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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Dress Up Your Date Night with a Pretty Jeweled Headband #BeHealthyForEveryPartOfLife #ad #cbias

#BeHealthyForEveryPartOfLife #CollectiveBias

As a mom of nine, I'm always packing a huge bag or two everywhere I go. On date nights, it's nice to take a small, pretty purse. It's a way of telling myself that this night is about me and my husband---no diapers or sippy cups needed! I take along just a few essentials---and never money. Even though it all comes out of the same account, my husband wants to treat me so I've got to keep my cards and cash at home! A few things I do take include, Advil, ChapStick Total Hydration, and Emergen-C. I definitely don't want a headache ruining my evening and I can use Advil tablets for headaches, minor arthritis and other joint pain, muscle aches and pains of the common cold. ChapStick has always been a favorite and the ChapStick Total Hydration line visibly renews lips for a healthier, more youthful look. Finally, it's always a good idea to carry Emergen-C when I'm going out---especially during this season of colds and flu. With over 20 varieties of vitamin supplement drink mixes, Emergen-C offers the formula, flavor, fix, and FUN you’re looking for! When I order water at dinner and add some Emergen-C, I'm boosting my immune system while saving my cash and calories for the delicious meal.

I found all of these items at Walmart in the pharmaceuticals section. The Advil was in the travel items bins, the ChapStick Total Hydration was on an end cap, and then Emergen-C was near the cold and flu medicine. I like that all of these products are compact so they fit discretely in my purse. What kinds of things do you do to prepare for a great night out? Here's a fun and simple idea to dress up your date night---a jeweled headband!


I have a lot of vintage jewelry that was given to me after my great grandma passed away. Rather than let it just sit in boxes, I like to use it to dress up things I'll use regularly. This pretty headband took minutes and looks super cute dressed up or down.

I started with an old fabric-covered headband that wasn't my style. (Actually, I may have stolen this from my daughter...shhh...) I pulled off the fabric down to the clear plastic.

Next, I used an extra strength glue stick to tack down this piece of thick lace and added a ribbon on top. I found a vintage ribbon with some pretty metallic thread in it to catch the light.

Finally, I used a hot glue gun to attach vintage earrings and buttons. I used wire cutters and pliers to pull the backs from the earrings so they'd lay flat against the headband.

Voila! A gorgeous head piece done in minutes!

Let me know about your date night essentials in the comments below!
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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Rosebud Rolls and Very Old Cookbooks

Welcome to Vintage Show & Tell! I'm so excited about this new link up and all the great things that were shared last week. The cold weather always gets me in the mood to be a better homemaker--I guess it's just because I'm home more often and am looking for ways to bring my family comfort when it's shivery outside! Over the past few days, I've been going through my recipes and cookbooks and digging out some long-forgotten memories. When my great grandma Annabelle passed away 10 years ago, I was given a bunch of the recipes and cookbooks she had in her collection. Many of them are very old and lots of the recipes are in her handwriting, or that of her friends, with personal messages enclosed. What a treasure! 

A couple days ago, I found a recipe for Rosebud Rolls that had been cut out of a 1950s edition of The Oregonian. I tried them out this morning and they turned out lovely, don't you think? I've served them on the pretty tea-for-one set my husband bought me for my birthday. They're really simple to make. Just use your favorite sweet bread recipe (like one for cinnamon or orange rolls) and after the first rising, break the ball in half, roll each one out, and spread with jam. Then roll them up, slice them in one-inch slices, and place them in a greased muffin tin. Let them rise another hour and bake at 350. When I serve these to the kids in the morning, I'll make a sweet glaze to drizzle on top. 

My Grammy Annabelle stored a stack of newspaper clippings in this neat Hershey's Milk Chocolate box. This is the box that the company would pack bars in to be sent to shops for resale. Her family owned a general store at Shaniko, Oregon, so it's possible this came from there. 

Here are a couple cookbooks that were included in the collection I received. One is a Webster Composition Book with recipes and other fun things written inside. There's not a date on it that I can see, but the name on the back is not one I recognize---even though the recipes inside are in my Grammy's handwriting. It's hard to say how she came upon someone else's empty composition book---but it's fun to speculate! The second book is simply titled, Cookbook, and was compiled and published by the Mothers' Club of Burns, Oregon in 1926. My Grammy would have been about 11 years old at that time so I believe this belonged to my great great grandma, Tresa Baker. It's almost antique! In addition to recipes, it's got lots of lovely meal plans, household tips, and local advertising inside. The pages are pristine. I intend to use this a lot more than my ancestors seemed to!

