4th of July and Banana Pudding

 Ha! I gotcha at "pudding" didn't I? Keep reading and Ill get to that.

Hope everyone had happy Independence Day. Its always a great reason to celebrate weather you stayed in or went on a trip. A lot of people enjoyed time with family and friends. It was nice to have a long weekend off of work too!

I didn't do anything with my family, heck they didn't even call, but I still had a great time with my Husband. My daughter went out of town with her friends so it was just us two. We spent part of the day being lazy enjoying being together alone. We eventually made it up town where there was an all day celebration with street vendors, rides and bands.

 
Then had a nice dinner on a restaurant patio, enjoying the breeze. Later that night, was a firework show.

Saturday was a rather nice day too, we spent the day going for walks and riding around looking at cars. Yes, that was pretty exciting since I am in the market for a new one.

I spent Sunday with my daughter. After church we headed to a park nearby where we rode the paddle boats and walked around the two mile lake for exercise.

We also did a little shopping and then..................

To end off the weekend, I went bananas and made this delicious sugar free banana pudding. My brother-in-law makes these and they are delicious! No, its not as good as moms "cooked", fully loaded banana pudding or my Husbands special made banana pudding, but it was perfect for us since we are all on a diet. I didn't have my brother-in-laws recipe but I knew basically what he used in it so I guessed at it and it turned out great! You can't even tell there is not sugar in this stuff.   

 

Lite Banana Pudding

2 small boxes sugar free/fat free banana pudding

2 cups of milk

1 12oz container of sugar free cool whip

1 Box fat free Vanilla Wafers

6 Bananas

Mix the pudding and milk as directed on the box

fold in the whip cream

In a bowl, layer the cookies, slice banana, pudding mixture (about 2 or 3 layers)

I also added some whip cream on top to be pretty but its optional

Set in fridge overnight

Enjoy

Now its back to work for me.
The only thing I don't like about the fourth of July, is once its over, Summer starts slipping away and the stores will start putting out their Winter items. Im hanging on to Summer as long as I can.


Ive shared this at:
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek
made-by-me at jaqsstudio
full-plate-thursday mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips

Crochet Cleaning Pad

Somewhere between resting after a days work, watching tv and looking over at the dirty dishes in the sink, I decided to make a dish sponge to try.

Its not limp like the dish rags I have made even though they are still wonderful too, this cleaning pad is just the right size to fit in my hand and since its double layered,  its sturdy and gets the job done. One side is bumpy for scrubbing and the other is smooth for wiping.

 

I used 100% cotton yarn. Cotton yarn is what I use for household items because its absorbent and washes up really well in the wash. And frankly, I like the natural, soft and clean feel of cotton.

You can make these any size you want but here is how I made mine.

I used an H hook and cotton yarn.
Special stitch is the popcorn stitch also known as the bobble stitch. Click here to learn how to make this special stitch.

Chain 15
Row 1: Starting in the next chain from hook, sc across (14), ch 1 turn.
Row 2: sc across (14)
Row 3: sc, sc, bobble stitch, sc ,sc, bobble (repeat to end), ch 1 turn
Row 4: sc across (this is the back side of a cloth or inside of the pad), ch1 turn.
Row 5-10: repeat row 3 and 4
Row 11: sc across, ch1 turn
Row 12-24:  repeat row 11
To finish off: fold in half and sc together all the way around,(including the fold side). making 2 sc in the corners.
sl stitch to beginning and tie off ends.

I have not tested the pattern since I typed it out, so let me know if it does not work for you. If it does work for you, id love to see your finished project.

This cleaning pad can be used on many different things around the house. The possibilities are useful anywhere.


Ive shared this at:
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips
anything-goes-linky at bacontimewiththehungryhypo
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie

Skinny Eclair

Its been a while since I made something sweet but while scrolling thought facebook and Pinterest, I discovered an easy recipe to an Eclair cake.

Its been so hot outside here in North Carolina that I dread cranking up the oven for anything. This recipe had me at "no bake". That's right. Its a no bake recipe. Its as easy as making instant pudding.

The only problem is that Im actually on a diet. Im trying to eat lighter and healthier. So far I have been doing pretty good at that so that's why I decided to make this Éclair skinny, meaning light or low fat.

This can still be a diet bomber but I made it less fattening by using fat and sugar free pudding and 2% milk. I mean, that's something, right? Im sure its not as good as the original recipe found here. But its pretty darn good and hit the sweet spot just right.

