Wheelbarrows and Cheese Dreams

Sometime ago I showed you a couple of Betty Crocker Cookbooks I found at the flea market. I promised to share a little from each book at a later time. Here is the first of many installments. All of the following pictures came from the pages of Betty Crocker’s Good and Easy Cook Book circa 1954.

I love the idea of an afternoon tea party. It sounds like so much fun!

I have encountered popovers while reading such things as Little Women. I hope to find out now just what a popover is and how it tastes.

The following two pages will give one all one needs to know about proper lunchboxes and preparing the proper lunch. My husband is quite excited as now I will know how prepare him an appetizing, 4-star boxed lunch.

Some helpful instructions for making a wonderful sandwich.

Ever thought of cooking your food in a wheelbarrow? Now you can make that dream come true!


Hubby says, “Talk about a meal on the go!”

Ever wonder just how long some standard menus have been around?

A grill cheese sandwich will never cross these lips again! From now on I will eat only “Cheese Dreams!”

I hope you have enjoyed this little journey through a cook book. All kidding aside, I found some lovely recipes and ideas in this little book which I am looking forward to trying. Remember to always look for gems of joy!

Money Saving Ideas and Tips

In my meandurings on the World Wide Web, I occasionally come across an item that I feel may be of interest to you, my dear readers. Acting responsibly is so important. This is as true of our planet as in other aspects of our lives. If we don’t take care of our home/planet, then who will? In the past living green has been expensive and sometimes it still can be. However, I have found that there are many little things we can do that help the planet and cost very little. I recently came across this list on Inhabitots and felt that it was worth passing forward. The list includes things such as planting a vegetable garden and using cloth napkins. Some of the items on the list can be big money savers. To read the full list click here. In the interest of saving money, visit $5 Dinners. This is actually a blog I ran across the other day. The woman who writes the blog shares recipes for making nutritious meals for your family that only cost $5 per meal. She also shares shopping and coupon tips. She started her blog when gas prices sky rocketed and her family needed to save money somewhere. Groceries, etc is the one area of budgets we have the most control over, so that’s where she started and she’s sharing what she learns. I am still quite new to this blog, but am infatuated with the concept and hope it may be of some use and interest to you.

Vintage Christmas Goodies – Website of the Week!

Aren’t these cupcakes beautiful? I just love the vintage Christmas feel. These cupcake decoration kits can be found at Bake It Pretty along with all kinds of wonderful, whimsical, goodies.

Halloween Party Success!

After months of planning and a week of decorating, shopping, and cleaning the big night finally arrived! Our friends came, music played, and the party began. It was deemed our “best party ever!” Our friend and fellow host arrived Saturday afternoon and we began decorating the maze. There were signs to paint!



A white rabbit to make and hang -

A rabbit must have a tail.

Now the top must be attached to the bottom.

Catch of the day!

Hang him in a tree and all done!
Wait, what would Alice in Wonderland be without the Madhatter’s Tea Party?



We mustn’t forget the chopping block -

or the Jabberwocky’s eggs.

The Jabberwocky eggs were a big hit with the kids. We made four of them out of balloons and paper mache. Each child who found an egg, won a prize. The maze itself was also a big hit with the kids. Our first guest to arrive was a sweet little butterfly. She is the daughter of dear friends.

They also brought this delicious pumpkin bread.


These wonderful candy apples were provided by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. I have to say a big thank you here, not only for the apples, but also for the rotel dip. In the past not much food has been eaten, so naturally I underprepared. I only purchased one can of Rotel. We ran out of dip and my sister-in-law sent her husband after another can. She even took over the kitchen and got it made up while I was otherwise entertaining. So, THANK YOU!!

Uncle Micah’s hats are loved by all.




Here is a group shot of all the kids in attendance.

Have a Happy Halloween Everyone!

Campfire Cakes

Bread & Honey has a wonderful tutorial showing you how to make these tasty little cakes. I haven’t had opportunity to try them yet. However, I can’t imagine how they could be anything but good.

Cupcake Stand

Isn’t this cupcake stand beautiful? It is made out of terra cotta pots, a little paint, ribbon, and decorative scrapbooking paper. There so many ways one could personalize these and make something unique and different. You can find the tutorial on Once Wed.

Watermelon Carving?!

I’ve heard of carving pumpkins, but carving a watermelon? This was something new and at first a little strange. I learned of watermelon carving courtesy of the Domestik Goddess. Some of the pictures of these carved watermelons were just amazing and so beautiful. I highly recommend you pay the Goddess a visit and see these beauties for yourself.

This one is finding its way into my inspiration folder. I am definitely sold on watermelon carving. I’m already looking forward to the next 4th of July. I’m sensing a whole new tradition.

Two Fun Tutorials from Whimsy-Girl

Oreo Truffles

Celery Painting

Check out these great tutorials from Nikki over at Whimsy-girl!

Internet Round Up

While visiting my usual watering holes, I’ve met some wonderful artists and interesting people.
This jade bed is owned by Yang Zhibin of Banjin, China. To find out more visit the Domistik Goddess .

These beauties were created by ceramist Sandra Haischberger. You can find out more by visiting by visiting her shop, Feindedinge and by checking in with Morewaystowastetime.

Roadside Scholar introduced me to Sophie Gardner Jewelry. Her work is beautiful. You can visit her shop by clicking here and don’t forget to visit Roadside Scholar to learn more.

I also discovered an artist on Roadside Scholar, Dalia Doksaite. Her work is soft, soothing, and beautiful. It’s called Sumi-e painting. It originated in China 2000 years ago and came to Japan in the 13th and 14th centuries.

I found these beautiful, unique clutches courtesy of Modish. They are made by Red Ruby Rose and can be found in her Etsy shop.

Finally the folks at Craftzine introduced me to Epicurious who taught me how to make my very own fruit juice gummies. I can’t wait to try this with my nephews. Click here for the recipe.

Marie at MakeandTakes offers up a wonderful pendant tutorial.

Aren’t these just the coolest!?
Well, there you have it folks! This week’s internet roundup!

Cake Wrecks! Website of the Week!

I found this site last Monday courtesy of Craftzine. The author shares professionally made cakes that just didn’t turn out. He/She encourages you to share any cake catastrophes you find. Some of these cakes are truly awful and some are just gross, yet they all make you laugh. At least they had me and my husband in tears. The authors comments and writing are as entertaining as the cakes, perhaps even more so. Visit this site for all your laughing needs.