PuMpKiN - SpiDaChiO Bread

Spidachio.... that's my son's word for Pistachio!  And that's way too cute not to use :) So that's why we named this awesome bread.... Pumpkin- SpiDaChiO Bread!!  And let me say, it is too good,  with a load of whipped cream cheese, spread on top. 


I used a recipe for banana bread, I found in a cook book for breast cancer fundraiser.  Then made some changes with the pumpkin, sugar, type of nut and spices.  It worked very well!

What Ya Need:

1 .1/2cups white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
3 cups all purpose flower
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
3/4 - 1 tsp Cinnamon
2/3 cup sour milk ( milk with 2/3 tsp vinegar added)
1 Can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup Pistachio nuts, chopped
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt

What Ya Do:

1) Measure all ingredients and mix vinegar into milk and the baking powder, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice into your flour.
2) Prepare two loaf pans by rubbing them with shortening and powdering (coating) them with flour.
3) Preheat oven to 325.
4) Mix the shortening with the sugars until well blended on lo speed.
5) Add eggs and mix while scraping sides of the bowl until well blended.
6) Add half of flour mixed with baking powder and spices to the mixture, and mix on lo, scraping sides of bowl for remainder of procedure.
7) Pour in the milk (with vinegar)
8) Pour in remaining flour (with added ingredients)
9) Place the canned pumpkin in mixture and mix until blended. 
10) Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Mix until blended well.
11) Stop the mixer and add Pistachios to batch with a wooden spoon. 
12) Pour into two prepared pans. 
13) If pans are thin and disposable,  place both on cookie sheet.
14) Bake at 325 for 1 hour.
15) Bread is done when a toothpick inserted, comes out clean.

I Hope you enjoy this fall bread!  It's now a fav of ours :)

FaLL FloWeR Basket - D.I.Y.

So I did not know what to do with my mums. Bought em really cheap of course, and I didn't want them to die. I found this old apple basket and figured I would toss them there. Super simple and perfect for outside decoration.

Because the basket is wood ... it will eventually rot :/  BUT I will replant hopefully, before it turns to dust! The good news is that if you want yours to last, there is a simple solution...

Line the bottom and sides by stapling a black plastic bag or clear drop cloth to the inside, with a sample gun.  Staple all around the inner rim before filling it with dirt. The plastic will prevent the wood from being so quickly consumed by the dirt and rain. On the outside of the basket, you can spray two coats of clear sealant.  This will make the degrading process slower on the outside of the basket.

For now, the simple toss the flowers in, worked for me :) I would love to try the preservation method...eventually.

What Ya Need:
1 Basket
2 Medium Mums or other flower
Potting Soil
Tulle (any fall color)

What Ya Do:
1) Fill the basket with Potting soil or mix of soil and a little degraded mulch.
2) Plant the mums and cover around the base with soil.
3) Measure Tulle , enough to wrap the perimeter of the basket and enough for a bow.
4) Wrap and secure Tulle with a bow in the front.
5) Smile :)  You're finished!

RoCkiN' Crockpot RoAsT

I am not as much a cook as I am a baker.  My husband usually is the meat man, but I getting better at boring cooking with boring meat.  My dad had secreted to me a simple two ingredients that an old friend had told him.  It is the base of this recipe - one can of cream of mushroom soup and one can of golden mushroom.  But that's not all!  The flavor comes by the other little toss-ins added over the years!   This crockpot dish is a winter staple in our home. It has a great flavor and the gravy is perfect over rolls or biscuits.

What Ya Need: ---------------------------------------------
1.25-1.55 lb of pot roast (top round sirloin)
1 Can Creamy Mushroom soup
1 Can Golden Mushroom soup
2 Cloves garlic - chopped fine
1.5 tsp Dales Seasoning (liquid)
1 Tbsp. Worshtershire Sauce
Season salt
Garlic powder
Montreal Steak Seasoning ( powder)
Black pepper

What Ya Do: --------------------------------------------------
1) Turn on your crockpot to lo setting. Pour both cans soup into pot.
2) Place the roast on top of soup.
3) Poke holes with a fork in the meat.
4) Sprinkle on top of roast all other ingredients, beginning with the two liquids. Portions of the powdered ingredients are at your discretion.  I basically powder the top of roast with the different spices as desired.
5) Sprinkle the chopped garlic on top of meat.
6) Cook on lo setting 5-6 hours. Storring occasionally to cost the roast. Turn on high near the last 1.5 hours if meat is not cooking fast enough.
7) Roast is finished when the meat in brown throughout and tears easily apart with a fork.

