Pin. Pinner. Pinning

I haven't heard these terms since 1997 when I finished half way through the nursing program and participated in a pinning ceremony.  Now they have a new meaning; one that I never dreamed I would include in my daily conversation.

I have found a new way to waste spend my time on the Internet . . . drooling over creative decorations, crafts, crochet patterns, quotes, recipes, fashion, and photography tips. I don't want to give out too much information about this delicious place because I'm on the waiting list and I'm afraid you [sweet reader that you are] will bump me and become a member before me.

That's how good and super cool this site is . . .
hmm . . . you think they may be doing a background check???

Still want to know about this site, don't you? 

Well, I suppose my friends from work and some bloggers that I follow have been talking about it freely, so I
guess I could let you in on it.  (as long as you promise not to bump me off the waiting list?)

http://www.pinterest.com/

I suggest trying out this link but let me give you a fair warning . . . you might get hooked!

Here's a pinterest example that I'm curious to try out:  Homemade laundry detergent.  Totally cheap, easy to make (I think a designated pot, spoon, & 5 gallon bucket are in order), and works for front-loading washers.  I guess those who have allergies or sensitive skin have been using this recipe before it was published on the blog . . . has anyone heard of this recipe or tried it???


Click on this link to find the recipe and read the comments re: q&a's:  Why Not Sew?: How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Let me just say,
You're Welcome!
(about the website, not really the laundry detergent)

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

Day 9:  This Guy!

I'm so proud of what he has become . . . a little guy who is likeable, kind, approachable, considerate, funny, and smart.  I left parent/teacher conferences last night as proud as a peacock!  I knew all these great attributes of Connor but what fills me with joy is that his teacher, friends, and schoolmates see this too!  I'm so thankful for Connor who has blessed us with his presence and life!

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

Day 8:  Our School System

This week is Parent/Teacher conferences and I'm very grateful for the school system that this suburb has to offer.  I love the small town feel with the big town opportunities!

Both of the kids (Connor more) have reaped the rewards of our educational system.  So tonight as I go into the school and share smiles and conversations with the teachers, principal, kids, and parents that are part of shaping my kids' world, I will be thankful!

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

Day 7:  Bissell Steamer

Okay, this is a bit superficial but I'm really thankful for the Bissell Steamer today.  Paul used it on the rugs and just two sections of our couch and the house smells so good.  The dog smell is gone!  Allelujah!

This Week's Menu

Monday:  ???

Tuesday:  Pork Chops, potato, veggies

Wednesday:  Homeade Cheese Pizza

Thursday:  Chicken, broccoli, rice casserole

Friday:  Crockpot Hearty Cheese Tortellini

Brunch Time!

 Stuffed French Toast Casserole with Fruit

Ingredients:

10 slices of firm bread (whole or cubed)

8 oz. cream cheese cubed

10-12 eggs beaten

1/2 c. syrup

2 c. milk or half-n-half

1 tsp. cinnamon

1tsp. vanilla

Fruit, your preference-strawberries, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.

Directions:

Butter 9x13 baking dish. Layer half of bread slices, cover with cream cheese and then layer your choice of fruit.  Cover with remaining bread.  Blend eggs, milk, syrup, cinnamon and vanilla and pour over bread; cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven and bake @ 375 for 45 min. to one hour.

Modifications:  I modified the bread because we didn't have any firm bread available.  I used cinnamon raisin bread because it has a firmness to it when buying straight from the store.  I also decided to keep the bread slices whole so I could cut corners with time.  My fruit selections were apples and blueberries.  The apples come from a can of pie filling and the blueberries are fresh.  It will be interesting how the two different fruits will turn out.  I'm making these casseroles for a family brunch tomorrow morning.  The loving family I am thankful for will be the first to taste my casseroles and at least they'll be the first to forgive me if they don't turn out!