Saturday, September 20, 2014

1st Adorned From Above Blog Hop and Jasmine Natural Face and Body Wash

Welcome to Blast From The Past Saturday.  Every Saturday I will be posting a previously published post, in order to take my weekends off.
Debi

===Originally posted May 29, 2012===

Today is the first week that I am doing a Tuesday Blog Hop, called Adorned From Above Blog Hop 1. The next Monday I will feature some of your great ideas in my post.

Your posts can include:
  • anything DIY
  • Recipes
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Book Reviews and Movie Reviews
  • Knitting and Crochet Ideas and Patterns
  • DIY Cleaning Solutions
  • Natural Beauty Product Recipes
  • Decorating Ideas
  • Thrifting

Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have.

Please link your posts back to my blog hop. Linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared.  Just create a text link somewhere in your post back to this blog.


Jasmine Face Wash and Ingredients
Now on to my favorite natural Jasmine Face and Body Wash Recipe.

I started making this face wash in February, and it is a great all purpose face wash.  It even removes makeup.  I was looking for something simple and natural, since I have skin allergies.  I also wanted something that did not have chemicals.  I looked at many recipes, and eventually decided to just make something that would clean my face and still moisturize my skin a little. It also works great as a body wash.

Jasmine Natural Face and Body Wash

8 oz Dr. Bonner's Baby-Mild Castille Soap
8 oz distilled water
1 TB Almond oil
20 drops jasmine fragrance
10 drops geranium essential oil

Put all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.  Then pour into a pump bottle.

Rinse face with water and then use 1 squirt of face wash and start washing face.   I wash my face for approximately 1 minute, concentrating around my nose, chin, and forehead, then rinse well.

You can use a toner after if you like to close your pores, and then moisturize.  You can use my Anti-Aging Moisturizer.  The link is below.


Friday, September 19, 2014

Hot Spiced Cider with Spice Syrup for Friday's Happy Hour


Today I am sharing a very simple Hot Spiced Cider Recipe made with my spice syrup recipe that I shared with all of you last Friday.  The minute I saw the recipe for spice syrup knew that I wanted to try it in a Hot Apple Cider recipe.  It did not let me down.  This hot spiced cider recipe could not taste any better, and it is so simple to make.  You don't have to cook it for hours, the syrup adds just the right amount of spice flavors to the cider and it's not too sweet.  It was actually perfect.  I know that all of you are going to love it too.  It will be a great fall and winter treat when you  and your families come in from outside.  It will certainly warm all of you up.


Hot Spiced Cider with Spice Syrup

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of apple cider
1/4 cup spice syrup

Directions:

Put the apple cider in a pan or measuring cup.

Add the spice syrup and stir until combined.

Heat in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.  I heated mine for 1 minute in the microwave.

Makes 2 7 oz glasses of spiced cider.

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as we did.  I always love hearing from you.

Have a great weekend.
Debi

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Sheinside Sale

Save 25% off on Fall Sweaters at SheInside.com!  Enter code SWEATER25 at checkout through 9/25
Sponsored

I just became an affiliate for this clothing company called SheInside.com, and I am pretty excited to share them with all of you. 

I was shopping for lightweight sweaters about 2 weeks ago and found this company had really cute clothing, and they were very inexpensive.  I was not an affiliate for them at that time, and actually had never heard of them before.  I like the clothes so much that I decided I wanted to be an affiliate for them, and found that they were part of shareasale.com, so I didn't even have to work too hard at finding them.  I am pretty excited.

Here are a few of the items that I ordered.


White Long Sleeve Cross Rhinestone Knit Sweater
 Isn't it cute.  I can't wait for a cool day to wear it.  It's out of stock, but they have tons of sweaters available.

I also ordered this sweater with the lace at the bottom.

White Long Sleeve Lace Knit Loose Sweater for $22.16

I am a sucker for lace.  I think this will look really cute with a pencil skirt and boots, or skinny jeans and flats.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce this company to all of you, and maybe get you thinking about some cute fall and winter clothes.  They have so much, and the prices are very reasonable.  I know you are going to love them as much as I do.

