I discovered something I didn't know existed last month ... Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips. If you know me, you know I LOVE peppermint - the taste, the scent, and especially Peppermint Chocolate Chips shakes at Chik-Fil-A only available during the holidays!!!
Anyway, I found a recipe on the back of the package called Andres Peppermint Crunch Chunkies. Of course I HAD to make them and they were SOOOOO good! Here's the recipe:
2 sticks butter
1 cup dark brown sugar (I used light brown because that's what I had on hand)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1-3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sweetened grated coconut
1-1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans1
1/2 cups Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Red sprinkle sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (F). Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in egg and vanilla extract. On low speed add baking soda, salt and then flour. Mix completely. Stir in oats, coconut, pecans and Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips.
Measure out 2 tablespoons for large (or 1 tablespoon for small) cookies. Place round balls on a lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Press slightly. Sprinkle some of the remaining chips on top of cookie. Bake 20 minutes for large cookies or 12-15 minutes for small cookies. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER BAKE. They get crunchy on the outside but remain soft on the inside. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool.
NOTE: I rolled the cookies in the red sprinkle sugar for an added festive flair.
Yield: 30 - 3" or 60 - 1-1/2".
These are amazing and will definitely be adding to our yearly Christmas must have goodies to make. I just wished I bought several bags to staff in the freezer.
If you make these, please let me know what you think of them.
**************
I've been working on finishing my December Daily album and I just realized that I didn't take one single picture of the things I made this year (Chow Mein Goodies, Cowboy Cookies, Puppy Chow and the recipe above). Geez Louise!!! Guess I'll just add the recipes and hopefully remember to take pictures of them the next time I make them!
**************
Whoo Hoo ... just bought my Christmas cards for this year at 75% off! Now ... where do I put them so I can find them in November???
**************
~
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Some Practical Reminders and Car Wash Brownies Recipe
“God is looking for people through
whom He can do the impossible.
What a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”
-A.W. Tozer
Here's something I ran across that I wanted to share with everyone. A little planning for an emergency can effect the outcome of it. It's all common sense and things I know, but ... I get lazy and this is a good reminder to put a little time and effect into doing something that's so easy.
Here are a few practical reminders for your home, and if you drive, for safety and maintenance of your vehicle.
Just a few preparations could save a life.
For the home:
Check tire pressure-keep pressure gauge in car.
Thought I'd off set this practical advise with a really yummy sounding brownie recipe. I definitely am going to try it, just because the name is so funny. I admit I'm better at "collecting" recipes than I am making them, but when I'm inspired look out, there will be magic in my kitchen!
1 cup margarine
4 Tbsp cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup sour milk (add lemon juice)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
Icing:
½ cup margarine
¼ cup milk
4 Tbsp cocoa
2 cups icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F
Mix in a pot the margarine, cocoa and water, bringing to a boil. Remove from
heat and add flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir until combined. Add milk, sugar
and eggs last. Mix well and pour into 9×13 pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until
it tests done.
Icing:
What a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”
-A.W. Tozer
Here's something I ran across that I wanted to share with everyone. A little planning for an emergency can effect the outcome of it. It's all common sense and things I know, but ... I get lazy and this is a good reminder to put a little time and effect into doing something that's so easy.
Here are a few practical reminders for your home, and if you drive, for safety and maintenance of your vehicle.
Just a few preparations could save a life.
For the home:
Check and replace smoke detectors.
Make sure there is one fire extinguisher in the dwelling.
Keep extra water in containers for emergencies.
Have flashlights and batteries, candles, and matches for
power outages.
Keep important phone numbers handy.
Vehicle:
Check tire pressure-keep pressure gauge in car.
Schedule regular tune ups and engine maintenance.
Put together emergency kit for vehicles. Put in a box the
following:
First
aid kit
Knife
or scissors
Blanket
Flashlight
Water
Batteries
Cell
phone charger
Hammer, screwdriver, rope
Snack
bars, a few cans of food.
Thought I'd off set this practical advise with a really yummy sounding brownie recipe. I definitely am going to try it, just because the name is so funny. I admit I'm better at "collecting" recipes than I am making them, but when I'm inspired look out, there will be magic in my kitchen!
Car
Wash Brownies
http://frickonastick.com/2010/12/a-birthday-tradition/
(note: I have no idea why they’re called Car Wash Brownies but I don’t even need to know…)
(note: I have no idea why they’re called Car Wash Brownies but I don’t even need to know…)
4 Tbsp cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup sour milk (add lemon juice)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
½ cup margarine
¼ cup milk
4 Tbsp cocoa
2 cups icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Bring margarine, milk and cocoa to a boil. Take off stove, add icing sugar.
