Lori's Rambling

If there is one food that makes me think of Christmas time it is cinnamon rolls.  I think it is because that was usually when  my mom made them.  She did make them other times of the year too, but more often at Christmas than other times.  This year I hoped to make them before Christmas but just didn't have time to make them.  There is something comforting about rolling out the dough, spreading on the melted butter, sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar, rolling them up and then slicing them.  The torture is that is takes so long to make them as the dough needs an hour and a half to rise after mixing the dough and another hour to rise after rolled and placed into pans -- then of course they need to bake about half an hour.  But oh is it worth the wait!!! Then you can eat them plain and straight out of the oven like this:  Or you can soak them in glaze like this:  Either way you do it, they are simply yummy!  It is best to make them for when you have company over or for get-togethe

It seems like Christmas commercialism starts earlier every year.  This year, as most years, the increased commercialism simply makes me think about the things that really matter.  As I think about Christmas as I grew up, the things that stand out in my memory are not the gifts that I thought I needed to have or even the surprise gifts that I never expected.  I remember the family times spent  talking about past Christmas memories.  One thing that my brother and I particularly enjoyed was hearing the stories from our mom and dad of their memories Christmas growing up with their families -- those stories inevitably turn to stories of the escapades of my dad and his brothers.  I still marvel after all these years of hearing his stories that he and all his siblings survived to adulthood!  Every year our family's special Christmas tradition was gathering on Christmas Eve in the living room, turning out most of the lights, and reading the Christmas story together as a family.  We would t

Well, I seem to have less and less time to keep up with the blog.  I have been so busy with work, Jaelyn's soccer games, getting ready for Jaelyn's birthday, etc.  Now I am the proud mother of a 6 year old daughter.  I'm still trying to figure out where the last 6 years have gone!  It seems like just yesterday that she can in my arms for the first time. I am very proud of the girl she has become.  Jaelyn is very compassionate and caring.  She is a bubbly, active girl, who is almost always ready to try something new (activities that is, she is getting better about trying new foods!).  Jaelyn has a determined personality and applies that determination to anything she tries.  This year she tried soccer for the first time.  Jaelyn began in September and the season just ended last weekend.  The difference in her skill from the first game to the last game was amazing to watch.  Jaelyn became a very skilled and instinctive defensive player for her team.  Toward the end of the seas

How many of you are ready for Christmas?  Not me, it is hard to even think about Christmas shopping, at least not until after Jaelyn's birthday at the end of October.   My mom is going to be one of the vendors at the 9th Annual Holiday Craft Faire at the East Hills Moravian Church at 1830 Butztown Road, Bethlehem, PA on Saturday, October 2nd from 9 a.m. to 3 pm..  My mom does very unique art work -- she does wood burning also known as pyrography.  She burns pictures into wood.  It sounds very simple, but her work is very detailed and precise.  Please check out the pictures here and also check out the website for the Craft Faire -- www.easthillsmc.org/hcf.html -- they have a listing of all the vendors and if you click on the vendors name, pictures of their crafts or artwork will be displayed.  If you are in the Bethlehem area this weekend or love to go to craft shows, check this one out this weekend -- it is a huge event, the first 1,000 visitors recieve goodie bags. There are also

Well, it has been a long time since I posted anything.  I have been pretty busy.  I started a new job at the end of June, working as a foster care caseworker for Lebanon County Children and Youth Services.  It has been challenging balancing working a full-time traditional job with time for my family and myself.  I think I am finally feeling settled in at work.  There have been some challenging moments along the way.  It was particularly difficult when Jaelyn was sick and I still had to go to work.  Since I have never worked a traditional job since she was born, I have never had to leave her to go to work when she was sick.  Scott took good care of her, but it still tore at my heart to leave for work when she wasn't feeling well.  I recently purchased an Amazon Kindle.  For those of you who aren't tech savy -- the Kindle is an e-reader.  I have been spending so much more time reading that I haven't had time to be on the internet or writing on my blog.  I am very impressed

I'm feeling very scattered today, so as a result today's post may seem just as scattered -- you will be able to see that I have a lot on my mind and going on.  After two and a half months of job hunting, I have been offered and accepted a position with Lebanon County Children and Youth Services!  I will be working as a foster care caseworker.  I worked for Lebanon Co. CYS about 10 years ago in the same position.  The bonus on having a new job is being able to work with the same supervisor that I worked with 10 years ago.  To some people that may not seem like a bonus, but having a terrific supervisor makes any job easier to do.  I am excited to be returning to work and particularly in a job that I like, with a good supervisor, excellent benefits, and relatively close to home (only a 15-20 minute commute. On the other bright side, I am almost ready to list my first jewelry on Etsy.com .  Hopefully I will have about six listing on my site:  http://houseofcraftiness.etsy.com/

