DIY Winter Wreaths

Ideas for what to hang on the front door now!

Source: wildallium.co.uk via Mikki on Pinterest

     This will probably be the winner since I already seem to have many of the supplies.

Source: google.com via Mikki on Pinterest

      The post that accompanies this tutorial is quite cute to read!

Source: threepugsandababy.com via Mikki on Pinterest

     Hilarious blog post!

Source: sadiepriss.blogspot.com via Mikki on Pinterest

     Really elegant, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to find the supplies.

Source: teachcraftlove.blogspot.com via Mikki on Pinterest

     This is not a tutorial, but I love the idea that it is also a house number display.

Source: teachcraftlove.blogspot.com via Mikki on Pinterest

      I think this one is my favorite. So pretty!

What do you think? I'd love to see or hear your ideas too.

I need "Google+ for Dummies!"

It was easy enough to join up, easy enough to create a fan page. But I for one am having a really difficult time with the transition from GFC to Google Plus!

For one thing, I love my Google Reader, and I actually scan the posts that come up on my iGoogle widget. However, there is no similar widget for G+ (there is a G+ widget, but it doesn't function as a stream). Therefore, in order to read the stream of posts from those whose circles I follow, I'll need to visit Google Plus in addition to my iGoogle page. I can't see myself doing that on a daily basis.

Also, I noticed that you lovely folks who clicked my G+ widget and placed me in your circles appear to be absent from mine, even though I specifically remembered "circling you." After hours of trial and error and google investigation, I think I have an explanation. I currently have it set up for you to put "Mom's Best Nest" fan page in your circles. If I follow you back while on that page, I can put you in my Mom's Best Nest fan page circles. However, if I do it while visiting your page and clicking YOUR G+ button, I end up adding you to my personal G+ account, Mikki Atmomsbestnest. ARRRRR...

I am seriously considering deleting the fan page and simply directing everyone to my personal G+ page. The thing is, it's so new, that I really can't tell what the implications of that would be. There's VERY little help to be found by Googling, too. Or I might scrap the fan page and start over if I find there's a better way to do it. I've also thought of creating another email to use just for subscribing via RSS feeds, sort of like my own reader, and forgetting about Google Plus altogether.(sigh)

In the meantime, if you hear of a "Google Plus for Dummies" tutorial, please send it my way!

Flock Together Blog Hop 12/27

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

No rules! This is a button list, but you DON'T NEED to have a button to participate! Linky Tools will create one for you in a couple of easy steps. Simply...

1. Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."
2. Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love in whatever manner you prefer (Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly pass on the ones you don't.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries They just may be your cup of tea!
• Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is

I started this blog to share the crafts and other activities I do with the girls. I have since expanded my blog to include books we read, recipes and working in the kitchen with the girls, science observations, photo challenges, blog hops, giveaway opportunity information and linkys, and free information that I feel will be of interest to other homeschooling moms/moms of young children. I enjoy linking up to various blog memes and carnivals, sharing with others and gathering great ideas to use with the girls. I have just recently ventured into the realm of reviews and giveaways. READ MORE >>

My Christmas Prayer for You

Source: Creationswap

Lord,

fill our hearts with

JOY

for the hope that Your birth brought to mankind,

LOVE

for You, family, friends and strangers, and 

PEACE

that enables us to resist greed and striving during this season.

Amen

Merry Christmas!

Barely Homemade Cookie Recipes: Quick and Easy

Christmas baking got pushed to the last minute this year! Blessedly, I found these recipes on Pinterest that made preparing Christmas treats a breeze and provided great fun as my 3 year old and I made them. I was too rushed to manage a "photo shoot," but you can click the link below the pictures to go to the recipes.

BONNIE STICKS

Source: javacupcake.com via Mikki on Pinterest

http://javacupcake.com/2010/11/chocolate-dipped-pretzel-rods/

Ok, I've renamed these in honor of my Grandma Bonnie! On many a road trip, the following scene would unfold...

1. At the initial fill-up, Grandma would go into the convenience store and purchase a fairly large assortment of snacks.
2. Once the trip began, she'd dig out a snack, perhaps salt and vinegar potato chips. After munching a while, she'd put them away and enjoy the scenery.
3. Within 15 minutes or so, she'd say, "I need something sweet to get this salty taste out of my mouth," and she'd dig in her little treasure store for some candy. Eventually, she'd pack it up and resume sightseeing.
4. Shortly thereafter, we'd hear her say, "I need something salty to get this sweet taste out of my mouth."

It was quite humorous to us! Oh, how I love her. Anyway, I was thinking as I made these that no matter which end she starts eating, her snacking needs are covered! I can hardly wait to share these with her!

ROLO TURTLES

Source: twigandthistle.com via Mikki on Pinterest

http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/04/homemade-turtles/

I'm afraid I've given away the secret to these barely homemade cookies! Please click the picture (here and on Pinterest when it takes you there) so that the author of the original post gets credit. One bag of Rolos made over 4 dozen cookies! I advise placing the newly-made cookies in the frig until they harden back up. Way too good and way too easy!

Mr. Bean's Christmas Fun - LOL!

Flock Together Blog Hop 12/20

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

No rules! This is a button list, but you DON'T NEED to have a button to participate! Linky Tools will create one for you in a couple of easy steps. Simply...

1. Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."
2. Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love in whatever manner you prefer (Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly pass on the ones you don't.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries They just may be your cup of tea!
• Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Dawn at

(CLICK HERE)

I am a mother of two beautiful boys. I am the wife to the most amazing man, a daughter to a wonderful Mom, a sister to two dysfuctional brothers, an aunt to five, & a friend (I think)! I love my children, my Sweetheart, my family & God. & I continuously thank God for my many blessings. READ MORE>>

Flock Together Blog Hop 12/13

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

No rules! This is a button list, but you DON'T NEED to have a button to participate! Linky Tools will create one for you in a couple of easy steps. Simply...

1. Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."
2. Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love in whatever manner you prefer (Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly pass on the ones you don't.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries They just may be your cup of tea!
• Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Sarah at

I am a 21 year old wanna-be Southern Belle. I was born in North Carolina, raised in Alabama, then transplanted back in North Carolina by my Marine Corps Veteran husband. We have been married for a little over 2 years now. I'm a little old fashioned, but with a modern twist. I do not have any children, yet, but I do have one very cute, cuddly fur baby. I am almost finished with my Associates degree after almost four years of college? I try not to think about it... The worst part, I really have no intention of being a career woman. Don't get me wrong, I work to support my family as much as possible, and that's what the degree is for, but my ultimate goal in life is to have beautiful babies and raise them. Call it instinct? A need to pro-create? haha.. But anyway.. luckily, I have found myself a husband that believes the man is supposed to provide for his family. I like to coupon, not so much in the extreme sense, but I like catching a good deal. I like saving money. I'd rather find a cute top at good will than a cute top at Belk. Did you know, sometimes you will find things at goodwill that still have the tags on them? Okay, I'm drifting.. back to the subject... I like to pretend that I am creative, so you might see me getting a little crafty, or doing things myself (DIY?) I like to pretend I'm a good cook, so occasionally you might see me post a good recipe I've found and mastered. Oh, and beyond babies, my ultimate goal right now is to lose weight. I'm about 75 pounds too fat, and I'd like to be down to about 150 pounds. I struggle daily with avoiding chinese food and mountain dew, so this is a work-in-progress. Thanks for reading this, and I hope that you will stick around to learn more about me! READ MORE >>

Flock Together Blog Hop 12/6

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

No rules! This is a button list, but you DON'T NEED to have a button to participate! Linky Tools will create one for you in a couple of easy steps. Simply...

1. Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."
2. Click through the blogs and follow the ones you love in whatever manner you prefer (Google+, RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly pass on the ones you don't.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries They just may be your cup of tea!
• Leave a comment if you follow, and consider following back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Angela from

I was a wife. Now I’m a girlfriend. I am a mom. Now I am also a grandma. I used to prepare taxes, now I sell insurance. I like Harley’s, but own a Mustang. also like to recycle and try to take care of our world, so there is something here for my grandkids to enjoy later. I enjoy my life with my family and friends. We play games, work on puzzles, plant things, read books, watch movies, plan trips, find good places to eat, and fun places to go. Oh, and a few things I don’t like to do. I don’t like to cook. I am not a shopper either. I’m not a morning person, but being a responsible working woman I am up and on my job first thing Monday – Friday. I do like Saturday morning yard sales, but you will find me closing them down instead of starting them up. I love the "Put it all in a bag for a dollar” offers you get when everyone is hot and tired and ready to close down. READ MORE >>

50 lbs in 3 Months: Nicole's DIY Weight-Loss Plan

Before 

After

My friend, Nicole is a real inspiration, having lost 50 pounds in approximately three months! This is her story.

Nicole's weight problem was primarily the result of the emotional toll of four miscarriages. The weight eventually affected her mobility and caused foot pain. Her doctor advised that she wear foot braces to deal with the problem and indicated that surgery may be inevitable. Dissatisfied with either option, she decided to see if losing weight would help alleviate the problem.

I was under the impression that  Nicole had followed a plan prescribed by her doctor, but it turns out that she did this all by herself. She decided to apply the same guidelines she used feeding her daughter to feeding herself. She thought, "If I wouldn't allow my daughter to eat half of a bag of Oreos, then I probably shouldn't either."

Here are the nuts and bolts of her program:

• PORTION CONTROL: She serves herself her meals on her daughter's toddler's plates in order to control the portion sizes.
• WATER, WATER, and more WATER: She tries to drink a glass of water before each meal. She also fights temptations by drinking water and sips between each bite.
• FRUITS & VEGGIES: While not limited to fruits and vegetables, she allows herself to eat as much of them as she likes.  
• CUT IT OFF AT 6 PM: She stops eating around 6 PM.
• INDULGE ON LIMITED OCCASIONS: She allows herself to eat a small portion of her favorite indulgences on occasion.
• NO EXERCISE: She isn't adamant about this, but did mention that her weight loss occurred without additional exercise.

Nicole has lost over 50 pounds in the last three months. She no longer has trouble walking and enjoys being more active with her daughter. She's very humble about the entire experience and only discusses it if asked. I truly wish that you could have seen the radical metamorphosis my colleagues and I have witnessed. Using what little I knew about the plan before this interview, I have lost 3 pounds, and that was over Thanksgiving! Now that I know the entire "program," I am looking forward to letting the weight melt off me too :)
 

Flock Together Blog Hop 11/29

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

No rules! Plus, this week we're going to list each blog as a button. Don't worry - you DON'T NEED to have a button to participate! Linky Tools will create one for you in a couple of easy steps. Simply...

1. Click on "Click here to enter" at the bottom of this post and follow the Linky Tools directions. In step 4, I recommend selecting "Auto Crop" and "From Web."
2. Click through the other blogs and follow of the ones you love in whatever manner you prefer (RSS, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Kindly pass on the ones you don't.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that just may be your cup of tea.
• Leave a comment if you follow, and follow back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host:

I'm a 38 year old married mum of 4 fab kids who loves to run and if I work hard enough maybe one day I will be good at it. I blog about my life, my family, running, all other exercise, special events, holidays, food, cakes and healthy treats, races I do and my kids do, fashion, shoes, making things from old clothes to make something new, make-up. fun, vintage, ups, downs, my new interest in photography, baking and anything else that happens along the way :)

She truly hits on a wide variety of topics, and I enjoy reading her posts! I hope you will  visit this blog and consider becoming a follower! READ MORE >>

"THIS PICTURE LIED!" & what I'm doing about it

"There's no way I'm that fat fluffy" -my immediate thought when I saw this picture from last week. Apparently what I see in the mirror is not reality.

This isn't new to me. I've been overweight all my life, ranging as an adult from a size 12 to a size 20. I lost weight before meeting my first husband, gained it when he was diagnosed with cancer and later passed, lost it while single again and a newlywed, gained it during two pregnancies, lost it when my children became more independent, and gained it during my third pregnancy.

I've been sensing for quite some time that I need to lose the weight. I miss feeling lighter - something you probably can't understand unless you've been both fat AND being thin(ner). I miss wearing some of my favorite clothes. I miss the ease with which you can find clothes that fit when you're thin. I miss having energy and being able to move with ease, especially when I interact with my children.

SO WHAT TO DO?

1. Follow Nicole's lead. My friend, Nicole, has lost 50 pounds in 3 months without subscribing to any particular program - simply under a doctor's care. I'm going to interview her soon to let you know exactly how she did it. The main points were PORTION CONTROL and WATER.
2. Post the Tattle Ticker. Did you notice the weight loss ticker in the right margin of my main page? I am fairly confident that publishing my weight on this blog will provide a little more inspiration to stick to it :) I got the idea from one of you when I visited your blog. I remember thinking how odd it was that you had done that, but I think I get it now :) One thing to note is that I only set a winter goal. I seem to do better with short and doable goals.
3. Seek God's Help. I can testify that God will take care of the things that concern us when we concern ourselves with seeking Him.

I'm a little bit nervous ablout sharing this with you, but I believe there might be others of you who can understand how I feel. Wanna go on this journey together? I'd love to hear from you.

DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

Teacher Appreciation

It's that time of year...time to find something nice, yet inexpensive and quick to make that will bless those who help shape and develop my children daily. Look what I found on Pinterest!!!

Made soap dispensers like these last year - super easy, inexpensive, and this website (click on the picture and then follow through Pinterest) provides free downloadables!

I'm still deciding. I'd love to hear what you're making or giving this year!

Exciting (at least for me) Changes for Flock Together 11/29

The Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop will soon celebrate its two month anniversary! It has been so much fun meeting people from across the world as well as finding new friends in my own "backyard." And now...some exciting new changes that I think you'll enjoy!

1. NO MORE RULES. Hoppers will no longer be "required" to follow the host and guest host. HOPEFULLY, all participants will still follow a minimum number each week.
2. BUTTON LINKIES for all! I'm going to try a button linky for the 11/29 hop. That means that folks will click on an image representing your blog to reach you. If you don't have your own button already made, DON'T WORRY! When you link up, Linkytools will locate all of the pictures from your blog and allow you to select which one you want to be your button for the blog. It's really easy to do, and I think you'll really like it!

Hope to see you at the hop on Tuesday!

Flock Together Blog Hop 11/22

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

To join in, just

1. Follow the host and guest host.

2. Link up your blog.

3. Visit other blogs.

If this is all new to you, click here. If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I also recommend:

• Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you.
• Check back throughout the day to visit late entries that just may be your cup of tea.
• Leave a comment if you follow, and follow back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is

Brooke at "Cupcakes & Cucumbers."

I am the photographer behind Brooke Photo Studio, and the images on this blog. I create images for a living that are used by clients to showcase their products, and sold in the stock photography industry. I found that I had lots of images, but not very many stories so I started this blog to tell the stories behind the images.

Not only are Brooke's photographs beautiful, but the stories behind her photographs are also quite interesting, especially the ones about her travel adventures. I enjoy reading her posts, and I hope you will too. Before you link up this week, please visit and become a follower. READ MORE >>

Flock Together Blog Hop 11/15

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!
To join in, just follow the host and guest host, link up, and visit other blogs.
If this is all new to you, click here.

If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also...

1. Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. This may be just 1 or 2 if you're super busy, but the more you follow, the more friends you're likely to make!
2. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries. They just may be your cup of tea!
3. Leave a comment if you follow, and follow back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Damaris at

I go to Google for everything. I always would Google reviews but sometimes wouldn’t find reviews on products I had or wanted or some of the reviews just seemed a little off or vague. So I decided to make this blog to review products, books, movies, etc. & not only that but it gives me something fun to do while my son is down for a nap — when I can get him to take a nap. Now it’s mostly a place where I can write about life in general.

I enjoy reading her posts, and there's always a wide variety of topics from which to choose. Most of all I love her writing style - relaxed and transparent, just as you would be with a good friend or sister. Before you link up this week, please visit and become a follower. Read More >>

I'm not going to CHURCH - I'm going to WORSHIP!

