Friday, April 10, 2009

Contact Me

Please use this contact form to contact us with any requests or to be added to our mailing list.
Being on the mailing list allows you to access the printable versions of our recipes and other stuff.

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Testing Google Docs

This is a document made in google docs.


This is just a test to see if i can link up to that page within google.

Test Link


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Thursday, April 9, 2009

A flower and a gemstone

There is a flower and a gemstone for each month of the year.

What's in a birth date ?

When you consider that there are over 6 billion people on this planet it would seem silly to think that one day in the year can make any one of those 6000 million special. But everyone is special to someone and a birthday is always a special day.

It has been that way forever most likely. Or at least since the days when someone decided to keep time through the use of calendars.

Prazsky orloj
Birthday CandleThe calendar that is most commonly used today is called the Gregorian calendar and it is a solar calendar which means that it moves forward along with the cycles of the earth in relation to the sun. One spin of the earth is equal to one day.

This type of solar calendar is also called a civil calendar since it is a good method to tell you when Monday comes around and when it is time to wake up and go to work.

It differs from lunar calendars that work with seasons and which are more likely to be used in almanacs and in planting and sowing cycles.

But the modern day Gregorian calendar is best for telling us or reminding us of coming special dates such as birthdays.

Over time, since the earliest ages in Egypt, Greece, Rome and elsewhere people have used a flower and a gemstone to show appreciation and respect for those they care for.

Many systems have evolved around the theme of a flower and a gemstone but in 1912 a group of people got together and decided which stone best represented each month of the year.

The list that they came up with was as follows:

  • January is to a White Carnation and Garnet
  • February is to a Violet and an Amethyst
  • March is to a Daffodil and an Aquamarine stone
  • April is to Daisy or Tulip and a Diamond
  • May is to a Sunflower or Lilly of the Valley and an Emerald gem
  • June is to a Rose or an Honeysuckle and a Pearl or a Moonstone
  • July is to a Larkspur and a Ruby
  • August is to a Lily or a Gladiolus and a Peridot gemstone
  • September is to a Forget Me Not or a Morning Glory and a Sapphire
  • October is to a Marigold or Camellia and an Opal or Tourmaline gemstone
  • November is to a Chrysanthemum and a Yellow Topaz or Citrine
  • December is to the Holly or the Narcissus flower and a Turquoise gemstone or Blue Topaz
Just recently a new gemstone was added to the list for December and that rock is the Tanzanite.

Click on the links for more details on the flower and the gemstone.



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Jane's Cinnamon rolls

photo S.Diddy
jane's cinnamon rollsThe cinnamon roll is a sweet pastry and is sometimes referred to as a bun or a swirl. They are simply delicious and tasty and cooking Jane's cinnamon rolls will fill the house for hours with the wonderful aroma of a country kitchen. As the cinnamon bun is a dough sweetened with spices and sugar then it can easily replace a toast at breakfast.

country kitchen odor
photo thekitchendesigner

Try these with a cup of hot coffee or dip them in a glass or bowl of milk.

The recipe is simple and well worth the effort.

Preheat Oven 400 F.
Cooking Time 15 to 20 minutes.

Dry yeast 1 pkg.
Warm water 3/4 cup

Put yeast in warm water and let stand till dissolved.

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White sugar 1/4 cup
Salt 3/4 tsp.
Egg 1
Flour 2 -1/2 cups

Put all ingredients in large bowl then add yeast mixture and mix.



Bottom preparation:


Butter 1/4 cup
Cinnamon 1 tbsp.
Brown sugar 1/2 cup

Mix well,and put in bottom of greased bundt pan or cake pan.

The beginnings in the Bundt
photo eston



Roll dough as for pie and roll and slice.
Place over nut mixture and let rise till double in size.



Cook in 400F. oven for 15 to 20 min.

Good Morning!
photo clearly ambiguous



Also good with cream cheese icing
....mmmmmmmmm Jane's Cinnamon Rolls

To print this recipe please click here Jane's Cinnamon Rolls.

