the treat girl

Penne with Chicken

2012-02-01T21:12:00.003-05:00

I have had this recipe kicking around for a while now....and finally today I gathered up my ingredients and got cooking. You may have noticed I rarely share entree recipes around here...mostly because my pictures don't turn out very nice in the evening when I'm finished preparing them....and this one is no exception. This picture doesn't do this dish any justice...so just look past it. I know you'll love it!!!

Here is your list of ingredients:
(I kind of don't have exact measurements....I just put as much in as I liked :)
16oz. of cooked Penne
2-3 chicken breasts- bite size
olive oil
chopped garlic...a tablespoon
salt and pepper
red onion- chopped
fresh basil
2/3 cup sundried tomatoes in oil
kalamata olives- 1/2-3/4 cup chopped
pasta water- 1/4 cup
1/2-3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook the pasta. Cook chicken in olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper. Add the red onion, with a little more olive oil. Add fresh basil. I added a bunch, because I can't get enough of it! Then add the sundried tomatoes and olives. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta to a large bowl and toss with the chicken and the goodies. Add the water and mix it all together with the parmesan cheese. Enjoy!!!

Favorite Friday

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am on an official smoothie kick over here and they are my Friday Favorite!! My sister in law and niece have been making them religiously for years...I got Cindylou a little smoothie recipe book for her Easter basket a few years ago because since she didn't like to cook or bake, I thought maybe she could make smoothies in the kitchen?? But they didn't catch on...Until this past week. I have been making protein shakes on a regular basis....just mixing my protein dust with skim milk or unsweetened almond milk...but I decided to ramp it up a bit.

I've been putting a banana, a few berries, my FAVORITE Dannon vanilla greek yougurt and a splash or two of orange juice in the blender, and topping it off with a scoop of protein dust.

YuUUUUUUUUUUUMMMM! They really fill you up.....I'm sure there are a few more calories in there that I would rather not know about, but I'm so loving them. Do you have a smoothie recipe you can share???

Granny Squares

2012-01-25T13:09:00.003-05:00

You may remember I had a dear friend over last fall to give me and my friend Jennifer Juniper our very own crochet lesson. Click HERE to check it out....Well, I hadn't kept up with my practicing, and I realized my intention of starting a one-a-day granny square blanket in January was not happening because I kinda forget how to make them :( I contacted Sondie and arranged a little refresher course. But since the Treatgirl can kinda get crazy and want to do everything NOW....I decided to teach myself again with a little how-to video on youTube!

So, this past Sunday while I was watching football, I was also watching the granny square video and started cranking them out. I know you probably can't fathom how happy this made me.....but it made me VERY happy! I've even timed myself and at this point it takes me exactly 30 minutes to make one square. I know I'm still a little awkward at it....so, I'm hoping to improve my time over the next few weeks. Look at my progress in just a few days....

My thinking is that I have a whole bin of left over yarn from various projects over the years, and I will just make all different random granny squares with it. Obviously some of it is different weight and texture.....but I should have plenty to make a WHOLE LOTTA squares.

So....right now I have 12 done, and it's the 25th of January. I'm gonna crank a bunch more out until I am caught up with the calendar...follow me??? Then try REALLY hard to keep up with my one square a day project. As I've been crocheting away over here I had the wild idea that I will just stash them away.....and as my nieces and nephews get engaged over the next several years I will piece one together for each of their bridal showers....what do you think??

A Snowy Morning.....

2012-01-21T14:40:00.004-05:00

They had been predicting a big storm all afternoon on Friday....I kept looking out my windows all evening.....nothing. My 9th grader was so mad they even cancelled their ski club because they said the roads would be too bad....nothing.

But when I went to bed it started gently falling down....

It covered everything as we slept.

Making everything white and pretty.

Quiet and peaceful.

The Treatgirl needed a wonderful little snowfall. Stay cozy and warm :)

Favorite Friday

2012-01-19T22:48:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!!! This week flew by.....my kiddos had Monday off from school, so I guess that was part of it...If you've been around here, you know every Friday I have my favorite pick of the week...and honestly, I'm surprised I've waited this long to feature Tom Selleck and one of my favorite shows....Blue Bloods! It's on Friday night at 10 p.m. on CBS. And I tune in every week to catch my favorite crush from my college days....Tom Selleck.

What a class act he is....a career spanning decades with a hunky mustache only he can pull off so well.

If you haven't seen the show, it is a New York City cop show where the whole family....grandfather, father, son's and daughter are all in law enforcement. They have Sunday dinner every week and solve a murder crime in between. I look forward to it every week.

Oh, and here he is in his red Ferrari...I tuned in every Thursday night to see my hunk...hoping his hawaiian shirt would be unbuttoned, or he'd be swimming in the surf. I haven't seen the re-runs lately....but I'm so happy I can see my hunk from college every week! Have a terrific weekend :)

Snowflakes

2012-01-19T15:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Winter! Winter has finally made it to my neck of the woods...what a crazy season it's been??? Temps in the 50's and no snow. I truly wanted a white Christmas....but no such luck. But last week we finally had some real flakes. I love snowflakes....and I keep them around all winter...Here, let me show you...I found these big ones, hanging in my great room windows, at the Dollar Tree. I got enough to hang in all my back windows and sliding glass door in my kitchen.

This is a new treasure of mine...and SHOCKER! I got it at my Goodwill :) If you've been around here before, you know I loooooove my Goodwill. I actually got this last summer, out of season, for $3.99. Aren't the snowflakes just perfect? And the little feet on it make it seem so much more special.

Here's a better picture of it. I know when it's time to pack it away for the season I will be sad.

After I hung the snowflakes in my big windows, the window above my sink seemed lonely. I found these felt snowflakes with glitter on them at A.C. Moore craft store up in Buffalo when I was home for a quick weekend visit the first weekend in December.

Three pretty snowflakes in my vase of winter greens on the mantle.

And a favorite, sparkly snowflake on my snowman tree I leave up all winter.

A Sparkling Snow Yankee Candle in a silver snowflake candle holder gives a cozy glow.

A trio of little candles....

And look at the snowflake tree topper....

...it sets off my tree just nicely :)

And even snowflakes on the sliding glass doors in the family room downstairs. You see...the Treatgirl is still a Buffalo girl at heart and will always love the snow. Stay cozy!

Favorite Friday

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!! Looks like we're FINALLY going to get some snow here.....the craziest winter EVER! Barely a dusting and it's mid-January. Anyhoo....on to my fav thing this week. Actually, these Hawaiian Sweet dinner rolls have been a favorite of mine forever....I can't stop at just one. So I very rarely buy them...but this week I made a big pot of wedding soup and didn't have much time to make dinner rolls from scratch, so when I was at the store I grabbed TWO packages of these favorite little buns of mine. WHAT was I thinking????? I guess it has been so long since I've had them I knew I needed a bunch :) They are just perfect....a hint of sweetness and SUPER soft! I ate a whole row with my bowl of soup yesterday for lunch. YUUUUUMMM....have you tried them? And do you love them too???

One Last Christmas Treat....

2012-01-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

First of all, let me apologize for the crummy quality of this picture :( It is a super dreary day here! This darling little Santa it the very last thing I wanted to do during the holidays. Just a little treat for me....I picked this tiny little cross stitch kit up in those $1 bins at the checkout line in Michaels months ago...but I only started him the week of Christmas when I was finished with all of my holiday stuff for everyone else. I haven't done any cross stitch since my days as a flight attendant...so it's been a while. But I just couldn't resist this cute little Santa. He will certainly make me happy when I find him again next Christmas :)

My Sentiments Exactly!!!!!

2012-01-11T14:04:00.003-05:00

Just saw this on Pinterest....I'm gonna print it out, frame it and keep it right next to Minnie....my pink KitchenAid mixer :) Happy cupcakes to you!

Baby Booties

2012-01-10T11:28:00.003-05:00

These are just the cutest little booties EVER....and they whip up super faaaast....finished in just a few hours. I may do up another pair or two to just have on hand for that next little baby...I knit these for Cubby's teacher. We are having a surprise baby shower for her next week and I thought they would be the perfect little treat for a winter baby.

Here's the supplies you will need:

1 skein Bernat Softee Baby Yarn, white
Size 5 knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

GAUGE:24 sts and 32 rows = 4" in stocking st.

Directions:

Cast on 33 sts. Work 10 rows in (K1.P1) ribbing.

Next row: (RS). (Eyelets). K1.*yo. K2tog. Rep from* to end of row.

Next row: Purl.

Divide for instep: Next row: K22. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.

Next row: P11. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.

Work 12 rows even across center 11 sts for instep. Break yarn.

With RS facing, rejoin yarn to last st on right-handed needle. Pick up and knit 7 sts down right side of instep.

K11 across instep. Pick up and knit 7 sts down left side of instep. K11 from left-hand needle. 47 sts.

Knit 11 rows (garter stitch)

Shape heel and toe:

Row 1: (RS). K2. K2tog. Knit to center. 5 sts. K2tog. K1. K2tog. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.

Row 2: Knit. Rep last 2 rows once more, then Row 1 once. 35 sts rem.

Cast off loosely knitwise(WS)

Finishing: Sew back and sole seam. Using 3 strands of yarn, make a braided length of cord and thread through the eyelet row, having ends meet at center.

Favorite Friday

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!! I can't believe the holidays are here and gone....They were wonderful, but I was truly wishing for a bit of snow. But that wasn't the case here. We only just got our first bit this past week. It wasn't a lot...but enough to make it look more like winter....and enough for me to wear my new mittens. These are my favorite thing this week....I got them over Thanksgiving when we were away in Deep Creek, Maryland. You may know the Treatgirl has probably knit well over a hundred pair of mittens in her lifetime...why buy these? Well,they are by Woolrich and have a cozy polar fleece lining...and I just love the snowflake motif on them too....that's why :) It just seems so crazy to not have had to wear mittens until JANUARY this year??! I'm sure we will make up for lost time....Many blessings to you this New Year. Happy 2012!

Favorite Friday

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

It was a no-brainer to pick my favorite thing this week....I had the most beautiful Christmas ever....the Christmas Eve service at our church was amazing, Christmas Eve with Chip's family was wonderful and fun. And Christmas day was truly great! The kiddos loved all of their presents...my Dad made it down from Buffalo...we had a relaxing day and my dinner was yummy. Chip did an outstanding job on surprising me with a few wonderful things....but THE MOST FAVORITE thing I received was this heart necklace and matching diamond earrings from Cubby. His school has a Holiday Shoppe every December and he takes his shopping very seriously. I help every year and he was VERY concerned that I stay away from him that morning, so he could shop alone. Well....he did FANTASTIC! I've worn it every day and couldn't be happier! What was your favorite gift this year????

Cozy and Super Soft

2011-12-29T08:59:00.002-05:00

I loooove my newest scarf my dear friend Sunshine. It is THE coziest and softest. I've had it on almost every day since Christmas Eve....Thank you! We're finally getting a few snowflakes around here.....Do you have a favorite cozy thing to bundle up with?

My Cupcake Tree

2011-12-28T23:46:00.001-05:00

I just had to share my cupcake tree with you! You may remember last year I got the prettiest slim tree to hang all of my snowmen ornaments on. I keep it up until Valentine's Day and I just love it. Weeeeellll.....THIS year as I was putting up my trees, I realized I had several REALLY cute cupcake ornaments. I looked around and thought "I have two trees, and I always like things in 3's....one more little tree would make me happy." The clincher was when my sister in law gave me three more sparkly, adorable cupcakes on Christmas Eve. Well, the day after Christmas I was going around to a few stores and there was the cutest little tree, pre-lit...in an urn...in Walgreens. Just $7. I stood in front of it and thought Hubs would surely kill me if I came home with one more tree....you see I already have FOUR! But it would be PER.FECT for my Cupcake dream. I sneaked it into my house and in just a few minutes snitched all of my sweet cupcakes off of my main tree and VOILA!

Last year at my Soul Sisters Christmas party my dear real-life friend Marzipanmom stitched us a little cupcake...and I also made a cupcake ornament. And all the little ones with the red cherry on top, I picked up at Walmart last year and have had sitting on my craft room table....I was going to use them as little present toppers, but I just didn't want to share them :( So all 8 of them are now together on my tree!...and believe it or not, but another friend got me the same ones in blue! Lucky me :)

Here is a picture of all three of my trees in the great room. I LOoooooOOOOOOove it! Hubs made the comment it is looking like a jungle in here, but I don't care!

Happy Cupcakes to you! As you can see....a little tree can hold any of your favorite treats :)

Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone!! I hope Santa is good to all of you and you have the most wonderful Christmas EVER! Best wishes for Peace, Health and Happiness....It's the MOST wonderful time of the Year....Make many happy memories :)

Favorite Friday

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy day-before-Christmas Eve! The cookies are baked, the presents are wrapped, the Christmas music is playing...I'm just working on my food things to make for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day....but I wanted to share my favorite thing this week....this cutie patootie little elf fairy! My dear friend Tammy from over at Strength for Life treated me to him. I loooove him and named him Jasper :)

He is a Mark Roberts creation and is just charming...here he is all tucked in the branches of my tree. I have declared him my favorite little thing this holiday season :) Enjoy every minute....they are going by fast!

Glittery Snowman Ornament

2011-12-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

I know, I know....Christmas is THIS weekend....but seriously....these little cuties take MINUTES to make! I made a bunch of them the afternoon I was making them....and if you have a few last minute treats you need for someone special you can whip these up. I saw them on Pinterest...but I forgot I actually saw them at the Hobby Lobby last year....click HERE to see that I even said in my post I may try to make these :)

All you need are white glass ball ornaments, black and orange paint, Modpodge and white glitter. I dipped the eraser end of a pencil in black paint to make the eyes and mouth...then a brush to paint the carrot nose. Paint a thin coat of Modpodge all over and sprinkle with glitter. They are THAT easy!!

I'm going to link up with Jennifer Juniper's Tuesday Tutorial....hop over and check it out.

Soul Sisters Christmas Party!!

2011-12-19T08:40:00.005-05:00

We Soul Sisters had our Christmas Party earlier in December...my pictures didn't turn out that great...so I "borrowed" these from Marzipanmom....thanks miss :) You may remember every year we do a little ornament exchange...the rules are they must be home made and you need to spend less than ten dollars on supplies....come along and see how wonderful they are....

Marzipanmom spent hours creating these amazing snowflakes complete with glitter. She rolled tiny little strips of paper to make these beauties.

Our friend Girl in the Sticks used pretty paper as well...she folded paper she chose for each of us that represents us perfectly.

I made little glitter snowman balls....really super easy....check back tomorrow for a little tutorial :)

Whoops...this picture got in here out of order and I don't feel like re-doing it....here is Jennifer Junipers super duper cute pinecone snowman and Ms. Joy's terrific glass ball that she filled with a perfect little paper tree. LOOOvvve THEM!

The previous picture of Marzipanmom's snowflakes didn't do them justice...here's a close up of their beauty!

LOTS of smiles when Joy delivered her glass balls.

And more smiles for the cute little snowmen :) We had a wonderful night over dinner and holiday drinks...as always we played our little guessing name, trying to guess our waitresses name.....Our hint was "Mustang...." Can you think of it? I hope you are all enjoying every minute of this fleeting holiday season.......I sure am!

Santa Mittens

2011-12-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

Aren't these the cutest???!!! I knit a pair for Cindylou for her first Christmas 16 years ago.....and ever since then, I hang them on my tree as an ornamet. Well, I've known of a few babies born this year, so I knit a few more pair...and decided to write out the pattern. They whip up super quick in just a few hours...plenty of time to make a baby happy and warm this Christmas :)

Here's what you need:

size 8 needle
Red Heart Sport yarn in red, black, pink and white

Cast on 24 stitches in red. Knit 11 rows of ribbing. Continue with red and knit 4 rows of stockinette.

Then knit 4 rows of white.

Knit 8 rows of pink in stockinette. Knit 10 rows of white. Then bind off. Make two of these.

Using black and red yarn and a darning needle sew stitches on to make his face. Turn inside out and fold in half to sew up. That's it!! Waaaaay cute :) I'm linking up to Jennifer Juniper's Tutorial Tuesday over at Hope Studios....check it out. Merry Christmas!

Favorite Friday

2011-12-09T07:54:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday!! I am loving this holiday season...cranking the Christmas music, decorating, knitting, being crafting...and soon to be baking! Next week I'll be busting out the cookie recipes and Minnie, my pink Kitchen Aid mixer. I'm excited! Well...I decided to treat myself to a cookie jar to keep them in. This season I've added a few more Santa's to my Christmas...this may be Cubby's last year believing and I'm becoming very sentimental. When I came across this SUPER CUTE Santa cookie jar on Ebay, I HAD to have it!!

Well, I kinda forgot I got a little cookie jar on clearance at my Hallmark store last year the day after Christmas. It's the one on the left.... And when I went to Buffalo last weekend, my Dad's girlfriend treated me to the really adorable one pictured on the left...also from Hallmark. Don't they look perfect together??? I LOVE them all!!!!

Here's where my Santa is sitting on my kitchen counter....and yes, that Santa plate is a new favorite too :)

And these two are perfect together...No worries.....I am sure they will all be filled with yummy cookies soon. The Treatgirl can't have too many places to stash her treats...the more the merrier!!

Sister!

2011-12-08T06:53:00.002-05:00

My sister was able to make it to our bi-annual Thanksgiving shindig this year...she travelled for over 24 hours to make it in from Dubai. I only get to see her a few times a year...and this time I had Cindylou take a few photos of us. This is how the photo shoot started out....

But we did end up getting a cute one :) We call each other "Sister" and more often than not, she barks it at me...SIS-TER!! But she is always wonderful, amazing and generous....I wouldn't trade her for the world!

Hillbilly Wine Glasses

2011-12-06T20:55:00.005-05:00

OK...For the record...these people are truly not Hillbillies! They are, however...from LA...that's Lower Alabama :) They're my Aunt and Uncle and they arrived to our destination Thanksgiving weekend (a.k.a FEED FEST 2011!!) in Deep Creek, Maryland with their own stemware! How super cute!!!!!!!! We all went crazy for them...but as soon as I heard $16.50 EACH the Treatgirl went into, "I can soooooo make that for waaaay less" mode. Especially when my sister went online and was going to order 8 of them AND pay for shipping!

These are sooooooooo super easy to make!! If you haven't figured it out, it's merely a Mason jar that I got at Michael's for $1.29 and a Dollar Tree candle stick...for, you got it.... a dollar :)

There were a bunch of glues to pick from at Michael's...but this one seemed like it would do the job. I just put a ribbon of glue around the bottom of the Mason jar and literally stuck the candlestick to it. I made 8 of them for my sister...I kept them all upside and stacked a bunch of books on them for extra weight and let them dry for 24 hours.

VOILA! Stinkin' EASY! You can even use littler, tiny jelly jars and make martini glasses. I'm going to link up to my real life friend Jennifer Juniper's Tuesday Tutorial post...hop over there and check it out.

Favorite Friday

2011-12-02T08:50:00.002-05:00

Happy DECEMBER!!!!!! I'm loving the holidays! It is officially the "Christmas Season" When I hear Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"...where ever it may be....most always in a store like TJMaxx :) I am guilty of being Christmas-y before Thanksgiving....shopping, crafting and doing my cards. But there are certain things I cannot do until December 1st. Putting up my trees (yes, TREES....the treatgirl puts up FOUR!!! I am CRAZY!), the wreath on my door, playing Christmas music, wrapping, and putting Peppermint Mocha creamer in my coffee :) I switch over from Pumpkin Spice to Peppermint Mocha on December 1st. I am a complete nut case.....but that's my own sweet little tradition. It is sooooo yummy. I'm sipping my coffee working on my decorating right now. It's a little frosty here and I am loving the quiet morning of seeing all of my favorite holiday decorations. Do you have a favorite little tradition that's all your own?

Favorite Friday

2011-11-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Black Friday!!! Can you believe the Treatgirl doesn't do it?? For starters, I'm usually out of town, and I generally have a majority of my shopping done by now... I know so much of it is online these days....but the Treatgirl just http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifisn't into it?? But what I AM into are these pumpkin cookies!!!! They are THE.BEST!!!! And to think I almost didn't make them! I have made several things to take along the past few weeks and put in the freezer...The day before we were to leave for our Thanksgiving holiday was of course crazy...and I didn't start making my last minute things in the chicken until almost 7pm....well, at 10:30pm I was exhausted and hadn't started the cookies :( I considered calling it quits and saving them until next year. Well, I took a deep breath and got going...and I'm so glad I DID! They are perfect. The cream cheese frosting is scrumptious! I found the recipe on Pinterest....scroll down to see the original post which includes the recipe. I have to warn you, they are THAT good....one last hur-rah for pumpkin this fall season. Many blessings to all of you!!!!

