Newest Grandson

Just wanted to share our happy news.... Grandson #3 is here!!

My daughter gave birth to her second child yesterday morning. Both Mommy and Baby are doing wonderful. River Allen weighs 6 lb 10 oz and has a head full of beautiful dark hair (just like his Mommy). His big brother who is 4yrs old said "Mommy... he's so soft" and is just amazed by his little brother.

This cute little peanut arrived a few weeks earlier than expected, so we missed all the hospital fun but my sweet son-in-law kept us updated with texts messages through the whole birth. Thank goodness for technology!!

I can't wait until next week when we make the trip down to Florida to see them!! Grandma needs to get her hands on this sweet little baby!!

River Allen

Brothers!

This is my youngest Son's little man... Braylen is 18 mths and is exactly like his Daddy!

My husband and I were not prepared for the incredible feelings that we share for our Grandchildren.  It's such a blessing to be given the opportunity to have these precious little boys in our life. Can you say "S-P-O-I-L-E-D"!!!

I give praise and thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a wonderful family!

Have you hugged your children today and told them how much you love them??

Simply AJ  

Cool Summer Sweet Treat

I know some of you are thinking… 
“Hello Stranger… Where the heck have you been?

Yes, I have been MIA for over a week now because of a raging migraine that took hold of me and refused to let go! This uninvited guest stayed around way too long!! The good news is, after spending days and days in total agony, I am back among the land of the living. Left only with a dull throbbing headache and a very sore head and neck... thank goodness it's gone!!

I wasn't able to keep up with emails or my favorite blogs, work on any projects or even Pin (Yikes... major withdrawal from Pinterest!!). So, if I owe you a email response, I promise you will hear from me shortly! With our beach vacation looming next week, I have some serious catching up to do and that will probably give me another headache!

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Having nothing crafty to post about, I thought I would share this new recipe that we can’t seem to get enough of around here. Seriously, we have made this sweet treat 3 times in the past few weeks… it’s that good and easy!



IN OUR KITCHEN

Around here, we always have some kind of homemade dessert made {which might explain my expanding waistline... hmm} and you can bet we have taken a new recipe and changed it up a bit to satisfy whatever we are craving.

In our kitchen, we haphazardly measure {in the South we eyeball a lot!!} and we don’t think twice about throwing in a little of this or that {which usually involves Chocolate – lol}.

Growing tired of our longtime family go-to recipe, Pop’s Lemon Icebox Pie, my Daughter-in-Law set out to find something sweet and tart that would make our hearts and bellies happy! After trying a couple of so-so recipes, she came across this one Key Lime Pie IV at allrecipes.com. Finally a Winner!!!

Honestly, we didn’t change much because the original recipe really is perfect just like it is. While searching around we saw a couple of recipes that called for individual pie crusts and we thought they were cute (cuteness is a very important factor). If you are interested in the original recipe you can find it here.

Our version of this awesome pie…

Instead of making one 9” pie or trying to make individual little pies, We decided to buy theses Keebler Ready Graham Cracker Crust and they work beautifully. We also rough grated the 1/2 tablespoon of lime zest that you sprinkel on top because we like the slight bitter bite of the zest (I know we are kinda weird).   



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Ingredients

• 2 pkgs Individual graham cracker crust (total of 12 prepared crust) or One 9” Graham Cracker Pie Crust
• 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup key lime juice
• 1 ½ tablespoon grated lime zest
• Lime slices for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon lime zest; Mix well.
3. Pour filling into prepared graham cracker pie crust(s).
4. Sprinkle remaining lime zest on top of each pie.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until tiny pinhole bubbles burst on the surface of pie. DO NOT BROWN!  
6. Chill pie thoroughly before serving. (Best if served super cold!)
7. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime, if desired.

Whipped Cream

Now, we don’t measure when we make our Whipped Cream so I looked up a basic recipe just in case someone might need it.

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 TBS confectioners' sugar (add TBS more depending on preferred sweetness)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Tip of the day - Use a chilled mixing bowl and make sure whipping cream is very cold.

Directions

1. In a chilled small mixing bowl beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken.
2. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. (Careful not to over beat)
3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Well folks, there you have it - our newest obsession!!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you make these sweet little pies, please come back let me know what you think and if you would add or change anything. Would love to hear from you!  

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JUST SHARING…

Here are a few of our main go-to sites for recipes. I have linked each site incase you want to take a look. 

• allrecipes.com 
• The Pioneer Woman
• Tasty Kitchen

**PS** I love Ree @ PW. We have tried so many of her recipes and they all get A++ from us! Can’t wait for her new cooking show on Food Network on Aug 27th.

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ONE LAST THOUGHT…
I will try and post Pop’s Lemon Icebox Pie sometime this week. It’s another super easy and super good "pucker up" summer treat!


Thanks so much for stopping by my Nest!!

Until next time...
Simply AJ



* Special thanks to my sweet Daughter-in-law who is always there for me (she is my arms and legs due to my physical limitations) and because of her help I can keep doing the things I love to do!  

