Christmas Music

Alright I am willing to admit that my husband love and agree on Christmas music. It is the only music we agree on. We start listening to it the middle of October and quit listening to it in February. This year though, we want some new music. I am wondering what your favorite Christmas music is and if you could tell me some new CDs, artists and groups that we should have in our collection. Please comment.

Super Scribblers!!

All the Apron Girls have been given an award!! WOWZER! Our very own Leslie Mae hooked us up! Pretty cool I'd say, and deserving too! Check it out:There are a few rules:

-Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the award on to five most deserving blogger.

-Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and the name of the blog from whom s/he has received the award.

-Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog, and link to The Scholastic Scribe, which explains the award.

-Each blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr Linky List. That way, they'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this prestigious honour. http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2008/10/200-this-blings-for-you.html

-Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

So I took care of most of those stipulations but I'd like to open the comment floor for nominations for 5 favorite blogs to pass the award on to. What do you think?

Congratulations, V!

I don't know if any of you have been following the fun over at "So You Think You're Crafty", but if you haven't been, you should... it's a heck of a lot of fun AND our very own Vanessa is one of the crafters AND she won week 2 with her fun no-sew leaf wreath! Head on over and check it out... and if you can't figure out which craft is Vanessa's for week 3... well, you just don't know V at all. ;)

Easy Christmas Lights

If you've been wondering how on earth you're going to compete with your neighbor's amazing light display, worry no longer! I've got the solution for you right here:;)

finally done

Hi Girls! I have been off the radar for awhile but I am now back. Do any of you remember these pictures? I started this in March...here is the finished project.
and here it is all lonely on my table any suggestions to making my display look more homey? here it is with the wall you know so you have more info to go by.
Also here is a star I bought for 75 % off last November. It was scratched up and sea foam green, yuck. I brought it home painted it red right away. Then by husband and I tried to put it back together. It came unscrewed just fine, but would not go back together so easily. After messing with it trying to get the holes to match up for about 2 hours, both my husband and I said a few choice words and were ready to throw it out the window. I instead threw it in my messy craft room. I had to clean up my craft room recently because we needed to put a bed in there. While doing so I found that dang star.
I told my husband to get his drill out because we were going to get that thing together. It also helped that we waited 8 months before we even looked at it again. After drilling our own holes for it it went together like buttah. I had to repaint it because we scratched it up so back trying to get it together again. I added some black to the edges and the screws and wahlaaaa. We even hung it up on the wall in our house that has needed something for 9 years. I still think there needs to be more up there but my hubby likes it plain. What do you girls think? I would love your input on my crafty crafts and how to display them better.

Whine flu epidemic

We've had a whining problem at our house, so I came up with this Family Home Evening lesson that we'll be talking about tonight:
For the rest of this week, when we hear whining, we will raise the red yarn on the "whineometer", and the guilty party will have to take a "Gratiflu tablet", write down what they are thankful for, and place it in the "glass of water" pocket.

For example, if the room is just "too messy to clean" then we will be grateful to have so many toys.

And if we wish for ice cream, instead of crackers,for our after-school snack, then we will be grateful just to have food.

And my personal favorite from last week: If someone simply cannot participate in family scripture study because he "wants to sit right here" and his scriptures are "way over there" then we will be grateful that we have legs to walk all the way across the livingroom to get them.

For the lesson part, we will talk about how Jesus Christ set the perfect example for us, by submitting to the will of Heavenly Father during his greatest trial by saying, “Father, if thou be willing remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Jesus trusted that Heavenly Father knew best.

Sometimes we get upset when things don't go the way we want them to, and we whine or complain. We need to learn to recognize our blessings during those difficult times.

Whining or complaining shows ingratitude. We will use examples (like the ones above) to help everyone recognize blessings amid their trials.

Just as we wash our hands to prevent germs, we can prevent whining and ingratitude by counting our blessings.

Recipe from a Reader... Thanks, Natalie!

Buttermilk Syrup

1 1/2 c. Sugar
1/2 c. Butter
3/4 c. Buttermilk
2 Tbs. Corn Syrup
bring above ingredients to a boil , remove from heat and add:
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. vanilla

warning: use a large pot to make this in, when baking soda is added the mixture quadruples in size so continue to stir to keep it from overflowing.

This Syrup is excellent on anything that you would normally use syrup on and my family really loves it on scones. they have even been known to dip extra donuts in it after a donut party.

Though I would love to take credit I got the recipe from my sister, Brenda Saunders, and her compilation of recipes in Secrets of the Perfect Cook. Self titled and printed on special occasions.