*****Warning!!! This recipe makes a TON of cookies!!!! I lost count, but I think well over 4 dozen******

Pumpkin Cookies:

Combine:
1 Cup Shortening (I used butter)
3 Cups Sugar
Add:
2 eggs
Mix in:
1 large can pumpkin (30 ounces)
Now add:
1 tsp. vanilla
5 cups flour
And then add:
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Now, bake @ 350 for about 10-12 minutes. Let cool & then ice using the following Cream Cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing:

Combine:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
Gradually mix in: 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed in so many ways....family, friends, and health....Best wishes to you for a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Nemacolin

2011-11-22T10:43:00.008-05:00

Did you know the Treatgirl slipped away with Chip for a few days last week? It was wonderful!!!! Now that a few of the kiddos are teenagers it is SO hard to spend any time with just EACH OTHER. Chip had a work related thingy at an AMAZING resort about an hour and a half from where we live, and invited me to tag along. I promptly lined up my Dad to come and keep the troops in line over here and away we went!

Nemacolin is truly wonderful....every detail is accounted for and you truly feel like you are being pampered and "away"! Here is the view of the Chateau when we pulled up....This is the main part of the resort. We've been here several times before....and I still feel so special when I get here :)

Right away I spotted a little sun room off the main lobby where I camped out with my knitting while Chip checked in and got situated.

Oh, and here's Chip taking care of business :)

They've been busy over at Nemacolin getting ready for the holidays...here is a view of the lobby all decked out with a tree and other pretty things.

After an afternoon of relaxing while Chip was busy doing stuff....we had a few cocktails and got ready for an evening out. I got a new camera a few months ago and I figured out the self-timer :)

The next morning before we headed back to reality we walked around and checked out all of the animals they have...

...bears....

...A white lion, and ....

...a white buffalo too! It was so great to get away for a little bit before the rush of the holidays is here....but I'm already looking forward to next time!! :)

Favorite Friday

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wow. Another week here and gone....and one week closet to my FAVORITE dinner of the whole year :) woohoo! Thanksgiving!! Anyhoo....this week is proof that it's really the little things that make the Treatgirl happy. My favorite thing this week is this pan I got at the Dollar Tree a few weeks ago. Just one dollar spent and I'm happy!! This pan measures just 11" x 7" and I use it almost everyday. It's perfect for all the little things you want to warm up....a piece of pizza, a few chicken nuggets, cinnamon rolls....it's something that's not really needed...but when I saw it and it was only $1, why not?

A Crochet Lesson

2011-11-15T22:20:00.004-05:00

I just can't express how happy I was to have a dear friend agree to come over and give me and Jennifer Juniper a crochet lesson last week. I've been wanting to learn for a long time now....well, actually I knew how when I was very little, but couldn't remember...

I have a huge bin of leftover yarn...not enough of any one color or kind to make anything out of. I came across the idea a while ago to make a "one-a-day" quilt out of granny squares. The premise being you make one square a day, and when you have enough....you sew them into a blanket. Granny squares are the perfect thing to use up leftover yarn...I just needed to know how to crank them out!

My friend came over prepared with sample granny squares, yarn and crochet hooks...ready to teach us. This is the very beginning of my first square.

Our lesson went great...our teacher was so patient and wonderful...

...sitting between us helping us along as we made mistakes. And then as we got the hang of it I could see how this was this was going to be a new crafty thing I was going to love!

Look!!!! My very first granny square...I love it for me! I can't wait to get going on my one -a- day blanket....I'm going to practice for a while here and there for the next several weeks...and hopefully in January I'll be in full swing. Thank you, Thank you Sondie for taking your morning and giving me new passion!

Favorite Friday on 11. 11. 11!!

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Happy 11/11/11!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to Favorite Friday. Can you believe I haven't run out of any favorite things yet???? This week I'm featuring our favorite cereal over here....Cinnamon Chex. We are not huge cereal eaters AT ALL. I can have boxes of cereal in the pantry for MONTHS........the kids just aren't into it...and I can't remember the last time hubs had a bowl. Well, I've hit on one we loooooooooove!! I actually buy 2 boxes at a time. It is that good. I open a box and eat it by the handful on the way home from the store. ( Well, I only did that once cuz I forgot to eat lunch and I was starving :) There is a generous amount of cinnamon and the crunch is great. Have you tried it?? What's your fav cereal?? Maybe I can get the kiddos to find another one they'll eat........Best wishes for a terrific weekend.

Fall leaves......

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

We had such a beautiful weekend here in Western Pennsylvania...and my favorite tree is looking even more spectacular. My mums by the front door are still pretty and welcoming.

Smile!!

It won't be too much longer before these pretty leaves will long gone and the cold blustery days of winter are here....savor every fall moment.

Who Would Have Thought???

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I have been sucked in by Pinterest??? If you haven't checked it out yet...click on that little button over to right in my sidebar. And don't say I haven't warned you...IT.IS.ADDICTIVE! I will never in my lifetime be able to make all of the lovely things I have pinned... I keep saying I'm going to start making some of the stuff...well, here is the first thing...I saw this the day and pinned to my "Why Didn't I Think of That?" board. The lid to your shaker can of cheese fits perfectly onto a Mason jar. I love it! Just plain and simple. It looks a little better on my table too :) Cindylou noticed it right away when she opened the fridge door. "What's with the new cheese?" Same cheese, just in a jar.

The Circus

2011-11-06T20:53:00.005-05:00

The Greatest Show on Earth. Yep! It was!! We took Cubby and his friend to the circus last Friday night and I'm still in awe over what a great show it was. It was a far cry from the one my grandma took my sister and I to in the parking lot of her grocery store. We sat on dirty bleachers, there was hay all over the place and elephant poops everywhere. We thought it was great at the time....but now that I'm all grown up and my standards are a bit higher, I couldn't have been more impressed. It was kind of spur of the moment....we just got our tickets at the box office when we got there. The kids admission was only $10....you can't even see a movie for that anymore! Of course there were souvenir stands at every turn selling pennants, cotton candy and...

...snowcones. The most perfect snowcones in beautiful rainbow colors.

The doors were open an hour before the show so you could get right down front and enjoy the clowns before we sat down in our seats.

Cubby is quite the little shopper and hovered by every stand on our way to our seats pining for just one little souvenir.

The show couldn't have been more exciting...parts I couldn't even watch! This picture doesn't do this act justice.....it was crazy how high they were on that wire...and then they twirled around in a complete circle and were upside down too. Yikes!

Of course there were elephants, trapeze artists, acrobats and a strong man. The clowns were terrific too.

The boys voted the motorcycles in the metal ball their favorite thing of the night. Can you believe EIGHT of them were in there?????!!! How do their mothers let them do that night after night????

And if you ask me this trainer is crazy too..Seriously...these tigers were HUGE, and he kept dangling little pieces of meat on the end of that stick in front of their faces. DUH. CRAZY!

The costumes were spectacular and the whole evening was full of energy, never a dull moment.

So, if you see the circus coming to your town BE SURE to go....take the kids, of any age......you truly won't be disappointed. It is the Greatest show on Earth.

Favorite Friday

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is my newest favorite thing....I saw it at TJMaxx the other day and grabbed it. With a couple of teenagers and a second grader in the house I needed to get it out there in big words what I'm trying to teach by example everyday. I often feel like things are spiraling out of control sometimes :(

I found the perfect spot in my laundry room. It seems I'm the one in there the most, but I think it's getting the point across....most of these things we have learned in kindergarten...but a little refreshing never hurts. Do you have any other family rules I should include??? Have a terrific fall weekend!

Crimson Leaves and a Beautiful Sunrise

2011-11-03T15:00:00.003-04:00

This is my favorite tree in the fall....I just love the way it turns such beautiful colors. I really thought once Cub's football season was over I'd have tons of time to enjoy every day....well, not so much. I'm just as busy as always everyday. But it's all good.

And this beautiful sunrise was the start to another busy day....who can't help but feel things are all good with a start like this?? Tell me....what makes a great start to your day???

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween to you!!! I treated my family and friends to cupcakes.....Best wishes for lots of sweet treats and happy memories to you too :)

Snow??? In October?!

2011-10-30T22:03:00.002-04:00

Snow??....yep! They were calling for a dusting yesterday morning. Well it was more than that! Cub woke up and I heard him rattling the blinds in his room and the report that it was snowing out. He and his Braves football team had their divisional playoff game that afternoon, and never did we think it would be so snowy and cold!!!! Cub was a captain for the team.....number 31.

The field was under 2" of the white stuff and it was still coming down at game time.

These pictures do not convey how terribly cold and then wet, the boys were. It was so bitter for them....They played their very hardest and it was a great game. They held the other team to just 6 points...but ended up losing 0-6. Another Superbowl this year wasn't meant to be. But we had a great season and made a ton of wonderful memories.

We carved our pumpkins and they were peeking out into the snowflakes too....

This just doesn't look right.

I took these pictures early in the morning...we ended up with a bunch before it was over.

And this is crazy.....here is an old picture I found of Cindylou and T. from when they were babies. I spent a month or two knitting them these cute little matching sweaters and hats. Unfortunately the day we went to the pumpkin patch it was 82 degrees!! I put the sweaters on them just for a quick picture...a big contrast to this snowy fall weekend :)

Favorite Friday

2011-10-28T07:00:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to share this week's Favorite Friday pick with you. It's something very simple, smooth and creamy....Kirkland's Vanilla Ice Cream. I've been making fun of my Dad lately.....the only ice cream he has eaten for my whole entire life is vanilla. I was busting his chops on a visit over the summer....."Dad, life is too short for just vanilla". But now I'm eating my words because I am ADDICTED to Costco's Kirkland brand Vanilla. First of all it's hard to find a TRUE half gallon of ice cream anymore....all of the companies are skimping on it these days...second of all, you get TWO of them in the box...for just $9.99. WHAT a DEAL! I was never an ice cream eater until I was pregnant with Cubby...and these past several weeks I think I've been making up for lost time. It complimented the apple crisp I made last week perfectly :) TRY IT!

