Down Time ... What's That?

     Well, my surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. This means I will have something that I haven't had in a LONG time ...down time. While, I am recuperating from surgery, my husband's wonderful mom will be taking good care of my little one and our big kids will be in school. That leaves me with quite a few unaccounted for hours in my day (not something you will hear many moms say they have).

Chicken and Rice (Southern Sunday Dinner Style)





 

     Chicken and Rice .... this dish brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. I would sit impatiently in the church pew while my stomach growled and my mouth watered from thinking about what my mom and grandma were planning for our lunch. Needless to say, my 7-year-old mind was NOT paying attention to my uncle's sermon. Lunch, since we were in the South, was bound to be either fried chicken or pork chops or some type of casserole. Everyone knows casseroles were HUGE in the late 70's and early 80's.

My Vintage Dream Kitchen

     Since opening my ETSY shop (you can find it here) in January, I have fallen in love with the site. Blissfully browsing through the lovely vintage and handmade items can equal many hours spent in my already busy day. My "favorites" listings currently number 624 and counting and I have recenlty begun adding treasuries to my profile, as well.

My Errant Gallbladder

     Well, I have managed to skate through 35 years of life with nothing more than a tonsillectomy and three somewhat amazingly long labors. Sadly, my streak has ended. I had the great pleasure of spending last night in our local ER while being poked and prodded by every medical personnel in our county. The news...my gallbladder has decided to up and quit.

ETSY Bound!!!

     Well, I've officially done it.

     I've taken the plunge into the world of online selling. I created my new store at ETSY called Our Little Charmed Life. What am I selling....definitely not cakes! I am actually dipping my toes into little girl hair accessories. Since before the birth of Emily, I have been making hair bows. I love all the colors, ribbon textures, and creativity involved. I, also, love making things that my little one can wear.

Homemade Marshmallow Fondant Recipe and Tutorial

Fondant .... it just seems so scary. I don't know why, but I have been too intimidated by this sweet confection to give it a try. It might be because it's so pretty but, let's face it, not very tasty. Or, it might be the wonderful shows like "Cake Boss" and the larger than life cakes with numerous sculpted figures. I was reluctant until I began seeing recipes to make homemade fondant from marshmallows.

Yep, you heard right...marshmallows. And so many people swear it's super easy and actually tasted delicious. Now in my opinion anything made from marshmallows must be good.

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Truffles

       You may think I have a chocolate and peanut butter obsession since this is two posts with the same flavors in two days. Well, you are right! I was inspired by my Reese's Peanut Butter Cupcakes yesterday into whipping up a batch of my all time favorite  holiday candy.
     There are just so many wonderful memories that I will forever hold dear of Christmases past. One of my favorite is making candy with my stepmother (she was Martha Stewart before Martha was!) Her absolute best was Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Truffles. Oh, lord....they were good. They are easy to put together but take a little time to dip. But let's face it...it's worth it if it's chocolate!