Love Me with all my imperfections...

I love Antiques and Vintage pieces of furniture.  I don't mind if it's chipped or old, faded, rusty or worn.  Today I am actually giving a little tender loving care to an older piece I picked up at an auction recently.  As I clean and re-polish it I can't help but wonder about the story behind it.  Was it passed down through generations; did it stand in a great hall or in a simple loving  home?  Was it once a loved and cherished heirloom that through the years was tossed to the side or did it's owner die away and it found it's without a home to stand it.

Just like this piece of furniture we all have a story and all have memories.  Some we cherish and some we would rather forget.  In the last year I my story has changed drastically.  After being married for 31 years I find myself alone and just like this piece of furniture I am chipped and old, faded, rusty and worn.  But I have hope that one day someone will see the beauty in all my imperfections and love me just the way I am.  Once again someone will take me into their life and I will have a new home to stand in, just like my antiques, that I cherish. Imperfections and all.

Freezing Strawberries Whole or in Simple Syrup

Whole Strawberries

Bags of whole, frozen strawberries are handy to have around for adding to smoothies or baking. This method of freezing on a tray or sheet ensures the berries freeze individually, rather than in an inconvenient brick.

They can be frozen without adding sugar, at a higher risk of getting freezer burn, so it is best to use them up within six months if they are indeed sugar free. Otherwise, a light dusting of sugar before freezing will both help preserve their color and prevent freezer burn.

How to Freeze Whole Strawberries

1. Wash and gently dry the strawberries. Don’t soak them long in water as this will result in a loss of flavor and nutrients!
2. Hull the berries and remove any ones that are spoiled. (Save those ones for your coulis, below)
3. Place the strawberries on a baking sheet, not touching one another, and freeze until solid.
4. Transfer the strawberries to plastic resealable bags or airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to six months.

   Strawberries in Simple Syrup

   This tried and true ‘old school’ method calls for freezing the berries whole in a mildly sweet sugar-water. You can use jars or plastic containers to freeze them in.
   Packed in liquid, the berries retain their color and shape when reconstituted, making them a standalone dessert. They can also be spooned over yogurt or ice cream, or heaped onto scones and topped with cream for a classic strawberry shortcake that is not lacking in flavor.
   Tip 1: Make the simple syrup before you go berry picking or acquire your fruit. It keeps for several weeks in the fridge, and will be waiting, already chilled, for the moment your fresh strawberries arrive.
   Tip 2: Add a subtle, natural flavoring to the simple syrup such as orange zest, green cardamom pods, or vanilla bean. Your jar of berries is now a seasonal dessert; thaw, open and eat with a spoon come January for a reminder of warmer days.
   

   How to Freeze Strawberries in Simple Syrup

   Make a simple syrup by combining 4 cups water to each 1 cup sugar. Dissolve the sugar in either cold or hot water; if hot water is used, be sure to chill the syrup before using.
   Place whole or sliced berries in containers and cover with cold syrup; use about 1/2 to 1/3 cup of syrup for each pint container. Package and freeze.

Thank Goodness It Really is the Thought that Counts..

I have the most anazing husband in the whole world, and there are three things you bet on:  #1. I don't take him for granted.  #2. I let him know how wonderful I think he is.  #3 I let other women know how much he is loved and appreciated!  Today at work he surprised with a Valentine Bouquet of Flowers (at least I think they are flowers)...There is something coming out the top that I haven't yet identified; maybe you can help me!  And a Peacock Feather...Really...For Valentine's Day.  Everyone at the office has had the most fun with these flowers today, including my husband when he picked me up to carry me out to lunch.  But he ordered them from the most Uppity florist in town and paid a fortune for them, which by the way, now that he has seen them really hurts! So you know the old saying it's "the thought that counts", it REALLY applies here.  The best part of the day though, was when I got off work and came home and  Ifound that he had cleaned the kitchen, made my bed and turned back the covers, straightened the living room and washed clothes...like I said I am married to an amazing man...my very best friend!  Below is a picture of my flowers, I hope they bring a smile to you today because they sure did me.

What is that thing next to the peacock feather?!?

Hudson Second Sunday Breakfast ~ February

VALENTINE BREAKFAST MENU &  RECIPES

Apple Cream Cheese French Toast

Lemon Cream Cheese French Croissants
Scrambled Bacon & Eggs in Crisp Toast Cups
http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2010/01/herbed-scrambled-eggs-with-cheese-in.html
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Fresh Strawberries Oranges & Cantalope

Apple Cream Cheese French Toast
Ingredients:
20 slices freshly baked bread
8 eggs
2 cups half and half
2 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Filling:
16 ounces cream cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
21 ounce can apple pie filling

Mix the first four Filling ingredients together until well combined. Fold in the apple pie filling.
Spread cream cheese mixture over 10 slices of the bread and top with the other 10 slices, forming a sandwich.
Place bread sandwiches in a large baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
Combine the eggs, half and half, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat until well mixed.
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the top of the sandwiches until all the bread is soaked.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 350 degrees covered for approximately 40 minutes.
Then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and toasted almonds. Serve with warm maple syrup.



