Baby Boy's Baby Seal Blanket

I have decided to try my hand at creating my own pattern for a baby blanket.  Living in Seal Rock what else would I create ...  so far I just have 2 panels done.  The finished blanket will be approx. 32"x32".
I will post the finished product when done!

First two panels

Close up of baby seal panel

Baby Girl Blanket

Baby Girl Blanket

Lined with soft pink flannel 32" x 32"

Ready for my next great great niece!

Healthy Homemade Condiments

Tomatoes – yep. Vinegar – seems fine. Sugar – wait, what? Even ketchup isn’t safe from the wrath of sugar.
Think you have to ditch the bottle – the condiment bottle that is – in order to avoid these hidden sugars? Not a chance, especially if you have the baseline kitchen skills necessary to whip up some of these homemade alternatives. Read on for simple Primal recipes for ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, barbeque sauce and almond butter. Enjoy!

Ketchup

There’s no need to give up ketchup if you can opt for this sugar-free (but no less delicious) 3-minute variety.
6 ounces tomato paste
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup water
2 tbsp of your preferred sugar substitute (optional)
2 tbsp onions
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp pepper
Combine ingredients in food processor and blend until the onion disappears. Spoon mixture into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Mayonnaise

If using raw eggs in mayonnaise makes you nervous, try this recipe, which not only dramatically reduces the sugar content but also partially cooks the eggs!
2 large egg yolks
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp water
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1 cup pure olive oil
Heat the egg yolks, lemon juice, water, and sugar in a small skillet over very low heat, stirring constantly. At the first sign of thickness, remove from heat and submerge in a large pan of cold water (you should continue stirring here to avoid creating citrus-y scrambled eggs…trust us!) Scoop mixture out of pan and into a food processor. Blend for a few seconds and then let mixture sit uncovered for at least 5 minutes to cool. Add remaining dry ingredients, and blend on low speed. Drizzle oil slowly into the mixture until all ingredients are combined. Scoop into a large glass container and chill immediately. Mayonaise should keep for at least one week if stored correctly.

Mustard

Ahhh…mustard. Another childhood favorite. But did you know many varieties contain a hefty dose of brown sugar? Cut the carbs – and synthesize the taste – by following this spicy mustard recipe
1/4 cup white or brown mustard seeds
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup dry mustard
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground allspice
2 tbsp cold water
Place mustard seeds, wine vinegar and wine in a small bowl and let sit for 3 hours. Pour the contents of the bowl and the water into a food processor with a steel blade. Blend until seeds are broken up and then add the dry mustard, salt, allspice, and water, and process until smooth. Scoop into glass container and refrigerate 12 hours before serving.

Faux Honey Mustard

This is perhaps one of the most delicious (and kid-friendly) ways to sweeten the appeal of a chicken dish!
1 cup mayonnaise (extra credit if you use your own homemade version!)
1/3 cup mustard (again, there’s no harm in using your own!)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 packet sugar substitute or a bit of honey
Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix thoroughly. To store, refrigerate in airtight container.

Barbeque Sauce

Ever wonder what makes barbeque sauce so delicious? Perhaps it’s the 30 grams of sugar per 1/4 cup serving? Don’t want to give up this comfort food favorite? Then try this innovative recipe, which uses diet soda in place of the sugar!
2 strips of thick bacon, chopped fine or 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, or chipotle powder to taste (this gives the sauce its smoky flavor, so using either the bacon or the spices is fine!)
1 small onion (minced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 6oz can tomato paste
1 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup (again, use your homemade version!)
3 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cloves
1 pinch cinnamon
Hot sauce to taste (any variety is fine!)
If using bacon, fry in a 2-qt pan (no oil) until cooked through. Add the onion and cook over a medium heat for 3-5 minutes (or until onion browns). Add in garlic and cook for a minute, then mix in all other ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes. Test the mixture and add other spices, more vinegar or hot sauce until you achieve the desired taste. To store, scoop into a large plastic container and keep refrigerated.

