"SIT A SPELL"

I came across this "Southernism Of The Month" in my March issue of Southern Living magazine.  It brought back memories of my first home's large front porch with 2 porch swings.  I have fond memories of swinging while watching the older kids play and snuggling with my Grandma T.  This was back in the days when kids played hopscotch, jacks, jump rope, kick the can, tag, hide-n-seek, and at night catching lightning bugs in jars.  Sweet memories of childhood.

"Sit a spell" refers to the southern hospitality of inviting guests or neighbors to come and rest a while.  Picture a shaded area with rocking chairs (or porch swings) and glasses of tea or lemonade.  Neighbors catching up on the latest gossip while watching their little ones play in the front yard. 

JUNGLE ANIMALS SECURITY BLANKET

Listed this jungle animal security blanket in my etsy shop today. 

You can find it at

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45765848/boys-security-blanket-light-blue-minky

2010 MILLION-DOLLAR PILLSBURY BAKE-OFF WINNER'S RECIPE

Sue Compton of Delanco, N. J. is this year's million dollar winner for the Pillsbury Bake-Off.  She entered an easy make-ahead recipe that is a fun and impressive dessert for your next gathering or party.

MINI ICE CREAM COOKIES CUPS

INGREDIENTS

1 package (16 oz) Pillsbury® Ready to Bake!™ refrigerated sugar cookies (24 cookies)
4 teaspoons sugar
1/3 cup Fisher® Chef’s Naturals® Chopped Walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup Hershey’s® semi-sweet chocolate baking chips
1/4 cup Smucker’s® Seedless Red Raspberry Jam
1 1/2 cups vanilla bean ice cream, softened
24 fresh raspberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Place 1 cookie dough round in each muffin cup. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Place 2 teaspoons of the sugar in small bowl. Dip end of wooden spoon handle in sugar; carefully press into center of each cookie to make 1-inch-wide indentation. Cool completely in pan, about 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, until smooth.

4. Run knife around edges of cups to loosen; gently remove from pan. Dip rim of each cup into melted chocolate, then into walnut mixture. Place walnut side up on cookie sheet with sides.

5. In another small microwavable bowl, microwave jam uncovered on High about 15 seconds until melted. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon jam into each cup. Freeze cups about 5 minutes or until chocolate is set.

6. Spoon ice cream into cups, using small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon. Top each cup with fresh raspberry; serve immediately.

You can find this and other information at the following link:

http://www.pillsbury.com/bakeoff/winners.htm

PRETTY RED FLOWERS

Finally finished planting geraniums and lirope in the front yard tree ring planters.

BEST & WORST BREAKFAST CEREALS

This is an article comparing fiber and sugar contents of breakfast cereals.  Unless you are already a nutrition label reader, you might find this surprising.  Here are the grocery store’s worst cereals and their more nutritious counterparts. Get your bowls and spoons ready!

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/50831/best-amp-worst-breakfast-cereals

Best and Worst Breakfast Cereals by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

SPRING CLEANING - PART 4 - CLEANING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

If you don't want to buy granite cleaners, Ann Myrick has a quick and easy way to clean and polish your granite countertops.  I personally buy an aerosol granite cleaner from the hardware store and use an old white t-shirt for a polishing rag.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4984949_polish-granite-counter-tops.html

CRAYON ROLL UP

POLKA DOTS GALORE !

       Listed this cute crayon roll-up in my etsy shop.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/44998085

Here are some "polka dot" creations by other etsykids artists:

Personalized polka dot martini glass by The Cherry Blossom Paper Company:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40833845

Cute cupcake wrappers by A Little Lollipop Tree:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44912808

Snazzy polka dot guitar applique by Diva Babies and More:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40785199

Personalized bag tags by Sunny Day Tags:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44649102

Please check out their handcrafted creative products in their etsy shops.  They are also proud members of etsykids.

CHICKEN SALAD CRESCENT ROLLS

This is a quick and easy recipe to fix for a luncheon, shower, or a festive gathering.

1 (8-oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls

1 cup your favorite chicken salad

2 tablespoons poppy seeds  (optional)

Unroll 1 (8-oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls; separate each dough portion along center and diagonal perforations, forming 8 triangles. Spoon 2 Tbsp. of your favorite chicken salad on the wide end of each triangle. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll dough over chicken salad, pinching edges to seal. Place rolls, seam sides down, on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle tops of rolls evenly with 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds. (Seeds will stick to rolls without a binder; you don't need to brush with egg.) Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

HARDY FLOWERS...FOR THE NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS AREA

Many gardeners are refreshing their flower beds and/or planting new ones.  The garden centers are filled with a wide variety of plants - the big decision is which ones are best for our area. 