I have put the picture at the top of the post with a code for 25% off sweaters.  They also offer Free Shipping Worldwide at SheInside for orders over $30, so that should help also.

Have a great weekend, and have fun shopping.
Debi

Craftsy's BIG Fall Course Sale!

Craftsy
(sponsored post)

I love all of Craftsy's classes and this is a great way to try one if you haven't taken one of their classes yet.  Just follow the links and sign up and take a look around to see what classes you might want to try.  You can try their mini classes for free.  Here's the full list of Craftsy free mini classes to choose from

Craftsy's BIG Fall Course Sale is happening now? Learn from the world's best instructors in the comfort of your home, when you shop up to 50% off ALL online classes! Once you enroll you can watch your classes anytime, anywhere, forever. Hurry, offer expires September 22, 2014 at 11:59 PM MT. Shop Craftsy's BIG Fall Course Sale and save.


I hope that you will give Craftsy a try.  I know you are going to love them as much as I do.
Have a great weekend.
Debi

Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Cinnamon Roll Waffles from Adorned From Above - Ingredients: Grands Cinnamon Rolls, Butter,  Directions:  Heat up your waffle iron.  Using a pastry brush, brush some melted butter in the bottom of the waffle iron.  Place your cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron and then brush the top of the cinnamon roll with butter.  Push the top of the waffle iron down, and you may have to hold it in place for a minute, because the cinnamon roll will want to expand and push the top up.  You want it to be flat.  Cook it as you would a waffle and remove it when it is done.  My waffle iron has a light that goes off when it is done.  Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and brush with more melted butter.  Then spread some of the cinnamon roll frosting on top of the waffle.  I did this once I had the next waffle in the waffle iron.  Repeat this process for the rest of the waffles.  This makes 5 Cinnamon Roll Waffles with the Grands.

Today we have Cinnamon Roll Waffles for breakfast, and boy are they amazing.  I have been on a kick with my waffle iron lately and I am so excited to share some fun recipes with you.  I am also excited because I have never been a great waffle maker.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe just no interest, and probably because it takes longer then I care to take making waffles.  I think because I have to make the batter, and then I can only make one at a time.  I guess in some ways I'm kind of a lazy cook and love to find shortcuts.  This is definitely a shortcut.  I saw a picture on Pinterest a couple of months ago of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, they looked delicious, but it looked like too much work.  Then I came up with the idea of using my waffle iron and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls.  Now to me that is an easy recipe.  So here it is.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles from Adorned From Above - Ingredients: Grands Cinnamon Rolls, Butter,  Directions:  Heat up your waffle iron.  Using a pastry brush, brush some melted butter in the bottom of the waffle iron.  Place your cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron and then brush the top of the cinnamon roll with butter.  Push the top of the waffle iron down, and you may have to hold it in place for a minute, because the cinnamon roll will want to expand and push the top up.  You want it to be flat.  Cook it as you would a waffle and remove it when it is done.  My waffle iron has a light that goes off when it is done.  Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and brush with more melted butter.  Then spread some of the cinnamon roll frosting on top of the waffle.  I did this once I had the next waffle in the waffle iron.  Repeat this process for the rest of the waffles.  This makes 5 Cinnamon Roll Waffles with the Grands.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Ingredients:

1 package of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls or some other kind of large cinnamon rolls
1/4 cup butter melted

Cinnamon Roll Waffles from Adorned From Above - Ingredients: Grands Cinnamon Rolls, Butter,  Directions:  Heat up your waffle iron.  Using a pastry brush, brush some melted butter in the bottom of the waffle iron.  Place your cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron and then brush the top of the cinnamon roll with butter.  Push the top of the waffle iron down, and you may have to hold it in place for a minute, because the cinnamon roll will want to expand and push the top up.  You want it to be flat.  Cook it as you would a waffle and remove it when it is done.  My waffle iron has a light that goes off when it is done.  Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and brush with more melted butter.  Then spread some of the cinnamon roll frosting on top of the waffle.  I did this once I had the next waffle in the waffle iron.  Repeat this process for the rest of the waffles.  This makes 5 Cinnamon Roll Waffles with the Grands.

