Tuesday, September 25

Cookers Sand

Welcome to
Tummy Tickled Tuesday!
Where I share a fun recipe!

This weeks recipe is defiantly not edible but will tickle you tummy by way laughter to your ears! 

So my 3 year old grabs my hand and brings me in the kitchen.  Then he gets a chair and pulls it up to the counter so he could see and says, "Mommy!  Lets make something!"  After searching my parents house, we are visiting, for a cookie or cake mix I remember something my friend posted to Facebook.  We had so much fun that we had to share!  

This is technically knock off Moon Sand, but my baby kept calling it Cookers Sand!  I guess because he wanted to cook and it is made with mostly flour?
I must warn you that this is more of an outside fun.  Or inside with a large bin and a towel under you and... your house.    
Start by adding 7 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of baby oil to a bowl.  I had him do the counting and measuring so that tells you how strict this rule is!  We used a spoon to stir it up at the beginning then took it outside.

Next we mixed by hand!
Add more oil if it isn't wet enough.

A good test would be to make a ball and if it holds... DONE!

Yes... the boy is in his undies!  This is a lot like playing in actual sand and we didn't have a large tub to mess around in.  He had a ton of little toys that he would bury, then spin the bowl and then hunt for again!  Serious fun!  We did make a big mess, but most of it stayed in the bowl.

For storage we just kept it in the air tight bowl.  A week later and it is still pretty great!

Monday, September 24

Pinteresting Nails

Welcome to 
Pinteresting Monday!
Where I feature 10 things I found around Pinterest!

This weeks theme is nails!
I don't usually paint my nails.  I have kids, I bake, I peel the polish when I get frustrated or bored or think to much...  I have a bad peeling the polish habit.  But.  I ALWAYS have painted toes!  Since my daughter has reached that age where she wants to do her hair herself half the time we have started a new fun thing together.  Painting nails and toes!

So in my recent travels through Alaska, Texas and South Dakota this month we have aquired some fun colors add to the stash and are LOVING it!  I of course, headed to Pinterest for some nail inspirations and thought I would share a few fun pics with you!  We might have to show off some of our nails on here for you guys!



I will give nail credit where due, but some of these I could find a good link back to a real site.
Piggies by SugarSmitten
My mom loves pigs so this reminded us of her!
Matte Top Coat shown at Bangstyle.com
I think this is pretty!
Pretty Nail Stickers shown at Dainty Squid
She does a weekly nail and I love them all!
Ombre
We bought white nail polish for this!  
Simple way to add more than one color
Minnie Mani by ManiadeEsmalte
Not in English, but the pics speak for themselves!
Peppermint Mani by Chloe's Nails
Great nail site.
Doing this for Christmas soon!
Candy Corn at Enamel Girl
We did this last week!
Dry Water Marble at Enamel Girl
I have seen how to the the Water Marble and was way to scared to try.  This I could do!
Simple Flames by CopyThatCopyCat
She just used a needle to pull up the flames!

There are some crazy nail picks our there, but I tried to keep the ideas down to pretty simple ones.  We are just starting in the At Home Mani world!  And... my daughter is 7 and patient, but I don't want to push it!

Monday, September 17

Pinteresting Halibut

Welcome to 
Pinteresting Monday!
Where I feature 10 things I found via Pinterest.

Today's theme is
HALIBUT!
In our recent trip to Alaska I totally kicked my hubby's BUTT at fishing!  We always talk big smack when it comes to fishing and it is soooo nice to win!  It was hilarious!  My line would go down.  It would hit the bottom.  I would jig it a little, say a prayer and BAM!  I would get a hit! 
While it is the end of the season so these are smaller, but... see the tiny tiny one at the right end...  That is his!  LOL  He was frustrated and so happy for me at the same time!
I even caught a Spiny Dogfish!  Which... the hubs never has!  I am not sure I had more fun fishing or more fun beating him!

It has been a while since we've had a freezer full.  So I wanted to find a few new recipes to try and share a few of my favorites with you!
If you don't have Halibut, try these recipes with Mahi Mahi but Striped Bass or Cod would be better.
Beer Batter Halibut from Barefeet In The Kitchen
I pulled this recipe because it has the best pics and instructions!  This is an Alaskan Favorite.  I may have to share my recipe when I get back to Florida!  Hers looks alot like mine and she has a printable recipe card!
Bacon-Wrapped Halibut from Oprah.com
This is another Alaskan favorite at neighborhood fish frys!  Try this recipe or... just wrap it in bacon and cook!
Ranchos Halibut from Fish Alaska Magazine
Who better than to know how to cook Halibut than fellow Alaskans that eat it year round!
There are TONS of Halibut recipes here.
Halibut Supreme from AllRecipes.com
Pesto Halibut Kabobs from MyRecipes.com
Grapefruit Baked Halibut from Spicolopis
While I think the picture is of still frozen Halibut... My hubby loves grapefruit.  I thought this recipe was unique and yummy sounding!
Baked Halibut with Sour Cream from Kalyn's Kitchen
Hawaiian Crunch Halibut from Justgetoffyourbuttandbake
from BonAppetit
This looks WAY YUM to me!  I am an Avocado LOVER!
Dijon Crusted Halibut from AllRecipes.com

I can't wait to try these over the next few weeks!!