Pup is a Robot

2011-10-25T08:52:00.003-04:00

For those of you who've been around a while...Pup is Cubby's best friend. And I have the privilege of making her a Halloween costume every year. Last year she was a China Girl ...and click HERE to see her as a Princess, Ghost and Witch!! Yep...I know you're all thinking the Treatgirl has lost her mind. But I don't care....before I know it Pup won't be his best friend anymore......why not make him happy?? Happy Halloween!!

Glass Jar Mummy Candles

2011-10-24T21:15:00.006-04:00

I have seen these super cute mummy candles all over the place, and decided the kiddos needed to help me make them! They weren't hard at all....just a little bit messy.

Here's what you need:
1. A jar of whatever size you'd like
2. gauze- I just used the kind from my first aid kit. It was pretty wide, so I cut it into 2 strips.
3. Elmers glue

Pour Elmers glue into a small bowl and add a little bit of water to thin it out. Then soak the gauze strips in the glue. Take a strip one at a time and wrap it around your jar. It will be pretty wet, so try and squeeze a little of the glue out. This doesn't have to be perfect at all.....mummy's are pretty old and not perfect :) Let it dry overnight. You can use a black Sharpie marker to decorate the face. I had some googly eyes in my stash and thought they looked good.

Look how spooky they look :)Hey...Why don't you link up to my real-life friend Jennifer Juniper's amazing linky party...I just did!

Favorite Friday

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Happy, happy Friday!! I have to admit I am waaay behind on baking any fall treats over here. I am certainly wanting too.....it's just that I've been so busy!! But last night after football practice I did whip up this apple crisp. Start to finish...35 minutes! I know this is one of THE EASIEST things to bake....but I've been partial to this Concord box mix for years and don't bother making it from scratch. It was just perfect on a chilly fall night after football practice. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get baking over here. Have a terrific weekend!!!!

Crazy for Boots!

2011-10-20T21:54:00.005-04:00

Sssshhhhhhhh.....don't tell my hubs....but I got FOUR pair of boots this week. Pllleeaaase don't think I'm crazy....I can explain.

I've been struggling these past several weeks at Cubby's football practices and games...it has been rainy and muddy here for several weeks, and I just didn't have the right footwear. After assessing my boot situation, I decided I needed to fill in the gaps. Not that I don't have ANY boots ( please click HERE to see what I'm talking about) But almost everything I had was too "good" to wear to a muddy football game. Sooooooo here we go....This first pair are Timberland "Nellie". They are the perfect chocolate brown, completely waterproof and the lady who sold them to me said I could hose the mud right off. Perfect for these fall days we've been having. Can you picture the Treatgirl raking leaves with these on????

I actually had these identical L.L. Bean moccasin boots when I was in high school, only in brown. I've been thinking of getting them for a while now....There is an L.L. Bean store at the mall near me...and last Sunday when I took Cindylou to the mall for the afternoon, I gave in.

I thought they'd be great to knock around in... for slipping on to go to the bus stop, get the mail or some light shoveling in the winter.

I stood and debated for a long time on these Wellies while Cindylou sat and waited....I truly didn't NEED them....The moccasin boots could probably cover the same job.

But I couldn't decide between the two....and between football, lacrosse and soccer games I figured I could switch back and forth week after week.

I have 3 other pair of black boots. But they're high heeled, flat or dressy. I thought these would be great with jeans and a hoodie. I know I will wear them a lot. Really. I will. So there it is....am I crazy???? I promise, no more boots :)

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-18T09:34:00.002-04:00

Scrapbooking design personalized with Smilebox

We've been BUSY over here....but Cubby and Cindylou sneaked away with me to the pumpkin patch yesterday after school....we had the patch all to ourselves and loved every minute. Best wishes for a Happy Fall to all of you!!

Favorite Friday

2011-10-14T16:34:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!! I am sooooo sorry....life got in the way again this week and I didn't get much blogging done. :( But I have been wearing this trench from Target every day because is hasn't stopped raining around here! So I am featuring it as my favorite thing. I got it last spring at my local Target store for $49.99....It is also available in other colors online. I hunted high and low for the perfect trench and this one was it. It is water repellent and has blue pinstriped lining at the sleeves so when you turn them up it looks super cute. It's not heavy at all and folds up great for travel. So if you're looking around....look no further. Hope you all have a terrific fall weekend!!

Favorite Friday

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Well, another week flew by...hope it was great for you all. Mine's been CRAAAAZY over here......I call it my "Christmas in October" 4 birthdays in ONE week...Yikes. It's all fun....but really busy. Cindylou celebrated her Sweet 16 last Saturday, my father in law's was Sunday and Cubby's was yesterday...finally, Chip's is on Sunday. Anyhoo....I wanted you all to know I've been hooked on this gel baby oil for a while now and I finally feel it's worthy to be considered a Friday Favorite. I use it mostly to take my eye makeup off....but it is wonderful to rub in after a shower when your skin is really dry. It comes in different flavors, but I'm partial to the original. Pick some up on your next trip to the store, you'll be happy you did :)

Team Bracelet

2011-10-03T23:42:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to make a fun charm bracelet FOR.EVER. Christmas, Halloween...nope...I made a team bracelet for Cubby's football team. There are only a few games left in the season...so I got busy over the weekend. It turned out super cute! I started out by making a charm with his team picture.

Then I made a whole lot of dangles with blue and black beads...our team colors.

Then I filled it in with some cute charms.....A "mom" charm, 4 leaf clover for good luck,football, helmet, Love, Inspire, and even a "Cub" bear!!!

I can't wait to wear it to the rest of our games....Let's go Braves!!!!!

Favorite Friday

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!!!!!! Welcome to Favorite Friday where the Treat Girl gives you the scoop on some of her favorite things. This week it is certainly the new Peanut Butter Oreos I have become addicted to. Yep, just one more thing to keep me going to the gym everyday. I'm telling you...I ate a whole row in one day!! And while I was cruising around the internet looking for an image to post, I found they make these in DOUBLESTUFF too!!!!!!! YIKES!! Double the fun :) Try them, but save some for me...

Socks

2011-09-26T21:35:00.004-04:00

I have been spending the last few months knitting socks. I have been knitting since I was in about third grade, and I've never knit a pair of socks. I've been wanting to try them for a long time now and finally over the summer I decided to get busy. It also helped that Joanne's had a big sale on all of their sock yarn one day when I was in there :) Look how super cute these turned out?!! I have found the perfect pattern too!!! Click HERE to find out for yourself. Wise Hilda has shared THE BEST basic ribbed sock pattern. They really fit!!!!

This was actually the first pair I knit from one of those free patterns they have in the yarn section at Michael's or Joannes. They turned out a little "slouchy", but not bad for my first attempt.

I bought TONS of sock yarn with full intentions of knitting a pair for all of my girlfriends for Christmas. Well, I've figured out it takes me almost a MONTH to knit just one pair....very slow going when you're using super thin yarn and needles the size of toothpicks!! I may have to revise my gift giving list :) But I have to say I have the sock knitting bug!

Favorite Friday

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

So sorry for not keeping up on my little blog.....I thought for sure when the kiddos went back to school I'd have TONS of time to get caught up on all of my favorite blogs and have lots of cute stuff to post about....but that doesn't seem to be the case. I PROMISE I'll try harder!!!! But it's Friday and you know I love to feature something that's a big hit with me....this week I'm into making these fun stretchy bracelets.

I found these fun beads in my stash a while ago and one afternoon when I was supposed to be cleaning I wound up down in my craft room making a bunch of these super cute bracelets. They are great to wear one at a time, stacked with 3 or 4...or to give away to a friend. Giving always makes me feel so much better :) Best wishes for a terrific weekend peeps!

Ovarian Cancer Walk

2011-09-12T21:25:00.003-04:00

September is the National Ovarian Cancer month and yesterday was the Pittsburgh chapter's 11th annual Karen F. Bowers Memorial Walk to Break the Silence of Ovarian Cancer. My mother in law passed aware from this horrible cancer last August 24, 2010. Ever since she was diagnosed our family has been participing in this event.

It has grown in size and donations every year with more and more people becoming involved. It is so amazing to see thousands of people all out in support of the many survivors, and others there to honor those they have lost.

We call our group "Nancy's Circle of Friends". There were over 75 of us this year...you can see her picture on the back of the sign we carry as we make our way around the lake at North Park. We all miss her so very much, and this is just a tiny way for us to keep her memory alive and help in the fight against Ovarian Cancer.

Here are Cub, Chip and Cindylou ready to start the walk.

We helped my father in law host a luncheon for all the walkers in our group. And of course the Treatgirl said she would be bringing cupcakes!!!! I made vanilla/vanilla and tinted the buttercream teal...the color of Ovarian Cancer. They didn't last long...I'm starting to have quite the following in my family for baking scrumptious cupcakes! Be sure to tune in to the Dr. Oz show tomorrow, he is dedicating his show to Ovarian Cancer.

Favorite Friday

2011-09-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday.....Let's go Yanks!!! How awesome is the N.Y. Yankee ice cream?????!! In case you're not aware, I am THE.BIGGEST Yankee fan. well...mostly number 2....Derek Jeter :) :) But no, I have been a fan, along with my Dad since I was little. The neck and neck race with Boston all summer has got my last nerve frazzled...so this ice cream with be the perfect thing to help me relax. It is chocolate with little chocolate crunchies and fudgy chocolate swirl. As with all of these seasonal/special edition type things...they suck me in and I'm in love, then it's over and gone! So of course the Treatgirl bought a few of these to stash away in the the extra freezer downstairs for when they are gone :) Have a terrific weekend!!

First Day

2011-09-07T21:46:00.002-04:00

Today was our first day of school.....as always I was the only mom there with tears leaking out. The older two flew out the door at 6:39 a.m. and started their year together in the IHS building.....9th and 10th grades. Cubby is on to second grade. I just can't get over it!!!! It seems like yesterday I was carpooling him to pre-school. He was up and ready with no problem.

Our bus stop has a ton of kids......every year we always get a group picture ( Lots of mommy scrapbookers :) This was the first year I can ever remember that it was actually a bit chilly.....almost fall-like.