Stir until combined add vanilla. Mix with beaters until smooth, then pour over
lukewarm brownies.
If I hadn't just made a batch of Magic Cookie Bars I'd be whipping this up in my kitchen instead of blogging about them. I'll report back after I've personally taste tested them.
If you try them, please let me know how you liked them!
Sending you HUGS and chocolate dreams,
Karen
010212 Have you ever made a LOVE LIST?
I guess you could also call them a Life List or a Bucket List but I'm going with Love List because it all the things I "want" to do in 2012. They're not necessarily the typical kind of get healthier goals but all are to support my having more FUN in my life. (Through therapy last fall I truly GOT that I don't have much fun in my life and I'm more than ready to change that!)
Some of these will require some $$$ and planning to make them happen but none are hard. They will all add a spark, some joy and perhaps some grace in my life! Most important, if I focus on this list daily my spirit will be reminded to do what I can TODAY to make them happen, rather than sitting on the computer and watching TV for hours an hours accomplishing nothing. In fact, I'm going to pencil them in on the top of my calendar months.
It's a choice we all have how we're going to LIVE our life or just EXIST! I'd love to hear what you might add to a list of your own.
And in you, may contentment answer all your wishes.
May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.
And may the coming year
Show you that every day is really a first day,
A new year.
Let abundance be your constant companion,
So that you have much to share.
May mirth be near you always,
Like a lamp shining brightlyOn the many paths you travel
Author Unknown
~Author Unknown
I'm wishing you love and joy,
Karen
My LOVE LIST for 2012 …
1. Get together with Ruth every month
2. Get together with Andrea and Doylene at least every other month
3. Focus on having fun
4. Walk 10 minutes a day
5. Quit smoking by 2/14/12
6. Do a monthly scrapbooking double page layout EVERY month
7. Send birthday cards ON TIME
8. Get my nails done every month
9. Save money every month for Christmas
10. Finish my Christmas shopping by 12/01/12
11. Go the Texas State Fair
12. See Josh Groban in concert
13. Make ornaments for Sara and Tiffany
14. Declutter 15 minutes a day
15. Make red hat Renuzit angels
16. Make photo gift tags
17. Make list of family birthdays, addresses and phone numbers
18. Keep track of how many sbing layouts I do
19. Do Project Life - a weekly photo album with tidbits of journaling.
20, Call my uncle for a weekly chat to inquire about our family history.
21. Take my granddaughters to the Fort Worth Zoo
22. Decorate my house for every holiday
New Years Wishes
May peace fill all the empty spaces around youAnd in you, may contentment answer all your wishes.
May comfort be yours, warm and soft like a sigh.
And may the coming year
Show you that every day is really a first day,
A new year.
So that you have much to share.
Like a lamp shining brightlyOn the many paths you travel
~Author Unknown
Karen
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
010112 Happy New Year
Before I forget, I want to say I "borrowed" the Happy New Year banner above because it's very whimsical and I LOVE anything I think is whimsical. I apologize for not taking better care in giving credit to where I found it.
I had the BEST new year's eve last night ... it's been YEARS since I did anything special. Well, it couldn't have been anymore fun - I spent the afternoon and evening with 2 of my dearest friends - Ruth and Doylene. Ruth was our hostess and took us to a fabulous little hole in the wall for great hamburgers (let me go look at the business card I picked up ... it was Maple & Motor). We enjoyed every bite (along with some onion rings, homemade potato chips and a basket of fries) and interacted with a group next to us. The 3 of us have never met a stranger and Ruth soon was cutting up with them and had everyone laughing. She says she can get with anything since she's old.
The best part of the evening was hearing my youngest DD went home from the hospital. It was stressful week with my oldest being in the ER for 48 hours and my youngest having a procedure on Thursday and had to go the ER on Friday evening with side effects. I was a real UNHAPPY Mama for a couple of days. Thank you God for answering my prayers about them!!!
A Few Facts About New Year’s
• Besides Auld Lang Syne , other popular songs for New Year’s are It was a Very Good Year (Frank Sinatra), Imagine by John Lennon, and What a Wonderful World made popular by Louis Armstrong.