Lemon Cream Cheese French Toast Croissants
8 oz block cream cheese softened
1/4 cup sugar
zest from one lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Batter -
1/2 cup low fat milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 2 1/2 oz Croissants
2 tablespoon butter

Prepare filling by blending together cream cheese, sugar, lemon peel & juice until creamy. For a more lemony taste make the filling the day before and store tightly capped in refrigerator. Slice croissant in half and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each croissant. Press the croissant gently closed.
For the batter, beat together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, lemon peel and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Dip each croissant into batter, coating both sides. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Cook the croissants over moderate heat, about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.
Ingredients

CREAMY SCALLPOED POTATOES8 large red potatoes
 3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of Potato Soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups shredded Colby cheese

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a large baking dish.

Wash and peel the potatoes so that only some of the peel remains on the potatoes; cut into 1/8 inch slices. Put the potatoes in the prepared dish.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the melted butter until soft and translucent, 7 to 10 minutes; stir in the potato soup, cheese soup, milk, salt, pepper, and about half of the colby cheese; cook until the cheese has melted. Pour the mixture over the potatoes; top with the remaining Cheddar cheese. Cover with aluminum foil or lid.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the cover and cook until the cheese begins to brown, about 10 minutes more.

No, It's Not Hot In Here!

If you read my Day Journal you know that I truly believe there is war raging inside my body; I am under siege by my own hormones. It's called “Menopause”, and is sited to be a "normal and natural" event in a women’s life. Are you kidding me? The words Menopause...Normal...and Natural cannot even be used in the same sentence. There is nothing normal about a woman my age desiring to frolic in the snow when the temperature has dropped below zero wearing nothing but a thong and a pair of boots!


And to think I thought my life had been turned up side down at the age of 13 when I reached puberty, and my periods started. From my first cycle all I dreamed about was that one day this dreaded event would end in my life; but no one prepared me for the battle that would ensue for it to finally make it's grand exist. It's as if I am undergoing some type of exorcism; and so far I have experienced everything except for my heading spinning around, which my family believes will occur before this is all over.

There is also no doubt in my mind that Global Warming is real, but it’s not from the increasing amounts of greenhouse gases that are being released in our atmosphere, but from the increasing amount of women that are going through Menopause! From the Baby Boomer generation it is estimated that one turns 50 every seven seconds. In fact most every female Baby Boomer born will begin to experience menopause by the year 2012, if they haven’t already. So you see why I honestly believe that Global Warning is yet another horrible symptom of Menopause, and if you could experience just one of my hot flashes or heaven for bid live through my night sweats you would know immediately that I am not nuts or just menopausal.

“No it’s not hot in here” has become mine and my husband’s number one conversation; it has even replaced “I love you” as we lay down to go to sleep. The only upside I have found so far is that our heating bill has come down drastically; however what money we do save will be put aside, because I can see the future and our cooling bill is going to be on the rise.

After a major melt down in the middle of the grocery store the other day, I explained to my sons ages 23 and 25 exactly what “menopause” was; “it is a time in every mans life when he should pause before he speaks or acts”. That is why it is appropriately named “Men ~ Pause”. I also think that in God’s infinite wisdom he scheduled it to occur after your children have moved out and started lives of their own; but if for some reason beyond your control you still have them at home as I do, you turn the tables and prepare them for the day when their own wives will go through it, and if they survive their mothers mood swings and tantrums maybe they will emerge husbands better equipped to handle it then their father. My poor husband doesn’t just pause before he speaks I think there are days he pauses before he breaths in my direction. But I just keep telling myself that “this too shall pass, it didn’t come to stay” and that I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. So if you read this article today and would like to help me, please pray for my family they need it because they could sure use the support. Also if you think you may be experiencing Menopause but just aren’t quite sure I have listed a few of my symptoms below for you to test yourself by.

~Everyone around you seems to have an attitude problem.

~People suddenly seem very afraid of you.

~ Your husband is suddenly agreeing with everything you say.

~You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.

~There is a conspiracy on the part of your family to drive you insane.

~Even though you dance with the devil everyday (Tread Mill or Exercise)
   you have no doubt that the dryer is shrinking everything you own.

~The ibuprofen you bought yesterday is already gone.

~The air filer to the heating system never needs changing.

~You’re trying to shop for shorts and tank tops in January.