As always, I made a cake for the first day of school....I learned a few things....it looks a bit tall and top-heavy, but it's really yummy. I used a boxed Devils Food cake mix and wanted to make it an 8" triple layer cake. Well, 1 box wasn't quite enough, and 2 boxes was toooo much! The kids didn't seem to mind...Cub was wondering if it was a wedding cake because it was so high :)

Here's the recipe for the Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookie Cake:

1 pkg. (2 layer size) devil's food chocolate cake mix
4 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
1/4 cup butter, cut up
1 pkg. (8 oz.) softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
12 Oreo's coarsely crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare and bake cake mix as directed on the box in two nine inch round baking pans. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pans. Cool completely on racks.

Microwave chocolate and butter in a small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping and crushed oreos. Place 1 cake layer, top side down, on serving plate. Spread top of layer evenly with cream cheese mixture. Cover with remaining cake layer, topside up. Spoon chocolate glaze over top of cake. Let stand until set. Store in refriferator.

Favorite Friday

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wow.....these weeks just keep flying by faster and faster. I certainly hope when my kiddos go back to school next week I will have a little more time for some blogging fun. I just haven't had much time to hop around and check out all of my bloggy friends....so sorry :(

But here is my pick for my favorite thing this week...Trident Splash Peppermint gum. I have to start right off my saying that I am NOT a gum chewer. I very rarely chew gum and I can probably count on one hand how many times I have actually even bought gum....but I think I'm going to start!

A few nights ago at football practice our designated "Team Grandmom" ( who was actually Cindy Lou's first grade teacher....and after 36 years of teaching retired this year) offered me a piece of this gum. I took a piece and looooooooved it. It stays soft and holds it flavor FOR.EVER. She then proceded to tell me it's kind of hard to find...and when she does, she buys a bunch of it. Well....I may just have to start buying gum and chewing it. It's that good....so tell me....do you have a favorite??

Peach Pie

2011-08-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

OK. If you read my post yesterday, I was attempting to make a peach pie from scratch. I have been stressing about this all week. seriously, I have. I have been all over bloggy-ville and back comparing recipes and techniques. I finally settled on my real-life friend Jennifer Juniper's crust recipe....and I found the filling recipe on allrecipes.com. Click HERE to get Jennifer's recipe.

For how worried and stressed I was it turned out A.MAZ.ING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thrilled. My sister in law has been baking pies for years and I love this crust much better....and I'm sure it's because she uses Crisco in hers. I followed Jennifer Junipers recipe which calls for all butter, except I added an extra Tablespoon of sugar.

I got all crazy when all of these recipes were saying to use your food processor, which I don't have. I mean, how did Laura Ingalls Wilder make her pie crust???? So I got a pastry blender and it worked perfect! I saw exactly how to do it on a post over at smittenkitchen.

I certainly need a little help with crimping the edges...mine look like Cubby did them. And also making cute little decorations for the top...but for my first try I couldn't be happier. I just loooooove the taste of the crust, and it's FLAKY too! That's what really makes a pie great for me......kinda like the buttercream on a cupcake :)

Favorite Friday

2011-08-26T07:19:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday peeps! These summer days seem to be flying by faster and faster.....I can't believe school starts soon. It seems I just can't get any busier...but with peach season starting to fade I just had to feature them on my little Favorite Friday post.

Peaches remind me of my mother in law. She loved them....in her last days that was all she ate. I've been wanting to try to make a homemade pie crust for years and today is the day. Forever I have been content with the refrigerator brand....but today I am attempting to make a peach pie. I have all of my ingredients and a pastry blender. I've been looking around at all of my friends blogs and studying hard. Cross your fingers for me....I'll let you know how it goes :)

Guppies

2011-08-23T21:49:00.003-04:00

OK. Now please bear with me a little bit here...it was REALLY hard to get some pictures. But these are the guppies Cubby brought home from first grade back in March.

He actually brought home two guppies. I fed them yesterday morning, and there were two. Then last night I couldn't believe my eyes when there was a third one swimming around too! He is in the middle there....just the size of a little piece of rice.

I just couldn't get over that there was another one.....I really had NO IDEA how this came about! Here's a little bit better picture...there he is, that little speck in the middle.

Really....did you know guppies did this??? Like when??? Or how?????????!

Favorite Friday

2011-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's Friday!!!!! Whoo HOooooooooooOOO! The day I feature something that has become a favorite of mine. Because the Treatgirl loves to pass along her tidbits on what I think you may like :) A friend at the gym was telling me about this Almond Soy milk and I couldn't wait to try it. I got it on my next trip to the store. IT.IS.GREAT!! For Reals. You will really like this! I use it for cereal, pour it over berries, and use it to make milkshakes.

I also love it to make iced coffee drinks. A bit of it over ice with coffee and a Splenda and you won't know what came over you! No more Starbucks :) And how about the really cute travel cup? I know, it was made just for me! A BOGO for Favorite Friday...because this is one of my favorites too.

Team Spirit

2011-08-18T23:12:00.002-04:00

This team mom has been busy every night this week getting ready for our first game on Saturday. I got all of of our rosters printed out, laminated and hung on lanyards so we can easily cheer for our boys. Then I got the idea that it would be cute if all the moms had a little bracelet too.

I love our team colors of black and blue.....although the true "blue" of our school is what they call "Carolina Blue" and was impossible to find....so I settled for this one. On my hunt for blue beads, I was lucky to find these super great football charms. They turned out cute and I'm excited for Saturday to share them with everyone. Hoping they bring us good luck!!!!!

Favorite Friday

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

I was at my Dad's last week...and I just HAD to feature this picture for my favorite thing. It was so wonderful to get away and relax for a few days....I drank my coffee out on the dock in the morning sunshine everyday. I wish every morning started that way :)

Are You Ready for Some Football???

2011-08-10T16:33:00.007-04:00

I can't believe football camp is here already??!! Where has the summer gone??? We've been busy having lots of fun :) Cub is excited to be back playing....our practices are 5 nights a week for the first few weeks, and our first game is next Saturday already.

Cub is all fired up for the season to start. I've tried to prepare him we may not make it to the playoffs, or win the Superbowl again....but he isn't listening. The other night on the way home from practice he was so happy that his coaches tapped him on the helmet AND gave him a high five after his turn pushing the sled. It doesn't take much....

He's thrilled that the coaches have picked him to be a running back this season..."That's what I've wanted to do my whole life!" Really??? You're only 7. He's getting good at staying low and wrapping his tackles. And he is very serious about running and sprints. I have to let him know at every water break what place he came in.

They've already had their team pictures, and I'm officially team mom. I take my position seriously:)I have a team roster printed and emailed, I have the lanyards with the roster on one side and the schedule on the other, laminated and ready for our first game. I am working on a little treat for all of the moms and have put together a tshirt/hoodie order for all of the teams...Yikes! And it's only the second week of the season :)

Last night when I was working on stuff Cub was sitting next to me on the sofa. He leaned over and hugged me and said," Thanks for being my team mom". Okay. My heart melted and that makes all of this worth while. There will be many memories from this season, but that will probably be my favorite.

Favorite Friday

2011-07-29T08:33:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday peeps!!! What a beautiful day.......and lately I've been loving starting my day with my new fav creamer. It's Walmart's store brand, Great Value Cinnamon Vanilla. For anyone who knows me...I don't really like coffee all that much. It's really just creamer with a splash of coffee. And I look forward to the change of season's when Coffemate introduces their seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice :)

I was at the checkout a few weeks ago and saw the lady in front of me getting this, and tucked it in the back of my brain for my next trip.....well, I looooooove it!!!! Just a little splash goes a long way, so I feel like I'm drinking less calories too. I think my body got so used to the French Vanilla I've use for years that I was putting sooooo much in. It is yummy!! And while I'm at it....this is a favorite coffee mug too :) Cubby made it for me for Mother's Day this past year at the local pottery painting place in town. Everything and anything my kids make me ( and with the teenagers now, it's about zilch) I looooove. Treat yourself to a new creamer, I know you'll like it. Have a terrific weekend.

U2

2011-07-27T22:42:00.005-04:00

U2 360tour. The final stop of U2's 2 year, 60 show tour was in Pittsburgh last night....and it couldn't have been a more perfect night! The weather was amazing and the 60,000 fans at Heinz field were ready to ROCK! Chip and I have had our tickets for months and this was one truly one of the highlights of my summer. We have friends that we go to lots of concerts with and they hooked us up with terrific seats in the club level, as well as planned a limo ride for us too! Look at how excited I am :) I couldn't sleep for two nights...getting up at 4:30 a.m. two days in a row. I felt so giddy!!

My husband Chip's great friend was picking me up at our house at 2 p.m. to go to his house were the pre-party was and where the limo was picking us up. Well, a few weeks ago Chip put two and two together and realized he made plans to travel for business and wouldn't be arriving in Pittsburgh until almost 5pm. I couldn't believe it! How could he not remember we were going to the concert that night???! Anyhoo...when the phone rang I could tell by the ring he had missed his flight and sure enough he did!!! I freaked a bit, but recovered nicely...consoling myself that I wasn't going to miss out on any fun :) So here I am with our other friend Pat....who by the way claimed me as his date a few nights earlier when the boys had their "planning meeting" at a local watering hole.....looks like his premonition was right!

Well, here you can see my Hubs Chip finally showed up about a 1/2 hour before show time....so date night with Pat was now over :) And hubs was trying hard to catch up on all the fun he had been missing out on.

Look at how crazy the stage and sound systems are????????? It was truly unreal how cool everything was. This picture doesn't do it justice.

Here we are when we just got through the gates. I couldn't wait for the concert to start.

Look how cool it is....the energy and excitement were amazing. They played tons of great stuff and we didn't sit down all night.

The night flew by....by the memories will last forever!

Favorite Friday

2011-07-21T21:37:00.004-04:00

Happy HOT Friday to you!! I'm a weather girl junkie, and as far as I can tell there is no place anywhere that will be less than 100 degrees today.......YIKES!! Well, if you're new to my little blog I do a thing every Friday featuring my fav thing of the week.......this week it's a shout out to my sister. And for the most part, I call her Sister, and she calls me sister too :) She treated me to a super fantastic trip out to Colorado to visit her for five days this past week.....I didn't really know how much I needed it. It was sooooooooooooooooo nice to just relax, exercise, knit a little, read a little, shop, eat, talk, get pampered and not have to do anything at all for anyone else. Now THAT was a treat!!! Even the plane ride back and forth was a treat :) Here we are at dinner at a little favortie place in Vail...La Botega. We had a wonderful night at dinner and a little walk through the village.

