Happy Halloween Circa 1946

Happy Halloween Kid Friendly Menu with Recipes

Holiday Menus
I made Monster Joes one year for Halloween many years ago and ever since they have become our family's traditional Halloween meal. My 19 year old daughter who is in college, who will be coming home for the weekend, even had to ask and make sure that I was still going to be making Monster Joes. I love these types of family traditions. Who knew this would stick.

Halloween
Halloween Green Bean Salad
Monster Joes

Halloween Green Bean Salad

Recipe By Cooking light

Serving Size : 8

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Salad:

1 1/2 pounds green beans -- trimmed

1 cup vertically sliced red onion

1 cup orange slices

1 cup seedless red grapes -- halved

INSTRUCTIONS

To prepare vinaigrette, combine first 8 ingredients in a jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously. Chill.

To prepare salad, steam green beans, covered, 3 minutes or until tender, and chill. Combine green beans, onion slices, orange slices, and grape halves in a large bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad, tossing gently to coat.

YIELD: 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

PREPARATION TIME:20 minutes

COOKING TIME:3 minutes

NUTRITIONAL INFO

calories: 68 carbohydrates: 13.6 g cholesterol: 0 mg fat: 1.4 g sodium: 26 mg protein: 2.1 g calcium: 46 mg iron: 1 mg fiber: 3.2 g

Monster Joes

Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 1/4 pounds ground beef 7% fat, Extra Extra Lean

8 hot dog fat free Ball Park -- sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup dill pickles -- chopped

1/2 cup catsup

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup yellow mustard

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

8 hamburger buns Wonder Light

1.Spray a non-stick skillet with no-fat cooking spray, add onions and ground beef. Saute until beef is no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain if necessary

2. Slice up hot dogs in bite sice rounds and chop pickles. Combine sliced hot dogs, pickles, and rest of ingredients in skillet. Cook bringing to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on Buns.

Decorate tops of buns with cut up veggies like pepper strips, carrots, olives, cheese to make scary monster faces.


Per serving: 291 Calories; 6g Fat (18% calories from fat); 25g Protein; 39g Carbohydrate; 50mg Cholesterol; 1046mg Sodium

Food Exchanges: 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Other Carbohydrates

Grooming Day: To Cut or Not To Cut that is the question?

Today is grooming day. I love my little Maltese. She is beautiful when brushed and groomed and straight out of the groomers. However that lasts about an hour after we get home then it is out the door and she is playing in the dirt, the bow is out, and the next thing I know I have mats again. I try to groom her every night but that doesn't always happen. She has so much hair, it is sometimes hard to find the mats. Every evening I have spent a ton of time combing out mats. I have even had to cut out a few. I am seriously thinking of getting her a puppy cut. It is called a puppy cut because it is a cut that resembles what a puppy Maltese coat looks like. Instead of her long flowing coat, they cut the coat to about a 2" length all over. They leave the hair on the head tail and legs longer.

One part of me has real anxiety about getting her hair cut. The other rational side of my brain says everyone will be happier with a puppy cut, including Roxie.

Roxie before her groom today.

I did it. I dropped Roxie off at the groomers and we talked about a puppy cut and I gave the go ahead. The groomer said if I didn't like it we could always let it grow out. I have had bad haircuts in the past now I am worried and obsessing about a bad haircut for a dog. Geez I'm ridiculous. Actually I trust Julie (my dog groomer) She has always done a better than fantastic job. I will be picking up Roxie later today.

Back From The Groomers

It Turned Out Great!

Here is Roxie in her new shorter "Puppy Cut" hairdo


See My Pretty Orange and Black Pumpkin Halloween Bows
Now I'm all tuckered out and need a nap. Good night.

