Cream puffs for Mother's Day!

A treat for Mom on Mother’s Day

Mom came for dinner tonight - nothing special, just burgers & brats.  The sun is finally shining, and the screens are up on the door, so it MUST be time to grill. Granted, D is a year-round griller, but that’s beside the point.

Anyway, I asked Mom what she’d like for dessert, and she requested... cream puffs.

Delightful!  They are so easy, and can be customized in any number of ways, although we tend to stick to the tried and true.  If you like them but have never made them, you’ll love this simple treat!

Simple Cream Puff Shells

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup flour

4 eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Heat water and butter to a boil;

stir in flour.  Stir over low heat for 1 minute or until mixture forms a ball.  Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time until mixture is smooth.  Spray cookie sheet with baking spray, and drop large tablespoons of mixture onto sheet.  

Bake for 35-37 minutes.  This batch makes 12-15 puffs.

Cool for about 30 minutes, then cut off top third of each puff and pull out any strands of soft dough.  

Fill with your choice of sweet treat, ex pudding, whipped cream, fruit pie filling, etc.  You can garnish the top with a myriad of things, too, although I almost always go with frosting  :)

My family usually chooses to fill the shells with vanilla pudding (Jello makes a really yummy sugar/fat free version).  I personally always like the texture of a cook & serve vs. instant.

There are a ton of options for what you can create.  Lemon cream pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a thin vanilla glaze.  

link

Peppermint flavored whipped cream would be amazing with a dark chocolate ganache.

link

Using your own imagination as your guide, you can customize a cream puff into almost anything.  Try some soon, and let me know what you did to make them your own!

xoxo,

Tami

ps... all those egg shells that you toss away every week?  Coffee grounds? 

They're the bomb for your garden.  Bell peppers especially benefit from the shells, as they're almost entirely calcium and can all but eliminate blossom drop.  Coffee grounds are great in clay like soil to lighten it up, and the residual caffeine is a growth stimulator.  Hey, recycling is cool!

Also... If you like what you're seeing and you read *still crazy* anyway, please jump on the bandwagon and become a follower!  I love knowing that there are folks out there actually reading what I'm putting out there.  :)


Linking to:

Sugar and Dots

Somewhat Simple

House of Hepworths

Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Fireflies and Jellybeans

Something Swanky

Decor Chick

Sightly Sanity Savers

Sightly Sanity Savers

What a beautiful day today was!  No, not the dismal 42 degree “spring” weather, 

Booo! to the cruddy clouds, stinky sprinkles, and wicked wind.  :(

but just how the day went.  It could have been a disaster, since there is so much I need/want to get done that requires time outside (in the garden, yard, and to-do crafty pile).  Instead, some things that I have been putting off just fell into place.  First, I got a package from my beloved Smashbox.  In it was a “Try-it” kit, with travel sized versions of their best stuff, 

Great deal... and awesome stuff!

plus because of my PrettyPoints membership, I got a full sized gift of their “Tint”,

which can be used on cheeks and lips.  I got the shade called Tint, and it’s a gorgeous glowy peach.  I also got 3 other free samples... I am going to be so ready for my next trip!

Whenever I get new makeup, I get re-inspired to spend time on my appearance (duh).  I just don’t normally take the time, and it’s sad.  There’s rarely an “occasion” that requires me to look good, and D is possibly THEE least judgmental guy ever.  

I have to admit, I take that for granted.  Shame on me!

So anyway, as I’m putting on my new stuff and liking how it’s coming together, an email is being delivered to my mailbox.  You remember that I’m cheap, right?  But that I really, really like the nice stuff? And being pampered?  Well, my favorite local Aveda salon, Indira, 

Locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Chicago and Park Ridge, IL

has this service they call Cyberdeals.  Each morning, they look over the schedules of their stylists, and if there’s a schedulable gap, it’s put into a members-only email and sent out to entice us.  The cool part is, there’s always a nice incentive.  I’ve been watching pretty close, because I had the worst mid-40’s soccer-mom hair going on, and I don’t feel like that, so I shouldn’t have to look like that, right?  I spend a good amount of time looking through books like these, too...

I guess it's time to get the 2011 version, huh?