If this is the first time you request a printed recipe you will need to have a gmail account and you will need to contact me - see contact info in side bar - to get access to the printable files.





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February flowers and birthstone

The February flowers and birthstone are the Violet and the Amethyst.

This however varies to some degree according to which system of classification you follow but it holds true by most modern methods.
Vera Cruz Amethyst Pointsimage by Orbital JoeThe modern system by which gemstones are selected to represent a specific month officially adopted by some Jewelers in 1922 and it has been an accepted method ever since with very few changes. In 2002 a new gemstone was added to the modern system for the month of December and that stone was the Tanzanite.

flowers picture pansy019.jpgThe Violet is a flower that belongs to the Viola genus. There are over 500 flowers and plants within this Viola genus. Even the name Violet can be somewhat confusing since there are several named Violets such as Sand Violets, Dogtooth Violets, African Violets, only to name a few. The violet flowers are often referred to as a pansies and these are also found under many names including field pansies, dwarf pansies, mountain pansies and others.

Each of these common names also has a scientific name such as the Hookedspur Violet is the Viola Adunca, the Field Pansy is the Viola Arvensis, and the Pohe Hiwa is the Viola Kauaensis.

The Amethyst is the official gemstone for February birthdates according to the "modern system".

The Amethyst gemstone is cut from a Quartz of violet coloration. The name comes from a Greek period from long ago and legend has it that it could be used to prevent intoxication. This legend carried into the Roman civilization. The violet quartz was shaped into drinking vessels and was said to keep one from becoming too drunk. The word "methustos" in Greek language meant intoxicated. When the "a" is added the word amethustos signifies "not drunk".

Since those days and probably long before the Amethyst violet quartz was polished and made into jewelery. It was sometimes carried by soldiers to protect them against arm.
Amethyst Flower Danglesimage by My Beadiful DesignSo it would stand to reason that those born in the month of February could be won over by an offering of a beautiful pansy or a full bouquet of selected violets and maybe a small ornament or piece of jewelery made of the violet polished quartz named the Amethyst.

To go the cheap route - it's the thought that counts - you might consider a piece of costume jewelery made of assimilated amethyst along with a hand crafted violet which you can make in your spare time.

Nothing is more sentimental than a thing you make from scratch.

Here's a pattern for a simple Pansy made from the same material used by companies who make nylon stockings. Hence the craft is called "silk nylon stocking flowers".

Click Here : February Flowers and Birthstone (coming soon)



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A white Carnation and a Garnet

A white Carnation and a Garnet gemstone are considered to be appropriate gifts for those who's birthday falls in the month of January.

The Carnation is a member of the Dianthus genus.

However those who have a deep passion for gardening flowers from seeds, bulbs, or otherwise can and do classify this genus into sub categories known has families and species.

flowers picture abflowers2049.jpgThe Carnation is only one of several hundred types of flowers within the flower filing system. Other popular names within the Dianthus file include the Sweet William, the Cottage Pink, and many others.

These Dianthus' are perennials that have fragrant blooms and they are great for yards and rock gardens. They are usually started from seed but the can also be propagated from cuttings. They can be started indoors and transplanted to the garden later. Or if one prefers then they can be purchased at most local greenhouses or plant suppliers.

A white Carnation or an arrangement of white Carnations is a popular gift to give to a person who celebrates a birthday in January.

Along with the Carnation, January births are also symbolized by a garnet gemstone.

Garnets and heartsimage by fleurioneThere are several backgrounds that one can use when selecting a stone to go with a certain month or birthdate. For example some people use a traditional system while others use the Ayurvedic system which is an ancient system from India and their are yet others.

In the 1920's a group of jewelers got together and formulated what has come to be known as the "modern system" and it is by this system that a salesperson would likely come up with a choice of gem for anyone inquiring about a gift for a certain month.

