Super Easy Apple Dumping Bread

The Bread that doubles as a decadent dessert.

MAKING THE TOPPING

What you will need:
6 Apples, any kind will do
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Cut, peel, and remove core from all apples
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients for topping, with a lid, stirring often, let simmer on stove until apples fall apart.

MAKING THE BREAD

What you will need:
1 package Pillsbury French Loaf
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 to 2 tablespoons of cinnamon

First roll out Pillsbury French Loaf on non stick baking sheet
Do not separate in the perforated sections
Next melt butter/margarine in microwave in 30 second intervals until the butter is liquid and add cinnamon. Once that is done pour the mixture onto the dough and spread evenly.
Roll up the dough opposite of the way it was package, you want to roll to be and long as possible without pulling on it. When you look at the end of the roll it should be a spiral.
Cut it lengthwise right down the middle and twist both section individually, then twist them together.
and create a circle.

Bake the dough as directed on package, Once the bread is done, get out a fancy plate and pour topping all over the loaf.

Viola!
I enjoy pulling it apart putting it in a bowl and pouring milk over it, it doesn't get any better than that.



Here's a little life lately via Instagram.......

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The Unique Gift List

With Mother and Father’s Day both here. I have been internet searching for the perfect
gifts. I handmade my mom a quilt, however, I don’t think my dad would want a quilt.
I have searched and searched and searched. Some people may think Fathers Day is just
another day you have to go and buy a card, however….not the case. This is the one day
of the year our fathers should get a special gift. My Dad is super hard to buy for, not
because he has everything but because he says, “I don’t need anything,” well, I don’t
know about you, but I want to do nice things for him. For the past many years I have just
made something for him. Well, its time I spend some of my hard earned money on him.
Anyway I have compiled a list of great unique gifts that I came across in my search. Here
it is.Hopefully you find this useful.

For the Musician…

Create your own Picks from something you already love.

www.pickpunch.com

For the Gardener…

These Unique Garden Markers are perfect because you can erase and change each season.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62735376/chalkboard-metal-garden-markers-5?
ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=garden+markers&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_vie
w_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_ref=related&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all

For the Animal Lover….

A custom Nose Print Necklace, It takes a little work on your end, but I definitely need
one of these.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85758825/small-dog-or-cat-nose-print-customized?
ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=custom+dog+nose+necklace&ga_view_type=gallery
&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

For the Nature Lover…

Everyone can use a compass. This one is handmade and only $14.50

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100747690/compass-in-wood-for-walking-stick-or?
ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=hike&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_
min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

For the Chef in the family…

Now they can create even more delicious food by growing there own herbs at
home.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96169652/herb-garden-kit-herb-seeds-herb-pots?
ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=herb+garden&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=Z
Z&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all

For the Photography Lover…

You’re your Instagram pictures into a cute magnets for the fridge

www.stickygram.com

For the Car Lover…

Auto Timing Gear Wall Clock

http://www.uncommongoods.com/search.html/find/?
displayedproducts=12&grid=1&i=1&q=Cars&sort=none&t0=Gifts&t1=Clocks&u1=q&
u2=t0&u3=t1


Till next time, stay classy,

Ally Lynn

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I don't like pineapple with my ham. 

That's right. I said it. Right now we are getting our first major thunderstorm. I'm lying in bed, with laptop and puppies, window open listening to the rain.

So back the the topic, I don't like pineapple with my ham. I also don't like apples with my chicken or cranberries with my turkey. While I understand it is a taste to be appreciated, I just cant seem to find myself wanting to chow down on this unique palette.

Earlier I was harvesting lettuce from our garden and it reminded me of  this recipe. It was so hot and humid today, I was in the mood for some leafy greens and sweet fruit.

With that being said, I do love this recipe below. Its healthy and it makes your mouth water.....

Strawberry Salad

What you will need:

Lettuce
Strawberries
Sesame Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Flax Seeds
...and any other fixings you choose, (onions, carrots, etc.)

Dressing Preferred- Poppy Seed
Dressing variations- Sweet Vidalia Onion, Italian

Allylynn

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DIY Canvas Screenprinting

GOOD MORNING!

I am in a fantastic mood today. It is probably because I have gotten a lot accomplished over the past 3 days. I have been focusing on one of the spare bedrooms in my house the needed some good ole TLC.


So I decided what a inexpensive idea for some art to help decorate the plain white walls and fire place.


What you will need:


Painters Canvas
Acrylic Paint (color of your choice, but lighter tones work better)
Gel Medium
The picture you want to transfer
Spray bottle & Water
& Embellishments




*Enlarge your picture and photocopy it. The photocopy is what you will use.


*Paint the canvas to the color that you choose and let dry completely.


