Easy Cleaning Tip

Put a layer of newspaper in the bottom of your trashcan, it will absorb any liquids that might accumulate!

Don't have newspaper? Use your junk mail!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Buy vanilla beans, cut them down the middle (I bought mine on Amazon)...

Buy cheap vodka...

 Put vanilla beans into cheap vodka...

Set aside for 1 month and get the best vanilla extract on the cheap!

 This Vanilla Extract will keep for years, only getting stronger with time. It makes a great gift, just put it in a pretty jar!

Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Edition Product Review

We got a new sewing machine. It does 100 different stitches and letter & number embroidery! It is the "Project Runway" edition-not that I watch that show, but the reviews on are pretty high. You can't beat the price about $150. I am excited, we started an etsy account to sell vintage items and some of our creations! Should be fun!  Check back to see more about our new machine!

 

 

See all different features and stitches. Comes with several different presser feet.

It comes with a DVD to go over the basics.

All the different feet, needles and tools.

Little Pumpkin is very excited to make a house out of the box!

After trying the sewing machine, I have to say I LOVE it! It doesn't matter if you are new to sewing or have been sewing for a long time, this is a great machine! It comes with many different feet and enough stitches to make all your projects unique!

My 14 year old has been sewing up a storm, and gets very jealous when I am using the new machine. I am hoping to get a second one from soon! I saw some listed there new in the box for about $130. That's a great deal!

Chicken Fried Chicken

This recipe is adapted from allrecipes.com

 
I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs and I cut them up to be the size of nuggets. I put the nuggets into an egg and milk wash-the recipe doesn't call for milk, but milk makes it more tender.  I LOVE these bowls from IKEA!

Then I got my cast iron pan with oil ready. I usually add more flour and potato flakes than the recipe calls for, I also add seasonings like paprika and garlic.  You can add whatever you like, my mom uses Parmesan Cheese to her recipe, mmm...I forgot until I was nearly done or would have added that too! 

I don't add salt because the crackers have so much salt, also 1 sleeve is 36 crackers, so I started with two sleeves. 

I only buy potato flakes for this recipe--that tells you how good it is.

Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry but not so hot it spits at you or burns the chicken crust. I put my burner on 5 or 6.

I am making a large amount to have leftovers, so I will put my pan in the oven to stay warm, and ensure it's done cooking, while I am frying the rest. 

Also I figure if I am going to do all this work, I might as well make it worth it!

Since I'm doing a large amount I add more crackers, flakes, etc. to my bowl as needed.

We ate it with green beans and mashed potatoes and gravy....mmmm. SO GOOD, and moist!

Submitted By: CASSJW

Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 6

"Potato flakes are the secret ingredient that make the saltine crust on this simple chicken-fried chicken dish so tasty."

Ingredients:

30 saltine crackers 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons dry potato flakes 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 egg 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1.	Place crackers in a large resealable plastic bag; seal bag and crush crackers with a rolling pin until they are coarse crumbs. Add the flour, potato flakes, seasoned salt, and pepper and mix well.
2.	Beat egg in a shallow dish or bowl. One by one, dredge chicken pieces in egg, then place in bag with crumb mixture. Seal bag and shake to coat.
3.	Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4.	Fry chicken, turning frequently, until golden brown and juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes.

Frugal Tip

Planning a trip or outing? Pack a lunch!



Not only will it be cheaper, it will be more nutritious! Pack a small cooler and save.

Proverbs

The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands
~Proverbs 14:1

I Am Blessed

In those quiet moments in the middle of the night when I am up nursing Baby Girl, I am blessed.

In the times I watch Little Pumpkin as she does the sweetest Little Pumpkin things and says the dearest Little Pumpkin sayings, I am blessed. 

As I watch The Artist and see how beautiful and bright she is and the lovely young lady she has become, I am blessed.

In the moments spent with Thoughtful Son seeing him become a man before my eyes and as I see what a hard worker he is, I am blessed.

Hearing Handsome Husband say he enjoyed dinner, knowing he was hungry and tired after a long day of work, I am blessed.

May you be blessed and have a restful Sabbath!