Friday, December 30, 2016

Joshua's Party Quesadillas


Are you looking for a quick and easy dish that can be served at parties? Try Joshua'a Party Quesadillas! This delicious recipe was created by my son Joshua for his son Lucas's Mickey Mouse Birthday Party! They can be served spicy or not, and are easily adapted to your party theme! 

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Banana Cake


Banana Cake is a favorite at gatherings with my husband's family. The bananas make the cake deliciously moist, and it has just the right amount of sweetness. Caution: It's so good, someone might try to steal it!! Recipe, directions, and photos included.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Candy Cane Reindeer


Candy Canes and Reindeer - what a great Christmas combination! Use my easy-to-follow directions and photos to make the perfect last minute Christmas ornament: fast, easy, cute, and edible! Candy Cane Reindeer are great for gifting and hanging on the tree. Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

It's Christmas!



It's Christmas, my favorite time of year. It's a busy time, filled with decorating, ornament making, special cooking, and quality time with family and friends. Here's links to Christmas posts on Ms. Nancy's Nook. Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Christmas Ornament Nostalgia


I get a little nostalgic every year when I decorate my Christmas trees with my many unique ornaments. Enjoy viewing some of my handmade and extra-special ornaments - along with the precious memories! Links to directions for some of the ornaments is included. Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Upcycle: Shirt With Insert



Granddaughter Mia needed a black shirt for school, so I "shopped" in the "Give Away" pile in my closet! The end result is an "Upcycled", one-of-a-kind, shirt with insert that cost $0.00! Now, go shopping in your closet! Pictures and detailed instructions are included for this "Sew-Easy" project.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Native American Indian Costume "Upgrades"



It was exciting to make a Native American Indian Shirt for granddaughter Mia for a Pow-wow! She wore the shirt a second time, so, of course, it needed "Upgrades"! Here's the directions with photos. Since I used materials I had on hand, the cost of this project = 99 cents!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Turkey with Pan Dressing and Gravy


Pan Dressing with Turkey - a family favorite! My Mom always made Stuffing in the bird with Poultry Seasoning. My Mother-in-law made Pan Dressing with Sage. I combined the two and created my own version. Enjoy my delicious recipes for Pan Dressing, Gravy, and directions for baking a turkey!

Friday, November 11, 2016

Upcycle- "Add-a-Square" Shirt


Do you have some favorite t-shirts that aren't quite right? Don't despair; add-a-square!!  You can easily upcycle the shirts by adding a square or a rectangle! Two upcycling ideas and photos are included. This is "Sew Easy"!

Monday, October 31, 2016

The "Basic Black" Cape


The "Basic Black" Cape - definitely a "must have" in your Halloween Costume Collection! Here's some history of how our family's "Basic Black" Cape has been used over the years. 

Monday, October 24, 2016

Easy Chicken and Dumplings


Chicken and Dumplings - such a delicious memory of special dinners at Grandma's and church picnics. I finally got enough nerve and encouragement (thanks, Dad) to try my own version, and here's my recipe. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Beef Roast


Beef Roast, Pot Roast, or Roast? No matter what you call it, this recipe that I learned from my Mom is a family favorite. It's easy to make, delicious, and nutritious; and clean-up is a breeze! Try it with your family! Oven and Slow Cooker directions are included.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Memory Tree


The Memory Tree - just what is it, and how did it start? Enjoy the story!

My "Unofficial" HEADACHE Survival Kit


Do you suffer from severe headaches? Migraines? The pain can be excruciating and debilitating at times. If you are a headache sufferer, it pays to be prepared! Check out my "Unofficial" Headache Survival Kit! 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Catching the "Big One"!




Fishing in the Gulf - one of life's amazing pleasures! This is especially true when you catch the the most fish of the day, and the biggest fish of the day! Right?? Maybe not!! Read about my adventure!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

"Sew" Easy - Hemming Pants & Jeans


Are your pants too long? Do your kids have pants that are too short, or the knees are worn out? Don't throw them out! Hemming pants and jeans is "Sew" Easy! Easy to follow directions and photos are included. Happy stitching!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

toothache? Abscess?? ROOT CANAL!!!