 Skinny No bake Eclair

2 small packages- Sugar and fat free Vanilla Instant Pudding mix, dry

3½ cups- 2% milk

12 oz.- Sugar Free cool whip

2 (14.4) oz box- graham crackers 

-CHOCOLATE TOPPING -

3 Tbsp.- butter

3 Tbsp.- 2% milk

3 Tbsp.- cocoa

1 cup -powdered sugar

1. Mix milk and vanilla pudding packets until it starts thickening (about 2 min).
2. mix in Cool Whip.
3. In a 9x13 pan, Layer graham crackers to cover entire bottom of pan.
4. Pour some of the pudding/cool whip mixture on top and level.
5. Put another layer of graham crackers to cover entire surface.
6. Repeat layers- I did 3 but two makes up great too.
7. Put the final layer of graham crackers on top with bumpy side down. This will help the top look more smooth when you go to put the frosting on top.
8. FROSTING: Microwave butter and milk just enough until melted. Do not boil it.
9. Add cocoa and powdered sugar and blend together. 
10. Pour over top of graham crackers and smooth out nicely.
11. Refrigerate overnight

The hardest part of the whole recipe is #11. I skipped that part.

I had to dig into it within two hours of making it. It was not set yet and the crackers were still not as soft as they are suppose to be. So make sure you let refrigerate at least 8 hours.

You can do it!!


Ive shared this at:
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

Crochet Stork Pouch

Its been over a week since my last post. I have just been busy. Since my last post, I took another trip to the beach. It was so nice. I can just never get enough of that place. Then there were some Fathers Day plans that kept me busy and I also had some special crochet orders to fill.

I have a customer that keeps my creativity going with her special request. I have made things I never thought about making and frankly, some things she asks me to make, I freak out a little inside because I'm not sure I can do it. Somehow, I usually pull it off. There are a few things I have not been able to do for her because of a special stitch I have never learned. Most patterns or videos I find are right handed and I'm left handed so therefore, I have to work backwards and in opposite directions and there are just some stitches or items I can not do backwards.
For example: Slippers I make have to be one way, not a left or a right. I know, its crazy but its me.

Ok, enough about that.

One thing I was asked to make was a cocoon for a baby photo prop. Also known as a stork pouch. They are so darn cute. You can search "Crochet stork pouch" and so many photo shots of how they are used will pop up. They are darling.

It looked easy enough so I attempted it.
The first one I did was really bad. It looked like a rag. It was lopsided, tiny and crocheted too tight. But, that was just my trial one and it gave me an easier idea for the right thing.

My second attempt was a win.

Im pleased with the way the it turned out and hope she sends me photo of it with a tiny newborn balled up inside.

Most photographers do not actually hang these with the baby inside them unless it hammocks the baby really well without tipping it out. They will lay the baby down and photo shop to make it look like its hanging or hang the baby while holding a grip to the baby and then photo shop.

Im thinking about making a couple more of these to sell in my Etsy shop soon. I need to find more of this soft stretchy yarn before I do so.


Ive shared this at:
made-by-me-131-linky-party at jaqsstudio
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie
cityofcreativedreams
snickerdoodle-sunday-with-barb-from-alifeinbalance at 2crochethooks
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup-party at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts  
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
what-are-you-doing-wednesday at contentemeant (featured)
link-party-51 at oombawkadesigncrochet.

Vintage Bike Recycle

I have always liked to ride a bike. Its something you learn and never forget. I didn't have a bike since I was about twelve until a few years ago. We lived in a little house on side of a main road where there was no place to ride a bike. I managed to teach my girl how to ride one by using the driveway and back yard. It didn't take her long to learn.

One day (about 15 years ago) a stranger came into our yard holding a rusty, shabby, radio flyer vintage bike frame. The bike was in no condition to be ridden. He was looking to make some money. My husband and I felt sorry for the fella and gave him five dollars for the bike and he went on his way.

It just so happened that we were talking about getting some coaster bikes to use at the beach so it was not a whole loss of five dollars. Im thinking these bikes are from the 60's.

My husband said he would fix this one up. He worked hard sanding it down and painting it. He found a bike shop in the next town over and ordered some necessary parts needed to fix this little gem up. He replaced the handle bars, chain, seat, rims and tires. Before long, it was ready to go....

Meanwhile before he even got this one all the way fixed up, the same stranger walked up wanting more money and yes, he was holding another radio flyer vintage bike frame. By now, we seen what was going on here and didn't buy any more from him, but I was excited to see now we have two bikes. Bike (#1) for my daughter and bike (#2) for my husband.

Vintage bike #1 (before)

Vintage Bike #1 (after)

vintage bike #2 (after)

I don't have a before picture of this one but did manage to get a shot of the finished results. 