Directions:

Heat up your waffle iron.

Using a pastry brush, brush some melted butter in the bottom of the waffle iron.

Place your cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron and then brush the top of the cinnamon roll with butter.

Push the top of the waffle iron down, and you may have to hold it in place for a minute, because the cinnamon roll will want to expand and push the top up.  You want it to be flat.

Cook it as you would a waffle and remove it when it is done.  My waffle iron has a light that goes off when it is done.

Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and brush with more melted butter.

Then spread some of the cinnamon roll frosting on top of the waffle.  I did this once I had the next waffle in the waffle iron.

Repeat this process for the rest of the waffles.

This makes 5 Cinnamon Roll Waffles with the Grands.

This is such an easy recipe and I know you are going to love it.  I always love hearing from you.
Have a great week.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 98

I want to thank everyone who shared with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 97.  We love seeing all of your posts.


Welcome to Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop 98.

Now for our wonderful featured bloggers from last weeks party.


From top Left:  Twin Nursery Fit for Any Twincess from The Bajan Texan, Salted Caramel Apple Sundae from Giggles Galore, Transforming Old Chair With Chalk Paint from Giggles Galore
Second Row: Exposing Third Party Hotel Rates and Reservations from Retired by 40, Momofuku Inspired Cookie Dough Chocolate Cake from Twigg Studios
Bottom Row:  Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars from Annie's Noms,  Fabby: My Kitchen Has Fallen from Fabby's Living,  Bacon Apple Coffee Cake from Keeping It Simple 

We are happy to have you at this week's party.  We always love hearing from you, so leave your comments.
Have a great week.
Debi

Monday, September 15, 2014

Blog Tour at Adorned From Above and Some of My Favorite Blogs and Bloggers

Welcome!!! I am so happy to be included in the Behind The Scenes Blog Tour that so many wonderful blogs are participating in.  It is really nice to have you joining the tour here today.

My sweet friend, Kim from Curtain Queen Creates, invited me to join the Blogland tour, and I was really honored to be asked to participate.  Kim and I became friends last spring, and she is one of my biggest cheerleaders and a fellow believer.  We have bonded over books and prayers and I really appreciate her support.

The other blogs that have been participating in the DIY Blog Tour are some of my favorite blogs.  I hope that you will take a look at some their tours also.  There is Diana at An Extraordinary Day and Mary Beth from Cupcakes and  Crinoline.

Here's how the DIY Blog Tour works:  I will answer four questions about myself and Adorned From Above, and then I will introduce some of my favorite bloggers.

What am I working on?
I normally have so many things in the works, that I have a hard time keeping up with it all.  I am probably a little ADD, since I normally have about 5 or 6 projects going at once.

I've recently been working on a new cross bracelet tutorial, which will appear as next Tuesday's post.  I love making jewelry, and this one is really pretty.  I have made one already and given it to a friend as a birthday gift, but I want one too. I am trying to decorate our new house in Florida, which is difficult, since I'm only there for about 4 days every other month.  I bought a chair for the living room when I was there in August, and I love the chair, but I need to change it a little.  It is a dark blue, not quite a navy, but in that color range.  It's legs are dark though and all of our furniture has a light and airy feel, so I am going to white wash the legs when I go back in October.  That of course will be turned into a post once it's done.

I am constantly working on new recipes, crafts, and decorating ideas.




