This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Hookin' Up

I have really had a blast crocheting again.  It's one of those things that I'll do for a few months and then put it all away.

I made this shawl, and my son promptly took it over.  He said I made it for him.

I made a few dish cloths for a swap on a message board.  I hope the mamas like them!

I couldn't resist making this heart garland.  My son hung the hearts all around the house as I was making them.

Christmas Crack Candy

I've seen this recipe in several different places, so I don't know where it first came from.  I've seen it also called Christmas Crack or Saltine Toffee Candy.  Whatever you want to call it, you'll definitely call it delicious.  I think of it as "easy on the teeth toffee".

Crickle Candy

1 sleeve saltines (might need a few more crackers depending on your pan size)
1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 pkg. chocolate chops
Chopped nuts, coconut, marshmallows or whatever you want to top it with.

Preheat oven to 425.

Line 10x15 cookie sheet with foil.  You want to use a pan with a rim around it.  Lay out crackers in a single layer, touching sides.

Melt butter in saucepan.  When melted, stir in brown sugar.  Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour over crackers and place pan in preheated oven.  Bake for about 5 minutes, or until edges get a little darker.

Sprinkle chips over cracker & toffee.  The heat will melt the chips and you can spread it with a spatula.  Top with whatever topping you want.  Cool and refrigerate until set.  Crack apart and keep in refrigerator.

*I've seen other suggestions to use graham crackers and top with marshmallows for a smores candy.  You could also use white chocolate and peppermint.

Crochet hat

My husband works outside quite a bit, so I crocheted a wool hat to keep his head warm.  This pattern went together quickly.  I think I might make him a couple more.

I can't keep up!

I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog right now!  I just clean, sew and cook it seems like.

Here's a few more things I've done:

Tea wallets

Pot holders

Mama cloth for a swap

Bamboo velour tops

Flannel backs

My list keeps growing and growing!

Busy busy!

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post!

I have been pretty busy sewing.  I had a craft show last weekend and have one this weekend.  I've also been trying to sew some stuff for my Etsy store.  So between sewing and normal household chores, I've let the blog slip!

Here are a few things I've sewn lately.

Rice bags with removable cover

Aprons

Bibs

Crayon rolls

Zippered bags

A month without groceries followup

I'm a little behind!  I did pretty well the first half of the month as far as not going to the store.  Then things went a little downhill, but not too bad.  I added up what I spent for the month and I came up with 218.11. I don't think that is too bad for 2 adults and a preschooler.

A few things I started with:

4 lbs. butter - used 3 lbs.

25 lbs. hard red wheat - used about 2 lbs.

20 lbs. AP flour - used about 10 lbs.

4 lbs. cheddar cheese - used it all!

The stores had some pretty good sales, so I stocked up on items. There were trips I made for those items, so not all of what I spent was for that month.  

My ideas of grocery shopping are constantly evolving.  I am focusing on stocking up when things are on sale.  For instance, last week a local store had coupons in their flyer.  Oscar Meyer bacon was $2.69 for a 16 oz. package after the coupon.  I bought 10 packs.  They also had good prices on lunchmeat and cheese.  Husband takes sandwiches him to work, so I have to keep enough on hand.  This week, there is a good sale on peanut butter.  I bought 6 jars.  That should last us a while!

I have decided to start keeping track of grocery spending in a ledger.  I am curious to see how my spending averages out after a few months.   I know there will be months when I spend more because of sales.  But there will be months, when I spend less because I already have plenty.

I really love Azure Standard for my bulk shopping.  I order my wheat berries, dry beans, popcorn, dry fruit and some produce from them.  Everything I have purchased has been excellent!   

I would like to try this again in the spring/summer when my garden is producing more and I can use the farmer's market better.  It was an odd time to try this because we are at the end of our growing season.