Showing posts with label Friday Farrago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friday Farrago. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Cara: It's Friday - March Madness
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Cara Springtime is the land awakening.
The March winds are the morning yawn.
~ Lewis Grizzard ~
Isn't just March nutty? It always is for me. My first baby was born in March...three weeks early..my water broke at my baby shower...then there was a huge snowstorm so we had to bring her home a day earlier than we were scheduled to go home...in literally a foot of snow. (Oh! And I had no shoes, my family forgot to bring them for me!)
One day I wear my flip flops to run to the store...then the next day I am bundled up with a scarf and gloves freezin' my petunias off at the baseball field.
I want a fire in the fireplace at sundown after an afternoon of reading my magazine out in the sun.
We set the clocks ahead and everyone's a little off for a few days especially when I take a week to change the clock in the car and can't remember what the heck time it's supposed to be!
After a winter of staying in and long cold nights...suddenly no one wants to do homework after school...we eat dinner late cause it feels like 5:30 but really it's 7:00...and it's waaay too cozy in bed in the morning to get up before the birds. Suddenly the calendar "squares" are jammed packed with a zillion "to do's"...sports kick in full throttle...and graduation day is only weeks away.
March Madness may have something to do with basketball for some people but it's got a totally different meaning for me! I am so hoping for permanent flip flop weather sooner than later.
As Robin Williams said "Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" Sounds good to me.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Cara: TGIF
Steve Tyler said on American Idol last week "Some weeks even Tuesday says WTF"...that made laugh. That was before I knew this week would leave me saying wtf a few times...amongst other expletives that I won't share here. It's been a week where the range of emotions had left me exhausted. But I think sometimes it's good for you to have your emotions shake you up a bit. Makes you think, when your head clears.
Anger only depletes you. It exhausts me. Last week I heard this..."Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die". Something to think about. Anger makes me see all blurry and discombobulated. While you are in the midst of it though, it's hard to remember that it only hurts you.
Dogs are a pain sometimes...hair all over, messy paws, vet bills, but they love you unconditionally. They are always happy to see you, even if it's 3:00 a.m. and you just came down from your bedroom 'cause you couldn't sleep. Don't take them for granted because the day they go will be one of the saddest days of your life.
Sometimes you get fooled. But don't kick yourself. Keep letting people in.
Disappointments are part of life that teach lessons but they still totally suck while they are happening.
Crying is good sometimes. Even when it's not happy tears. But if you get the chance more than one time in a week to cry happy tears then maybe that's OK.
Things always get clearer and time goes on. You finally get some sleep. Get a little distance when you need it. Talk to someone who gets you, who really listens to you and who you believe when they tell you everything will work out.
This not a week I am sad to see go. It will end on a high note with birthday cake, family and friends to celebrate again the Diva's 18th and my godson's 19th birthdays....I will make their birthday cakes like I always do. And it reminds me that doing small things (like making a homemade birthday cake instead of buying it from the store)with great love makes me happy.
I was also reminded that God listens to you and may not always answer you in the way you would want. But sometimes you need to wait to figure out why. Sometimes he tells you things in ways you wouldn't think of. Maybe in an old lady who looks you in your eye, or in church when you didn't even know you would end up there that day or in a lesson retaught to you by your child.
It's been an interesting week...next week I am shooting for dull. Hope yours is maybe a little dull if you need it to be. Peaceful too.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Cara: Friday Farrago-ness
I know Farrago-ness is not a word. The word alone is weird enough. I was reading about Jenn's "ness's" in her post below...thoughtfulness, thoughtlessness My two cents about that is stupidness. I literally lol'd when the person at the meeting said it. Not because I thought it was cute because I thought "Well there ya go" Someone finally said it out loud...wow. Especially the person who just got finished talking about Kindness week. Amazingness.
It all makes me think about the other "ness's" I have encountered this week, and it's been one of those weeks.
Kindness is one. I truly try to teach my children kindness. It was emphasized this week at home since it is Kindness week, after all. You don't have to like everybody. Everybody is not your friend. But you still need to be kind. I was struck with a little hopelessness when I realized maybe the adults around him don't practice what they preach.
Forthrightness is another. I found it can be a relief when a friend is just that and helps clear the tension you could have previously cut with a knife. Whereas, I have also found that is a quality some claim to possess, but that's really only when it suits their needs.
Furtiveness is something I truly loathe. I hope I avoid acting as such.
Genuineness is something I admire. When it's real. Not put on. And there's a difference between genuineness and harshness.
