ON THE BAD LIST

********************MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE***********************

Yes I'm on Santa's bad list for not blogging. I know it's been it a long long time since I've blogged. It's been just a little crazy around here. Ok I know what's new.

Lets start at the beginning. Mark's Dad was in the hospital, then his brother and sister-in-law where here from North Dakota. They stayed with us for two weeks. (Now remember our house is still in the middle of a remodel. 4 people and one bathroom....OH MY Ok it really wasn't that bad LOL!) We always enjoy when we get to visit with David and Lori. It seems like we only get to see them ever 3 or 4 years. Needless to say there where plenty of late nights and lots of catching up.

We had Thanksgiving in the middle somewhere. We spent it at Mark's parent's. Mark's son Kyle and wife Tasha were here also. We were happy to find out we are going to be grand parents again.

Speaking of Grand kids I get to spend Christmas eve and morning with three of my grand kids. I am so excited. I've never been with any of them on Christmas morning. I think I am more excited than they are about Christmas this year. I think my camera will definitely be on over load! LOL

Look at how much our new little grand daughter KALLIE has grown. She is back in Bakersfield now and we will get to see her the day after Christmas. We can hardly wait!!!!



Sunday I am having a cookie baking party at my house so if your in the neighborhood stop by for some cookies and hot caramel apple cider!

Here she is

Here she is our new baby grand daughter just seconds old

Welcome to the world Kallie Denea Guess

Born today at 5:40pm
9lbs 1oz and 21-3/4"


isn' she beautiful.

Feeling like Fall

It's really starting to look and feel like fall here at the retreat. I absolutely love this time of the year when the air is crisp,the leaves are turning and the smell of pumpkin,apples and gingerbread. Oh what could be any better!

How about presents. Look at these adorable presents the girls brought Mark and I this weekend.









Isn't she just adorable




Thank so much!

Bad Bad Bad

Yes I am getting really bad about blogging. I don't know where the time goes but a week has gone by before I even know realize it.

We had a so much fun visiting the kids this past weekend. The grandkids are growing like weeds. They were so cute trick or treating. Becca is Wendy, Scooby Doo is Josh and Batman it Tyler. Josh was all into getting candy....his brother was a little bashful this year and didn't want to go up to the people giving out the candy.

I'm not sure where the rest of the week went but here it is friday already. I am at the retreat getting ready for the weekend. If your tried of the heat you should pay us a visit it's suppose to drop down to the 20's this weekend. We may get our first snow.

I better run the girls will be arriving soon and I need to get the chocolate fountain going. Have a great day!

Fall Party

Well today was all about my 5 year old grandson Tyler. I got to go to his school and take pictures of his Fall Party. Then we were off to the Pumpkin Patch but I didn't pick a very good one (so I was told)they didn't have any hay rides or animals you could feed. Then it was off to the park to play for awhile. Tonight the grand kids and I are making a cookie haunted house.

Tomorrow Mark and I are going trick or treating in the Village with the grand kids and then we are headed back to Oxnard. We hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween

Technically Challenged

I must be technically challenged lately. Evey time I touch something it breaks or malfunctions. I was down loading the pictures I took to show you the animals when all my pictures erased. I don't know how I did it but they're GONE. I guess I wasn't suppose to show how cute that squirrel was basking in the sun. I am so darn mad at myself. I will probably never get another picture like that...the bad thing is it was Mark's camera now I've lost all his pictures also.....Oh what's a girl to do!

Some of you have asked for my Pumpkin Dip recipe so here you go

Pumpkin dip

Ingredients
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 15 oz. canned pumpkin
2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions
Beat all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. I like to serve this is good served with ginger snaps. Enjoy!

It's a beautiful day here so I'm off to go for a walk. Have a great day!

Invasion of wild life

I think we are being invaded by wild life. We have so many blue jays I can't keep track of them all. Today we had three covey of quail totaling over 30, a couple of rabbits not to mention all the squirrels. They all come right up on the deck and eat. They will even let you walk up to the window and take their pictures without even moving.

In fact the animals are getting so use to me taking their pictures I could have sworn the squirrel was posing for me today. He let me get with in a foot of him...he was laying on the porch railing basking in the sun. He was so cute. I know he was posing when I was taking pictures of him through the window. He looked right at me and let me take his picture and I'm sure that was a smile on his face LOL.

Oh and did I mention GOPHER'S our side yard looks like swiss cheese. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? Mark has tried everything and I do mean everything so if you know of a sure fire way to get rid of them we would love to hear from you.

I also got the most gorgeous picture of a crowned blue jay. These animals will do just about anything to get to Mark's bird feed.

I would love to show you the pictures however my computer isn't letting me upload photos off the card onto my computer. I will try again tomorrow....you have to see this little guy posing. So come back tomorrow!

