Layered Pork

I'm going to share one of my favorite pork recipes that involve a crock pot. There are two ways that you can make this: the regular way and the soup way (a personal favorite).

Layered Pork

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Use your 5-gal crock.

6 center-cut pork chops, whole (if you're not using center-cut, cut off the bones and fat)

dash of celery salt

dash of seasoning salt

fresh ground pepper (I'm picky about my pepper)

1 can cream of mushroom

1 can cream of celery

2 soup cans of water

6 baking potatoes (or 9 red potatoes), cubed

2 cups of baby carrots, or the equivalent of chopped regular carrots.

2 stalks of celery, or the same mass of shredded cabbage (I've tried and loved both)

1 large onion or two small chopped (I keep mine fairly chunky)

Turn your crock on HIGH and layer in order from bottom to top: carrots, celery (or cabbage), 3 pieces of pork, potatoes, onions, rest of pork. Then in a seperate container combine the soups, water, salts, and pepper. Add it on top of your layers. Cover and cook for 7-9 hours.

Soup Version

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Instead of leaving the pork whole, chop them up to about a square inch thick. Add 1 extra can of cream of celery and 1 more soup can of water. You obviously don't have to worry about putting these in any particular layer either. Cook the same amount of time.

Up and Coming Party

It's that time of year again! Our 3rd annual 4th of July bash!

It's the one holiday that I get to host all by myself! It's becoming quite the friends and family event (to the point that people that I generally don't see make appearances).

I can't give away my party plans as of yet. I like to suprise everyone with decor and food, but it will be amazing!

BUT I will be making a fun themed desert that I will be posting a recipe for. So stay tuned for that!

So now I just have to finish up the 23 random unfinished projects (bathroom reno and patio come to mind?) around the house and everything will be all set!

And a special thanks to Cindy & Troy. This party will definately be the best yet thanks to your help with the concrete patio! I appreciate it a million times over!

Tammy's Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake

So late last night I recieved a recipe for a carrot cake. Here's a little backstory:

My step-dad works with this guy. The guy's wife cooks for the Wrigley's. As in the owners of Wrigley Field (or the gum, if you don't care about baseball). They own a cabin up north, and this woman does their cooking while they are at their cabin. She's absolutely amazing.

Tammy's Old-fashioned Carrot Cake

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4 eggs

2 c sugar

3 c shredded carrots (I shred my own)

1 80z pkg cream cheese-softened

1 1/2 veg oil

2 c flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

10 oz crushed pineapple-drained (I use the stuff in heavy syrup for more flavor)

1 c chopped walnuts

In a large bowl beat eggs, sugar, cream cheese, oil, and carrots. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a seperate bowl. Gradually add to carrot mixture. Beat in pineapple chunks and nuts. Pour into greased 9x13 pan (I used a spring-form pan so that I could frost the sides and display it). Bake 55-60 min at 350 degrees. Let cool and spread on frosting.

Frosting

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1 80z pkg cream cheese-softened

1/4 c butter

2 tsp. vanilla

4 c powdered sugar

Mix it all up and spread it on your cake

***I also bought sliced pineapples for an embellishment on top. It's not in the recipe, but I love embellishments.***

Father's Day

Sorry I haven't done much on here for the past few days.

Father's Day:
-Woke up to pain that actually made me deaf in my left ear. I either pulled a muscle or moved a disk. All I know is that my head won't turn left.
-Grumpy for reasons unmentionable
-Sad b/c I miss my dad terribly and wishing that I could still celebrate this day with him.
-Proud of myself for suprising my husband with a trip that he LOVED with the kids.
-Annoyed that I got a speeding ticket for going 60 in a 55. Must be the end of the month =P
-Happy that my step-dad enjoyed his father's day gift
-Heart-broken to see my cat dieing. Poor guy couldn't even lift his head....18 years was a good run though.

So Father's Day wasn't the best we've ever had.


My dearly departed----

Backsplash

I did a last minute project today (I know, I know, I still have other unfinished projects that I need to do), but I wanted a backsplash for my kitchen, so I made one.

I'm not going to post a how-to. It's simple wainscoating with embellishments. Someone at your hardware store will tell you how to install it.

But I at least want to show off pics!

post ideas

You'll notice that I've been adding some posts from other sites (mostly BHG.com). I'm always browsing plans and crafts to get ideas for my home, so these are a few I thought everyone would enjoy. And I need a safe place to keep these ideas because more than likely, I will be doing these projects on my own house.
Enjoy!