Grouchiness is exhausting.
Next week needs some new "ness's". Happiness, joyfulness, gratefulness, peacefulness and momentum-ness are a few I like.
It all makes me think about the other "ness's" I have encountered this week, and it's been one of those weeks.
Kindness is one. I truly try to teach my children kindness. It was emphasized this week at home since it is Kindness week, after all. You don't have to like everybody. Everybody is not your friend. But you still need to be kind. I was struck with a little hopelessness when I realized maybe the adults around him don't practice what they preach.
Forthrightness is another. I found it can be a relief when a friend is just that and helps clear the tension you could have previously cut with a knife. Whereas, I have also found that is a quality some claim to possess, but that's really only when it suits their needs.
Furtiveness is something I truly loathe. I hope I avoid acting as such.
Genuineness is something I admire. When it's real. Not put on. And there's a difference between genuineness and harshness.
Grouchiness is exhausting.
Next week needs some new "ness's". Happiness, joyfulness, gratefulness, peacefulness and momentum-ness are a few I like.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Cara: Friday Farrag"snow"
OK. How many times can we talk about snow? Apparently for 36 hours straight. The news channels have been nothing but snow for that long at least. Part of me says, be grateful that there's nothing horrendous happening to report that's why they can spend so much time on it. The other part of me says "Enough!" I know it snowed. A lot. School was closed, the roadways were a mess yesterday morning so we should leave a little later to go to work if we could. But it goes on and on and on. Makes you sick to death of hearing about snow.
In my quest to embrace winter I decided yesterday I like snow. I do. A day like yesterday when hubby was home, he could snowblow instead of shovel, kids were all home safe and sound with nowhere to be and the sun eventually came out....it was a good snow day. It makes the house more cozy, even if the sky is gray it looks beautiful out of my window. Something I love to do is be outside on a night after it had snowed or is still snowing (a little). It's so quiet, and still..peaceful. Like all is right with the world for a moment or two. See...I am doing good right??? I am also taking Vitamin D this winter and I think it's helping. ;)
A few views from here yesterday....happy weekend and warm thoughts!!!!
In my quest to embrace winter I decided yesterday I like snow. I do. A day like yesterday when hubby was home, he could snowblow instead of shovel, kids were all home safe and sound with nowhere to be and the sun eventually came out....it was a good snow day. It makes the house more cozy, even if the sky is gray it looks beautiful out of my window. Something I love to do is be outside on a night after it had snowed or is still snowing (a little). It's so quiet, and still..peaceful. Like all is right with the world for a moment or two. See...I am doing good right??? I am also taking Vitamin D this winter and I think it's helping. ;)
A few views from here yesterday....happy weekend and warm thoughts!!!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cara:Friday Farrago
I am going to read through my favorite book again Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I have had this book on my bedside table for about 15 going on 16 years now. (wow I never really stopped to thing about how long I have had this book!!) When I first started reading this book I thought I would read it and be all new, all knowing and have my s@#t together. Yeah well, some ways yes, some ways no. What I have discovered is every time I read it (and it takes a year to read...a page a day) I find something new. I supposed it's because I am at a different place every time I read it. If you get a chance to read it this year, you may be amazed about what you take away from it. One of the best things I ever got from this book was the Gratitude Journal. Whenever I remember to keep mine and write it every day my world's a better place. (Hence, Grateful Sunday around here)
So my plan is to read the whole thing again this year. Some years I don't read it at all. Some years I just pick it up and read whatever particular day it happens to be to see if there's something there that I needed to read. (sometimes it scares me how right on that day's passage is!) So today I will leave you with Sarah's opening words for January. She digs quotes like me...her book is filled with them and so I don't think she would mind being quoted here....
"January the month of new beginnings and cherished memories, beckons. Come, let the winters weave her wondrous spell: cold crisp, woolen muffler days, long dark evenings of savory suppers, lively conversations, or solitary joys. Outside temperature drops as the snow falls softly. All of nature is at peace. We should be too. Draw hearthside. This is the month to dream to look forward to the year ahead and the journey within."
~Sarah Ban Breathnach
Friday, December 10, 2010
Cara:Friday Farrago, Books, Ladies and a Recipe
Last night as Jenn said was Book Club. We did a pot luck, and normally I don't try out recipes on unsuspecting friends. I usually save the new stuff for my guines pigs at home. But for two years I attempted to make this recipe only to realize it's a two day process and I never allowed myself the time I needed to make it. So I decided in advance to make it this year. My book club friends (they're a nice crowd) would be my guinea pigs. I am happy with the way it came out. It comes out pretty big so it's good to make for a crowd. Here's the recipe. I got this from a series of recipe books I bought many years ago called Taste of Home. There's a lot of Midwest/Southern type of recipes in these books. Nothing really dietetic. Which is allowed at this time of the year. I have edited the recipe (I always do). The way it was written I found confusing so I changed the "how to" a bit.