*After the paint dries, paint the canvas with gel medium, apply liberally, before the gel medium drys,flatten the photocopy face down and smooth out all the bubbles like wallpaper and let COMPLETELY dry before proceeding to the next step.


*Using the spray bottle lightly spray a section of the paper rubbing off one layer at a time until you can clearly see the picture.


* Make sure all paper debris is gone, and Embellish to your liking.


On the two canvases that I did, I used crackle paint to cover the corners which helped cover an imperfections, and added 2 of my fabric flowers to make Daisy's a little more girly.




So here is the final outcome.

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DIY Dog Bed

So in light of my new family member I decided he needed a really cozy place of his own. I was at Joann Fabric and found this great nutmeg colored velvet in the red tag section. I got 2 yards and I have had it setting in my sewing room for the past 3 months. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to use it for. Well Eureka!

I was at the pet store getting some new supplies for the puppy and some of the dog beds were ranging from $30 and up. I couldnt believe it.

So here is my version. It is super simple and you can use things that are in your house.

Things you will need.

-Pillow form, any size you want, I used a standard queen size pillow from one of the spare bedrooms
-sewing machine and all necesary accesories (thread, scissors, pins, etc.)
-fabric of your choice (in general, unless you have a large large dog and you are planning on making a huge bed, you will only need 1 yard of fabric.)

Standard Size pillow are 32" x 21", therefore you will need to cut 2 piece of fabric with a 1/2" seam allowance. Once you have those cut, you will need to cut the back rest piece. So the length will cover 3 of the 4 sides, equalling 75" and the height of the back rest can be whatever size you choose. I used 6". therefor I cut 2 pieces 75" x 6".

Once you have all the pieces cut it is time to sew. First start by sewing the pillow cover with right sides together, leaving one of the four sides open to insert the pillow. I chose to leave open one of the lengthiest sides for easier manuvering. Then sew together the backrest leaving both 6 inch sides open. At this point you are half way done. Here comes the tricky part. Now it is time to sew both pieces, the pillow cover and the back rest, together. Flip your pillow cover so that the wrong sides are now together. Same with the backrest, the ultimate goal is to sew both pieces together without sewing shut the openings. Below is a picture to better understand. Hopefully it helps, its really not a good picture.

Once you have that done insert your pillow, and fill the back rest with polyfil, aka stuffing. I left the pillow cover open so that when it comes time to wash this beautiful dog bed it doesnt take up the whole washing machine. Then simply gather and sew the ends of the back rest to keep any polyfil from coming out. Voila! Brand new dog bed that I actually like.

I know I did a good job  cause sometimes I even
catch this beautiful girl  taking a nap
in Duke's Window. 

*JoAnn's has a great section called Red Tag fabric. I periodically just go to see what is there. It serves me well most of the time, allows me to find fantastic fabric at an unbelievably low price.

So there you have it.....I have lots more stuff coming. Just a few technical problems the past 2 weeks.




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Breakfast and Lunch Mason Jar Meals

MMMMMmmmmmmm.....super easy....super fast....just plain old super.

I of course was on pinterest about 2 weeks ago and I had been eyeing the mason jar meals. I read a few pins, and took some notes and then made some of my own....enough to last all week. First let me start by saying that I leave for work at 5:45am every morning so the last thing I want to do is make myself breakfast or lunch and eating out all the time can be expensive. Trying these was one of the best things I have done in a while.

15 Lunch/Breakfast Mason Jar Meals

I made 5 different kinds.

Breakfast- Oatmeal (banana/ nutella)
                Oatmeal (blueberry/ cinnamon)
                Egg Fritata- Tomato Basil

Lunch- Pasta Salad (with Tomatoes, Peas, Parmesan, and Italian Dressing)
            Spaghetti (tomato sauce and Parmesan)
            Tuna Salad (Tuna, lettuce, carrots, Parmesan, and sunflower seeds)

Oatmeal Mason Jar Meals

The key to the oatmeal is simple..... Fill the mason jar half way with rolled oats, then the other half with your choice of fruit and spice. Then fill the whole jar with coconut milk. The coconut milk gives the oatmeal a fresh taste. Put the lid on, shake well, and refrigerate overnight. *depending on the ripeness of the fruit, these may only last about 2 days.

Oatmeal, Spaghetti, and Pasta Salad

The Egg Fritata is not as simple.....but by far the best one. Mix together 1 dozen eggs, 1 cup half and half. Then the veggies and spices of your choice. Tomato Basil is PERFECT. Fill Mason Jars half way. * Do NOT exceed half way....when these are baking they spill over if too full.
Bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes. Make sure the fritata is baked all the way through and top has browned. Let completely cool and put lid on and refrigerate. These almost 2 weeks in the refrigerate.

Pasta Salad.

