Monday, January 31, 2011

Info.

Hello all!  Just some ramblings today...

There is still two more spots for the Pay it Forward below so be sure to check that out!  And make sure you e-mail me your mailing address so I can send you your homemade gift!

Also...
It's the last day to send in pics. for the Photo Contest!  So be sure to send them in today because the contest starts tomorrow!

They are predicting A LOT of snow and ICE for our area and that may mean a power outage so...  If I don't post for a while that's why.
So if it does start to ice this afternoon I will go ahead and post the photo's on the Photo Contest PAGE and you all can vote on your favorite on the side poll.

Have a fun and blessed day! :D

Jordan

Friday, January 28, 2011

Pay It Forward


1. I will make a little something of the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it! :D


2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This means YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade!



3. You must have a blog.

4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - and copy and paste the Pay It Forward badge.  Then email me your mailing address and your blog address to justforfun.fromyou@gmail.com . 



Jordan

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Recipe Thursday

A couple months ago I said I would post the recipe for a REALLY good Poppy Seed Dressing recipe and I never did!  So here it is!  I is SUPER good!  It is especially good on salad's with fruit in them.

Poppy Seed Dressing

2/3 c. Honey
2 t. Ground Mustard
1 t. Salt
1/3 c. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 c. Fine Chopped Onion
3/4 c. Olive Oil
3/4 c. Canola Oil
2 T. Poppy Seeds

In blender blend first 5 ingredients.
Slowly add the rest til well blended.
Serve immediately or store in a mason jar with lid in your fridge!  It lasts for a good while.

Jordan

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hairdo Wednesday

Didn't have time to do one myself today but found this REALLY cute one online that I am definitely going to try!  Enjoy!
Jordan


Isn't it cute!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Kids on Tuesday

Here is a fun and simple yet captivating thing to do with kids (or even just to see it yourself) on these freezing cold days...

Blow Bubbles!
Yep, you read right!  It's really cool!  It has to be in the teens or colder for this to work.
All you need is normal bubble solution and a wand!  Go outside and blow and see what happens! 
If it's cold enough the bubbles will freeze into what looks like floating glass balls!  And the coolest part is when they pop... they shatter!  If your careful you can even hold a bubble in your hand like you've always wanted to! 
I really encourage you all to try this!  It is sooooo neat!  :D

Jordan

Monday, January 24, 2011

Crafty Monday

Just a reminder on the photo contest!  Only a few days left to enter!  I have three entries so far!  Don't forget to send yours' in!  :)

********************************************************************
Here is a really cool craft I stumbled on the other day!  Hope you enjoy!  :)
Jordan

Nylon Flowers


Friday, January 21, 2011

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

My brothers aren't too big on Ramen Noodles but they really like this soup!

Oodles of Noodles Soup



2 c. chicken breasts, cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
5 c. water
dash of pepper
2 packages (3 ou. ea.) chicken ramen noodles

In a pot, saute chicken, carrots, onion, and garlic til chicken is no longer pink.
Add water, pepper, and contents of seasoning packet from noodles.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 min. of til carrots are tender.
Break noodles into pieces and add to soup.
Cover and cook for 3 min. til tender.
Serve!  :)
Yields: 6 servings

Jordan

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

Cajun Soup


1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped green pepper
6 green onions, sliced
1/2 c. veggie oil
1/2 c. flour
3 c. water
2 cans (14 ou.) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ou.) tomato paste
2 packages (16 ou. ea.) frozen corn
sliced polish sausage
cubed ham (if desired)
1/8 t. cayenne pepper
salt to taste
hot sauce to taste

In large pot, saute onion, green pepper, and green onions in oil til tender. 
Add flour, cook til bubbly.
Add water, tomatoes, and paste and mix well.
Stir in corn, sausage, pepper, salt, and hot sauce.  Bring to a boil, stir often.
Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Enjoy!
Yeilds: 10-12 servings