Justification and Sanctification a Catholic Viewpoint

LadyLaminin asked
***For anyone who converted to Catholicism from a baptist or similar background, would it be fair to say that while I as a Bible Christian view salvation to be a one time occurance and the process of sanctification to be ongoing the Catholic Church view them to be synonymously occuring?***

Hi, OK I will try to answer:
     Justification is total removal of sin, an infusion of grace and the renewal of the inner man. Catholics maintain that a true faith in Jesus Christ is not saving faith unless it bears fruit in good works without which spiritual growth is impossible. (I really think Fundamentalists agree here with Catholics and is why they put so much emphasis on the changed life of the believer but are afraid to say that good works take any effort on the part of the individual lest it be perceived the individual is trying to earn their salvation by good works) A Catholic does not believe you can earn salvation by good works just like Fundamentalists. That is the misconception. Catholics believe it is only by God's Grace we are saved but good works are necessary for Salvation in the sense they are a reflection of ones faith. Faith without works is dead. see James chapter 2.

     So to a Catholic Justification and Sanctification are not separate from each other but closely related and intertwined. Sanctification is the process of being made holy not just legally declared so. Sanctification begins at baptism, is facilitated by prayer, acts of charity and the aid of the sacraments and is ultimately fulfilled upon entrance into heaven and union with God.

"Grace is defined in Catholicism as the gratuitous benevolence shown by God toward the human race and it is an absolutely unmerited free gift of God made possible through our redeemer Jesus Christ and his atoning death on the Cross for us."

Mere external works done without purity of heart and charity are of little worth. 1 Cor 13:3

Catholicism holds that a person cannot save himself by his own self-originated works. The works come from a desire to demonstrate or work out our faith.

James Chapter 2:14-17 (KJV)

14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

CCC 2010-2011

Menu Plan Monday Oct. 13 - Oct. 19

Hi all, I just started a diet program to help get rid of 65 excess pounds that have crept on over the past 5 years, but I still have to feed a family of 5. So I still need to meal plan and I love to cook. I wanted my family's meals to closely resemble my diet meals. I also wanted to improve and make healthier versions of family favorites.

Here is the plan for this week with recipe links.

Monday
Pork Chops and Rice Pilaf
Green Peas

Tuesday

Pizza Night

Deana's Homemade Pizza

Wednesday
Baked Potatoes and A World of Toppings
Your Choice Of Italian, Mexican or Barvarian
Tossed Salad

Thursday
Anne's Chicken (Crockpot)

Friday

Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburger in Paradise
Don't forget the Heinz 57 Sauce (or generic equivalent I am not a purist)
Key Lime Pie (No bake)- (Not for those on a diet)

Saturday
Easy Does it Spaghetti
Grean Beans
Garlic Monkey Bread

Sunday

Beef Roast with Tomatoes, Onions and Peppers (Large enough to have leftovers for another meal)

Baked Potatoes

Tossed Salad

I am Spoiled and a Wimp! I need Air Conditioning!

 On this blog I have stated that I live in the South East US, but I am sure I have left clues as to what state I am specifically from and the observant person could probably pretty accurately guess.  Well if I haven't already, I am probably going to give it away in this post.

      I could not have lived in this state 60 years ago when the majority of people who lived here still didn't have Air Conditioning. I am a complete wimp. Our AC  broke on Friday. Not the whole thing but the blower motor thingy. So hubby said we couldn't run it until we get the replacement part. That will be tomorrow Tuesday-- Hopefully!! It is over 90 degrees and very humid and it is the middle of October. It isn't the hot summer months of June, July, or August it is October!  All windows open and ceiling fans going and it is still hot, hot, hot. How did people use to do it? No wonder this state didn't really become populated till after the 1940's. No wonder people go back north in the Summer. It is just too hot. Now on my Dad's side of the family we go back several generations in this state. How did the pioneers of this state do it? I can't imagine wearing long skirts and petticoats. OK I now understand the need for huge hoop skirts!! Air circulation. Part of the problem I realize is that houses are no longer built efficiently for cooling. Old houses had tall ceilings, breeze ways and lots of windows. and faced I think north. I am a spoiled wimp. I can't stand it. I'm hot sweaty and at night can't sleep even with a fan blowing directly on me. Funny I'm fine when we go camping and can endure the heat, but in my own home I just can't stand it. Maybe it is a psychological thing. The house is suppose to be cool. OK thanks to anyone reading this for letting me rant. One more day! I know I can survive one more day without AC. 