HIGH TECH NIGHTMARE

Sorry for the lack of blogging again. My computer would not let me on the internet this week so I had to call the repair guy again. We haven't connected yet to get the problem fixed. Whats even weirder is that the internet works fine on my computer at the retreat, it's usually the other way around. I may have to call Sony if this keeps up.

If that wasn't enough my cell phone also died this week. I love all the new technology until it breaks then it's a nightmare LOL. I have to say I am loving my new phone. I got the new Palm Pre now if I just learn how to work it. I think it can do everything but wash my dishes hehe.

To all my Bakersfield friends I have to tell you. I had to run to Bakersfield last thursday to get ink for the computer before the retreat on friday. It was cold here in Frazier I was freezing so I went in a sweatshirt and shoes and socks. Needless to say I was roasting when I got there....it was 80 degress at 6 at night. You would think I would know better. LOL

The weather here on the moutain is beautiful it is in the low 70's during the day and dropping to the low 40's high 30's at night. The leaves are turning...it's really starting to look and feel like fall. It's so nice after all the heat (OK maybe not heat like Bakersfield but hot for me LOL) I am such a wimp when it comes to hot weather.

We have been invaded by Blue Jays. Marks has two feeders for them and he fills when he gets here on thursday and then again before he leaves on Saturday. By the time he gets back on thursday they are empty. Seems like there is always one or two at the feeder protecting it from the other birds. They are very territorial. They are the darkest color of blue this year...they are just beautiful!

Sunny California

You sure can't beat the weather here in Southern CA...yesterday it was raining and today it's in the high 70's. I know awhile back when it was hot I said I was ready for snow. I LIED 2 days of cold rainy weather and this CA girl is ready for Sunshine and warm weather. I have a feeling winter will be here on the mountain before I want. It's no wonder I still live Ventura County you just can't beat the weather here.


Spooky Brownies


Your favorite brownie recipe or box of brownie mix.

Decorations
1 container white frosting
Neon green, pink and blue food colors
24 large marshmallows
Miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits
Black decorating gel (from 0.68-oz tube)
1 roll Fruit Roll-Ups® chewy fruit snack (any red variety)
Gummy worms candies

Make and bake brownies in 13x9-inch pan as directed on box. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows, making 24 brownies.

2 In small microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High about 20 seconds or until frosting can be stirred smooth. Divide warm frosting among 3 small bowls.

3 Decorate as directed below, using 8 brownies for each bowl of frosting.

Franken-Brownies Add 5 drops green food color to frosting in 1 bowl; mix well. Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon green frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Decorate with green baking bits for eyes and ears. Use black gel for mouths and centers of eyes. Cut fruit snack to use for hair.

Boo-Brownies Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Spoon 1 tablespoon white frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Use black gel for eyes and mouths.

Spider Brownies Add 5 drops pink food color and 3 drops blue food color to frosting in 1 bowl; mix well. Top each of 8 brownies with 1 large marshmallow. Tuck gummy worms candies under each marshmallow for legs. Spoon 1 tablespoon purple frosting over each marshmallow to coat. Use orange baking bits for eyes. Use black gel for mouths, centers of eyes and eyebrows.

I found these on tablespoon.com. I think my grand kids are going to love these. Although last year I made them bleeding witch finger cookies and they wouldn't eat them because they said they looked to real LOL!

Lovin' the Rain

Don't you just love the rain? What is your favorite thing to do in the rain? I love to bake and read which I am going to do both today :-) I just found a new recipe for pumpkin bread that has cream cheese swirled in it. Oh my....YUMMMMM

Pumpkin Swirl Loaf

Mix together well:
-1 cup pure pumpkin
-1 egg
-1/3 cup water
-1/2 cup melted butter


Add:
-1 1/2 cups white sugar
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp nutmeg
-1 3/4 cups flour
Beat together well.


Cream Cheese Topping:
-8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 egg
Beat together until smooth.


Grease pan. Put half of the pumpkin mixture into the pan. Spoon half the cream cheese mixture on top, then pour over the remaining pumpkin mixture, and top with remaining cream cheese.
Using a knife swirl, making a marbling effect. Bake in 350º oven for 1/1/2 hours. If you make in two pans baking time will be about 50 minutes. If the topping is getting too dark loosely cover with foil. Allow to stand in pan for 10 minutes and then remove to cooling rack. Does not freeze well.

Even though I am excited about another day of rain my prayers goes out to all those in the burn areas.

Franken-Snacks

I'm getting really bad about blogging. Since my computer has been acting up for the past month and a half I don't even want to get on the darn thing. I think it is finally fixed :-)!!!! I hope it's the fourth time I've had it in the shop to be fixed.