Thank you so much Sister.......I truly appreciate it!

A Visit to Vail

2011-07-21T15:40:00.005-04:00

This post is being written by a very spoiled Treatgirl. I was treated to a wonderful getaway weekend to Vail, Colorado by my sister. She lives there when she isn't traveling to New York, London, or Dubai. And can you believe these cupcakes were my very first treat???? Our first stop, before even going home, was a favorite place of hers called Eat! Drink! It's a little shop where half of it is a wine store, and the other half has a terrific selection of cheeses, olives, oils and cupcakes!

We picked out some yummy things....I've noticed that since my sister isn't married and has no kids, she often had just olives as her meal.

We stopped home, dropped our bags and walked into town for an outdoor concert along the banks of Gore creek. We met a few of her friends and shared some cheese, olives and wine together. A really nice night.

Here we are.......we call each other "sister". With different emphasis on the syllables for different emotions. Happy, mad, disbelief etc.......

Here is the view from an upper balcony of her place.

And this is the view the other way....it's just so pretty. I could get really used to it every day.

Friday night we went into Vail village to have dinner at a favorite place, La Botega. We ate outside on the patio.....look at the sky....soooooo colorful and pretty.

Doesn't it look like we're in Europe???

We shopped around a few outdoor markets that are popular on the weekends, I got a manicure and pedicure, and Sister treated me to an AMAZING facial. We also worked out with her trainer at the gym two mornings...to work off all the cheese :) Her friends hosted us for dinner Saturday night...the entree was an Iranian dish. Her friend lived there until she was 7 years old...it was wonderful!

Here is a little bridge that crosses over Gore Creek in the middle of Vail.

And here's another view of the creek. I remember when the kids were little they used to cool off and play along the shores here.

On my last afternoon we walked through Vail and browsed around the outdoor market. I picked up a few treats for the kiddos....and a few for me too. What a wonderful weekend...Thank you again, Sister!!!!

Favorite Friday

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Are these summer weeks flying by....or is it just me????? I can't believe it's Friday already! Luckily I am never in short supply of something I love, to feature on this Favorite Friday post :)

This week I am LOVING my new shoes for the gym. I am always partial to Nike's...they always fit well and hold up well. These are their Pegasus 27 Trail shoes. They are super comfy and REALLY springy.

I just thought the colors were so summery too. And for me a new pair of shoes jump starts my workout a bit too :) Have a terrific weekend!

This is Going to Take Me a While

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have been knitting for about 35 years now...and besides a few baby blankets, I have never knit an afghan. It just never really came about. Until now.

I was originally going to make a "stash" blanket and use up tons of yarn that I have from leftover projects. But I came across this pretty green yarn at Michael's and so the stash project will have to wait. With our 10 hour drive to and from the beach a few weeks ago, I thought that it would be the perfect time to start. But first I had to find a pattern. There are no less than of a zillion of them I think. But I settled on the "Linus". It is only a 3 row pattern that is pretty easy to remember.

In case you're interested..... You need a worsted weight yarn and a size 10 circular needles.

Directions: For a large afghan cast on 210 sts., for a small one cast on 144 sts. Pattern is a multiple of 11 sts. + 1.

Row 1: K1, *yo, K3, K2 tog, K2 tog, K3, yo, K1. Repeat from* to end.

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: Knit

Repeat rows 1-3 until desired lenghth.

I actually didn't start it until the ride home. And after an hour or so, had only an inch or two done. My hubs made the comment that he thought it was going to take a long time to finish. Ya THINK????????? I'm am knitting away on it, a little bit every day....I still don't know who I will give it to, or maybe I will keep it for myself???? That would be a major treat!

And They Came...Two by Two

2011-07-12T21:38:00.003-04:00

They keep coming in pairs.....now I have a pair of hermit crabs and a pair of dwarf frogs. REEAAAAlllYYYY....At this point I'm just going for the Mom of the Year Award. Do you remember the pair of baby ducks I had???? Well, they are gone...Chip released them and hopefully they are paddling around a pond somewhere. And they have been replaced by the crabs we got at the beach and frogs.

Cub is thrilled and is taking very good care of his crabs. Misting their shells, putting them on the carpet for some exercise, and seeing to it they have food and water. The frogs are very easy...he only has to feed them once a week and change the water every 2 months. ?????????? He sits on a little stool in front of them and watches them. He also made a mobile for them to look at. I can't complain....I just hope he's making happy childhood memories :)

Peanut Butter Cup Pie

2011-07-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

If you're looking for a super easy dessert that every chocolate peanut butter lover will like......look no further. I've had this recipe for the longest time and just tried it for the first time yesterday when I had my husband's sister's family over for dinner. It literally took 15 minutes to put together....then just 4 hours to chill.

Here's what you need:

1 package (8oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup, plus 1 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter, divided
1 cup cold milk
1 package (3.4 oz.) vanilla flavor instant pudding
2 1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip Topping, divided
1 Oreo pie crust
3 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate (I forgot to get this when I was at the store...so I used about a 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips that I had on hand and it worked out fine :)

How to make it:

1. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup peanut butter until well blended. Add milk and dry pudding mix; beat 2 minutes. Whisk in 1 cup Cool Whip; spoon into crust.

2. Microwave remaining Cool Whip and chocolate in microwave bowl on high about 1 min. 30 sec., or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each minute. Cool completely.

3. Spread chocolate mixture over pudding layer in crust. Microwave remaining peanut butter in small bowl about 30 seconds, stir. Drizzle over pie. ( I put it in a small plastic Ziploc bag and cut the corner off) Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

Really.....believe me, this is super easy and really yummy...it tastes like you really slaved over it.

I'm linking up over at my friend Jennifer Juniper's great linky party....if you have something to teach her, stop over and link up too!

Favorite Friday

2011-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to share my favorite thing with you all this week......my O Cedar Promist mop.....Yup, a MOP!! Can you believe the Treatgirl has never owned a mop??? I have been washing floors on my hands and knees FOR.EVER. When the WetJet came out several years ago, I was a smidge tempted to try it just for little spills etc...but never did. Well...I've had my eye on this mop for a few months now, and I actually asked for it for my birthday. When my mom was in town visiting she treated me to it. It's been in my laundry room for several weeks now and I actually just busted it out this week.

I loooooooooooove it and give it 5 stars! You can mix up whatever cleaning solution for the refillable bottle that you like, and the cleaning cloth is washable up to 100 washes. It velcros onto the bottom of the mop... you can also use Swiffer cloths on it...so it does double duty. I'm convinced a woman invented this. It is totally my new best friend. Get one!!! Be happy with me!!!

Topsail

2011-07-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Treatgirl and her family slipped away to the quiet beach of North Topsail, North Carolina last week. It was our first time there and it was lovely! VERY quiet....and the beach was gorgeous! I loved running in the morning along side the shrimp boats and dolphins has they bobbed just off shore. (And trust me...the Treatgirl isn't big on running....so it had to be amazing to get me out there!!!)

Cub barely got dry the whole week......the waves were PER.FECT for being out on his boogie board.

We were so happy to spend the week with my cousin, her husband and little girl. We all had fun doing a tye dye project and the little ones made stepping stones. Also, Scrabble Flash was always out on the table in the kitchen for the adults to play. There was also plenty of time to build sand castles.

And of course they spent hours with the Daddy's and a net collecting little sand crabs. They had zillions of them in this bucket.

You can just see the fishing pier beyond me in the background....I couldn't get over how those fishermen were out there morning, noon and night. Our bedroom was on the the ocean side and I'd peek out there and see them fishing at all hours of the night. CRAZY??!!

Topsail is very tiny....Just a few shops, a Food Lion, and a restaurant. I was searching for a new favorite long sleeve t-shirt, like this one I got at my mom's last year, but even the t-shirt selection was remote :)

Tish and Cub had a fabulous week together....playing and splashing at the beach and the pool.

A last glimpse of the beach before we headed home. It was such a nice week to be with my family all week....just us. Now it's back to friends, activities, work and all the other stuff. Happy summer!!

An Official Member

2011-07-05T20:10:00.002-04:00

Casey Anthony is now an official member of the O.J. Simpson club. May little Caylee rest in peace.

Favorite Friday

2011-07-01T21:56:00.002-04:00

My favorite this week is this view from the deck of our house at the beach! The Treat Girl has been away relaxing with her family this past week....and I just couldn't get enough of the beach... It was perfect. More on that...next week.....Have a terrific holiday weekend everyone!!

A Wall of Memories

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay....I'm just gonna put it out there......I love to take pictures!! Of my kids, family, friends, funny stuff, pretty stuff, scenery, just about anything. And I love to scrapbook....shocker! Well, a spin-off of all of that is my gallery of pictures I have going down the stairs to our family room.

There is no organization to it....I didn't lay it all out on the floor to design it or anything.

I pretty much just buy black frames and eyeball it....

I never get tired of looking at all these pictures.......I just treasure them! Anyone can start a little gallery wall...why not?

Warri

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Warri means "house" in many African dialects. It is a primitive Monopoly game. The stones are called Nickers and they are usually a small hard nut from the Guillandria bush found in all of the Carribean islands. I have had this game for almost 35 years. Yikes! That was kinda scary when I was figuring that out...My family started going to the island of Barbados when I was in third grade...loooong before Rhianna made it popular. This game was a local favorite...in those days old men would sit on wooden crates under shady trees and play this for hours.

We got one and played it by the pool or in the evening....there was no T.V. on the island in those days.....only radio....and what was broadcast was mostly the play by play of cricket matches and steel drum bands.... So we did puzzles and played Warri.

I haven't played this in years, and actually forgot all about it....I came across it when I was looking for our travel backgammon game to pack for vacation. It looks like a really simple game...but it's not! There's a bit of strategy to it...I taught Cub to play and he really liked it.

I even have the original typed (yes! with a typewriter :) directions.....complete with tons of words spelled wrong and lots of typos. I never did find the backgammon game...but I will be sure to bring my Warri game when we head to the beach. What are some of your family favorite games???