Candy Cane Coffee Cake
So we didn't have a book to read this month. But we did allow ourselves the excuse to get out with friends. Sit...breathe. Chat. Listen to Christmas music by the tree and take home a new book. Not rush. Hmmm sounds good doesn't it?
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
TOPPINGS:
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1 jar (12 ounces) cherry jam
Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a bowl, combine the butter, sour cream, eggs, sugar and salt. Add yeast mixture and flour; beat until smooth (do not knead). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
For filling, in a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla until blended. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll out each portion until both pieces make about a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle on a greased baking sheet. On each long side, cut 1-1/2-in.-wide strips about 3 in. into center. Spread filling down center of each rectangle. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Curve one end, forming a candy cane.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Stir jam, then spoon over top, creating candy cane stripes. Refrigerate leftovers.
So we didn't have a book to read this month. But we did allow ourselves the excuse to get out with friends. Sit...breathe. Chat. Listen to Christmas music by the tree and take home a new book. Not rush. Hmmm sounds good doesn't it?
Jenn's two cents - this coffee cake was outstanding - worth all the millions of calories it must have - just had a piece for lunch. Thanks Cara!
Cara's three cents: Cake for lunch...that's one great thing about this time of year!!
Cara's three cents: Cake for lunch...that's one great thing about this time of year!!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago
It's almost that time again. Cookie baking time. I have been stocking up on supplies here and there over the weeks. So I think I am pretty much set. I like to have everything I need for everything I make in case the urge strikes and I want to get baking. Ok I am lying...I probably would never just spontaneously bake Christmas cookies...I am more of a planning type of gal. But I still I need to be prepared. I will start probably next week.
I think there are 90 million Christmas cookie recipes out there. I came across a cookbook I have had since the year of the flood devoted only to cookie recipes. I usually stick to my tried and true. I am always tempted to try a bunch of new ones...it's really a LOT of work so I usually never get around to it. But I do have a 7lb can of almond paste...yes 7lbs to use up. Sadly, I am a little excited about that.
I will share a recipe that I made a few years back for Italian Day in Middle School. I have been making it ever since. I like it too because it's not just for Christmas. You can change the glaze from red and green to whatever color you want.
Italian Knot Cookies
1 8oz package cream cheese; softened
2 sticks butter; softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups flour (approx.)
Sift flour and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese and butter with mixer. Add sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and continue beating until fluffy. Add flour mixture a little at a time while beating. (If using hand mixture you may have to stir by hand if mixture gets too stiff)
Form dough into large ball and let sit for a few minutes. (can even be refrigerated overnight; wrap in waxed paper) With floured hands, shape dough into a knot shape by rolling small pieces of dough between hands into a rope then twisting into a knot shape.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for 13-15 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cookies will not be brown on top when done, only the bottom.
Cool on wire racks and dip into frosting.
Dust with sprinkles. Let dry on sheets of waxed paper.
Icing:sugar until it’s a consistency of soup; add food coloring and extract if desired)
Powdered sugar
Water
Anise, vanilla or other flavoring (if desired)
Red and/or green food coloring (if desired)
Sprinkles
(mix warm water with powdered/confectionary
Jenn's two cents: Kids are already begging for christmas cookies - they have been asking when the cookies exchange is! Maybe I will spontaneously bake some Christmas Cookies today and surprise everyone. These sound delicious!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Cara Friday Farrago: What do you think?
I have had an irritating week. Not a bad week per se, just irritating. Do you think things happen for a reason? Or do you think that's something that people say when something crappy happens to make you feel better?
I think things happen for a reason. But when they are happening or have happened I don't remember to stop and think about the reason.
Do you think people are put in your path for a reason? Or you just happen upon them?
People.I definitely think they are put in your path for a reason. I have had people put in mine in the past or lately for that matter, that leave me scratching my head...why? Especially the ones that irritate me. I don't think I go looking for trouble, (or do I???) it just always seems to find me.
I do find it fun though when I think someone was put in my path to irritate me then it turns out I kinda like them. One or two have even become friends, in the past that is, definitely not this week.