Yes, I could’ve cut it myself, and I have, many times, but I’ve spent too much time growing it to a reasonable length to risk messing it up.  Besides, I can’t massage my own head, neck and hands the way they do  :).  

When I read today’s deals, I was excited to see a free brow wax/shaping with a haircut, and was on the phone to book the appointment before I even checked about someone to watch Li’l T.  Long story short... I got the deal, had a wonderful experience and left looking and feeling great.  If you’re in the Appleton or Green Bay area and haven’t tried Indira yet, leave me a comment and I will send you a referral form that will get you $20 ($20!) off of your first service.  If you’re willing to take my word for it, please ask for Kristy Vargo... who dealt with my extremely thick, heavy and stick-straight hair and turned it into this...

It’s hard to get a good pic, but it’s so light and it moves so well.  Even wet, it fell right into a beautiful shape, and if it hadn't been misting this afternoon as I tried to complete my chores, it would look even better.  Honestly, this service would have been worth paying full price (and that’s almost painful for a cheapskate like me to admit!).

Next up is begging my friend Liz to spice up the color with some high and low lights. Ms. Liz works at an awesome place called B. Gee's, whose tagline is "Not Yo' Mamma's Salon".  I dunno, I'm someone's mamma, and I love them...  :)

Click here to check them out!

There's some real talent there, and they take appointments online.  If you're a more edgy type, try out Liz and her crew.  Tell Liz I sent you (she's my girl!).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Besides getting some of my depleted self-esteem back, I also found this.

Not too impressive, right?  D had to pretend to be interested when I came home with it all excited.  I swear it actually called to me off of it's display at Walmart this afternoon, and I sat down and played with it right there in the store.  See, it's not just a box.  It stacks...

and stacks again.

All three layers come as a unit, and the little blue handles on the side are plenty secure to keep them all together.  I only got one today ($9.99, people!  Saaawweeeet!), but I have a feeling that one will find its way into my cart at every opportunity until some of my never-ending paper and craft clutter is contained.

So that's it, then.  Some time for myself, getting good and pampered, and the prospect of some simplified organization, and an inkling of sanity is restored.  Not much, mind you - this is the crazy house after all!

I'm counting on tomorrow being the one day this week that the forecasters know what they're talking about... they're saying 60's and sunshine.  I NEED THAT!  Hopefully there will be much progress to show off (or at least that I score big at the Thrift!).  Everyone have a Wonderful Wednesday!

xoxo,

Tami

Gardening and an amazing tip ;)

Playin’ in the dirt

Saturday was pretty productive, in a dirty hands, weed-ridding sort of way.  In between bouts with my naughty children, I weeded the “kids’ section” of the flower bed (where my girls always help select the annuals that will go there, and then help plant them),

thinned out a TON of shasta daisies, echinacea (coneflower), and monarda (bee balm) for giving away.  I also found a mound of chives right in the middle of the bed that will probably find its way to my mom’s house before a week is over.  I dug out several yukka plants that were invading the center of my space, and a whole lot of stinky catmint.  

YUCKY!

The past owners actually planted that on purpose, and it spreads like wildfire.  I HATE it, mostly because the smell made me nauseous all through my last two pregnancies.

I got a good start on my two standing planters, 

but I’m still searching for a couple of specific accent plants that will tie them together and put in the “ooooh” factor.

  

Cuphea "Cha Cha"

Cuphea "Tango"

I have three hanging planters that I’d love to be working on, but the shade plants seem to have been delayed at all the nurseries locally.  I guess that’s a sign that I’m supposed to keep my focus on the sunny patches for now.

I put in more seed today, too.  I have the dismalist luck (oh, yeah, I just made a word up) when it comes to seed, but every year I try again.  This year, I have been encouraged by two types of seed already showing some life:

Oat Grass

Gazania

If they’re gonna pop at all, the tomatoes should be sprouting any day now, too.  My family eats sooo many tomatoes and peppers

18 plants, if they all make it!

that it definitely makes sense to grow them ourselves, and if we can finally develop a seedling program that works, we’ll save the investment we make each year on the potted plants. 16 tomato plants and 8 pepper plants at $4 a pop ($96!), plus all the random veggies we can fit into our little spot, can add up really quickly.  I love the idea of spending $5 for the seeds and moving on from there!

