HippieDog

Washi Candles and Buttery Honey Beer Bread

I sure LOVE these Washi Tape Candles. I spotted this cute idea and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy the patriotic washi tape that I saw a few months ago from Pick Your Plum. There is always next year....Darn!

Washi tape is amazing, I mostly use it when I'm journaling and haven't really crafted with it much---but I always have tea candles----so I went for it. Very FUN! I stock up on tea candles when I'm at IKEA. Love that place :)

We also made some really good Buttery Honey Beer Bread, I found on Pinterest. I've always wanted to try this and I knew Dan would be all for it. The recipe couldn't have been easier. It just takes a few minutes to mix all in one bowl and then bake. 

This crafty week has me thinking.....what else can I decorate with my stash of washi tape? I'm sure I'll think of something. 

Buttery Honey Beer Bread

2 cups flour
1 cup bread flour
1 TB sugar
1 TB baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 TB honey
12 ounce bottle of your favorite beer
4 TB butter, melted and cooled slightly

In large mixing bowl, combine flour, bread flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk together until combined. Gradually add beer and honey, mixing just until combined.

Pour in buttered bread pan and top with melted butter. Place on cookie sheet and bake 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until top is golden brown and tooth pick comes out clean.

Let cool for 10 minutes and finish cooling on wire rack. Serve with Honey Butter.

Recipe Source: Cookie Monster Cooking

Pretty summertime garland

It's been really hot here, I think it's been hot just about Everywhere. Today it hit 103 and the same tomorrow. It's almost impossible to go out during the day in this crazy dry heat. Dan told me I sure know how to choose a great week to take off. 

I'm not complaining. I'd rather be home, that's for sure :)

This morning, I put dinner in the crock pot and made a loaf of bread. While the bread was baking, Jake read to me. We've been doing little mini school days, including math and reading. When the heat lets up a bit, we have some fun adventures planned. I've been so excited for this, but didn't expect this heat wave.

I've also been trying to stick to a cleaning schedule to make my life a little easier. First I thought, I don't need a chart. I've been cleaning all my life, I even used to clean houses for a living. But----this chart, like she says, really has helped me a ton. I don't know what it is about it, but I love it.

I was all set to clean my sewing room, then the creative bug struck again. I made a summer pennant garland banner. It was nice using my scrappy pack stash from last years projects. I used my Big Shot, because if I had to cut all those little pennants by hand, I'm not so sure it would have happened. 

After everything was cut, I spread all of the pennants on the table. Then I decided what order and colors to use. I over lapped each pennant next to each other, just a little and then straight stitched across.

On each end, I stitched a long double strand of ribbon for hanging. To finish, I found some pretty lace and did another straight stitch to the end. I swear, this was about a 30 minute project. Nothing fancy, but I LOVE it.

I'm still deciding where to hang it. It's cute on the mantle, but it also looks adorable on the porch. 

Decisions, decisions........

 

Pinwheels and Cake

Another crafting adventure today---

Turns out I did have a use for all that darling heavy weight scrapbook paper I've been hoarding. 

Pinwheels----just the sweetest things. 

I wanted to make a few decorations for our BIG 4th of July Party on Thursday. I wanted something cheery and fun that I could use all summer. I'm also a paper straw fanatic. So, I guess it's a good way for me to start using my stash. 

To make the pinwheels, I cut my paper 5 inches square, but you could really make any size you'd like. I used scrapbook paper that was patterned on both sides, makes it so much easier.

Just find your center, pencil in a small dot. Then I just cut half way to the dot from each corner. Fold every other corner to dot and secure with brad. The thing I found most helpful, was to poke my hole through all the pieces with a doll needle, (I kinda have a lot of these) then the brad just fits right through, easy--easy. Then I poke a hole through the straw, just about an inch or so down, dab a little glue and poke through straw. It won't go all the way through, but it will stay secure and still spin. 

Just keep in mind, my pinwheels are really just for "pretty", so I'm not sure how much wear and tear they can go through. 

My second successful Pinterest Crafty Project. I think I have my crafty self back :)

I also made Dan this yummy cake for Father's Day. Grammies White Sheet Cake. It's really pretty amazing. 

I spotted the recipe on Pinterest here and you'll find the recipe below.

Have a wonderful first day of July! 

What? Half the year, gone like that......wow.

Grammies White Sheet Cake

1 cup butter
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream 

In mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt and soda. Whisk together and set aside.

In large sauce pan, melt butter and water. When butter is melted, take off heat and whisk in dry ingredients. Stir until combined and then add eggs and vanilla. Lastly, stir in sour cream. Mix until well combined.

Pour in greased and floured 11"x17" sheet pan. Bake 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Cake is done when tooth pick inserted comes out clean, or cake springs back.

Let cake cool while you make the frosting.

Butter Cream Frosting

1 cup butter
6 TB evaporated milk
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans, optional
strawberries for garnish, optional

In large saucepan, melt butter and milk. Stirring constantly. When butter has melted, take off heat and  whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk until completely smooth, stir in nuts.

Pour over warm cake. Let cool completely. Garnish with strawberries if desired.

Recipe Source: Eat Cake for Dinner

Salsa time.........

Guess it's time for Salsa when I can't shut the veggie drawer in the fridge :)

Just gather up a few of your favorite things and let's make Salsa.

My Favorite Homemade Salsa

14 quarts tomatoes, cut-up
13 garlic cloves
6 cups onions
4 cups green and red bell peppers
7 jalapenos
2 cans green chilies, diced
6 cups variety Serrano and Anaheim chili peppers
5 TB salt
1 TB pepper
1 cup vinegar

Prepare all of your veggies, I like to use a food processor. Please remember to wear gloves when handling the hot chili peppers, this will not come off your hands for hours and is very painful.  I remove almost all of the seeds from my peppers, for a mild flavor. You can add as many as you want for mild, medium or hot Salsa :)

You're probably wondering why the 2 cans of green chilies? I'm not sure, but I'd never change a thing.

Add your tomatoes to a huge pot and cook until tomatoes stop foaming. Did you know.......8 quarts of tomatoes equal about 48 large tomatoes? Yep, you're going to need a lot of tomatoes.

Sometimes we use our fresh canned tomatoes, just remember to use a little less salt.

Add vegetables, salt, pepper and vinegar and cook until tender. Pour in pint jars and process in 45 minute water bath. Make sure jars have all sealed....... 

I am in love with these labels. I used them last year too.....they are keepers. You can find them over at Sonoma Garden. Such a beautiful garden and wonderful blog!

So much prettier with labels :) Thank you Kendra!

Our Salsa Garden.......more photos over here.

 

Make Salsa! Feeling.....hot-hot-hot!
   

won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

These little guys hold a special place in my heart. I can't Believe I get another chance to make them for a few more years :) I made countless Reindeer Pops with my older boys when they were in grade school.

We made them each year for their annual Christmas fund raiser event at their school. Everything had to be hand made and they were a hit each and every year.

Of course we had a crafting day and made these cutie pies for Jake's class and his teachers. Jake is quite a crafter, a few of his Reindeer actually had three eyes and a couple of noses!

Reindeer Pops

1. We use the half size root beer cans, just make sure they are brown to resemble a reindeer body.

2. Twist brown fuzzy pipe cleaner around can once and twist a few times. Make antler shape on each end. Imperfections are the Best!

3. Glue googly eyes and pom pom nose (kinda looks like Beaker?)

4. Add little tag with ribbon and a bell if you wish that says, "Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Easy, easy......happiness :)

 

as they shouted out with glee.......