~The only question you care about any more is "Is it Hot in Here"?

~And the only asnwer you ever get is "NO IT"S NOT HOT IN HERE"!

Belles...Daybook

I'm thinking...I must be busting menopause wide open because...Everyone around me has an attitude problem. My husband is suddenly agreeing with everything I say. (because he's scared not to)
Everyones head looks perfect for batting practice.
I can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
I'm sure that everyone is scheming to drive me crazy.
I have no doubt that the dryer is shrinking everything I own.
The ibuprofen bottle is empty and I bought it yesterday and I'm considering selling our heat pump at my next yardsale!

Outside my window...I'm still seeing the quiet rest of winter but anticipating the coming of Spring and with it worse hot flashes!

I am hearing...The sounds of morning, coffee maker, shower running, and Mr. Jacksons rooster who must have gotten into my backyard again, we may have roasted rooster for dinner.

I am wearing... Are you kidding! PJ's it's too early to be dressed.

I am thankful...For all the family and friends that were with us this weekend to celebrate Liz's Birthday and
the Super Bowl.  Espceially for all the memories we made.

From the kitchen...I'm  hiding, I didn't get all my dishes done from the party, BUT sweeties off today and doesn't mind helping me, if he wants to keep breathing!  LOL Thank God for terrific husbands.

I am creating...An enviroment at work that feels like home and family.  I praise God for everyone I work with and that God has blessed me a job that I love.

I am going... To go to a ladies Valentine Banquet tomorrow night and reconnect with some friends I use to go to church with.

I am reading... My husband mind these days, so he better watch what he's thinking.

I am praying and believing...That God will heal a young girl we know who was rushed to hospital Sunday. For God deliver a young man from a horrible situation.  That God give us direction regarding a new concept at work and that I don't fail to do all God has for to me do and see my family through my menopause.

On my heart this morning...Will you be His Valentine?   Thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; YOU ARE MINE.  Isaiah 43:1
     On Valentine’s Day isn’t it fun to dig through a bag of those little candy hearts that have the words printed on them? They say cute little things like “SWEET”, “CUTE” or “HUG ME”. But the one that I like the best says, “YOU ARE MINE!” Isaiah 43 gives a beautiful picture of God saying those exact words to His beloved children.  Even though they had wondered away from Him and he had to discipline them, He declares, “Don’t be afraid! I made you and I will take care of you. You are mine!” Then, as their loving Father, He gives them the promise of His presence, His protection, and His provision through it all.  Ephesians 1:3-14 says that as a believer in Christ, God the Father does the same thing  for you. He created you, He redeemed you, and He calls you to Himself saying, “You are accepted in the Beloved — in essence, “You are Mine!” As a loving Father cares for His children, so He cares for you day after day, week after week, year after year. He loves you! You are His!
I hope that if you never thought of yourself as being His Valentine that you will this year, He loves you so much and He has called you by name, He wants to be all you need, He wants you to rest in Him and to trust Him, He wants you to know all is well and that He is taking are of you.  He wants to be your Valentine, the love of your life!

I'm hoping...That God can use me in the lives of people I've never even met.

Around the house...I am surround by memories of the wonderful life my husband I have built together with two wonderful boys.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Try again this week to get my Valentine Cinnamon Apple Jelly made,
and  spend more time on tread mill and start planning something for my 27th wedding anniversay to my very best friend.

From My Picture Journal...

Me and My Best Friend!

Cake Carrier Tutorial

GREAT VALENTINE GIFT

Suppies:  1 Cake Carrier,  Adhesive Dots, Adhesive Monogram, Ribbon and Scissors.

Step 1...Place Monogram in the Center on the front of Carrier and transfere on.

Step 2...Start randomly placing your dots to the right of your monogram and work your way around

cake carrier.

Continue until you have covered your carrier.

Step 3...Optional embellish larger dots with with smaller one.

Step 4...Decorate your handle with ribbons, bows, flowers, tags....

Now if you really want to give a wonderful gift, bake your favorite cake and

give to your bestfriend for Valentines Day, Birthday, Easter

or just becasue you care.

Use your imagination you can use this same technique to decorate glass Cookie Jars,

Candy Jars, Cake Plates.

Mason Jar Banana Pudding

    

Homemade Banana Pudding

¾ cup sugar
1/3 cup cake flour
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Box Vanilla Wafer Cookies
4 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
Topping
4 large egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
5 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
MAKE THE PUDDING. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. In a large stainless steel bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in the egg yolks, and then the milk, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Place the bowl over the pan of water and cook, stirring until the mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

~While the pudding is still warm, layer the cookies, bananas, and pudding in 1/2-pint canning jars.
Yields 8 ~ 1/2 pint canning jars.