Thanks for stopping by Vintage Show & Tell! I can't wait to see what you've got to share. Be sure to take a button for your blog so all your friends will know to come visit too!



Hope In Every Season
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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Irish Christmas Music and Cinnamon Sugared Pecans

This post was compensated by Family Christian. All opinions are honest and are my own. #FCBlogger

Whew! There's a lot going on at the {Not Just} Homemaking Party today! You get to check out a new CD and even WIN A COPY...plus there's a great recipe link to visit....AND you get to link up and visit all those who are partying with us! Happy day!

I don't know what did it, but yesterday I started feeling very much in the holiday spirit! It's probably the overcast skies, coupled with the fact that everyone has colds---must be going on winter time! Ha! I'm determined to savor every minute of this holiday season. I don't want to be too busy to miss all the special little things that we look forward to every year. One sure fire way to get me in the holiday spirit is to listen to beautiful festive worship music like Joy: An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty. This is a beautiful compilation of 18 original and favorite worship Christmas songs, including my favorite, In Christ Alone. These songs tell the story of Christ and remind us that we can celebrate Him all year long!

You can find Joy: An Irish Christmas at Family Christian stores. Even easier, check it out on their website! You can also enter to win a copy below! (Rafflecopter widget may take a minute to load.) 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another festive thing about the holiday season is the delicious smells and tastes we get to experience! I love trying new things and, even though my daughter has been making these since she was about 11 years old, I'd never made sugared nuts before. I gave it a try today and they're not too bad! Coupled with some cinnamon hot chocolate, these are tasty snacks that smell yummy too! I used this recipe from Jonna.

Thanks for stopping by the {Not Just} Homemaking Party! Can't wait to see what you've got to share! Linking with:
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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Vintage Chalkware Piggy Bank for Vintage Show & Tell #1

Welcome to Vintage Show & Tell! I'm so excited to be offering this new linky party to my readers. I absolutely love collecting, reading, and writing about vintage and antique treasures so this weekly party will be a real treat for me! I hope you'll all enjoy visiting one another, as well, and invite your friends to come party, too!

Tonight I want to introduce you to my piggy bank. For as long as I can remember, this sweet piece has been my special coin bank. I've never been one to hold on to money for very long, so he's been a very hungry piggy over the years! From very early childhood until I graduated high school, he sat on my dresser or shelf. Once Jamie and I were married, I packed him away in a box of special things, but I've recently dug him out and he now sits on my dresser, once again!

This is a mid-century piece and is made of chalkware composite, a material that's sturdier than regular chalkware. Chalkware was known as "poor man's porcelain" and was popularly used in carnival game prizes in the early 1900s before stuffed animals became the coveted prize. It's hand-painted with oils or watercolors and glazed. It was made in Taiwan and has many bumps and scars. Still, it's a priceless treasure to me!

I'd love to see what you've got to share today! Link up your vintage stuff---(older posts are fine!)---and let's all visit one another and be inspired by fun things from the past! Make sure to grab a button for your blog!
Hope In Every Season


Thanks for stopping by!



Linking with:
Homemaking Party @ Hope In Every Season







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Leading Loved Ones to the Lord Takes Patience

Shortly after Jamie and I were married in 1998, I committed myself fully to going after God and all he had for my new life. I'd come out of some pretty messy stuff and began to feel burdened for loved ones who were still stuck in the messy. One of those was my brother, a teenage {sorta nerdy} gamer who was, indisputably, the most logical thinker in the family. In my 18 year old, new Christian zeal, I had a conversation with him one night that would change his life.

I told him all I knew about God, the Bible, and the fiery pits of Hell---a place he was surely headed to if he didn't repent that instant. Now, even though that really is true, it was not the best idea for me to yell, cry, and scare him to death with thoughts of demons ripping his immortal body to shreds with their teeth---a fate worse than death since there's no death in eternity, I'd learned. Over 15 years later, when my brother did finally come to a belief in God, {not through any of my doing, I must admit} he told me that the conversation from that night was a big reason why he did not come to Christ that day. My heart was in the right place, but I went about it all wrong.