Well, the BIG yard sale is over. Whew!  Glad it is done -- hope to never have to do that again!  We probably sold about 50% of what we had -- made around $1000, so did really well.  We sent most of the leftover items to a church thrift shop .  What a free and light feeling to have all those belongings gone and lots of open space in our garage.  I could even get my bike out easily to take a bike ride yesterday!  I still need to organize what is left and clear out some more trash, but it looks so much better already!  Now I feel like I can move on and spend more time on my job search .  I have one interview scheduled and am waiting to hear a date and time for another interview.  I am very interested in both jobs, so very excited about the interviews!   I've also been working on getting my shop up and going on Etsy.com to sell some of my jewelry .  Hopefully will have my first items posted in the next couple of days, then will see if I can do a side business with jewelry.  I thin

HUGE YARD SALE: Friday, May 27th and Saturday, May 28th from 7 am to 2 pm 101 N. Lancaster St., Jonestown, PA  17038 Lots of great deals!  Free hot dogs from 12-1 both days!  See below for detailed items - furniture , outside items (boats, etc.), household items, books, baby and kids items Paint Sprayer:   Professional Grade - Magnum XR7 - 5 gallon capacity Furniture: 2 - computer desks -- one is tall corner unit, other regular vertical unit Refrigerator -- great for second frig -- freezer on bottom -- checked by repair tech and is in working condition Dining room table - great condition Outdoor Items: Lots of water toys -- squirt guns, sprinklers, etc. Canoe -- Coleman 15 ft. - 3 seats -- great condition Gas Grill Kayak - older model Aerocraft - v-bottom boat w/Evinrude 40 HP motor -- project boat, w/trailer Aqua-Glide -- wind surfer, inflatable -- new in box Household Items: Large set of corelle dishes blue glass items ice cream maker -- electric and

One of my friends got me started making jewelry about 2 years ago.  I tried selling necklaces and earrings at one point early on but discovered that making money by making jewelry is not the easiest thing in the world especially since it seems like eveyone is into making jewelry.  I still enjoy making jewelry, but I am getting overloaded with necklaces.  I mean really, a person can only wear so many necklaces.  So just recently I decided to expand my jewelry making into actually making the beads and pendants themselves.  On a recent trip to Michael's, our local craft store, I discovered Sculpey clay that can be baked in a regular oven.  I bought a DVD put out by Sculpey on different processes and steps to making certain types of items, jewelry, luggage tags, picture frames, etc.  It teaches the basic techniques to obtaining certain basic looks that can be expanded on to make more elaborate pieces.  I have been experimenting with it the last couple of days and am really enjoy

I first tasted this cookie when I was visiting a friend for a playdate for our daughters.  I found these cookies irrestistible then and still find them irrestistible now!  Thanks Tanya for a great cookies recipe!!!  This is a simple, tasty and filling cookie.  Even my picky 5 year old likes these cookies! I lightened the recipe up a little bit from the original and it came in at only 2 Weight Watchers points per cookie and tasted just as yummy. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookie 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp light margarine 1/4 cup egg beaters or egg substitute 1/2 cup reduced fat peanut butter 1 medium mashed banana 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant) Mix all ingredient together thoroughly, then drop by spoonful onto a lightly sprayed cookie sheet. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Very yummy -- great as a breakfast cookie on a morning when you are in a hurry.  The oatmeal , pea

Image via Wikipedia Since I have been on Weight Watchers for the last six months, I have been looking for healthier versions of favorite foods. I recently tried an Oven Fish 'n' Chips recipe from the Taste of Home Guilt Free Cooking. It is a "breaded" fish with fries for only 5 Weight Watcher points per serving. My husband is not a big fan of seafood unless it has been breaded and fried. He tried this recipe and decided that it was really good and that I could make it again anytime. Success!!! Oven Fish 'n' Chips 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 medium baking potatoes (1 pound), peeled Fish: 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup egg substitute 2 tablespoons water 2/3 cup crushed cornflakes 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound frozen haddock filets, thawed Tartar sauce, optional In a large bowl, combine oil and pepper.  Cut potatoes, lengthwise into 1/2 inch strips.  Add to oil