I have heard myself say out loud to a friend "Why me?" "Why did I end up with this one in my path?" In the midst of "irritation" it's hard to figure out why. Is there a lesson to be learned? About life? About myself?
Sometimes I think it's easier just to stay away from people and hide in my house! Well, for awhile anyway I would go nuts if I did that too many days in a row. I hid a little yesterday and guess what? I played some Christmas music!(just instrumental no singing) while I was cleaning. Actually it was the second time if I am being honest.
I know, I know but don't call the Christmas police just yet! I think it's true what they say "music soothes the savage beast"...mine definitely needed soothing. And be darned if the one of the first cd's I got my first Christmas married didn't do the trick, and venting with pals over coffee helps too.
So if anyone crosses your path in the next few weeks and decides they want to be irritating...smack 'em up side the head with a candy cane and listen to some Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on the alto sax. Fa la la la la!
Jenn's two cents: I was put in your path to tell you NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC BEFORE THANKSGIVING! Fa la la la la
Cara's three cents: You made me lol before my coffee this morning...!!! :D
I think things happen for a reason. But when they are happening or have happened I don't remember to stop and think about the reason.
Do you think people are put in your path for a reason? Or you just happen upon them?
People.I definitely think they are put in your path for a reason. I have had people put in mine in the past or lately for that matter, that leave me scratching my head...why? Especially the ones that irritate me. I don't think I go looking for trouble, (or do I???) it just always seems to find me.
I do find it fun though when I think someone was put in my path to irritate me then it turns out I kinda like them. One or two have even become friends, in the past that is, definitely not this week.
I have heard myself say out loud to a friend "Why me?" "Why did I end up with this one in my path?" In the midst of "irritation" it's hard to figure out why. Is there a lesson to be learned? About life? About myself?
Sometimes I think it's easier just to stay away from people and hide in my house! Well, for awhile anyway I would go nuts if I did that too many days in a row. I hid a little yesterday and guess what? I played some Christmas music!(just instrumental no singing) while I was cleaning. Actually it was the second time if I am being honest.
I know, I know but don't call the Christmas police just yet! I think it's true what they say "music soothes the savage beast"...mine definitely needed soothing. And be darned if the one of the first cd's I got my first Christmas married didn't do the trick, and venting with pals over coffee helps too.
So if anyone crosses your path in the next few weeks and decides they want to be irritating...smack 'em up side the head with a candy cane and listen to some Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on the alto sax. Fa la la la la!
Jenn's two cents: I was put in your path to tell you NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC BEFORE THANKSGIVING! Fa la la la la
Cara's three cents: You made me lol before my coffee this morning...!!! :D
Friday, November 12, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago
Day off yesterday, sleeping a little later, loafing around all morning. Nothing major planned. A little shopping that's it. Usually I feel the need to plan away on a day off for Mike 'cause God forbid he had nothing to do. Please. I need to get over that. And lucky for me he got invited by a friend to go see the movie with the alien with the big blue head that I really didn't feel like seeing. So, yeah me!
So some Friday observations...
-Karma kicked my butt the other day. I was doing a little food shopping finishing off my list in store #2. I had a small list. In and out. Well it must've been Senior Citizen day 'cause they were EVERYWHERE! Moving in slow motion or running me down in their motorized carts. I was seriously starting to get pissed. I grumbled my way through my list. I went out to my car. I couldn't find it. I know I parked next to the shopping cart thing...so wtf?????? I looked and looked and started for one second to think, "did someone really steal the Farkle Family van?" C'mon. Oh wait!
I have hubby's car today and there it is right where I parked it. Hmmmm...senior moment? Yeah, sometimes Karma sucks.
My Christmas/Holiday folder is officially out. Yes people, the sh@% is on. You have been warned.
Tonight is pizza night with some pals. I love pizza night. I love pizza, love my friends and I don't have to cook. Wine, pizza, dessert, lively, usually hysterical conversation with our whole families. That's pretty good.
Happy Weekend!
So some Friday observations...
-Karma kicked my butt the other day. I was doing a little food shopping finishing off my list in store #2. I had a small list. In and out. Well it must've been Senior Citizen day 'cause they were EVERYWHERE! Moving in slow motion or running me down in their motorized carts. I was seriously starting to get pissed. I grumbled my way through my list. I went out to my car. I couldn't find it. I know I parked next to the shopping cart thing...so wtf?????? I looked and looked and started for one second to think, "did someone really steal the Farkle Family van?" C'mon. Oh wait!
