "Cupcake Diaries"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"Chocolate dipped mint oreo cookie's"














Sunday, November 24, 2013

Christmas Series Day 3 - Redneck & Manly Ornamant




On the 3rd Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Shauna with "City 2 Country"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"Redneck/manly ornaments"




Redneck Ornament / Manly Ornament



 Here is an ornament perfect for that "redneck" in your life ...or maybe you have an outdoors man. It is manly, but yet cute enough to go on any Christmas tree. It has a hole in the back so when it is hanging...a Christmas light can go inside and make it glow.
I have these available in my Etsy shop here
I made it for my Lovie~ Kyle the wanna be mountain man!!!!

All you need is Fishing line ( I used heavier line), Fishing Bobber, 
Barrel Swivel, Ribbon & Bell. I did put a dab of hot glue
 on the back when I was placing the ribbon so it was easier to tie.



I never go totally basic...so I drilled a hole in the back with my dremmel so that a light on the Christmas tree can go in it to make it glow!!! It turned out so fun and super cute!!!

And the best part is that if you want to purchase any of
 these awesome ornaments you can find them at shauna's etsy shop....


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Christmas Series Day 2 - 4 week guide to getting Christmas done!



On the 2nd Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Jenny with "The Happy Gal"

Her gift for us is a post on a
"4 week guide to getting christmas done"





Image Map
4-week-guide-to-getting-christmas-done

I know I’m not the only one that feels a little overwhelmed at the thought of Christmas. Between the decorating and the shopping and the wrapping and the parties, the tasks start to stack up…and so does our anxiety!

Through my blog I encourage my followers to remember that life doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that includes Christmas. Sure, in the past you might have run yourself ragged trying to keep up a festive holiday pace. But remember, there are no rules about what Christmas has to be. Are you ready to relax and experience Christmas in a different way this year? This simple guide can help you adequately prepare for the holidays while still leaving you plenty of room to actually enjoy them.

Week 1 {November 24-30} Decorate.
 Decorating helps create an ambience that is unparalleled during the rest of the year. I encourage this to be your focus this first week so you can enjoy the holiday cheer throughout the entire season. Just remember that it doesn't have to look a certain way. If decorating is not your specialty, then give yourself permission to tone it down this year. Just choose a few of your favorite decorations. This especially applies to those of you who have been dreading the decorating because it takes over your life for several days. If you feel overwhelmed, those feelings might be a signal that you need to simplify. Have the courage to cut back if needed. Or perhaps you love to decorate, but it seems to hang over your head for weeks. Give yourself a decorating deadline of November 30 so you can move on to other holiday preparations.


Week 2 {December 1-7} Shop.
Where did this pressure come from to be “done” with your shopping before Thanksgiving? That might work for some people, but don’t feel badly if you still have the bulk of your shopping to do. Dedicate this week to getting it done. If possible, on December 1 make a complete list of all gifts you need to purchase. Then click here to meet my good friend Amazonand ORDER EVERYTHING YOU CAN ONLINE. It is worth every penny of shipping, as it saves you gas, time, and the hassle of hunting down the right size or that out-of-stock toy. Place your Amazon orders at the beginning of the week. Upon arrival, inspect each item, keep all receipts in the same place, and create a space for returns. By the end of the week you’ll be ready to ship back the returns and then shop for the remaining items that couldn’t be ordered online. THG Tip: Keep your list with you in your purse or car at all times so you can update or have a place to jot down a good idea when it comes.

Week 3 {December 8-14} Select holiday traditions.
t’s okay to think about this half way through December. It can be a lot of pressure to feel that you have to continue with a dozen different holiday traditions, and ironically, that pressure can defeat the original purpose. In our stress to create the “Perfect Christmas,” we can miss the Christmas spirit completely. At the beginning of this week, make two lists: every tradition you’ve done in the past, and every new tradition you’d like to try. (Sidenote: I think items such as sending out Christmas cards and giving neighbor gifts can fall into the tradition category. You don’t have to do them!) Evaluate which traditions bring you the most joy and then ask yourself which you have the most time for. Choose a few meaningful traditions, and realize that you can re-evaluate next year. Remember, Christmas doesn’t have to look a certain way. You have the power to create the kind of holiday season that will mean the most to you.

Week 4 {December 15-21} Wrap it up..literally!
y now all of your orders should have arrived. Give your gifts a final inspection at the beginning of the week, and take the next few days to purchase any remaining items, including plenty of wrapping paper and tape. Then set aside a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night with your favorite Christmas movie to get those gifts wrapped up. How nice it will be have those last few days before Christmas to spend with family and friends, rather than rushing around to complete the final details!