I talked to one of my grandson's yesterday and I told him I was making him this for halloween. He was so excited. I'm not sure he'll eat it but it's to cute not to make.


Franken-Snacks
Ingredients:
8 c. Corn Chex Cereal
1 package Lemon-Lime drink mix (unsweetened, we used Kool-Aid)
1 c. Granulated Sugar
1/2 c. Light corn syrup
1/3 c. Butter or Margarine
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 oz. vanilla candy coating (we used Candi-Quick, available in the baking aisle)
1 oz. chocolate candy coating (we used Candi-Quick, available in the baking aisle)
1/4 c. Cheerios
Toothpick
Wax Paper
Non-Stick cooking spray

Mix-ins (you can change them as desired):


3 C. Kix Cereal
2 C. Trix Cereal
3 C. mini-pretzels
1 bag Goldfish Crackers
1 C. M & M's Candies



Directions:
Heat oven to 225 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the sugar, syrup and margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Boil for 3 minutes (do not stir).
Remove from heat and stir in soda and Koolaid.

Pour over 6 cups Chex Cereal and stir gently. Spread onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 225 F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and while still warm, set 20-30 pieces on another greased cookie sheet to use as your "Frankensteins". Cool completely, stirring occasionally if desired.










To assemble "Frankensteins", melt chocolate candy coating in a small microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds. Stir well. Dip one end of a Chex square into the chocolate. This is your "hair". Set on wax paper to dry. Using a toothpick, dip end into chocolate and draw two eyes and a mouth on your creature. Repeat with all 20-30 squares. When set (about 5 minutes), melt vanilla candy coating as above. Dip two Cheerios in coating and attach to sides of Frankenstein (these are his "bolts"). Let dry completely.
Mix remaining Chex and other Mix-ins in a large bowl. Top with your "Frankensteins" and serve it up to the waiting Goblins and Ghouls!







You can also spoon into small bags and tie with ribbon for a fun school snack or party favor. This recipe I found on Mon on the go

Pumpkin Bread

This is what my day looked like yesterday.

3 mile walk at the beach








Washed canning jars










Mixed a triple batch of Pumkin Bread










Baked in jars and sealed










They are all canned and ready for Fall gifts. Look how cute

MUMMY DOGS

I just got back from my morning walk and wanted to post before I get wrapped up in the day. I have a lot I want to get done.
Speaking of wrapped up if you kids like hot dogs these are a must.


Since my computer crashed and I wasn't able to save anything on it....and no I didn't think to back up my recipes. I had to hunt for a picture of this one for you. They are so cute and the kids love them so it's easy to get them to eat something before they go trick or treating. I found it and many other Halloween ideas on Our Best Bites

MUMMY DOGS
Cut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes. I cut my hot dogs in half to make them bite-sized.

I make halloween shaped corn chips to go with these. You need your halloween cookie cutters, corn tortillas and oil. sing cookie cutters cut the tortillas out drop into hot oil and fry until crispy. Remove to paper towel sprinkle with salt and let cool.

Hope you have a great day!

Candy filled Skulls

You would think with all these ideas I would be ready for Halloween. Not even close. I still can't believe it's Oct. I haven't even decorated yet. I did make a Halloween banner for a Halloween swap I was in. That is about all the decorating I've done so far. Have you decorated yet?


Here is another idea that is supper easy and cute. All you need is some left over plastic Easter eggs and white and black duck tape.

MONSTERS ON A STICK

Sorry for the lack of blogging. My computer has been acting up...it's going back to the shop again today. It's amazing how lost I am without it.


Here is another idea I can't wait to try with my grandsons.

What kid wouldn't love to eat these?










To make this wide eyed, forked tongue monster:




Cut some cheese into eyebrows and skewer. Cut a marshmallow almost completely in half and bend back. Smear peanut butter into the crease and wrap around the skewer. Stick choc chips into the marshmallow for the eyes. A cherry tomato on the skewer makes the cute nose. Use apple slices and cut teeth into the peel for the mouth. Skewer one apple slice. Cut some cheese into the shape of a forked tongue and skewer. Skewer the next apple slice and then stick into a half of an apple to make it stand up.






Cut a raisin in half and stick the halves into a reg marshmallow. Skewer the marshmallow. Use two apple slices with peanut butter and choc chips on them for the mouth. Skewer both of the apples. {I have a mini marshmallow in between the apple slices to make it look like he was chewing on an eyeball. Didn’t really work, but it’s shown in the pic.} I used 3 mini marshmallows on the bottom of the skewer so the apple slices wouldn’t fall off. They were heavy due to the choc chips. After you have everything skewered, cut a grape almost completely in half for the eyes. Fold them back and smear peanut butter into the crease and wrap it around the skewer for the eyes. Stick the skewer into half of an apple to make it stand up.





