WHAT I AM DOING - DAY and Night

Hi All, As a preferred Payson Main Street Flea Market Customer or friend of the Flea.o.logy 3 we would like to extend an invitation to you to come to our first flea market of the year. We will have 15 dealers and lots and lots of goodies, and are not going to be scared off by reports of temps in the 50's.


Don't miss it!! We are having just 3 flea.o.logy flea markets this year. If you want to know the dates of the other sales they are July 16th and the Friday and Saturday before Labor day, for our first ever two day event.

You are also invited to follow us on our blog at http://fleaology.blogspot.com

flea.o.logy Antiques & Crafts Flea Market
Sat. May 7th
218 N, main, Payson, UT
8:00 a.m. No Early Birds

Do you relish rummaging around in rusty stuff? Is shabby your idea of chic? Got kitsch in your kitchen? Go ga-ga over “junk” jewelry AND gems? Need a table for Mabel to put her elbows on? Do you subscribe to the motto, “Live Well, Laugh Often, Junk Much?”

Wanna come play at the flea on Saturday?

Then be there this Saturday for our first flea market of the season. Flea.o.logy is the new name for the 7-years-running flea market at the historic Red Sandstone Victorian house on the corner.

Over 15 sellers will be there to greet you with primitives to pottery, Victorian to vintage, garden art to glassware, and furniture to just plain funky. There’ll be junk jewelry, vintage jewelry, artist jewelry, and repurposed jewelry. Vintage dresses, heirloom dresses, a wedding dress, and a dresser or two. Tablecloths, aprons, hankies and blankies. License plates, dinner plates, wood crates and silver plate. Gas cans, frying pans, a few things that were made in Japan. Buttons, books, gobbledygook. AND. . . artist-created chocolates, crafts and a charity baked goods sale. Etc., etc.

Sound fun? You’re SO right! . . . .

Flea.o.logy Antiques & Crafts Flea Market
218 N. Main, Payson (just 40 minutes south of Sandy)
Saturday May 7th
8:00 a.m. sharp
No early birds. . .

Go to http://fleaology.blogspot.com to find out about the history of our flea market and to learn about our vendors.

(All of the above is our newspaper/internet ad.  From now on, it is ME.)

I have been pulling and pricing like crazy. 
(Combine that with the fact that I have misplaced $300.00 and I have been looking for that, too, and I have really been working like crazy.)



A few more things I priced.

 Remember to sign up as a follower for a chance to win one of my daily GIVE AWAYS next week.
Stephanie Williams!!!  Comment by Saturday to get my Give Away Favourites.  Hurry!

MY SATURDAY PLANS (and you can come, too)

I WILL POST 2 (TWO) BLOG WINNERS  LATER TODAY.  (And 1 winner on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with an extra local winner next week :)

This Saturday I am participating in a fun ANTIQUES AND CRAFTS FLEA MARKET in Payson, UT (about 40 miles from Sandy).  There are 15 sellers participating in this popular 7 year event.  It is held at 218 N. Main, in Payson.  The home is over 100 years old and easy to find after exiting the freeway to the east.

First, check out the blog.  http://fleaology.blogspot.com/.  You may see something already that you want. Then come back and see just a little bit of what I am taking to sell.

Are you back?  My pictures are not great (middle of the night work going on here.) but I am finding a lot to sell.

I LOVE the Art Deco flower frog girls.

I love antique and vintage baby things.

Isn't this doll stroller darling?

FLEA.O.LOGY - ANTIQUES AND CRAFT FLEA MARKET
218 N. MAIN   PAYSON, UT
SATURDAY, 7 MAY, 2011
OPENS 8:00 SHARP  (NO EARLY BIRDS)

The weather is supposed be BEAUTIFUL!

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY (and what I look for)

THRIFT STORE SHOPPING

I really enjoy the treasure hunt of thrift store and yard sale shopping.  My children - not so much. 
BUT, my sister does :)  And she came to visit me for 2 weeks (-2 days).  We visited ten (yes, 10) D.I.s.  (D.I. is Deseret Industries, a local thrift store.) and 2 Savers (thrift store).  Ah.  Good times.

To make thrift store shopping successful, I keep a list (mental sometimes) of what I want/need/hope I find.  And also what others have asked me to look for. 
(For example, I need a purple blouse to match a skirt I have had for a year.  So everyday we went out I had to make sure the purple shirt that matches it was clean/ironed, so I could get the right colour purple.  Did not find one :(
I try to get rid of something when I bring something home.

I am always on the hunt for a certain pot/pan lid THAT I LOVE.  This lid has ridges that allow it to fit many different sizes of pans.  I have only ever found this one.