    Have a great day all and for all of you in the North who are enjoying beautiful crisp cool Fall days I am truly envying you right now. Enjoy it.

200+ Inexpensive Fun, Budget Friendly, Christmas Gift Ideas

Financial Crisis or Not Christmas is only 2 1/2 months away. Here are some super cheap (oops I mean inexpensive) budget friendly, fantastically frugal Christmas gift Ideas that I have collected over the years.

Gift Ideas With Accompanying Gift Tag Message.

1. Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"
2. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your
"crummy" neighbors.
3. Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "barqing"
up the right tree!"
4. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
5. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
6. Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to
the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping
others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job
loving others."
7. Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world
through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"
8. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry
Christmas".
9. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a
good friend you is!"
10. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you
a cup of cheer."
11. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"
12. Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"
13. Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.
14. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"
15. Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"
16. Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home
about!"
17. Matches: "To our matchless friends"
18. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"
19. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting
thoughts/ideas)
20. Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"
21. Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"
22. Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"
23. Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"
24. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"
25. Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"
26. Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"
27. Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"
28. Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"
29. Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"
30. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"
31. Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"
32. Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"
33. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"
34. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"
35. Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares
Away!"
36. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a
break...and slow your pace"
37. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"
38. Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"
39. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and
brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep
you sane!"
40. Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"
41. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was
"stirring"..."
42. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great
neighbor!"
43. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"
44. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"
45. Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"
46. M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"
47. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season
"topped" with Christmas cheer!"
48. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she
needs hugs too!"
49. Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"
50. Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"
51. Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been
naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!
52. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the
whole year through!"
53. Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without
getting some on yourself!"
54. Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"
55. Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come
true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"
56. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"
57. Potpourri: "May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses
long ago!"
58. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"
59. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"
60. Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"
61. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little
"cane" during the holidays"
62. Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"
63. Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"
64. Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"
65. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"
66. Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles;
You'll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it
says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"
67. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"
68. Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on
Christmas Day"
69. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter
and love!"
70. Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart
rejoice!"
71. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"
72. Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"
73. Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"
74. Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas
merry and the New Year bright!!!"
75. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"
76. Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we
think is very dear!"
77. Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time
of year!"
78. Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"
79. Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"
80. Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"
81. Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"
82. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!
83. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas
is a Sweet one!
84. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats
- Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"
85. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"
86. Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"
87. Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"
88. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble
at this house!" Merry Christmas!!
89. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We
wish you all a cup of Cheer!"
90. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"
91. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"
92.Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
93. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have
a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed"
with Christmas Cheer!!"
94. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake,
it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's
all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
95. Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday
fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attatch the recipe!)
96. Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"
97. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"
98. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine!
Sweet Christmas Wishes!"
99. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops! "
100. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"
101. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
102. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just
hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas
Cheer this Holiday Season!"
103. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a
"Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye,
Teacher!"
104. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to
do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"
105. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday
Wishes! Merry Christmas!"
106. Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is
really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"
107. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first
rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"
108. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to
have Merry Christmas!"
109. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"
110. Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"
111. Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy
Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"
112. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry
Christmas!!"
113. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
114. Plant: "The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope
you have a Happy Holiday!!"
115. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
116. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"
117. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree:
"Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"
118. Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please
don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy
yule!"
119. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a
"kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"
120. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"
121. Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

MORE Christmas Gift and Tag Ideas

A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs "hugs" too! Merry Christmas!!
Fill a box, bog or mug with Hershey's Hugs & Kisses.

Hope a merry "HO-HO-HO" fills your heart the whole year though! Merry Christmas! Give with a box of Hotess Ho-ho's...decorate the box or put in a Christmas type bag.

Christmas is coming and so are the deer, Listen closely and bells you will hear.
Along with them comes a special treat, Reindeer droppings for you to eat!! Merry Christmas!! Color and cut out a deer head (picture) and attach to a box of Whoppers or Milk Duds.