Sometimes we make Christmas (and life, for that matter) a lot harder than it needs to be. This post is your invitation to free yourself from outdated and unrealistic expectations of what you think you have to do each Christmas, and create the kind of holiday experience you have been longing for. At The Happy Gal, I believe that life is so good…and Christmas is no exception. Visit www.thehappygal.com for more great ideas in the "Christmas The Happy Gal Way" series. In particular you'll want to check out The Happy Gal's Guide to an Organized Christmas. From http://www.thehappygal.com/christmas-happy-gal-way/ to The Happy Gal Holiday Gift GuideThe Happy Gal is your source for a happy, healthy, and organized holiday season.


Friday, November 22, 2013

Christmas Series Day 1 - Christmas Reading Activities


I am so excited to start my Christmas Series.

Come and check out some awesome bloggers each day
 and see what Christmas treats, décor and
 great ideas they come up with.

On the 1st Day of Christmas
Santa brought to me

Taralyn with "Keep Moving Forward With Me"

Her gift for us is a post on a "Christmas Reading Activities"







Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Bacon Wrapped Turkey



Juiciest Thanksgiving Turkey Ever!!
 
How can you go wrong with Bacon

Doesn't this Turkey look delicious!!

 
 
To make a bacon wrapped turkey.
Prepare your turkey like normal: add stuffing, apply injections
 (whatever you like to do). Then once the turkey is ready to go
in the oven, you cover the entire top and sides with bacon.
 
Turkey ready for the oven and waiting for bacon.
 




as shown in the above 3 photo's you can see what my finished turkey looks like.
I started with the main part of the bird and criss-crossed strips of bacon over the entire body. If any of the bacon slips just add a toothpick. the tricky part is the legs. Just use shorter pieces of bacon and use more toothpicks to keep in place. The toothpicks will be easy to take out after baking and before carving (the bacon will be crispy after baking and will hold together without them)
 
Quick Note: when covering the body, make sure you don't cover up the thermometer (the red circle shown 2 photo's up)
 
If any of this is confusing, just ask me.
 
Happy November
 
Carrie

Thursday, November 7, 2013

When the Kids are Bored 1 Year Blogaversary

Heather owner of When the Kids are Bored 
(http://www.whenthekidsarebored.com)
 is  celebrating her 1st Year Blogaversary
 with a terrific giveaway. 

Here are the bloggers that are helping her celebrate!

Pebbles and Piggytails
Lisa is the mom blogger behind this inspirational and encouraging blog. It's evident in her writing that she adores motherhood and is enjoying her journey through it. She has an amazing story to share.
PebblesandPiggytails
The Mushy Mommy
Sasha is a mommy blogger from Louisiana who writes about pregnancy and natural parenting. She's an oreo addict (a girl after my own heart!) and cloth diapering mama to "Little Bug." Family is her world and she adores being a SAHM.
Share our image on your blog!

The Frill of Life
Always in search of the silver lining of life, Heather writes about home and family. She likes to think of herself as a "perfectly flawed child of God" and documents her family memories as well as her thoughts on her blog.
The Frill of Life

Amber is a stay at home mommy blogger to a joyful boy and sweet, identical, twin girls! She writes about everything from family life to how to organize your daily living. Amber is also a runner and encourages mommies to take time out for themselves!

Crafty Night Owls
Carrie is a craft addict, extraordinaire. She loves to share her DIY ideas and finds on her blog. Check out her delicious recipes and giveaways!

When The Kids Are Bored
That's me! I blog about everything from family and parenting to product reviews and home décor. I love a little coffee with my coconut creamer and I spend my days chasing around two little ones.
Check out the giveaway  below.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

5th Wedding Anniversary

 
Me & My FANTASTIC husband
 just celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary this past week.
 
What a splendid 3 days it was too. We spent it out in Midway, UT at the Johnson Mill Bed & Breakfast. you can check it out here: johnsonmill.com
 
We both wanted to get out of the city & traffic and enjoy so quiet time enjoying nature. Johnson Mill was fantastic. We stayed in the Waterfall Terrace room.  Let me tell you room does not measure up to what this room was really like. It was a suite made from heaven. It had its own sitting area, bed area, eating area, private balcony, sink area and master bathroom, including a corner jetted tub and walk in shower with dual shower heads. Of and the lotion, shampoo, condition and soaps were divine. I have a hard time finding lotions that won't break my delicate skin out. But the lotion they had did the trick and felt wonderful.
 
 
 
 

 
We explored the town area of midway and heber. these are nice quiet small towns with a fun downtown. we also took a couple of walks around the b&b's land, enjoying the 40 foot waterfall, deer in the grass areas, a sweet pond and danced in the gazebo that is extended over the pond.

 
Our room was on the very top. you can see the bedroom window at the top and to the right of the building is where our private balcony was. We actually left the double doors open most of the time because we couldn't get enough of the sound of the waterfall beneath us.
 
We we're lucky to have great people to enjoy breakfast with. One of the other couple's we're celebrating there 25th Anniversary.
 
Oh I can't express how lovely it all was.
 
Carrie