WFMW–A kick in the pants

When I feel overwhelmed and whiny,

When my complaints out number my praises,

When I cannot face my daily chores and pout,

When my sinful flesh takes the lead, and my self-control takes a nap

He always sends me a story, a reminder, a kick in the pants

Something to make me feel small, petty, ungrateful

Something to make me feel loved, blessed, joyful

That I am His child, saved by Grace, through no work of my own

What Works For Me this week is this video.  Its timing was providential, as usual.

This was grace - short film from Andrew Laparra on Vimeo.

Linked up to Works For Me Wednesday over at We Are That Family

Also, linked up at Women Living Well

Tackle It Tuesday/WFMW - Make Your Own Dry Eraser

Well, today I was a little grumbly and not in the mood to do anything.  But something ran across my mind despite my efforts to make the world stop spinning.

I have 3 monkeys boys who tear through this world with enthusiasm and little thought of what the end result might be.  I say that because we go thru lots of toys, clothes, and equipment because of this reckless playful carefree curiosity.  Often it is only the threat of punishment that keeps our home standing.

A problem created by these boys arose today during school time.  I know it doesn’t seem like a big one but after continuous replacements, backups, or hiding something to protect it you grow weary of buying more.  We were on our last dry eraser. My oldest uses them for math.  He stands up because he is a boy and works out his math on a dry erase board next to his desk.  We also have a large 8ft x 4ft dry erase board in our school room.  The last eraser was being held together by duct tape.  I haven’t seen the others in months.

So I hopped on Amazon to buy another one.  Not pleased with the prices I saw (see extreme couponing to get an idea of my cheap side) I wondered what you used to make those expensive little fabricy styrofoam thingies. The answer was felt.  Ok, so just felt? Was it magical or could it be any fluffy fabric?  Hhhhhmmm……..I have some scraps of flannel.

Well, turns out it can be ANY fluffy fuzzy fabric.  So if you are still reading, here is what I did in 20 minutes (minus the time I waited for my camera to charge, answer school questions, discipline the other two for fighting, and make lunch) and thanks for staying with me.

First, I used 4 in x 42 in strips of fabric (or width of the bolt of fabric).  I used these because they were in my scrap basket from some baby quilts I did in December.  I sewed right sides together the length of the fabric.

 

I then cut the strip into 6 in blocks, which gave me 6 – 3in x 6in blocks.  Next I sewed one side on each block and flipped it right side out.

                  

Then I grabbed some batting from my scrap box of batting.  I folded it over in several layers about 1 1/2in x 4in and wiggled it inside the block.  You can use any batting or filling.  I simply wanted them to have thickness to make gripping them easier.

Then I folded the open side in and sewed it up.  Viola!

I think it works better than that darn eraser I bought for $6.  And the bonus, they are totally washable.  I can throw them in with the rags and towels.  LOVE IT!

UPDATE:After using these little guys for a week I discovered they are the perfect size for a quick dusting. They did an amazing job on some neglected window blinds and can also be used as a quick pin cushion. My absolute awesome favorite part? I can throw them in the laundry with my dirty rags and they will only get fluffier. Score!!!! I am making more because it seems like I could use them more often and in more places and they didn't cost me anything. Wootwoot!!!


Linked up today over at Sew Darn Crafty, 5 Minutes For Mom, and Works for Me Wednesday!

Cheesecake Saturday–Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Updated

Well, this seems to be a favorite with almost everyone who tries it.  This updated version was even better but I still have one idea left.  I was also trying out the Pampered Chef springform pan for the first time, a 9 inch.

But here is where I started, the crust.  I was not completely pleased with it last time.  I thought it needed more pecan flavor.  This time I used Pecan Sandies with a lighter shortbread flavor and added 6 tablespoons of butter to get the texture just right.

Next I used chopped pecans and pressed them into the bottom of the uncooked crust and baked for 10 minutes at 350.  I had a little left over and wanted to try this 5 inch cheesecake pan I bought a few weeks ago.  I did the exact same bake time with this pan.

After whipping up the batter, same recipe as last time, I melted about 25 caramels in a glass mixing bowl for approximately 2 minutes (1 minute then stir, then 30 seconds after that until just right).  I will say that I was actually counting caramels when my son interrupted with a question about his math lesson I completely lost count.  After it cooled I added 3/4 cups of batter to the mixing bowl and stirred until combined.  Then I took 1/4 cup of that caramel mix and added back into the batter.  I wanted a light caramel flavor throughout without stirring in actual caramel.

Then I poured the rest of the caramel mix into the bottom of the crust.  On top of that I slowly poured the cheesecake batter, careful not to mix them.  Then bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  The 5 inch required the same amount of bake time.

So being a new blogger I forgot to take a picture of the large cheesecake before it was eaten.  But here is the 5 inch.  Isn’t it cute?  It is sitting on a Corelle dessert plate to give you an idea of it’s size.

It turned out fantastically.  It is also the perfect size for a nice dessert for a family of 4 or 5. 

Also the Pampered Chef springform pan was perfect.  It has handles for easy removal from the water bath.  The glass tempered bottom worked very well.  It has no ridge which makes removal of the cheesecake to a serving dish very simple.  After using the small plastic tool that comes with it to loosen it from the bottom it slid right off.  I usually put parchment paper in the bottom to make this easier but I wanted to really test the pan.  So I only put butter on the bottom to see what it would do.  It was amazing.

My next alteration, more caramel.  I wanted each bite to have a nice caramel layer oozing just ever so slightly from the bottom.  However, I was very pleased with the pecan flavor that infused throughout with just the simple addition of pecans at the bottom.  It is almost exactly what I want.

I also made the triple chocolate fudge this week but again forgot to take pictures.  My husband’s solution?  Make another one.  He is so helpful.

Thankful Thursday

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice. Philipians 4:4

I am thankful for this Lady (on the right).  I am thankful for a God who answers a prayer spoken over 10 years ago.  I am thankful and in awe of finding her next door to a rent house we picked online with a 2 week notice to move. I am thankful for a new skill I can use to bless others even if they use it for car tracks. 

A skill that requires I spend large amounts of time with these two ladies (above) who understand my fabric addiction.  Ladies who understand that I have 6 projects going on and I still bought fabric for another (isn’t it lovely? Antique Fair from Moda).

Ladies who understand that there are days when my points will never match.  Days when I will lose my scissors even though they are tied to me.  Who love me enough to give me a quilting timeout to collect myself.

So, thank you ladies.  See you tomorrow.  I promise to have my blocks ready if not I will give you cheesecake to distract you.

Linked up today over at Thankful Thursday. Thanks for the idea Kathryn!

Works For Me Wednesday–Pine Shelves

I love these shelves.  Currently they hold toys in one of the boy’s rooms.  They are 10 years old and show no sign of wearing out.

I purchased them at Williams & Sonoma in 2001 for storage in my home office.  When we moved they were used for a makeshift pantry in our new apartment.  Next they were used for garage storage.  After that they were used in the playroom for the same thing they are doing now. 

The shelves are adjustable too.  I can’t find them anywhere else and I would highly recommend them even though they might be more expensive.  They will certainly last.

When we put them in the playroom we bolted them to the wall.  There are 3 L-brackets on each shelf weighted at 75 lbs each.  Most full grown adults could climb one of these things.  Did I mention I have busy boys?

3 boys, 3 moves, and countless bumps & bruises but still hangin’ on beautifully.  They SO work for me!

For more WFMW thoughts and ideas go to We Are That Family at the link below.

Tackle It Tuesday–Healing

I got sick.  We all got the super bug and it still lingers.  I have a sinus infection and feel weak, even after a week of no fever.  I get short of breath walking to the car and shaky if I do too many chores.  My head feels like a snow globe with green icky stuff inside.  Every time I bend over or turn sideways I feel wobbly but not in a fun way.

My goal for the last few days and the rest of this week is to heal completely,  stop feeling exhausted, and get rid of all this junk in my head.

I slept in this morning.  I have increased my Vitamin C and water intake.  I still use the Netipot everyday.  Each day I feel a little better.  At this rate I will be completely healed by Easter.

Monday Musings

I speak often of my enthusiasm for Mondays.  I adore the potential the week holds.

I write diligently in my planner on Mondays, detailing activities and goals.

I thought sharing on the blog might hold me more accountable to my schedules and plans.

There is already one setback already lurking in the shadows.  I am still struggling to break free from this super bug.  A sinus infection has set in and I feel short of breath still.  And frankly I am exhausted from normal chores.  There are a few cases of pneumonia floating around our church that have me concerned.  I wonder if I am ignoring the obvious and should make the trip to the clinic.

So this week’s goals

#1 – more Vitamin C and lots more water

#2 – go to bed early (at least by 10 pm)

#3 – no eating out (happens a lot when I am too sick to cook)

#4 – work at least one hour/day on organizing biz

#5 – make table cloth for school room table

#6 – make a triple chocolate cheesecake!

I have a few appointments and events as well.  And still lots to blog about waiting on the back burner.  Time has been the issue as usual and cute little boys who distract me from everything.  For now I will focus on this lurking sickness.  It seems to be the biggest threat to my week.

Happy Monday!