Tea for Two Apron Swap and Little Miss Tea for Two

My sweet friend Lucy is also holding registrations for her next Apron Swap, and you MUST hurry over and register. She just opened a Junior Category where mommies will help their Little Miss make an apron for a Little Miss partner. Too FUN!!! Hurry over -- Friday is the last day to register.

Happy Birthday Tara

hToday is my red-headed baby girl's 23rd birthday. She turned into a great young woman who knows what she wants out of life and is willing to work for it. She's very excited to be headed to Africa this summer and has been working all year fundraising with a team from Western Oregon. She's looking into graduate schools so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a Physician's Assistant. I know that's a tough career to complete but she'll do it. I love ya, darling!

Mommy

Menu Plan Monday 2/23/2009

My goodness, this month is just flying by! While I don't follow my menu to the letter, it is wonderful to know I have all the ingredients for the week no matter the order of use.

Monday 2/23 - Cube Steak, Stuffing and Asparagus
Tuesday 2/24 - Crockpot Beef Stew w/Cheese Bites **Chill MAMAs
Wednesday 2/25 - Basil Balsamic Pork Chops **Chill MAMAs
Thursday 2/26 - Mikey Surprise - Supper Swap night
Friday 2/27 - takeout (girl scout event right after work)
Saturday 2/28 - Sewing Expo in Puyallup; dinner out on the way home
Sunday 3/1 - Freezer meal TBA **Chill MAMAs

What's Karen Cooking?

My mother-in-love, Karen, is an amazing cook and baker. Truly. She taught Mike since he was a rug rat and HE'S an amazing cook, too. Me, I didn't learn how until years after we were married and I am more efficient than delicious or adventurous though I try.

In addition to making yummy food, she's EXTREMELY frugal. That woman can stretch a dollar more than anyone else on the planet. So, I asked her to start sending me what she's made for dinner so I can share with YOU. I know money is tight everywhere, and one of the biggest areas we gals have control over is the food budget. Karen meals are from scratch so you know exactly what's in 'em and very budget friendly.

Here's what was for dinner a few nights ago, directions in her own words:

Danish Chicken with Asparagus

You cook a whole chicken in four cups of water and cook the asparagus in a little water until tender crisp. Keep the asparagus water. When the chicken is done I take the skin off and break into pieces but you can leave in whole pieces too. I put the asparagus water into the broth. Use 3 Tablespoons of flour and two egg yolks to thicken the broth. I put all together in a casserole dish and put in the oven to heat til bubbly. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Whole chicken $4.69
Asparagus $1.99
Medium Onion, Flour, Eggs and Potatoes on hand

Menu Plan Monday ..err.. Wednesday 2/16/2009

Illness struck last week. Happy to be back to the land of the living, even if I AM two days late posting.

Monday 2/16 - Clam Chowder and Crescent Rolls
Tuesday 2/17 - Take out Chinese (girl scouts tonight)
Wednesday 2/18 - Creamy Turkey Enchiladas w/"Dora" Rice
Thursday 2/19 - Mikey Surprise
Friday 2/20 - Crockpot Beef Stew w/Cheese Bites **Chill MAMAs
Saturday 2/21 - Swiss Steaks
Sunday 2/22 - Cranberry Pork Roast w/Stuffing

Registrations Open for FLIRTY APRON SWAP

I am so happy to announce that the next round of the Flirty Apron Swap is open for registrations! I made a sweet friend in EllynAnne Giesel and she has a wonderful new Kitchen Linens book that will be published soon. In honor of this historic author, my latest swap will involve YOU finding wonderful kitchen linens (tablecloths, placemats, runners, towels) and re-mixing them into Flirty Aprons. I hope you want to join us. I cannot wait to see all the creations!!

Flirty Apron Swap V
-Vintage Linens Remix
Last Day to Sign Up: March 17, 2009
Last Day to Mail Packages: April 20, 2009

Welcome to the latest round of the Flirty Apron Swap! You will make an adult size apron for your known pal and your (different) unknown pal will make one for you and include a linen item (placemat set, tablecloth, runner, tea towels).

