Homemaking: Baking: Sugar Cookies

Haahaha, lol I wanted to bake some cookies. Picked up some non-pareil sprinkles at Kroger and baked these tonight!!







Enjoy!,
Whitney

Working Willingly #3

So, a blog friend from way back created this neat blogger-thing where we list our tasks for the day and get working on them! I love resurrecting old blog traditions, lol. Last time I had one of these was March 2009. Hehehehehe.

This is typically for work at home "moms," regular people working from home who want to keep busy and keep their home in order, as well as homeschooling moms.

So today I'm doing,

1. Wash the dishes
2. Start a load or two of clothes for more work-at-home gear :):) hehehe!
   
3. Iron my day-clothes
4. Dust my bookcases/bookshelves
   

Extras,

1. Anoint my feet and paint toenails
2. Wash my hair (tomorrow, lw)
3. Errands at WM (lw, Thursday)
4. Eat LUNCH! (yeah, this is work LOL)
5. Write a very important post on a WAH opp.
   

Greatest!,
Whitney

A Thousand Words Thursday #9

Image: http://www.positivelypresent.com/2010/06/self-discipline.html

funnel cakes!

I made funnel cakes tonight! I bought a kit with my mom at World Market today for $9.99. I lovvvee funnel cakes and now I can enjoy them year-round and for cheap, cheap, cheap!

The kit includes a funnel, the metal ring to cook the cake in, and some funnel cake mix.

They taste just like the ones at the fair! My Dad appreciated them too; he loves them just as much as I do. It was fun making them! You should have seen it! My first one was HUGE and really crispy brown. Hehe, it was heavy as all-ever when I pulled it out of the oil with my tongs. Soo funny. I pitched that one; I just knew how oil-soaked it was.



lol. HERE is a pic of my funnel cakes with powdered sugar! They were soo good! Tasted just like the Fair. I love them. When I want more mix, I can grab some at World Market for $3.99 a box! Each box makes 8-10 cakes! YAAy :)

Whitney

Russian Tea: Taste Love

Russian Tea has a very seasonal and delicate taste. To me, it's a special kind of tea... one that is enjoyed only during the Fall and Wintry months. I'm a big coffee-buff, so instead of having coffee in the evening because of the caffeine, I can enjoy a nice big cup of Russian Tea.

Rainy day outdoors. Chilly indeed. I tasted it for the first time since last year... the Russian Tea, this evening-- the mixture of all of the ingredients before they hit the hot water and ohhh the immediate thought that came to mind was "love."

YES, the Russian Tea tastes like LOVE. LOL. Extreme, nahh. Besides the fact that it's a warm beverage, the taste is so intricate, delectable and good memories come flooding in. Nothing in particular, just the IDEA and the THOUGHT of the cold-season weather.

Sip some of this warm drink and bask in the homemade goodness of LOVE!



Russian Tea

2 Cups Tang
1 Cup Instant Tea [I used Lipton Iced-Tea Mix]

Continue reading »

Ready for Fall!

So, right now I'm baking cookies.









Not just ANY cookies, THESE cookies are by Pillsbury...
but, not only that, they're called "Pillsbury Simply Cookies."

UHHMMM.

I'm a Media Studies graduate and this packaging completely and utterly appeals to me. I absolutely adore it. It's just as the title says "Simple(ly)." How yummy. Such a simple design and layout and ohhh how I love the ellipsis at the end, (the dot, dot, dot ...) and the white packaging. This stuff matters. I actually bought these cookies because the packaging itself looks so yummy! LOL.

Ready for Fall
Baking and shopping are such usual activities, but around this time baking and shopping make me think of the fall weather and the seasons changing. It's a new time of year, literally a new season. Season of life, season as it relates to my walk with Christ-- EVERYTHING.


...and, the holidays! Yes, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Ohhh the smile on my face. The food, family time and all that joy; I love it. Hmm, and if these cookies are what I hope them to be, they'll be a lot of baking going on too!

Whitney

p.s. Don't forget the milk!

Working Willingly #2

3.) Taking Care of My Home:

• Clean bathroom sinks
• Vacuum bathroom floor
• Unpack all boxes in my room
• Wash clothes!
  

Short list for today :)

Enjoy your Saturday!,
Whitney

Status Update #2

Snippets

• I just finished up my "Working Willingly" tasks today. I love accountability, it's such a beautiful concept-- a concept that could have only been designed by our Lord. Glory to God.
• I've been working diligently on the brand new Mystery Shopping Blog. Be sure to join us: http://mysteryshoppersuniteblog.blogspot.com. If you're not a mystery shopper and want to be one, you can learn how to become one.
  
