Apples and Peanut Butter

Easter Fun

2013-03-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to re-post some of my fun Easter projects from last year. Hope you enjoy:)

Granny's Handmade Quilt

2013-02-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! I just wanted to share the beautiful quilt my husband's grandmother made for our youngest daughter. She has handmade and quilted each one of us our own quilt as well as all of her other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This one was just finished for our 3 year old. Granny says that it will be her last one. She just can't see to do it anymore. She is 85 years old. We will certainly cherish each of our beautiful quilts. I will try to share some pics of the other ones soon:) Have a great weekend!!

GFC Blog Hop

2013-01-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!!! I am super excited to be co-hosting the GFC Blog Hop with Melissa from The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife

It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the GFC Blog Hop!

When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have.

One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!

Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?

RULES are simple:

1. Follow your host via GFC

The First link below

2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC

The Next 9 links below

3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC

and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.

5. Tweet about this blog hop

6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!

*After 6 months of the waiting list to cohost being extra long, I finally have paid cohost spots available! Email me if you're interested at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com

Post Sponsor Ad:

Valentine's Day Gift Idea

2013-01-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

Mason Jars filled with treats of your choice. I filled mine with chocolate covered pretels with Valentine's sprinkles. Great teacher gift:)

Valentine Snow Globe

2013-01-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

So I am lovin' the mason jar snow globes these days. I made one for Christmas and then I saw one for Valentine's Day from Whipperberry and fell in love. I made my own. I like the one from Whipperberry better, but mine will do for now. Enjoy:)

Valentine Topiary

2013-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

This was my Valentine Topiary from last year. I thought it turned out really cute. I made it from red streamers that I used to make rolled tissue rosettes. I used floral moss to cover the bottom. Hope you enjoy:)

BBQ Chicken Bites

2013-01-02T17:17:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

We just tried our own version of a BBQ Chicken Bites recipe that I got from Pinterest. It was from Add a Pinch.com

The only thing that I did different was, I just squeezed out some Sweet Baby Ray's on each one and sprinkled some shredded cheese on half of them. I wasn't sure if the kids would eat them with the cheese sprinkled on them. They loved them!!! You should try them some time:) You can find the recipe here.

More Christmas Happenings

2012-12-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Happenings at Our House

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Day 3, 4, 5, Etc., Etc.
Parades, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Plays, Elf on the Shelf.....

2012-12-13T18:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas Happenings at Our House

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Day 2

We put the tree in a galvanized bucket for a different look this year.

Mason Jar Snow Globe

2012-12-10T16:31:00.001-08:00

Christmas Happenings at Our House

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Day 1

Pumpkin Snowman

2012-11-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

It's transition time. Time to try to transition from fall, pumpkin time, to winter, Christmas time. What to do with the pumpkins, why not try a pumpkin snowman? The kids were also having a pumpkin decorating contest so we decided to spray paint them white and make a pumpkin snowman. The bottom pumpkin we actually grew ourselves, first one ever! When we do get to start decorating, I plan on trading the pink in for more Christmas colors to go with the rest of the decor. Have a great week!

Fun Fall Ideas

2012-09-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share some of the fun ideas I found on Pinterest that I hope to use this fall season.

Lovin this fall centerpiece from Bunches and Bits

Check out these awesome pumpkin decorating ideas from Think Crafts and Pink Seven Designs

Henna Pumpkins

Finally, I'm hoping to make these yummy treats from The High Heeled Hostess and

A Merrier World

Sweet 'n Salty Halloween Pretzel Treats

The Great Pumpkin Cake made from two bundt cakes put together. How cool is that?

Enjoy:)

Giveaway Winner and Jute Cross

2012-09-09T17:27:00.002-07:00

I am finally back!! We have been covered up lately with football, basketball and have also just started the girls in gymnastics. I have also been involved in our local consignment sale where I got some really good deals that I will try to share with you later. In the meantime, I would like to announce my first giveaway winner, Wendy, from Saved Sister. She will be getting this awesome Jute Monogram that my lovely sister made.