Jordan

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week


Leek and Potato Soup

3 T. butter
2 cups leeks (white part only)
1 cup onion, minced
1-2 stalks celery, minced
1 large carrot, minced
3 T. flour
4 cups chicken stock
1 T. salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 cup tender green part of leeks, minced (optional, though it does
add a pretty color)
4 cups red potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small turnip and/or 1 small parsnip, peeled and diced (optional)
1/2  cup heavy cream
4 cups milk ( don't use skim milk)
3 T. parsley and/or chives, minced

Mince leeks (white part only) and/or onions, carrots, and celery and saute in the butter about 5 minutes with the pan covered. Don't allow them to brown.
Blend in flour, stirring over medium heat, 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Gradually stir in chicken stock and mix well. Stir in salt, pepper, optional green leeks, and potatoes and optional turnips/parsnips. Simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in milk and cream. Heat to a gently simmer and remove from heat. Add parsley and/or chives.Serve with bread sticks and a leafy green salad.
Yummy!

Recipe notes:Don't let the soup boil once the milk is added. It will curdle, and that's not good!
There is no substitute for the cream and butter- this soup is definitely not for dieters! =)
If the soup is a little thinner than you like, you can add some instant mashed potatoes, one tablespoon at a time, until desired thickness is achieved.

Samantha H. IL

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

This is one of my favorites!

Chunky Beef Soup


Beef Stew Meat
1/4 t. Pepper
2 t. Oil
14 1/2 ou. Beef Broth
2 c. Cubed, Peeled Potatoes
1 1/4 c. Water
2 Medium Carrots, sliced
1 Envelope Onion Soup Mix
1 T. Dried Basil
2 T. Cornstarch
1/2 c. Additional Beef Broth

Sprinkle meat with 1/8 t. pepper.  In a skillet brown meat in oil over medium heat.  Add the broth, potatoes, water, carrots, onion soup mix, basil, and remaining pepper; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 min. or til veggies are tender.

In a bowl, combine cornstarch and additional broth until smooth, stir into soup.  Bring broth to boil, cook and stir for 2 min. or til thick.
Yields: 7

Jordan

Monday, January 17, 2011

Have A Bowl Of Soup Week

This is a fun soup for something out of the ordinary!  It is also very quick and easy to make!  ;)


Tortellini Soup

  • 1 lb. Ground Beef
  • 4 c. Water
  • 1 can (28 ou.) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • 1 package (9 ou.) Frozen Green Beans
  • 1 package (9 ou.) Refridgerated Cheese Tortellini
  • 1 t. Dried Basil
In a large pot brown and season your ground beef, drain.
Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.
Cook, uncovered fr 5 min. or til heated through.
Makes: 6-8 servings


Jordan

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Misc. Saturday

LOVE this song on the new Emma!
Anyway... Mon. starts our soup week so be sure to send in your favorites! 
Have gotten two entries for the photo contest so far hope to see more!  I've added a 2nd place prize so be sure to check that out!  Also a new poll to the side!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Enjoy the music!

Jordan

Friday, January 14, 2011

Game Friday

Here is a fun game that our family has played before when we're in the car or just around the house as something extra as we go about our normal day!  It's easy but it really makes you think!

Spell That Word

And I call it a game, it doesn't have a winner or looser and you just stop when you want...
All it is is you have to spell the last word of your sentence rather than say it!  I know it's really simple but it is really fun!
For example:  "Isn't it cold o-u-t-s-i-d-e?"
"Yes it i-s!"
"Do you think it will snow a-g-a-i-n?"
And so on....
So if your stuck in the house with nothing to do and need a little something to spice up the day- spell it!

Jordan

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Recipe Thursday

These look terrific!  They would be great with a meal or even to bring as an apetizer to a party!
Jordan


Ingredients:

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/4 cup butter or marggarine, melted
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Cut each biscuit into thirds.

Roll each piece into a 3-in. rope

 and tie into a knot;


 tuck ends under.

Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 400° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.

In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.

Dip the warm knots and serve warm

Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.


Janae H. IL

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Hairdo Wednesday

Here are two cute ways to spice up a pony tail!  And they're really easy!  :)

Put your hair in a pony tail...

Then, take a strand from the top and braid all the way down and tie off at end


Or, take a strand from underneath the pony and braid.
Before you tie it off...


