Skin Care Thoughts

Do you feel bombarded with the many different options of skin care products available?

This year, I will be entering into my 30s and I have already started using anti-aging products! I started looking into anti-aging products soon after I turned 29! I am currently using a few products and methods to help prevent wrinkles. I treat myself an anti-aging homemade facial mask at least once a week.

What skin care products do you use? Before buying any product, be sure to look at the ingredients list! Read the customer reviews, listen to your friends and other opinions to form your own thoughts about products. In other words, do your homework.

Learning to read crochet patterns

Want to learn how to read crochet patterns? Check out this great article by Brenda Stratton called Learn to read crochet patterns.

Frugal Old Fashioned Hard Candy

Frugal Old Fashioned Hard Candy

2 c.s sugar

1/2 c. light Karo syrup

1/2 c. water

Stir over low heat until dissolved. Turn heat to high.

Using a candy thermometer cook until temperature reads 310 F. REMOVE IMMEDIATELY and pour into an 8" greased metal pan. After a few minutes check for firmness and when you can cut and a top imprint holds, start cutting with a knife one way in one inch sections, turn pan and make one inch squares. Continuously cut squares, working fast, until squares are almost cut through to the bottom. Turn out into wax paper, and finish breaking by hand.

Flavorings and Colors (a few drops of food coloring)

1/4 tsp. peppermint oil − green

1/4 tsp. clove oil − yellow

1/4 tsp. cinnamon oil − red

1/4 tsp. lemon oil − yellow

Combine desired color and flavor in the beginning with sugar, syrup, and water.

Arts and Crafts

Do anyone do any particular Arts or Crafts? If so what kind do you do? Do you sew, draw,crochet, knit? What is your talent? :)

Frugal Sweet Potato Casserole

Frugal Sweet Potato Casserole

4 medium Sweet potatoes or -- yams (about 2 lb)

1/4 c. Packed brown sugar

1/4 c. Butter

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Can (8 oz) crushed -- pineapple

1 tbsp. Packed brown sugar

1 tbsp. Butter

1 tsp. Water

1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Ground nutmeg

1 1/2 c.s Miniature marshmallows

1/4 c. Chopped pecans

1. Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.

2. Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-qt. casserole. Add 1/4 c. butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Combine in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.

3. Place 1 tbsp. brown sugar, 1 tbsp. butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I participated in a Valentine's Day swap and here are the cards I received!



How was your Valentine's Day? Did you exchange cards with anyone?

Your Favorite

I found myself watching American Idol last night. I still don't consider myself a fan. I was only watching because Lost was a repeat from last week's episode. Are you a fan? How long have you been watching the show? Do you already have a favorite or two this year?

I thought the following were really good:

Card Making?

I am inspired to dabble in homemade card making! A friend of ours made her own birth announcements and they are the cutest! I took a pic of the beautifully handmade card with my webcam to share with all of you:



I found a few card making starter kits but I am looking for suggestions from you! What do you suggest I start with? Remember, I am a rookie, plus I am not that creative!

I figure this would be a great hobby to try, consider I love writing letters! It would be nice to be able to send my pen pals homemade cards too.