Stuff a raisin into a regular marshmallow and then stick a skewer through it for the eye. Cut triangles into slices of apple for the mouth. The tongue is a slice of grape. Skewer one slice of apple next, then the grape, and lastly the other slice of apple. Stick the skewer into half of an apple to make it stand up.




I found these adorable little monsters on littlenummies blog. She has some cute food ideas for kids.

Halloween Chex Mix

How's everyone doing out there? Are you ready for a new challenge-giveaway? Stay turned I will be announcing it soon. I also thought you might like this recipe.



Halloween Chex Mix

What you'll need:

8 oz. white chocolate baking bars, coarsely chopped
4 cups Corn Chex or Rice Chex cereal
2 cups bite sized pretzel twists
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup candy corn
1/4 cup orange & black candy decors (Halloween sprinkles)


Preparation:

In large microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.
Gently stir in cereal, pretzels and raisins until evenly coated. Stir in candy corn and decors.
Spread on waxed paper or foil until cooled and chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.
Recipe Yields: 18 servings (1/2 cup each)

I am off for my morning walk. Have a great day!

Witch Leg Cupcakes

Here is my idea for today




I found these cute witch cupcakes on the Better Homes and Gardens website. Be sure and click on the link there are some other cute ideas for cupcakes.
Witch Legs

To make it, follow these steps:

1. Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.
2. Use black marzipan to make the shape of the witch's boots.
3. Stick yellow mini M&Ms on each boot for the buckles with frosting.
4. Mold each boot around a peppermint stick to create the legs.
5. Top cupcake with coconut dyed with green food coloring.
6. Insert the peppermint sticks into the cupcake to create the witch's legs.

Giveaway & Witches Hats

I have this cute Halloween kit I am giving away. All you have to do is leave us a comment. We'd like to know your favorite Halloween recipes and decorating ideas. I will be posting some fun ideas for you all this month. We will have a random drawing on Sept. 30 so you'll have the kit in time for Halloween.




I found these adorable sombreros on someones blog last year for Cinco de Mayo. I think they would make adorable witches hats If you covered them chocolate first. Here is how to make one, frost the edge of a cookie with icing and roll it in colored nonpareils. Next, coat the bottom and the lower edge of a sugar cone with frosting. Roll the edge of the cone in the nonpareils, then set the cone in the center of the cookie.

When is Fall coming?

When is Fall coming? It feels more like summer it's been so hot and humid here for the past week I can't believe I'm in Ventura County! There has been no nice ocean breeze all week and the humidity who ordered that. If hot wasn't bad enough you had to throw in the 80% + humidity. YIKES! definitely not my kind of weather. Today however is over cast and cool with a nice breeze :-) AWWWW!!!! I'm loving it.

I went for a walk on the beach at 8 this morning. It was over cast and cool. Perfect!!! There were a few surfer's, a couple people walking their dogs and my friend Lisa and I. I had to talk her into playing in the water but once we got our feet in it was so refreshing I could have stayed there all day!

Mark is finishing remodeling his bathroom. Our quick remodel has now taken almost 2 years. Poor guy he wants to do it all himself....in all his spare time! We did take this long weekend off so he could work on the house. Our remodel may get done sometime in 2010. I hope.

Yes Fall is peeking around the corner and it's time for some fun. It's been awhile since I've done a giveaway so come back on Monday for my Fall into some Fun giveaway.

Did I mention Fall is my favorite time of the year...I love all the colors, the crispness in the air not to mention the smells. I can already smell Pumpkin Pies baking YUMMM!

I have so many things I want to get made for the Holidays. Tomorrow I am spending the day working on a few of those creation. YEAH!!!! I'll give you a sneak peak on Monday.

Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day Weekend!

Lost for 2 Weeks

I've been without a computer for 2 weeks....yes sad to say I was totally lost. What did I do before computers? I finally got it back yesterday and was so excited. Then this morning I went to check my e-mails and couldn't get on. I called my web host they couldn't figure out what was wrong. I guess it will go back on Monday :-(

My grandson started kindergarten last Thursday. I went and stayed with them for a few days so I could be there for his first day. He was so darn cute. I had tons of pictures to bore you with but lost all them when my computer crashed. Luckily I had uploaded them to Snapfish before it crashed I just didn't get a chance to make a CD.

Not only did I lose my pictures I also lost all my recipes. This paperless world is great until your computer crashes. HA! I spent hours yesterday looking for this recipe I had just tried for baked pancakes. They were Delicious!!!! I finally found it :-) I think we will have them for breakfast tomorrow.YUMMMMM!