How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I think all blogs are unique.  I see so many different ones at my party every week and love reading each one of them.  I think mine differs from others, because there is a huge evolving variety of content.  I don't fit into any one category.  When I started the blog, it was to share my beauty product recipes with my friends.  I also really wanted to share my faith with Bible Studies and Bible Verses.  It has evolved over the last few years to a little bit of everything that I enjoy doing.  I share craft ideas (such as my knitting and crochet patterns), party ideas (Charly's baby shower), recipes for food and drinks, jewelry, and most importantly Bible Studies, Bible verses, and my Dear God Notes.



Why do I write / create what I do?
One of the reasons that I write, is because I believe that we can do anything.  I don't believe in limits.  When someone says, "I can't do that, it would be too hard", my response is, "Yes you can!"  One of my friends wanted to landscape her backyard and said she couldn't afford to pay someone to do it.  My response was then let's do it ourselves, and we did.  Her husband was shocked.  I wanted my couch re upholstered a few years ago, so I did it for the blog.  It's not something I would want to do again, but I know I can if I need to.  I read other blogs, pinterest, and google anything that needs to be done in my house.  I figure I can do anything, and I want to encourage everyone out there to know that they can also.  The possibilities are unlimited, and there is so much information online anymore, that the sky is the limit.



How does my writing / creating process work?
I really read a lot.  Like I said above, I read books, look at Pinterest, read other blogs, look things up on google, and have tons of ideas in my head.   I will write a lot of them out in an idea book.

A lot of times, a project will stem from a need in our own home, or with something one of the kids need.  One such project, homemade non toxic toilet bowl cleaner came to life because of a concern my daughter-in-law had.  She has the girls help her with cleaning the toilets, but she puts the toilet bowl cleaner in the toilet, because she did not want them touching the chemicals.  I realized that I could make a cleaner that the girls could use themselves.  I then looked up different ideas online and came up with something that would be easy for kids to use and also non toxic.

I love cooking, so I always have different recipes in the works.  I like the idea of creating a meal that we have not had before, and then seeing it come to fruition.  I think my favorite meal right now was just this last week when I made my new recipe for Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup.

I think the creative process is different for each person.  I make lists and notes, and go from there.  I also have tons of stuff sitting around my house, so sometimes I just see something and run with it.  That can happen with a ball of yarn, a food item, or a picture on my computer.  I do schedule my blog posts ahead of time and I use that as a way to keep me focused.  Otherwise I would never get antyhing finished.  I don't necessarily stick with the schedule, they are kind of a guideline and very fluid, but right now I have about 25 to 30 blog posts sitting ready to be finished.





I am so happy to have shown you around Adorned From above today.  I can not thank you enough for stopping by and learning more about me.

Now it time to introduce you to some of my blogger friends.

-----Jessica from Plucky's Second Thoughts-----


At Plucky’s Second Thought Jess tries to post easy craft projects and recipes that anyone could accomplish. Yep, you don’t have to be Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray to attempt anything on her blog!  She has a great party every week also, and takes the time to comment on each and every post shared.


Here favorite post is her Christmas Mason Jars Tutorial

Next up, I would like to introduce you to:

Linda from Crafts A La Mode

That about sums it up, too. Crafts and ice cream, her two favorites. She has been sewing and crafting since she was 9 years old and she made her first apron on her mother's sewing machine at 10 years old. Her mother is an exceptional lady who, at 105 years old, is still keeping her own house and cooking. She had a sewing business up until last year and then she decided to retire. She cooks plenty for her family, though. Anyway, to get back to Linda. 

Her mom baking cookies

When Linda first started blogging, she and her sister shared a blog together called Two Succulent Sisters, inspired by the book by SARK "Succulent Wild Woman". They thought that many people didn't "get" the name so they ended up changing it to Crafts a la Mode... The idea is "handmade" which they have always done. In fact, if Linda can make it, she would rather do that than buy something.. obviously it all can't be made by hand or we'd be back in pioneer days.  Her sister lost interest in the blog but Linda didn't. She's still passionate about sharing what they make and do and that includes fun foods, crafts of all kinds including sewing, and DIY home, and some garden fun also. She tries to keep it fun and light. There are enough other things in life that are a struggle. Let's have fun together!! Visit and follow on her Facebook page, too. There is lots of action over there, too. Oh, that's still under the name Two Succulent Sisters.


