HalLoWeEn FAvORiTeS

With Halloween right around the corner I thought I would share a few of our favorite Halloween movies, and a game.

ACROBATS is a fun game that we played when my children were small.  It has 3 plastic pieces that form an arch.  A magnetic bat hangs from the arch, ready to have many more hooked on.  The colour you hang is based on the roll of the die.  This game can be short or long.  And losing is not bad.
This is a game that I pick up if I find it at a thrift store or yard sale. 
Here Logan and Grandpa enjoy one of Logan's fun games at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Our movies are ones more on the suspenseful side, so many of them are black & white (grey).  Some of our favorite B&W ones (starring Bette Davis (scary) are "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane" and "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte".   Some earlier B&W include "Gaslight", "The Second Woman", "Asrnic and Old Lace", "Sorry, Wrong Number", "Picture of Dorian Gray",  and "Laura".  Some smart ones we like (Hitchcock or Hitchcock style) are "Wait Until Dark", "Dial M For Murder", "Charade", "North By Northwest", "The Spiral Staircase", "Spellbound", ......  A couple other favorites are "The Bad Seed" and the newer "Lady In White".
These are just a few.  Hallowwen is a great time to turn off the lights and enjoy some classics.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN.  

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

I was going to show what I am buying and doing for a Christmas gift, but I did not get the next step done.  (Fighting with sinus infection/headache all week.) 

So, I decided to show what I buy for my sinus problems.  I have had them all my life.  Thru the years I have found things that help.

The first is a NETI POT.  A Neti Pot is a small ceramic(or plastic) teapot used as a sinus rinse.  I paid about $12.00 for mine on sale.
The Neti pot is filled with warm water and a small packet of a saline nasal rinse.   I use it by leaning over the bathroom sink and tilting my head to one side.  I put thespout in my top nostril and "pour" about 1/2 the water in.  It will drain out the bottom nostril.  Then you sniff, and blow.  And repeat with your head turned the other direction.
(Confused?  There are videos on line that demonstrate.)
After my Dr. suggested I do this (about 6 years ago) I had less problems.  (I would have even less if I did it everyday - problems or not.)

Another option (that a daughter uses) is Sinus Wash SQUEEZE BOTTLE.  It works on the same principle as a neti pot, but you just lean forward over the sink.  It is plastic and costs about $10.00 and includes saline packets.

Next is a muscus relief product.  Musinex is a brand name one.  I buy Walgreen's brand when they are "Buy One, Get One Free".  It is an over the counter version of a prescription that I used to use.
This taken with a full glass of water, which helps to thin the mucus, and is taken about every 4-6 hours.  (I have no medical experience.  AT ALL.  These are just some things that I have learned.  I do have my honorary Law and Order law degree, however ;)

Lots of water, a humidifier, chicken noodle soup, warm (I use hot) showers or baths with steam.  You know the drill.  Everything our moms said.  (Sleep helps, too:-)    

I know.  Boring "What I Buy Wednesday.  But, I really recommend the Neti Pot.  Friends have called to borrow it from me.  Mine is ceramic and was bought at Walgreens.  I have read reviews of plastic ones, and it seems they tend to leak.  Mine does not.  If you have any questions, I am happy to try and answer them.

10 THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY

Work to be grateful the tragedies in our lives not directly related to the choices we have made. (Adapted from a thought I like by Josi Kilpack.) 

#1  I (finally) watched "UP".  (My DVD got a scratch on it the first month we bought it, so I watched it on the Disney Channel on the night of of a late, home football game.)  I really liked the beginning and especially the end.  The silly talking dog plot?  Way coulda done without.  I DO understand that I am in the minority here. 

I wanted to watch it after visiting our local "UP" HOUSE.  Yep.  The "UP" HOUSE.  A local builder built it for a home show.  Lindsay and I headed over to see it with the grand kids for a play date.  (It was not open that day, but Lindsay and David were able to go in an open day with the kids.)

It was fun to see with Logan.  (I had not seen the movie, yet.)

#2  I try to try 5-10 new recipes a week, from various sources.  I have been hand copying/writing them. 

 Leslie has started printing them for me.  (I still write some.)  Saves me lots of time :)

#3  I tried 4 new crock pot recipes for dinner this Sunday.  One was a BIG hit.  Several asked that it be put on my 30 Day Rotation.  (Of course that means that 3 are gone.  Not terrible.  Just never repeated.)

