Front and Back Post free crochet pattern

 
I had planned to make two baby blankets for two friends that are having a baby. Both don't want to know the sex of the baby and I wanted to pick this color. My neighbor end up having the baby about three weeks earlier. I made her a blanket and the head band with a pink flower. It is a girl and her name is Madelyn. She is so cute!

This pattern is so easy. I wasn't planning to do this pattern, but a friend of mine suggested and it turned out great!
 

I started with 196 chains. After that I did 5 Front Post Half Double Crochet (FPHDC) and 5 a Back Post Half Double Crochet (BPHDC).

Continue that way until the end. You can decide how big you want your blanket to be.

 

Sara, repeat crafer me has a video if you like to watch.

It is that simple and beautiful!

 

Happy Crochet!

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells

I am very passionate on cooking and setting the table pretty so that my family enjoys the meal. Aunt Lisa thought Emily how to, but I never took the recipe. It is really easy to change around. She used sausage, I used 90/20 ground beef. She used frozen Spinach and I used fresh. She used whole Ricotta and I used skim Ricotta. Here is my recipe. I am not surprise if I change it again.

 

Ingredients:

1 box of jumbo shells

 1 lb of ground beef

15 oz part skim Ricotta Cheese 

 1 large onion diced into small pieces

 1 cup  of mozzarella cheese

1 jar of sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce

15 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped into small pieces. You can use frozen as well.

 

Instructions:

On stove, using medium pot cook Beef, garlic and onion until it looks brown. Combine the beef mix,spinach, Ricotta and half bag of mozzarella in a large bowl.

Cook shells according to package  with salt. Spoon mixture into Cooked pasta.

 

Cover a 13x9 pan with sauce ( enough to cover 1/3 of shell) and place stuffed shells in sauce.

Top with the rest of mozzarella and bake in the oven uncovered at 375 until hot and bubbly about 45 minutes. 

This dish freezes great! You can separate into multiple dishes including 

sauce and freeze up to 3 month in airtight container.

I am always interested how others make their dish and love to hear your comment.

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup with a Paprika kick

 

It is 12 degree cold here in PA and I thought what would be better dinner than warm and yummy soup. Doesn't looked delicious? It wasn't fun to cook and not able to eat. I will be breaking my fast Friday night and I am planning to save some goodness.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of Butternut Squash clean and chopped
3 large Carrots chopped
3 large tomatoes chopped
1/4 pounds of breast chicken. You can substitute lamb or beef
4 cups chicken broth  
1 large Onion
3 Garlic clove 
1 teaspoon sage
Handful Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 large orange, juiced
2 tablespoon Canola oil
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

In a large saucepan over medium-low gently heat saute onions, chicken and garlic until nice and brown.

Add Butternut squash, carrots, tomatoes, Orange juice, chopped herbs and spices.
 Let it cook for about 30 minutes. 

Bring your hand blender and blend it well. Once it is smooth, add the broth and cook for another 10 minutes.

Isn't easy and supper good for you? This recipe has everything you need. I have seen friends add some dairy as well. Make it your own, spice up your dish.

Your comments and ideas make me smile!

Spark you room with two side Crochet Pillow Case

I am excited how it turned out. I had no plan what I was about to do with it. I thought they will be great for table mat, which they are, but this idea came to me last minute to make a pillow case.

Click here for tutorial
My friend was getting rid of her lace curtains and used that to cover it. For the first time I learned to sew and I figure pillow case will the pillow case. It wasn't easy, but with a friends help I did it.

 I sew both from the inside out only for the 3/4 part.

Here you have beautiful pillow case. You can use any pattern.

My eyes has been drawing to Blue, Rose or Pink color.

Click here for tutorial
I hope your eyes enjoyed what they seen. Make it a great day!! Your comment makes me smile.

When We pray Day 3.

Day 3 is almost over,

We continue to pray as the holy spirit is adding more request to pray. As we pray today, God used Paul to speak to us.

 It is easy to get caught up in this world. When we worry about work, pay bills and raise kids that would love God. You look around on the media, even near in our community and ask yourself, where is this world heading to?

Many of us has self love and love of this world. I myself sometime get caught up about making more money, better home making, better education and not focus on the call of God.

 1 Peter 2.19-23, but Paul’s attitude towards his loss was that it was not really a loss at all. In fact, he called it “rubbish.”

It is an amazing testimony is not that just that he lost all things, but how he responded to that loss. Not only did he suffer with holiness, joy, and dignity as all Christians are called to do. He had his eye on Jesus, in eternity.