The "StOnE"

It's hiking time! Just the other day, my husband (Keith) my son (Keebryn) and I chose a Sunday hike for our day's agenda after worship and lunch.

I am the runner of the family. Keebryn is the soccer player. Keith... Well apparently, he's the hiker.
When we left cozy home with water-pack and hiking boots, I didn't grasp the reality that my idea of a leaf stroll would be Keith's idea of a Mountaineer's Quest ...along half of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Have mercy!

Keebryn, up for anything in the woods and totally resolved with being far from civilization, jumped and bounced his way along the trail. And often times off the trail :) Grabbing and climbing onto anything he could discover! Our little 9 year old was perfectly at - home among trees and rocks.

Me? I enjoyed watching the adventurers, adventure. I love the woods, but found myself after trecking far, day dreaming about pizza for supper.

Keith,  who has a bad ankle, bad shoulder, and bad blood pressure... tapped into energy and ability of a Wilderness Warrior! Many times, leaving us in the leaves as his hiking boots turned into rocket jets.

Somewhere along the trail, he ran over something unexpected. Being the first ahead, he was our scapegoat. I watched him in the path ahead, holding his ankle with the face that declared pain and gave light to what had happened. He had turned his ankle on a rock.

Along this portion of the woods, were scattered rocks that required intent focus in order to dodge. But something about this particular one was unexpected.  This rock grabbed his attention because it caused him to stumble. His size 11 boots did not prevail against this stone of stumbling that would not budge.

In Isaiah, the coming Messiah is referred to, as a corner stone, elect and precious. But He is also described as a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence..."

This coming Messiah would be, to our walk on earth, as this leaf covered rock in my husband's path.Forcing us to question our own humanity and thus, our need for and BeLiEf in the StOnE himself.

1 Peter 2:6-8 records, in short,  that we have a ChOiCe in what this "stone" becomes to us.

A corner stone is the foundation of a strong building. It stands to support and give strength. The metaphor gives us insight to Christ himself. If we choose to see him and accept his complete perfection, He becomes our Chief Corner Stone. Our RoCk in which we can be assured is a steady and sure absolution.

Was Keith offended that this rock, hidden under leaves had grabbed his attention. You bet. It was written all over his face. He was not a happy hiker for a couple moments :)

Christ did the same. Hidden under the humble title of a carpenter from little ol' Nazareth, He spoke with more undeniable wisdom than any Pharisee could comprehend. They were quite offended. As well as many will be until the return of Christ, Messiah.

They stumbled over His perfect simplicity.
"How could THIS be from God?"
They stumbled over their law in place of grace.
"How could grace of one Man be made available greatly enough to cover the law?"
They stumbled over a StOnE they refused to accept.

Many still question. They face a path of reluctance which refuses to acknowledge the absolution of this Messiah that prevails over humanity...Continuing to bruise their feet on something that doesn't budge. The StOne, disallowed, therefore becomes a continual place of falter.

Some will recognize this pure and perfect StOnE . The humble, loving Christ who came to earth, shook up the law and then left grace in its place!  To those, He is recognized as "Precious". He becomes the absolute and unshakable foundation in which we build our lives.  The Chief Cornerstone.

The only tipping of the scales between "The Stumbling Stone" or The Chief Cornerstone" is bElieF and aCCePtAnCe in the Messiah.

Two options:
A solid and sure foundation to life for this life and eternity OR a plaguing disbelief to stumble over and reject.

Which one He becomes to us, is up to us.
"To you who believes, he is precious." (1 Peter 2:7)

Can you sweetly confess...
He is my PrEcIoUs StOnE?

The "StOnE"
Devotional:  www.bloomingbygrace.blogspot.com

______________________
Scripture References:
Isaiah 8:14
Isaiah 28:16
1 Peter 2:6-8
______________________

NiFtY Paper Popcorn Holders - D. I. Y.