Saturday, September 15

Thursday, September 13

A Virtual Run with SOCKS!

Hello!  Are you excited for...
Thawed Out Thursday!
Where you get to see a little into my brain?
I guess you are if you are still reading.  You are brave!

With out to much whining and excuse making let me tell you that I have not worked out in... a while.  Like 3 weeks.  And with vacation I FEEL like I haven't worked out.  I had just got better are running.  I am not great, but I have never liked it.  I don't run fast, but to run 3.5 miles and LIKE it...  BIG deal for me.  With the kids being home all summer it was harder to get out, then with the start of homeschool and then vacation.  We are also looking to move all our household goods down to where we actually live!  
*Shock and AWE!*

Needless to say, I am not sure where my wonderful P90X will honestly fit in.  But...  Technically you can do any workout and where... you just have to make time for it!  Right?

I would like for you to join me in a Virtual Run!

Our trip to Alaska led us to the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward.  Simply an amazing place.
There were Jellyfish, touch tanks, fish tanks, and harbor seals.
Baby Walrus, an amazing sea bird aviary, an octopus with thousands of eggs, and an apperantly creepy mammoth skull.
(The walrus shown above was 13 weeks old and weighed 335 pounds!  And did you know that Octopus lay eggs, protect them for 6 months and when they hatch they just... die!  So the one shown above is like... near death!)  I learned-ed some stuff!
Sea Lions (very hard to photograph with an iPhone), tons of interactive learning centers, and of course a fab gift shop!   Note the Mammoth Ivory Rose earrings...  I totally drooled.  Until, that is, I noticed the 150 dollar price tag!  But Papa did the the kids each a new lovey so they were happy!

They have encounters, sea life sleepovers, internships, rehabilitation for animals, and SEVERAL educational opportinies.  
My personal favorite idea is their DISTANCE LEARNING program! I will admit, I wish it was cheaper, but sign ups are going on right now!  You could visit Alaska from your home!
But THIS is what I want to talk to you about.
Is it funny that what drew me to the poster was the socks hanging off?  I have a sock thing.  Really I have a FUZZY-sock-fetish, but fun socks in general are a love of mine.
I wished I had been there for the run!  But... then I noticed the part of the poster about a VIRTUAL RUN?  I have NEVER heard of that before.

It is 30 bucks. You can run the race yourself at any point from now until the end of the YEAR!  Send in a pic of you in the socks in all your amazing locations!  If you end up doing it, PLEASE send me a picture too and I would love to post them here! 
 I think we should make a goal to do it BEFORE Halloween though.  Deal.  Ok DEAL!

I have friends in TEXAS and South Dakota!  Lets get one of a group of you by MT. Rushmore!  That would be sweet!  I know I have several readers in Russia!  Unless you are reading only my tutorials?  That would be cool to get some Russians in the socks right!  It goes to an amazing center.  
Plus...  a 5K is NOT to long.  I will be doing this in Florida and plan to get a picture of me at the BEACH with the socks!  

Mostly I wanted to get the word out about this place. My kids had so much fun. I know that most people don't get a chance to visit Alaska, but who doesn't like seals and walrus!  Besides the fish that get eaten by them...  So.  
Check out their site
HERE
Sign up
Run. 
Send me a pic.

This is a SherbertCafe ORDER!  
Please?

Wednesday, September 12

How I Work Box and Post Office Organizing

Guess what! It is...
Whipped Up Wednesday!
Do you wanna see what I just whipped up?

When deciding to homeschool I knew organization would be a key factor in making my life a little easier.  I have seen how several people use the work box system and knew I would use some variation of that for us.  I like that it keeps the kids a more independent with their learning.  I have a friend who uses plastic drawers, but... I am a cheapo!  I would rather spend the 60 bucks on educational stuff than on over priced plastic.  I was going to try folders, but...  We had some kids come over and they got ripped of the walls before our school had even started.  Folders were out.

Then I went to the post office to mail some stuff and BINGO!  It hit me.  I snagged several boxes and dragged them home.  FREE!  I like free.  Free makes Jessica very happy.
So here are our 8 boxes per big kid and a few for the little guy so he isn't left out.
When they are done with a worksheet they place it on the top for now. 
A while ago I made some desk organizers out of cereal boxes for a Corner Clean Up post.  It took me a while to save the bigger boxes!  Now I don't have to wait!  Ahh... instant gratification!

Tuesday, September 11

Mrs. Simmon's Bread

Welcome to 
Tummy Tickled Tuesday!
Where I share some to make your tummy happy!

