Caramel Apple Bars

I have been searching high and low for apple recipes, that didn't take a lot of work on my part and that I wouldn't need to BUY a lot of ingredients. Well, I came across this recipe and I actually have all of the ingredients. For more apple recipes check out the website... Best Apples

Caramel Apple Bars
Servings:
Makes 16 Bars
Nutrition Information:
Protein: 3g; Fat: 9g; Carbohydrate: 32g; Fiber: .8g; Sodium: 113mg; Cholesterol: 41mg; Calories: 215.

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method:

1) Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In medium-size bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

2) In same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely.

These Amaze me...

God's Wings After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast...because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live. 'He will cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you will find refuge.' (Psalm 91:4) My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

FACTS ABOUT COLDS

Facts about Colds

1. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent a cold.

2. Cold germs can survive for up to 3 hours outside of the nasal passage.

3. There is no vaccine for the common cold, since there are more then 100 different viruses that can result in a cold.

4. Colds are more common during seasonal changes when humidity is low.

5. Over the course of a year, individuals in the U.S alone suffer from over 1 billion colds.

6. Colds are more common in children since they lack a resistance to infection.

7. Children in a school environment can have almost 12 colds a year.

8. Paracetamol is generally used to treat the common cold.

9. The common cold is a respiratory illnesses, but does not generally result in any serious health problems.

10. Common symptoms of a cold are runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throats and watery eyes.

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Some home remedies for the common cold

Face it - you're probably going to get a cold at some point between now and next Spring. No drug will get rid of it; it has to run its course. There are things that can ease the misery, however.

1. Gargle with warm salt water, twice a day. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Also, this is the cheapest mouthwash you can use, it saves your gums and teeth from decay, stops bad breath, and helps you avoid most common infections.
2. Drink loads of water, and have enough sleep.
3. Include ginger, garlic and tomato in your diet.
4. If you find it difficult to breathe at night, use more pillows so that you sleep slightly upright. Also, when getting up to drink water, gargle the water before swallowing, it moistens your air passages and helps you breathe better.
5. For a dry cough: mix a little pepper in honey, dip your fingertip in it and apply at the very back of your throat. It stops the cough immediately.
6. Wherever you use sugar, add a little honey as well. Pollen is present in tiny quantities in honey, so it helps you build your resistance little by little.
7. Inhaling steam clears your nasal passages.

How to seal a bag and make it air-tight!

A very good tip to pass on. And you won't have to be saving all those twist ties. Now if we could just figure out what to do with the bottom of the bottle. The guy who first thought of the idea must be given an award for originality!!!

Wow, what a fantastic idea! Do not have to grapple with rubber bands that are tied too tightly.

How to seal a bag and make it air-tight!

Cut up a disposable water bottle and keep the neck and top, as in photo.

Insert the plastic bag through the neck and screw the top – to seal.

The bottle is made to be air-tight, such that water will not leak,

the secret lies with the top and screw!

This is a great idea to share. Good for us and the environment too.

"Self-Confidence Test"

Are you confident in your self-confidence? Try this test.

First Question:
You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?

Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second!

Try not to mess up in the next question. To answer the second question, don't take as much time as you took for the first question.

Second Question: If you overtake the last person, then you are...?

Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST person?!

You're not very good at this are you?

Third Question: Very tricky math! Note: This must be done in your head only. Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator. Try it.

Take 1000 and add 40 to it.
Now add another 1000.
Now add 30.
Add another 1000.
Now add 20.
Now add another 1000.
Now add 10. What is the total? Scroll down for answer.

Did you get 5000? The correct answer is actually 4100.

Don't believe it? Check with your calculator! Today is definitely not your day.

Maybe you will get the last question right?

Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Answer: Nunu? NO! Of course not. Her name is Mary. Read the question again!

The girl wanted some cookies...

Well the girl wanted some cookies and I just did not feel like heating up the kitchen so I went on the hunt for some no bake recipes and this one really caught my eye. And yes these are the chocolate turds that we made. lol You can see the kids already started to eat them. 8-)


3-Minute No-Bake Cookies

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons peanut butter
3 cups quick oats

1. In large saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, cocoa and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter; stirring until peanut butter is melted. Add oats and mix well.
3. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.

Makes about 3 dozen.

ETA: I adjusted this recipe. Instead of 3 tablespoons of peanut butter, I put 3 HUGE dollops of peanut butter, it turns out MUCH better.

If I Don't Buy That Fabric I'll Surely Faint!

If I Don't Buy That Fabric I'll Surely Faint!

Few true sewers, quilters or fabric crafters need an excuse to buy more fabric. We are hooked on cotton. We obsess over silk. We daydream about calicos and ginghams and plaids. But just in case you need to explain to others why you have a million yards of fabric at home, but still need a few more fat quarters and just have to buy yardage of the newest prints ... here's a handy list of reasons you need more fabric! Copy this list and tuck it in your purse for quick reference! It is a patriotic duty to support cotton farmers, textile mills and fabric shops. "Oh, it's not for me! I'm buying it for a friend!" It's on sale. I need extra weight in the trunk of my car for traction on snowy, icy roads. This is important, even in Florida and Southern California, as you never know when the weather will change. It's non-fattening. Like dust, it's good for protecting previously empty spaces in the house. Because it's there. It's much cheaper to cover the floor with fabric than new carpeting. The devil made you do it. It's the only remotely artistic thing I have ever done. I can't live without it. I have new shelves for fabric storage. It will go with some I bought last year. It's so pretty, and I'll use it some day. I want my daughter to have a proper inheritance. Without fabric, I would have nothing to do with my rotary cutter and my mat and my sewing machine. It does not promote tooth decay. It calms the nerves, gratifies the soul and makes one feel good. If I don't buy it now, I may never see it again. A large fabric stash is the sign of a creative mind. I owe myself a reward for that half-pound I lost last month.