Do you have a toothache? Is it an abscessed tooth? How do you know? Here's my experience with a recent "teeth" ache that turned out to be an Abscessed Tooth! I hope reading about my experience isn't too painful!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

My New "Found" Pantry


Do you need extra storage space in your kitchen? We certainly did. My husband, Charlie, had a great idea for a "found" pantry that created more storage space and organization! Here's the results! 

Monday, August 8, 2016

Deluxe Kinder Mat Cover with Attached Blanket & Pillow DIY




Need a one-of-a-kind Kinder Mat Cover? ...and a blanket?  ...plus a pillow? Check out my unique design to create a deluxe model that combines all three. My Deluxe Kinder Mat Cover, created from purchased curtain panels, features a Mario theme for grandson Alex, but any theme will do. Photos, templates, and detailed directions are included. "Nighty nighty!"

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Key-chain to Ornament


Are you shopping for the perfect souvenirs on a budget? Christmas ornaments are a popular choice, but they. can be very pricey, especially at Disney World. Instead, buy a key-chain, and make ornaments yourself! My strategy: Look in the expensive shops for ideas first, then start creating! Happy crafting!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Chicken and White Bean Soup



Are you looking for a delicious, hearty soup, that is also healthy? Chicken and White Bean Soup is for you! My recipe is low-sodium, low-fat, and high on flavor and fiber! Enjoy!

Friday, July 8, 2016

"Faux" Quilted Ornament





Are you looking for an easy-to-make ornament? Try this "Faux" Quilted Ornament! It's a great craft for all ages. Photos and step-by-step instructions are included. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Mailing Cookies and Goodies


Do you bake cookies and/or other yummy goodies? Here's my "tried and true" tips for mailing cookies and goodies so that they arrive with that "fresh-baked" taste!

Sunday, June 19, 2016

The "Mamaw Cookies"



"Mamaw Cookies" - What's that? Grandson Lucas has renamed my special cookies, and now it's catching on!  Included is the "how" and "why" of "Mamaw Cookies", and also links to the recipes! 

Monday, June 13, 2016

Amend That Soil!


Do you have the ideal soil for planting? Few of us do, and I certainly don't! Here's how I "amend" my soil in South Louisiana to grow beautiful flowers!

Monday, June 6, 2016

Pudding Pops




Pudding Pops - what a creamy, cool, mouthwatering dessert! Can you believe that a dessert this delicious and easy to make can also be healthy? Just ask the kids: they'll even help make them! Included are directions for Chocolate Pudding Pops and Peanut Butter Pudding Pops. Enjoy the photos!

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Green "Slime" Punch!



We needed a Green Punch for Grandson Noah's Minecraft Birthday Party, and here's my unique concoction! Noah describes it as, "like, Yum!" This tart, full-bodied punch, is delicious for holidays, birthdays, and other events!


Sunday, May 29, 2016

Ham Roll-ups


Ham Roll-ups are perfect for parties and get-togethers! They are quick and easy to make, delicious, and so cute! Try them for your next gathering, and get ready for the applause!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Captain America Shield Decoration DIY


Grandson Lucas loves his Captain America Shield, and that's why we chose it as the inspiration for a "Super-easy", low-cost decoration for his Superhero Party. Follow my easy DIY with photos to create your own! Included: directions for folding and cutting a circle and a 5-point star.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

A Superhero Party for Lucas!!


Mission:  A Super Hero Birthday Party for Grandson Lucas! Lucas is such a Superhero Fan, just like his Dad! Of course, it was destiny for Lucas to have a Superhero Party! Let the Avengers Assemble!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Pokemon Party Bags and Cupcake Picks


No birthday party is complete without party bags and cupcake picks, but those specialty items can be very costly, right? Wrong! Especially, if you make them yourself!

