Watering the plants

I've been away from my blog for quite some time lately. 

Life has gotten extremely busy. The kids tried out a few new sports since I've been able to sit and just think. But Covid has really given me plenty of time for that. Sports are still in full swing. The kids literally have an activity every...single...day. I'm thankful for that, as they both thrive from schedules and people. 

I saw a Tik Tok a few weeks ago that left me breathless, sad, bitter, and many things all at once.

It said, "Stop texting first and see how many dead plants you've been watering." 

Over  the past few years, I've noticed a few friendships weakening. And not from lack of my effort to make plans; sending the first text to catch up, or inviting them to parties and gatherings. Noticing this lack of reciprocation has made me realize that I've been chasing these friendships fervently, with hopes that feelings will be returned. This has left me feeling unworthy, unloved, and unappreciated. 

It was then that I quit sending the first text, letting months pass without so much as an "are you alive?" To add insult to injury, these texts did, however, ramp up in January of this year. My mom woke up January 7th, 2022 with what we thought was a cold. Later that evening, her symptoms worsened, and I actually witnessed her have a heart attack while my children heard me and my dad tending to her in the bathroom. The texts from some I'd not heard a peep from in months started up. Which, don't get me wrong, I appreciate, BUT, I'm legit still not going to chase folks down for friendship. 

From this period of reflection, I've learned what it feels like to let things go that don't bring me peace.

So, friends, "Stop texting first and see how many dead plants you've been watering." And while you're at it, make sure you water the right ones. The ones who drop food on your doorstep knowing you haven't got the energy to grab the food or be around people right that moment. The friends who come by when you've just woke up and have morning breath, just for a hug and to know you're okay. And be sure that you're giving what you expect to receive in return.

Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This weekend, I finally broke down and tried this amazing recipe while our oldest was away at a friend's house for a sleepover. It probably won't be a big hit with my kiddos (our youngest was less than impressed.) But, for the parents, it's amazing. The full recipe & ingredients list are below. Along with pictures. Enjoy =)

Ingredients

9 eggs, large

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 package sausage

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 package tater tots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease the dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic & onion powders.

Brown sausage in a frying pan, drain grease.

Line bottom of the dish with tater tots.

Mix half of the cheese in with the egg mixture.

Pour egg mixture into baking dish.

Top mixture with remaining cheese. Place in oven & bake for 35 minutes. Let cool approximately 10 minutes & Enjoy.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

This Year, we have decided to tighten our budget significantly. We want to weed out crap that we buy just for a moment's joy. We also have a goal to either buy or build a new house or to add on to ours (which may actually cost us more.) One thing I've decided to start doing again was laundry detergent made at home. Last time I tried it, I made a liquid detergent but Josh started having some issues with the smell, and I couldn't deal with a lack of smell. I've found a new winning blend. I wanted to share the products, post pictures of them & hopefully keep track of how long the batch will last us. 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2 Bars Fels Naptha Soap (grated)

2 lbs. Baking Soda

4 lbs. Borax

55 oz. Super Washing Soda

Oxiclean Odor Blaster 3 lb. tub

**Oil Drops if wanted**

Combine all ingredients after grating Fels Naptha & stir well to be sure to get some of everything in every scoop. 

I also store my detergent in a glass jar I'd bought originally to be a candy/cookie jar. I kept the scoop from my Oxiclean tub. I use roughly 1/4 to 1/2 a scoop per load. 

How to get rid of Pesky Gnats & Fruit Flies this summer

SOOOO I haven't been as active the past few months, SLIGHT Cricut obsession, turned VERY small business has been in the works. 

However, I thought I'd share a CHEAP & easy fix for the peskiest things ever....gnats & fruit flies.

We've had a lot of produce coming in from the garden the past month or so. And with amazing, healthy food comes pests.

If you're there with me and struggling too, mix up this solution and be amazed.

Use::

1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
12-15 drops dish detergent (We use Dawn)

This mixture will draw them in, and then the soap in the mixture will cause them to get stuck.

Just put this in a bowl you're not afraid to part with. I was told to try this in a jar but apparently I've got mutant, smart gnats. I'd post a picture of the gnat burial grounds, but it's seriously just gross. 

Happy Summer Guys!!

Million Dollar Pie

Okay, so a few weeks back I decided I wanted a Million Dollar Pie. I hadn't had one in like two years, and this craving fell on the week of my wedding anniversary. Perfect Storm, right??

I swear this is one of the easiest things in the world to make to taste this good. Like, smack your mama good!

It does take a little prepwork. If you don't buy pecans already crushed or chopped, thawing Cool Whip, etc. But totally worth the work & the wait for it to chill.

What You'll Need::

2/3 cup sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, room temp
1/2 small tub of Cool Whip
1/2 cup coconut 
1/2 cup pecans (chopped or crushed to your liking)
1 small can of crushed pineapple
Graham pie crust

Preparation::

Mix the sugar & cream cheese until well-blended. 

Add cool whip & mix well.

Add remaining ingredients; mix well.

Pour into pie crust.

Chill well (roughly 2-3 hours) before serving.

 

Homemade (AND EASY) Cookie Cake

 I know very few people who don't get excited looking at cookie dough. This was my favorite part of the process. Sampling the cookie dough. You know, like any good wife & mother would. My husband took my daughter to a birthday party for a friend's daughter a few weeks ago. AND, like a man, forgot to bring our son a piece of cake home. I got talked into making a cookie cake at home between the boy child and the husband also. This is one of the easiest desserts I make, and doesn't require expensive ingredients.

What You'll Need::

For The Cake::
10 tbsp butter
2/3 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
1 egg & 1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

For Optional Frosting::
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder 
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1-2 tbsp milk
sprinkles

Instructions::
For the cookie::
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & Grease pan IF you prefer, I've found that glass baking dishes work best for me, and NOT greasing my pan. You can also use pie pans.

Cream butter & sugars together for 2 minutes and then mix in egg, egg yolk & vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Use a wooden spoon to mix in all but 2 tbsp of chocolate chips and then press the cookie dough down into the pie plate. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tbsp of chocolate chips on top & press them down slightly.

Bake for 22-25 minutes. Let cookie cool completely, and run a sharp knife to loosen the edges.

For Frosting:: 
Beat all the ingredients together until smooth, adding extra milk if needed. Place into piping bag or icing gun & use desired tip!

 

Homemade Fried Pickles

So, lately I have been desperately wanting some fried pickles. My little couponing self had a ton stashed back from a haul a few months back that were basically screaming to be used. These were SO easy to make and absolutely delicious. Even the kids loved them!!

What You'll Need::

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
2 eggs
1 cup milk
3 cups of thin sliced dill pickles, drained
Oil (for deep or pan frying)
Ranch dressing for dipping *optional*


In one bowl, mix flour, salt & papper.

In another bowl, beat eggs & stir in the milk.

You may want to blot off your pickles on paper towels to get rid of any moisture.

First, coat your pickles in flour mixture. Cover both sides well. Then, dip them in the egg & milk mixture; and then return to the flour mixture for a final coating.

I had my oil in my deep fryer set to 350 degrees. I fried about 10-12 pickles per batch. Most recipes say for about 3 minutes, mine took 7-10 to get to a desired golden-brown and crunchiness for my crew. Serve them warm, with your topping of choice & enjoy!