Cheesecake Squares

I made these squares with St. Patrick's Day in mind. You can change the colour of the M and M's to suit the occasion. These are delicious squares. Very quick and easy to make with a limited number of ingredients. I got the original recipe from the Philadelphia Cream Cheese cookbook. It's one that I've held onto since there are so many great recipes in it.

Cheesecake Squares

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts( I omitted these)

1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup M and M's

Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Add flour. Reserve 1/2 cup of crumbs for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into 8x8 pan. Bake at 350F for 10 min.

Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla mixing at medium speed with electric mixer. Add egg. Mix well. Layer 1/2 cup candy over cooked crust. Top with cream cheese mixture. Combine remaining candy and crumbs and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 for 20 additional minutes.  Cool.

Confessions

I always enjoy reading other people's confessions so I thought I would do a post of my own.

1. I love the Public Library. I can't believe such a great resource is free to all and I always have a bunch of books on hold. Unfortunately they always seem to come in at the same time and it results in a pile like this... (some of the books are from my personal TBR collection)

2. Leading me to my second confession. Instead of reading in my spare time, I have watched every episode of Bondi Rescue on Netflix.  Abs and accents. Enough said.

3. Bath and Body Works soaps are my guilty pleasure. I got a little carried away at the last sale and I have 16 stockpiled as well as one in all 3 bathrooms and kitchen. (Merry Cookie is my favourite winter fragrance)

4.  When I buy something new, I don't use it right away. Not sure why. Basically I think I don't like change or I'm afraid it won't work out. Case in point. My new Pickle ball paddle. Still in the wrapping even though I've played several times with a borrowed paddle.

5. I have a hard time completing projects or at least throwing away projects I no longer have an interest in. I always think I will get back to them..

6. I knit almost everyday. Usually just dishcloths because they are easy and I don't have to think about a pattern.  I find it very relaxing.

So there you have it. My confessions.

February Swap Card

It feels good to be caught up with our monthly swap. I love that we are keeping it going. It's probably the only thing that encourages me to make a card a month (other then what I'm working on for Loonies for Lindor).

This time Keri used another set from SaleABration to make this cute birthday card....

I love all things gingham and the purple is such a change of pace. Beautiful colour that isn't used that often. Here's the set she used....

I was lucky enough to borrow a set of dies from another friend. Even though I have my own Stitched Blooms dies, this set was just different enough that I wanted to try it. There are so many possible colour combinations. I can't wait to cut out a few more for a totally different look.

I even put a little flower on the inside and one on the envelope for an extra special touch. Here's the set I borrowed. It's MFT Dienamics Stitched Blooms...

I've been doing quite well with my regular posting. I hope to continue the trend.

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.