My prayer s that I continue to hear His voice and be obedient to Christ above all else.

May God draw His children to serve Him with all we have.

Blessings to you!

 

When you pray, Day 1

picture credit

 

Day 1, I put an hour away to spend time with God praying with a friend. My friend Genia has joined me to fast as well. We both need God to move in our community, love ones and in our nation. You are welcome to add any prayer if you like me to.


First day fasting is the hardest thing. I couldn't understand why we get this massive headache.

I found this article about Fasting Tips.

Consider Your Schedule
While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenience to you—not to those around  you. You should not obligate your family to skip Christmas dinner because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.
Tell Only the People You Must
Your spouse will need to know you are fasting. Beyond that, you would be better off not telling many people that you are fasting. Most won’t understand. Fasting can also become a source of pride and boasting as you spread the news to more and more people.
Telling your pastor can be a help both to you and to him. It will be an encouragement for him to pray more specifically for you during this time. And you will know that someone is praying for your spiritual and physical well being.
Wean Yourself Off Caffeine
Several days before your fast begins, you should start weaning yourself off caffeine. Some people experience unbearable headaches 2 to 3 days after ceasing to drink caffeinated products. During your fast you will already be acutely aware of your stomach. There is no need to add a second discomfort if it can be avoided.
Avoid Media
Disconnecting from TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet can help you stay focused on your purpose for fasting. You will be less tempted by the constant bombardment of advertising as you become physically and emotionally challenged. Avoiding media will give you more time to focus on the Lord and His Word.
Disconnect from people
Fasting is not necessarily a vacation, though dedicating time off and away from people during your fast can help you get the most benefit out of this precious time. Leave your email and cellphone behind. If possible, find someone who can cover your responsibilities at work and ministry. Many people fast and still carry on their normal daily activities. But if you can get away, it will give you more time in quietness and stillness with the lord.
Beware of Your Emotions
Some people experience vast mood swings during a fast. One moment they are totally focused on God and the next they are wallowing in pity. Knowing that this is likely to happen will help you react properly. Learning to refocus on God and His goodness during this tough emotional time will help when your fast is over and you experience similar emotions.
Rest
Laziness is a problem that the Bible speaks against, but most of us today suffer from being too busy and not getting the rest we need. If you disconnect from the media and other people you will have extra time allowing you to get a full night’s sleep. During your fast you will be forced to slow down since you won’t be needing long meal breaks. A fast will reveal to you that you have too many activities and busyness in your day-to-day routine.
Stay Physically Active
You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God’s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.
Be Still and Focus on God
Fasting  is a time to study God’s Word, meditate and pray. To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast. Look for verses you want to memorize and meditate upon. Fasting by Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer. Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.

 

Join me in Prayer

 

 I take the word of God literally. I have been discourage why God didn't answer our prayers. So, I felt like to fast and seek God why is our loved one hasn't been saved yet. I am starting tomorrow, Tonight I will eat my last meal until next week the 25th. I might be drinking water, but no food for a week.

 

Nehemiah 1:4, "When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven."

 

Daniel 9:3, "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes."
               
                        What I am asking for:

1: I wanted to see God's healing like in the new testament

2: Salvation for our loved ones

3: Guidance and wisdom in making some decisions

4: To protect my kids from the world influence.

5: Our kids will love God with all their hearts and minds and serve Him to the fullest.

6: For kids, to be obedient and Honor their parents.

7: When it is cold, I run to get some soup and hot tea or coffee. Pray for strength through the fast.

 

I want you to join me to pray:

 

I have met Godly women in the blogging world. My sister in Christ are joining me as well. Can you join me?

 

Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

 

 

John 14: 13-14,
"And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

1 John 5:14-15,"And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."

James 4:3,  "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,
 "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing. in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7,"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

If you feel like you need me to pray, please leave a comment or email me. I would love to pray for you.

My daughter's Crochet Slippers

 

 

As you can see I am in love with this color. I thought it will be easy to make it, well it was. 

 You really need to see as you go and check the size. The main thing is to continue try as you crochet. My daughter was home and I kept trying on her.
 
Step #2, you will stop the round, and step #3, you will start the row until you reach #4. Step #5, stitch from the inside.

Finally here it is.

Before I cut the yarn, I added the chain. Only if you wish.

If you are like me, I prefer picture DIY than patterns.

Happy Crochet! I always love to read your comment.