• From 1981-88, Manhattan switched and dropped a big, lighted apple instead of the ball.• New Year’s Eve is the busiest day of the year at the Walt Disney theme parks.
• Dick Clark started hosting New Year’s Eve in 1972, offering a younger type of programming to contrast with CBS and Guy Lombardo.
• For more on the ball drop in Times Square, read “The Times Square Ball Drop.”
The evening with spent nibbing on goodies and enjoying some coffee and Baileys! We watched CNN to see how Kathy Griffith was going to embarrass Anderson Cooper (because that her goal every year). I wound up going home at 1:30 A.M. - hoping and praying all the way that I didn't encounter any drunk drivers. Made it home safe and sound although I think I held my breathe the entire 10 miles.
The following caught my eye since I've been mulling over what my new year resolutions might be. I know what my one thing to leave behind is ... procrastination! I'm living with the theme "JUST DO IT" in 2012. Tomorrow I'll share what my LOVE LIST is (instead of resolutions I'm focusing on what I want to accomplish, in addition to eating healthier, moving more and yes, quitting smoking again).
What One Thing Will You Leave Behind?
http://www.thebridgemaker.com/what-one-thing-will-you-leave-behind/While the New Year gives us the opportunity to see life as a clean slate, there are some things we don’t want appearing on that slate again. Different from making a resolution, identifying what we want to leave behind gives us the chance to consider something that is no longer serving a purpose; doesn’t bring value or is no longer working for us.
It is something that may be keeping us from finding the happiness, peace and love we deserve.
Identifying what we want to leave behind isn’t about ignoring a difficult circumstance; it’s about acknowledging our reality and then deciding to do something about it.
I'll end with a lovely prayer I found:
"New Years Prayer" by Charlotte Anselmo: http://www.mamarocks.com/
My New Years wish for you:
" I wish you Health
So you may enjoy each day in comfort
I wish you the Love of friends and family
And Peace within your heart
I wish you the Beauty of nature
That you may enjoy the work of God
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities
For those things that really matter in life
I wish you Generousity so you may share
All good things that come to you
I wish you Happiness and Joy And Blessings for the New Year
I wish you the best of everything
That you so well deserve!
Wishing all of you, all of these, and hope you have a Happy New Year's Day!
XOXO,
Karen
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
2012 - January
01 - Oprah's show with Steven tyler
Cowboys lost to the Giants and will not be going to the playoffs
02 -
03 - Switched at Birth, ABC Family CH 199
04 -
05 -
06 - 7:00pm Bunco, Plano
07 - Sat
08 - Sun
09 - Mon
10 - Tues: 12:00 Browz
11 - Wed: People Choice Awards
12 - Dr Sarles
13 - PU Mike's pain pills
14 - Sat: Stamp Show with Doylene at Mesquite Rodeo
15 - 3:00 Izzie and Christian's bday party
832 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75023-4633
16 -
17 -
18 - Thanks for signing up to join us on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 for "How to Take Amazing Project Photos" with Nichol Magouirk. So glad you'll be there! The webinar is scheduled for 12 noon Eastern time. Can't join us at that time? No worries - a replay will be made available for a limited time after the event.
Here's where you'll go to log in:
https://truescrap.webex.com/truescrap/onstage/g.php?d=664947625&t=a
You'll be using your computer speakers to listen to the audio. Sometimes there's a bit of a delay when you log in -- don't freak out! If you have issues, contact Webex directly at 1-888-469-3239.
19 -
27 - Josh will appear on Tony Bennett: Duets II, a new special airing on PBS. He will perform the duet “This Is All I Ask” with Tony Bennett. The show airs on Friday, January 27th at 9pm
Cowboys lost to the Giants and will not be going to the playoffs
02 -
03 - Switched at Birth, ABC Family CH 199
04 -
05 -
06 - 7:00pm Bunco, Plano
07 - Sat
08 - Sun
09 - Mon
10 - Tues: 12:00 Browz
11 - Wed: People Choice Awards
12 - Dr Sarles
13 - PU Mike's pain pills
14 - Sat: Stamp Show with Doylene at Mesquite Rodeo
15 - 3:00 Izzie and Christian's bday party
832 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75023-4633
16 -
17 -
18 - Thanks for signing up to join us on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 for "How to Take Amazing Project Photos" with Nichol Magouirk. So glad you'll be there! The webinar is scheduled for 12 noon Eastern time. Can't join us at that time? No worries - a replay will be made available for a limited time after the event.
