Multiple Uses for Kitchen Towels

This weekend I had some extra time to create a few gifts that I know I will be needing in the next few weeks. I had been at the "Dollar Tree" and I saw these adorable polka dotted kitchen towels. I thought the colors were so perfect for summer and I liked that they were 100% cotten. I was not sure what I would do with them, but I did know that I would find some good uses for them in the future. First of all, I lined some homemade cookies in some plastic wrap and then wrapped them in the green kitchen towel. It creates a fun way to give cookies to friends.
My Amish friends bake DELICIOUS homemade doughnuts, in their home. I put these in a cellophane bag and set them in this blue wire basket that I also purchased from the "Dollar Tree". I used the kitchen towel to line the basket. I will give this to a friend who did a big favor for me last week.
For this gift, I wrapped a loaf of homemade Orange-Cranberry Bread. I folded the towel in thirds and then proceeded to wrap the towel around the loaf and tired it with the ribbon. It easily fits back in my freezer to be used for a future needed hostess gift.
I think magazine subscriptions are a very special gift. Since I was giving a food magazine, I thought this kitchen towel would be the thing to use when wrapping the gift. Paula Deen, is one of my favorite cooks and I am sure that my friend will enjoy receiving this gift. One that will last the whole year through.

Four kitchen towels and four different gifts from my kitchen. What a fun way to wrap gifts. It is like having two gifts in one, and everyone can use new kitchen towels...especially if your mother is coming to visit. Happy giving! Judy

"Chocolate Chip Cookie" Time

One of my daughter's dear friends is visiting in our home this week, from North Carolina. In one of our conversations, she mentioned that one of her biggest weaknesses is homemade chocolate chip cookies. Since I had a few extra minutes while babysitting today, I made some for her.
The recipe that I had copied from the internet, was a quick, easy and so delicious one. I made the cookies bigger than I usually do, because I wanted to try something that I had seen in a previous "Martha Stewart" magazine. It was an article on "cookie gift how-to", using blank CD envelopes from the office supply store. Included in the article were clip-art gift tags. I chose to make my own gift tags,with folded strips of paper, stickers and a "thinking of you" stamp. I took the extra cookies and put one in each envelope and stored them in a plastic container in the freezer. I will use them as little gifts when needed in the future.
I am sure you each of you have you own "best chocolate chip cookie" recipe. I personally have tasted some of your recipes and I know for a fact,they are so delicious!! But, if you happen to want to try this soft choc. chip cookie recipe, you can find it at "allrecipes.com". When I was a little girl, choc. chip cookies and milk just seemed to make everything right. They still do. Why not bless someone's day with a cookie and milk...it might lighten their load. Judy

Another tip that I have tried, is to freeze individual balls of choc. chip cookie dough on a cookie sheet. When frozen, remove and store in zip-lock freezer bag. When you need some cookies, just place frozen dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake. It is defintely a time saver.

The Evolution of a Needed Centerpiece

I had the crystal candlestick holders, I had the mirror, but I needed a tall crystal pedestal plate to set in the middle. I decided to do what I have done many times and that is, to create one myself. I found the sturdy goblet and the crystal plate at the "Dollar Tree". With my trusted, amazing "Goop"(a contact adhesive), I finished my project. Now, I just needed something to set on the pedestal plate to give it the finished look.

Imagine how very excited I was to find this fresh flower arrangement at my favorite Rt. 322 farm. The two dear ladies that raise the flowers, create so many beautiful, unusual arrangements. When I stopped at their small roadside stand, they had the perfect thing to go on my new pedestal plate. Even the colors of the flowers were perfect!!!
Now, don't you think the finished product looks good on the mirror? What makes it even better for me is the cost. A total of $ 8.00. Two dollars for the pedestal plate and $ 6.00 for the flowers. The candles lit and the lights dimmed...and the centerpiece is complete. I have discovered many uses for "Goop". It is a very strong adhesive. You never know when you might find a special little blessing along your daily route. Alma and Bertha sure do nice work!