Today my daughter and I spent about two hours doing the Go Logo Make Mosaic Masterpieces. Sometimes it is hard to find craft things that do not make a mess and that a 5 1/2 year old could do by herself. I am always on the look-out for simple, non-messy crafts that are age appropriate for a 5-6 year old little girl. This craft fits the bill -- although I do wish that they had included more small pictures (5 x 7) and less large pictures (8 x 10). The large pictures were a little overwhelming in size for my daughter, although she did great when we were working on it together. We did the apple tree, a butterfly with flowers, and an owl. After finishing 2 large and 1 small picture, she promptly took them to her bedroom to hang on her wall. The pictures turned out quite well and were very bright. This is a great craft for rainy days or times when you need to have your child occupied so you can finish something else up. I found this kit at Walmart , but most craft stores probably carry it.

Why is it that most of us do not tell our mother's on a regular basis how much we love and appreciate them? I know that I am guilty of not letting my mom know how much I love her and that I appreciate everything that she has done for me. My mom didn't work outside of the home when my brother and I were little and only began working part-time after we were both in elementary school. I didn't realize at the time the sacrifices that my mom and dad made for my mom to be a stay-at-home mom. It is only since I have become a mom myself that I realize how difficult that must have been to make it work. Pinching pennies, looking for bargains, accepting hand-me-downs, and making it seem like we weren't lacking for anything. In reality, if you have love and family, you aren't lacking for anything, rather, you have everything that you could ever need. One thing my brother and I never doubted was that we were loved. My mom spent time reading to us, doing crafts with us, b

I'm just sitting in my dining room helping Jaelyn put the alphabet in order, using the letters and pictures -- sounding out words to figure out what letter they start with. She is doing well, although losing steam toward the end of the alphabet. We need to work on this more, but at least she is having fun learning this. Next to run bath water for Jaelyn, then some relaxing time. I started this day with great intentions for sticking to Weight Watchers and made really good choices until dinner time. Jaelyn and I went to Infinitos Pizza Buffet with Bill and Lori Bertrand and the kids. It was sooo good, especially their cinnamon rolls and Chicken BBQ pizza. I seem to have such a hard time lately sticking to Weight Watchers -- it is discouraging. I have gained back about 7-8 pounds and really want to get back on track. I am working on some ideas to help me keep on track, but going to a restaurant like Infinitos definitely isn't the easiest place to go on Weight Watchers.

I am always looking for slow-cooker meals for days when I don't have time to be in the kitchen for long periods of time. This recipe fits the bill and comes with a high recommendation from my 5 year old daughter, "Mommy, you can make this again." Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken From the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz) each 1 can (14 1/2 oz) reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 can (14 1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes, cut up 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 green onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 3 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground mustard 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cold water Place chicken in a 3 qt. slow cooker. In a bowl, combine the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, green pepper, onion, garlic and seasonings; pour over chicken. Cover; cook on low for 4-5 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 1

Taste of Home Guilt Free Cooking . A few days ago, I took a gamble, considering that I have a picky 5 year old. I made Tuna Noodle Casserole. Jaelyn doesn't like any fish that she has tried, so I took a leap and made this comfort food. I didn't tell Jaelyn what she was eating, so maybe that is the key to getting her to try more new foods. I omitted the pimientos as I did not have them on hand. Jaelyn ate every bite, except she picked out every single pea and did not eat them. Tuna Noodle Casserole 1 can (10 3/4 oz) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted 1/2 cup fat-free milk 2 cups cooked yolk-free wide noodles 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 can (6 oz) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked 1 jar (2 oz) diced pimientos, drained 2 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs 1 Tablespoon butter, melted In a large bowl, combine soup and milk until smooth. Add the noodles, peas, tuna, and pimientos; mix well. Pour into a 1 1/2 qt. baking dis

For those of you who live locally and are looking for good things cheap, we are having a mega-yard sale Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. Scott and I have been accumulating and accumulating for the eleven years that we have been married. For the last nine months we have been clearing out and preparing for a yard sale. The more we get organized, the larger we realize this yard sale is going to be. We will be selling some furniture -- a dining room table, a love seat, etc., tons and tons of infant, toddler up to size 6 in girls clothing, a large amount of plus size women's clothing - 1X - 2X and 16W - 18W, baby and toddler toys, baby and toddler equipment -- exersaucers, art desk, etc, stuffed animals (smoke-free house), as well as many books -- lots of cookbooks (Taste of Home as well as others), and many, many other odds and ends. Scott and I are trying to simplify our lives and reduce the amount of stuff that we have -- stuff that we don't really need, but som