I love silicone for baking.  I did find a few new pieces.  I found a Kitchen Aid cupcake pan (that I already have several of) that I traded with another shopper for the Kitchen Aid bread pan (which I did not have :-)  I will make banana bread this week.

I bought my Easter outfit.  (under $10.00)  And several new pair of summer pajamas.

I buy books I want to read (and then usually give them back).  Be sure to check that they have no bad smells or water damage.  I bought 3 (which means I will get rid of 3).

I always WANT to buy the Hamilton Beach grill  that we use for panini's (I love the grids that remove for cleaning.), but since I have 2,  I do not.  (Try out all appliances.  Notice any weird electrical smells (or yucky oil or food left on it) and be sure there are no breaks in or sparks from the cord.)

I love making Kettle Corn  with a stove top popcorn popper .  They sell for about $25.00, so I buy them when I see them in good condition.  I did find one this week for my son in law.

We had TONS of fun playing "PIT", and wanted to find a "PIT" game for my nephew to take to BYUI.  In all of our thrift store shopping, we found-none.  We also did not find it at Walmart or Target.  hmmm.
I did buy 2 games to play with my grand kids (and will get rid of some toys not played with).   Be sure all the pieces are there, and instruction if you need them.   (Unless of course you let your 3 year old grandson buy "Mouse Trap" knowing there will probably be missing pieces, AND that the game will probably drive his mom (your daughter) crazy :-)

We really like the hand stir ice cream freezers that have a liner that you freeze before using.  I did find one of those :-)

As usual I do find some things I never would have guessed I wanted.  Like these fun red and white polka dot rubber rain boots.  I wore them to lunch on Tuesday, but for spring I have them inside my front door with my Mickey Mouse umbrella inside of one of them.  They caught my eye, and I knew they were mine.

There are other things that catch my eye.  Antique and vintage pieces.  For me or to resell (Found an old wooden spool.).

I love (and sometimes buy) cooking pieces, dishes, serving pieces, candles...

I also keep my eyes open for all the things others have asked me to look for. 

(And of course there are a few things I can not write about.  Then I would never find them :-)

To celebrate my 200th post I will have a "random.org" drawing for my FOLLOWERS every week day next week.

Tomorrow I will post pictures of what I am doing and where I am going on Saturday.

I am visiting  A Thrifty Home for their Penny Pinching Party.  I love visiting her and seeing the fun ideas posted.  Thank you, A Thrifty Home.

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY

WELCOME BOBBI!  THANK YOU FOR BEING A FOLLOWER!

"You can not help someone get up a hill without getting closer to the top yourself."  General Norman Schwarzkopf

10 April - 24 April, 2011

I had a great  and fun week.  I enjoyed my own vacation while my sister was here.

#1  I finally got Brooklyn's picture put on my family tree pillow.  (It is a tree pillow that I kept watching at "Linens and Things" when they were going out of business, and finally bought.)  I have teeny tiny pictures in charms with scrapbook safety pins.

#2  My sister and I visited 9 D.I.s and 2 Savers.  We did it on the way to other things.  (More about what I found, and what I looked for, on Wednesday.
WE HAD FUN, AND SUCCESS.

#3  (I asked Debbie before she came if she wanted to see the Carl Bloch art exhibit while she was here.  She said no.  She does not like museums...)  While my sister was here she mentioned there was an art exhibit she had heard good things about.  Could we get tickets?  WHAT!!!  I ASKED YOU ( ;-)
We went to Provo hoping to get in on stand by, and got right in.  (We got there about an hour after opening (10:00) on Monday morning.  When we left  the exhibit at about 4:30 on Thursday afternoon (a BYU graduation day) the wait was about 1 hour.  The exhibit is open until 9:00 p.m., but evenings WILL be crowded with youth groups and those that can not go in the daytime.)  The art was beautiful.  I was glad she got to go.  (And we went to a D.I. and Saver's :)

#4  Logan and I had a fun date.  We took Aunt Debbie to the airport and went to the last D.I. we had on our list.  Then we went to lunch, "with a play place and chicken".  Logan was very good.  (He picked "Mouse Trap" as one of his toys.  I was glad it was going to HIS house.

#5  Leslie gave me and Debbie pedicures.  It was great.  Thank you very much, Leslie.
(The sad part is that a 1/4 bottle of nail polish remover spilled on my (very large and expensive) wool rug.

#6  After 1 hour of looking on line, flooding the area with water, patting all the water out, and LOTS of stress, we lifted it to dry for 2 days and it was fine.  SO HAPPY!

#7  Debbie and I went to/had Cafe Rio, 3 times.  (Her request.)

#8  Since my surgery my voice is way off.  It is hard to get enough air to sing, and it is not on the right note.  But I can still whistle on key :)  (Too bad I can not do that at church.)