Her favorite post is 10 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Good

I may have one more blogger for you tomorrow.
I hope you enjoyed seeing behind the scenes at Adorned From Above.  We loved having you.
Have a great week.
Debi

Dear God Note 7

Dear God Note 7 - Dear God, I pray to you all of the time, and I'm so grateful that you are there to listen to me.  I am always in awe when you answer my prayers.  There are days whem they are answered immediately, and sometimes it takes a  lot longer.   I know that when it takes longer, it's not because you are not there, it's because I'm asking for is something big, and someone's heart must be changed.  You are bigger then all of us, and I know that when I pray, you listen.   Thank you for the miracles that you perform in our lives everyday.  It may seem hopeless at times, but when I rely on you, nothing is hopeless. Debi

Part of praying is believing in God.  When we believe and have hope, God answers our prayers.  They may not always be answered in the time frame that we want, or in the way we want, but he does answer.  One of the things I have to remember is God's will is what is important.

Have a blessed day.
Debi

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Matthew 8:13

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psalms 16:9

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalms 31:24

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalms 71:14

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Warby Parker Fall Collection Eyeglass Frames


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

Your personal style is reflected in your fashion. But unlike a jacket or what shoes you wear, your eyeglasses reflect your entire person—every day, every outfit, every situation. You are not like everyone else, so why would you want to wear the same as them? You wouldn't. Instead you prefer eyewear that is unique and full of personality, just like you. Introducting the Warby Parker Fall Collection.

With nine new frame shapes and two new colors, this season's collection is filled with exciting new options for bold, creative personalities. For the adventurous, there are three clever styles in crystal. For the polished professionals, there are three updated, hardworking acetate frames with titanium temples. And for the folks that really mean business, there are a handful of designs in angular silhouettes. There are two new hues: Striped Pacific and Petal Tortoise. One brings in the blues of the sea, while the other adds a painterly mix of soft pinks and earthy browns. All frames are ready to be shipped to your door for you to try on with the Warby Parker Home Try-On program and all frames purchased precipitate another pair to be donated to someone in need. The Warby Parker Fall Collection is now available in retail stores and online, and starts at just $95 a pair.  Progressive lenses starting at $295 a pair.

Have a great week.
Debi

Natural Shave Soap

Natural Shave Soap Recipe from Adorned From Above


 Welcome to Blast From The Past Saturday.  Every Saturday I will be posting a previously published post, in order to take my weekends off.
Debi 

===Originally posted May 16, 2012===

This recipe goes along with the Pre-Shave Oil that I posted May 4, 2012 .  I originally made my son the shave cream that I have made from the Frugal Granola Blog, and that shave cream is great.  I decided that I would try to make shave soap and put it in a mug since he uses a brush to put his shaving cream on his face.  My son, Vince, has been kind enough to show us how great this shave soap works.

Pre Shave Oil from Adorned From Above
Pre-Shave Oil
I looked through many recipes and didn't really find anything that I thought would work, so I decided to experiment.  I knew that I did not want to used glycerin soap, since it does not seem to lather as well in shaving cream, it seems to get gummy ( I found that out the hard way making Jillee's Shave Cream).  So I decided that I was going to use Dr. Bonner's Baby-Mild Pure Castille Soap.  I also wanted to use Coconut Oil since it works well on his face.  I also added some essential oils.  When I write the recipe below, I will give the measurements

Next I tried to melt the soap and the coconut oil on the stove.  That did not work at all.  So I took it out of the pot and put it in the mug to heat in the microwave.  Now here is the tricky part.  You can only put it in the microwave for about 20 seconds at a time.  You must keep a close eye on it, because as I found out, it will boil over and make a huge mess.  It will not look smooth and great in the mug, but it works great, as you will see in the pictures.

