Origami Straw Star

These are the origami straw stars that I folded out of scrap paper for following Jo Nakashima's YouTube video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nly4s1NTbWU

Sausage Spices

I got this recipe from http://frugallivingonthewatkinsranch.blogspot.com/2013/12/pork-sausage-recipe.html  She gave the recipe for 50#s of pork but I converted it down for 1#.

I still need to try this to see if we like it for our family and adjust accordingly.

2t sage 
1 1/4t salt
1t black pepper
1/2t pepper
1/4t Dry mustard
1/4t ground cloves
1/4t cayenne


Note: there are 48 teaspoons per 1 cup

Homemade Tortillas

Found another version of tortillas on the Homestead in the Hills of Tennessee blog that I want to try
http://homesteadinthehillsoftennessee.blogspot.com/2013/12/homemade-tortillas.html

Homemade Wheat Tortillas

• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
   
  Mix 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, salt, and butter in a medium bowl. Add warm water. Then mix in remaining flour and knead for a minute or so. Make the dough into 10 balls. Shape the balls into 2-3 inch circular disks. Roll out on a flour-sprinkled surface, turning and flipping the tortilla every few strokes of the rolling pin.

  

  Flip after 30-45 seconds
   
  
  
  

Print

Homemade Flour Tortillas

Author: Sarah @ The Free Range Life

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• dash salt
• 2 T butter
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp to 1T of honey

Instructions

1. Combine the milk,honey and butter and heat until the butter is almost melted.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt.
3. Turn on your mixer using the dough hook attachment* and gradually add the milk mixture to your dry ingredients.
4. Allow it to mix until the dough has come together and pulls away from the bowl. You may have to add additional liquid or flour depending on the humidity of your house.
5. Allow the dough to rest in a covered bowl for 20 minutes
6. Divide the dough into approximately 12 balls and allow to rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
7. Preheat a skillet on medium heat.
8. On a floured surface, roll** one of your balls of dough into a circle 6-8 inches in diameter, making sure to turn the dough for even rolling and to prevent sticking.
9. Place the rolled dough in your skillet and allow to cook about 1 minute on each side.
10. While the first tortilla is cooking, roll your next tortilla, and continue this way until all are rolled and cooked.
11. Place finished tortillas under a towel while the rest are being made.
12. * if you do not have an electric mixer, add the milk a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition. Knead with your hands for a few minutes once the dough has come together.
13. **You can also use a tortilla press to press the dough. Some presses do both the pressing and cooking.

This recipe doubles or triples well. I make triple batches often to save in the freezer. The recipe is also adaptable to different types of flours, and if you find yourself low on milk, you can use mostly (or all) water for the liquid. Once you get the hang of the rolling and cooking process, it goes pretty quickly and you should be able do a batch of 12 in less than 15 minutes. A couple of years ago, I bought the CucinaPro 1443 Flatbread and Tortilla Maker* which presses and cooks the tortillas. I would highly recommend it. I am not sure it saves me time, but it makes the process much simpler- especially when I get interrupted numerous times!

Tortillas are a staple at our house- they get eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you look at the ingredient list on the back of most store-bought tortilla packages you will see quite a long list of not-so-good things. I have been making homemade tortillas for years now and they aren’t as hard as you might think. And on the days that I am running short on a time and end up at the grocery store, a quick look at the package will get me right back in the homemade tortilla habit.

I started out with a very simple recipe, but over time I have experimented and finally landed on a favorite version.

From http://thefreerangelife.com/2013/10/12/homemade-tortillas/

Hot Chocolate Mix

Hot Chocolate Mix
2c dry milk
1 1/2 c sugar or splenda (or a little less)
1c non-dairy creamer
3/4c cocoa powder
1 pkg pudding
1/8t salt
cinnamon (optional)

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender until powdered.

Store in an airtight container.

Put 2-3 T in a mug with water.

Taco Seasoning

Adapted from many and I loosely measure these ingredients.

1T chili powder (if you don't have enough then you can make it) 
2t cumin

1t salt

1/2t paprika (I like to use smoked)

1/4t garlic powder

1/4t onion powder

1/4t oregano

1/4t cayenne (I use a dash and not near this amount)

Brown meat, drain fat, add seasoning and ~1/4-1/2c water to meat and simmer over medium heat until water is absorbed.