Wrap it around the rest of the pony and tie all off at the bottom!


It would be really cute too if you added a ribbon or two!

Jordan

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Kids on Tuesday

Fun kid tip for today is....
Play with them!  I know it's really deep and needs lots of pics. to demonstrate ;D but it really is something that kids LOVE!  I know it's sometimes harder as we get older to find time or even the energy to play with our siblings or kids in a classroom but it is really important to them!
So if you have snow where you are, go out and make a snowman!
If you don't, play a board game or with their favorite toys! 
Have a great wintery day!

Jordan

Monday, January 10, 2011

Monday

Hey girls!  I'm sorry!  I don't have a craft for today either!  :(  I'm not having time right now to get stuff together for one so if any of you have some cute, fun crafts that you want to share please send them in!  :)


Anyway, I don't know about how ya'lls families work but in my house cold weather means soup!  So next week will be a Soup Week to get fresh ideas!  So warm up that soup pot and send your favorites in!  :D

Jordan

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Scripture Sunday


Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Friday, January 7, 2011

Game Friday


Don't always know what to get your friend for their Birthday?  Well, send them a list like this to all your friends this month and have ideas for all year! :)

What's your favorite color/s?

What's your favorite animal/s

What are your favorite candies?

What are your favorite stores?

What hobbies do you have?

Do you like to read?

What are your favorite type books?

Do you like tea or coffee?

Do you like cooking?

Do you like puzzles?

And you can add any other ideas you have too!

Jordan

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Recipe Thursday



Here is a REALLY good carmel popcorn recipe our family loves to make on a family movie night!  You gotta try it!

Carmel Popcorn

1/4 c. Butter
1/4 t. Salt
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
2 T. Corn Syrup
1/8 t. Baking Soda
1/2 c. Popcorn, air popped

Heat first four ingredients until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.  Take off of heat and add baking soda. Stir well.  Pour over popcorn and stir til popcorn is evenly coated.
Enjoy!  :D

Jordan

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Hairdo Wednesday

Here's a cute down do that is really simple yet cute!  Thanks for sending it in Janae!
Jordan


Divide a clump of hair from your hair line.
Pull it over to the side and bump it up.


Secure with bobby pins!


Janae H. IL

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Kids on Tuesday

Here is an object lesson you can do with kids in a Sunday School Class or at home with your own siblings!

Bible Text: Genesis 4:1-16
Memory Verse: Hebrews 9:22b
Craft:  Making a fluffy sheep

Explain and memorize the verse

Then tell the story of Cain and Abel.  Making sure to explain the reason Cain's offering was not accepted and Abel's was, and why they were offering sacrifices in the first place.  (The memory verse should help.)  This is a very easy story to put in the plan of salvation.

After that you can have the children sit down and make a fluffy sheep with the memory verse on it to help them remember the meaning of the story...


Supplies:

Paper
Glue
Cotton Balls

This is a very simple craft but does take a little prep on your part.
Take a sheet of paper for each child.  Draw a large, yet simple sheep in the middle, and outline it with a marker.  Then write the memory verse at the bottom.
In class have the children glue cotton balls on the sheep.  They can glue the balls on fluffy or they can pull the balls apart a little which ever they want.  (Or however many cotton balls you have. ;)

And this is just a suggested way to do it.  You can do things in whatever order fits your classroom schedule!  Hope this helps someone who's in a pinch and needs a lesson quick!  ;)

Jordan

Monday, January 3, 2011

February 2011 Photo Contest

Sorry girls!  Didn't have a craft for today so I'm going to post on the February Photo Contest coming up!

I will be hosting a photo contest from Feb. 1st- 9th.
The theme is Winter Wonderland and the prize is a $10 gift card to Hobby Lobby!
It must be a photo you took.  One photo per person.   All entries must be in before Feb. 1st and sent in to justforfun.fromyou@gmail.com with your first name, first LETTER of your last name, and state.  
I will post all the photos on the blog and let you all vote on them!  I hope all of you will participate!
And please pass the word!  If you have any friends that love taking pictures tell them about it!  You do not have to be a follower to participate!
Can't wait to see your picture!
Have a great day!

Jordan