• I plan on going biking today. The weather-man said it's supposed to be 60 degrees. I feel like a nap, but a quick ride around the neighborhood will be refreshing! I cannot wait for spring & summer!! ;)
• I meant to tell you that I have since given up Coca-Colas. I used to love those things, but not anymore. Also, ALL caffeine and cafinated beverages (coffee, tea) I've quit. Just caffeine-free and decaf or nothing :)
  
• Bible study is at 7:30 tonight. This is the first time I'm going to try and go to Bible Study at this church. It's 30 minutes to and from, so it seems like a chore. But, I know it'll be worth the drive.

Leisurely To-Do List (ABC Order):

• Buy a rocking chair for my room (man, I have been looking for a good rocking chair since summer time of last year! I checked Roses, Cracker Barrel, and even a furniture shop in the country... *sigh!* I need my perfect rocking chair! :(]
  
• Sign up for a library card
• Watch G. Craige Lewis videos again

Breakfast

Made some omelets today-- my favorite breakfast food! I'm a breakfast food junky. It's my absolute favorite meal of the day. I have labeled this post as "cooking" because baking deals with you know, treats and sweet-stuff :) Enjoy.



I also made some chicken fajitas yesterday that I ate for dinner and I'm eating for lunch right now! lol. Good stuff; I didn't take pictures of those.

Couponing at Wal-Mart

I had a wonderful time at Wal-Mart yesterday!!
I love couponing!!!


I'm not keeping all of this; I'm giving some away.

Here's what I got:

3 BIC Twin Razors (14 ct) $2.94 - $2 Q = $.94 each
1 BIC Sensitive Razors (12 ct) $2.57 - $2 Q = $.57
2 Cascade Rinse Agent $3.13 - FREE Q = Free!!!!!
2 Dove Deodorant Trial Size $.97 each = $1.94 - $1.50 Q = $.44 total

Total in Coupons/Savings = $15.76
Total Spent on Everything = $3.83

YIPPIEEE. I love it, lol!

Reminiscing

I was just thinking today how much I miss college life. Well, not all of it. Particularly, the jobs that I held on campus. I used to work as copy editor of the campus paper and at the radio station. WZMB 91.3 FM Greenville. Now, THAT was a fun job! *big smiles* The only bad part about it was the fact that I had to wake up at 9 a.m. and head to the radio station. I got to play whatever I wanted on the air-- so fun. I played nothing but Gospel & Christian music the third day I was on the job... Tye Tribbet, the Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers-- these were some of the amazing artists that I played on air. I'm smiling now, hehe.

I remember that switchboard, the mic and the headphones... Man, what a fun job. Who wouldn't want to sit on their behind all day, taking listener-requests, chatting on air and listening to music all day?? This was fun for me while in school, but I honestly couldn't have it as a 9-5 job. I feel like I would get bored and have to quit or something... LOL. But, really. Music is my life, GOSPEL music that is-- ONLY Kingdom music. It's all I've listened to since I began living for Christ. I love it. Since I'm reminiscing here, check out a pic I took of myself in the DJ Booth a few months ago... hehe.

Later,

Mark 1:14-15.

Working Willingly #1

3.) Taking Care of My Home:

Today

• Wash dishes
• Wash, dry, fold and put away clothes
  
• Sweep around cat bowls
• Put cat food in cat self-feeder
• Empty recycling bin under kitchen sink
  
• Dust upstairs room
• Clean bathroom sink

That's all I'm doing for today. I have some mystery shops later on today so I need to pass time while I'm bright-eyed and wide awake! :-D

God bless you and have a great Tuesday,

Mark 1:14-15.

The Best Part of Superbowl...

...is the FOOD!! :) :)

My parents and I are having a great time over here. I’m really interested in learning how to cook, and even more so now that I can blog about it! ;)

We made steak with sautéed onions and mushrooms, loaded baked potatoes.

We also had cukes (cucumbers) with tomatoes, homemade meatballs, ham & cheese poppy-seed party rolls, kielbasa sausage seasoned like little smokies...

And Mrs. Smith’s Cherry Pie—my favorite.






So, today I helped my mom make some ham & cheese poppy-seed party rolls. These little guys are soooo amazing! If you haven’t had any, you’re missing out on some tasty finger foods. They are best with the Pepperidge Farm Party Rolls. We also doubled the “sauce” recipe below (butter, mustard, onion, poppy seed, Worcestershire sauce) because it tastes better with extra sauce! Cute and quaint, right? lol. They're really good!

"Little ham sandwiches, made with sliced ham, party rolls, and cheese, along with an easy mustard butter and poppy
seed dressing."

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (7 1/2 oz each) small party rolls
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion (optional)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seed
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces boiled ham, chopped (Packs of Ham Lunchmeat)
• 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

Preparation:

Melt butter; add mustard, poppy seed, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat until onions are transparent. Then,

Without separating rolls, slice party rolls horizontally.

Spread both sides evenly with butter mixture.


Fill evenly with ham and cheese and then put the
separated rolls/slices back together. Don't forget
to divide the rolls individually before you put them
in the oven.