Hoping you have a "ball" this Holiday Season! Merry Christmas!!
Give with popcorn balls, or cheese ball and crackers.

"Whisking" you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Give a whisk filled with treats.

"By gum, you're great neighbors!" Have a Merry Christmas! Give a sack, jar or mug filled with gumdrops or gum.

"You make friendship bloom all year round" Merry Christmas!!
Give a poinsetta plant or other type of flowering plant..

We're "ROOT"ing for you to have a won"DEER"ful New Year! Give a 2 liter
bottle of Rootbeer with a deer head attached (picture)

Have a Hot and Spicy Christmas! Merry Christmas!! Give salsa and tortilla chips.

Here's some zesty salsa to spice up your
holidays!! Merry Christmas!!
Give salsa and tortilla chips.

Just "poppin" by with a warm Christmas "Hi!" Merry Christmas!!
Give any kind of popcorn treat, microwave popcorn or you can give a 2 liter bottle of soda pop or a 6-pak of pop

Baked with Love for you! Merry
Christmas!! Give cake in a jar, or other baked treat.

"Dip" into a wonderful Holiday Season and a Healthy New year! Give veggies and dip mix or dip mix and crackers or prretzels. Or carmel dip and apples.

Have an "udderly" moovalous Christmas!!
Give anything with a cow or make a cow pie using an oreo cookie crust filled with chocolate or vanilla pudding spread cool whip on top...make irregular black spots on top using crushed oreo's

Hope your Christmas is "tree"mendous!! Give tree pasta or fill tree shaped container with goodies or put goodies on a tree tray. Or can give a small Christmas tree.

A friend always knows when you need a little "hug". Merry Christmas!!
Fill a bag, jar or mug with Hershey Hugs

Kisses and Hugs!! Fill a mug with Hershey kisses and hugs.

Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, whatever you di, It says "Merry Christmas from us to
you!!" Give a wooden spoon with some sort of mix (muffins, cake ect....)

"Season's" Greetings. Hope this will "spice" up your Christmas!! Give season salt in a salt shaker, jar or any type of spice.

Hope your Christmas is sweet. Merry Christmas!! Give a jar of candy or bag or sack of homemade candy.

We tray-sure" your friendship! Happy Holidays! Give a Christams tray with goodies

Have "ewe" self a Merry little Christmas!! Make a lamb out of frozen dinner rolls...or give anything to do with sheep or lambs.

Have a "berry" nice Holiday Season. Give a jar of jam, Strawberry Cheesecake mix, or flavored berry syrups and pancake or waffle mix.


May your Holidys "bubble over" with fun! Merry Christmas!!! Give bubble bath or bath crystals with any bath accessory.

"S-breading some holiday cheer, from us, to you, this time of year." Merry Christmas!! Give a loaf of bread..

Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!!! Give anything that has to do with an angel...or you can give an angel food cake mix with toppings, or angel hair pasta.

If friends were flowers, we'd pick you! Happy Holidays!! Give any type of blooming plant, a bouquet of flowers, or a flower arrangement...

Just "popped" over to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Give any type of popcorn....(microwave, tin) or bottles of soda pop..

Have a "whopper" of a Christmas!!! Give with a box of whoppers...

Hope your Christmas is "Scent" sational!! Merry Christmas!! Give a bag of potpourri or a scented candle.

Hope you have a "grate" Christmas!! Give with a Grater, cheese and nacho chips.

Merry Christmousse! Give with a box of chocolate mousse mix.

Wishing you a scrumptious Christmas!!! Give with any kind of treat.

May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite" Give with 2 liter bottle of Sprite. Decorate top of bottle with holly leaves and berries made out of felt..

We couldn't re"strain" ourselves from wishing you a Merry Christmas!!! Fill a strainer with goodies..

Friends like you are worth a "MINT!" Merry Christmas!! Fill a jar or mug with peppermints.

.Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Make a sack look like a house...then fill it with goodies.

Have a holly "jolly" Christmas!!! Fill a jar or mug with jolly ranchers

Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season! Merry Christmas Give soup packet with crackers in mug or soup bowl.