H. S. Stevens, compiled this list a few years ago for The Dallas Morning News.  Besides being informative, it provides lots of photos too.  Happy Planting!

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/home/gardening/stories/hg_txplants.2170970c4.html

MIMI'S LITTLE SWEETHEARTS

Two reasons why I smile everyday!

MONKEYS...MONKEYS...WHO NEEDS MONKEYS ?

I found this cute cotton print of monkeys and had to get it.  I am in the process of making up some items for etsy and listed the crib blanket today.  Lovey, burp cloths, and wash cloths are in the making. 

I always like to find other cute or unique items to highlight with what I am working on sooooo here are some of my favorite monkeys by other etsians.  Enjoy!

Soft "Minky Crib Blanket" by Snazzy Snugglies:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44634798

(This one can be a photography prop - so adorable!)
"Chocolate Brown Baby Crochet Earflap Monkey Beanie" by Preppy Peach:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44382071

Unique wall decal of "Monkey Swing On Vines" by designed DESIGNER:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44585583

A darling onesie and bloomer set by Adrienne N:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44631828

Personalized "Monkey Letter Art 8" x 10" Wall Print" by Sugar Ink:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44634684

Beautiful "Cocoa pink lil monkey peasant short set" by Sweet Sassy Boutique:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44508463

Cute "Monkey Hair Bow" by Gals With Girls:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44612009

Etsy is a great on-line site that features thousands of unique crafters and Etsykids specialized in children shops.

LOCAL MAGICIAN ON GOOD MORNING TEXAS THIS WEEK

On Tuesday, my best friend's son, Mike, was on Good Morning Texas.  Mike, a magician, and two others from Pi in the Face performed.  They will be at the Arlington Improv this weekend.  Here is a link showing the Good Morning Texas segment.  Enjoy!
http://files.me.com/msquiresme/3izeko.mov

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME

I love this little security blanket!  It's made from Alexander Henry's fabric called Starling.  It reminds me of spring time when all the little birdies are hatching!  The designer cotton is enhanced by a soft, pink dot minky fabric.   

If you haven't heard about etsy or etsykids, its a great place to find handmade creations in almost any venue.  Here are a few of my favorites that are using this darling fabric in their creations.

Cuddly security blanket by SnazzySnugglies:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44179131

Trendy reversible organizer bin basket by Baffin Bags:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43912139

Cute kimono top by LivvySue Boutique:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43578932

Snazzy tote by Southern Bell Designs:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19936457

Adorable vinyl wall decal graphic stickers by Urban Expressions:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44193375

Zippered wristlet by Woodly Creations:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41688019

You can find all these shops at etsy (http://www.etsy.com/) and I am also on etsykids (http://www.etsykids.com/).

Hope you all are enjoying the birds chirping and the nice spring weather!

SPRING CLEANING - PART 3 - SILK PLANTS

I'm finished with the bathrooms and am ready to go after those dusty silk planters!

Usually somewhere in your home, you have a silk planter or greenery.  You would be surprised how much dust collects on them during the year!  I used to wash the silk plants until I viewed this video.  This is so easy to do - all you need is an unused paint brush!  The following video is by Ann Myrick. 

http://www.ehow.com/video_4986369_clean-silk-plants.html

BLOOMING IRISES

These are some of my first irises in bloom! 

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

Giraffes on Safari Gift Set

This week I made a new gift set to list on etsy.  The set includes a burp cloth and two wash cloths.  They are made from a soft cream-colored striped chenille and a beautiful designer cotton print depicting giraffes roaming an African savannah.  I love this print! 

I listed several "giraffe" items made by other etsy shops.  If you love giraffes, check out these creative items!

My SnazzySnugglies' giraffe gift set:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44023132

A cute giraffe print key chain fob by Brooks Boutique:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28538765

An 11" x 14" Safari Giraffe wall art print by Baby Chick Designs:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41007972

A darling pair of safari baby booties by (jaclyn43552) Ten and Ten:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42292777

Snazzy Snugglies, Brooks Boutique, Baby Chick Designs, and Ten and Ten  are members of both etsy (http://www.etsy.com/) and etsykids (http://www.etsykids.com/).