Favorite Friday

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah for Friday!! If you're new and stopping by for the first time, I do a little thing on Friday where I feature one of my favorite things of the week....Today it's my pink geraniums. I just looooooooove them and plant lots of them every year. Every year I think maybe I should try something else....but I just can't! And I usually stick with pinks too....after all of these years they still make me happy. What are your summer time favorite flowers??

Are You Chilly in the Summer??

2011-06-23T22:03:00.003-04:00

I know I can't be the only one is gets chilly in the summer....I always bring a little sweater or wrap whenever I go somewhere....I can't stand to go places and have the air conditioning cranking and I'm sitting right under the vent. Well....going on a road trip isn't much different. I've found that when I sit in the front seat with Chip he cranks the air too.....and when you're wearing shorts, a tank top and flip flops because it's 90 degrees outside, I get chilly with the air blowing on me.....so I travel with my own mini-down filled blankie!

I never leave home without it in the summer...I even got one for each of my kiddos when they were little. You can throw it over you when the air conditioning is too cold...and when you get to the beach house where you're staying and the pillows aren't too comfy, you can fold it up and use it instead. And for the record, it's obviously also great in the winter too!

Happy Birthday Joy!

2011-06-20T20:16:00.002-04:00

We Soul Sisters had another little get together to celebrate a birthday....Joy...my real-life friend from Joy Beadworks birthday was today....things have been crazy for all of us, so we had a mini-celebration today, with the real shin-dig coming sometime in July.

But certainly we had to have cake! Marzipan lovingly volunteered to bake her very favorite Carrot Cake.......it was scrumptious as always!!! She even switched it up a bit by throwing a handful of coconut in. It was a short little visit....but very sweet :)

Favorite Friday

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my favorite thing this Friday. I'm declaring these Chocolate Chip cookies from Trader Joe's my FAVORITE....It has been forever since I've had them and I forgot how much I looooooooved them!!!! They are small, crispy and perfect. There is only one Trader Joe's in our area and it's about an hour away...I'm embarrassed to say I haven't ventured down there in almost 2 years....but this past Sunday we were in the area for a Krohn's disease walk, so we stopped by afterward. I bought two tubs of them...one for now and the other to take to the beach...weeeellll, we finished the first one before we got home....and I'm pretty sure the second one won't make it on vacation :) Have a wonderful Father's Day weekend!

Brickle Drop Cookies

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have to be honest...I had no intentions of making these cookies. I was to be leaving for the retirement dinner for 250 people that I was helping with in an hour and Cindylou flitted in to say she needed to bake cookies and decorate them with constellations on top for extra credit points for her Global Science class the next morning. REALLY??? She already had two finals she was supposed to be studying for, and make an appearance at this dinner...so, being a nice mom...I said I'd bake her the cookies and she could decorate them. Well, I've had this bag of Heath english toffee bits in my stash for a while and thought we'd try the recipe on the back. They were pretty yummy....but next time I think I might cut down on the toffee bits and throw some chocolate chips in...Here's the recipe if you'd like to give them a whirl:

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/3 cup Heath Bits O'Brickle (8 oz. package)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. (I didn't do this....I just use my wonderful Silpat mats :)
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in large bowl until blended. Add eggs; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar; gradually add to butter mixture; beating until blended. Stir in toffee bits.
3. Drop by teaspoon onto cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned ...cool slightly, remove to wire rack. Cool completely. About 6 dozen cookies.

Today is Tutorial Tuesday over at my real-life friend Jennifer Juniper's blog....I'm linking up....do you have anything you can teach her???? Hop over and link up to her little party...it's always fun!

Favorite Friday

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, I should be saying that my Favorite thing this Friday is that it's my kiddos last day of school.....but I get really super emotional about it and I just couldn't go there.....so I'm featuring this old, beat up watering can that my sister gave me years ago. She got a bunch of them at a flea market outside Paris and I just love it's character. I have no idea how much it really holds....it had 10L stamped on it....is a liter about the same as a gallon? I didn't think I would be using it at all this summer with this crazy, rainy weather we've been having...but these past several days have been sweltering and not a drop of rain. So, I'm in my little watering routine over here every morning....keeping all of my flowers blooming and growing.

It All Started In Kindergarten

2011-06-07T23:30:00.003-04:00

Tonight was a very special night.....a dear friend and dedicated teacher retired after 30 years of shaping young children's lives. All three of my children were blessed with having her as their teacher. She taught them all more than just their A,B,C's and 1,2,3's...she taught them about manners, respect, their country and God.

Several friends and mom's got together and hosted a spaghetti dinner for over 250 people. It was an amazing night of sharing, memories and tribute...my real life friend Jennifer Juniper made her a plaque for all of the children to sign.

I truly believe that everything you need to know for life you learn in kindergarten....here are Cindylou, T. and Cubby with the amazing woman who will always be in our hearts.

Our theme for the evening was "Keep on Swimming" from the Nemo movie....she has this painted on her classroom wall. So we will...

Favorite Friday

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's Friday....and you know what that means :) You're here to see what I've picked for my favorite thing this week.....Well, this week it's Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. I can get on a roll with it. It seems like I've had a lot of running around to do these past few weeks and this salad had been keeping me happy. It's easy to get at the the drive thru and I love the combination of the pecans and the apples. It comes with a tasty dressing too. It would be easy to do at home, but if you're on the run give it a some time.

You May Appreciate This

2011-06-01T22:56:00.003-04:00

Check out this super idea! A dear friend gave me this card for my birthday a few days ago and it's still making me laugh :)

Favorite Friday

2011-05-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Just in time for summer........my favorite thing for this Friday is the Misto. A dear friend treated me to my very own Misto and some gourmet olive oil for my birthday. She has loved hers forever and knows I'm trying my hardest to eat cleaner....and without one of these in my kitchen things just weren't in balance. I don't know how I lived without it. It's re-usable and you can try all different fun flavors of olive oil. Oh! And check out my friend Tammy's blog too......she is an inspiration to me.......it's a blog all about exercise and healthy living, I know you'll love it. Have a terrific Memorial Day weekend!

A Surprise Birthday Field Trip With The Soul Sisters

2011-05-26T22:21:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was circled in red on my calendar (I always use a red Sharpie marker for all of my very important things :) It was the day Jennifer Juniper and I were being taken on a Surprise field trip by our other two soul sisters. We all met at 11am and Marzipan whisked us away. She did a stellar job at keeping it a secret the whole way!

Our destination was the wonderful mansion of a prominent old Pittsburgh family. We started the afternoon with lunch at the outdoor cafe.

We weren't able to take the formal tour of the mansion, but we enjoyed getting caught up and peeking around ourselves. Here is the elaborate greenhouse on the property. It was used to grow the mansion's flowers and vegetables.

And here is the children's playhouse.....can you believe it??? Not too shabby.

We weren't able to look inside the house....but we strolled around the outside. And can I just say it was great to be outside...with all of the rain we've had around here these past few months it felt great.

Can you take a guess where the second stop of the day was??????

Yep, You got it! A super cute cupcake shop.

Yummy cupcakes.....

...and lots of other sugary treats.

We each chose a flavor...( and no, the cupcakes aren't sitting on the floor...we were sitting at a glass top table :) and had a taste of each of them. I "hmmmmmeeed" over every one, it was REALLY hard to rank them.

Can you see by these smiles....

....that these cupcakes were the perfect ending to a great day?

Bundle up that baby...how to make your own receiving blankets

2011-05-24T09:40:00.005-04:00

I have been making these over-sized receiving blankets for years. Sooooo many babies and mommies love them that I thought I'd share my suuuuuppper easy method of making them.

I start by purchasing a 1 1/4 yards of your favorite cuddly flannel. Most flannel comes in 45" widths...so by getting a 1 1/4 yards...they come out in a big, perfect square. I prefer these for lots of reasons.....they are big enought to fully cover you when you're nursing, they make a big area to lay the baby, or to cover the matress when they're sleeping....so if there is a little mess you can just switch out the flannel blankie in the middle of the night without having to change the sheets at 4 a.m. :)

Simply start by pressing an even 1/2" all the way around....

...then fold it over again, and press again so there are no raw edges.

I set my sewing machine to the biggest zig-zag stitch....and stitch all the way around.

Literally you can make a few of these in 30 minutes or less...

I'm warning you though, you will have non-crafty mommies calling for more!!! They quickly find out those thin, little, teenie ones you get in the store just don't hack it in the real world. Now pop on over to my real-life friend Jennifer Junipers blog and link up your own little tutorial to her amazing linky party...I just did :)

Fairy Tales Do Come True!!

2011-05-16T16:34:00.002-04:00

I looooooooooovvvve this!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still enthralled with the royal wedding, and I just had to share this...isn't it a hoot??!

Favortie Friday

2011-05-13T18:19:00.002-04:00

If you haven't seen this movie yet, run to your Redbox and get it!!!!!! It is now officially my new favorite....so I had to feature it today for Favorite Friday. I picked it up last Friday for a family movie night. With two teenagers and a seven year old, it's hard to find a movie everyone will like......this was a hit! And how appropriate with the Kentucky Derby being the next day.

I remember all of the thrill and excitement when Secretariat was winning that summer...and seeing his picture as "Horse of the Year" on the cover of my Dad's Time magazine. But I had no clue as to the history or story behind him.....it is truly an AMAZING tale. You won't be dissapointed!

Chicken Fried Rice

2011-05-10T16:04:00.005-04:00

I've had this kicking around my brain for a few weeks now that I've been wanting to try this. A friend at the gym put it into my head, so I googled a recipe and got my ingredients. The recipe I found had a place for comments and a girl whose family had a chinese restaurant left a big long comment with lots of helpful hints. I kid you not....this tastes JUST like you got chinese take out!!

I swear the secret ingredient must be the oyster sauce....

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts- cubed (I diced mine pretty small)
salt
pepper
garlic
garlic powder
onion powder
oyster sauce
butter- 2 Tbsp
sesame oil- 2 Tbsp
4 scrambled eggs
16 oz. bag frozen peas and carrots
1 medium onion- chopped
1/4 c. soy sauce
7 cups Jasmine rice- cooked, cold

Directions:

Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder and a Tbsp. oyster sauce. ( I probably used more like two...) Heat butter with sesame oil. Add 3 cloves garlic and the diced onion with chicken.(I used that minced stuff from a jar) Cook until no longer pink. Add scrambled eggs. Cook 3-4 minutes, then add peas and carrots. Mix in the cold rice. Add 1/4 cup soy sauce and stir fry until golden brown. At this point I also added extra sesame oil too...