I hope you get to try it and enjoy it. It works well divided in half if you are unsure of results. The Baking powder is used to keep it from separating while refrigerated. My mom discovered this when she tried to leave it out once.

Enjoy

Natalie Rogers

Quilt Binding Needed

I have 5 quilts in need of binding....can I hire anyone to do this in time for Christmas? Ok...3 in time for Christmas,the other 2 could wait. They range in size from 68X59 to 67X85

Help!
Tracy,who hates to bind

Mocha Brownies

Ok these are my new obsession....they are quick and easy and to die for!
Brownie:
1 cup choc. chips
1/2 cup butter
(melt these two together in microwave. Stir till smooth)
1 c up sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 TBS. Expresso powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients. Pour into greased 8" pan. Bake at 350 approx. 30 minutes or until set. Cool and frost.
Frosting:
1 1/2 tsp. Expresso powder
1-2 TBS. milk or cream
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup softened butter

Beat with a beater. Add milk/sugar until it is the right consistency.

The Wonders of Hydrogen Peroxide....

Just a quick cleaning tip that I was reminded about last night. As my husband and I were frantically trying to get ready to go to the temple I looked at him and was horrified to see the collar of his crisp white shirt with streaks of blood on it. Apparently he hadn't realized that he had nicked himself while shaving. He was panicking. And then I remembered the tip....Hydrogen Peroxide. A few dabs and a quick rinse with cold water and he was as good as new. This summer my little boy fell and got a small head wound, blood was seriously spraying everywhere. I had a blue sweatshirt on and it was soaked by the time we got the bleeding stopped. I used the Hydrogen Peroxide on it and it worked on that also. I have also heard that it is great to erase spotting during that grand time of the month...I haven't tried that one yet but I plan on it. I don't know why I did not discover this trick until this year, but already it has saved me twice!!!!

fort hood...

i know this is supposed to be our happy place...but i really wanted to say something about what happened today in ft. hood, texas. we have so many people who read this blog from near and far yet we all know what a small world it really is. i'm sure there are women who read that have been heart sick today.

i don't know if it's because we've had soldiers in my family and we've had soldiers in the apron girls family but today really tore at my heart. so i just wanted to say that we, as apron girls, are so sorry to all of you out there today who may have lost a loved one. it seems like they are at war whether they are here or abroad, those brave men and women. our prayers are with you.

we are the home of the free because of the brave

Purse/Diaper Bag

I finally pulled out my sewing machine! It has been awhile. I've been working on a purse using the fabric I posted awhile ago. I got the idea from my amazing sister-in-law. She had a purse she liked and made one similar to it. She gave me one as a gift and I liked it so much I wanted to make more! She helped me add some pockets on this one.


I think it would make a great diaper bag, too. My pattern needs a little more adjusting, and then I am planning to make several more. Would anyone be interested in a tutorial?

Congratulations, Lisa!!

Our very own Lisa had her baby... a beautiful little boy! I can't wait to hear the details, Lisa! He's so adorable!!

Homework Heck

I'm totally spoiled... my two oldest kids do their homework without being asked (if they even have any), they both get all A's, they study on their own for tests... I just don't have to give them a second thought.

My youngest on the other hand... it's a whole different story. Most of the time he forgets to bring his homework home, and if he does, it's like pulling teeth to get him to do it (and he hates my guts the whole time), and then when he does it, he forgets to turn it in, day after day. Sigh... I need help!! Have any of you had a similar kid and found the magic solution?

Stains

I have had a few friends asking me about this lately, luckily for you, I thought I would share with all of you too.;) When I was having my first baby I recieved some hand-me-down items from my aunt that were so darling...but, they had a few spit up and other stains from her girls. As I was getting ready to send them to the thrift store, a friend of mine gave me the best "recipe" for getting out the old, yellowed stains. I did this again right before baby #2 came along to re-freshen up the clothes.

Mix equal parts borax and cascade dishwash(the dry stuff) and enough water to make a paste. Rub paste on stain and let sit for a few hours. Then throw all the clothes in the washing machine with a 1/2 cup of borax and cascade again. Make sure do to a second rinse cycle and then rewash with detergent, just to make sure all of the cascade is out and won't irritate your baby's skin.