This is from my 501 Sewing Secrets email. ;)

After a couple of month's I think I have it...

I think I have come up with the name for my new product line. I didn't get very many people commenting to give me a lot of direction but I thank those of you that did. Those that did comment I will be attempting to contact you with a small gift.

So the name that I am thinking of is.... BooBoo Buddies.

It looks like we have a winner then. I just went and looked at the last posting and the comments listed and it looks like Missie from ALLthangsOLDbutNEW2U is the winner. Missie, I will get one created for you and sent out just as soon as I can.

I need your help...

I am creating a new product and I need your help naming it. The new item will be a children's hot/cold pad. It will be similar to a bean bag animal but will be filled with corn so that it can be microwaved or frozen depending on what is needed.

What I need from you is suggestions for names. If I choose your name for the product name you will be the first to receive one. So send me your ideas and don't forget to leave me a way to get a hold of you.

Thanks in advance,

Jennifer

ETA: I have a funky cat, frog and platypus in the works at this time.

I simply hate it...

I am so far behind in everything. I have taken on another show. I now have 2 shows one weekend after the other. Steve told me that means I need to start working. LOL he means getting stuff made and he is right, I have been lazy since I stopped working and the just is not like me. So I will get lots done before I start these shows. The first one is this weekend in Greenville, MI I really can't wait just wish I wasn't such a procrastinator.

I know, I know, I know

It has been a long time since I blogged and I am sorry, really truly I am. I have been wallowing in my own self pity and I need to stop that. I left my job because I wanted to make my home based business work and I seem to have forgotten that it is WORK. So I have designed a couple of new items and even sold several of the neck/shoulder ones. Looking to really make a killing with the new lower back one. I need help taking better pics of that one though. It is hard when I am the only one here. lol I also have a craft show this weekend that I JUST signed up for today. What was I thinking? Oh well, I need cut the chain that connects me to this computer and get my but in gear.

Off and running...

Well I was supposed to have gotten a bunch of new stuff done up for this Expo that my future mother in law is going to be at and she is so graciously allowing me to put the new stuff in her booth. So I am behind due to a day job that I had. I now have 22 back/shoulder pads cut and ready to sew and 11 eye masks cut and ready to sew. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get one of each pattern sewn and ready to treat. I have to hit the fabric store to get thread for the serger and the sewing machine that will better match the fabric. After further figuring it looks like the back/shoulder pads are going to be $30 and the eye masks still not sure. I will post one of each as I get them done in my shop.

Coming soon to a shop near you...

Well, we have a new item that will be appearing in our shop VERY VERY VERY soon. Keep an eye on my shop for these great new back/shoulder heat pads they will be selling for $25 I think, I do have to do some more figuring.
These are some of the fabrics that I have available. I will be making at least one in each of these fabrics. If you are interested please feel free to contact me either in my shop or in the comments here.

Super Econimical Posting

I received this money saving recipe for free and I thought I would pass it along to all of my readers. In these hard times we can all use some money stretching ideas. Please check out the notes at the bottom as well.

Liquid/Gel Laundry Detergent

Use 1/2 Cup per load

Ingredients:
Borax (located on top shelf in the laundry aisle)
Washing Soda (I use Arm & Hammer, located by the Borax)
Ivory Bar Soap or your favorite bar soap
Bucket for your detergent - I use a 5 gallon bucket w/ a lid - you want to have a lid
Optional Ingredients: 1/2 to 1 oz Essential Oils for fragrance (found at your local Health Food Store, such as Harvest Health)*** I do not use these because if you dry your clothes in the dryer the scent will dissipate in the heat.

Step 1: Shred or cut up bar of soap, I use 2 bars for my 5 gallon bucket but 1 works just fine.
Step 2: Dump shredded soap in your biggest pot of water (I usually get mine boiling, or just about there)- stir til melted.
Step 3: Add 1 Cup Borax, stir til dissolved.
Step 4: Add 1 Cup Washing Soda, stir til dissolved.
Step 5: Dump hot mixture in bucket after it is all dissolved together. Then slowly add warm water to fill the bucket. Stir periodically til it cools down. Sometimes I just dump cold water in and stir it well and that works just fine but the soap is more likely to form a thick gel layer on the top when I do that. A layer of gel on the top is fine, it still cleans great but I think the bucket lasts longer when I let it cool naturally and stir it periodically. Either way, you've got a very effective laundry soap that will clean your clothes. My initial investment was $12 for the borax, washing soda and 12 bars of Ivory soap. I probably got 25 gallons of soap out of that over time. This is the way many of our grandparents/great-grand parents cleaned their clothes. If you want a little extra whitening power - toss half a cup of baking soda into your wash. A great natural fabric softener is white vinegar, poured into the rinse water. Once your clothes dry they will NOT smell like vinegar.

~The finished soap will not be a solid gel. It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as an "egg noodle soup" look.

~The soap is a low sudsing soap. So if you don’t see suds, that is OK. Suds are not what does the cleaning, it is the ingredients in the soap.

New house, New shop, New blog, New Name...

Back in September I moved to a new house that fits all 7 of us better than the place we were. And got a craft loft in the deal. Closed up my old etsy shop and opened a new one at YknotShop just need to fill it up now. With the new shop comes a new blog, this one that you are reading. ;0 lol The reason that everything got changed...Well I am getting married, hence the new names.

Now for some BEFORE pictures of the loft...