#9  Doug won a Chili's gift certificate at work in an emailed number problem contest at work.
And, the visiting accountants gave him 4 tickets to their box for a BEES baseball game in May.  (I like this better than Chili's.  He loves the game and I love reading with the game in the background.  My dad was a baseball fan, too.)

#10  Debbie left on Wednesday.  Doug took Thursday and Friday off.  We had a wonderful week-end together.  There was no one home but us.  On Thursday we had tickets to the Carl Bloch exhibit.  (The exhibit is in Provo, UT and open until May 7th, 2011.  Tickets are free, but must be pre- reserved.  There are stand by tickets available, but there may be quite a wait.  (See wait time above under #3.)  (http://carlbloch.byu.edu/)  It is worth it.)  We loved going together.  Our whole week-end (Thursday and Friday) was very nice.

Stephanie Williams (Follower #54).  Comment by Saturday to get the Give Away basket (- the basket too hard to mail).

This is a good time to be a follower.  I will have a small GIVE AWAY (random.org) for followers, every week day next week to celebrate my 200th post.
1 Frame and monogram tape
2 IKEA cup set and magnets
3 a Princess clippie from BITS AND PIECES (See the side of my blog)
4 ...wait and see...

PLANNING OUR MENU

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST FOLLOWER, BECKY SCOTT!  THANK YOU FOR COMING.

Do you try a lot of new recipes?  Some are ones you will never make again, and some turn into favourites?  I make a note to remind me.  I write in the cookbook when I made it and why it worked-or did not.  (One thing that affects my decisions whether or not we eat the left overs.)  If I have gotten a recipe from a blog, website or friend, and it does not work, I make a note.  I keep a list (in my cook book) with recipes not to make again (and the source).  (I do this because what attracted me once may tempt me again ;)

 SUNDAY - Grilled hamburgers, salmon  and hot dogs.  Salad bar and fruit.  Fdessert I made Cookie Sundae Cups from Our Best Bites: Mormon Moms in the Kitchen cook book page 213. 

MONDAY - Still have planned overs, but my sister has 2 favourite soups, and time is running out.  I made Mexican Meatball Soup and Chicken Enchilada Soup.
TUESDAY - Memorial for my Brother in laws Mom.
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY - Get away with Doug.  No kidults at home :)  Ate some meals at home, and used coupons to eat a meal out.
SATURDAY -  I  took 2 salads to a dinner my husband and I went to.

Stephanie Williams.  You were the winner of "some of my favourite things".  Leave a comment by 30 April to let me know how to contact you.  (Or I will have to re "random.org on Monday, May 2nd.) 

EASTER DECOR and BASKET WINNER!

When I reached 60 followers, I "random.org"ed a winner for some of my favourite things.  The winner was #54... Stephanie Williams. 
Stephanie, add a comment to let me know how to get info. to mail things to you. 
I will pick a new winner if I have not heard from Stephanie by Saturday, April 30th.

I love antique and vintage. 
These are some of the things I use to decorate (simply) for Easter.

The old paper eggs were made in Germany.

My favourite Easter story is of Christ's atonement, and Resurrection.
I do love this Easter storybook, too.

A hard to find 1800s metal egg that opens.

Two of my antique blown glass eggs
in a tiny antique metal "basket"

A sweet old paper/cardboard rabbit with a cart

For a short while I collected vintage egg cups

A wood egg from a White House
Easter Egg Hunt

My basket of wheat grass from Keith.
It has had 2 haircuts, and is in need of another.
Can you see the hidden eggs?



WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

HI LEIGH JANTAC.  WELCOME AS A NEW FOLLOWER!

Last week Leslie and I found something we really liked and came up with a recipe for Pizza Friday, our version of a PULL APART PIZZA.  I have seen several variations, (using cut up Rhodes dinner rolls, cut up Pillsbury biscuits...) but our idea is easier, and (probably) tastier.

Our local Super Target carries a "6 Count Mini Pull Apart" roll in the bakery dept. ($2.99)   It was great when we had it last week dipped in marinara sauce, so this week we made pizza.

PIZZA PULL APART
Michelle (me) and Leslie

The rolls have 3-4 sections.  Pull apart the sections and tear each section into 3 to 4 pieces.  Layer in a sprayed 9x13 pan.  (You can use a smaller pan and make the "pizza" thicker.) 
I drizzled a bit of marinara sauce sauce on it to keep it moist.  (O.K. Really it was Hunt's 4 Cheese ;0)
I could have put other pizza toppings on it now, but Doug wanted cheese.  So... I generously sprinkled it with (pre) grated mozzarella cheese.  Sprinkle the cheese in a way that it melts the pieces together.  (If you are building more than 1 layer, put cheese between the layers/pieces.) 
I baked it at 350* for about 15 mins., until the cheese was melted and the "crust" was hot. 
It took less than 5 minutes from start to oven.  And that included going downstairs for a can of sauce.  I served sauce on the side for dipping.  We had a salad and strawberries.
TA DA!