This is so easy its almost a crime. Cook noodles till tender. Barely cover the bottom of the mason jar with Italian Dressing, add tomatoes and peas, then noodles on top. put lid on and refrigerate. When you are ready to eat, shake well and bon appetite. I had the pasta salad yesterday for lunch with a banana and it was honestly the best portion control I have had in a while. I used half quart wide mouth jars for all the lunch recipes.

With my left over noodles I made just plain old spaghetti jars, filled the bottom with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, then noodles. I only made 3 of them and David had them all eaten in 3 days....Those were obviously his favorite. Since he is working outside on the farm all the time he wants something he can come in and grab for lunch and these are just too convenient.

The tuna salad option was also easy peasy. Make tuna salad to your liking. fill the bottom of the mason jar with tuna, fill the rest with lettuce. done.....

I am definitely going to make these again....They are totally worth it.

I give 4 stars to Mason Jar Meals.

My mom and dad are starting a garden at our house so there should be lots of fresh veggies this year and I'm sure going to be canning and freezing. Any techniques you have found that work?

Here are some pictures from my life since I have been away.....

Daisy out in Daddy's Fields

My Dad's Dog, Bentley, came over to help Garden, but
Bentley decided he would rather drive instead

Baby Duke being a Ham for the Camera

I can't believe how lucky this shot was.... Daisy just saw a groundhog when I snapped this pic.
She is ready to Pounce. But NO WORRIES. No Groung hogs were hurt.

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BRIDAL SHOWER

My cousin is getting married on May 12 2012. We have been planning for almost a year now. This past weekend we finally had the bridal shower. I have posted some pictures for inspiration. We were on a relatively fixed budget so these are some great ideas for a bridal shower, if you are currently going through the process.

 We made super easy favors, I bought fat quarters of quilting fabric and followed a tutorial I found on pinterest to make these beautiful fabric flowers.

These beauties are in a Longerberger Pitcher.
Unfortunately its not mine....But it might be one day.

I have made about 200 of these now in all different colors.
I will be doing another post on these as well.

We made Smoothies, cupcakes, fruit kabobs, pierogie casserole, donut tower, meatballs, pasta salad, broccoli and cheese bites, ham and cheese bites, calico beans and so much more I can't even think of all the food we had.

Donuts from Dunkin!

Pineapple and Banana Cupcakes

Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Garlic Dip, Hummus, and more Hummus.
This plate set is adorable, I am still trying to find where you can buy it.
My cousin forgot where she bought it.

My Aunt Lisa loves to cook and bake so of course she did a majority of that. I think the coolest thing she made were the pineapple cupcakes, The icing was to die for. When we were creating the menu for the shower, She had mentioned the pineapple cupcakes and coincidentally I found another tutorial on pinterest for the cupcake top that looks like a flower and is made out of extremely thin slices of pineapple. The slices of pineapple are placed in a cupcake tin and put into the oven the dry into the flower shape.



LOVE THESE!
My Aunt Lisa did such a
Great Job.  



My cousin and her soon to be husband are going to the Caribbean for their honeymoon, so there was a beach/Luau theme. I made a beach bag and we filled it with things they will need on their honeymoon, like flip flops, sandals, sunglasses, suntan lotion, towels, etc. We got her a makeup bag and filled it with travel size items, like Advil, lotion, makeup remover, tissues, nail file, etc, anything she would need on her wedding day.

I bought a beautiful white silk robe for the day of the wedding and embroidered it with Mrs. Oquendo. The robe was a great price too.

This was the perfect place to put the door prizes
and the message in a bottle.

I made these from twine I bought at JoAnn's and random burlap and satin.
Relatively easy to do.

I had the idea to include a message in a bottle type game. So I made some cute bottles and everyone wrote notes to the bride and groom, and shoved them into the bottles. Then on the night of the honeymoon, they will smash the bottle and get to read what everyone wrote. We did one for the honeymoon and one for the first year anniversary. It was super cute, especially when we put it under the fish net. We use clothespins to clip lots of pictures of the cute couple.

We played a game, in the game everyone get 2 seashells, if the person says "bride," "groom," Lauran," or "June." and someone catches you saying it, you must give them your shell. Whoever has the most shells wins. I was surprised at the response that it got. Everyone was pretty involved and tried catching each other. I did horribly and lost both my shells within 10 minutes of the shower starting.

My Aunt Lisa was following tradition and made a hat out of all the bows that were on her shower gifts, then what happens is, at the rehearsal the bride needs to wear as she goes through the rehearsal.

She is hating this right now.

She is going to kill me if she sees this. HAH.

I hope my cousin had as much fun as we planned for. I hope she loved all her great gifts. So much creativity and love was in the air. We can only hope she got everything she wanted and more.

NEXT STOP on the wedding tour, THE WEDDING.....and I thought planning the shower was a lot. These next 2 months will be busy busy busy......

Till next time.
Allylynn

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