NiFtY Paper Popcorn Holders

These are so fun and can be customized to fit any event or party. Because they use scrapbooking paper, you can make them work for anyone or any event!  Polka dots or butterflies, dirt biked or dinosaurs. That's what my Keebryn would like! You can customize for boy or girl shower, bridal or even reception!

NiFtY Paper Popcorn Holders
Www.bloomingbygrace.blogspot.com

I made them for a ladies movie night at our church. I have to give props to the young gal who showed the cup in mini style.  The template came from my Niece named Teah. She was crafting one in worship service one day, that stood about an inch and half high!  So cute! I don't know the original crafter of the technique and she probably doesn't either. She showed me how to fold them, but I'm a slow learner. So I unfolded her cute little cup and learned by the fold creases :) Then I made large, sturdy and colorful ones.

What Ya Need:
Scrapbooking paper sheets! The standard size that is equal in length and width.  You can get them at craft store or large retail stores. Sometimes you can find a deal on a book of paper. The individual sheets can be pricey.

So I've attached pics to show how it is folded and I hope that helps as you start.

What Ya Do:
Preparation: The important thing to figure out is what side of your paper you want to show the most of? If you are lucky, both sides may have color or design! The first two folds you make, will create the two side flaps that will show on sides. Whatever color you want the side flaps to show, should be lying face down.Now we start the folding.
1) Once your paper is layer correctly,  take one corner and fold it back until it reaches close to the half way across point.

2) Now fold the adjacent side to almost meet the point from the first fold.

3) Flip the paper over. Now fold together the two sides that have flaps and reinforce with your hand to smooth the crease tight.

4) Take the last piece of the shaped paper and fold it straight into the center, placing it under the side flap.

5) Do the same with the right side.

You can organize them in a basket for your friends or guests. These really do hold popcorn well!  Mine were displayed in a tin tub, but you could stack them in a basket or any way that goes with your event.  Have fun making and filling with delish popcorn!

NiFtY Paper Popcorn Holders
Www.bloomingbygrace.blogspot.com

Add caption

Barn Board and Burlap Cupcake Stand: DIY

So this post may require some reading between the lines.  I made these cupcake stands for a young lady's wedding cupcakes.   I'd love to post those later with directions to make. They were precious. I made them replicas of the bow tie and tuxedo of the groom.  For now, the stand is what's on the mind.

I do wish I had photos of the process but I was in a rush and never really planned on posting.  I will try to make the directions very simple so you can do without pics.
 I made three of these that were varying levels in height.  That was for a staggered look. However, at set up,  three on the table was too much. I took one away and layered some cupcakes on a board on the table.  Looked good!

The base is made of a candle pillar that was spray painted.  The top is made of old barn board.  Let's get started...

What You Need:

* Candle Pillars (any desired amount and size) The ones I used were wooden in a pack of three for $5.00.  I lucked up at a cheap local store.
* Spray Paint
* Burlap Ribbon
* Old Barn Board
* Hot Glue Gun
* Measure tape and saw
* Heavy Duty Liquid Adhesive

What You Do:

* Spray paint your pillars. The most effective method of spraying is slow and at a misting distance. If you get too close you may get run marks in the paint. Paint in a slow motion and spray at least 8 inches from the pillar.  Two coats should be perfect.
* Measure and cut your boards. We cut these at 16 inches. If you make them much longer, they could be top heavy.  Have someone who is experienced in saws to help you cut them.   Be SAFE :)
* Cut your burlap so that it will wrap, loop and bow around your base. This may take some trial to get right.
* Once you have your bow length, wrap around the top 1/3 of your base and tie a bow. Now place a small amount of hot glue to hold it in place.
* Measure the length and width of the top barn board. Find the center point on the board and mark where these points meet on the underside.
* Lay the board on solid surface so the mark is visible.  Align it with the center point on the top of your pillar.
* Spread your heavy duty adhesive to pillar and stand it up to rest on the lying board. The entire cupcake stand will be upside down.  I glued mine with hot glue and they held through the reception but did come off its top later. I recommend using a better glue :)
* Let it dry to harden.
* Have fun with your little creation!

The Hope of an Oak

An acorn is only bold enough to burst forth of its covering, when the burning hope and aspiration of becoming a great oAk, overwhelms it's ability to remain contained. 