Chili Powder

from http://southernfood.about.com/od/seasoningrecipes/r/bl30420j.htm

Makes ~2.3T  Reminder 16T to 1c
2t cumin
2t garlic powder
1t paprika
1t oregano
1t cayenne (I use significantly less)

When I need Chili powder and don't need 2T  I add in these ratios.. and normally only a pinch of cayenne.

Ketchup

From http://allrecipes.com/recipe/in-a-pinch-ketchup/  Made with a few modification for our house.  I have not made this ketchup recipe yet.

Make 1 1/2c
2c tomato sauce
2T white or cider vinegar
1/3 sugar
2t molasses
1t garlic powder
1t onion powder
1t salt
dash of nutmeg, clove,  & cinnamon or 1/4 allspice
1/4 water (optional)

Mix together over low heat; simmer to desired consistency.  If water is added it might be 45min-1hr.

BBQ Sauce

Going to give this BBQ sauce recipe a try http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Big-Als-KC-Bar-B-Q-Sauce/

Here is the Ketchup recipe I used in place http://allrecipes.com/recipe/in-a-pinch-ketchup/

Make 6c (we will see)
4c tomato sauce
1 1/3c red wine or cider vinegar
1 1/2c sugar
2/3c molasses
1/2c water
4t hickory liquid smoke
1/2T garlic powder
1/2T onion powder
1t paprika
1/4t chili powder 
1/4t cinnamon
1/4t cayenne
dash nutmeg
dash cloves

Add above to a heave bottom pan, simmer 30min or until desired thickness.  Cool and transfer to BBQ sauce bottle and store in frig.

On reviewer made up extra and canned in pint jars in a hot water bath.

Ranch Dressing

Here is recipe from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dry-ranch-style-seasoning-for-dip-or-dressing/  Or my suggestion to make 1c.  It has been modified to what I think it should be.

3/4c sour cream or plain yougert
1/4c milk or less
1t parsley
1/2t salt
1/2t onion powder
1/2t garlic powder
1/4t dill weed
1//4t pepper
1/8t thyme

Mix all above into jar, seal and shake.  Can store in refrigerator for 1 week.

-----
Here is a dry mix for ranch dressing http://mylampisfull.blogspot.com/2013/06/out-of-bottle-ranch-dressing.html

Ranch dry mix:
2/3c Dried Parsley
5t Garlic powder
5T minced onion or 5t onion powder
3t dried basil (optional)
1/2t pepper
1t salt

Store in container

To make Ranch Dressing, add 2-3t of mix to (how much??) sour cream and thin with milk to desired consistency.

DcCh2Sc Dishcloth Pattern

I made my first dishcloth.  I really like how it turned out.  I followed a pattern from http://www.crochetnmore.com/dishcloth.htm

MATERIALS
Hook Size G ( think I used F)
Yarn Sugar'n Cream Stripes, #21143 Country Stripes
Stitches Used: ch, sc, dc
Difficulty: easy
--------
Row1: Ch40, (dc, ch2, sc) in 4th ch from hook. *sk next 3 chs, (2dc, ch2, sc) in next ch. Rep from * across.

Row2-18: Ch2, turn. (Dc, ch2, sc) in next ch2 sp. (2dc, ch2, sc) in each rem ch2 sp.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

LittleBits

I have been review Christmas presents for the girls and came across LittleBits.  I had been getting emails and advertisement on it for awhile but didn't really understand what they were so I kind of just ignored it.  Well I researched them yesterday and they look like the will take the place of Snap Circuits for us.  I think I want to get the deluxe kit plus the USB power and vibration motor.  It is pretty pricey and that is why I am hesitating.

Here is how each of the kits are broken down.  I wish they had this chart on their website www.littlebits.cc.