Being "Grandpa" on a Beach Vacation

He loves every minute of this role in his life!! He is a fun, involved, helpful and kind grandpa. I thoroughly enjoy watching each of the grandchildren respond and look up to him. How blessed they are to have him in their lives and how very blessed he is, to have each of them. These pictures tell the story...and I loved capturing the moments. Judy

Ways to Create Magnetic Boards with Recycling

A dear friend of mine works for an Interior Decorating company. When the wall paper books expire, or are no longer needed, they find creative ways to dispose of them. When she saw this particular book, she thought of me. No one has ever given me an expired wall paper book before, and quite honestly, I was not sure what to do with it. I purchased a plain white, magnetic board at Target, and this is what evolved ...a gift for my athletic grandson, to hang in his room. He has been playing la crosse in school so this wall paper and border were perfect to use in covering his board. I used spray glue as the adhesive. The magnets were purchased also at Target. He will hang it in his room and use it when school starts.
I purchased another plain white magnetic board at Target and used this wall paper and border in the same way. The magnets I used in this one are cut outs from the extra wall paper. I glued them on thick paper, cut them out, and glued them onto small round magnets that I had on hand, from Michaels. I added some touches of glitter and a black strip of paper down the center. I do not have plans for this one although I think it would make a nice, inexpensive gift for someone.
A year ago, I purchased a stack of old, ugly metal trays from an antique mall, for $ 1.00. I took one of them and sprayed it with black board spray paint from KMart. I then proceeded to decorate it with vintage stickers on small round magnets, and a few fancy tart molds that I also glued onto magnets. I set the finished tray on a black stand that I found at Walmart. If you have a vintage kitchen, this may work as a communication board for your family. Actually, this tray could be decorated in many different ways. I have sprayed some of them white and some in bright colors. Sometimes I use old buttons, or vintage flowers which I glue onto the magnets. Sometimes, I just use chalk to write messages on the black board surface. Since reminders are a daily part of my life lately, magnetic boards work for me. Judy

Quick, Easy and Delicious Summer Desserts

II am always looking for quick, easy , inexpensive desserts, but they must taste delicious...who would want to waste calories on something that was not that way? I have memories of orange creme popcicles from summers long ago. This dessert always takes me back to those days. I simply layer orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream in little juice glasses, topped with cool whip and orange slice. I store them in the freezer until right before serving. It might take you back to your popcicle days ,too.
I was delighted to discover these snack size ice cream bars at the grocery store on Tuesday. I have served the regular sized vanilla and almond bars, at dinner parties in the past, but they were too big for a luncheon. These "snack size" bars are perfect when you just want a little something sweet after the main course. I added ribbons to the wooden sticks, just for fun. You can serve them individually on glass plates with lace doilies. How easy and how delicious!!
I also discovered Mrs. Field's chocolate chip cookies filled with vanilla ice cream. I rolled each one in pastel, sugared confetti. I did it all ahead of time, covered the plate and put it back in the freezer until serving time. I served these to the children at a family dinner a few weeks ago, and they were a big hit. Perfect combination...chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream. If you have time to make your own cookies, that would work also.
Over the years, my mother has used these sugar free dessert shells for many different desserts that she has served. You can buy them in vanilla or chocolate. I often keep them in my freezer to whip out if guests stop in. Today, I filled them with blueberry "Yoplait Thick & Creamy" yogurt, fresh sweet blueberries and topped it off, with light "Cool Whip". At times, I use one dip of vanilla ice cream with the fresh blueberries mixed with blueberry pie filling. Actually, the possibilites are endless when it comes to fillings for these simple little shells. But, it always looks like you spent alot of time, when you serve them. Anyone of the above mentioned desserts would be perfect to use as gifts or for an afternoon tea party on the porch. Hope you enjoy them! Judy

Three Birthdays in one Family - Three Cakes

This is the first time that I posted twice in one day. But, when I saw the pictures of the cakes we made for the three Miller children, I thought it would be fun to share them with you. Strawberry shortcake was the cake chosen for Rick, since that is one of his favorites. I was not sure that putting lacrosse players on the cake would work . Hopefully, the Gummi letters will be fine for him.
" Jay Jay, the Jetplane "will be perfect for Christopher's cake. Anything with chocolate will work for him, especially chocolate pudding cake.
Now, Annie's cake was masterfully created by her aunt, just special for her. The time and skill taken with this cake was evident in how it turned out. It is a real good thing that her aunt is headed for YTI to become a "pastry chef". I wish you the best Kimberly, in your new, exciting endeavor. You always were so artistic! What an adorable cake.
Off to the park we will go tomorrow, to celebrate with a little "three-in-one" party with lots of good food. Judy