Sweet treats in sweet glass holders and sweetly cheap!

I'm always on a budget, it seems.  In fact, I'm sure a lot of us are on budgets.   So, I'm always on the lookout for crafty items that are sweetly cheap!   Much of the time I find these great ideas on Pinterest,   If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, don't.   You will get addicted.   Okay, DO go on Pinterest but you can't say I didn't warn you.

Everything for this craft was purchased at the Dollar Store (I actually had these items for awhile but decided to finally make the project).   A lot of times I will go to the Dollar Store to purchase hair ties, pens, cards, batteries (and really, the batteries aren't that bad because I found a comparison some passionate person did on YouTube and they really do compare to the ones you buy at any regular store.)   I couldn't resist myself when the idea popped in my head, remembering what I saw on Pinterest.   So, each of these glass holders cost two dollars (one dollar for each piece) and the items inside, another dollar.  So, three dollars total for each!  How can you beat that?  

I found the pedestal in the candle section.  It's actually a candle holder itself.  The glass container on top was from the kitchen section.   I just glued them together and voila!   A perfect container for your cotton swabs, Q-tips or candy!   The front of the containers I got in the kitchen section have an indentation in front to put a label on it.   I haven't gotten the labels but who knows...I may change my mind later.  I like those chalkboard labels so those might look awfully cute and you can change what you write on it.

Thanks for the creepy stare, Quincy.

Spring seems to already be in the air.  I'm loving it.  We had a little scare with my Miss Emma.  She came down with bronchial pneumonia and had a 105.2 temperature.  After a rush to the vet for a checkout, X-rays, steroid shots, fluids and antibiotics she is back to her old self again, thank God.

 Quincy, on the other hand, has no problems passing out in the sun.

Until next time!   Stay strong, stay positive and stay sweet...Valentine's Day is right around the corner, you know?  :)  

Sweet Potato Fries!

I've decided that in 2015 my only goal is to keep things simple.  I only say this because for the last ten years I've never been able to stick to your typical get organized or get fit goals.  Yep, I'm still a disorganized chunk.  I mean, how hard can keeping simple be, right?  Keep things simple and eat better, that is.   I didn't say diet either..there will be NO DIETS in my house.   I don't believe in diets...I believe in moderation and exercise, which in my case is going up and down the two flights of stairs in my condo at least a kajillion times a day because I'm always forgetting at least one or two things a day on the other floors.  So, back to simplicity.   I have been on a hiatus from my love of cooking since the holidays but I want to get back in the kitchen and stir things up again.  However, with my busy schedule it's been hard to make a meal that takes hours and hours of prep.   I'll try to save that for the weekends.  So, to start things off, I recently made another batch of these beauties, sweet potato fries.   These are the easiest and the tastiest things you can stir up quickly and, BONUS, they are good for you.  

A little background on this sweet veggie from www.webmd.com:

1. "Sweet potatoes are a Native American plant that was the main source of nourishment for early homesteaders and for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. These tuberous roots are among the most nutritious foods in the vegetable kingdom. They are packed with calcium,potassium, and vitamins A and C."

First things first.  Get yourself a fine glass of wine to get in the mood.  Now slice away, thin and long slices, you know, like fries and don't cut your fingers!

Throw the slices in a bowl and toss in olive oil.  I have no clue how much...just splash until coated.  

Line them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and throw in the oven at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.   Then flip over and bake another 10 minutes until they just brown on the edges.

Make an awesome dipping sauce by combining 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 cloves garlic minced, a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste!   Eh voila! 

Now stuff your face full of this vitamin enriched vegetable and never feel guilty!