Yet another recipe from the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook . I haven't really tried a recipe from this book that I didn't like. It has been fun, since I'm not working I have time to try all kinds of new recipes. I'm finding my joy of cooking and baking again -- now that I'm not cooking for 15 people everyday! If you are a lover of white sauces or alfredo sauces, this is a tasty low-fat alternative. It was very creamy and tasty. Ham and Noodle Casserole 6 ounces uncooked yolk-free fine noodles 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) 1% small-curd cottage cheese 1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained 1 cup cubed fully cooked lean ham 3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/4 cup fat-free milk 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon dill weed or 1 Tablespoon snipped fresh dill 1/4 teaspoon salt Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add n

This recipe is a quick meal loaded with tons of taste. This recipe took 30 minutes from start to putting it on the table. Chicken Fajita Spaghetti 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil 1 small onion, sliced 1 small sweet red pepper,julienned 1 small sweet yellow pepper, julienned 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup taco sauce 1 envelope fajita seasoning mix Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook chicken over medium heat in oil for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute the onion and peppers until tender. Add the chicken, green chilies, water, taco sauce, and fajita seasoning mix; Heat through. Drain spaghetti; toss with chicken mixture. Yield: 6 servings. 1 1/4 cup equals 282 calories and 6 weight watcher points. I know the recipe is a keeper when my husband tells me that I can def

I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone -- whether they are on Weight Watchers, trying to lose weight, or don't need to watch their weight. Hamburger Noodle Casserole 5 cups uncooked yolk-free noodles 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 package (8 ounces) reduced fat cream cheese 1 cup reduced fat ricotta cheese 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream 3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided 2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper; heat through. Drain noodles; stir into beef mixture. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta cheese and sour cream until blended. Stir in half of the onions. Spoon half of noodle mixture into a 13x9 in. bakin

I have been on a weight loss journey for about five months with the help of Weight Watchers. I have lost 25 pounds and have about 50 more to go. I will be sharing low fat, healthy recipes that have helped me to eat healthier and yet still taste good. Sometimes breakfast can be very difficult to eat low-fat and healthy, yet still feel full. One of those recipes that I have discovered that tastes wonderful, is filling and low-fat is Low Fat Baked Oatmeal. Low Fat Baked Oatmeal 4 1/2 cups quick oats 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cup skim milk 1 cup applesauce 1 cup Egg Beaters 3/4 Tbsp. baking powder Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Pour into a well-greased 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 until middle is firm and top is golden brown (between 30-40 minutes). Serve with skim milk and fresh fruit. This recipe is especially tasty if using applesauce with cinnamon in it. It makes 8 servings at 6 Weight Watchers point per serving. This is very tasty and very filling. This

We spent quite a bit of the day getting organized. Jaelyn and I spent about two hours in her bedroom, organizing, putting things away, and boxing up things she doesn't play with to sell at our yard sale that we are planning for Memorial Day Weekend. Then Scott and I spent some time taking pictures of things to post on Craig's list for sale, trying to downsize, simplify, and clean-out. Why we ever left things get to this point, I will never know. I'm not sure why we never took the time to get rid of stuff over the years. At least now we have the time to work on cleaning out. Then the challenge becomes not buying things we don't need, and getting rid of clothing and other items when we are done with them. We went to Lowes tonight to get a hose for the outside faucet, a weed-wacker, and new light bulbs for the kitchen light. Our kitchen light has 40 watt bulbs in it. About a week ago I bought new light bulbs for the light only to discover that it is an unusual fixture and

This it the beginning of having a blog -- to keep my thoughts organized, share websites and tips that I have learned to make life easier, and interesting and amusing things from my life. Who knows what twists and turns this blog will take as my life and priorities change. Scott and I are starting a new chapter in our lives with leaving houseparenting at Milton Hershey School. As we both explore job options, it is a scary but exciting time in our lives. It is quite a change from cooking for 15 to cooking for 3. Jaelyn seems loud most of the time, when she used to "blend" in with the girls' noise. It is nice to be able to go out as a family in the evening. Funny thing is, one of the most exciting things for me is to be able to shop in a grocery store again. There are many new and different things in the stores since I last shopped for family groceries. It takes me much longer to shop now and I keep stopping and looking at new things. Jaelyn is currently e