If you are a gardener, I hope you wear gloves while you work.  I don’t, because I’m dumb.  Well, that and I really hate the way they feel.  I pay for that with exceedingly dry and old-looking hands, not to mention the “I’m to busy to bathe” look that dirt crusted fingernails and cuticles can give a girl.  Here, then, is my tip for all of you to take with you.

An Amazing Gardener’s Thrifty Tip

Um, that was sarcasm, people!

Use any hair conditioner you have around the house (I use whatever I’ve gotten tired of, or whose smell I didn’t like) and put it on a wet nail brush. 

Instead of washing hands with soap, scrub them with the conditioned brush, which will still get the dirt off, but will actually moisturize while doing so.  You can also use the conditioner directly on your hands after cleansing, to soften them.  It’s a great shaving cream, too.

Another great way to use up a product that might not impress you with its intended purpose...  eye creams that are ineffective or that you just don’t like for whatever reason are GREAT as a lip plumper and revitalizer.  Before bed, tap the eye cream onto clean lips, and keep applying until no more will absorb.  Since it’s not intended for lips, it probably won’t taste good, so add a topcoat of something waxy, like Chapstick. Eye creams are made to draw and hold moisture where they are applied, and a lot of them contain top end ingredients that can be really beneficial to your pucker. Products formulated for the eye area are stringently tested, and are safe for application anywhere on the face, although ingestion is a whole ‘nother story, so don’t lick your lips!  In the morning, all you’ll have to do is enjoy your rehydrated smile.  :)

All righty then!  A new week and month tomorrow - everyone be safe, and love to all...

xoxo,

Tami

Well, THAT was a long time comin'...

Order has returned!  Wait, order never even existed in the crazy house!  Still, the place has been much quieter, after the excitement of the in-laws’ visit, an amazing Easter egg hunt and party, 

Chaos reigns

Plus the 7 that we couldn't corral into the picture...

a really fun night out with friends, and a loooong four-day-weekend.  Very little got done in the way of crafting or creating, but there was a ton of cooking, cleaning and commiserating!  Also... have a peek at this!

Yes, that is the elusive and almost-given-up-on bathroom vanity topper.  All that whining and waiting - there it is!  And here's another shot, just because I finally have the danged thing!

Please pretend not to notice the unfinished back wall.  Please!

My contact at the company ended up kicking some butts and taking some names in order to get it for us, PLUS she delivered it to our home, went over installation with us, and (HOLY CATS, BATMAN!) refunded our money.  Yeah, you’re seeing that correctly.  It was such a comedy of errors over there that it was decided, by THEM, that no money should have ever changed hands.  I hate to say it, but maybe I should have tantrumed earlier.  This is not a course of action that I’d normally advocate, but having seen the results, maybe there is occasionally an appropriate time for one.  Just sayin’.  Now, if I could just convince D to get the medicine cabinet done...  another battle for another day, people!


Oh, and I have been eking out some progress here and there... this is the display I've coveted for years.  D isn't fond of pretty just for the sake of pretty, but I went ahead and did it, and he quite likes it.  So there!

Very soon it will also have a towel drying feature on it.  In the meantime, it's just purdy.  :)  That's also a new light fixture - my first attempt at even touching electrical. I'm alive and there was no fire, so I guess it went OK.  ;)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Monday was a beautiful day here - it got to the mid-60’s, and there was glorious sunshine  :)  The last couple, not so much, but we took advantage of that lovely day by visiting a couple of local garden centers who were in turn using the sunshine to get more of their stock outside.  I started on my usual collection of annual, perennials and other outdoor ornaments, and was able to successfully pretend that there would be no more winter!

I used to be a blue/white flower girl, then I went almost all pink, but for the past two years, I just can’t get bright enough!  I love, love, LOVE the loud citrus colors, and I try to add something different each year as well.  There’s no rhyme or reason to my flower “beds” and planters, so I just pack them full of color, texture and contrast, and hope for the best.  Pretty scientific, no?

These are some of my favorites.

Lantana camara

Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia)

Hyacinth Bean Vine

Ranunculus

Martha Washington Geranium

Moss Roses (Portulaca)

I plan to be back atcha tomorrow with a couple of little goodies, but with my good friends' wedding so bright and early, 

Will and Kate

I can't make any promises.  As a matter of fact, I should be in bed already!  Love to all...

xoxo,

Tami

p.s.  It’s a done deal.  Aren’t they gorgeous?  The ceremony was lovely, it was totally tasteful, and it was sooo worth giving up some sleep.