~Pre heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
MAKE THE TOPPING. Whip the egg whites in an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and slowly increase the speed as the egg whites become opaque. Add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Add the vanilla extract. Whip until the whites form a soft peak. Spoon the meringue over the warm puddings, sealing it to the sides of the jars.

~Bake the puddings for 4 minutes, or until the meringue is puffed and brown. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes, and then refrigerate for 2 hours, or until you can't stand it anymore.

Can't take credit for this idea I actually got it from Martha Foose  author of "Screen Doors and Sweet Tea".

RANCH CHEESE BALL

Make a Smilebox recipe

The Simple Woman's Daybook

~  Monday...February 1, 2010  ~ 
This is what I'm thinking...It's way too early to be out of bed!! But this is the Day that Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be glad.


Outside my window...Winter has blanketed everything in sleet and ice, you can truly see the artistic hand of God.
I am thinking...That I wish today were another snow day, especially since my best friend is off work. (My husband)

I am thankful...For all the memories we made this weekend, Sunday there were about 14 of the boys friends and girlfriends at the house, riding four wheelers and having fun.

From the kitchen...I can smell Michael's coffee and it smells so good...I wish I liked coffee. My bread starter is also calling out to me...

I am wearing... Jammies. Not dressed yet.

I am creating...My Valentine recipe pages for Valentine cards that I'm exchanging with my friends over at Magical Holiday Home.

I am going... To get back on the tread mill and my diet today, I've come to far to give up or get comfortable now. (Already lost 75 pounds)

I am reading... My favorite magazines and following a few special blogs.

I am praying and believing...That my husband receives favor with his employer; that God delivers a young man from a terrible situation; that God will strengthen a friend who is going through radiation; and that I don't fail to do and be everything that God is calling me to.

On my heart this morning...If you feel like your going through the fire this morning or that you are in a situation that will never change let me encourage you today, that God is with you, He sees you and knows about everything that touches you. He has promised that if you trust He can and will deliver you....When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Don't be overwhelmed today, God loves you and He is your refuge and strength, just rest in Him today!

Words to live by today...Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I'm hoping...That God can use me in the lives of people I've never even met.

I am hearing...God whisper in my ear "All is well".
Around the house...It will be quiet for about 30 more minutes, then everyone will be up.

One of my favorite things...Is coming here to my blog and recording all my favorite things, so that I can come back to at any time and look at them.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Start cinnamon apple jelly for Valentines Day and Orange Marmalade. Get back into my exercise routine. Mail Valentine cards.

Picture thought for today...

Take time to notice all the beauty around you today...

Lessons from a snow birds...

The ice and sleet has blanketed eveything and brought a quiet rest to the house and to my spirit, as I watch the birds outside my window I am reminded of Matthew 6:26 "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
I know that He is telling me to be still and know that He is God and that there is nothing impossible to Him. He has told me in Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I      will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Dessert Cheese Balls

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 box graham crackers

Set out cream cheese and margarine until room temperature. Mix together cream cheese, margarine, vanilla extract, both sugars and chocolate chips. Roll into a ball and refrigerate several hours.

Just before serving, roll ball in chopped pecans.


Heath Bar Cheese Ball
16 ounces cream cheese
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter (no substitutes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup crushed Heath bar bits

Soften cream cheese and butter. Beat well, then cream in brown sugar and confectioners' sugar. Add vanilla extract. Fold in candy. Refrigerate in a bowl for 3 hours.

Form into a ball, then roll in chopped pecans.

Reese's Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Ball
16 ounces cream cheese
1 stick (1/2 cup) real butter
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup mini chocolate chip
1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups
1 cup chopped peanuts

Soften cream cheese and butter. Beat well, then cream in brown sugar and confectioners' sugar and peanut butter. Add vanilla extract. Fold in peanut butter chips, and chocolate chips. Fold in candy. Refrigerate in a bowl for 3 hours.

Form into a ball, then roll in chopped peanuts.

Cookies n' Cream Cheese Ball

16 ounces cream cheese
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped Oreo cookies
1 cup crushed Oreo cookies

Soften cream cheese and butter. Beat well, then cream in brown sugar and confectioners' sugar. Add vanilla extract. Fold in chopped Oreo cookies. Form into a ball, and refrigerate for 3 hours.

Roll in crushed Oreo cookies.

This is not just for a party or guests this is easy to make and your family will think it is such a decadent treat and make them feel so special. I always carry one to our ladies Cookie Exchange; I also love the fact that when I do carry it somewhere there's never a duplicate. Use your imagination when selecting cookies, I use the regular or chocolate graham cracker cookie sticks , and sugar cookies. You can also use you imagination in deciding what to roll it in, candies, nuts, coconut, crushed cookies...Enjoy ya'll.