I will share the recipe next week.

#4  My nephew, Jordan, returned from a 2 year church mission to Chile.  It was great to welcome him at the airport, and then later hear him share his experiences and testimony.

#5  I was able to visit the temple with family, and a nephew, Alex, who is preparing to leave on a mission to California.  We went to the Salt Lake Temple (first time at that temple for one kidult) and had a special evening.  (Minus my sinus infection/chest cold induced asthma attack.  SO EMBARRASSING:-(

(Mom and Dad took us to Crown Burger after.  Darn New York City for making me love pastrami.)

#6  My mom got bumped from her flight (with compensation) and came to spend another night with us. 

My nephew, Christopher, who lives an hour south of us, came up to visit her and have dinner with us.  It meant a lot to my mom.  Thank you, Christopher.

#7  When we built our addition, we lost our kitchen window (and quite a bit of light).  Last summer I bought 2 "SOLAR SKYLITE"s.  David installed them for us during his vacation.  THANK YOU, DAVID.  Love the extra light. 

(If only I had bought more.  The price was great.)

#8  Hilary and I took a 2 month class on aprons with our woman's church group (Relief Society).  (Leslie is making one at home.)  It has been fun to see Hilary learn, and like, to sew.  (Wonder what she will get for Christmas?)  I could not get a good picture of my apron, but it is cute :)

#9  Winter is blowing thru for a few days, (That is not what makes me happy.) signaling the end of the harvest.  Tomatoes will all be collected tonight and carefully stored (and watched) for indoor ripening.  The basil will be  picked and put in olive oil for a few weeks to make basil infused oil.  (Thank you, Henry.)

It was a good garden and growing season.  Thank you, Honey, for all your hard work.

(The good news is that warm weather will return for Halloween weekend.)

#10  Peanut butter is going up in price.  UGH!!!  That is a real staple at our home.  (Doug takes a peanut butter and honey sandwich every day for lunch.  Has most of our marriage :)   We use a 64 oz. jar (4 lb.) every 2-3 weeks. 

I found 4 jars at my regular $6.78 price (Only 4 after visiting 3 of the regular stores.)  and was able to order 15 jars at $8.06.  (An extra $.1.28 per jar ($19.20 for the 15).)  I am happy to have 19 jars (plus 3 I already had).  I love emergency preparedness.  And planning ahead. 

As always, these are in no particular order. (I have at least another 10 for next week.)

Tomorrow I will share what I am making my grandsons for Christmas.  (A great idea that was shared with me.)

NOT QUITE WINTER

(And I am not looking forward to the snow and the cold..).  but I still have some tomatoes from gardens, so I decided to try this soup this week.  Now I wish I had many more tomatoes. ( My husband grew tomatoes for us in his garden.  (Thank you, Hun.)  A kind neighbor (Thank you, Diane) and sister in law (Thank you, Kate) shared many tomatoes with me.  I cooked them into seasoned tomato sauce (and froze) for pizza this winter.  23 frozen blocks.  I used Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce .  It made the house smell wonderful.)
Back to the soup.  I made "Roasted Tomato Soup" from The Italian Dish.
Everyone really liked it.  (Even 1 kidult who hates tomato soup tried it since she has a bad cold/sinus infection and can not taste or smell ; ) 
This was really an easy soup.  (I would love to have so many tomatoes that I could roast them and freeze for a winter of this soup.)  This soup was so good that I forgot until just now to use fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top. 

You can find the recipe here at The Italian Dish. 
The ONLY changes that I made were to use my basil olive oil on the tomatoes (for roasting-instead of regular olive oil).

AND, I added about 2 table. of OUR BEST BITES Garlic Bread Seasoning as I started the 20 min.simmering step.  (That recipe is on page 53 in their cookbook and on their blog.  Gotta say we LOVE the Garlic Bread Seasoning.  I use it for oven roasted Parmesan potatoes, on pastas...)
(I am sorely lacking in my photo skills (and my simple camera just quit it's ZOOM feature, so be sure and check out The Italian Dish post.)

Flash

On the Roasted Tomato Soup post there is a recipe for Parmesan Crisps that look great on top of the soup.  I did not make those this time, but they are on my list.