It should take the stains out and freshen up the clothes. Hope this helps you get a few more uses out of your baby clothes. It also works on non baby clothes-imagine that!!;)

A Little Something Warm To Sip

As the seasons change and cold weather approaches I get in the mood for something warm to sip. I am not much of a hot chocolate fan. I much prefer the spicy, fruity goodness of hot apple cider. This morning I made myself a nice crock pot full and just finished simmering it moments ago. I'm about to enjoy a mug right now. I'll enjoy it even more tonight when the beautiful afternoon is gone and there's a nip in the air. I enjoy this drink throughout the fall and winter months. You'll notice the recipe makes quite a bit. It's perfect for a party. If you don't have a party to attend just refrigerate it. I warm it up one mug at a time. When I am fighting a cold or sore throat this is my comfort drink.

Grandma Winnie's Hot Apple Cider

1 gallon apple cider (or juice)
12 oz. pineapple juice
6 oz. (1/2 can) frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
1/4 C. brown sugar
8 whole cloves and 6 cinnamon sticks, tied in a few layers of cheesecloth

Simmer for 1 hour.

*I cut the recipe in half when I use the crock pot. I also increase the time to 3 or 4 hours. I love pouring everything in and just enjoying the smell as I go about my day.

Make cookie sprinkles in any color you want!

I discovered something the other day and thought I'd share. My kids were decorating sugar cookies for Halloween, and they wanted orange sprinkles but we didn't have any.

I did have plain white (large grain) sugar sprinkles, so I put a couple Tbsp. in a ziplock baggie, and added a few drops of food coloring. I squished the bag around and in a few seconds I had orange sprinkles.

I just spread them out on a plate to dry for a minute, and then the kids sprinkled them on the cookies. It worked great, and was cheaper and faster than running to the store for another container of sprinkles.

HI my friends!

I have been so bogged down with Halloween...parties at the school and at home, just like the rest of us that I am so thankful it is November. I love this time of year...and then I started freaking out remembering that Christmas is just so stinkin' close..and let's say that funds are very limited this year. So I want this year to be a year of remembering the real meaning of Christmas. I want to continue my own traditions, and maybe start a new one or two. I need your help...what great traditions do you all have during this time of the year?
One traditon we do is we do a 12 Days of Christmas to someone we live close to. We give them something little, sometimes quirky and flat out lame, gifts on their step and run. It's so fun for my boys...they love to doorbell ditch :). If we don't do that, we will exchange it for doing a neighborhood doorbell ditch...like the one we do at Halloween when you get boo'd. (If you don't know what I am talking about, I will fill you in.) Instead of a ghost boo'ing all of the houses...there is a Christmas Angel that leaves a gift on the doorstep of a neighbor, and then hopefully it she is passed from neighbor to neighbor.
What do you all do? for Christmas and Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin Pancakes with Cider Syrup

I love this recipe. It's a little too labor intensive for me to make for breakfast (let's be honest- anything beyond pouring cheerios in a bowl is too labor intensive for breakfast!) but it makes a divine dinner, too.


Pumpkin Pancakes

1 c. flour
1Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1/2 c. pumpkin
2 Tbsp. oil

Cook on hot griddle 'til golden.


Apple Cider Syrup

3/4 c. apple juice
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan. Bring to boil over med. heat, stir occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20-25 min or until slightly thickened. Let stand for 30 min. before serving.

oops...

k so i put the wrong link down there and i can't fix it!

so go here instead.;D

thankful jar...

well hello everyone! i feel like it's been forever since i posted last...i'm getting scared that i'm going to get fired so i thought i should probably do something.

it's a very small something but i love this idea! It's called a thankful jar. You should go over there right now and check it out!!

Keeping the Refrigerator Clean

So it's always a challenge at my house to keep the refrigerator cleaned off. My girls love art projects and they're always drawing something to hang up there. And I like my fridge to

be clean. I hate it when papers are falling off it and it looks cluttered.

So here's how I solved the problem.

I bought this bar at IKEA for $3. And I bought 12 badge clips at Walmart for $2 (they're in the office supply section. I glued cute buttons to the clips, wrapped them around the bar and voila a picture hanger in the kids very own bedroom. I plan on getting another bar to hang above this one so they can each have four beautiful pictures displayed in their room at a time.

And yes the front of my fridge is now clean!

(If the streamlined look isn't for you, I've seen people decorate boards with paint and vinyl lettering and use the same clips with flowers instead of buttons. Your imagination is the limit!)

Happy November!

Happy November!

We took a drive up the Alpine Loop...it was a beautiful drive & the fall colors were at their best! Utah is such a beautiful place! Happy Fall y'all!

Feathering my Nest....