Please click HERE to be taken to the registration form then read the Rules and Package Requirement posts as well on the Flirty Apron Swap blog. With my free registration software, I can only take 100 registrations. So, sign up quick to guarantee your spot! Be sure to grab a swap image and post it on your blog to share with your friends. The more the merrier!!

Remixing old into new is such fun, and I know you'll enjoy this swap!

Happy Valentines

Aren't retro pin-up girls so cute?! The images always make me smile. Hope they do you, too.

Did you have a fun day with your sweeties? Mikey took T and me to brunch at Semaphore Restaurant and Lounge in SE Portland. That place has been around since 1950 and is a bit old-school (Ok, a bit of a hole in the wall). However, delicious homemade hash browns, crispy bacon and handmade biscuits were all to die for. Check out the fun kid's Mickey Mouse pancake breakfast.

Cute Apron and SNOW!

Check out this ADORABLE apron that Angie G sent to me! Isn't it sweet? I have nothing like it, which is amazing with the collection I've acquired. Light color, ruffles and heart-y goodness makes this a WINNER!!

















Here's princess Molly enjoying our snow, along with Ollie the cat overseeing it all.

I don't know if you can tell, but the flakes this morning were HUGE!!! I was taken totally by surprise with the snow pouring out of the sky this morning.

Valentines Teacher Treats

Well, I'm slowly coming back to the land of the living. My whole family has been sick and I got hit at work on Monday. Wow, I'm getting a flu shot next year.

So, this week really passed by in a fog and today is the Valentine's party at school. T did all her own cards while I was semi-comatose on the couch. However, after working yesterday, I realized I should at least get her some candies to go with her cards, and then remembered her teacher and the school secretaries. I saw this cute tutorial online from Kris at JesseKate Designs one day this week, and knew I just had to make these sweeties!!

I stopped at Goodwill and Deseret Industries last night and found the sundae glasses. A quick trip to Walmart (sorry!) and I found candies. The original tute called for styrofoam, taffies and a glue gun - but I saw someone else who made popcorn balls to simulate the whipped topping. At the store, I was jazzed to find Cotton Candy in the Easter (already) aisle. PERFECT! They didn't have Pixie Stix (what's with that) but did have cute straws.

So, after dinner, I sterilized the glasses, laid the straws in place, filled the glasses with assorted candies, a tuft of cotton candy and topped with a chocolate foil heart. I just used Saran wrap and a ribbon to help in transport.

Aren't they cute??

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry

FOR TODAY Monday, February 9, 2009...

Outside my window... it's frosty grass, swirly patterns on the windshields of the cars

I am thinking... on today's scripture:

Matthew 5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

I am thankful for... healthy children. I read Cora's story and am so sad for her family. This little one (under 1 year) passed away within three weeks of her cancer diagnosis.

From the kitchen... I'll be using the great deal I found at Albertsons on Turkey Tenderloins tonight. Something quick and easy.

I am wearing... robe and towel on wet hair. Gotta get MOVING!

I am creating... valentine's for the DD along aprons for my giveaway winner, friend's bday and the grannies.

I am going... off to work soon.

I am reading... Jodi Picoult's Mercy.

I am hoping... Mike feels better soon. He caught T's 24-bug and is SICK!

I am hearing... the puppy at the door, hoping to be let in. It's cold out there!

Around the house... looks like Lysol and me better get cracking around here.

One of my favorite things... my heating blanket. A secret santa gave it to me in '07 and it's a JOY.

A few plans for the rest of the week: an old friend and his daughter are coming to dinner on Wednesday, still need to do FAFSA/taxes, will take a friend out for her birthday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
My Smoochie came in the mail last week. It makes me smile.

Join in the Simple Woman's Daybook Entry. What a restful exercise.

Menu Plan Monday 2/9/2009

Well, our schedules went really wonky last week. We didn't thaw all the meals as planned, and ended only following our plan about 50%. So, don't be surprised if this week looks A LOT like last week's menu!