Here's where you'll go to log in:
https://truescrap.webex.com/truescrap/onstage/g.php?d=664947625&t=a
You'll be using your computer speakers to listen to the audio. Sometimes there's a bit of a delay when you log in -- don't freak out! If you have issues, contact Webex directly at 1-888-469-3239.
19 -
27 - Josh will appear on Tony Bennett: Duets II, a new special airing on PBS. He will perform the duet “This Is All I Ask” with Tony Bennett. The show airs on Friday, January 27th at 9pm
Monday, July 11, 2011
071111 - Welcome to my blog
I've been wanting to start a blog for quite some time. Making it happen has been a real challenge and I'm hoping I'll be successful at this site. I tried writing one at a free web site but couldn't get it to format the way I wanted. (I struggle with grammer but definitely know how I want something to look! ) To be honest, I've been writing a blog for over a year, just never published them. Not sure what that says about me but I do know I have lots of material to use for topics here.
So I'll start with an introduction, in the form of 10 quick facts about me:
1. I'm Karen, aka Sassyscrapper and I'm 58 years young.
2. I was born in Iowa, grew up in Minnesota, and have lived my adult life in Texas.
3. I've been married for 27 years to my DH Mike. We have 2 beautiful daughters - Tiffany (25) and Sara (22).
4. I'm "Nana" to my 2 PRECIOUS granddaughters - Isabella and Brooklyn.
5. I've been scrapbooking for over 14 years. Or, more accurately, I've been buying scrapbooking goodies for 14 years and probably only scrapping about 10.
6. I love making recipe books ... I'm currently working on two for my girls. I like to add photos, quotes, tips, and family addresses and birthdays.
7. I'm a Red Hatter ... yes, I'm one of those ladies who wears red hats and purple outfits.
8. I'm pretty much retired. I was a secretary/administrative assistant for over 35 years until I lost my job four years ago.
9. I love reading cozy mysteries, books about women's friendships and autobiographies. I'll be sharing who some of my favorite authors are.
10. I'm really excited about starting this blog, just hope everyone will forgive me for any grammatical errors I make (and I will)!
My life is never dull which I know will give me lots to write about. Mostly I'll be sharing about my family, my scrapbooking obsession, recipes I discover (I love collecting them even more than making them), song lyrics, quotes and pieces of wisdom.
Until next time, I'm wishing you a blessed day and heartful of joy!
Karen
So I'll start with an introduction, in the form of 10 quick facts about me:
1. I'm Karen, aka Sassyscrapper and I'm 58 years young.
2. I was born in Iowa, grew up in Minnesota, and have lived my adult life in Texas.
3. I've been married for 27 years to my DH Mike. We have 2 beautiful daughters - Tiffany (25) and Sara (22).
4. I'm "Nana" to my 2 PRECIOUS granddaughters - Isabella and Brooklyn.
5. I've been scrapbooking for over 14 years. Or, more accurately, I've been buying scrapbooking goodies for 14 years and probably only scrapping about 10.
6. I love making recipe books ... I'm currently working on two for my girls. I like to add photos, quotes, tips, and family addresses and birthdays.
7. I'm a Red Hatter ... yes, I'm one of those ladies who wears red hats and purple outfits.
8. I'm pretty much retired. I was a secretary/administrative assistant for over 35 years until I lost my job four years ago.
9. I love reading cozy mysteries, books about women's friendships and autobiographies. I'll be sharing who some of my favorite authors are.
10. I'm really excited about starting this blog, just hope everyone will forgive me for any grammatical errors I make (and I will)!
My life is never dull which I know will give me lots to write about. Mostly I'll be sharing about my family, my scrapbooking obsession, recipes I discover (I love collecting them even more than making them), song lyrics, quotes and pieces of wisdom.
Until next time, I'm wishing you a blessed day and heartful of joy!
Karen
Monday, April 19, 2010
04/16/10 My Valentine Sweetie
I meant to explain how I came up with my blog name in my first post but since I forgot I'll do it now. I nearly drove myself crazy trying to decide on a name. Should I include "scrapbooking" since I'll be sharing my layouts here ... or a play on my last name (Moore) ... if I liked it, it wasn't available (i.e. Scrapping My Life). Finally, I decided to go with a play on my favorite song, Amazing Grace, and my two all time favorite words - grace and joy. When it accured to me to combine them I was very happy. It's different but not "out there"! (At least I don't think so ...)
