Owl Hat ... Hoot Hoot!

So I ran across this gorgeous owl pattern. It uses Vanna's Choice yarn which makes for a really soft hat. You can buy my finished product here... http://facebook.com/craftcreekcrochet Don't forget to like my page!

You can find the pattern here... http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/04/crochet-owl-hat-pattern.html

Peep Into My Nest

I've spent the last year and a half working on losing weight and exercising. I've lost a little over 30lbs, quit smoking, and took up running. Unfortunately, I developed a knee injury shortly after my first 5K back in May.

(My friend Brandi on the left and myself on the right.)

Since then I've slowly slacked off on eating healthy and exercising. I'm hoping to get back in the groove soon. I was really feeling great about myself.

My Goal is to be able to fit comfortably into my Carhartt coverall bibs by November 10th, 2012, which is the opening day of deer season here in Kentucky. Go me!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Fix for Old Leak Stains

Water leak stains are not attractive. If you have a busy schedule or a tight budget, painting the entire ceiling to cover up one stain may not be an option. A $2 bottle of white shoe polish is a great temporary fix. It will cover mild water stains in a jiffy. For a tougher water stain, like the one pictured below, you may be left with just a hint of the stain. Unless your guests walk in with a magnifying glass, they will be none the wiser to your quick fix.

• Step 1- Remove lid from white shoe polish.
• Step 2- Press polish downward onto paper plate and gently squeeze sides to release polish.
• Step 3- Blot end of bottle across stain.
• Step 4- Repeat until stain is covered. (No need to wait as the polish dries very quickly) 

Pork Tenderloin & Sauteed Veggies

• Boneless Pork Tenderloin Loaf (seasoned)
• 1 Cup Dale's Liquid Seasoning
• 1/2 Head of Brocoli Chopped
• 1 Small Sweet White Onion Sliced
• 5 Whole Mushrooms Sliced
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
• Oil

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
Trim fat from tenderloin and slice directly down the center (vertically) creating 2 halves.
Pour Dale's Seasoning into 9"X13" glass casserole dish.
Place tenderloin in dish making sure all sides are coated with Dale's Seasoning.
Place in Oven. Cook for 35 minutes (internal temp of at least 145 degrees), turning once around the halfway mark.
Once meat reaches halfway mark and is turned, slice mushrooms, brocoli, and onions.
Heat oil in small pan to medium.
Place all vegetables in pan. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook vegetables on medium for 5-7 minutes or until tender.

Rainbow Journal

Sometimes I find it so hard to stay on track with counting calories, making healthy food choices, staying hydrated and exercising. This journal is a colorful reminder of those things. This is a great tool for a daily dose of motivation.

Breakfast Pizza

My little boy LOVES this pizza. This is super easy to make. Feel free to get creative and try other toppings.

• 3 Cups Bisquick
• 3/4 Cup HOT Water
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Salt
• 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese Powder
• 1/4 Cup Ragu Meat Flavored Sauce
• 1/2 Pound Mild Sausage (cooked)
• 10-12 Pepperonis
• 3/4 Cup Mozzarella Provolone Shredded
• 3/4 Cup Colby & Monteray Jack Shredded
• 1/4 Cup Sharp Cheddar Shredded

Preheat Oven to 450 Degrees.
Brown sausage until fully cooked, then crumble. Set aside.
Mix Bisquick, hot water, and garlic salt until soft dough forms. (Dough may feel a little sticky)
Press dough in lightly greased 9"X13" glass casserole dish.
Spread Ragu sauce and crumbled sausage evenly across dough.
Sprinkle all 3 cheeses across top.
Add Pepperonis and sprinkle with parmesan cheese powder.
Bake uncovered 12-14 minutes or until cheese is melted and dough is cooked through.

Duck...Duck...PEN!

When I first met the man in my life he was very anti-pets. There was only one fuzzy creature on this planet he tolerated and that was HIS cat Hot Rod.

 

Fast forward 5 years and look how well trained my hubby is. :) This is the duck pen that he built me this past summer. He added a perfect little gate for easy access. He also built a hutch on the side, so that I can lock the ducks up at night.

 

I currently have a khaki campbell drake, pekin hen, black swedish hen, and a crested blue swedish hen.

 

For the record, he has built me a chicken coop, rabbit hutch, raccoon hutch, and this duck pen. I think it's safe to say that I've converted him into an animal lover!