Wrap each package tightly in foil (this is so
they don’t “cook,” but instead, so they just heat
up --the cheese melts and they become warm)
and refrigerate until ready to bake.


Bake at 375 ° for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly
heated and cheese is melted. Serves 8 to 10.

I think my mom ate one, lol! :)

God bless!
Have a good week & Happy cooking!,

Mark 1:14-15.

Morning Glory

Believe it or not, it’s been so long since I have seen “the morning.” Ever since I have been off-schedule in my sleeping times, I have yet to see early mornings! I’ll sleep in until 5 p.m., and yesterday it was until 8 p.m.! Unbelievable, I know!

The glory of the Lord is so amazing!! I’m overwhelmed with joy, just glancing outside and seeing the sun smiling at me. I told my mom that it feels like Christmas! I’m overly-cheerful and my face almost hurts from smiling. The ever-so blue skies and the sun rays beaming through the windows... ahh, so beautiful! I love the Lord! His creation is simply breath-taking!

Allow me to further indulge for a moment...

Maxwell House Coffee Dark Roast with a hint of Caribou Coffee, blended with Hazelnut Liquid Coffee Creamer—my favorite. Uhhhm. Good morning!!

I was so inspired by various blogs written and compiled by mom’s in the blogging community, while blog-surfing last night! So many insightful entries, cooking instructions and menu’s that have been prepared for their families... I want to be a good caregiver for my future family too, so what a great inspiration; I have total respect for the couponmoms and blogging mommy’s.

I absolutely ADORE baking, so this morning I made some of my favorite muffins: Blueberry Cheesecake! I’m still learning the special trade of cooking, soooo yeah, don’t hold me accountable for that just yet! ;)

Mixed and ready for baking.

In the oven they go! ;)


Piping hot!


Buttered Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins!


Simply delightful.


Baby relaxing with me this morning.


"Whatchu doin' Bit?" ;)


Today has been a very pleasant morning!
Glory to God.

God bless you and your family & Have a great Saturday! ;)

[Listening and singing along to: "Lord You're Everything" by Men of Standard].

Mark 1:14-15.

5:21 a.m.

So, I'm up.
I'm always up.

I heart blogging, but as I've been able to see from browsing through some of these blogs tonight, is that I'm not like everyone else :-\ ...or should I say, my blog is not like everyone else's blog.

Using the term in a general/non-definitive sense, I don't typically "blog" about everyday happenings, nor do I blog everyday. I don't think it's necessary, unless I feel as though God is leading me to tell His people something. If I do write, I'd rather it be genuine or at least have some depth to it, ya know? For example, Jesus. I like to write about Jesus.

Now that I look at it, it's important for me to differentiate between writing and blogging. For me, "writing" is when I'll write about God and/or the Bible; substantial things. "Blogging" for me, is the daily happenings, of which include my hobbies and/or interests such as couponing, scrapbooking, photography, etc...

...Others I see forcefully constructing information to put within their blogs... they'll post a few "interesting facts" and whateverhaveyous... for what? Sounds like useless garrulousness if you ask me. I don’t want people who come here to read about God, having to sort through all of the extraneous information just to get to the “good stuff,” if you know what I mean. Lord, lead me.

I seize the opportunity of blogging because to me it's like a personal journal. I have several of these, as is... written ones, of course. And throughout my life I have had several online blogs, since I was 14. I love writing; it's what I do.

I don't write to entertain, amuse or to occupy. I write for God and to keep a record of my life for others--the generations to come. And even moreso, the offline/written journals that I have (3.7 to be exact) contain invaluable information obtained from church lectures, seminar videos, personal lessons from God (God does have a voice and He does speak to His children), and Bible study throughout the last three years that the Lord has kept me... ahh, so much love is in those journals!

I'm smiling now because I think about my children being able to one day read those and learn of God's ways; to hear a testimony of how God works in the lives of His people and specifically in the life of their mother. I love the thought of that... it brings me back to the first scripture written in my first journal since giving my life to Christ: Psalm 102:18 (NLT) says “Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the LORD.”

I dream a lot... like, about my children and my future husband. It’s all within the parameters of God’s law, however... no lusting, fantasizing, etc (Lord, keep me in Jesus’ name). God desires us to keep ourselves pure in mind, body and spirit:

Romans 12:1 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Romans 6:13 says “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

By “members,” God is referring to your body, whether that be your eyes (Matthew 5:28), lips/tongue (Proverbs 15:4, 17:20), feet (Proverbs 6:18)... everything. Everything is to be kept holy.

But yeah, [day]dreaming is nice. I wonder what my kids will look like. I pray for their godly character... I pray about their upbringing and that they are educated in the ways of God. By educated, I’m praying that the Lord will further equip me and my husband to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, considering my parents didn’t do that with me and my sisters... with that being said, I have high expectations for my children and I know the Lord will lead us in the right direction:

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

God bless,

Mark 1:14-15.