Million Dollar Mocha Mint Fudge - - - It's a must!!

Have you ever wanted to make something only to go to the pantry and find out you are lacking in required ingredients? Well, today that happened to me. I was in the mood to make fudge. I was inspired by a pin I saw on a friends Pinterest board. So, I get out a recipe, head to the pantry and...yup, you guessed it... out of two needed ingredients!

But, being a daring and adventurous cook, (doesn't mean it always turns out well!), I decided to try to come up with my own recipe and see how well I do!

Now, keep in mind, this is not, by any means, a HEALTHY recipe! *wink* But, I have to admit, it turned out pretty good! In fact, I love it! I've never been so glad that I didn't have all the ingredients I needed!

I named it: MILLION DOLLAR MOCHA MINT FUDGE

So here's what you'll need:

1 stick of butter
1 cup of brown sugar
2 cups of mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon of instant coffee grounds
1 teaspoon of mint extract
1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
1/4 cup of milk
1 cup of confectioners sugar
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat all ingredients in a metal bowl over boiling water. Stir often, bringing it to a boil. Pour into a well greased glass pan. I used an 8X8. Cool in the refrigerator until set up, (I think it's best if you wait over night). Cut into small squares and ENJOY!!!!!

It's pretty simple, and Oh So Yummy!!!

Free menu planner and shopping list

OK, so we all have to do the dreaded weekly shopping, but that doesn't mean we like it! I for one do not care for grocery shopping, not one tiddly bit! If there is anything that helps me get through it with greater ease, I'm all for it! One thing I found to be helpful, economically and otherwise, is a shopping list. It saves me time, money, and stress! I need all the help I can get, especially because I'm a mother of a very active toddler, who is my shopping buddy! If I can get in get my stuff and get going, then my day seems to go so much better. With a toddler I get easily distracted while shopping, because he gets distracted, so sometimes I loose my train of thought and have to remember what it was that I was walking down this particular isle for. I remember walking in the store one day with my son, got him all strapped in the cart, wiped it off, (yes, I'm a germ-a-phobe!), started walking down the first isle and stopped, looked at my son with an obviously disturbed expression because he asked, "what we getting mama?". I, for the life of me, could not remember!! I walked around for a good ten minutes before I remembered what it was, (not a normal trip, I needed an obscure item for cooking).

That frustrating, yet comical, moment taught me a valuable lesson: NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A LIST!!

Not to mention, if you like to use coupons, as I do, a list can really help you narrow down your savings!

So, what I came up with was a printable weekly family menu + shopping list!

Feel free to print them or save them for yourself!

They are easy to use! Simply fill out your menu, (if you get the grocery ads, plan your meals according to sales to save some $$$$) with your meal at the top, the ingredients under each meal, then take out your shopping list and check off everything you need and fill in the empty boxes what may not be listed! As soon as you have it all filled out, stick it in your purse!!! Don't set it down, pin it on the fridge, set it on the counter or anything else..... you may forget it! Even if you are not done filling it out, keep it in your purse until you finish, that way you always know where it is!

When your shopping is done, groceries are unpacked, pin your menu up on the fridge for all to see! Not only does it help with shopping, but it also saves the annoying "What's for dinner" conversation!

There are also some great ideas on Pinterest for more menu options and lists! I suggest you go check them out and make them your own!

Happy Shopping!!!

MIA - - - Sorry

Sorry we've been M I A! We've been collecting new ideas and getting organized so that we can share them with you all! You will love some of the things we have in store for you! So, don't forget us, we're just working on a few things, and then we will be posting like crazy!!!!

Get your craft on!

I have always loved creating, styling, re-purposing, decorating and all things creative. I am not the best at it, but it is a creative outlet that I enjoy, regardless of the results. I have friends that say things like 'I wish I could be as creative as you' 'I can't do that, I wish I could' or 'I don't have a creative bone in my body, mine would never turn out good'. Well, I am here to challenge you otherwise, my friends! If you never try, you'll never know! You only THINK you can't do it, you only THINK it won't turn out good!

There are other benefits to crafting besides just letting out your creative bug. It calms nerves, helps develop coordination, lowers blood-pressure, builds self-esteem and more! Sometimes I don't thing of my projects as projects, but, rather, therapy sessions! Seriously, if you've had a bad day, or bad week, take one hour for yourself to create something and it really does wonders for mind, body and sanity!

OK, so here's my first creative challenge for you:

Create a card

Something, each and everyone of you can do, I guarantee it! It's simple and it won't take you long, but you'll love every minute of it.

Here's what you'll need:

Paper (construction paper for a whimsical look, patterned scrapbook for a more decorative look)
Glue stick
Scissors (regular and patterned if you like)
Markers
Photos (if you want)

Before you begin, think of a person this card will be for. I chose my mom.

So I cut my paper to the size I wanted (5X9), don't be afraid to cut crooked. I did mine at angles to give a whimsical effect. On the front, cut your side a bit shorter than the back.

Cut out your flower pieces, (or if you want to be creative, use your own design or a photo, for this lesson I will be using a flower) 6-10 oblong petals, one center, and two leaves

Glue your leaves on and start gluing your petals on in a circle. Finish it off with the center piece. Next, ever so lightly, draw the veins on the leaves and speckles on the center of the flower.

Now, on the side, carefully trace your shorter side onto the back. Draw a pretty pattern in the blank space.

Open it up and you should have a pretty side pattern, and a blank center where you can write your favorite quote, add another flower, or picture. I added a quick frame with a small embellishment and cute saying.

And there you go!

Now, this is just a simple fast way to make a custom card. I love the fun and whimsical look to construction paper. Next time, we'll get a little more creative!

I challenge you to do this this week sometime. It doesn't take long, but it will be a great and fun project for you! Also, if you have kids at home, a great gift to the grandparents would be cut-outs of their little hand prints on the card. Or, a fun little picture on the inside. Kids love projects like this, and the bonus for parents is that it's an inexpensive project that helps kids develop skills and creativity!

Don't feel that just because it's crooked or not perfect it's not a great card. It's homemade and from the heart, that makes it ever so special to the one who receives it! They will not see the imperfections, they will see the love!

Have fun and be sure to share with me your creations!

Welcome one and all!

Welcome to my newest blog!

This blog is dedicated to all things heart-warming, home brightening and healthy! I intend to share recipes, projects, ideas, stories, pictures, motivations and all other things that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside!