Crafty Friday 7/1 - Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

Happy 4th! I know it's a few days off, but I think it's going to be one long party all weekend. :o)

How many of you are going to have parties and get-togethers? We have a family party on Monday. It made me think of this fruit salad. It would be a cute addition to anyone's holiday party.


Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 pint blueberries
1/4 to 1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 bananas

Mix the strawberries and blueberries together in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice, and toss lightly. Refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes. About 30 minutes before serving, cut the bananas into 3/4-inch thick slices, and toss with the berries.

Do you have something to share? Let us know what you’re working on this week! It can be photos of a project, instructions, recipes, or anything else you feel is "crafty". If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link to the current week's party. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the linky form below.
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to the party post on this blog so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is working on today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the button to your posts or blog if you'd like.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in Crafty Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.




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Waltz On By Wednesday Blog Hop - 6/29

Welcome to Waltz On By Wednesday hosted by Home Sweet Farm. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Waltz On By Wednesday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do to help get the word out).

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the WOB Wednesday. Of course, we would love for you to follow your hostess blog, Home Sweet Farm, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!




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Wordless Wednesday - The Cutest Alpaca Picture Ever!

Delectable Tuesday Blog Hop 6/28 - Homemade Caramel Sauce

Do you enjoy ice cream sundaes? Maybe with chocolate, caramel and whipped cream? (I shouldn't write this when I'm hungry....)

I almost always have chocolate sauce around, but caramel sauce is practically nonexistent and until recently I had no idea how to make it. I thought it'd be hard or that I wouldn't have the ingredients on hand. (Who keeps heavy cream on hand all the time?)

I stumbled upon this recipe and was instantly hooked. Here was a caramel sauce that I could make whenever I wanted! Now that summer is here, ice cream sundaes will be a frequent dessert. Of course there is also the holiday weekend coming up. Gotta make sundaes for that too.

What have you been making this week?


Homemade Caramel Sauce

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup boiling water
dash salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cream (evaporated milk can be substituted)
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar with flour in saucepan; blend well. Add water and salt. Stir while cooking for 6 to 8 minutes. If too thick add a little more water. Remove from heat; stir in butter, cream, and vanilla.


For more great recipes visit Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, What's Cooking Wednesday and Tuesdays at the Table.




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Crafty Friday 6/24 - Phat Fiber Box has Arrived!

Do you remember that Phat Fiber box I told you about last week? They went on sale last weekend and started showing up on doorsteps Wednesday. I was pacing in front of the door waiting for the mailman. This box is so much fun!

Mine showed up in the early afternoon and I couldn't wait to get it open. There were so many great goodies in it.


There are yarn samples, fiber samples, stitch markers and other fun stuff. Everything demanded attention and petting right out of the box. I had some favorites right away and as I looked for the full size versions online I realized that some were already sold-out. Didn't I tell you this box was full of popular stuff? :)

The small yarn sample in the front of the picture (black and green) was called "Green Goblin". It was the first thing to come out of the box and get played with. In just a short amount of time last night I made this ~

Isn't it cute??

I also had to spin one of the roving samples too (the one attached to the green alien) and made this yarn. I got 35 yards out of the little .5 oz sample. I might have to make another little sock out of it.



So what have you been up to this week?

Do you have something to share? Let us know what you’re working on this week! It can be photos of a project, instructions, recipes, or anything else you feel is "crafty". If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link to the current week's party. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the linky form below.
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to the party post on this blog so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is working on today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the button to your posts or blog if you'd like.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in Crafty Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.




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Waltz On By Wednesday Blog Hop - 6/22

Welcome to Waltz On By Wednesday hosted by Home Sweet Farm. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Waltz On By Wednesday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do to help get the word out).

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the WOB Wednesday. Of course, we would love for you to follow your hostess blog, Home Sweet Farm, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!




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Delectable Tuesday Blog Hop 6/21 - Peanut Butter Popcorn

Happy first day of summer! I'm loving the weather!

I've been in a comfort food mood lately and I'm not sure why. Normally summer time is when I experiment with new recipes and Fall is for comfort food. I seem a bit mixed up right now.

So in honor of comfort food I am going to share with you a very yummy snack....Peanut Butter Popcorn. It's a nice alternative to caramel corn. Yum!

Peanut Butter Popcorn

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn or 16 cups popped popcorn (approx. 2 bags of microwavable popcorn)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pop corn and remove any unpopped kernels. Place in a really large bowl or roasting pan.

In a heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey and corn syrup. Bring mixture to boiling, continue boiling for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir to coat. Serve warm or a room temperature.

For more great recipes visit Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, What's Cooking Wednesday and Tuesdays at the Table.




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Crafty Friday 6/17 - Phat Fiber

What is Phat Fiber? (Borrowed from the Phat Fiber home page)

Phat Fiber is a sampler box geared toward fiber and yarn enthusiasts with an emphasis on indie yarnies, spinners, dyers and other small businesses. Each box will have a minimum of 20 samples which may or may not be limited to yarn, roving, batts, stitch markers, fiber related note cards, original patterns, discount coupons, teas, felting kits, project bags and more! The idea is to try before you buy and to support indie artisans, small businesses and fiber farms.

Basically a Phat Fiber box is a fun, not so little sampler box that you can buy every month. It's absolutely crazy trying to get a box. Remember those news stories about that famous (sorry can't remember the name) wedding dress sale? All those brides trampling over eachother? Trying to get a Phat sampler box is kind of a virtual version of that.

The box is so worth it though. Fiber people are touchy feely kinds of people. We need to feel and connect with fiber before we spend boat loads of cash on it. This box brings samples of several shops and artists right to your door. The anticipation of opening that box is almost too much to handle. It needs be savored, then documented, photographed, discussed on ravelry, played with, petted and then eventually spun or knit. Some samples are so wonderful that before the box is even emptied you're in their online shop searching for the full sized version of the sample to buy.

Yes, the box is really that awesome.

The reason I'm telling you this is that I sent in my very first samples to be included in this fiber artist Holy Grail. At the moment I am somewhere between completely giddy that my samples are going out and absolutely terrified that people won't like them. The butterflies will settle eventually I'm sure.

The theme this month was Sci-fi (every month has a different theme). I included 2 different alpaca batts based on our favorite TV show - Star Trek Voyager.

This one is called Voyager

And this one is called Borg Sphere


I am so happy to be contributing to the Phat Fiber box!! If you'd like to get your hands on your own phat fiber box this month you can find all the info you need here.

So what have you been up to this week?

Do you have something to share? Let us know what you’re working on this week! It can be photos of a project, instructions, recipes, or anything else you feel is "crafty". If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link to the current week's party. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the linky form below.
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to the party post on this blog so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is working on today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the button to your posts or blog if you'd like.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in Crafty Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.




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The Toledo Zoo

It's not very often that we take off for a day trip. In fact I think all the critters were rather confused as to why we were leaving at all.

We decided as a family (everyone including extended family) to go to the Toledo Zoo. None of us had ever been there so it seemed like a good place to go check out. It took us about 2 hours to get there which really isn't bad and it was so worth it.

This zoo was great! I think it's my new favorite and I will definitely be back.


We went on a day that was 95* with horrible humidity, but it didn't spoil the day at all. There are trees everywhere so there was a lot of shade as you walked the path. Actually I'm not sure I've ever seen a zoo so well done with large paths that still had plenty of shade.

And bathrooms! There were bathrooms (nice, clean ones) always within reach. This is really important when you have a whole mess of kids in your group. Some of them were even air conditioned! Benches were plentiful on all the paths and the picnic areas were well covered with clean picnic tables and plenty of space.

Now some of my favorite exhibits. There was a large variety of animals including large animals which you only get at larger zoos. First up was the elephant exhibit which had just had a little baby the week before. We were lucky enough to get to see the little guy. Soooo cute. I got this little video of him.




The Polar Bear/Seal exhibit was really cool! And I mean that literally. It was 68* in there and it took a whole lotta will power to leave it and go back outside. :o)











Another huge hit was the Aquarium building. Very nice variety and some different ones than I've ever seen. Plus we found Dory!


We had a great day and took hundreds of pictures! I think this will have to be a yearly outing for us because we all loved it. If you're anywhere near Toledo you should go check it out.

Waltz On By Wednesday Blog Hop - 6/8

Welcome to Waltz On By Wednesday hosted by Home Sweet Farm. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Waltz On By Wednesday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do to help get the word out).

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the WOB Wednesday. Of course, we would love for you to follow your hostess blog, Home Sweet Farm, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!




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Delectable Tuesday Blog Hop 6/14 - Corn and Black Bean Salad

Happy Tuesday! School is out and I think summer is officially here. That means it is time for summer salads! Yummy, cool and absolutely delicious.

This week I'm sharing with you a great corn and bean salad. Such a great combination for a salad and a good way to get kids to eat those veggies.

Corn and Black Bean Salad

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette salad dressing
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1/4 tsp. dried cilantro
1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped

In a small bowl, mix together the dressing, ground pepper, cilantro, cayenne pepper and cumin. Set dressing aside.

In a large bowl, stir together beans, corn, onions and bell pepper. Toss with dressing. Cover and refrigerate over night. Toss again before serving.

For more great recipes visit Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, What's Cooking Wednesday and Tuesdays at the Table.




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Crafty Friday 6/10 - Inspiration

Where do you find inspiration for your crafting? I'd really like to know.


I get asked that questions a lot, but it mostly applies to my colors. I get asked how I choose colors and how I decide what colors to put together. Sometimes I have no idea where the ideas come from, but other times I can pinpoint an inspiring moment.

One of those moments came to me yesterday. We spent the day at the Toledo Zoo and as I'm walking around snapping pictures I realized I could translate these animal pictures into yarn, rovings and batts. I can see the browns and blacks, greys and greens. Not to mention the colors from the fish and birds. Can you imagine a clown fish batt? Where's Nemo? :o)

Just today I made a Tiger inspired batt. I'm having a hard time deciding if I can let it go. These animal inspired fiber goodies are going to be so much fun!

So where do you find inspiration?

Do you have something to share? Let us know what you’re working on this week! It can be photos of a project, instructions, recipes, or anything else you feel is "crafty". If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link to the current week's party. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the linky form below.
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to the party post on this blog so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is working on today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the button to your posts or blog if you'd like.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in Crafty Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.




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Waltz On By Wednesday Blog Hop - 6/8

Welcome to Waltz On By Wednesday hosted by Home Sweet Farm. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Waltz On By Wednesday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do to help get the word out).

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the WOB Wednesday. Of course, we would love for you to follow your hostess blog, Home Sweet Farm, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!




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Delectable Tuesday Blog Hop 6/7 - Fried Mozzarella Nuggets

I'm really sorry to have missed everyone last week. It was finally our turn for tornadoes and power outages. We were out from Sunday to Wednesday last week. I missed everyone's recipes so much! I can't wait to see what you bring to the table this week. Now on to this week's recipe.

Oh my goodness these are soooo good. They make me do a happy dance!

I keep a small cast iron skillet around just to make these because they don't require much oil to fry them. They are so tiny that they take up only a little space in the pan and a few seconds to cook.


Fried Mozzarella Nuggets

8 ounces string cheese sticks, room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Vegetable Oil for deep frying
Bottled chunky marinara sauce, for dipping

Cut cheese sticks into thirds. Place flour on a plate and season it with salt and pepper. Put the egg in a small bowl. Place bread crumbs on a plate.

Add cheese pieces to flour and toss to coat. Dip in egg, and then roll in bread crumbs. Arrange breaded cheese in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet. Let stand for 15 to 30 minutes. Pour oil into large skillet to a depth of 1-inch, and heat over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, carefully drop cheese pieces in, a few at a time, and fry until golden, about 30 seconds. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve with your favorite chunky marinara sauce for dipping.

For more great recipes visit Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, What's Cooking Wednesday and Tuesdays at the Table.




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Crafty Friday 6/3 - Summer Yarn Bug

I am always on the lookout for fun yarn projects. I love little projects the kids can do with yarn scraps that don't require sticks or hooks because the youngest can't get the hang of it and always wants to make whatever it is too.

These little bugs are super cute and could be made in any summery color the kids like. I actually found them online while looking for something else, but these will definitely be making an appearance this summer at our house. You can click on the link below to get all the instructions and printables.

Summer Yarn Bug

So what have you been up to this week?

Do you have something to share? Let us know what you’re working on this week! It can be photos of a project, instructions, recipes, or anything else you feel is "crafty". If you have something to share with us on your blog, add your link to the current week's party. Just please be sure to:

1. Add the permalink to the specific blog post, not your general blog address in the linky form below.
2. Include in your blog entry a link back to the party post on this blog so that your readers can come and see what everyone else is working on today and have an opportunity to contribute! You can use the code below to add the button to your posts or blog if you'd like.
3. Visit as many of the other participants as possible and leave comments! That’s what makes a party fun!! You don't want to come to a party and have no one talk to you!

If you want to play along don't forget to grab a button to place at the top or bottom of your post to show you are participating in Crafty Fridays!
Simply copy the code below in the box and paste where you can edit the html in your blog post.




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After the Storm

I'm back!

I know many of you missed our weekly blog hops. Sorry I couldn't get them posted.

Many of you may not know that this past Sunday severe storms and tornadoes made their way through are area. Our town just to the north was hit especially hard. Many, many places without their roofs, houses and cars with trees on them and just the number of trees ripped out of the ground is unbelievable.

Even with all the damage there were no serious injuries that I heard of. We can all be thankful for that.

Happily our electricity has been restored today and I can begin cleaning out the fridge and catching up on laundry and dishes. We will have to throw out some of the food, but we tried to eat up what we could right away so it's not too bad.

I hope to be back to regular blogging soon, but in the meantime....Happy Wednesday!