There are acorns everywhere in my yard. We have this huge oak tree that was planted way before any of us in our little home, were born. The giant tree now sports a tire swing and a mirage of colored leaves. I am amazed by the growth process of something so tiny. A little acorn as a seed, has the capability to branch into an enormous creation, full of branches, leaves and color!

As my son and husband shot bow and arrow the other day, I was distracted by the crunch under my feet. The sound of acorns! Some squooshed under foot. Some literally wasting away, sadly, without a sprout of attempt. But some, began to reach.

These acorns had begun a journey. Such courage it took to gander high In the sky to the peak of their predecessor, and choose to sprout, aNyWaY.

They had sprouted this tiny shoot from the acorn top, which by miracle, found its way into the dirt.
The shoot grows. Slowly, but enough to clear the path and head for what is beyond the muck. Beyond the muck, lies something greater!

We can be quite similar.  Some, will let trodden feet break and destroy. Some, will become stuck in defeat and allow the aspiration of high proportions to defeat and paralyze. But some will dig deep. They will ChOOse to do something instead of nothing... to see what'son the other side of the muck. It may just prove worth the risk.

In the face of something that seems hopeless... Hope AnYwAy

*Job 14: 7-9 *

Pumpkin-Spice Cookie Balls

These are insane!  One of the best cookie balls I've tasted.  I totally just created this little bite of craziness and glad I followed through. These are simple and taste very pumpkin-like. So here goes! ...

What Ya Need:

* 10 Vanilla cookies  (both without the cream would equal 20)

* 4-5 Graham Crackers

* 1/2 Block Cream Cheese

* 1/8 Cup Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer

* 2 Tbsp EACH Powdered Sugar and Brown Sugar

* 1/4 tsp Cinnamon

* 1/4-1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

* 4 Blocks Vanilla Candy Coating

* 20 Walnuts (optional)


What Ya Do:

1) Soften the cream cheese with a short stay on the counter.

2) Remove filling from cookies and crush cookies with Graham Crackers until fine texture is reached.

3) Add your cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to crumbs and mix

4) Mix cream cheese for about 35 seconds or until soft.

5)Add the sugars to the cream cheese and mix well

6) Pour the coffee creamer into the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.

7)  Add your crumbs and stir with wooden spoon until incorporated.

8) Line a pan with wax paper and shape balls about 3/4 inch diameter. Place on the sheet.

9) Refrigerate 45 minutes to hour.

10 ) Melt four blocks of vanilla bark.

11) Dip the balls with a slotted spoon. Shake off excess and roll onto wax paper.

12) Place a walnut on top and make rows of the cookie balls.

13) Refrigerate until ready to be munched

* I hope you enjoy making and popping these treats.! These are perfect for a Thanksgiving midday snack... right between the two or three huge meals :)
* Please feel free to leave comments or questions! 

Almighty Author

Who's your favorite author? 
You know, the one that seems to speak through sentences, straight into your heart. 

I ran into a sentence yesterday, from the most accomplished Author of all time, and this is what he said...

"Is not my word like as a fire? said the LORD; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?"

Interesting inscription from an interesting Author. His word, like a fire.? Nothing stand against fire or competes against his incontestable truth! The fire of His inscriptions tests our humanity with tRuTh that burns away impurities. We cannot escape, without noticeable evidence of change when we get close to His fire.

His Word, is like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces.  If a rock we're human, it would boast of its absolution, foolishly declaring its grounds to stand, based on its strength and abilities. Are we so afraid that the hammer will break us to pieces and remind us of our lack, that we dare not to pick it up? 

Although we have a favorite few authors, this One takes the cake. The Almighty Author poured out more capable and intense utterings than we can withstand.

He poured His heart onto pages, through those who were quiet enough to hear and obedient to record. Then!!.., he made sure we could access them in His Book: proven, ultimate, unwavering, transforming and ABLE. Will we get close enough to allow the inscription of the Almighty Author to do as He promises it can?!

The one who "spoke" the earth into existence and "spoke" the raging sea to calm... Still speaks. 

Will we let Him sPeAk to us?

[ * Jeremiah 23:29 * Matthew 8:26 ]

Demetria