Almost everyone loved it.  (Total credit goes to the Garlic Rolls.)  Doug thought it was too garlicky.  Emily just did not like it.  Debbie thought it was a bit too bready.  (She's not a big bread eater.)  For everyone else, it was a HIT!
These Target rolls (located by the Naan bread at our store.)  are on my "What I buy" grocery list.  Perfect (easy) side for soups, stews, pastas, salads...

(I have not been paid or compensated for my opinion.  But I wish I was.)

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY!

WELCOME TO NEW FOLLOWER, SMCOLTRIN.  THANK YOU FOR COMING.

10 April - 17 April, 2011

"The future is as bright as your faith."  President Thomas S. Monson

#1  My sister and her son are here visiting.  We are (really) enjoying the visit.

#2  When Logan was a baby I discovered a song that would soothe him when he was upset.  It worked so well that we all used it.
("I love you, "Logan". Oh yes I do.  I love you, Logan, and will be true.  When you're not with me, I'm blue.  Oh Logan, I love you."  from Bye Bye Birdie)
When I sing it to Brooklyn, it makes her laugh.  :)

#3  Lots of years ago (about 15) I watched a movie I liked.  It got "lost".  Eventually, (about 3 years ago) so I could forget about about it being "lost" I ordered the video of it.  (It was cheap.)  I finally watched ""Vanishing Act" (with Mike Farrell, Elliot Gould and Margot Kidder) with my sister.  It was fun.  (Let me know if you want to borrow the video.)

#4  My basket of wheat grass that I am growing for Easter is growing great.  Keith gave it to me last Easter.

#5  I had a $20.00 Barnes and Noble card (I paid $10.00) that was about to expire.  Leslie traded me for a $2.00 Amazon card. 
I bought 3 DVDs.  "Les Miserables (25th Anniversary Concert), "Fitzwilly" (love this Dick Van Dyke movie at Christmas time-or anytime) and "Gaslight" (1944 + bonus 1940.  A good olde suspenseful movie.)

#6  I had an extra avocado from a meal and made a peanut butter and avocado sandwich for lunch.  This is a recipe from my childhood.  And my mom's childhood.  (My grandma had an avocado tree in her backyard.) 
It may sound terrible.  It may look sick.
It is so good.  (From my mom's family we also learned how good it is to put a slice of plastic (American) cheese in a peanut butter and jam sandwich. mmmmm

Peanut Butter & Avocado Sandwich

#7  Game Nights.  Lots of game nights.  And, after one game night, 6 of us made a midnight run to the Taylorsville DEE'S for cheese fries.  We played "Pit", "Skipbo" and a few games of "Scattergories".

#8  Matt, Debbie and I went to "Ensign Peak".. It is my favourite local spot to visit.  (It has a great family hike, but it was raining :(

Ensign Peak

#9  We went to Ashley's VERY FUN Super Saturday.  Look what we made.  (Actually Ashley's Aunt Christy did a TON of the prep work.  There is a "squiggly thing" on the cupcake that holds a picture.  We are copying Christie and putting a hook on the back for balloons. 
Thank you, Christie, for all of your hard work and fun ideas.  Thank you inviting us, Ashley.

#10  Late night cheese fries, again, on Saturday night.  Company is fun.

PLANNING OUR MENU

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER, MELANIE.  WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU!

Are you working on planning your menus a week ahead of time and keeping a grocery list goiung of what you need?  It saves trips to the store (which usually means buying unplanned items)  and money when shopping.
Saves time, too.

SUNDAY - Tacos, salad, refried beans and jello salad.  (This is one we like -  strawberry or raspberry jello, berries (fresh mix or frozen (I used fresh strawberries and frozen blueberries this time) and about 1 pomegranate's worth of seeds.  We like this, but I have not been able to find pomegranates for about 2 months. 
On Wednesday I found the seeds ready to go at Sam's Club.  It was $8.00 for a 2 pack.  Each looked like about 1 pomegranate.  (I also like the seeds in pilaf.)  One of the seed packs  molded (about a week before it's use by date) and the other pack lacked the sweetness and firmness of a pomegranate you seed yourself.  (Darn.  I thought I had a find.)  I did my sister's favourite MARIE CALLENDER pies for dessert.  (They sell them frozen at our local stores, and we like them.)
MONDAY -  Cafe Rio :0)  That is one top of the list things to do when my sister comes from California.
TUESDAY -  Breakfast for dinner.  My sister requested Blueberry French Toast.  I also made Deviled Breakfast Eggs.  mmm
WEDNESDAY -  FRITO Chili Casserole.  Thank you for making it, Leslie.
THURSDAY - White Chicken - An easy crock pot family favourite. (+ salad, broccoli, strawberries and mandarin oranges) 
FRIDAY -  PIZZA FRIDAY - I will post the recipe (if you can call it that) on "What I BuyWednesday".
SATURDAY - Some of us ate at a Super Saturday Craft afternoon.  The rest ate planned overs.
I took Red Velvet Cookies w/ White Chocolate Chunk Cookies.  It was a new recipe, and only o.k.  With so many better cookie recipes, this one will go on my do not make again list.  (Part of the reason is that the red is not vibrant enough/white chocolate bright enough to make these for Christmas/Valentine's Day.)
(Nine of us went to DEE'S for midnight fries.)