I have hubby's car today and there it is right where I parked it. Hmmmm...senior moment? Yeah, sometimes Karma sucks.
My Christmas/Holiday folder is officially out. Yes people, the sh@% is on. You have been warned.
Tonight is pizza night with some pals. I love pizza night. I love pizza, love my friends and I don't have to cook. Wine, pizza, dessert, lively, usually hysterical conversation with our whole families. That's pretty good.
Happy Weekend!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago
I am not rushing Christmas. I am not rushing Christmas. Please repeat after me. I know Halloween's over. I know. I have put away my jack-o-lanterns until next year. But I have NOT taken out my Santas or jingle bells.
I have seen a Christmas themed air freshner TV commercial on the morning of Nov. 1st. I have had an electronic Santa wave at me in a store already. I haven't heard Christmas music...yet. And I admit I did start playing it early a little before Thanksgiving last year... a little. But stop rushing me! erg.
Since I am not cooking for Thanksgiving this year I can focus on baking supplies and maybe some online "must have" Santa shopping for the kids. But that's it. I like Thanksgiving. I plan on enjoying it. Then I will immerse myself completely in Christmas until I have had ornaments, jingle bells and garland ad nauseum.
Speaking of cooking today I will share a family recipe. My husband's family has made Potato Croquettes for as long as I can remember. Now, they are not dietetic by any means. Really, nothing my inlaws make is. But it is all delicious and I want these recipes. I want to know them. I want to be able to pass them along to my children. Auntie J. made them a few weeks ago and I asked for the recipe. Much to her horror that I have never made them...add to that the fact that I didn't have a potato ricer!!! A what??? No clue. This is what it looks like in case you didn't know:
I have seen a Christmas themed air freshner TV commercial on the morning of Nov. 1st. I have had an electronic Santa wave at me in a store already. I haven't heard Christmas music...yet. And I admit I did start playing it early a little before Thanksgiving last year... a little. But stop rushing me! erg.
Since I am not cooking for Thanksgiving this year I can focus on baking supplies and maybe some online "must have" Santa shopping for the kids. But that's it. I like Thanksgiving. I plan on enjoying it. Then I will immerse myself completely in Christmas until I have had ornaments, jingle bells and garland ad nauseum.
Speaking of cooking today I will share a family recipe. My husband's family has made Potato Croquettes for as long as I can remember. Now, they are not dietetic by any means. Really, nothing my inlaws make is. But it is all delicious and I want these recipes. I want to know them. I want to be able to pass them along to my children. Auntie J. made them a few weeks ago and I asked for the recipe. Much to her horror that I have never made them...add to that the fact that I didn't have a potato ricer!!! A what??? No clue. This is what it looks like in case you didn't know:
My bff here hooked me up and bought me one she found in her travels. So I tested them out at dinner one night and they came out great and everyone wants me to make them all the time. Yeah, not happening. Like I said not exactly figure friendly. But they look nice and make a nice presentation for dinner company. The potato ricer, by the way is great for mashed potatoes. I used it to make twice backed potatoes the other night and no lumps!
Potato Croquettes a la Auntie J
1 lb potatoes* boiled, peeled
and put through ricer to make "strands"
(* 1lb= 3 medium potatoes or 3 cups or 2 cups mashed)
Pinch of salt
4 oz grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
Mix all that together very well. Shape into balls
4oz flour
1lb* bread crumbs (2 1/4 cups)
3 eggs
4 oz milk
pinch of salt
Oil to fry
(you doubted there was frying involved??)
Mix eggs, milk an salt together in a bowl
Put potato ball in flour, then in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs and shape them longer into more ovals than balls.
Fry in oil until browned and look like this:
*(my inlaws all think I have a scale in my kitchen to weigh a pound of this or that. I don't. So I Google a pound of this or that to get the measurements)
Enjoy...happy weekend.
Jenn's two cents: Walked into Kohl's on Wednesday and yes, they were playing Christmas tunes - it's a bit early for that! Waiting for my Potato Croquettes!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago....and slime.
Today is the class party. We are making slime. I am psyched. Did I ever mention that Cowgirl and I are class moms together? Which is cool. Our boys who haven't been in class together since they were 3 (that's when they met) are finally in the same class...and we are class moms. Just a lovefest going on there!
Anyway, we orginally were going to do a cute craft for the party. And it really was going to be cute. But we decided to go gross instead. Cute is ok for 1st grade but 3rd grade... they are a tougher crowd.