"It's cold out."   "I'm tired."

"I don't like the songs they sing."

"I went last week."    "I'll go next week."

Ever had these thoughts invade your mind and heart on Sunday morning?

Listen to this humorous song about the subject...

Seriously, giving in to these thoughts takes us down a slippery slope. One Sunday turns into a year of them, and one day you realize you're spiritually "cold" and "tired."

Christians need each other for fellowship. Check out this story about being warm that was in my devotional this morning (page 106 from John Macarthur's The Ultimate Priority)...

One thing that has helped me resist the excuses is to remember that I'm not going to church, I'm going to WORSHIP. Yes, you can and should worship continually, no matter where you are, but as indicated above, corporate worship blesses us. So when I think about excuses as keeping me away from worship, they don't hold as much sway. In fact, I'm better able to see that they originate either from the adversary or from my flesh, and I'm not to serve either one of them!

Go worship with your church family today. If you don't have one, ask God to connect you to the one He has planned for you. I'm praying for you to go get spiritually warm today :)

"Tell Me About Yourself" Award

I was thrilled and honored to find out that my friend Judy from Judy H-J’s Thoughts passed the "Tell Me About Yourself" Award  to me! I am fascinated by the posts Judy does about her beautiful country and culture, and I am moved by the posts she writes about her beloved sister.  I actually chose her as one of the first Fine Feathered Friends for the Flock Together blog hop because I knew those who participated would appreciate being introduced to Judy! If you're not a GFC follower of Judy's blog yet, I hope you'll follow her today.

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. I must tell 7 things about myself
2. I must pass it on to 15 other bloggers

Here is some information about me:

1. I have been married to two men who loved Jesus (the ultimate quality I sought in a husband). My first husband died from cancer when he was 26. In the following 7 years, God crafted my second husband and myself to meet, marry, form a family and serve in ministry together.
2. I am an older mama, although I'm not sure that's unusual these days. I had my babies between the ages of 33 and 38. I now have 3 children who, on average, delight me daily and frustrate me weekly ;).
3. I am a working mom, which hopefully explains the make it quick cooking posts on my blog.
4. I love to go to yard sales! I also enjoy shopping at consignment shops.
5. I appreciate a good coupon as much as the next gal, but I'm not an extreme couponer.
6. I am growing increasingly aware that I am too fat fluffy to bless my family and enjoy the life God's given me. So. I'm in the process of changing that.
7. I am not well-traveled, so the biggest kick I get out of blogging is getting to know people from all over the world!

And now the fun part - I hereby pass this award to these great bloggers!

Flock Together Blog Hop 11/8

Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop! To join in, just follow the host and guest host, link up, and visit other blogs. If this is all new to you, click here.

If your goal is to find friends and gain followers, may I recommend that you also...

1. Set a goal to find and follow a minimum number of blogs that interest you. This may be just 1 or 2 if you're super busy, but the more you follow, the more friends you're likely to make!
2. Check back throughout the day to visit late entries. They just may be your cup of tea!
3. Leave a comment if you follow, and follow back those who follow you.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Veronica at

A baby-boomer and SAHM from sunny Malaysia, I'm the proud mother of 2 very active boys. I love John Steinbeck, ramen and am terrified of mice, hence the blog title! I find blogging therapeutic; it allows me to express my thoughts (no matter how dark or silly) and connect with bloggers across the world. My blog is a mixed bag of random thoughts, muses, gripes, quotes, interesting finds, handy housekeeping tips, food, etc .

Veronica always has something interesting posted on her blog. She finds some of the coolest things in cyberspace and presents them with thoughtful commentary! Please visit her and say hello. Read More >>

Crockpot Meatloaf: Quick & easy to prepare!

After telling you that I don't like to cook, I've noticed on more than one occasion evidence to the contrary. For instance...