SOME THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY!

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER, RACHEL.  Glad to have you here.

"Enjoy life.  This is not a rehersal."  sign at RIB CITY

20 March - 10 April, 2011

#1  I am feeling better.  I had lots of fun playing "dinosaurs" on the floor with Logan.

#2  Mark and Ashley celebrated their 1 year anniversary.

#3  I never got to see "TANGLED" at the theatre, but it came out on DVD.  (Darn.  I fell asleep watching it.)  (Fell asleep the 2nd time, too.  At least I saw some different parts.)

#4  While channel hopping I found "FAME"  "the original Glee".  I set up a few episodes to DVR.  It was fun to watch again.  I was telling my kidults about finding this show from my childhood.  Then I found out it was from the mid 80's.  We already had 4 children by then :c)

#5  I went to a local antique show with Wendy...

#6  ...and spent no money.

#7  We enjoyed a fun play date and lunch at IKEA.  I bought something that I "crafted with", and will  have a GIVE-A-WAY for most the supplies.  (See What I Buy Wednesday and A Craft)

#8  I love General Conference week end.  They are my 2 favourite week ends of the year.

#9  My mother in law asked each family to listen to the conference talks and write our own verse(s) to "Follow The Prophet".  A new conference family tradition :)
My Verse
"Apsotle Elder Nelson, speaking for the Lord,
He knows some are worried, waiting for the word.
"Do not let your fears, now replace your faith".
Obedience to commandments,
keep body and spirit safe."

Sat. a.m. session
April 2011
also quoted President Monson, "The future is as bright as your faith".

Mine and Leslie's Verse
"President Monson spoke of temples,
how fast the numbers grow.
You will find some peace if you commit to go.
It's not just a building, it's filled with so much more.
You'll be renewed and fortified
when you walk through the door".

#10  We did a really fun and easy and cheap craft while the men attend the Saturday night conference meeting.  (See the monogrammed frames from Follow Friday and A craft.)  I will doing a giveaway for the supplies to make the frame to a follower the first week in May.)

#11  My sister is coming for a visit.  :0)
I want to get my ironing for all of April done before she gets here.  Conference Saturday I ironed 17.  Monday I ironed 12.  Wednesday I ironed 17.  Almost done.

#12  GOT A HAIRCUT.  (First 1 in 6 months.)

#13  My ROWENTA iron broke.  This was a special iron.  Doug took me to Sam's Club to buy it on 21 September, 2005.  The day we took Leslie to the MTC.  (No, I was not happy.)
Up to that point I had paid Leslie to do our ironing.  ($1.00 per item.)  That morning I was helping HER iron.  I knew if I was going to be ironing again, it was time to replace my ROWENTA, so we went to Sam's on the way home.  (I got the big ironong board, too.  When Mark left, I got our sweet Stevie Dog.  Although Doug does not care to have dogs, he let me get Stevie.)
Back to the iron story.  This one broke the way that all mine have broken.  They do not stay on and I see sparks where the cord goes in the iron. 

So, why am I happy?
About a year ago Wendy C. found a nice ROWENTA at an estate sale and bought it for me.  No delay at all in my ironing.  BIG SMILE

#14  I am finally caught up with "Things That Make Me Happy".  (I actually thought that I posted this on Monday.)

THROW BACK THURSDAY

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER, SNOWTILE.  WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU FOLLOW :)

I am 1 post away from my 200th post.  I will celebrate with some mini "random.org" drawings for my FOLLOWERS the first week in May.  For one mini prize we will have a drawing for one of my follower's choice of a PRINCESS CLIPPIE from "BITS AND PIECES"  Blog.  Check out the selection at their blog - listed on the right side of my blog.  They also have added Rapunzel to the line.

With Easter coming, I have a recipe I like to make that uses the abunance of hard boiled eggs. It is a breakfast recipe that I have had over 25 years.  I am not sure where the idea /recipe came from.  (One way I remember is by thinking about which house I remember making it in.) 
One thing I like about making/serving this recipe is that it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge over night.  It works great in a breakfast buffet setting, and can be taken to a brunch.