The garnet gem is mostly likely named from the Latin word "granatus" which means grain or seed. If so then this would probably be a reference to the red garnet which is said to look like a pomegranate. The garnet however does not only come in red. Garnets can be of any color with the exception of blue.

Jewelers and gem cutters love this gemstone because it is a hard rock but it is easy to shape and it keeps it's shine for a long time. Collectors of gemstones also love the garnet because it is both affordable and beautiful to own.

So for anyone who has a birthday in January there is no better gift to give or receive than a white Carnation and a Garnet.

For those who are into crafts then making a flower arrangement that revolves around the theme of a white carnation and a garnet for a January birthday could be both fun and inexpensive.

Click on the above link for a pattern to make a single white carnation nylon stocking flower(coming soon).





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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

fuschia


fuschia
Originally uploaded by june2009bug
This Fushia flower was made in March while I was in Texas for a few weeks.It is made of silk nylon tubes,which come in many colors.The flower shown also has a branch of baby's breath made of same fabric,.The leaves are also made of same fabric.

clamatis vase


clamatis vase
Originally uploaded by june2009bug
Made this clematis flower on april 2nd. It is exactly the same color as the one I have growing on my archway in the backyard. It blooms from early July to late August . The clematis is very beautiful and easy to care for,also comes in different colors.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

silk stocking flowers - iris - glad

The glad flower represents the August flower. It comes from the Iris family and derives mostly from South Africa. For more specific details click on the glad link.

silk flower vases

The Carnation is the January flower. They grow in many colors, very hardy and is one of the oldest growing flowers. It is also called the flower of Love or the Flower of the Gods.

silk stocking flower - carnation - lotus

The Lotus is the August flower. It comes in colors of assorted pinks where as the water lily comes in white to yellows. The lotus is an entirely different plant from the water lily. The centre of the flower is quite different.

silk stocking flowers - lotus

The bearded Iris is the May flower. It is a very popular flower in many gardens and can be seen in many colors. It takes it's name from the Greek word which means rainbow.
silk stocking flower - bearded iris - gladioles

Caramel Mini Cones

These caramel mini cones are a real treat with my family and friends I visit with in winter time.

Ingredients

1 Carton of Mini Cones
mini marshmallows

1/2 lb. Butter,not margarine
2 cups Brown sugar
1/2 cup Corn syrup
1 can Eagle brand sweet milk

Directions

Cook in microwave for 8 minutes ,stirring every 2 minutes.
remove and add 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows.

Stir until marshmallows are melted and well mixed.

Return to microwave for 3 minutes

Remove from microwave and stir ,and immediately fill cones 2/3 full.

Place on baking rack or other rack to stand cones in to fill.

Can be frozen.

I have made these cones many times and this year I melted chocolate and spread a bit on top. Very delicious.

Recipe makes 6 dozen cones.

_______________________

See the printable version of Caramel mini cones

In order to print this and other recipes please see these instructions

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Monday, April 6, 2009

Magic Body Lotion

This magic body lotion is very refreshing and soothing to dry skin. It contains vitamin E which is extracted from many sources which some believe clover contains.

The magic body lotion recipe you find here will make 5 or 6 cups which should last awhile.

Tools required for this project.

  • large glass or stainless steel bowl
  • spatula
  • electric hand mixer
  • small mason jars or baby food jars or similar air tight containers

Ingredients

  • Pink Baby Lotion - 32 ounces or 2 sixteens
  • Vitamin E Lotion - 4 ounces
  • Nursery Vasoline Baby Fresh Scent - 6.5 ounce jar

Directions

  • Mix ingredients in bowl
  • Stir with electric mixer - stir well
  • Once well mixed then spoon into containers
  • Seal the container and the lotion is ready to use instantly

This lotion is very soothing after a shower or bath.

_______

A little on Vitamin E.

Some people believe that because this type of lotion which contains
Vitamin E allows the skin to relax and over time this protects against
the
natural aging process.