LittleBits Comparison Chart
 
 

Item	Price	Base	Premium	Deluxe	Synth	Starter*	Extend*	GeekDad*	Holiday*
Price		99	149	199	159	89	149
bargraph		x				x		x
Bend Sensor	16
branch			x				x
button		x		x		x		x
buzzer	16	x		x			x
Dc Motor	20	x		x			x		x
dimmer		x				x		x
fan	20		x				x
fork				x
inverter				x
latch				x
LED		x				x		x	x
Light sensor	14	x
Light trigger	18						x
light wire				x					x
Long LED			2				2
Motion trigger	36						x
power	8	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
PresSensor			x			x		x
pulse			x	x		x		x	x
RGB LED				x		x		x
roller switch	20		x				x
servo			x	x
slide dimmer	14		x	x			x
sound trigger			x	x
timeout				x
Toggle Switch	20						x
USB power	16						x
vib motor			x			x		x
wires		2	2	4		1	2	1	2
Random					x
MicroSequencer					x
fliter					x
mix					x
SynthSpeaker					x
Oscillators					2
Keyboard					x
envelope					x
delay					x
split					x

* retired kits, but I included them because they are still available from other the web & retailers.

Crochet Washcloth or Dishcloth

I recently recieved a crochet? dishcloth and really like the idea and feel of it although I haven't used it yet.

I want to try and figure out and to make more.  I think they would be an awesome gift for dirty Santa or to give to the teachers.

Things to find out:

• What type and size of thread?
• What size of hook?

Little Starbursts Dishcloth
Here is a pattern that I like from http://bloomingpatterns.blogspot.com/2008/04/little-starbursts-dishcloth.html


Hook size: 5.0 mm
Yarn: Worsted Weight Cotton
Gauge: Finished main body = approx. 18 cm x 18 cm

Abbreviations:
Ch: chain
Ss: slip stitch
Sc: single crochet
Dc: double crochet
YO: yarn over

Special Stitches:
Starburst: [Worked over 3 stitches] Draw up a loop in same stitch previously worked in. (Draw up a loop in next stitch) 2 times. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

[Edit: Since so many have requested a tutorial, and I have no idea how to make one :), check out this one on youtube. They call it a "trinity stitch", but it's pretty much the same thing. I hope that helps!]


Main Body
To begin, ch 26.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. Sc in same ch.

Row 2-24: Ch 1. Turn. Sc in top of sc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. Sc in same sc.

Edging
Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1). Do not turn. Dc in same sc. Ch 1. *Skip next row. Dc in next row. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * 10 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in first unused loop of foundation chain. Ch1. +Skip next stitch. Dc in next stitch. Ch 1.+ Repeat from + to + 10 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in last chain. Ch 1. Repeat from * to * 11 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in first sc. Ch 1. Repeat from + to + 11 times. Join with ss to top of first dc.

Round 2: Ch 1. +Sc in same dc. 3sc in next ch 1 space. Sc in next dc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch. 1. Work starburst stitch.* Repeat from * to * 11 times.+ Repeat from + to + around. Join with ss to first sc.

Round 3: Ch 1. +Sc in same stitch and in next sc. 3 sc in next sc. Sc in next 2 sc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* Repeat from * to * 11 times.+ Repeat from + to + around. Join with ss to first sc. Finish off.


Nubby Dishcloth Located at http://www.tangledyarns.ca/crochet/2009/6/11/free-crochet-pattern-nubby-dishcloth.html
 
Nubby Dishcloth by Charlotte Richardson 2009
Skill level: easy
Stitches used: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), treble crochet (tr).
Gauge: not important for this project.  My finished cloth is about 7 ½” square.
Materials:

• I used a 4mm/size G6 hook.
• 1 ball (1½ oz) worsted weight cotton.  I used Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Ultrasoft, Violet Veil Ombre.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 26.  Sc in 2^nd ch from hook and across.  (25)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn.  * Sc in first st, tr in next.  Repeat from * across, ending with sc.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn.  * Sc in tr; tr in next sc.  Repeat from * across, ending with tr.
Row 4: Ch 1, turn.  * Sc in tr; tr in next sc.  Repeat from * across, ending with a sc in top of starting ch 3 of previous row.
Rows 5 to 23: Repeat rows 3 and 4, ending with a row 3.  Do not fasten off.
Edging:  Ch 1, turn.  * Sc across to next corner; 3 sc in last st.  Repeat from * around, ending with sl st into first sc.  Fasten off and weave ends in.