DEVILED BREAKFAST EGGS

12 - 14 large hard boiled eggs  (This fills a 9 x 13 glass baking dish)
3 table. butter/margarine
3/8 cup flour
3 cups of milk
3 cups grated cheese = 2 cups for sauce + 1 cup for the top  (I use medium or sharp cheddar)
(Yes, just a basic cheese sauce)

Cut the hard boiled eggs in 1/2 lengthwise, as for deviled eggs. 
Remove yolks to a small(ish) bowl, and put the egg halves in a sprayed 9 x 13 baking dish.

Make the cheese sauce
Melt the butter in a pan.
Whisk in the flour, whisking until it is smooth.
Add the milk and continue whisking on a lower heat setting until the white sauce is smooth and thickened.
Stir in 2 cups of grated cheese and stir until melted (and smooth).

Stir about 1 cup of cheese sauce into your SMASHED egg yolks, and spoon back into the egg whites. 
Cover the eggs with the rest of the cheese sauce, and then sprinkle the last cup of cheese over the top.

Bake at 350* for 20 mins. or until hot and the cheese is bubbly.  Serve hot.

These are served hot from the dish, BUT they are also great served on a piece of toast.  Or with asparagus or sliced/diced avocados on the side.
For the last couple of mins. of baking time you can sprinkle them with chopped, cooked bacon pieces.
(We had left overs after dinner the other night and have been reheating single servings in the microwave.)

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY (AND A CRAFT)

WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE MATTHEW T. AS A NEW FOLLOWER.  WELCOME.

I LOVE MAGNETS!  I buy the tiny SUPER strong kind for all kinds of projects. Today I am sharing one of my latest magnet projects.  (I will share another one next week.)
A couple of weeks ago we went to IKEA for lunch and a play date.  (The kids like the lunch area and food choices.  We like the shopping looking and all the steps on our pedometer.  We also like looking at the tiny houses.)

At Ikea we found a children's/summer line of plasticware dishes.  The set of 6 brightly coloured cups were only $1.99, so I picked up a set for a project that has been on my list for awhile.

My grandkids and I enjoy spending fun days at my house.  One of the first requests of the day is usually for a glass of water/drink. 
This was an easy and inexpensive project.  Using my trusty "E6000" and a cotton tip swab (with the ball pulled off) I adhered a SUPER magnet to the flared part of the cup, about 1 1/2 down from the top rim.  I put masking tape over the magnet (to hold it in place) and stuck it on the fridge to dry.  The kids waited.  Until the next day.  (Don't worry.  They did not just stand there all night.)

I am happy to share my idea, and see what others are doing, at  Fireflies and Jellybeans,  A Little Tipsy, and  The Thirfty Home.  I appreciate being invited to participate in the link parties.  Thank you.

The (few) supplies

The next morning I rewashed them and they were ready to go.  These have worked great.  They go on the lower part of the fride when the kids are here and they can get their own water.  We only use them for water.  I hand wash them at the end of the day.
One day Logan kept bangging his on the fridge and his magnet came off.  It was not a big deal.  It was stuck to the fridge.  I just re-glued it for the next day's use.
This idea has worked GREAT!  We have been using them almost 1 month now with no problems.

UPDATE - 15 April, 2011
I have bought my magnets in the past at HEARTLAND PAPER.  The Taylorsville location has closed, but there is still one in Bountiful, UT.  Now I buy them on Amazon (50 at a time) .  The price is the same, $.20 - .25 each.  I love them and use them for LOTS of projects.

As part of my 200th POST celebration, I will "random.org" a set of (6) cups and (6) magnets to one of my FOLLOWERS.  (I will do the GIVE AWAYS the beginning of May.  Watch for other GIVE AWAY items.)

PLANNING OUR MENU

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWER, DAVID!!!  Glad you came by - and stayed.

SUNDAY - Omelet bar with almost everyone here.  (Only missing Layne :(  I tried a new breakfast cake that was o.k., but not worth it to save.  More to try and we really like the ones we use.  (Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Cake, Graham Cracker Struesal Breakfast Cake)
We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and to celebrate some birthdays.
MONDAY - Spaghetti with marinara sauce.  Easy.  Very easy.
TUESDAY - My kidults got emails from "PLANET PLAY" with a great dinner price and play card.  It was fun.  "PLANET PLAY" is located in Draper, UT., and took over the location from a different company.  The food is MUCH better.  It has a great salad bar, many pizza varieties and several dessert pizzas that were really good.
WEDNESDAY - Roasted chicken from Sam's Club, Parmesan Baked Potatoes , broccoli
THURSDAY -  Chicken Enchiladas with left over chicken from Sam's Club.
FRIDAY -  Leslie and I came up with a fun pizza.  I will make and show it next week.  (Doug wanted left over chicken enchiladas.)
SATURDAY -  Baked macaroni and cheese with asparagus and grapes.  (We prefer the creamy mac n cheese that is returned to the pot for cheeses, and everything else.  But I still periodically try a baked one.)