 There's definitely a time and place for bringing the word of truth in a massive force of passion and excitement. However, in most of our everyday relationships, actions speak louder than words when we're burdened for unbelievers. 1 Peter 1:13-16 talks about former unbelievers being conformed to sin because of ignorance. It's more than just hearing right from wrong that changes hearts, it's being convicted of truth that leads someone to understanding and repentance. I hate to break it to you, but the Holy Spirit is the only one who can bring conviction.

Planting a seed is a good start, but many of us stop there. Leading someone to a revelation of truth is often a process of nurturing---sometimes a very lengthy process. We need to model right behavior and show people what following Christ looks like, then be prepared with Biblical answers in the right timing.

If we want to see lives changed, we must commit time and patience to the people God puts in our paths. We shouldn't give up too soon when the message isn't immediately received. Even though the knowledge that Jesus can come at any moment fills us with urgency, we've got to remember to trust in God's timing. Rushing it in our own power can backfire and push people away.

How about you? Are you the fiery evangelist type who brings the message like a tidal wave or are you the slow and steady pastor who gently leads others by example and with patience?
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

The {Not Just} Homemaking Party

Today I've been dreaming about visiting England again next fall. This grave marker stands in a cemetery near The Hospital of St. Cross in Winchester, England.

Good evening, friends! Hope you're all enjoying your week. Thanks for stopping by The {Not Just} Homemaking Party! I can't wait to see what you all have to share!

I've got something new to share! Come back Thursdays for a new linky party---Vintage Show & Tell! I love showing off my pretty vintage items and telling the stories that go with them. I hope you'll join me and share your neat vintage items too! Grab a button so you don't forget!

Hope In Every Season
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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Caramel Apple-Pecan Bread


Autumn breakfast made easy with this gorgeously sweet Caramel Apple-Pecan Bread baked in oven-proof paper baking pans.

Fall is in full swing and I'm determined to make the most of it! It's my favorite time of year, but it lasts for such a short time. Already, most of our colorful trees have turned bare and the ground is covered with soggy leaves and munched-on acorns. The squirrels and chipmunks are out in full force, gathering their winter meals. We even had a chipmunk come in our house last week when Cainan opened the door to grab a package!

Have you seen these adorable paper baking pans? My mom was asking about a Pampered Chef stoneware mini loaf pan, but it's been discontinued. I found these last week and thought I'd give them a try to see if I could recommend them to her. You just fill them and bake the same as you would for metal or glass. The bread comes out beautiful! I think they're super cute for gifting. I made this Caramel Apple-Pecan Bread for the kids this morning. It's almost to pretty to eat. Almost. The caramel glaze on top reminds me of the Cracker Jack popcorn my Dad used to make us on a family night at home.


 Caramel Apple-Pecan Bread
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sour cream or milk
1/2 c. oil
4 eggs
1 baking apple, grated (I use the Pampered Chef Veggie Strip Maker)
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 c. chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)

 Glaze
2 TB. butter
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 TB. water

 Heat oven to 350º. Grease two 8 in. loaf pans or four mini loaf pans. Mix brown sugar, sour cream, oil, and eggs together until well blended. Stir in grated apple. In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients, then add to wet mixture. Stir together and spread into pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes for standard loaves or 20-30 minutes for mini loaves. For glaze, melt butter in a sauce pan and stir in remaining ingredients. Cook until the mixture just begins to bubble and then cook and stir one minute. Drizzle on bread immediately and sprinkle with more chopped pecans, if desired.

 Thanks for linking up with The {Not Just} Homemaking Party!

Linking with: Beverly's Pink Saturday
No Place Like Home

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Thursday, October 29, 2015

Treat Your Family and Keep In Touch with Walmart Family Mobile #TreatYourFamily #ad #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #TreatYourFamily #CollectiveBias
At least once a year, I call or text my mom during holiday season to ask her how to make something. My friends think I'm an expert in the kitchen, but they've not sat at my mom's table before. Hearty dinners and yummy treats were a big part of my growing up years and it's important to me to carry on our family kitchen traditions.