172.6lbs. ----no time to excersise, but at least it's going back down =P

Easy Cabinet Updates: Beaded-board Basics

Easy Cabinet Updates: Beaded-board Basics

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Stylish DIY Project Ideas: DIY Urn Table

Stylish DIY Project Ideas: DIY Urn Table

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FIB's

As you know, I've been commuting a lot lately. For some reason, yesterday all the planets aligned and there was an incredible amount of FIB's on the road. (F-ing Illinois Bastard). Around my parts, that's what we call them. They are notorious for their driving:

FIB's:
-APPARENTLY all have cars with broken blinkers
-APPARENTLY don't have speed limits in Illinois. Only speed "windows" from 42-94mph on a highway.
-APPARENTLY don't have dotten lines on their roads in Illinois and they think they can take up two lanes.
-APPARENTLY don't have cruise control in their cars.
-APPARENTLY think that cars should look like space ships.
-APPARENTLY are so used to the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Chicago that they think it's okay to be bumper-to-bumper on highways with NO traffic. Argh
-APPARENTLY weren't taught that when you merge from the right, it's NOT OKAY to continue merging all the way to the left on a 5 lane highways in one continuous motion.
-APPARENTLY weren't taught that when someone is merging from the right, it's only curteous to move to the next lane to make room.
-APPARENTLY think that everyone else wants to hear their crappy music. (If they are wearing flannel and their car is rusted, don't mistake them for someone from Peshtigo!)


I hope my commute is better today =P

Copper Coil Napkin Ring

I just randomly started doing this project today. I hadn't planned on doing any craft projects today, but it works!

Copper Coil Napkin Ring

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I came up with this idea a long time ago when I saw something similar being sold at Younkers for $6. And though the rings at Younkers are DEFINITELY better quality and better made, I made these for free. And instead of $60 worth of napkin rings ($6 each and I made 10), this whole project cost me nadda. BUT if you don't have copper wire laying around, it doens't cost much at all.

-Copper wire (I don't remember the gauge, but make sure it's small enough to bend. They usually come in a bundle twisted around each other)

-needle-nose pliers

-wire cutters

-cup (or any cylindrical sturdy object the size of a napkin ring. A candle could do)

1. Pinch one end of your wire between the pliers and begin twisting around the pliers. Wrap it about 5 times. Slip the pliers out of the twist.

2. Hold the bottom of your twist against the cylinder and wrap it once around.

3. Cut your wire a few inches away from where the wire made a complete circle around your cup. This will give you room to make your other coil.

4. Make a coil at the other end by repeating step #1.

5. Make sure the coils line up by each other (reference the picture if you don't know what I mean) and slip a napkin through.

We just set out our outdoor table, so I've been thinking of what linens I want for the table, when I realized that I need napkin rings. So for 30 min worth of my time, I now have fully functional napkin rings. Plus when the copper starts to oxidize, it will be so naturally BEAUTIFUL!

Squirrel Feeder, Patio

Another how-to today! This one is great if you have a lot of spare wood from previous projects.

Squirrel Feeder

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1x4 wood

stain

3" screws

1 1/2" screws

screwdriver

squirrel corn

1. cut your wood so that you have 1 big piece (a little less than a foot should do)

2. Cut another small piece (around 4-5 inches)

3. Screw the pieces together so that they are perpendicular to each other, but place the small piece of little further down on the big piece. You will probably want to drill pilot holes first. Use the 1 1/2 inch screws.

4. Screw a 3" screw in the middle of the small piece facing upwards. Yes, it should be sticking way out of the wood. This is where you will mount your corn.

5. You can either hang it just like that, or stain and poly coat it for durability.

6. Screw it into a tree with 3" screws.

7. Place the corn on the screw. I used the new compact-type corn. A little more expensive, but lasts MUCH longer.

Though it seems like a lot, this whole project should only take 10 minutes or less, unless you are staining it. It will help keep the squirrels out of your bird feeders, and with how easy (and FREE if you already have the spare parts, which most people do), you can make tons of them!

On another note: I've been working tirelessly on my new patio. Here are some progress pictures. So no, I'm not forgetting about all my yard project how-to's, but I'm consumed by this project.

There will be a how-to on a recycled concrete patio soon!

1st day of project-----

2nd day of project-----------

I've been super-busy every day, more than usual. I have two accelerated classes at a school an hour from where I live, so I'm commuting all the time (not to even MENTION the homework =P), I am still working at Younkers, I've been working on this patio. 1 child is in two leagues of baseball, and my younger is in 1. With all the practices and games, those two are keeping me busy. I'm remodeling my bathroom, and I'm ALWAYS working on the gardens. My head is spinning.