Almond Butter

Looking for a peanut butter alternative? Try this almond butter recipe – its quick, easy, and super nutritious!
3 lbs raw, unsalted almonds
Spread almonds on cookie sheets and toast in a 350 degree F. oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring them around occasionally to ensure that they are toasting evenly. Let cool for 30-45 minutes. In a food processor, add handfuls of almonds at a time through the shoot opening and blend on high. Periodically open blender and scrape down sides to make sure that mixture is blending evenly. If you prefer a chunkier almond butter, save a handful for the end and then add in while pulsing food processor to attain desired consistency.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/alternative-healthy-condiment-recipes/#axzz1rStuPm9Z

EASY HOMEMADE CLEANER

EASY FRESH CLEANER
Orange peels, vinegar in a quart jar,
let sit for 10 days or so...strain out the
liquid and use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Easy, cheap, natural, smells good!

Fun plant starters

What a great way to start your plants.  Then just plant the entire egg shell
and it will feed your plant! 
Sharing from Homestead Survival!

Crocheting baby quilts

I am having so much fun making baby quilts for all the new babies in our family!  When done I will post the entire quilt!  Life is good when I surrender it to my God!  So thankful that He is allowing me the talent to make these heirloom quilts for precious babies!

January 16, 2012

We have had hail and snow!  It has not disappeared today and more is coming down.  Good day to stay safe and cozy in the house ... but NO, my husband insisted on going for a ride!  Grrrrr ... at least he has his cell phone and is to call me every stop he makes!  Praying one of those is not from a ditch.  I told him to have the tow truck bring him home if that is where he lands.  After prodding, he at least took his cane to help him stay steady on the ice.  What a GUY he is.  He just left and it is snowing big flakes right now!  Lord what am I to do???

 

Our life this week:

We go to the Urologist on thursday, providing we can get there in this weather.  I see that it might just turn to rain and hoping that is the case.

This morning we read the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians.  If we put on the breastplate of faith, which we get from staying in the word; love, which we learn from studying the life of our Lord; the helmet of hope, hope that He comes soon and salvation, which we are so privileged to have, we will constantly live in the hope that the Lord is coming soon!  Lord come soon!  I am so anxious for that day.  We will have no more fear, pain, worries - gosh new bodies!  ... and the joy of praising the Lord all day long! 

 

Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is taking me through the Psalms! Lesson 3 was Psalms 23, one I have known by heart for probably 50 years.  It is also one of my favorites.
Here is my summary:
This Psalms just fills me with the joy in knowing that I am one of His sheep.  That He is my shepard.   I have no fears, no wants for he fills me totally (If I just let him).  Just as a Shepard He calls me by name - HE KNOWS ME!  He gave up His life for me, just like a shepard would do for his flock and in doing so He gives me eternal life. 

As the good Shepard - He will provide for me; guide me; comfort me, nurture me; protect and care for me!  Not just a little but with abundance, rest, protection, restoration, keeping on the right path if I try to stray.  My Shepard goes above and beyond to protect me as I face moments of great need and peril. 
I know that God is always at work for the good of me because I love Him.  I am sure that nothing can separate me from God's love!

The rod of the shepard is used to mark his sheep so he will know them, used to guide them and protect them.  The staff having a *hook* on the end is used to pull me back when I try to run off a cliff or stray off on the wrong path. 

The traits of a sheep fit me soooooo well!  They are weak of back so they can not carry burdens well.  They are stupid; clueless; go astray or wander off the path; defenseless; get rattled and skittish; they will stay in a meadow they have already eaten and one that has no nourishment when there is a green field right next door ... they need guidance.
OH I am such a sheep!

Verse of the day:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

My Pearl of the Day:
I am reminded that when I come to the Lord's Table, I am refreshed.  When Satan is condemning me, when I am aware of my own failures, shortcomings and sins - I come to the Table of the Lord and remember once again that the blood of Jesus cleanses me and my sin is washed away totally and completely.


Picture of the day

If you look closely you can see the little balls of hail falling.  Actually looks like they are falling up.  This was taken off our back deck yesterday afternoon.