Natural Shave Soap Recipe

1 bar Dr. Bonner's Unscented Baby-Mild Pure Castille Soap grated
2 TB coconut butter
2 TB distilled water
5 drops tea tree oil
5 drops bergamot essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil

Put the soap, coconut oil, and distilled water into a double boiler to start  to heat and melt as best as you can.  It seems to form a ball, and not melt well, which is okay.  Once it is semi soft, take off of the heat, and add the tea tree, the bergamot, and the lemon essential oil mix with a spoon.

Then put into the mug that you are going to use it in.  Then put it in the microwave for about 20 seconds at a time.  Take it out and stir, then put back in.  It will probably take a minute at most.  Push down from the sides of the mug and smooth out in the bottom of the mug, as best as you can.

Let it cool down, and it is ready to use.

Here are pictures of how well this Natural Shave Soap works.

Natural Shave Soap Recipe from Adorned From Above
Applying Natural Shave Soap

Natural Shave Soap Recipe from Adorned From Above
Finishing Applying Natural Shave Soap

Natural Shave Soap Recipe from Adorned From Above
Shaving


Natural Shave Soap Recipe from Adorned From Above
Clean Shaven Face
I would love to hear your ideas on this Natural Shave Soap.  Tell me what you think, and what you think can be done better.

Have fun and enjoy,
Debi

Friday, September 12, 2014

Spice Syrup a Retro Recipe

spice syrup recipe from The Settlement Cookbook

Today, I am sharing a recipe for Spice Syrup from the Settlement Cookbook.  When I saw this recipe, I thought it would be great to use in fall recipes for drinks and other things.  I had never made a syrup before and this is a very simple recipe.  I was also how surprised at how good it came out.  I thought that it would just be good in hot spiced cider, but after tasting it I realized it would be great in tea, over baked apples, and even on pancakes, french toast, or waffles.  It sounds strange but it tasted almost like candy when I tasted it.  Give it a try, it will definitely spice up your fall.

spice syrup recipe from The Settlement Cookbook

Spice Syrup

Ingredients:

4 cups water
2 lbs sugar
1 TB whole cloves
1 TB whole allspice
6 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

Put the spices in a bag or tea balls.  I used 2 medium tea balls.  I just put the cinnamon sticks into the pan, you could put them in a bag or cheesecloth to keep your syrup cleaner, but I kind of like the rustic feel to this syrup.  

Put water, sugar in a pan and bring to a boil.

Let boil for 5 minutes or until clear.

Next, reduce heat, and add the spices and continue cooking until the syrup has a nice flavor.   Approximately 30 to 45 minutes.  It took mine about 45 minutes.  Mine is pretty thick like a real maple syrup.

After it has finished cooking you will pour into a bottle to use as needed.  I also used some mason jars.  I am going to give some away as gifts to family members.

Store in the refrigerator.

spice syrup recipe from The Settlement Cookbook

Next week, I will share a few ways to use this spice syrup for some great fall drinks.

I always love hearing from you.  Tell me how you would use this spice syrup.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Apple Spice Dump Cake

apple spice dump cake from Adorned From Above

I worked on several Dump Cake recipes a few weeks ago and this Apple Spice Dump Cake is a winner.  It was really delicious and very simple.  I made several that just didn't taste very good.  I tried the kind where you mix the cake mix with sprite or flavored sparkling water, Yuck!  At least I didn't love the taste of them.  I think you need to mix the cake mix and sprite, otherwise it was powdery.  It didn't just mix itself while it cooked.  So I made two of these and still didn't like what I came out with.  they didn't get the depth of flavor that you get when I mix the cake batter in other ways.  So now this is probably my 6th or 7th dump cake, and as you can see, I have this is only the second recipe that I have posted (last week I posted Blackberry Cobbler Dump Cake).  So it has hit and miss when I have tried making them.  Everyone still loves them, they are just not amazingly, delicious, and only the most delicious recipes end up on Adorned From Above.  There are a lot of misses that you do not see.  Anyway, on to this Apple Spice Dump Cake recipe.

apple spice dump cake from Adorned From Above

Apple Spice Dump Cake

Ingredients:

2 21 oz cans apple pie filling
1 15 oz package spice cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.

