January Swap Card

Yes, you read that correctly. We were quite a bit behind so we got together and swapped January's card and Feb card. We swap at the end of the month so it always seems like we're behind but this month we were REALLY behind.

Funnily enough (is that a word?) Keri and I both did sympathy.

I used a Memory Box butterfly and backed it with glitter paper but the new product I used was the Hero Arts Ribbon Messages Stamp and Cut.

And here is my card...

Keri used a stamp set from the recent Stampin Up SaleABration Catalogue...

and stamped this lovely card...

and the inside..

Stay tuned for next month's card.

Daily Chore Chart

Something I decided to try in the New Year was a daily chore chart. I think it took me until the first of Feb to get it going but I've decided I quite like it. I don't often have a big chunk of time to devote to cleaning and with 2 big hairy dogs it is necessary. Especially when one of them has a run in with this guy...

I also have 3 bathrooms and if I don't do them all at once, it feels like I'm cleaning them everyday.

So here's my chart...

Monday - Vacuum

Tuesday - Bathrooms

Wednesday - Clean out Fridge, Garbage,  Recycling, Green Bin Prep

Thursday - Dust, Mirrors, TV, Cupboards etc.

Friday - Mop floors

Sat - Anything missed or relax

Sunday - Laundry

It's working out pretty well so far. If I miss a day I just double up the next day or the next day. Well you know how it is.

Loonies for Lindor Fundraising Crop

Wow, the time is flying by and our major fundraiser for Autism Dog Services on April 6 will be here in no time. I'm happy to report that the Crop is SOLD OUT with 92 participants and a waiting list. It's always a relief when the crop is full and I know how much product to get ready and how many tables to order etc. There is a lot of work that has been taking place behind the scenes so I thought I would share a sneak peak without giving too much away.

Lots of colouring and card prep. The completed card sets and card kits have always been very popular so I try to keep making them until the big day. At the same time, though there are many other details including Donation Requests so we can have the very best raffle table possible. That's what I'm up to later today.

Although I would prefer to stay home and card prep, the other parts of organizing a major event need to be done as well. I should mention this year our mini theme is LEMON, although you've probably already figured that out.

There are so many adorable puppies coming into the program. It's an expensive venture getting these guys ready to go out and work as Service dogs so we hope to raise our highest amount yet at this year's Event.

Almond Cookies

When I was down in Florida, I wanted to check out the Sam's Club because we no longer have one here in Ontario. BOO! I don't know what possessed me but I ended up buying a Club pack of Almonds with the brown edges. I'm not sure what they are called but they are sometimes hard to find here and nuts are so expensive right now. So of course, I had to find some way to start using up this large package of almonds. I found this recipe on the Internet and even though glazing takes a bit of extra time, it's worth it and the little nut rosette on top looks so pretty on your Christmas platter. And the extra almond flavour is delish!

Glazed Almond Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp almond extract
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Glaze
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp almond extract
3 tsp water

Cream butter and sugar and extract. Add dry ingredients.
Roll in to balls and bake at 350F.  10 minutes or so
When cookies are slightly warm, cover with glaze and decorative nut arrangement.
Freezes well.

Gluten Free Granola

You need to take out a bank loan and make this granola. Seriously, even though the ingredients add up just a spoonful or two on your yogurt turns it into a delicious treat worthy of being called dessert instead of breakfast. I'm sure you could substitute your favourite nuts etc. Thank you, Janice for turning me onto Greek yogurt and this yummy granola.

Gluten Free Granola

1 cup of each of the following:
- chopped pecans
- sliced almonds
- slivered almonds
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- shredded unsweetened coconut 

1/4 cup of butter (melted)
1/4 cup of honey

1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves

1.  Preheat the oven to 325F
2.. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Melt the butter in a pan over low heat and slowly stir in the honey.
4.  Pour the liquid ingredients over the nut mixture and stir well.
5.  Spread the contents over a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
6.  Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overbake!
7. Stir after the first 15 minutes.
8. Allow to cool completely then store in airtight containers. (it will crisp up as it cools)

You may add craisins in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Before baking

After baking

Honey Beer Bread

 I know it seems like I'm not making any cards but in fact, I'm prepping TONS of them but they are for the upcoming Loonies for Lindor fundraiser so I can't let the cat out of the bag.

Bread with soup is a must and when one of the gals (Robin) made this at our week away, I thought it was just delicious and couldn't believe how easy it is to make. It's best served warm but delicious later as well.

It's puffy, buttery and has that yeasty taste without all the kneading and waiting. I will definitely be making this regularly.

Honey Beer Bread

3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup honey
1 bottle (12 ounces) of beer
4 Tbsp butter, melted

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x5x3 pan.

Whisk dry ingredients. Slowly pour beer and honey into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
(slightly warm honey in microwave so its easier to pour).

Pour half the melted butter in the bottom of pan. Then add batter on top and brush the rest of the butter evenly.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Super easy and delicious recipe.

It doesn't get much easier then this.