I served my homemade croutons with the soup, and they were great.  I will post that recipe next week.

BASIL OLIVE OIL
I filled a canning jar with fresh basil leaves from my husband's garden  I filled the jar with EVOO and put it in the fridge, flipping it over every few days.  The basil will not last in the oil, so after about a week I started using on pizza, in soups, ...

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

I am making my grandsons' Christmas gift this year.  My 2 grandsons are almost 4 and almost 7.  The perfect ages for the gift I am making.  It has lots of parts and pieces.  This week I am making one complete part of the gift.  (I will show you more next week.)

The first thing I bought were 2 sets of (the black) FUNNELS at the Dollar Store.  (Two sets give me 2 of each of the three sizes.  There are 3 different sized funnels in each set.)
While I was there I also picked up a couple of rolls of DUCT TAPE. (No picture.  Needed at a later date.)

This is one set.

Next we headed to HOME DEPOT with one set of the funnels.
I bought 2 rolls of clear PLASTIC TUBING (because I am making 2 sets).  (It was in the plumbing area near the back of the store.)   Make sure that your tubing is at least 10 feet long.  (Mine is 25 feet long.)  Before you actually pick your tubing, make sure that the end of one (of the 3) funnel(s) will fit snuggly into the tubing.

20 feet of clear plastic tubing.

Yep, we made walkie talkies/a phone/communication device...
With 2 sets (of 3) funnels you can make 3 phone sets, BUT the tubing sizes will be different for each phone.

I made these for grandsons to play with at our house this summer.  (I used white funnels, but decided to use black for the boys.  More manly :)  Plus they will look cleaner.)  I surprised Logan by putting a "funnel" outside the door when they were on their way for Sunday dinner.  We were working in the kitchen when we hear, "Hello?  Is someone there?"
These have GREAT reception.  (It may take a bit of time for younger children to to learn "on your EAR to LISTEN.  On your MOUTH to TALK" :)   It is always a fun toy to bring out.  Layne and Logan will enjoy having their own as part of their Christmas gift.
The funnels are $1.00 per set of 3.  The tubing is about $7.00-$10.00.

We have lots of fun playing with the
funnel phoneswith our grandsons.

CAUTION- The tubing is a choking/strangulation danger.  We use this with adults (under supervision) and put it away in a container when not in use.

I tried a new bread recipe this week that we loved.  I will share the recipe either this week or next, as well as a few things we have done with kids-in the kitchen.

I am getting ready to do a GIVE A WAY for my blog followers in November.  (Think Christmas.)

As always, I love to hear from you.  Have you tried a recipe or craft?  Let us know.

Thank you for stopping by.    Michelle

AS PROMISED

I said last Friday that I would post a newer recipe that I have been making.
 
There are lots of "TWIX" recipes out there, but I had this one several times before I got the recipe and made them.  I have not been disappointed in this recipe.  I got it from Nell (my friend, Paula's daughter in law).  She makes these to sell at each of the "Flea.o.logy Antique and Craft" shows in Payson.  (We are next to her booth.)  (There are three shows per summer.  I am already getting things for next spring, and am working on 3 FUN & NEW crafts :)
Once I find a good one, I quit looking or pinning.

This is a homemade TWIX recipe, but they are not even in the same race.   I changed the name of them just a bit. 
Also, just so you know, this recipe uses 1 POUND of butter.  But it does make a 9x13 pan.  (I don't think I would have tried this if I had not eaten them first.  Darn.  Just remembered I forgot butter at Sam's Club today.)

TWIXT BAR COOKIES (There are 3 parts to this recipe)

SHORTBREAD CRUST

1 cup (2 cubes) cold butter (cut into small pieces)
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar

Cut together until butter and flour/sugar are crumbly.  (Pinch some together and make sure it sticks.)
Press into the bottom of a sprayed 9x13 pan.
Bake at 375* for 17-20 mins. (Until lightly golden but not browned.)

CARAMEL

1 cup (2 cubes) butter
4 table. light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 can SWEETENED CONDENSED milk

Mix all 4 ingredients in a sauce pan on medium (stirring constantly) until it comes to a light boil.
Boil and stir for exactly 5 mins.
Cool about 5 mins. and pour over the cooked shortbread crust.
Refrigerate 1 hour.