Project #2. Crochet Love

 

This morning I kept trying different pattern of my own. It took me about an hour to get it right and get perfect picture. You might even follow this pattrn just by watching. This will be a great pattern to do almost anything. You can do pillow case, table mat, quilt for blanket. 

I hope this can be helpful to my readers. If you have any question, you are welcome to email me.
Have a great day!!
I always love to hear your comment.

Baked Parmesan Popcorn Chicken

 

 

Home made Chicken nuggets are my family favorite. We decided to have finger food for movie night. I needed to add some veggies as well.

Ingredients:

2 pounds of Chicken Breasts
3 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1 1/2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 tsp Dried Oregano
1/8 tsp Dried Rosemary
1/4 tsp of Garlic Powder
1/4 cup of Parmesan Grated Cheese
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425.
Wash and cut chicken into small pieces like the picture.
Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with foil or you could also either use non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease the top of the foil with extra virgin olive oil.
Mix all of the spices and the Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
Place all of chicken into a gallon size freezer bag, add olive oil and the Parmesan cheese/spice mixture to the bag.
Seal the bag and shake until the chicken are evenly coated.

In a small bowl, beat the 3 eggs. Coat the chicken on the flower and into the eggs, then roll it in to the bread crumbs, repeat the process.


Layer the chicken in the baking sheet that has been greased.

Bake 45 minutes until golden brown.
I hope you enjoy this recipe. I always enjoy your comments.

You might also like this:
Perfect Baked Fries

Perfect Baked Fries

 

 

If you are like me, you always trying to change your recipe to feed your family little healthier. This recipe is very tasty and less fat from frying. And my kids loved it!

Ingredients:

1 pound of medium russet potatoes (approx 3 medium potatoes)
1 1/2 TBSP of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 teaspoon salt


Directions:

Preheat oven to 425.
Wash and cut potatoes into 1/8ths. 
Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with foil so that they will not stick, but you could also either use non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease the top of the foil with extra virgin olive oil.

Add olive oil and salt, then dump onto the prepared cookie sheet and spread in a single layer.
 Bake 30-45 minutes or until tender and lightly golden brown. (Baking times will vary depending on the amount of fries that you make and the size that you cut them). 

I baked mine at 425 for 45 minutes. 

New You, Re-write your story

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Do you have a story that you regret to tell? Do you wish to go back and change?  Some of you probably thinking you want rip of some pages of your story that you are ashame to tell. 

Well. you have a hope. Your life isn't over yet.

 "The decision you make today determines the story that you tell your future."
 

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Sometimes we miss a great opportunity when we decide to walk away because it was hard to stay. Here is one example.

Exodus,18:17-19, Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him."

Many times, the hardest thing you do brings the better fruit.

Play the story forward: Look at what you are doing and play it forward. Where will this road take you?

If you don't stop what you are doing, you don't know how much it would cost you:

1: Stop nagging your husband, because you want your way. He will walk away.

2: Stop judging your kids, instead they will find wrong person to love them.

3: Stop eating food that is not good for you, if not you may not be there for your children wedding or graduations.

4: Stop looking the Internet/TV that would lead you to stop loving your spouse.

5: Stop overspending, you will be saying to your child, sorry you can't go to this school because we can't afford it.

6: Stop having sex if you aren't married.

7: Stop making excuse how tired you are and you don't have time to read The word of God, that can be one thing you need for God to change your life.

8: Stop hanging out with people that aren't walking right with God.

Play forward whatever you are doing and see where is it going and what would cause you if you continue. I love the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He was a man of integrity. The king promote him, God showed him favor. Years ago, Daniel prayed three times a day. This result started years ago, he made a decision to talk to His God, His author of his story.

Did you know He is the author and the perfecter of our faith. You can stop anything by the power of His might.

1 John 4:4, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"

Fix your eyes on Jesus. Ask Him to re-write your story, be obedient to His word. This is not "New year resolution", it will be "life changing."

Your life isn't over yet, you can allow God to re-write your story.

Make that decision today, don't let another day go by.

I wrote this last week knowing I will be fasting this week. I am trying to minimize my time from the Internet. I am praying God's hand to move in our community, country and nation. Join to pray if God led you.

Blessings to you and I would love to pray for you.