Ok....so I have been in a sewing-funk (make that NON sewing funk) for about 9 weeks now. I lost my mojo. I need to get it back. So....I thought perhaps a little challenge (read swift kick in the butt) from my girls might help the situation. I thought I'd call it the "Feathering My Nest" challenge.....and its simple. Make things with which to "Feather your nest". I am thinking some quilted placemats,table runners......help me out here-what else?

For Jessica

I was lucky enough to do a photoshoot with Jessica's (girlsmama) cute family last week... I'm sending the photos tomorrow, but I couldn't wait to give Jess a peek, and let the rest of you see one of her darling daughters. (She has four!!)

Breakfast for Dinner

Around my little cottage we are fans of having breakfast for dinner. In fact, last night's meal has been featured so many times as dinner rather than breakfast that I don't think I could ever make it for breakfast again. It would just seem wrong. Of course, I didn't even think of taking a picture until I was savoring the last morsel. I considered taking a picture of my plate with the traces of leftover sauce. Then I asked myself what good that would do? I decided against the picture and figured I'd leave well enough alone and just share the recipe. Enjoy!


PUFFY OVEN PANCAKE

1 cube butter or margarine
9 eggs
1 1/2 C. flour
1 1/2 C. milk
1/4 t. salt

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the butter into a 13x9 glass pan and set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. When the oven is heated, place the pan in the oven and let the butter melt. Pour your batter in with the melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve immediately with Apple Cinnamon Sauce.



APPLE CINNAMON SAUCE

4 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
1 1/2 C. water or apple juice
4 T. sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
4 T. cornstarch
4 T. cold water
2 t. butter or margarine

In a skillet combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer, covered, until apples are just tender. In a small dish stir together cornstarch and cold water. Add to apple mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Stir in butter. Keep warm. Makes 4 cups.

Ready to Party

So I'm havin a party...every Halloween, come rain, shine or usually snow, a bunch of friends & kids head on over to our place so we can indulge ourselves in delicious soups, chili, breads & appetizers and of course, candy! We then head out into the night for an adventure in Trick-or-Treating! We usually have about 30-40 people each year and I'm on a tight budget...so as I started preparing for this fun evening, I thought I'd share with you some ideas on how to throw a great party without going broke!

I've been saving my food storage cans and with a little glue, scrapbook paper, embellishments & ribbon, they've become treat buckets which hold candies, crackers & peanuts!

I used my Cricut, borrowed a neighbor's font & printed out this vinyl skull & spider using some left over vinyl I had. The gumdrops were on sale for 50 cents and when Halloween is over, I just peel off the vinyl, store my gumdrops for another year (luckily noone in my family likes gumdrops!) I use these Ikea jars year round for Easter, Halloween & Christmas. To dress them up even more, add some ribbon to the lids.

I love this vintage pail I found on clearance a few years ago....it holds my Halloween silverware I picked up at the Dollar store.

The stamp below is just $1.00 at Roberts....I used existing ink and stamped the little card that goes in my basket....

I use my wire & wicker baskets & load them with plates, napkins, pumpkins & squash I grew this year in my garden. They add color & functionality for the plates & napkins I picked up at Walmart for $1.50 per pack.

I love these little pillows and I use them every year on my little girl's wicker chair...

Using an old sap bucket, a branch, some spray paint & plastic spiders & a scary crow, I put together this fun decoration...I like how it turned out....plus it's tall and draws the eye upward and away from my dirty floor!

I love the color of these candle sticks and it was fun to use my little pumpkins on them....I picked up the other candles for cheap at Ikea and covered them in scrapbook paper that I have in my craft room...they will be lit up on Halloween and cast a scary glow! Make sure you put something beneath the candles to prevent wax from getting on your table top.

Using scrapbook paper, simply cover a frame and pop a favorite Halloween picture in it! It's fun to see pictures of past Halloweens!

Picked this baby up at Walmart for $4.99. After Halloween it comes apart, lays flat and stores nicely til next year.

I can't wait to post our Halloween costumes....my kids are going as Scooby Doo, Velma, Daphne, Fred and the monster who chases the kids in the Scooby Doo cartoons....so be safe, don't spend too much and have fun!

We Can Help...

What better place to find willing and able women to help with a cause??? My friend Tracy is an amazing wonderful woman who is doing her part to help children in Uganda. She has asked for help sewing these colored pencil cases, and I know that most of us here, and most of our readers are more than capable... Go over to her blog to read the details! I'm betting that we can get her comments to at least 250 people willing to help... come on! Let's do it! Post this on your blog too to help us spread the word!

TUTORIAL