CHOCOLATE

1 1/4 cups milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate chips (I use semi sweet)
1 table. oil

Melt in the microwave (I just go 20 seconds.  Stir.  Repeat til melted and smooth.)  
Pour over the top of chilled caramel layer and spread.  Chill, then cut into 2' squares.
mmmmmmm

I have gotten requests for this recipe each time I have taken it somewhere.
Thank you, Nell.

IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT...

...and my husband and I are ALMOST home alone.  (Almost does not count.)

After a busy few weeks I am finishing some projects.

I started by putting black craft paper up on a wall that I wanted to paint with chalkboard paint.  Then I hung everything back up, and quickly took them back down and pulled the paper off.  I HATED it.  Could not believe how small and closed in it made the area.  (Good thing I tried it out with paper first.  1 thing crossed off my list.)

I did some work on a felt book I have been working on since summer.  (Not done yet.)

I had left over black craft paper, so I made these.  (I found them on Pinterest.  You can see MY PINTEREST boards by clicking on the Pinterest link on the right side of my blog.  They are sold several places on Etsy.)  Can you tell it is a "monster" coming out of the toilet?

(It was only an experiment, which is why I used black craft paper..  But it looks pretty good.)
I free-handed it with a yardstick, cutting out 2 at a time, and then used lots of masking tape on the back so they would stick.  I used E6000 to glue on g0oGly eyes.
I will make these out of vinyl next week.  (Scared 1 kidult, so far:)

(MONSTER UPDATE- The masking tape is holding great so I will leave it until the end of this season, and then copy my pattern for next year. 
To cut your own cut a V about 24 inches long with one side straight and the other side angling out about 3 inches.  The first "hand" is about 14 inches from the left (on the point end).  The straight end slides under the toilet lid.

Tomorrow I am heading to Pleasant Grove for a mini (Flea.ette from Flea.o.logy) antique and craft event @ 67 South Main.  The location is "Simply Splendid" and they will be open from 9-3.

I am not selling this time. Just going to shop.  I have several things I am hoping to find, but am most looking forward to one of Nell's TWIX bars.  (BUT SO MUCH BETTER THAN A TWIX.)   You may have seen these all over the Internet, but I tasted these before I made them.  They are GOOD.  (This is my 3rd or 4th favourite recipe right now.)
Because I am a FOLLOWER of http://fleaology.blogspot.com/  I will get one of Nell's Twix Bars.  (Worth the drive even if I do have the recipe and have made them.)  They will also be giving their blog followers the recipe.

Here are some that I made.

If you can't make the sale, don't panic.  I will post the recipe on Monday :)
(I am also taking them to a missionary homecoming on Sunday.)

It is still pretty early for a Friday night (and the baseball game is still on) so I am off to complete a few more things.

WHAT I BUY WEDNESDAY

Bet you thought I had forgotten about my blog.
We have had lots of company over the past 2 weeks (and next 2 weeks, too :)  Some planned.  Some very unexpected (and with short notice), but so welcome.  (My mom got a 14 hour layover on her way to New York.)

For "What I Buy Wednesday" this week, I have another drain item.  (I wonder if I am obsessive with keeping drains clear and clean?)
I buy "ZIP-IT" (from BrassCraft (and made in the USA :) from HOME DEPOT for about $3.00.  (I always have several extras.)
It is a zipper form with teeth and a tab on the end, and is 17 1/2 inches long, not counting finger tab.
They are used to remove hair, etc. from clogged or slow drains.  Simply slide it down, twist and slowly remove.  They can be be washed and used several times.

I used my ZIP-IT a new way yesterday.  A kidult commented that vacuum was not cleaning great, and put it away???  I told her to hit the back.  Oh yea.  WAY FULL.  (I prefer bags to bag less.)
After removing the bag - and everything I could reach from the hose - I tried a butter knife :(  Then I remembered my ZIP -IT.  It worked great.  And fast.  It is washed again and ready for the next clog.

I will post some new breakfast recipes we have tried later this week.
And next Wednesday I will show you what I am buying for my Christmas gift project for my grandsons.

I have not been compensated  at all for my What I Buy Wednesday post.  (But my daughter did vacuum my house for me).