I like cooking in individual dishes.

FOLLOW FRIDAY and THE CRAFT WE MADE

At (near) the last minute we decided to do a craft while the husbands were at their conference meeting on Saturday.  Hilary already had an idea, and she and Lindsay went out and picked everything up.

It was really a pretty inexpensive project, and not hard.  (We were worried that one of the supplies would be all sold out.  Like the eyeball stickers at Michael's that I am obsessed about finding, someday.) 
We had fun and were all pleased with our finished frames.  (I am making them with my sister next week.)

Hilary found the idea, and I am posting the blog where she found it on my blog roll.  She has craft tutorials, linking parties, Give A Ways, recipes, printables, and more.  I printed her Easter printable for cards.
Thank-you, A little Tipsy, for this fun idea.

Personalized Frames
from alittletipsy.com

(Only 4 things needed, and they can all be bought at Michael's)

unpainted wood frame
acrilic paint
sponge brushes
monogram tape
If you decide to do this, click on the links for her tutorial.

 

I put magnets on mine and stuck it on the fridge.


Do you like this project?  As part of my celebration for my 200th post, I will do a FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY for the wood frame and a roll of tape.  (Letter tape must be an available letter.

I am linked to A Little Tipsy's party to share what WE did with HER idea.  Thank you, A Little Tipsy.

THROW BACK THURDAY RECIPE

I was out of commission most of winter and really missed the soups and stew season.  Luckily in Utah winter and spring dance together, each taking a turn at leading.  Flowers popping up in Feb./March, and snow in May.

I got a form of this stew recipe over 25 years ago from Margie.  I have adapted and adapted it through the years.  This is where I ended up about 10 years ago.  A basic , easy and tasty stew that all of my family loves.  (I cut onions large so they can be "picked out".)

Easy Crock Pot Stew
from Margie N.

stew meat - 1-2 pounds, I like to brown mine in a skillet before putting it in crock pot

Mix all the rest in a sprayed crock pot (I like a bigger amount, but I put the smaller amount in ()
2 cans tomato soup (1 can)
3 packages DRY beef gravy (2 packages)
2 tea. beef base (or 2 beef bouillon cubes)  (1 tea. or cube)
2 1/2 cups water (1 1/2 cups water)
6-8 cups vegetables - I used 4 cups cubed potatoes, 2 cups carrots, 1 onion-cut large (3-4 cups)
browned meat

Cook all day on low (8 hours)  and on high for the last 1/2 hour to hour.

Sometimes I make dumplings.  Sometimes pot bread, biscuits, corn bread...  I saw a recipe for cream biscuits in "Relish" and decided to try them since I had everything.  I did add 1 table. sugar. 
The texture and flavour were amazing (really good).  I was disappointed in the self rising flour.  They were not as high as I hoped and thought they would be.  I also think they needed more moisture. 

CREAM BISCUITS
adapted from RELISH

2 cups self rising flour
1 1/2 cups cream
1 table. sugar

Stir just until blended.  Lightly knead on floured board.  Biscuits will become tougher the more they are worked with.Pat or roll to about 3/4 in. thickness.  Cut into biscuit rounds and place close together in greased baking dish or sheet.
Bake at 450* for about 10 mins.
Makes about 12.


(I turned the bread green for St. Patrick's Day)

I am fast approaching my 200th POST.  What shall we do to celebrate it?  Any ideas?

GIVE A WAY WINNER!

A table top photo album

Lots of My Favourite Things

I am happy to have 62 Followers.  I am especially glad to do a GIVE A WAY of some of MY FAVOURITE THINGS. 

AND THE WINNER IS...

Yep, number 54.

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS!  Email me your address and I will  mail it to you.  Do you still have my email?

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY!

I speak from experience.  Not mine.  One daughter (twice).  And my daughter and son (in law - a student) three times.  (The first daughter learned.  The 2nd daughter did not.)
Everyone suffers when this happens.

The problem? 
The charging cord on your computer quits/goes bad or breaks.  Whatever happens, (unless a family member has a matching one-that you can use) you are without that computer.  A new cord is easy to get, but the replacement cords start at about $50.00.

The solution?
When you order by mail (Amazon...) you can get the replacement cord starting at $3.00-with free shipping.
It is a pain to wait a week for delivery, but the savings is important.  After watching computers coming and going (and cords being left in plugs all over) I decided to have my daughter order a new cord for me when she ordered hers.  I paid $10.00 including shipping.  I wrote on the outside of the shipping envelope what computer the cord went to and put it in a zippered plastic bag, and then stored it with other extra chargers, headphones and cords. 