173.2 lbs (Aunt Flo and I feel like an overstuffed couch)

Jazzed-up Flower Boxes

I know I promised some more how-to's. So here's one of them:

Jazzed-up Flower Boxes

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I was originally going to wait to post this because I was going to make some flower boxes for the front porch and then post a complete how-to, but then I realized that there are so many ways and styles to build flower boxes, and you can decide how you want it! Surf the web for a how-to on a style you like!

This how-to I did on exsisting flower boxes.

Upholstery nails

hammer

tape measure or ruler

stain

stamps

1. Dip your stamp in your stain (I chose a star b/c I'm in LOVE with barn stars) and randomly stamp all around the flower box. Wait for it to dry.

2. Place little dots all around the perimeter of the face of the flower box every inch with your tape measure.

3. Hammer in your upholstery nails on the dots. They MAY turn out crooked b/c the nails like to bend a bit. I'm not that anal about things, and I think imperfection can have more charm, but whatever.

Future How-to's:

-garden room divider.

-rock mosiac wall hanging

-Broken concrete patio

? lbs. (didn't weigh myself today)

Cornbread

I got this recipe from my Aunt Shelley, and it sounds so delicious. I haven't made it yet since I've been gone to school every night this week, but I assure you that I will be making it tomorrow night! Credit to this recipe goes to an old co-worker of my aunt's.


Miss Ella's Cornbread
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"Got this from a little old Black lady I use to work with. Your Aunt Renee LOVED it and so does everyone else I make it for. It's a good way to get the kids to eats some green veggies."

1 Package Jiffy Cornbread Muffin Mix
1 small onion chopped
1 box chopped broccoli thawed and drained (I've never seen a box of broccoli, but I'm guessing you can just use the bagged stuff)
1 8 oz. package Cream Cheese
1 stick butter
4 eggs

Place butter and cream cheese in a bowl and microwave until butter is melted and cream cheese is very soft (use 50% power)
Mix all ingredients together, spray Pam on baking dish and bake at 400 for 15 minutes.

172.0 lbs. (Busted my butt for that pound!)

Weigh ins

I've come up with this brilliant idea today: at the end of any of my posts, I'm going to post what I'm weighing in as. A bit odd, eh?
Let me explain: I've never had a problem with weight. My whole life I was skinny. For a long time I even had chiseled abs without ever working out. It was great!
I gained 70 pounds (I know, ick!) with my son. But only 3 months after he was born, I dropped all 70 pounds without even thinking of a diet.
Slowly thereafter my metabolism started slowing. It seemed like every month I gained 5 pounds. Once I hit 175 lbs. I knew I had to do something. So I started working out. I got down to 168 fairly easily, but then I got pregnant again! So much for dieting and excersizing!
I gained 22 pounds with my daughter. After she was born I begun a gym membership. I got down to 169, but then the membership expired and I started gaining again.
I have no motivation to work out. I like working hard, but cardio really isn't my thing. I used to be an excellent runner, but for the past 10 years I've been thinking "What's the point of running if you've got nowhere to go?"
So today I realized something: My husband knows my weight, but he will love me no matter what. He will never critisize me over my weight. Neither will any of my loved ones. So I decided the only way I will want to improve myself is if my weight is out there for everyone to see. I AM embarrassed of my weight, and I've decided that the only way to not embarrass myself is to lose the weight.
I HAVE lost a few pounds since I started going to school again. It seems that with all the studying I'm doing in my accelerated classes, plus actually being in class, and running my boys to their practices and games (one kid is in two different baseball leagues alone!) and trying to finish my yard projects before anyone loses interest in my blog, I just don't seem to have time to just stuff my face full of food!

Weigh-in----173.0 lbs.

New Van!!

Okay, I've been gone for a couple days, so I'll update you on the happenings in my household.

I was having a string of bad days. I brought my van into the shop. The mechanic said the head gaskets were gone and it would take $1,500 to repair. Okay....that's more than the POS (piece 'o') is worth. That's not worth it at all! I was mad at myself for a while b/c I only had it for less than 3 years. I didn't beat it up or anything. It was just an old van to start out with.

So it will be going to the junkyard. Yay, now I don't have the van for transportation. Well, at least the truck is an extended cab to haul children. But I start classes tomorrow, and I am commuting an hour and back 4 days a week. A HUGE truck....that's going to be a nice gas bill =P.
Anyways....so it's been a while since I've had a really good day.