One last Patriotic Project

Firecracker - Firecracker… Boom… Boom… Boom! 
(Who remembers this old cheer…??)

 

I wanted to put one last 4th of July - Patriotic project out there. These cute little firecrackers were such a fun and quick project!


Back in early June, Pick Your Plum had this set on special for a steal (as usual), so I ordered a couple to play with. If you haven’t signed up yet with Pick Your Plum, you are missing out. So many great deals on unique products.
via

Since I already had the paint, scrapbooking paper, Mod Podge and twine on hand, they were super cheap to make. I was so pleased with how these little guys turned out and they were proudly displayed on my mantle.

I am sure you have seen several versions of these all over blogland. They really make a great display on a mantel, shelf or table centerpiece. You can make your own set so easy and  inexpensive!

• Purchasing inexpensive wood (local home improvement store)
• Cut (mine were 1.5 in diameter and ranged 5in, 6in and 7in tall)
• Sand
• Paint
• Decorate

                 

ENJOY!!


Simply AJ


** Don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you stopped by and if you have a blog let me know I would love to pop over for a visit!!



Linking to these Parties:

Patriotic Rag Wreath

To complete my patriotic tribute on my front porch, I made this Rag Wreath. I just love, love, love how it turned out!! I got my inspiration (once again) from one of my favorite crafty ladies… Krystal @ Sassy Sanctuary. 

I will tell you upfront that this project is V-E-R-Y labor intensive but I think it is sooooo worth it!! I should have planned ahead and allowed a little more time so I could have had it finished earlier in the week.  Lesson learned and I will be ready for the next one!

Following Krystal’s lead, I picked up four (4) different fabrics – 2 yards each. To get the best play of color and pattern, I bought a solid, stripe and two prints. 

Now, here’s where the fun begins. I cut each fabric into 1 in by 6 in strips (I didn't quite use all of the fabric - probably could have made it work with 1.5 yards of each). I used my pinking shears and clipped the ends for more of a finished look.

Okay, now that I have sliced my finger(s) * yes, twice - ouch* and have a nasty blister on my thumb from my pinking shears  *need another band-aid*… the fabric is ready!

Using a 4-ring wire wreath from Hobby Lobby I began the process of tying the fabric. I alternated the fabric making sure to tie a very tight knot. I only tied one knot but Krystal did double knots to make sure it stayed tied.

Here’s the deal… the wreath will grow rings. Seriously, I think mine had 100 rings instead of 4! You will tie, and tie, and tie for days and days!! This is my lame attempt at taking a picture to show you the knot process... bad photo sorry!

Next, I tied the twine to the inside wire(s) in a zig-zag type pattern. 

Then, I made a pendant banner from card stock using the PDF file that Krystal shared on her post here.

I printed the letter banner, cut them out and added adhesive by running them through my Xyron label maker. I mounted half of the letter onto a thin cardboard triangle, position my twine (l-o-v-e my Twinery twine – used Marachino Cherry) on the fold and squeezed together.  Repeated until all the letters were hung onto the twine. 



I bought a door hanger (Hobby Lobby) and measured from the hook to the wreath to decide how long my ribbon should be (decided on 5 1/2 inches). Secured ribbon to wreath, made a loop to hook onto hanger, then tied a bow.

                                            Just hang and enjoy!

Please pop over to Krystal’s blog and check out her 4th of July Rag Wreath and while you are there you must check out her Summer Mantel… WOW so beautiful! While you are visiting please take a minute to leave her some blog love and tell her that AJ sent you over!

This wreath pattern has such possibilities for holidays, change of season and even for football season (yes, in the south we fly our colors anyway we can). I already have another wreath project on the drawing board but I need to pick up some more band-aids first.

Didn't "Uncle Sam" turn out AWESOME!!! Check out my post for "Uncle Sam" porch art. I will be adding a tutorial for this cute little man so check back soon for details!

Thanks for stopping by… I appreciate it very much!

Until next time…
Simply AJ


** Don't forget to leave me a comment letting me know you stop by and if you have a blog let me know so I can pop over for a visit!!



Linking to the following parties:

Uncle Sam

Look who’s hanging out on my front porch… Uncle Sam!

      

I am so excited to get him finished and out on the front porch. Doesn’t he look great!! We have our flag flying and Uncle Sam greeting the neighbors as they drive by. God Bless America and Happy 4th of July!! 

** Please ignore the awful condition of my door and door frame. Hubby is in the middle of sanding and preping so he can re-stain the front door and paint trim (as soon as the weather cooperates). Of course, when I'm ready to take pictures it’s still under construction (just a little embarrassing... sigh). Oh well, it will look awesome when he gets it done! (I pinky promise to post a pic after the door refurb)

My Inspiration

Anyway, my inspiration comes from one of my favorite blogs… Krystal at Sassy Sanctuary. Let me tell you this is one talented lady! If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting her blog, I encourage you to stop on over (here). I not only stalk follow her blog but I stalk follow her on Facebook and Pinterest too! 