Stuff I learned:

1. Oyster sauce doesn't taste or smell anything like oysters....but I swear this is what gives it that authentic taste.
2. I would certainly cut this recipe in half next time!!!!!! It makes enough to keep a chinese restaurant supplied on a busy Friday night.
3. You can use your spaghetti pot if you don't have a wok. I thought I would just do the stir fry part in my skillet but there's waaaaaaaaay too much for that, so I dumped it all in my pot and it worked pretty good.

I'm going to link up to Jennifer Juniper's Tutorial Tuesday......stop over and check things out, there is always toooooonns of great stuff.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to every special Mommy. I took a few necessary actions to ensure I was feeling especially loved and special today....like getting myself a cake from my favorite bakery.

A set of Sharpie fine point markers that I've had my eye on for my scrapbooking stash...as well as a MUCH needed new Wusthoff bread knife. If you've been peeking around my blog lately you probably noticed I've been really into making bread...and the bread knife I had just wasn't cutting it any more...no pun intended :)

Chip was away for the weekend...but he helped the kiddos pick out the prettiest flowers for me.

Of course Cubby was the very first one up in the morning so he could be sure to be the first one to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. He couldn't wait to give me this pretty picture he made me in school. It was such a wonderful day.....I spent it with my three amazing children who complete my life. They are the my life's biggest blessings and the reason I live my life every day trying to be the very best mommy.

Favorite Friday

2011-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Do you remember last week when I had a little Limoncello tasting at my girlfriends house?? Well, we were in the kitchen working on the appetizers and getting situated and I noticed this little whipy-whip thing next her coffee maker. I asked all about it, and everyone there had one except me. I didn't even know what it was....but I do now! It's an aerolatte...the original steam free milk frother. I quickly got the scoop on it. So if you haven't heard of one yet either here it is...

It froths up your coffee at home like you got it at Starbucks! This picture doesn't do it justice....but I am sooooo loving it! They have them at Williams Sonoma for $20. Well, don't you know Chip was taking Cindylou to the mall the VERY next day and I made sure they brought one home for me as a little treat.

You put your creamer ( I ALWAYS need a flavored creamer...usually French Vanilla) in your mug and whip it up...it froths up almost double the size. Then when you add your coffee it puffs up even more! It's great!!!! The little booklet that came with it says you can use it for Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Iced Chocolate (Add chocolate syrup to cold milk, froth to a thick foam and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Haven't tried this one yet...but it sure sounds great) I feel so special, I'm my own personal barista.

I Was Just Doing Some Errands.....

2011-05-04T18:47:00.005-04:00

I dropped T. at lacrosse practice Monday night and was doing some errands when Cubby called me...in the cutest little voice ever, he asked me if he could get a baby duck. I didn't quite hear him...I thought he said "dog"...but he clarified it and said DUCK. I just couldn't figure out where he was, who he was with or what was going on.....my mind was racing as I was trolling through the aisles of Target. I had just left him at home with Cindylou and Chip 15 minutes earlier. Weeeelllll.......they were in Tractor Supply and falling in love with two very adorable ducklings. In the blink of an eye they got food, a feeder, a water supply thing-y, a big silver light and a red light bulb....they raced home and got things set up before I even checked out at Target....this was the picture they sent to my Blackberry!!

Yep, if you look closely you can see they are in CindyLou's room!!!!!!!!!! They made their home in a big Rubbermaid bin and had it upstairs in her bedroom! For REAL!

A minute later they sent this closeup of the little darlings. Seriously???? According to Cub they don't need any water for 4 weeks....then all we have to do is find them a pond and let them go. But he has already figured that we have a TON of food and they're hardly eating anything...so we'll have a lot left over and we can just get new ducklings every 4 weeks after we release the previous pair. That way we will never be without ducklings!

They are truly making themselves right at home. Last night they went for a swim in the Jacuzzi tub in my master bathroom...and they used my pretty towels to dry off! If you're sitting there reading this thinking,"Wow! The Treatgirl has lost total control over there" You're right! I swear I will NEVER leave Chip home alone with these kids AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite Friday

2011-04-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sooooo into the Royal Wedding and it will consume my Friday! I know it may sound corny to many of you....but I'm a hopeless romantic and I just can't get enough of it. I watched Diana's wedding live 30 years ago, and I plan on watching every minute of Will and Kate's live today. When I graduated from college my parents even gave me a replica of her engagement ring....a beautiful blue sapphire encircled with diamonds.

Princess Diana was someone I truly admired....her grace, style and beauty, the woman and mother she became, the enormous amount of compassion she had. I was devastated when she died in a car crash in a tunnel in Paris. My heart ached when I watched her funeral....seeing her two boys walk behind her on the way to The Abbey.

I want to watch the wedding to see how happy they will be....to see them exchange their vows...to know they have found true love. Congratulations Will and Kate!!

Limoncello

2011-04-25T20:43:00.003-04:00

Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that is served chilled in a frozen glass. It is surprisingly easy to make yourself at home. My real life friend Jennifer Juniper featured it on her blog a while back and I've had it tucked in the back of my brain to try it myself. I rounded up a few friends to make it too, and we had a taste test this past weekend to see how we did.

Here's the recipe I followed from Giada.....

Ingredients:
10 lemons
1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
4 1/2 cups water
3 1/2 cups sugar

Directions:
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart glass jar with a tight lid. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4-6 weeks at room temperature.

Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain the limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.

I would make an adjustment on the simple sugar part of it next time I make it....I would do 3 cups of sugar insted of 4....

I got the bottles at Ikea and those cute little stem glasses to sip it from at my Goodwill. You could easliy turn this into a great gift for a friend or a hostess by making cute labels and tying it up with a bit of ribbon.

We met at my friends house; each with our own flavor.....lemon, orange and lime for a tasting. What a really nice night of appetizers, tasting and conversation. I'll have a stash of Limoncello for a while...savoring it's lemony-sugary goodness.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:00:00.003-04:00

Rejoice!!!! Christ has risen! May your Easter be happy, happy!! Best wishes for a wonderful Easter full of renewal, family, friends, and chocolate :)

Saucy's Sprinkles Celebrates 5 Years of Blogging

2011-04-23T22:53:00.004-04:00

A blog I love to follow celebrates it's fifth annniversary! Bloggedy Blog Blog...Click HERE to check out all of the amazing things she has done over the past five years....In typcial Saucy style she is having a fun giveaway.....so hurry on over...you won't be dissappointed!

Favorite Friday

2011-04-22T16:15:00.001-04:00

How couldn't this be my favorite thing this Friday???? This is the cutest chick ever. When I was peeking around the internet looking for little things to knit the other day I found a free pattern for little tiny bunnies and this adorable chick. I had just enough time before Easter to whip one up.

You knit the body all in one piece, stuff it and sew it up.

Then you knit the wings and attach them.

CUTENESS!!! Cheep! Cheep! Click HERE to check out the free pattern.

teeny tiny handknit bunnies

2011-04-21T15:32:00.002-04:00

These little bunnies are just the sweetest!!! Just in time for Easter...I've been working on them a bit for the past few days and wanted to share them with you. After knitting all of those little hearts at Valentines Day....I went peeking around the internet to see what little things I could whip up for Easter....I found these endearing little bunnies on a blog called Little Cotton Rabbits. I spent hours looking around there.

Click HERE to get the free pattern...you can knit one up with just a few scraps in about and hour and a half....

Happy Easter!!

Four-Cheese Pasta Florentine

2011-04-19T20:38:00.002-04:00

This is a super quick and easy weeknight dinner......and everyone liked it, whoo hoo!! Bonus :) I made a few changes along the way to make it a little healthier. Here is what you need:

3 cups of mostaccioli, uncooked
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach
4 oz. Cream cheese, cubed....I used fat free
1 cup cottage cheese....again, I used fat free
2 eggs
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesean cheese

Here's how to make it:

HEAT the oven to 375 degrees.

COOK past as directed on package. Meanwhile, cook the spinace as directed on the pacage; drain well. Place in a large bowl. Add cream cheese; stir until melted. Make sure it's a LARGE bowl....because you mix in the pasta later....and mine wasn't big enough :(

DRAIN pasta. Add to spinach mixture with mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 8 or 9 inch baking dish......this wasn't big enough for me, I put it in a 11x13...top with parmesean. I also sprinkled some Mrs. Dash on too.

Bake 25 minutes or until center is set.

It has been dreary here all day and my finished product picture didn't turn out that great....especially being later in the day. But it sure was tasty! Pair it with a salad and it was a hit!

I'm linking up over at my friend Jennifer Junipers linky party......check it out she gets THE MOST AMAZING stuff over there!!!!!!

A Little Sweater

2011-04-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I was heading away last weekend to my cousins wedding in Virginia I was in need of a little knitting project to keep me busy on the drive...I decided on this little sweater for an American Girl doll. A dear friends little girl made her first trip to the American Girl store in New York City a few weeks ago...and I thought maybe she could use a little sweater to add to her dolls wardrobe.

To model it for you I went up into the attic to find one of Cindylou's dolls, Kit. What memories it brought back to go through her dolls that we packed away several years ago...I can remember it like it was yesterday the day she opened Kit for her birthday. How fast it all goes by....

I found four little flower buttons in my button collection that worked nicely....and sewed them on with coordinating thread. The perfect little sweater for a chilly spring day.

Easter Chocolates

2011-04-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

Do you remember a while back when my real life friend Joy gave me THE BIGGEST box of chocolate molds??? Well, there were some really cute bunny ones for Easter that I just had to try. I got them all out this weekend and went chocolate making CRAaazzy!!

I busted out the little mini pretzels too....

....and then moved on to the these little cutie patooties!

We busted out some strawberries and dipped them into chocolate yumminess too...I didn't get a picture of the Ritz crackers with peanut butter sandwiched in the middle...T. helped me dip them.....and then he ate them before I could snap a picture. They are super good.

I packaged everything up into little celophane bags and tied them up with ribbons before we ate any more...I pland on sharing them with my nieces and nephews on Easter Sunday. Seriously......making chocolates is soooooo easy...if you have a free afternoon melt some and start making some yumminess.