Spread apple pie filling in bottom of the casserole dish.

Mix cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth about 2 minutes.

Spread cake mix over the pie filling.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Pull out of the oven and cool for 15 minutes.

Serves 10 to 12

I hope that you like this recipe and I always love hearing from you.  What is your favorite dump cake recipe?  I am up for trying anything.

Have a great week.
Debi
Find us at these great parties

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 97

I want to thank everyone who shared with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 96.  We love seeing all of your posts.  Welcome to Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop 97.

Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 97

Now for last weeks featured bloggers from Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party 96

featured bloggers from Adorned From Above Link Party 96


Featured Bloggers from Link Party 95



We are happy to have you at this week's party.  We always love hearing from you, so leave your comments.
Have a great week.
Debi

Sale on Craftsy Food and Cake Decorating Classes

Up to 50% Off On Food and Cake Decorating Classes
(sponsored post, but all opinions are my own)


I love the craftsy classes, and I know you will also.  Once I tried them, I was hooked.  I was just taking the Donut Making Class on Saturday, and I am getting ready to take the French Pastry Shop Classics, by Colette Christian  and Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking (w/ Richard Coppedge, Jr.) classes.  I have already signed up for them, I just need take them.  Maybe, later this week.


Craftsy Cake Decorating Class


Best-selling Craftsy classes are on sale for one week only! Save up to 50% off on Food and Cake Decorating classes taught by some of the world's best instructors. Once you purchase a class, it's yours to enjoy forever. Every class comes with a money-back satisfaction guarantee!



This sale is through September 15, 2014

I hope that you'll give them a try.

Have a great week.
Debi

Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup

rigatoni Bolognese stoup / a thick Italian soup

I made this great Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup for dinner last Saturday and was really pleased with how it came out.  We snapped into fall pretty quickly last week.  It was 96 degrees out on Tuesday and it dropped down to a high of 67 on Friday, so that really put me in the mood for a warm hearty meal over the weekend.  I had this in the back of my head to make over the last week after my mom told me about a recipe for lasagne soup.  Since my sweet hubby is allergic to cheese I knew I wanted to try a recipe out of a my Bolognese sauce.   I also love very thick stew like soups or as Rachel Ray calls them Stoups.  I was going to make spaghetti stoup, but I wanted something heartier that would really hang onto the pasta, and rigatoni fit the bill.  So this is how this Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup came to life.

rigatoni Bolognese stoup / a thick Italian soup / garlic bread on top

Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb bulk sweet Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs Sweet Italian Sausage links, sliced into 1 inch slices
2 cans 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 28 oz can tomato puree
2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
2 3.8 oz cans sliced black olives
1 8 oz packaged sliced mushrooms, cleaned
2 cups diced onions
5 cloves garlic
2 TB Olive Oil
2 TB chopped parsley
3 TB Italian seasonings
1 tsp ground oregano 
1 1/2 tsp basil
2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 TB sugar
2 to 4 cups beef broth
8 oz Rigatoni, cooked

Garlic Bread Ingredients

6 to 8 slices french bread
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Put the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven.  Turn heat to medium to heat oil, then add the onions.

Cook onions until translucent, and then add the garlic and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Next add your ground beef, bulk italian sausage, and sliced sausage cook until browned.

At the same time as you are browning the meats add the parsley, italian seasonings, oregano, and basil.

Once ground meats are browned, drain fat from pan.

Next add your crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and tomato sauce.

Heat until bubbling and then turn heat down to simmer.

Next add the baking soda and sugar.  Stir well.  It will bubble and get foamy.  The baking soda removes some of the acid from the sauce, which helps with heartburn.

Continue simmering for 3 to 4 hours.

You can then take out 1/2 of the sauce to set aside for another meal.  I will be using the other half in a chicken recipe.  You can either freeze it or use it in the next few days.