Also some people believe that it might help in the healing process
for the same reason.

The magic body lotion is good for dry skin.

Apple Bread Pudding

This Apple Bread Pudding goes nicely with the Whiskey Sauce a la Francaise or with another sweet sauce of your choice.

Apple Bread Pudding
image by Donut


The Ingredients needed for the Apple Bread Pudding are as follows:

  • Butter - 1 tbsp melted
  • White Sugar - 1 tbsp
  • Eggs - 6 large
  • White Sugar - 1 cup
  • Applesauce - 1 cup unsweetened
  • Whole Milk - 2 +1/2 cup
  • Dark Rhum - 1 tsp
  • Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
  • Cinnamon - 1 tsp
  • Salt - 1/4 tsp
  • Nutmeg - ground 1/4 tsp
  • Bread - 1 loaf white, dried preferred and diced into large cubes
  • Apples - 2 large and the soft type, peeled, cored and diced into 1/4 inch pieces
  • Golden Raisins - 1/2 cup
  • White Sugar - 1 tsp

Directions to prepare this Apple Bread Pudding

Set oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile...

  • Butter a casserole dish with the melted butter- casserole is 8 cups in size
  • Sprinkle side and bottom of casserole with 1 tbsp sugar
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cup of sugar and the 3 eggs
  • Next stir in the Apple Sauce, milk, rum, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl mix the bread cubes, the diced apples, and the raisins together.
  • Stir in the egg and sugar mixture and mix well
  • Let this bowl stand for 10 minutes or long enough for the bread to soak in the liquid.
  • Once soaked then spoon it into the prepared casserole and sprinkle the top with the remaining tsp of sugar.
  • Place this in the middle of your warm oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
  • It is done when the top is browned and the pudding is set.

Let this cool and then serve with a sweet sauce such as the Whiskey Sauce a la Francaise which you can prepare by following this recipe.

This Apple Bread Pudding recipe will serve up to 8 people.





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Whiskey Sauce

This Whiskey Sauce a la Francaise is one of my preferred sweet sauces.

Bourbon barrels on ricks
image by cizauskas


Ingredients

  • Butter - 3/4 cup
  • White Sugar - 1 + 1/2 cup
  • Corn Syrup - 3/4 cup
  • Bourbon Whiskey - 1/2 cup

Pecans, Walnuts, or Raisins can be considered as additional ingredients but are only optional to the success of this Whiskey Sauce recipe.

Directions

Blend all ingredients except the Bourbon Whiskey together in a pot and simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Then add the Bourbon Whiskey while stirring gently for a minute or two.

That's all.

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This Whiskey Sauce is served well with apple bread pudding or rice pudding.

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sweet williams mini from texas

Here's a picture of some mini sweet williams that i took in Port Aransas, Texas in 2009.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Orange Breakfast Ring

Orange Wedgeimage by Malkay
This Orange Breakfast Ring is very flavourful and is pleasant in the morning with coffee or anytime time of day with herbal tea or refreshments.

This recipe will make enough to serve 8-10 hungry people.

Ingredients for cake
  • Rind of 3 large oranges - naval oranges preferred - grated
  • Sugar - 3/4 cup
  • Butter - 1/2 cup melted
  • Buttermilk Biscuit (Pillsbury) - 2 packages - these are pre mixed and only need cooking

Directions for cake

  • Mix sugar, butter and orange rind.
  • Dip uncooked biscuits in butter and coat with orang mixture.
  • Place side by side standing in greased bundt pan - or tube pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Once the Orange Breakfast Ring is cooked as per above then it's time to add the garnishing.

Ingredients for glaze or topping.

  • cream cheese - 1 cup
  • orange juice - 1 or 2 tablespoon

Directions for glaze

Gently mix cream cheese and orange juice together and spread on cake while it is still warm.

Enjoy this recipe and share with friends.

Find it on this blog

Stuff on the How i keep busy youtube channel

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