She also made me this gorgeous Jute Cross. If you would like to order either one, just email me at applesandpnutbutter@yahoo.com for more details.

Congratulations Wendy! Hope everyone has a great week!

Linking to:

Flour Me With Love

Consignment Sale Savings

2012-08-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

So this is what I have been up to lately. It's that time of year again, the fall and winter consignment sales.

Consignment Sales are a lot of work, but they also come with a lot of rewards.

It takes a lot of time to check each item for stains, holes, etc. then hang them correctly. You also have to input each item into the computer, print and cut out the tags and then pin them on each piece. You then have to set up an appointment time to drop them off.

The benefits are that, when you consign, you also get to shop early before it opens to the general public. Another benefit is that you can make quite a bit of money. I usually make more than I spend which is always a good thing. My dropoff day is Monday of next week. I get to shop on Wednesday of next week. I let you know how it goes!

Shadow Box Monograms

2012-08-18T19:37:00.006-07:00

Hello, hello!! My sweet and awesome little sister just never ceases to amaze me!! She was looking for a special gift to give her friend for her birthday. Her friend is in the process of buying a new home so she wanted to make her something for her new house. Here is what she came up with:

It is a shadow box with rustic wood backing. She used the jute string to wrap the letters. She centered the first letter of their last name. On each side she put her husband's initial and her initial. I think it turned out pretty awesome. She has also started making the single monograms and guess what she has so graciously offered to do for me and you, A GIVEAWAY!! See, I told you she was awesome, didn't I? She has offered to giveaway to one lucky winner, a single hanging jute monogram with the letter of the winner's choice. She is also taking orders for the monogram shadow boxes or the single hanging monograms, all made to order. The price for the shadow boxes is $50 plus shipping. The price for the single letter monograms is $20 plus shipping. Just email me with any questions or orders at applesandpnutbutter@yahoo.com

Have a great day and good luck. To enter below for the giveaway, all you have to do is follow Apples and Peanut Butter via GFC. If you're already a follower, awesome, just leave me a comment below. For an additional chance to win, follow Apples and Peanut Butter on Pinterest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking to:

I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Sew Chatty
Flour Me With Love
The NY Melrose Family
Sew Much Ado
The Shabby Nest

Freezer Corn Tips

2012-08-13T16:25:00.002-07:00

If you garden, or even if you don't and you like garden food, you have probably been canning and putting up freezer items a lot lately. We just put up 12 dozen ears of corn this past weekend.

Here are a few of the tips and tricks that I have learned about putting up freezer corn. First, the best thing is to have at least two people helping to make things move along faster. My husband would shuck the corn and then I would wash it and put it on to boil. I had two big pots going at the same time. I would boil them for 10-12 minutes after they started to boil. I laid towels out on the island to put each ear on to dry a little first.

One thing that I found worked well was using a steak knife to cut the corn off of the cob. I had tried many different knives and gadgets and the steak knife worked great to get the corn to come off in big pieces and it makes a close cut.

Another thing that was helpful was to use the really thin cutting boards that usually come in a package of two. That way, when you are ready to put the corn into freezer bags, you can just roll it up and pop the corn down into the bag without making a huge mess.

Last, learn from my mistake, don't stack the bags on top of each other on the counter before you are ready to put it in the freezer. The weight of the bags on top may cause the one or ones on the bottom to pop open and squeeze the juice out:(

Have a great day and good luck with your adventures in freezing and canning!!

Linking to:
Stringtown Home
The Shabby Creek Cottage

Antique Store Finds

2012-08-09T19:07:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone is having a great week! I had to start back to school this week:( I am going to miss me some babies, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Just wanted to do a quick post to let you see some of my antique store finds. Score!!

First is this adorable "Grease" container. I absolutely loved this especially the design around it.

I also found this cute vintage flour sifter with the red handle. I'm not sure which decade the red handles are from.

Last was this awesome pitcher. Love it. I put it in my china cabinet. Have a great weekend:)

Linking to:

Two Sasters

Stenciling Walls

2012-08-06T12:11:00.010-07:00

I have still been working on our two youngest daughters' bedroom. They are 3 and 5 now and share our biggest bedroom. You know I love the Pottery Barn look, but can't quite afford it. I wanted to get some vinyl wall decals, but they too can be expensive and I still don't have a Silhouette so I had to improvise.