With any luck, I’ll be able to capture a pic of the “balcony kiss”, and my experience will be complete, as theirs is just beginning.

Wicked weather and working it out

April 19th, 2011

It’s been another ridiculous day.  Only five days ‘til Easter, and there’s a winter weather advisory on for my area, AGAIN!  This was my house at 4:45... 

and this is at 6:45...  

And right now (8:05)...

Yes, it really is coming down like that.

I can’t stand it.  D is probably going to be stranded in Milwaukee, because he (optimistically) took off his snow tires during his last time home, and it’s terrifying to drive on his lightweight summer tires in this blizzard weather.  I’m actually praying he has the sense to stay there, as a delay in his arrival is sooo much better than him getting hurt trying to rush.

Look at this poor, forlorn daffodil.  

I had such high hopes for it, but that shot was taken in the fist "shoot", and now it’s completely buried.  Check THIS out, too - I had been outside only long enough to take the pictures.  

Nice focus, huh?  Self portraits are tricky in the snow!

That time I was smart enough to brush the snow off right away, but this time it melted right through my hair and down my neck.  Oooh, chilly!

The good part about bad weather is that I spent a lot of hours inside today, and I got some things done.  The grout is completed in the bathroom, and it looks so good (except for one crooked glass tile - I don’t know how I missed that when I was placing them!).  I spent about an hour clearing the “haze” today, and then polishing to a high gleam (((sigh))).  I do love what it does for the room - the light fixture in the shower area is just a cheap recessed thing, but now the light is amplified by its reflection, instead of absorbed into the nasty, ever-peeling paint.  Yay!

I also finally got my Good Friday plaque art whatever it is done.  It’s been sitting around in pieces for two weeks, but now it is just what I imagined.

I started with a frame I got for 45 cents from the Thrift (no pic, but imagine a cruddy looking 10x13 oak frame).  Then I picked up the best, most appropriate cross EVER, from the Hob Lob.  I found a great snippet of scripture and printed it onto a sheet of scrapbook paper with the image of sand on it, chose the perfect purple Lenten shawl (ribbon), and lucked into the absolutely ideal pre-cut mat (all HL).  Well, the mat might have been a bit large, ‘cause I forgot about 10x13 vs 11x14, but the hubby’s sharp knife took care of that :)  5 layers of Canvas White from Rustoleum on the frame later, and this is what I have...

I am so happy with the result.  I know I’ve harped before about bunnies and candy, etc, but THIS, this is what my Easter is about.   There is another inset for this frame once Easter morning arrives, so it will be a celebration piece, too.

I also went deep into denial about the snow coming down and worked on some centerpieces for the Egg Hunt on Saturday.  This is the first finished one, 

Ranunculus, stock, and polka dot plant

and I will admit without shame that I copied the idea from a local supermarket’s floral department.  I even told the designer that I was gonna, and she was just flattered that I liked it enough to do that.  The price tag on theirs was too much; I knew  could do it for less and here it is! Mine are significantly bigger, too.

Use your everyday wicker, or Easter colored ones, like I did for this sample.  I've been picking up a ton, so I'd have choices.

Half price, baby!

It doesn’t matter if they’re lined, because you’re gonna cram the plants in there in their original plastic store containers.  Three seems to be the magic number, but if you had a really large basket you could up that to five.  Always keep the number uneven, unless you have a distinct center plant - then space an uneven number around that focal point.  Now stuff a handful of sparkly Easter grass into the triangular gaps between the plastic planters, and add some wired goodies to the arrangement randomly.  I picked these up at GW, but you could really use anything that catches your eye.  

The original pieces I saw also had poofs of tulle on wire picks to fill out their arrangements, but I really had no room, so those got left out.  Oh, well, I have other uses for the tulle :) Just not today...

Well.  D called.  He's a bullhead and thinks he has to make it home, so I'll be signing off to worry and pray for him and the other drivers out there slogging through this mess.  If y'all are so inclined, any other prayers would be might appreciated!

Stay warm and dry, everyone!

xoxo,

Tami