Anyway, we orginally were going to do a cute craft for the party. And it really was going to be cute. But we decided to go gross instead. Cute is ok for 1st grade but 3rd grade... they are a tougher crowd.
Sooo, if you aren't doing anything this weekend (yeah right) you can make some slime too. It's easy. It's fun. It's gross.
It's Halloween!!
Ingredients:
Water
Borax laundry detergent booster
4 oz non toxic school glue
(use clear & your slime will be transparent; use white and your slime will be opaque)
Food coloring (optional)
2 bowls (one a little bigger than the other)
Bowl 1(smaller bowl) – Mix: 1cup water + 1 teaspoon Borax
Bowl 2 (bigger bowl) – Mix: ½ cup glue + ½ cup water;
(add food coloring if desired)
Pour Borax mixture into glue mixture and your slime will form!!
Keep in baggie to prevent slime from drying out!
AND DO NOT EAT IT!!!!!! (it’s slime…yuck!!)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago....
Busy week...brain's bubbling over....so I will spill some on you. Ew! I just said I am spilling some brains on you...gross. Well that's ok it's 10 days til Halloween! Booo!
Been working on our Halloween costumes for Jenn's Halloween party. ( I TOLD you I would have to kill you...you'll have to wait 'til next week).
So between painting pumpkins and making costumes I have been in a crafty mood lately. I found two new craft things this week it. One is glittered fun foam!---------->
LOVE IT!!!! I didn't know they made it. I love glitter! They were perfect for what I needed for my costumes. And the don't need glue. Glue, I don't like so much. Which leads me to my other find. I think I have talked about Glue Dots before. I first used them when I made the Diva's Sweet 16 invitations. They are a beautiful thing. Tiny little sticky dots that would hold a brick. No mess. No dripping. They do take a while to master though and I did find them stuck to me for a day or two after I used them. But NOT NO MORE!!! Now there's this:
Been working on our Halloween costumes for Jenn's Halloween party. ( I TOLD you I would have to kill you...you'll have to wait 'til next week).
So between painting pumpkins and making costumes I have been in a crafty mood lately. I found two new craft things this week it. One is glittered fun foam!---------->LOVE IT!!!! I didn't know they made it. I love glitter! They were perfect for what I needed for my costumes. And the don't need glue. Glue, I don't like so much. Which leads me to my other find. I think I have talked about Glue Dots before. I first used them when I made the Diva's Sweet 16 invitations. They are a beautiful thing. Tiny little sticky dots that would hold a brick. No mess. No dripping. They do take a while to master though and I did find them stuck to me for a day or two after I used them. But NOT NO MORE!!! Now there's this:
I know. Shut up! How cool!!! It's a little dispenser. You never have to touch them they just roll out. So easy. So easy I almost got a little carried away glue dotting. I go them both at Michael's. Glitter and glue..seriously does it get more fun????
Weekend full of making pumpkin cookie pops for baby cousins, orange nail polish, little boys playing basketball...and hopefully some chocolate wine! Cheers!!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago-licious Pumpkins,recipe and product review!!
Lots to post about today...first my cheese pumpkins. The ANYWAY. I have been wanting them because I have been wanting to make a pumpkin topiary I once saw on a blog I peruse centsationalgirl.com (always gotta give props). So although I was coffee clotching with the girls yesterday morning... I was thinking in the back of my head "I need to get home and paint my cheese pumpkins!" (don't you hate when you hear that in your head? yeah...me too!) So this is my variation on the idea: (how to)
Yes my poor Haunted House lost it's center stage spot...them's the breaks.
As long as it doesn't rot, (I did spray the under parts with a clear spray) away my favorite new decoration will be hanging around until Thanksgiving.
One more pumpkin thought (oh I have more but I will spare you...)
This is a recipe for Pumpkin Squares. I originally made it for the Diva's Kindergarten class (yes the one that is now a Senior) for a Thanksgiving party. I knew the most of the kids would not like pumpkin pie so I made these.
4 eggs beaten
1 15-oz can pumpkin
1 1/3 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
½ tsp nutmeg
3 oz pkg cream cheese softened
¼ cup butter
¾ tsp vanilla
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Oven 350
Beat together eggs, pumpkin, sugar and oil until well blended. Add the flour
baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until smooth then
spread in an ungreased 10x15 pan
(or as close to that size or for fluffier cake use 13x9 pan).
Bake for 25-35 minutes or until done. Allow to cool.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar butter
and vanilla beat until smooth. Spread frosting over cake then cut into squares.
