NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Today the Lowe's Farm HOA is hosting their annual NNO for the neighborhood.  The RSVPs are in and we should have a good turn out.  Let's hope!  There is a lot of planning that goes into this event.  I am thankful for all the help Robert W. and David L. have provided.  We are having bounce houses/slides, cotton candy and snow cones for the kids with a meal provided by Dickie's BBQ.  We have lots of fantastic door prizes.  Today also marks the end of our community pool season, so we are having our last Dive-In Movie showing "Facing the Giants".  

ALOT ON MY PLATE

I'm feeling a bit frazzled right now with planning a National Night Out event for this weekend and getting everything done.  Everything will be fine, but I worry too much about the details. You would think at my age I would have learned by now, but I just have that type of personality!  

WELCOME TO THE FALL SEASON

I love the spring and fall seasons because of the nicer temperatures, seasonal colors, and it's time to plant new things in the flower gardens!

BATTERY STORAGE BOX

Pack Up Your BatteriesBatteries die at the most inconvenient times. Keep a stock of all sizes on hand and store them in an easy-to-organize plastic bin. Lidded boxes made specifically for this use are available but you can also adapt divided plastic boxes made for tool, craft, and sewing supplies. Use stick-on letters from the scrapbooking aisle of the craft store to label the battery size on each compartment of the box.

APPLE RAISIN MUFFINS BY PAULA DEAN

As fall approaches, I always think of using apples in my baking.  Here's a muffin recipe that uses apples.

Apple Raisin Muffins

Ingredients
1 cup water

2 cups sugar
2 cups grated apples
2 cups raisins
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons baking soda
31/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the water, sugar, apples, raisins, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and cool completely.

In a large bowl, stir the nuts and baking soda into the flour. Add the cooled mixture to the bowl, and stir until blended. Fill greased miniature muffin tins with batter to the top. Bake for 15 minutes.

KID'S BEDROOM STORAGE AND DISPLAY

Bookcase and Storage Display for Bedroom

This large built-in bookcase functions as a headboard and is perfect for displaying pictures and books. The shelves are roomy enough to store large bins that hold everything from extra blankets to magazines. A sconce with an adjustable arm attached to the bookcase provides light for reading in bed.

I wish I did this option for my children's bedroom to display all their books, toys, and special "finds".

KITCHEN STORAGE AND DISPLAY CASE

Kitchen Bookcase

For an unexpected twist, add a bookcase in the kitchen. Store cookbooks on lower shelves for easy access and display colored serving pieces and dishes on the other shelves. Drawers along the bottom store utensils and linens.

BROWN DAMASK WITH BROWN MINKY BLANKET SET

Baby Blanket

Security Blanket

Today I mailed this baby blanket set to Kelly in Calgary, Alberta. It is one of my favorite sets because I love its beautiful brown damask cotton and the plush softness of the minky fabric.  I hope her baby will have sweet dreams while cuddling with them.  Thanks Kelly for purchasing from my Etsy shop, Snazzy Snugglies.

WASP ATTACK

Yesterday while I was trimming back an oleander bush, I disturbed a wasp nest and 3 of the little buggers stung me.  I've never been stung before, so I was surprised how awful it felt.  The worst sting was on my index finger which quickly swelled up.  I'm okay now but next time I do any trimming I'll check first for those little buggers with a can of wasp killer in my hand.

BOBBY DEEN'S PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1   3-ounce package cream cheese
2 to 3 tablespoon pimentos, smashed or diced
1 teaspoon grated onion
Cracked black pepper

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended.

Servings: 3 cups

PIMIENTO CHEESE RECIPE

PIMENTO CHEESE
MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced drained pimiento peppers from jar, roasted red peppers, or piquillo peppers (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Celery sticks
Ritz crackers
Sliced white bread (optional)

Mix first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Mash with fork to blend well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. Serve pimiento cheese with celery sticks and Ritz crackers, or, if desired, spread between 2 slices of white bread and cut diagonally to make 4 sandwich triangles.

9-11 WE WILL NEVER FORGET

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who were affected by this tragic and cowardly act of violence that day. God bless our service personnel who continue to keep America safe.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

CUPCAKE MEALS

Put your cupcake pan to good use by making savory cupcakes. Instead of only using it for cupcakes and muffins, you can make individual servings of your favorite recipes that can be frozen and served when needed. Get creative and you can have dinner ready in a snap.

Check out their website for a recipe for Mini Chili Meatloaf.

SPECIAL DAY FOR ME

My husband surprised me with breakfast and a dozen red roses for my birthday. Enjoyed the day gardening, watching my granddaughter's soccer game, and having birthday lunch and dinner with my family.

BRIGHT AND WHITE LADIES CLOSET

I think I could live with this for my walk-in master closet!  I especially like the extra drawers and the glass covered storage area.  

BHG SEPTEMBER STORAGE PROJECTS: MASTER CLOSET

MASTER CLOSET

Spot Unused Items. Arrange all clothes hangers with hooks facing out. Whenever you put away newly laundered items, arrange so the hangers point in. At the end of the season, give away everything on facing-out hangers because you didn't wear it.
Stacking Storage. Turn milk crates on their sides, stack, and fill with folded items divided by style or garment type. Rearrange crate placement based on season.
Workout Gear. Dangle two canvas bags from hooks on the back of your closet door. Fill one with clean, rolled up work-out clothes and other with paired athletic socks.
Organize Accessories. Stash scarves, hats, and other lesser-worn accessories in a stack of clear shoebox-size containers. Look for containers that click together and feature handles for easy transport.

LABOR DAY WISHES

I hope everyone enjoys the Labor Day weekend with friends, family, and plenty of good BBQ!

BEEF AND BAKED BEANS RECIPE

Beef and Baked Beans Recipe by Jamie and Bobby Deen

I plan to make this recipe for a 

neighborhood BBQ tomorrow.  

Sounds yummy!

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped (2 cups)
1 pound ground beef
2 15-ounce cans Boston-style baked beans
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (1 cup)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 slices bacon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion; cook about 5 minutes or until softened. Add the beef; cook about 10 minutes or until brown, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks.

In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with the remaining ingredients except the bacon; mix well. Pour beef mixture into the prepared casserole; arrange the bacon slices on top. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake about 45 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Uncover dish and preheat broiler. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Servings: 8 to 10
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Difficulty: Easy

FOLLOW UP:  I wasn't pleased with how this turned out - ended up tossing it down the disposal.  I used regular baked beans rather than Boston baked beans.  I wonder if this made the difference?  

MATTRESS PURCHASE

My husband and I bought a new mattress today.  We checked the big Labor Day sale ads and felt we had a handle on the price ranges.  Well, that didn't work out since the "great buys" were not that comfortable to sleep on.  Reminds me of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story.  Lots of mattresses that were too soft or too hard.  Finally, we decided on one that was just firm enough and slightly over our wish price. My first choice was $1500 - $2,000 more than the one we picked out, but I will be satisfied with our chosen one.  Delivery is tomorrow, so one more night on the old mattress.