Now to make it into stoup is pretty easy.

You will add 2 to 4 cups of beef broth.  I only added 2 cups, because I like mine very thick, but add the broth to reach your desired thickness.

Continue cooking until boiling.

Next add the the cooked rigatoni and cook for a few more minutes

You will next mix the butter and garlic and spread it over your bread slices.  Top with Parmesan cheese and put under the broiler for 2 minutes or until golden brown.

Put one slice of garlic toast on top of stoup and serve.

Serves 6 to 8 servings

I hope you like my Rigatoni Bolognese Stoup.  It's such a hearty meal and the garlic toast on top is really delicious.

Have a wonderful week.
Debi
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Monday, September 8, 2014

Dear God Note 6

Dear God note 6 verse Matthew 7:1 judge not let ye be judged
Judge not, lest you be judged
Matthew 7:1

When I was visiting my mom in California, I was able to spend time with a friend.  While we were at lunch we were talking about something (I can't remember what right now), but what came up was people judging other people.  I find that sometimes I can be judgmental.  I try very hard not to, and I am learning slowly to pray for a person rather then judging the person.  What I would like to happen is to immediately pray for that person to know God with all their heart.

She said something that really stuck with me about judging.  She said when we judge we are trying, convicting, and then judging a person without all of the facts.  The only one who knows the whole story and is entitled to judge, is God.  I want to make sure I'm clear with everyone, this is not about a court trial, but what goes on in our everyday lives and in our hearts.  I want God to use me to pray for other people when the urge to judge comes up.  Help me to pray for them to find God and know God's will for their lives.  I want my initial response to be prayer, not judgement.

I have shared a few verses below that I hope you'll like.
Have a blessed week.
Debi

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 
Luke 6:37

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Romans 14:13

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

brownie ice cream sandwiches

Welcome to Blast From The Past Saturday.  Every Saturday I will be posting a previously published post, in order to take my weekends off.
Debi 

===Originally posted May 16, 2012===

This is a one of my favorite easy deserts.  I think this is the winner for Mother's Day.  You see I like to cook, and desserts are my favorite thing to make.  Especially easy deserts. I am doing some of the cooking for Mother's Day, just because it ensures that I get something that I really love to eat for dessert. Now this recipe makes a lot, so I am going to cut it in half for my family since there are only 4 of us this year, but the full recipe is what follows.  I can't wait for next year, when I have all my children home. 

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

2 boxes brownie mix ( Follow the directions on the boxes to make the brownies.  Make them in 2   9 X 13 inch pans and line the pans with waxed paper and spray with Pam)
2 pints Ice Cream ( Your choice of flavors, I use 2 flavors normally)
Hot Fudge
Whipped Cream

Make the brownies and let cool.  I have actually put the brownies in the freezer to harden, until I am ready to spread the ice cream between the layers.

brownie ice cream sandwiches



Set your ice cream out to soften.  I used Hagen Daz Carmel Cone Crunch.  Spread the ice creams on the top of one tray of brownies.  The layer of ice cream should be about 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch thick.



Then turn the other pan of brownies on top of the ice creams.  Lightly press down on the top layer of brownies to make the sandwiches hold together, remove the wax paper from the brownies on top.


Put brownies in the freezer to harden the brownies and ice cream.  Once the ice cream is hard again, several hours,  pull the brownies out of the freezer and cut.   You do not want it all totally frozen, or it will be very difficult to cut.  You should have between 12 and 18 pieces depending on how large or small you want them to be.

brownie ice cream sandwiches


Put them back in the freezer to refreeze.

Serve with hot fudge sauce and whipped cream.  I would love to hear about your favorite desserts.

Enjoy.

Debi

Take a look at this blog Happy Hour Projects - Happy Hour Fridays .  Look at her featured cake called You got Your Chocolate in my Peanut Butter.
 
Look at how cute this blog is Sassy Site - Friday Free for All