Here's my 2nd layout this year. I spent Valentine's weekend with my oldest daughter, Tiffany, and the joy of my life, my granddaughter Izzie. While she was at work, Izzie and I had a little photo shoot and here's the result:
Here's the poem that was included with the above article about writing to your grandchildren.
We Love You, Little One
We loved you from the very start,
You stole our breath, embraced our heart.
Our life together has just begun,
You’re part of us our little one.
From the day we first knew,
Our mind was filled with thoughts of you.
We’d daydream of the things we’d share,
Like bedtime stories and teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like nursery rhymes and ABC’s.
We thought of things you’d want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
We thought of lessons we’d need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.
Each naptime we lay you down to sleep,
We gently kiss your head and cheek.
We count your little fingers and toes,
We memorize your eyes and nose.
We linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day we love you more.
Through misty eyes, we dim the light,
We whisper “We Love You” every night.
We loved you from the very start,
You stole our breath, embraced our heart.
As grandparents and grandchild
our journey’s begun,
Our hearts are yours,
forever, little one.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
In the scrapbook I'm creating for my precious Izzie, I am writing the journaling directly to her. That way when she looks at, she'll know it was made just for her! I plan to do the letters for her in a special box with each year labeled on the envelope.
Thanks for stopping by ...
Karen
Here's my 2nd layout this year. I spent Valentine's weekend with my oldest daughter, Tiffany, and the joy of my life, my granddaughter Izzie. While she was at work, Izzie and I had a little photo shoot and here's the result:
I just kept shooting pictures and loved how I got several different looks. Tiffany wasn't too happy that I wanted one with her but I'm glad I did. I love how she has special scrubs for all the holidays for her job at a hospital.
The style of this layout is VERY different from my usual simple style and it's all thanks to a wonderful online group I'm in which has started challenges every month. I love the result and am excited about pushing my comfort level OUT OF THE BOX I've been in for years. So, thank you to everyong at MSS, especially Nancy and Debi! You guys rock!
Oh dear, I'm trying to align this to the left and it's not letting me .... grrrr. I'll save it and come back tomorrow when perhaps I'll figure how to get it to do what I want! (As you can see I didn't!)
Here's a wonderful idea I found when surfing the web ... have you ever thought of writing a love letter to your grandchild? I think this is something they would treasure and hope some of you are inspired. Imagine giving them a notebook filled with letters, from each of their birthdays, for their 18th birthday? How priceless it would be!
Grandparents, have you recently become a new grandparent? How exciting! Here is an idea I wish I had thought of when my grandchildren were born, but I may just do it for them on their next birthdays. When your new grandchild is born, write a letter expressing your joy, love, and hopes for your new grandchild. You can also include some family history and photos of ancestors. Don’t forget to label those photos! I have many old family photos without names. I’d love to know who they are. My grandparents passed away when I was very young, except for my Nana who never spoke of her very large family, and my parents are also gone for many years. I have no one to tell me who they are or any family stories. I regret that I don’t have the personal histories to pass down to my grandchildren. All I have are some names of ancestors that I’ve found on genealogy sites and a little history I stumbled upon along the way. But, I digress. I’d like you to have this grandparent poem for a new baby to also include in your letter to your new grandbaby.
Note: I try, try, try to always copy the website I find something like this but oh, this time I forgot. Please forgive me and I'll be happy to give credit if anyone knows where it come from or who the author is. (Yes, I did try doing a search for the author but it was un-fruitful)
Here's the poem that was included with the above article about writing to your grandchildren.
We Love You, Little One
We loved you from the very start,
You stole our breath, embraced our heart.
Our life together has just begun,
You’re part of us our little one.
From the day we first knew,
Our mind was filled with thoughts of you.
We’d daydream of the things we’d share,
Like bedtime stories and teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like nursery rhymes and ABC’s.
We thought of things you’d want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
We thought of lessons we’d need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.
Each naptime we lay you down to sleep,
We gently kiss your head and cheek.
We count your little fingers and toes,
We memorize your eyes and nose.
We linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day we love you more.
Through misty eyes, we dim the light,
We whisper “We Love You” every night.
We loved you from the very start,
You stole our breath, embraced our heart.
As grandparents and grandchild
our journey’s begun,
Our hearts are yours,
forever, little one.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
In the scrapbook I'm creating for my precious Izzie, I am writing the journaling directly to her. That way when she looks at, she'll know it was made just for her! I plan to do the letters for her in a special box with each year labeled on the envelope.
Thanks for stopping by ...
Karen
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