Monday 2/9 - Turkey Tenderloins
Tuesday 2/10 - Crockpot Sticky Ribs **Chill MAMAs
Wednesday 2/11 - Spaghetti & Meatballs
Thursday 2/12 - Mikey Surprise
Friday 2/13 - Sweet & Sour Meatballs w/Rice **Chill MAMAs
Saturday 2/14 Valentines Day - Sweet Asian Chicken **Chill MAMAs
Sunday 2/15 - Soup and Sandwiches

The day after ...

I love my baby girl.

Oh, what a long night. I got a call at work around 3:30 pm yesterday from Day Care. Never a good number to see pop up on caller ID. Little T was sick and could I come right away? Luckily, Mike had a short and early route yesterday, so he was only 5 minutes away instead of the 30 it would have taken me.

Since she was in good hands, I finished out my day. By the time I got home at 5:30, she was already asleep in our bed. With a bowl. Not good. She ended up being like clockwork, getting sick every 90 minutes or so until about 1:30 am. I "slept" downstairs on the couches with her since our bedroom is on the second floor and our only "powder room" is not.

She's in much better shape today, and has kept both dry toast and some juice inside. Now we really need a nap.

Childrens Book Swap

I found a Book Swap for Children's Books -- Sunday the 8th is the last day to sign up, so zip on over quick!!

The goal of the swap? To share much loved books with new found friends. Perhaps you've made friends with another mom blogger. Maybe you do not have kids but love children's stories. Perhaps you are collecting for your classroom or for a grandchild. Either which way, we invite you to join in and share your children's book of choice.

The rules of the swap?:
1. You only sign up to participate if you are actually willing to follow the rules.
2. Once you sign up you will be matched with another participant. You will take your favorite children's book of choice and mail it to your match and they will do likewise.
3. Books should be in Excellent, Like New, or New condition unless you and your match agree to another condition. **Please note** We are not expecting you to give away your only copy, but to pick your book to swap and then go get a new copy (or if out of print, a copy in good or like new condition) and send that to your match.
4. Book swaps are permanent unless you and your match agree to another arrangement.
5. You must have your book shipped to your match before the end of February.
6. Only the first 50 participants will be included in the swap. If this swap is successful we may increase the number for future swaps.

National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 6

Join with millions of women, as well as companies, organizations and cities across America on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. By wearing red and making a donation, you'll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

Plan a Wear Red Day
It's easy to be a part of this special day. Consider organizing a National Wear Red Day at your workplace, with your faith-based organization, at your community center or in your home. We've made it simple with our free, downloadable tools. Use them anytime of the year to host your own Wear Red Day event. It's a great way to raise awareness and help us fight our No. 1 killer - heart disease.

1. Start by registering as a Wear Red Day Coordinator/Host. You'll get free, downloadable tools to help you plan and execute your Wear Red Day. They're available on your registration confirmation email. (Already registered to host a Wear Red Day event? Then please visit this page.)
2. Next, visit Shop Go Red to find apparel, accessories and more from our sponsors to help you show your support for women and the fight against heart disease.
3. Download our free Conversations from the Heart: A Go Red For Women Discussion Guide to get the conversation going about heart health. Share it with your HR representative, employer, coworkers, family, friends.
4. Make a connection with your local American Heart Association.
5. See the cities and companies below that helped make National Wear Red Day a success.

After Your Event, Come back and take the Wear Red Day Survey
The Go Red For Women post-Wear Red Day Survey is availabe now through April 1, 2009. Please return to this site after you have held your Wear Red Day activities to complete the survey. It will help us help you with future events. Thank you!

Favorite Things Swap

I have found a delicious new swap that I had to join ... only because there's no crafting involved (which I loved but don't have the time). The premise is to purchase some of MY favorite things and send to my partner, who will do the same for me! What a fun way to get to know someone else. Plus, I appreciate the hunt because I will ONLY buy my favs on super sale and can't wait to see how much I can save while putting together a fun package.