Walmart Family Mobile plans make it simple and affordable for me to keep in touch with my mom during the holidays---especially now that they've added more data (up to 5GB of 4G LTE data) to the $39.88 plan. Now I can call and text my family even more and make sure we are able to share in some holiday memory making---even from 1,800 miles away.
 Need a gift for a family member you're missing? The LG Leon LTE, paired with the $39.88 plan, is a great holiday gift idea. Do your friends and family wish you would keep in contact more often? Tell them this is what you want for Christmas. It's the perfect treat!
I found the LG Leon LTE for $69.82 at Walmart in the electronics area. A good plan to choose is the $39.88/month (for the first line) Unlimited Talk, Text and Data service plan, which includes up to 5GB of 4G LTE data.
Make sure to pick up this $25 starter kit so you can activate your service either in store or online. After that, you'll pay each month at the end of your billing cycle. It's super easy and affordable---freeing up your budget for lots of holiday gifts and treats for your family.
Looking for more sweet ways to treat your family? Check out one of my favorite recipes for my grandma's Old-Fashioned Chocolate Walnut Wreath Cookies.

How will you treat someone to a great phone and plan from Walmart Family Mobile during the holidays? Make sure to check out the Walmart Family Mobile Tumblr page and tell me all about your holiday plans in the comments below.

Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/10x3w or your local Walmart for current pricing.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

A Bathroom Makeover For Fall Holiday Company #CraftedExperience #ad #cbias

#CraftedExperience #CollectiveBias

It's hard to believe it's already time to start planning for holiday company, but the fact that I turned on my heater for the first time last night means it's true! It's important to me to make my guests feel welcome and comfortable and promote a peaceful atmosphere in my home. I especially like to make sure the bedrooms and bathrooms are attractive and purchase good quality products for my guests to use. Quilted Northern bathroom tissue is soft and strong and it's quilted design looks pretty too!

If all goes according to plan, my dad will be making the 1,800 mile journey from Oregon to Arkansas in just a few weeks. I've started preparing our home to make it a great experience for him. The kids are getting excited to make more special memories and share all the fun things that have gone on since he was here last Thanksgiving.

I found 2-ply Quilted Northern bathroom tissue at Walmart. We're on a septic system so I like it because it's sewer and septic safe. The brand has been providing quality and comfort since 1902---that makes me confident I'm making a good choice.

We've been in this house for two years next week and still there are things I've not done to make us totally settled. This bathroom has had a towel for a curtain since we moved in and the scratch on the toilet seat has always bugged me. It's a rental so we can't change out a lot of stuff---but we can definitely update and cover up!

I bought a pretty chocolate brown curtain, as well as some towels and wash cloths, to match my (very Steampunkish awesome) shower curtain. Wow! A real curtain! It looks so much better. (Now that I've done what took all of 10 minutes, I feel really ridiculous that it took me this long...don't judge.)

I used the scalloped valance that came with the curtain as a scarf for the back of the toilet. It has a wavy cut along the edge so it makes a perfect little indentation for accessing the handle. I also put down a rug and seat cover to match the curtains. Way better! 

I'm looking forward to welcoming guests into our home this season---and now I can be proud of my not-so-scary bathroom, too! How can Quilted Northern help make a comfortable atmosphere for your holiday guests? Let me know about your plans in the comments below!



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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Greek Chicken Artichoke Dip

Are you a Trim Healthy Mama? This delicious dip is great with pita chips, on top of salad lettuce, or on it's own!

Good morning friends! Welcome to The {Not Just} Homemaking Party! Hope everyone is having an excellent week so far! I've been having lots of fun with my Pampered Chef tools--and having some excellent parties. The Greek Chicken Artichoke Flatbread has been a popular recipe at my October parties so I've made it quite a bit. One night, a friend and I were talking about how the topping mixture could be great on it's own. I played around with the recipe a couple days ago and came up with this versatile dip. It's excellent with pita chips, beautiful on top of salad leaves, and delicious on it's own!

The Manual Food Processor is a fun tool that my guests have been enjoying playing with. It's easier to use than the Food Chopper---great for those with arthritic hands. 

I love adding fresh lemon zest to my recipes and the Microplane Zester makes that simple!


Greek Chicken Artichoke Dip

12.5 oz. canned chicken (or 1.5 c. diced chicken)
7.5 oz. jar marinated artichokes
1/4 c. mayonnaise 
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
juice and zest from one lemon
2 cloves garlic, pressed
salt & pepper

Drain chicken and place in a medium sized bowl. Chop artichokes using a knife, food chopper, or manual food processor and add to the bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. You may decide you want a creamier dip and can add more mayo at this point. 

