It's been so long!

I cannot believe it has been over a month since my last post! So much has happened. First of all my mother has been hospitalized since August. Thanks to all who have been lifting her up in your prayers!! She is finally been transferred to a Skilled Nursing Unit for physical therapy so she can build up her strength to go back home. Please continue to keep her in your prayers!!

Over the last few weeks I have been doing a little soul searching and with help from the truly inspirational movie, "Julie and Julia" I have decided to change the direction of my blog. I have figured out that what I love to do is create. Whether it is interior design, ministries, scrapbooks, aprons or food - it is the act of actually creating something and sharing those things with others whom I love. At first I thought that I would ponder the idea of going to cooking school but soon found out that it was a little too expensive. So...I have decided to do the next very best thing - I will attend the School of Cooking Via the Food Network! Where else would I go to receive the best training from some of the top chefs in the world via video?

My plan is to choose recipes throughout the week and let you know how they turn out, and of course let you know if my sweet family approved of the dish! I also will hopefully be creating these recipes with a respect for frugality - can't forget my coupons!!

So Bon Appetit and please comment on our first recipe.
Peace, Love and God Bless,
Cindy

Maria's Flip Flop Party

This last Saturday morning we celebrated my youngest daughter, Maria's 6th Birthday! It was a flip flop party. We sent out invitations to all of her friends and everyone had so much fun decorating their flip flops, pedicures and a very yummy brunch with Breakfast Pizza, French Toast Casserole, Mini Sausage bagels and fruit dip with berries! I made fondant for the first time and made a Flip Flop cake. Hopefully Maria will remember her 6th Birthday for many years to come!!

Free Taco Tuesday at Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is doing Free Taco Tuesday again on August 11th - print your coupon HERE for two free tacos no other purchase required.

$25 Restaurant gift cards for $2 again!

THIS IS IT! The BIG ONE is back! Deepest Discount offered by Restuarant.com EVER!Enter Discount Code: PORTION at checkoutOffer Good through Aug 13th Stock up NOW on $25 Gift Certificates for only $2!!

A little Restaurant.com info for newbies. Restaurants.com is a form of advertising for many restaurants looking for more customers. Restaurant owners sacrifice on their price margin but in return get new customers. On the restaurant.com website, you'll be asked to enter your zip code and it will pull up participating restaurants in your area. Then you will see a list of restaurants and a selection of gift card prices. A $25 gift card is regularly priced at $10 (so 80% off means you'll pay only $2). The only catch is there is a minimum purchase amount: clearly listed under the gift card prices. Usually the customer must have a total initial bill of $35. Then you pay with your $25 gift card and your total could be as low as $10 plus gratuity for a $35 meal. It's as simple as that. Don' be a skeptic! Once you pay for your gift card you may print it immediately from your computer- so you could dine for lunch or dinner today if you wish! They don't expire for a whole year

Free Mars Chocolate Coupon

Every Friday through September Mars is giving away coupons for a FREE chocolate bar!! Quantities are limited, 250,000 coupons per Friday, so make sure you fill out this form!
This offer is good starting at 9AM Eastern so go NOW!!There was some confusion last week about how many times you can enter. You may enter your email address once each week and you may receive up to 4 coupons total per address through September.

Acorn Squash Feta Casserole

Fred and I went to our Couples Prayer Group this last weekend and I made this recipe, it seemed to be a hit! Leftovers are delicious hot or cold. This recipe comes from Taste of Home. Enjoy!

Acorn Squash Feta Casserole

SERVINGS: 6-8

TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 1 hour 35 min.

Ingredients:
2 large acorn squash (about 1-1/2 pounds each)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
2 eggs
1 cup (8 ounces) plain yogurt
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper, optional
1/4 cup sunflower kernels
Directions: Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan; add 1/2 in. of hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Bake 10 minutes longer or until squash is tender; cool slightly. Carefully scoop out squash; place in a large bowl and mash. Set aside. In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add peppers; saute until crisp-tender. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and yogurt until blended. Stir in the squash, onion mixture, feta cheese, salt, pepper and cayenne if desired. Transfer to a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with sunflower kernels. Cover and bake at 375° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160°. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Apron Fest 09

The Apronista is having a week long giveaway! Visit her sight at http://apronista.blogspot.com and be sure to take a look at all the incredible designs and ideas for aprons. I accidently added myself to the giveaway contest - I'm not having a giveaway but please, please, please look at all the other sights!