But then I had ONE day. This "euphoric" day. The weather was perfect. I got so much yard work done. The gardens were looking awesome. Then.....to top off my day: I got a new van!! And not just ANY van....Here's the highlights:

1. 2004 Grand Caravan (I've never had a vehicle in the 2000's)
2. Leather seats
3. Push-button doors, even the back door! I never have to touch a handle again, lol
4. Seperate driver and passenger climate controls (that'll stop SO many fights)
5. A button in front to vent the back windows, lol
6. Moon roof
7. A FOLD DOWN DVD PLAYER!!!!
8. Headphones so that I can listen to the radio and the kids can listen to their movie with the headphones. Cool, hey?? All wireless
9. The DVD player is a 6-disc changer!!
10. Hookups for game stations! Yes, we are thinking about putting the PS2 in there, since we use the Wii in the house.
11. A bunch of "little" things that make it the sweetest ride ever.

So, after all my vehicles I've had, I think my new van is the most "pimped out." And all this stuff is stock. No, I didn't add anything to it. Some comments from the fam:
"I really love this vehicle"--John
"Can we watch all our movies out here now?" --Will
"Gah"--Hailey

Fresh and Frugal Cottage Ideas: Quaint Fence

Fresh and Frugal Cottage Ideas: Quaint Fence

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Chicken Quesadillas, Coffee

I'm not much for addiction.

I used to smoke. For 7 years actually. I quit when I was pregnant with my son. Right after he was born, I started again. 2-3 years down the road, a good friend (whom was pregnant and not smoking, of course) pointed out that I only smoke when I came to her bar. She told me there was no reason to smoke if you are only smoking once a week. And she asked why I still did it.

I sat back and thought of this for a while. She WAS right......"a nervous habit" I told her. "I feel like if I'm not busy at all times, everyone is going to look at me like I'm that creepy person just sitting there staring at everyone else at the bar. I don't want to be a creepy person"

Which is mostly true. I quit fully when I got pregnant with my daughter. But I also think there's a sprinkle of the drive to be a multi-tasker somewhere in that mix. The demand on women to get so much done within the day.


Soooo.....that leads me to my realization today. My husband pointed out that I drink roughly 8 cups of coffee just in my morning. It doesn't help that I'm in love with my oversized coffee cups that actually hold 2 1/2 cups of coffee.
So there's my weakness: coffee.

A co-worker recently asked me how I do so much in a day. I told her that I hate going to bed thinking I didn't accomplish crap that day. Which is true. But in all reality, it's my coffee. The days I don't drink it are the days that I sit on the couch all day watching That 70's Show seasons. I own all the seasons that are out.

My coffee turns me into the person I strive to become. The ultimate Mom. The "Superwoman" possibly =). Or maybe...just maybe....my Ma.



On a different note, I made quesadillas last night (and nachos, but who cares?)

Chicken Quesadillas
-------------------------
I'm sure almost everyone knows how to make this, but whatever
shoft shell tortillas
chicken
cheese
peppers
onions
fajita or taco mix

1. I used my quesadilla maker. If you don't have one, go to Younkers (or Boston store, Elder Beermans, any BonTon store really) and pick one up. You NEED one of these.
2. Cut up the chicken, peppers, and onions into small chunks. Shred your cheese.
3.Fry up the chicken with a little bit of veggie oil and the mix packet. I prefer the fajita one. Cook until it's no longer pick in the middle.
4. Fry up the peppers and onions. I like to fry them up with rice vinegar. You may find this in the asian food ilse. If not, you can use sake' too! Don't worry, the alcohol cooks out. You'll love the flavor though (came across this one when I accidentally grabbed the wrong bottle. Wanted olive oil, lol)
5. Lay everything out in seperate bowls. The kids, of course, don't like the peppers or onions.
6. Put all your stuff on your tortillas, put it in the quesadilla maker, cook until spots turn brownish, take it out with a metal spatula, and cut along the indented lines!

Rain rain go away

It's never good enough weather for outdoor work. Today it was too windy to stain my deck, though I gave it a try anyways. Tomorrow it's going to be cold and may rain. It just may be a good day to crack open my schoolbooks that I just purchased.

I just started staining the wood for the outdoor screen/room divider. Remember: how-to will follow. I will hopefully get it done before the weekend hits. If this weather will cooperate that is.....

Anyways, I believe I'm going to join my husband outside in the middle of the night for some basketball =)