Let me know if you give it a try and thanks for linking up with The {Not Just} Homemaking Party!
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Monday, October 26, 2015

Relaxation and Rejuvenation from U by Kotex® and CVS #ConfidenceUDeserve #ad #cbias

#ConfidenceUDeserve #CollectiveBias

As a busy homeschooling mom of nine, I don't get a lot of downtime; but some months, my period requires it. It's important to take time for rest and rejuvenation. I feel confident that I can find everything I'll need for a relaxing day at my local CVS store, including good quality pads from Kotex®.

I found U by Kotex® in the feminine care section of CVS under the sign marked, "Maxi Pads". There are lots of varieties and sizes of U by Kotex® pads, tampons, and pantyliners to suit your specific needs. Make sure to grab a coupon for $2 off, only at CVS.

Getting your period doesn't have to mean you're stuck at home (although, we introverts usually prefer to utilize any excuse to stay home!). U by Kotex® is designed with 3D Capture Core® With Xpress DRI which locks in wetness quickly so you can feel confident in whatever activities are desired or required during this time of the month. 

CVS has other great products to help me treat myself to some rest and relaxation. I got this cute package of tissues for all the emotional scenes in my favorite movies. In addition, what's a good movie marathon without some popcorn? I found delicious CVS branded kettle corn for just $1 per bag!

Sometimes some sweet indulgence and a dreamy magazine are the perfect mix to lift my spirits peacefully. CVS has several fruity flavored waters, as well as some delicious truffles and chocolates to choose from. Their magazine selection is great---and yes, this is a "dreamy" magazine for a homemaking blogger. Ha!

Make sure to try U by Kotex® for confidence during your time of the month. What things relax you when you need some down time? Let me know in the comments below!

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Homemaking with The Pampered Chef

Hello! Wow, where have I been the last couple weeks? Ha! I'm super excited to have started up selling Pampered Chef again! I first started selling in 2000 when I was a brand new wife and mom, and then took a break for awhile, picking it back up two more times over the last 15 years. Now that we're settled and staying in NW Arkansas (until I get my cottage in Winchester, England, anyway...) Jamie and I decided this is a good time for me to start up again and build a business here. I'm LOVING it! Here I am with my hostess and sweet friend, Letitia at her (very successful!!) party last night.

Letitia, my friend Tina, and others planned this secret surprise party for me during my demonstration! I'll be 36 on Friday and they wanted to bless me with goodies and a gift. They even passed around a card for everyone to secretly sign. So sweet! I'm having a great time doing home parties, but I can also do online or Facebook parties, so let me know if you want to set one up! Ultimately, I'm interested in growing my team and would love to have you on board. Have you ever considered selling Pampered Chef? If you're interested, email me at sarah@hopeineveryseason.com for more info.

Thanks for linking up at the Homemaking Party! Have a beautiful week!

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Chocolate Fix Zucchini Cake with Buttercream Frosting

I love this time of year when all the fall produce is ready for baking and preserving! Who has some grated zucchini in their freezer? If so, make sure to try this great Zucchini Cake from my mom. Yum!
Also, I know many of you are wanting to see more England photos! You can read a little more about our trip here.

                                        
We all have a craving for chocolate now and then. If you have a large family and desire a frugal way to give them a chocolate fix, without spending big bucks on candy bars, I have a swet treat idea for you. "Let them eat cake!"

 Bake this chocolate zucchini cake with buttercream frosting for instant smiles all around the table!
Chocolate Fix Zucchini Cake

 Cream together:
1/2 C butter
1/2 C oil
1 3/4 C sugar
2 eggs
1 Tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 C sour milk (I add 1/4 tsp lemon juice to evaporated milk)

 Mix in:
2 1/2 C flour
4 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves

 Beat and blend in:
2 C grated zucchini
1/2 C chocolate chips (I use semi sweet)

 Pour into greased and floured 9 X 13 baking pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350º.

 Cool and frost with buttercream frosting:

Beat together:

 4 C powdered sugar
1/4 C butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
dash salt
evaporated milk as needed for correct thickness

For more frugal recipes, check out my new blog: Big Family Frugal. Linking with:


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