When I was a Senior in High School I had this boyfriend whose mom made the most delicious bread.  Seriously...  I gained 10 pounds dating this guy because of this bread!  When I got married she gave me the recipe to make for my own family!  To this day it is one of our favorite breads to eat.  In fact... I made it for our recent drive from Florida to Texas.  For a 11 hour drive it lasted about 1 hour AND we had just eaten.  It's just so yummy!

So now I introduce to you....

Mrs. Simmon's Bread!

IN A SMALL BOWL ADD
1/4 cup warm water
1 Pkg Fleishmann's Rapid Rise Yeast
1 tsp sugar
MIX GENTLY

IN A LARGE BOWL ADD
1 cup warm water
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Wesson Vegetable Oil
1- 1 1/2 tsp salt
MIX WELL
add the yeast mixture
MIX WELL
add 4 1/4 cups of flour
STIR WELL
The dough will be pretty sticky.  Cover it would foil or was paper and let it rise for 8 hours." 
Preheat the over to 400.  Pour the flour out on a floured surface, add a little flour and for a ball.
Cut in half, and then each half into three.  
Roll and stretch into snake like strands.  Use the strands to create two braids for two loaves.
Bake at 400 for 12-14 minutes.  Butter the tops while hot and ENJOY!

I tried to get a good pic, but... after buttering mine and going to get the camera I came back to this!
Pretty yummy stuff huh baby!






Monday, September 10

Pinteresting Hair

Welcome to 
Pinteresting Monday!
Where I feature 10 things I found via Pinterest!

This weeks theme is hair.
But this week will be a little different...
You see, my hair has been feeling neglected these past several months.  My sister is my normal hair dresser and I just don't live close enough for her to do it all the time.  Then the past few times I have been to visit I haven't bugged her good enough to get my hair dyed!  So...
Here I am without my usual colorful hair. 
(Pardon my non- makeup bedtime self.  I am on vacation people!)
I am natural and boring.  Long and pretty and healthy, needing a serious trim, but... boring to me.  
Time to shake things back up... WITH A VOTE!

Yes that is right.  YOU are going to help me decide my new hair!
If you have known me long enough you have known me with colored "chunks" of hair that start just above my ears.  I couldn't find a good picture of me with said chunks.  I started with colored extensions and moved up to actually dying my hair.  Usually two sections of hair just above the ears and always one fun color.  But I have decided to go a little more bold!

Up for vote are two different color placements.  OK?
OPTION A (above)
The Ombre
A gradual gradient of color that would start at the tips of the hair.
or
OPTION B  (below)
The Sprinkle
Random chunks of colorful hair.

Option B with the color sprinkles is a little more like what I was doing, but... I will do them smaller and all over instead of just two places.
Again...
The Ombre (above)
Color gradient starting at the tips.
or
The Sprinkle (below)
This is more chunky strands like I had before.

One more time...
The Ombre (Above)
This one is two different colors, but I love it!  Same idea starting at the tips.
or
The Sprinkle (Below)

Really this one is kinda a mix of the two, but.. I like it!

Honestly... I can't decide which style or color I want so...
YOU PICK FOR ME!  Please?  Just click in the poll to the right!
One color or lots?
Ombre or Sprinkles?
 I am with my sister for about a week so the vote will end on Friday.  I will post the new pics ASAP when I get my hair done!

Happy Voting!
And comments about colors are welcome!




Saturday, September 8

September Visiting Teaching Handout

Today is
Sundae Served Saturday!

Today I offer up a simple Visiting Teaching Handout.
The theme and lesson for September is on Service.  CLICK HERE to find the link to the lesson.

This is just a simple bookmark with a quote from the lesson!  You could use it for several other things too.  Simple message.  Simple gift!


CLICK HERE to download the printable above!  

Notice the little space at the top?  You could punch a hole and add a ribbon OR just trim that off.  Write your testimony on the back or just a short message!

Friday, September 7

Chocolate Covered Katie

Welcome To 
Fudge Feature Friday!
Where I feature a place around the web that I totally love, so... you should too!

Today I would like to introduce you to...
Chocolate Covered Katie!
If you haven't found her site already, which... you probably have because she is AWESOME!

I am pretty sure this girl is a genius!  Not only are her recipes healthy but MOST of them feature my favorite food group, CHOCOLATE!  

Katie is vegan so ALL of her recipes reflect this healthy lifestyle.  ALL of them are good, ALL of them are vegan, and ALL of them boast great pictures and simple instructions.  Katie is a full-time, pure magic blogger whose site you will stay at for hours on end.  Just looking through her site gave me tons of ways to substitute with healthy ingredients.

Before you head on over there check out a few of my favorite recipes, grab some paper-towels (for catching your drool), and be sure you have an hour to site and browse  ChocolatecoveredKatie.com!


Chocolate Strawberry Truffle Pie
Yum. Yum. Yum!  Seriously...  go make this one right now.