Join in fun; click on the image above or visit http://ourdandelionwishes.com but HURRY! I don't know when sign-ups close!! It's fun to make someone's day AND get a goody in the mail yourself!

WINNERS Golden 'Versary Giveaway

TODAY, February 3rd, is my 3rd Blogiversary!!
As a big thank you, I have prizes for THREE lucky readers (US or International)!!! I appreciate all your entries. I copied all the comments onto a spreadsheet and ran a sequence generator. Here's the winners --

1) New devotional journal

Miss Poppins ...

What great prizes!! First of all:

I love the devotional journal! It's so hard to pick a favorite Bible passage, but one of my standing favorites is Psalm 127 =)

2) Little Flirty Skirty apron pattern.

Gardening Mommy ...

For the kids'apron: I would make this for my oldest daughter who loves to make brownies! Thanks for the chance to win!


3) An original Flirty Apron designed my Moi!

Lilith Silvermane ...

I love love the http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawneeh/3089902508/in/set-72157603930670021/...

It's cute... sassy and fun! What a great holiday apron...

A specialized apron by you??... Make it red... red is a beautiful color in the kitchen!

Hopefully I have a way to contact everyone. If winners don't reply within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner until all prizes are distributed.

Simple Woman's Daybook Entry

FOR TODAY Monday, February 2, 2009 (Groundhog Day)

Outside my window... all is dark and still sleeping in preparation for a new day
I am thinking... about work. A glitch found and how to fix it, quickly.
I am thankful for... the solid knowledge I am saved and that God loves me no matter what. Everything else in my life can be slippery at times, but this knowledge keeps me grounded.
From the kitchen... a shiny sink beckons. I did a Flylady baby step last night without even planning it. I need her order. It's Tex Mex Steak Burritos tonight, a 30 Day Gourmet recipe from years ago.
I am wearing... pjs and a robe, preparing to shower and begin my day.
I am creating... five aprons are cut and ready to finish, taxes and FAFSAs need my attention, and I have a couple of crochet projects promised including a crochet cupcake that is MONTHS overdue.
I am going... to work soon, another 9+ hours away from what I really hold dear.
I am reading... a book aloud to T, The Year of the Dog, and just finished Jodi Picoulet's Vanishing Acts.
I am hoping... for a fresh new week where the days go smoothly and there's laughter in the air.
I am hearing... the furnace running and running. That sounds reminds me of our $592 electricity bill this month. THAT is the big thing I hate about this drafty farm house, almost $600 and it's still cold in here all the time.
Around the house... the puppy is nuzzled at my side while the cat enjoys his breakfast in the other room, Mike is sleeping after working a swing shift driving bus, it's time to wake T so she doesn't miss the school bus, and I see I have a lot of decluttering to do!
One of my favorite things... is connecting with other people in a real way. Please leave a comment if you're reading this entry.
A few plans for the rest of the week: the mundane (chores, taxes, laundry) so I better plan some fun. I think we'll go to the movies on Saturday and I'll let T invite a friend over too. I get to connect with my friend Kathy to celebrate her recent birthday.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
All looks dark, but a new day is just over the next hill.

Join in the Simple Woman's Daybook Entry. What a restful exercise.

Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day! Don't you want to make these delicious cupcakes?!? Head on over to Family Fun to get this recipe.

I'm planning on watching the iconic Groundhog Day movie at bedtime. It drives me crazy but I LOVE it!!

Menu Plan Monday 2/2/09

Monday 2/2 LAST DAY TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY - Tex Mex Steak Burritos **Chill MAMAs
Tuesday 2/3 - Sweet Asian Chicken **Chill MAMAs
Wednesday 2/4 - Sloppy Joes
Thursday 2/5 - Basil Balsamic Pork Chops **Chill MAMAs
Friday 2/6 - Sweet & Sour Meatballs **Chill MAMAs
Saturday 2/7 - Leftover Buffet
Sunday 2/8 - Sticky Ribs **Chill MAMAs