This is Krystal’s version of Uncle Sam. She has a great story about how she came across this idea and she created good ole' Uncle Sam from scratch. He is made from a table leg… so clever!! You will find the materials needed and her instructions (here).

Uncle Sam @ Sassy Sanctuary

Thank you Krystal for encouraging me to go for it! Go stop by Krystal's blog and let her know that AJ sent ya!

I think my version turned out so great!!  What do you think??

A huge major shout out goes to my son and his wife for helping me. Due to my physical limitations they had to do the cutting and a lot of the painting but believe me when I say… I was the official back seat driver pointing out my opinion every step of the way!

Now, all I have to do is finish the wreath for the door. Once again, I have fallen for another one of Krystal’s projects and have been cutting fabric for days trying to get my wreath done. She failed to emphasize in her instructions that you will be cutting millions of strips of fabric forever and ever!! Seriously, it’s a great pattern and I plan on making a wreath for every holiday. Can't wait to show you!!!

My son is already thinking about taking the Uncle Sam concept and making something Halloween and maybe Pilgrims for Thanksgiving. Yippee…  this could be fun!! 

Up next… finishing my patriotic wreath then I have an awesome mantle display to show you that will rock the best patriotic theme (hint: pick your plum)!! So stay tuned...

Thanks so much for stopping by...
Simply AJ

** Don't forget to leave me a comment letting me know you stop by and if you have a blog let me know so I can pop over for a visit!! 



Linking to the following:



SUNDAY -



SATURDAY






FRIDAY


TUESDAY
Todays Creative Blog - Get your Craft On







MONDAY
Skip to my Lou

Patriotic crafty projects... stay tuned!

How many projects can one person juggle at the same time...  Two or three ??? 

Oh no, no, NO... Not me try 7 (That would be S-E-V-E-N) !!    

Whew, I'm up to my ears in projects and stressing out trying to get several of them completed this weekend. Don't ask me why I started so many at the same time... just a moment of insanity!

I have a couple of awesome Patriotic projects (4th of July) that I am wrapping up and *YAY* they are coming together perfectly! (Happy Dance)

Can't wait to show them off!! 

A Must Read... Fresh Style Magazine

       
                      This is a fantabulous publication... Fresh Style - Summer 2011






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I receive an email the other day from one of the blogs I subscribe to called Sada Lewis (Online Notebook) , she wrote a great piece about this magazine highlighting two well known bloggers that were featured in this edition. Well, when I saw the cover page (just like Sada) I was hooked. I had to get my hands on a copy of this magazine!  

So, I sent the Hubs out to find it. Basically, I told him not to come home without it... (lucky for him our local grocery had a copy). When he got back home, he walked in all proud with his chest puffed out declaring... Mission Accomplished My Dear! (My Hero - He received a high five and a big fat kiss from me!)

Okay folks, when I say that I didn't come up for air for hours and every page is worn out... I mean it... Seriously good stuff!!

The photography is amazing, the articles are informative and well written, the project ideas are easy and affordable and it's totally geared for us DIY chicks (most of the items were found at thrift stores and yard sales where they reused/recycled). 

The Fresh Style Blog has several tutorials with “how-to” instructions and lots of pretty pictures.

The best part (this is just my opinion), is they feature talented bloggers and Etsy artist - which is so refreshing to see. These are the same bloggers we follow daily and get our crafty inspiration from. I love the fact that they are being highlighted in such a great media outlet. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy articles about designers and different projects and/or products but it’s also fun to see everyday crafters strutting their stuff and sharing inspiration in actual print.


Here's a blurb from the editor, Andrea Fanning, about Fresh Style...  

Fresh Style is a new, special-issue magazine that celebrates creative living—exploring possibilities and looking past the surface of things to discover hidden potential. Inside the issue, you’ll find quick and easy projects, tips from design experts, spotlights on creative bloggers and Etsy artists, and tons of ideas on how to recycle, repurpose, and fill your space with personalized décor. From handmade jewelry and kid-friendly crafts to home accents and garden delights, this colorful collection will become your go-to guide for DIY style.                          

   

Another thing that I thought was pretty cool... Under the "Contact Us" section, they want to hear from us about great crafty blogs out there or if you have a project(s) that you want to share with them. I know several of you out there have some amazing projects that would sure look good in print!  Hmm... something to think about!   

• Please take a look at Sada's post here about Fresh Style (I enjoy her blog!)
• Check out Fresh Style Magazine here (You can order by mail from here too.)

I have added a couple of new project ideas to my list and will be making a trip to a few thrift stores and Goodwill sometime in the near future!!

So my friends... I would recommend this magazine if you’re looking for some fresh creative ideas or you just like looking at all the awesome pretty inspiration.

** This is 100% my opinion and I'm not associated with this magazine/company in any way.

Until Next time...
Simply AJ