Find this on my Etsy shop - www.heartsandhappiness.etsy.com

I don’t know about you, but, I am not crazy about spending $60 or $70 to send flowers to the funeral home. And, then just to see them thrown out on the ground. Of course, there will always be people that want to send live flowers and planters. And, for that, I am really glad. There needs to be flowers also.

I would like to introduce a new idea to you. This is called “Letter from Heaven”, and I have been making these for a while now, instead of sending flowers. The recipients have been very touched and appreciative, and really cherish them. Instead of having to take care of, and water a flower, they can display this in their homes and enjoy it for years to come. It is a beautiful letter, as if it is being written to someone still living, by the recently deceased person. The words are very comforting, and, eases the mind.

It is an 8″ x 10″ frame. Includes matching sympathy card. This item sells for $ 14.99, plus shipping.
Here are the two frames that are available right now:

Here is a copy of what the words say.   Left click on it, and it will enlarge it, so you can see it better.

Microwave Snack Mix (pictures too)

Maybe you all already make your snack mix in the microwave, but, just in case you don't, I would like to share this MUCH faster and easier way to make it, verses the OVEN!!!!!!!!!!    And, I don't just make one batch, I make it until all of the boxes of cereal are empty.  Might as well, it keeps great in a tin or a Tupperware type container.    I think it makes about 9 batches.  :)

You can use the Chex cereal snack mix recipe. If you don't have it, here is my recipe:     (I use the generic Chex cereal, you cannot tell the difference, I'm sure it's made by one of the major cereal companies anyway. -- makes it much more affordable)  

Melt 6 TBSP. butter in microwave safe bowl - add 4 tsp. Worchestershire sauce, and 1 tsp. seasoned salt.  Mix together, set aside.

Combine:
2 c. corn chex
2 c. wheat chex
2 c. rice chex
2 c. Cheerios
1/2 c. cocktail nuts

You can also add pretzels, or 'any kind' of nuts, or, really anything you like.
When I used to put pretzels in mine, I broke up each mini stick into 3 pieces.

Mix the cereals (and nuts, pretzels, etc.) together.  Pour the butter mixture over the top, and, toss until the mixture is covered really well. 

Now:  Microwave on the second from the highest setting for 2 minutes, take it out, and, stir real well, being sure to break up any 'gobs' that may be stuck together.  And, be careful, it gets really hot.  Do this 3 more times, and, then spread on paper towel covered surface.  I use cookie sheets with sides.  (You may have to experiment with your microwave setting - all microwaves are different - you will probably be able to tell if it's too hot, or not hot enough)

If it isn't salty enough for your taste, (be sure to taste it first, the seasoned salt makes it fairly salty), you can add some POPCORN sale.  Please don't add regular salt - it too grainy and course, it needs to be a FINE salt.  :)

When it is completely cooled, store it in a tin (you know like the Christmas tins that the 3 kinds of popcorn come in), or a Tupperware type container, or Ziploc type plastic bags.  It keeps very well, and, for quite a while. (or, I think it keeps for quite a while, it never lasts too long around our house)  LOL

Here is a picture of mine cooling on a paper towel lined cookie sheet:

I meant to put Crispix in mine today, but forgot, and, I left out the pretzels, because my family likes it better without them.

And, here it is all cooled off, and in the tin:

It is sooooooooooo yummy.   And, with just a couple hours time, you can have LOTS of it.  And, it's really easy.  Much better than all day baking it in the oven.  :)

Another Great Slow Cooker Supper

I didn't take a picture of this one, but, it was very good.  Along with a salad and some bread, it makes a great meal.  It's called "Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken"  and, I can't remember where I got the recipe.  It was from someone on one of the forums I read.  Anyway, here it is - give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.  Easy, and, not much mess or cleanup.    Remember to use a slow cooker liner in your crock pot. (in the wax paper, foil, paper plates, etc. aisle at the grocery-they're great)

Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken

3 Tbsp. bacon bits or real crumbled bacon
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

Combine the first 5 ingredients.  Pour mixture over chicken in slow cooker.  Cook 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or until chicken is cooked through.  Serve over hot egg noodles, or rice, or, maybe even biscuits.  Makes 4 to 6 servings.

I love putting things in the crock pot, especially easy ones like this.  I fixed this and we had it for supper tonight for the first time, and, it was delicious, hubby liked it also.   Hope you try it, and, like it.  :)

This morning's beautiful sunrise

The sunrise out my front door was spectacular this morning. It was beautiful. Here are a few pictures, but, believe me, it was much prettier than the pictures show. It changes so fast also. You can see the first one, it was fairly dark still, and, the second and third ones, were just a couple minutes later. Wish I had a wonderful camera that could capture the beauty (and would know how to use it - LOL). Plus, I took these from my porch, should've walked out by the road, but, I had wet hair, so, I didn't think it was a good idea. :)

Our Winter Soup Supper !

It is snowing and blowing here today, and, cold, cold, cold.  And, the next few days are not looking much better.   YUCK!!   WINTER!!

Here is a crockpot full of wonderful vegetable soup, I have made for our supper, and, believe me, the picture does not do it justice.  It smells so good.  Along with a salad and some warm French bread - yummy, yummy!!     What a great winter meal!  Stay warm and safe, everyone.

Under the picture, it says comments, left click on that, and, the recipe is in there.  :)

My 4 Beautiful Granddaughters

My Hubby's 65th birthday yesterday

Yes, Karl turned 65 yesterday, just doesn't seem possible.  We have been together since I was 13.  Married 44 1/2 years.  Just doesn't seem like we can be in our 60's yet.  Time sure flies by.
Here we are last night - I took him out to eat with family and friends.  Good company - good food.  :)

Happy New Year !

Hello everyone,

I hope the year 2010 is the best one yet.