1. I was recently afforded an opportunity to enjoy shopping at one of the biggest outlet malls in our state. Where did I spend most of my time? At the QVC Outlet store, admiring and trying to talk myself into investing in their BEAUTIFUL Temptations bakeware sets. What was the only purchase I made? Kitchen gadgets and bakeware from the Kitchen Store.
2. There is an inordinate amount (for someone who doesn't like to cook) of cooking posts on my blog.

Maybe I truly do like to cook, but at this stage in my life (which I love) I need to get in and out of the kitchen a.s.a.p. so I can fit in the other things that have to be done too. That's why I appreciate my slow cooker (which almost everyone in the south refers to as a Crockpot) so much. This is a dish I've prepared for lunch today. Enjoy!

Crockpot Meatloaf

Crockpot Meatloaf

2 1/2 pounds ground chuck

3 eggs

1 cup bread crumbs

1 cup milk

2 tsp worcestershire sauce

1 packet dry onion soup mix

Spray the inside of the crock with nonstick spray. Create a strap of aluminum foil (mine was 3 ply, about 3 inches wide, and long enough to reach across the bottom of the crock and up 5 inches on each side) to help remove the meatloaf for serving.

Mix all ingredients together and form a ball. Place in crock and press down as far as possible without touching the sides of the crock. Cook on high 4 hours, or until center is done.

Flock Together Blog Hop 11/1

<center><a href="http://momsbestnest.blogspot.com/search/label/Flock%20Together%20Tuesdays"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqk_fnd_DHp_JPVXDzSicRxN5bc_J6J8P8MuXuvAU9ax1xre1FDbmotOfBU75Pym_bIEmZ5v6mwXr193OCj_deJbwA09nQk0IPiPMS8AtXjxyEJbg7OcK6SgQE6ffDVUSZiyEE7Lydv5fe/s1600/m2m_bloghop.png" alt="Flock Together" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></center>

 Welcome to the Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop!

To join in, just follow the host and guest host publicly on GFC or Facebook, link up as much as you like, and then visit other blogs that interest you. Leave a comment if you follow, and follow back those who follow you. If this is all new to you, click here. If you still have questions, feel free to use my contact page and ask.

This week's "Fine Feathered Friend" and guest host is Jamie at

Hello, my name is Jamie and I'm a Stay at Home Mom with a wonderful life!  I love my husband and our almost 11 month old daughter totally and completely!  We are all having so much fun together and I write about my fascinating life every day.  :o)  I write about all kinds of things: Saving & Making Money online, crafting, making baby food, Catholicism, my etsy shop (hair clips & bows, rosaries, artwork, misc...) blogging, and most of all, my adorable baby, Cupcakes.  I also make buttons for blogs that are very cute and affordable.  I tweet like it's my JOB!  Come follow me and join the conversation!  @4LoveofCupcakes.  I'd love to have you as a follower - come on over and stop by my blog!  I always follow back!  :o)  Read more>>

What I'm Taking to Homecoming

I'm truly looking forward to sharing my creations and sampling those of my church family at homecoming today ! I'm carrying...

1. "The" Green Bean Casserole (made with canned beans)
2. Sweet Potato Souffle (recipe to come in a later post)
3. Southern Plate's Macaroni Salad
4. Southern Plate's Mandarin Orange Cake
5. Walnut Pumpkin Pie (see below)
6. Packaged rolls

I cut out this recipe and added it to my tried and true binder many years ago. Not exactly pretty but easy and scrumptious. Enjoy!

Walnut Pumpkin Pie

1 Keebler graham cracker pie crust

Filling Ingredients:

    1 15-oz can pumpkin

    1 14-oz can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

    1 egg

    1 1/2 tsp. of your preferred combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.

    1/2 tsp. salt

Topping Ingredients:

    1/4 cup brown sugar

    2 Tbsp flour

    2 Tbsp butter

    3/4 cup chopped Diamond walnuts

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine filling ingredients and pour into pie crust. Bake 15 minutes, then remove pie and reduce heat to 350 degrees. Combine brown sugar and flour, then cut in butter. Mix in nuts and sprinkle mixture on top of pie. Bake for 40 minutes or until knife inserted an inch from the outside of the pie comes out clean.