If you are wondering where is my bike? I actually have a bike given to me by my father-in-law. He had it sitting in his yard sale and I snatched it up. Its a road master brand vintage bike. I have not done anything to mine because its in fairly good shape. However, I did have to get some whitewall tires for it.

Its now showing some rust (Probably from riding it on the beach). I plan to give it a good paint job soon. I also want to add a wire basket to it and a book rack on the back. I am debating on what color I want to paint it. I'm thinking I may keep it blue but not sure.

Wait!....My husband just told me that he found me a basket and its on its way! He is just the best.
I cant wait to show you my finished results so follow me and stay tuned.

Maybe my readers can help on a color. I'd love to hear any ideas you can give me.


Ive shared this at:
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips
nifty-thrifty-sunday at niftythriftythings
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks

before-and-after-wednesday at thededicatedhouse

Stuffed Poblanos

I have pretty much reserved Sunday afternoons as my "experiment cooking day". We usually pig out on the weekends and want to eat lighter on Sundays so I will experiment on a new dish and that way, if no one likes it, then they can just go grab a sandwich or something.

I made these stuffed Poblano peppers that seemed to be a winner, even by my daughter, that in no way will eat pinto beans. She ended up eating the whole thing and liked it. I guess with everything mixed in the beans, it took away from the texture. That's what she hates about beans, the texture not necessarily the taste.

This tasty recipe can be used as the main portion or on the side. I suggest main portion of the meal since its so filling and tasty. If you like Mexican food, you will like this. Poblano peppers are not usually hot, but depending on where they are grown, they can be hotter than others. If they are grown in a hot and dry climate, they will be more intense. So don't be surprised if they are a little spicy. The one I ate was almost too hot for me to enjoy, while my daughters and husbands had no hotness at all. So, just take that into consideration before serving to children.

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

4 Peppers

1 can re-fried beans

1/2 cup cooked instant rice

1/2 cup Salsa or picante sauce

Mexican cheese (shredded)

Chopped Cilantro (amount depends on preference)

Cut the peppers in half (from top to bottom), clean out the seeds and rinse.

Place in a microwave dish and cover with a lid or wax paper.

Microwave for 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, stir together beans, rice, cilantro and salsa until well mixed.

Spoon mixture into the pepper halves.

Cover and microwave another 2 minutes.

Sprinkle each half with cheese and microwave uncovered for another 2 minutes.

Sprinkle more cilantro on top before serving if desired.

Enjoy.

Approx. 150 calories, 3g fat, 23 carbs. in each half.

I served mine with a side of my favorite cilantro lime rice. Well, because I made to much rice to start with and had to do something with it. I'm used to cooking two cups of rice at a time. You can find my cilantro rice recipe here.

Warning- After handling peppers, make sure you wash your hands good before rubbing your eyes. I learned this the hard way.


Ive shared this at:
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek.  
made-by-me-129-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio 
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
bacontimewiththehungryhypo *Featured*
.pamspartyandpracticaltips

Baby Shower Show Off

I'm excited to say I get to be an Aunt again to a baby boy. I can not wait for him to get here in July. I think the older I get, the more excited I get when a baby comes into the family.

The last baby born in the family was about 3 years ago, and since then, Ive been enjoying crochet more, so this poor child is gonna be covered in crochet....Literally because as soon as I heard the news, I began to crochet him a blanket. Its a rather small blanket, perfect for a cradle, lap or stroller.

She is doing his nursery in "Elephant on Parade" so I tried to match the colors accordingly. I then ordered a darling little wooden teether to match.

I ordered if from littlethingsboutique on Etsy. You should definitely check out some of her creations. They are so darn cute!

I didn't stop there. Since most of the family are Tarheel fans, I decided to make him a hat and booties for game days.

And since his father takes interest in reptiles, I made this adorable little set for fun.

Maybe it will be good for a daddy and son day out.


Last but not least, I made him this elegant looking little newsboy hat set.

 

 

The shower went well and everything she got was so cute. However, the cake is always my favorite part of a shower. She did cake pops instead. They were so sweet! My favorite was the grape salad and pecan pie bites. Here is the recipe to the same grape salad I made over a year ago.

Everything was done up so nicely by a few terrific host.

Now Ill rest my wrist from crochet while I await for the little one to arrive. He is due around the 11th of July. I may have to be on stand by for something red, white, and blue in case he decides to come on or before Independence day!

We are all excited as we wait on his debut!


Ive shared this at:
judyscardmakingandpapercrafts monday-handmade-linkup
made-by-me-129-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio
what-are-you-doing-wednesday at contentemeant.