Door Decor

 

Do you decorate more than your front door?

We have few doors on our home

and most of them get some type of décor for Christmas.

 

 

Our family room has a country vintage vibe

so this wreath complements it perfectly. 

 

 

Coming into the main part of the home

from the porch you are greeted with

a little jingle as you go through the door.

 

And the bells grace the French doors going onto the deck.

 

 

This wreath with frosty hues

complements the blues on the front deck.

 

 

  ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

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Lasagna for a Cold Winter Day

 

Having a pan of lasagna in the freezer

can be a lifesaver, especially at this busy time of year.

 

 

Ingredients

Uncooked lasagna noodles

(I use 1/2 regular and 1/2 whole wheat)

1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

4 cups spaghetti sauce

1 (6-oz) can tomato paste

1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. seasoned salt

 

Cheese Mixture

2 cups cottage cheese

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 tsp. parsley

4 cups shredded marble cheese

 

In large frying pan, cook ground beef until thoroughly cooked,

stirring frequently.  Drain.

Add remaining meat sauce ingredients; mix well.

Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low; and simmer.

 

In medium bowl, combine all cheese mixture ingredients

except the grated cheese.

Spread about 1/2 cup meat sauce over the bottom

of an ungreased 9x13 pan.

Top with 3 noodles,

Add 1/2 of the cottage cheese mixture,

half of the remaining meat sauce,

and half of the marble cheese.

 

Repeat layers.

-Noodles

-Cottage Cheese mixture

-Meat sauce

-Marble cheese

Bake in 350F oven for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly.

Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

 

 

Enjoy! 

 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

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Around Our Sunday Table: Golden Greens

 

 

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert~

 

 

Another week has flown by

and as we gather around our Sunday table

it is time for us to stop and reflect

on the many things we have to be thankful for this week.

 

This week I was able to spend some quality time with my son.

It is harder now that he is grown

which makes the time all that much more special

 

I am thankful for my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration.

It was great to visit with extended family

but also to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

What a heritage they are passing down to their family.

 

I had a wonderful Skype time with my daughter this week,

catching up on all the news.

 

I am thankful for the good weather we have had this past week

which allowed us to finish the outside Christmas décor.

 

I am thankful for the Christmas lights on display as I drive around our neighborhood.

They bring me such joy!

 

What are you thankful for this week?

 

 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... Saturday, December 7, 2013

Outside my window...

 

I am thinking... Of how much I am looking forward to the Christmas season this year.

I am thankful for... Christmas

From the kitchen...
~Sunday: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Buns, Broccoli, Corn, Salad, Chocolate Roll
~Monday: Beef Noodle Dinner, Salad, Oven Baked Zucchini, Coconut Cream Pie
~Tuesday: Peppery Halibut, Carrots, Broccoli, Tossed Salad, Mix In The Pan Chocolate Chip Cake
~Wednesday: Honey Garlic Pork Chops, Stuffed Potatoes, Peas, Cauliflower, Salad, Chocolate Roll
~Thursday: Chicken & Biscuits, Salad, Coconut Cream Pie
~Friday:  Quick Fix Beef & Rice, Turnip, Green Beans, Mix In The Pan Chocolate Chip Cake
~Saturday: Leftover Smorg



~Chocolate Roll~

 

I am wearing... Black sweatpants and a red hoodie

 

I am creating... This week my goals are:-
~Finish the letter "I" on my X-Stitch Sampler
~Finish the last few pages of the scrapbooks and wrap them
~Work on a beaded fridge magnet

I am reading... God Has A Dream for Your Life by Sheila Walsh

I am praying for... Good travelling weather

Pondering these words... Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. ~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros~

 

I am still hoping... To finish some projects before Christmas.

I am hearing... Christmas music.

Around the house... Cleaning and baking.

One of my favorite things... The smell of baking on a cold winter day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday:  Christmas Baking & Crafting
~Tuesday: Christmas Baking & Crafting
~Wednesday: Housecleaning Day & Office  Work
~Thursday: Errands & Grocery Shopping, Volunteer at MCC Store
~Friday: Pick up daughter
~Saturday: Family tree decorating

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

 



~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Back Door Christmas Welcome

 

Welcome!

 

In our small town friends and family

always use the back door!

 

In fact, I think most people spend as much time or more

decorating their back door.

 

I try to make it warm and friendly

while adding a bit of a personal touch.

 

Come on in and take off your boots

and hang up your coat!

 

Our back porch has a casual atmosphere.

 

It is definitely it's own separate space.

 

As you can see, Santa is here to greet you!

 

Some days it definitely feels cold enough to be like the North Pole.

 

Warm candles always add a friendly glow.

 

And every porch needs a pop of modern color!

 

Frosty adds that extra touch to the Poinsettia.

 

 

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

I am joining...

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

Grand Marnier Balls

 

This is a quick and simple recipe

and freezes well which makes it great for Christmas.

 

 

Ingredients

3/4 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup butter

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

3 Tbsp. Grand Marnier

7 squares (1-oz each) semi-sweet chocolate, melted

3 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

Chocolate sprinkles

 

Put cream, butter and sugar into saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to boil, stirring often.  Remove from heat.

 

Add Grand Marnier, chocolate and crumbs. 

Mix well.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Shape into 42 balls.

Roll in chocolate sprinkles.

Chill or freeze.

Makes 3-1/2 dozen.

 

Recipe from: Company's Coming Holiday Entertaining

 

 

 

  ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



 

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