Your cords (and computer) will last longer if you don't let the box thing on your plug dangle.  (It puts weight on where the cord plugs into the computer.)  Allow the box thing and the computer to have ventilation so they do not over heat.  I read an idea in REAL SIMPLE magazine about using door stops under your computer to prop it up and allow ventilation.
Clean your screens (tvs and computers) with them turned off.

(I really hate it when the spring on the clamp of the curling iron goes, too.  So I am getting a curling iron to stick in the storage room.)

I am over at The Thrifty Home with this post.  Thank you for hosting.  I enjoy checking out the other ideas.

Next week I will show what I bought at IKEA, and what I did with it. I will have a Give a Way for most of the supplies so you can make it, too.

My sister is coming this week end for a visit.  She is staying for 2 weeks (fine, just over a week and a half) and we have lots planned.  We will spend some time visiting thrift stores. (read D.I.s :)
On Wednesday, 20 April,  I will tell you what I look for when I go thrift store/yard sale shopping.  Come back and see "What I buy Wednesday.

PLANNING OUR MENU

I REALLY REALLY want to thank Allison from "Next 2 Nothing Crafts" for guest posting with a Give-A-way on my blog last week.  I enjoy seeing the projects she does.  Check her blog to see who will win her cute "SPRING" blocks.  (Will put the links in later.) 
Thank you, Allison.  I enjoyed having you visit and like the projects you share.

PLANNING OUR MENU
SUNDAY - Great dinner.  I made rice bowls ("Amazing Race" is in China.)  There is a lot of prep involved.  On Sat. I pre-seasoned and (partially) cooked the beef and chicken.  I cut the red peppers, onions, green onions, broccoli and yellow squash  On Sunday I added grated carrots, cut pea pods, mushrooms, bean sprouts, canned baby corn cobs, spinach, Jasmine rice, Jasmine brown rice , long noodles (O.K. thin spaghetti ;)  peanut butter, peanuts and sesame seeds.  I also made egg rolls.  (Very big hit.)

Not baked yet.

Everyone put their veggies in a bowl and brought it to me (at the stove).  I had 2 big frying pans going.

Next they chose their oil-sesame, peanut, hot chili sesame or canola.  As it starts to sizzle I toss in the veggies.  As they start to cook, I toss in the meat.  When everything is warm and ready, I add the chosen base (rice or noodles) and stir to heat.  the last choice is the sauce.  I had 8 choices tonight.  I usually buy "WORLD HARBORS" and "PANDA EXPRESS".   I buy them when they are on sale.  (I have a master sheet of everything we need for rice bowls.  I also make notes of the sauces people like. I put the master list under main dishes in one of my cook books.)
MONDAY - Teriyaki glazed salmon (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger-easy. Cook ugliest side up first, then turn over and add the rest of the glaze and finish baking.), sesame brown jasmine rice (stir fry left over rice in 1table. dark sesame oil, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.), tomatoes and cantaloupe.  (The rice side was re-purposed from Sunday.  I had a rice bowl with planned overs

TUESDAY - Sandwiches from VILLAGE BAKER.  (Our certificates that we got for cheaper than 1/2 price expire today.)
WEDNESDAY - I tried a new Taco pie type recipe.  It was barely o.k.  I am through picking recipes with intriguing ingredients.  UGH!  (One way to judge a recipe is if anyone will eat it for left overs.  Nope.)
THURSDAY - "White Chicken".  (My daughter in law named this crock pot dinner.)  This is a huge family favourite.  HUGE!  I will post the recipe in a couple of weeks.
FRIDAY - A frozen pizza for Pizza Friday.  Easy night :)  (Macey's grocery store had a special a few weeks ago.  1 frozen pizza, 2 litre of root beer and 1/2 gallon of ice cream for $5.00.  I used the root beer and ice cream for one of our basketball game days.)  (Now I know why I do not buy frozen pizzas.)
SATURDAY - SUPER NACHO/TACO BAR.  UMMM.  Must be General Conference Saturday night.  Ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  (As well as a fun craft (more later) and a late night of Wii "Glee" and "Dance on Broadway".)

TODAY IS THE...

...LAST DAY TO SIGN UP TO WIN "SPRING" GIVE-A-WAY FROM MY GUEST BLOGGER!  
CHECK BACK AT "NEXT 2 NOTHING CRAFTS" TO SEE WHO WINS.

I will be back tomorrow with my regularly scheduled posts.  d[^o^]b

With 60+ FOLLOWERS (THANK YOU:)  I WILL DO A RANDOM.ORG DRAWING TOMORROW.