Ok one more thing before I go...one of my book club buddies gave me a product to review:
It's a pumice scouring stick. It's made for porcelain and tile cleaning. My friend RE Lady gave it to a client to help her remove rust stains in a toilet before she tried to sell her house. I've had this stain in my 1/2 bathroom sink since we redid the bathroom about 3 years ago.
It just appeared right after we had the sink installed. It was big production getting the sink in due to it's shape or whatever so there was NO WAY I was taking it out. I had decided to just live with it. Not happily, might I add 'cause it made me nuts every time I washed my hands in that sink...which was everyday. I had tried everything I could think of to get rid of it. I know it wasn't there when it was installed...figured it was a water stain or a defect in the porcelain. Well, I wet the pumice stick like the the directions said...rubbed it on the stain and....
GONE!!!!!!
And no one's happier than me....
Thanks to RE Lady for letting me in on the secret.
(she said it works great on heels too!!!)
Friday, October 8, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago Book Review -Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
(historical fiction)
(historical fiction)
First, everyone loved the book with the exception of one "like". Being part of a book club is great in that you read books you may not normally read. And when you love to read like I do, but usually have 100 reasons why you can't..it makes you read. Choosing what book to read sometimes is hard. You want everyone to like it, you hope it sparks great conversation. I am happy to report this one did.
Briefly, the book is set in "Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours. Fast forward to Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life."
The format of the book is where one chapter is about Sarah and the next is about Julia. I think that worked really well in the telling of this story. The chapters about Sarah were so heart wrenching as I learned about the Roundup (which I and most of my book club pals didn't know about) I needed to "get back" to the next current day chapter to remove myself from Sarah's pain. Most of us said we cried while reading this book. I know I did.
I enjoy historical fiction novels that are well written since I can get into the story and learn something at the same time. I really think this is a better way to teach children about history, get them to relate with a character that lived during the time they are studying about, rather than boring lists of statistics and dates. I know had I read a book like this in high school I would have paid attention.
Overall, I learned a lot about Nazi occupied France. It made me think about what I would do had I been a French Christian mother then. Would I have helped these people, these children? Would I have been so scared for my own family that I kept quiet and hid my head like so many people did? I don't know. I would like to think I would have been brave like the Polish couple that took Sarah and her friend in and hid them. But even reading that part of the book made me so scared for them as much as for Sarah. So all in all good book club choice. If you and your group decide to read it you may want to use these questions.
I'm giving it 5 wine glasses*. (oh stop you know we drink wine at book club!!!)
*1. Good book club book
*2 Good discussion
*3 Stayed with me after I read it
*4 Most or all of the group liked it
*5 Would recommend it
The format of the book is where one chapter is about Sarah and the next is about Julia. I think that worked really well in the telling of this story. The chapters about Sarah were so heart wrenching as I learned about the Roundup (which I and most of my book club pals didn't know about) I needed to "get back" to the next current day chapter to remove myself from Sarah's pain. Most of us said we cried while reading this book. I know I did.
I enjoy historical fiction novels that are well written since I can get into the story and learn something at the same time. I really think this is a better way to teach children about history, get them to relate with a character that lived during the time they are studying about, rather than boring lists of statistics and dates. I know had I read a book like this in high school I would have paid attention.
Overall, I learned a lot about Nazi occupied France. It made me think about what I would do had I been a French Christian mother then. Would I have helped these people, these children? Would I have been so scared for my own family that I kept quiet and hid my head like so many people did? I don't know. I would like to think I would have been brave like the Polish couple that took Sarah and her friend in and hid them. But even reading that part of the book made me so scared for them as much as for Sarah. So all in all good book club choice. If you and your group decide to read it you may want to use these questions.
I'm giving it 5 wine glasses*. (oh stop you know we drink wine at book club!!!)
*1. Good book club book
*2 Good discussion
*3 Stayed with me after I read it
*4 Most or all of the group liked it
*5 Would recommend it
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago - Tomato Tired
I am tomato tired today. Yesterday as I said was Tomato Day. 12 hours of washing, cooking, squashing jarring, boiling tomatoes. I had probably 1000 tomatoes in my hands yesterday. But we got it done. Kids helped they had fun. We start to get punch drunk half way through then we start to have fun too. I am happy my sauce is stocked 60+ jars deep in my pantry for me to use throughout the year. My family likes sauce made with these tomatoes and so the family tradition goes on. Someday it may be me sister in law and I doing the tomatoes. I wonder if we will do it for years and years to come. Some scenes from tomato day...