Monday, May 9, 2016

Dad's "new" Ford Truck



My Dad has a "new" Ford Truck. To be more exact, his "new" truck is a 1986 Ford! So what's new about it? Read on!

Friday, April 29, 2016

DIY Round "Pokemon" Pinata


It's Pokemon Party time! And what's a party without a pinata? Specialty pinatas can be very costly, but they are easy, fun, and inexpensive to make! This round, papier mache, Pokemon Pinata can easily be modified for different party themes. Step-by-step directions and photos are included.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Help me be the DIY Star!!



I want to be the Home and Family DIY Star! Please help me realize that dream. Directions, photos, and a link to "like" the video are included for the easy craft that I demonstrated, Stained Glass Tissue Paper. Happy Crafting! 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Catalina Dip


Are you looking for a tasty dip for vegetables that is low in fat? Look no further! Catalina Dip is delicious and low-fat! This family favorite is super easy to make, and it's also great with crackers.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Easter Caroling and Jelly Beans


Have you heard the Easter Jelly Bean Prayer? I don't know the author, but I have had a copy of this unique poem in my Easter Folder for many years and have used it many times over. Enjoy the memories of Easter Caroling by the Youth at Brushton United Methodist Church with the help of the Easter Jelly Bean Prayer!

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

"GOOD MORNING" Chart!



Are your mornings chaotic? If you have kids, you are probably throwing up both hands and yelling, "YES!!" You can help calm that chaos and have a GOOD MORNING! Here's our low-cost plan... (And remember, you can't put a price on your sanity!)

Friday, March 4, 2016

Adult Coloring Books



Have you tried the adult coloring books? They are gaining in popularity. They claim to help you color your way to calm, focus, and relax. I was very interested, so I put "Adult Coloring Book" on my Christmas List. Now, I'm a believer!

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Dr. Seuss Costume - Thing 1 DIY



It's time to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday! If Dr. Seuss were still alive, he would be 112 years old today, and his wonderful stories continue to entertain and inspire us. Need a costume? Here's directions and photos for an easy "Thing 1" costume that I made for grandson Alex's Pre-K "Dress as a Dr. Seuss Character" day. Easy-sew and No-sew directions are included.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Noah's Pokemon Birthday Party


It's a Pokemon Birthday Party! Have you heard of Pokemon? Do you know what Pokemon means? Enjoy my grandson Noah's birthday celebration as you check out the Pokemon Goody Bags, Pokemon Poster, Pokemon Pinata, and Pokemon Cake and Cupcakes, complete with Pokemon Cupcake Picks! 

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Creamy "Healthy" Potato Soup




I love Potato Soup, one of my favorite "comfort foods"! Unfortunately, my traditional recipe had too much sodium and butter, making it a "No-No" on my medically-advised, restricted diet. Try my new, healthier version: low-sodium, low-fat, and high flavor! It's easy, fast, and creamy delicious! Pass the crackers!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

DIY: Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances




Do you have stainless steel kitchen appliances? They look great when they are new, but how do you clean them and keep them shiny bright? I hope my tips help you!

Friday, February 5, 2016

Pop-up Valentine DIY



I have always loved "Pop-Up Cards", but unfortunately they are so expensive! Use my easy-to-follow directions with photos and templates to create your own "one-of-a-kind" Pop-Up Valentines that come from the heart! This unique craft can easily be adapted to other holidays and events, and can be enjoyed by all ages. Two variations are included in this post. Have fun crafting!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

DIY King Pillowcases to Standard or Queen


I have a king size bed, but I prefer queen size and full size pillows. That became a problem when I recently bought a king size sheet set which contained king size pillowcases. King pillowcases can be transformed to queen or standard size by following my directions and photos in this easy to sew project.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Save That Couch!



Do you have a fabric couch, chair, and/or love seat? Does your fabric couch collect countless lint balls? If so, you can identify with my dilemma. Try my tips to get your couch fuzz-free!