You're getting 'muffin' for Christmas!! Give with muffins or muffin mix.

Full of Christmas Love! Give decorated bag full of goodies.

Have a "pasta-tively" Happy Holiday! Give Christmas shaped pasta in a jar or bag.
Or give any type of pasta along with a pasta spoon.

Have a "beary" sweet Christmas!! Give a bear shaped bottle of honey... or a mug filled with gummy bears.

Lovin from my oven. Bake a cake in a jar...can include recipe if you want to..


This is the last page for inexpensive gifts....hope that you have all found some helpful ideas

Ho-Ho "Ho"memade Bread!!! Give with a loaf of homemade bread.

May your Christmas be festive and fruitful! Merry Christmas!!! Give a fruit basket or jar of dried fruit..

Hoping you have a holiday "jam-packed" with fun!!! Give a jar of jam.

Happy Holidays to everyone

Print the bold type and give with the gift indicated...

It's that "Nutty" time of year again, so please don't lose your cool. Relax and munch this little treat, and have a Happy yule!! Give with a Nutrageious Cand Bar,
or any type of treat with nuts in it.

May your days be happy, and your heart be light, your Christmas Merry, and the New year Bright!! Give with a candle.

Best Wishes for a bright and beautiful Holiday Season. Give with a candle.

May your Christmas be "sprinkled" with laughter and love, Merry Christmas!
Give with cookie sprinkles, cookie cutters and a recipe for sugar cookies.

Here's a little "dough" for Christmas! Merry Christmas!! Give a roll of cookie dough or a tub of cookie dough and cookie cutters

Ho-ho hoping your Christmas is Merry!! Give with any type of Santa.

Wishing you joy beyond "measure" Merry Christmas!! Fill a measuring cup with Christmas treats or goodies. Can also include a measuring tape or ruler.

Have a "M"erry and "M"ost wonderful Holiday Season!! Fill a jar or bag up with M&M's

Just a little Christmas cheer from us, to you, this time of year. Merry Christmas!!
Give with a bottle of sparkling cider or sparkling grape juice or other bottled spirits.

Warm wishes for the Holidays. Give hot chocolate mix in a mug or hot Wassail mix.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!! Give with hot chocolate mix, wassail mix or russian tea mixand a mug.

Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice. So be good for goodness sake! Merry Christmas!! Give with a bag of Chex mix.

Here's a "squeeze" and a "kiss" with Christmas Cheer, to remind you your're loved all through the year! Give with a bottle of "squeeze-it" juice and a Hershey kiss on the tag...

Have a "COOL YULE"!! Give ice cream and topping

Nibble, nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house! Merry Christmas!! Give a gingerbread house.

Menu Plan Monday Oct 6 - Oct 12 2008

Hi all, I just started a diet program to help get rid of 65 excess pounds that have crept on over the past 5 years, but I still have to feed a family of 5. So I still need to meal plan and I love to cook. I wanted my family's meals to closely resemble my diet meals. I also wanted to improve and make healthier versions of family favorites.

It has been awhile since I posted a Menu Plan Monday. I have been winging it the past couple of weeks however, I needed to get back on track. I do so much better when I plan. Here is the plan for this week with recipe links.

Sunday

Savory Pork Roast with Apple Stuffing

Broccoli Spears

Monday

Using leftover pork from Sunday to make

Slivered Pork With Pasta

Tuesday

Pizza Night

Deana's Homemade Pizza

Wednesday

Baked Chicken with Herbs

Herb roasted potatoes

Green Beans

Biscuits

Thursday

Twin Meat loaves

Mashed Potatoes

Peas

Friday

Baked Burritos (Using crumbled left over meatloaf instead of starting with raw ground beef. I will add Mexican spices such as chili powder and cumin to the meat.)

Mexican Rice

Saturday

Easy Ham and Noodle Casserole

Homemade rolls

Sunday

Roast Chicken

Stuffing

Tossed Salad

Corn

Carrots