Calling All Gardening Geniuses

  I have this lovely little vine growing in my garden.  I do have a problem though.  It is growing fast and I’m not quite sure what it is.  I probably should find out what it is before it gets so big that I have to wrestle it to pull it out. 

I’m scared that it may be a vine from the Poison family; Poison Ivy, Poison Sumac, or possibly their cousin, Poison oak.  If anyone happens to know what this blessed vine is, could you please share your vast knowledge with me?!

Technorati Tags: Gardening,Poison Ivy,Poison Oak,Poison Sumac

Christmas Wreath Edible Craft

This is an actual recipe but I would only give it one star out of five. I have to add, I don't like cornflakes and neither do our kids... in any shape or form (even wreaths) so that little fact may have a little to do with us not caring for the taste. HOWEVER as for the craft I would give it FIVE stars. We had so much fun making them. They loved measuring the ingredients and counting the marshmallows and helping me mix everything up. Their favorite part, of course, was eating the skittles & twizzlers that we didn't use. We all had a blast!

1 Stick Butter

30 lg marshmallows

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp green food coloring

4 cups cornflakes

Red Hot Candies (or Skittles or M&Ms)

In a saucepan melt butter and marshmallows, stirring frequently. Add vanilla and food coloring. Pour mixture over cornflakes and stir well. Drop by spoonful onto waxed paper. While cookie wreathes are hot decorate with red hots.

(Moms: If you use Skittles you may need to use two spoonfuls of cornflakes to make bigger more proportional wreaths. I probably don't have to say this, but I'm a worrywart so... Please test the hot cornflakes before you let your kids help form them).

Another Tackle it Tuesday

I spent the day with my son enjoying a special "Mommy - Lil' Man day" so I didn't tackle any household projects other than the usual cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc. However, during his nap time I did relish in some computer time and found a project that I would love to share.

Cheryl's Magnet Tutorial, or "Sherwool" as Evan calls her, took de-cluttering the outside of her fridge one step further with her magnets and I thought that it was a cute idea.

Another magnet project on her site:

I hope you enjoy it.

Barbeque Pot Roast

With two young kids, it is not easy to find perfect meals that satisfy my husbands taste buds as well as the kiddos who crave processed foods. However we have found a winner here, and one that is easy to make... icing on the cake.

Ingredients:
- 1 pot roast (4 lbs)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed & minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Preparations / Directions:
Rub roast with salt & pepper. Brown all sides in melted butter over medium-low heat. ( I do this in the slow cooker). Add water, tomato sauce, and crushed garlic. (**Improvising: If you like onions you can add 2 medium onions chopped here**). Cover and cook over low heat for 1 and 1/2 hours. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over pot roast. Simmer for 1 and 1/2 hours longer, or until VERY tender. Serve with hot buttered noodles or mashed potatoes, along with green beans and asparagus..