Jars with fresh basil all ready to go
SIL washing tomatoes....still smiling it was early...
Child labor...
A family affair...
Still washing....
Like I said...punch drunk!
Still washing...
Done!
Jars with fresh basil all ready to go
Tomatoes taking a bath....
Child labor...
A family affair...
Still washing....
Like I said...punch drunk!
Generations....
Done!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday Farrago - A random dozen
1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?
Funnel cake. Something I would never eat otherwise...and usually try to avoid at places like that unless I have someone to share with
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
hmmm. Loaded question. A little.
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
Something I didn't outright ask for. Something that someone listened to things I had said or mentioned then got me that something. It's a surprise and very meaningful that they took the time to listen without me knowing it. I like to give gifts like that too.
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Last week, I tailgated at a rock concert for the first time.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?
Fav is women's stories real or fiction - Least anything where kids get hurt
6.Silver or Gold? Silver (or white gold)
7. What makes you sigh? A lot of things. I find I sigh a lot...when I am overwhelmed, trying not to get mad, or when my kids do or say something wonderful.
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? I would say early 40's I think I look my age but a decent model for my make year.
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? Yes and hope to hell I didn't get caught!
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
Interior decorating to someone who just has no clue
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? I tell them right up front that she is my friend and could we change the subject. I actually have had to do that before. I don't get mad, I can't honestly say I don't talk outta school...but I have my friends' backs.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation - I am a communicator, I need conversation and affirmation and I like to give it back
Any of these questions jump out at you? Which one? Let me know your answers....link back up to me so we can link back up to 2nd cup of Coffee...
Happy Weekend!!
Funnel cake. Something I would never eat otherwise...and usually try to avoid at places like that unless I have someone to share with
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
hmmm. Loaded question. A little.
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
Something I didn't outright ask for. Something that someone listened to things I had said or mentioned then got me that something. It's a surprise and very meaningful that they took the time to listen without me knowing it. I like to give gifts like that too.
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
Last week, I tailgated at a rock concert for the first time.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?
Fav is women's stories real or fiction - Least anything where kids get hurt
6.Silver or Gold? Silver (or white gold)
7. What makes you sigh? A lot of things. I find I sigh a lot...when I am overwhelmed, trying not to get mad, or when my kids do or say something wonderful.
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? I would say early 40's I think I look my age but a decent model for my make year.
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? Yes and hope to hell I didn't get caught!
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
Interior decorating to someone who just has no clue
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? I tell them right up front that she is my friend and could we change the subject. I actually have had to do that before. I don't get mad, I can't honestly say I don't talk outta school...but I have my friends' backs.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation - I am a communicator, I need conversation and affirmation and I like to give it back
Any of these questions jump out at you? Which one? Let me know your answers....link back up to me so we can link back up to 2nd cup of Coffee...
Happy Weekend!!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cara: Friday Farrago
No grumblings today. Although it's been one of those weeks...I unconsciously decided to look for the positive around me...
~Stuck and the RR crossing in town. Noticed a young pregnant mom holding a small child waiting on the train platform and it was a beautiful evening. Pink sun was starting to set and it was not humid any more. Train stopped; door opened...Daddy walked out. Baby wiggled from head to toe to get out of Mommy's arms and into Daddy's. Daddy and baby waved to train as it pulled out and the cute little family walked hand and hand home. (at least in my story they were going home) It was just the sweetest moment...looked like a Hallmark commercial.
~Orangutan (well I had thought at first it was) at the Mayberry hardware store was waiting on an old gentleman in front of me. To say the man took a looooong time to figure out what he needed and get his cash out of his pocket etc. would be an understatement. Orangutan looked at me and kinda made a face. I thought well I am not in a hurry, so don't be making faces at me. He proceeded to help this nice old man with such respect and patience that I almost got choked up. (Aunt Flo is in town I am not THAT much of a sap) It was nice to see that kid act, well not like an orangutan.
~I was open minded about some people this week that I may have not been before. To my surprise sometimes if you go into a situation with an open mind you can be pleasantly surprised. Imagine that! Who knew?
~I was again put in the company of women, this time no kids, wine, and Summer Beer! (yum-o) on Jenn's porch. Easy conversation, some laughs (who knew someone actually had a poster of Adam Rich in their bedroom...the things you learn over wine)with old and just met friends. Nice.
Wishing you a weekend of "nice".
Doing the blog hop parade again from Smart and Trendy Moms
Forward march!
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