I told you before that being a teacher does have its advantages, one of which is access to an overhead projector/transparency machine. I wanted a "C" monogram and a bird sitting on a branch coming out from the window. I searched and found pictures of birds, branches, monograms, etc. and put it all together the way I wanted it and printed it off on transparency paper and blew it up on the overhead projector on the wall.

Next, I used a pencil to trace it all out on the wall. Afterwards, I painted in the inside and let each color dry as needed. Last, after all of the paint was dry, I went back and erased all of the pencil marks with an eraser along the edges.

This is what I came up with. What do you think? I will share the entire room with you when we get it finished. Have a great day!!

Linking to:

Our Delightful Home
Stringtown Home
Tip Junkie
Pincushion Creations
Sew Much Ado
Craft-O-Maniac

Beach Wedding

2012-08-01T07:50:00.001-07:00

aI had always thought that a beach wedding would be beautiful. Well I actually got to be a part of one recently. My cousin just got married on the beach and my kids were all in the wedding. My two little ones were the flower girls. The wind was pretty rough, but the wedding was absolutely beautiful.

Best wishes always guys, we love you and pray that God will bless your new life together!

Advertising, Giveaways, Product Reviews

2012-07-31T20:07:00.002-07:00

Anyone interested in advertising on Apples and Peanut Butter, sponsoring a giveaway, or wanting me to do a product review, may contact me at: applesandpnutbutter@yahoo.com Have a great week:)

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

2012-07-30T17:13:00.006-07:00

When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I knew I had to try it for my popcorn loving girls (and me too:) Super easy and Yum! Yum! I got the recipe from pincookie.com

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. butter

9-10 marshmallows

12 c. popcorn

First, melt the butter and brown sugar in microwave for 2 minutes. Next, melt the marshmallows in the mixture for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring periodically.

Last, when mixture is smooth, pour over popcorn, stir and enjoy!

Linking to:

The NY Melrose Family

Someday Crafts

Mom On Timeout

Shabby Nest

Be Different Act Normal

Sausage Crescent Rolls

2012-07-24T14:27:00.012-07:00

My sister told me about this super easy 3 ingredient breakfast idea that my niece and nephew love so I decided to try it. It was a hit!! We all loved them. My husband ate four!!

Ingredients:

2 cans of Crescent Rolls

1 container of Cream Cheese

1 Roll of Sausage

All you do is brown the sausage, drain and mix it into softened cream cheese. Next, fill up the crescent rolls with the mixture and roll them up, bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Enjoy!!

Linking to:
Be Different Act Normal
Positively Splendid
Somday Crafts
The NY Melrose Family
Ginger Snap Crafts
Mom On Timeout
Embracing Change
The Shabby Nest
http://www.flourmewithlove.com/
Here Comes the Sun

Lemonade Birthday Party

2012-07-10T11:12:00.023-07:00

Finally!!! They came today to fix my Internet!! Whoo hoo!! They had to replace the antennae.

I have been wanting to share my little one's birthday party. I asked her several times what kind of party she wanted to have. One time she would say a cupcake party, one time she would say a lemonade stand party and then she started saying a tea party. Each time it would be a different response. So I just decided to incorporate all three!

I went with a vintage look, using my old dresser from when I was a little girl. I also used a vintage box, painted it white, and put 8 mason jars filled with water and yellow daisies for a centerpiece. I had pink lemonade and lemonade flavored gumballs and suckers for the kids.

I also made a fabric bunting from the old nightgown I used from the Old Nightgown Upcycle frame I made for the girl's room.

We had regular and raspberry lemonade.

We made her a table with a four piece vintage tea set for her to enjoy tea with her sisters. Big brother took the great pics.

We put cans of Minute Maid Lemonade on ice in an old wash tub.

I made the two ingredient lemon bar recipe I found on Pinterest and left the powdered sugar out for each person to sprinkle it on their lemon bar. I found that it just soaks in if you sprinkle it on too early.