Two Week Supper Menu

I am trying to establish a 2 week meal rotation of some sort.  I normally only do a grocery run every 2 weeks.  I want all the ingredients to be something I already buy normally and already have in the pantry or freezer.  We normally have a hog or half a steer in the freezer for meat.  I will often buy

These are listed in no particular order.

1. Wedding Soup
2. Polish sausage or Bacon and Cabbage
3. Spaghetti
4. Beef Stroganoff
5. Asian Noodles (could be meatless)
6. Hamburger Rice Tomato Stuff
7. Quinoa, Black Beans, & Corn
8.  

I think these Sausage Egg Muffins would be good for supper some night and would be great to freeze and then take to work the next night.
 Chili

Rok-A-Chair

I love these chairs that are available in Dr. Wade's office.  I keep thinking that I want to buy one someday.

Here is the email that I wrote to the company about it to get more information.

From: Laura Campbell laurac@amcrafts.com

To: kkezir@yahoo.com

Sent: Oct 16, 2006 at 8:49 AM

Hi Kristy,

You have to order the chairs direct from us.  We do not have any dealers for our chairs.  The price of the chair is $279.95 plus $45.00 for shipping.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Personal Check or Money Order.

 

Thanks,

Laura

----- Original Message -----

From: Kristy R

To: amcrafts@amcrafts.com

Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 8:17 PM

Subject: rok-a-chair

I sat in one of your chair in an office lobby.  I found it to be one of the most comfortable chairs I have ever sat in.  Could you email me more information on how to get one.  I live in Topeka.

Thanks
Kristy Rizek

Well Woman Annual Exam

Talked to Jennifer with BCBS 10/11/13 @8:30 to determine why Quest was billing me on blood work done for a yearly.

They charged for the hemoglobin (A1c) and everything else was covered.

code is coming as preventing but not coming up as a lab work code.  Jennifer stated that claim will be reprocessed and she will be back in touch with me.

This caused me to look up and see what is cover during a Well Women Annual Exam from www.bcbsks.com/sok:

2013 Plan Year	2014 Plan Year
Screening for: ·   STI's & HIV ·   Cervical Cancer ·   Blood Pressure ·   Cholesterol ·   Diabetes ·   Depression ·   Osteoporosis ·   Colorectal Cancer	Screening for: ·   STI's & HIV ·   Cervical Cancer ·   Blood Pressure ·   Cholesterol ·   Diabetes ·   Depression ·   Osteoporosis ·   Colorectal Cancer
Counseling for: ·   Alcohol ·   Aspirin ·   Breast Cancer ·   Contraceptive ·   Domestic Violence ·   Healthy diet ·   Weight Management ·   Tobacco Usage ·   STI’s ·   Folic Acid	Counseling for: ·   Alcohol ·   Aspirin ·   Healthy diet ·   Weight Management ·   Tobacco Usage
Preventive Care:  Coverage will be provided for the following services once annually at 100% limited to one visit per year unless otherwise noted. All recommended services must be discussed at the annual well man, well woman or well child visit. Please see the new health reform stipulations regarding these services. ·   One eye exam ·   Hearing exam ·   Implantable/Injectable contraceptives ·   Sterilization ·   Shots accepted med practice ·   Vaccination include: o Shingles <50 o HPV male or female ·   Routine Labs: o health lab panel/lipid o CBC o Thyroid stimulating hormone o Basic/Comprehensive metabolic o HDL/LDL and triglyceride o Fecal occult blood o Creatinine o UA o HIV testing o PSA o STI's o Diabetes screening o Depression screening o Digital rectal exam o Bone density screening	Preventive Care:  Coverage will be provided for the following services once annually at 100% limited to one visit per year unless otherwise noted. All recommended services must be discussed at the annual well man, well woman or well child visit.  ·   One eye exam ·   Hearing exam ·   Implantable/Injectable contraceptives ·   Sterilization ·   Shots accepted med practice ·   Vaccination include: o Shingles <50 ·   Routine Labs: o health lab panel/lipid o CBC o Thyroid stimulating hormone o Basic/Comprehensive metabolic o HDL/LDL and triglyceride o Fecal occult blood o Creatinine o UA o HIV testing o PSA o STI's o Diabetes screening o Depression screening o Digital rectal exam o Bone density screening