Super Mom's Stew/Soup

                                                                  Friendly Printable

                         

Ingredients:

2 pounds of chicken.  I used Drumsticks and chicken breasts

1 large box chicken broth, about 28 ounce

3 cups of water

2 teaspoon salt

2 stacks of celery. Chopped

1 large onion. Chopped

3 large carrots. Chopped

2 tablespoon olive oil

6 large tomatoes chopped or 1 large can crushed tomatoes

2 large potatoes. chopped

4 garlic cloves. Chopped

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme, fresh is better

2 teaspoon bay leaves

Stew Instructions:

Using large pan and cook chicken in water for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and shredded. I don't shred the drumsticks, my kids love the bones.

On stove in a large pan, add olive oil and onions. After cooking for 2 minutes, add chicken breasts and drum sticks, celery, carrots, garlic and saute about 15 minutes.

Stir the water, potatoes and crushed tomatoes. Add the herbs, salt and lemon juice. Cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes.

Here you have your stew. We like to eat it with orzo or brown rice.

Soup instructions:

The same stew, add the chicken broth and cook for 1o

minutes more. Remove the drumsticks.  I used hand blender

and puree in the pan. That is it. How simple is that? If you

have a picky eater kids, they wouldn't know if you put

Spinach or Beans. Most of the time, I add Spinach, 1/4 cup

beans or lentils. This recipe is great for winter. If you are

busy, chop everything the night before and cook it on slow cooker.

I added 4 drumsticks for my youngest son and removed it for the stew only. By the way, you can do it with Beef as well.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. I always appreciate your comments.

You might like this:
Chocolate Chips Dough Brownie

He made a way for me

Truly, God has made a way for you and me. You don't have to live with fear. It is finished!

The holy spirit has been speaking to my heart to share the experience I had a couple of months ago. I was driving to visit a friend in Harrisburg. After driving about fifteen minutes, I saw lights and trucks in front of me. As the traffic slows down, I said to myself, oh Lord this is going to be a long drive. It was slow, slippery, not clear to drive at all. I look on the back mirror view a very long traffic.

I wonder if the people far back knew what is happening. I knew it is the snow plowing trucks in front of us and clearing the road for us. I can see them, I know what is going on, not the drivers far back.

Right then, the holy spirit spoke to my heart. Even when life is tough, dark, and you don't know how long your suffering will last. God is there, making a way for you and me.

When you don't understand how you are going to make it to the next day, He is there. Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

 God didn't promise us life will be easy, but he promised us.
 Duet 31:6, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  Jesus already defeated death. It is finished!

It was a beautiful moment for me. I don't like driving on snow, I had an amazing conversation with my lord. You too can have that relationship. You have been adapted/chosen to be His child.

Friends, just remember He loves you! Do you hold on on the promise of God? 

This post is linked to:
What Joy is mine



 

Project #1, Crochet love

       I know this color isn't kids friendly, it might get dirty easy. I can't resist, I love the combination of these two colors.

  I really love it and i am hoping to make Table Matt for six. So I decided to make eight corners instead for my next project.

 

You will find pattern at the queen Lacy Crochet.  http://lacycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/06/doily-of-week-23.html

I am better in crocheting than writing pattern. I hope you enjoy it.

 I always love to hear your comment,  

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Fruit compote

 

 I love fruit compote, I always have, but having picky eater kids, I don't make it often as i would like. I decided to make it this week and share with friends. I was asked to share both recipe. So here it is. I will email everyone after i post it.

  Fruit Compote
  Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh Strawberry
• 2 cups fresh Blackberry
• 2 cups fresh Blueberry
• 1 can Pear
• 1 can Peach
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or 2 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Directions:
In a medium Saucepan, combine fruit, pear and peach syrup and spice. Cook for about 45 minutes in medium heat on stove. You can also bake it in the oven if you like, 350 degree for 45 minutes.

 You can add any fruit you like. If I don't have fresh, I use dry fruit as well.

 

 
Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe:

Ingredients:

•  1 large French Bread sliced
•  8 ounces semisweet chocolate
•  2 cups of whipping cream.
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cup milk
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

• In a small microwave bowl, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. I used tablespoon milk mix with chocolate.
• In a Small sauce pan heat milk and cream, bring it to boil and set it to cool.
• In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, egg, vanilla and salt. Stir in chocolate mixture. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread butter on the bread and bake it until brown on both sides. Once it is cool, pour the mixture over the bread. Press down with heavy bowl to help it soak as a picture below. 
• Let stand for 45minutes. Remove the heavy bowl you used to press down.
•  Bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours, until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.                               

• 

 You can top it with ice cream, but I think it looked good and tasted delicious with the fruit compote.

 

Happy Eating! What kind of Fruit compote recipe do you have? I love to hear your comment.