To incorporate the cupcake party, (She went to a cupcake party where everyone decorated their own cupcake.) I made pink lemonade cupcakes. I put out containers of white, yellow and pink squirt icing and all kinds of different pink, yellow and white sprinkles for the kids to decorate their own cupcakes.

We had a great party!! Hope you enjoy:)

My entry into Make the Scene Monday #33 is sponsored by Appliances Online & Bosch Washing Machines.

Linking to:

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2012/08/show-and-tell-saturday-081112.html

http://jessica-healthymommyhealthybaby.blogspot.com/2012/08/sweet-saturday-15.html?showComment=1344086235920#c8247265383464259491

http://www.littlebeckyhomecky.com/2012/08/fantabulous-friday-24/

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

http://www.sugaranddots.com/2012/07/what-i-whipped-up-wednesday-features_10.html

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/07/wow-me-wednesday-59.html

http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/07/whimsy-wednesdays-19.html

http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/07/taking-timeout-thursday-no38.html

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/07/transformation-thursday-no-160.html

http://www.twosasters.com/

http://www.sewcando.com/

http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-724/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: TipJunkie (Tip Junkie - Creative Inspiration)

www.pincushioncreations.com

http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://stringtownhome.blogspot.com/

http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/

http://www.pincushioncreations.com/

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2012/08/show-and-tell-saturday-080412.html

NO INTERNET!!

2012-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Due to the recent severe storms in our area, I have been without internet for over a week now!! Yes, it is driving me craaaazy! They are going to check it out on Tuesday. I am hoping to have it fixed by next week. I came by my mother-in-law's house to let everyone know what is going on. So, I am sorry if I haven't been able to check or respond to my e-mails. Have a great week:)

25 Breakfast Ideas for Kids This Summer

2012-06-28T08:25:00.005-07:00

I don't know about you, but I have had a few mornings this summer when I just wanted to think of something different to feed the kids for breakfast. We make a lot of plans for supper, but not breakfast. And, of course, I have me some picky eaters. So, I came up with a list of different options to choose from.

1. Sausage Gravy and Biscuits- My kids all time favorite

2. Pancakes and Bacon-From scratch or if you're in a hurry, from a box and microwaveable pre-cooked bacon

3. Blueberry Muffins- From scratch or from a box ( I get the kind with the crumb topping)

4. French Toast and Sausage- I always try to plan for the French Toast when I am at the end of a loaf of bread.

5. Bacon and Egg Sandwiches

6. Pumpkin Bread- From scratch or from a box

7. Breakfast Casserole- Lots of great recipes on Pinterest

8. Gingerbread Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar- Again, you can make it from scratch or if you are in a hurry, it also comes in a box.

9. Omelets- With sausage or bacon, eggs and cheese

10. Zucchini Bread- If you are like us and have a garden, you should be looking for different recipes to use all of the zucchini and squash you will be having any day now.

11. Pumpkin Muffins- I use the awesome 2 ingredient recipe from Pinterest, a box of spice cake mixed with a can of pumpkin sprinkled with some cinnamon sugar.

12. Cinnamon Streusel Cake- Again, from a recipe or box

13. Egg and Toast Cups- Recipe on Pinterest

14. Biscuit of Choice- Sausage, Bacon, Egg, Cheese, Etc.

15. Breakfast Burritos- Recipes on Family Fun

16. Waffles with Bacon or Sausage

17. Banana Bread- With or Without Nuts (I usually use this when I have overripe bananas)

18. Blueberry Pancakes

19. Cinnamon Rolls- Recipes on Pinterest or the refrigerated ones if in a hurry.

20. French Toast Casserole- Delicious! Recipes on Pinterest, some of them you have to make the night before.

21. Applesauce Cake

22. Flavored Oatmeal- With or without fruit and nuts

23. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Pizza

24. Breakfast Bake- Recipe on Kraft Recipes

25. And, when all else fails, any Cold Cereal or Frozen Waffle, etc.

Hope you enjoy!

Linking to:

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/