A Little Christmas Decorating

We have never been big on Christmas decorating. My parents never went all out and so I have kept Christmas decorating pretty low key. As the kiddos get a little older, their excitement is contagious and I have been trying do to a little more.

Last year, on Pinterest (The place where missing time ends up), I saw this adorable outdoor Christmas tree decoration using Tomato Cages! I have those! And I have some extra lights! WOOHOO! This is a link to a page that shows how to make the tree. I cannot find my pin, which is typical these days...Maybe one day Pinterest will let us search our own boards!

This year, I have decided to do the same thing again. It adds a little "class" to the LED Snowman we usually have out. I just have to remember to stake these little guys down, or else they will end up several states away when the first big wind blows.

First, I dug out 3 tomato cages from the back of the shed. (I did not put them there...Rather "someone" was "cleaning up" and put them in an awkward place.)

Then I take a string of lights and wrap them around the cage. There is no "right" way or "wrong" way to do this. Put as many as you like or as little as you like to get the look you prefer. I used 1 strand for these "trees".

See, super simple.

Merry Christmas!

Fall and Changes

We have been enjoying a beautiful fall this year! Well, if you do not count the wind storm, lack of regular moisture and the first snow...Okay, okay, I loved the first snow! This time of the year has also brought a change in the kitchen. I feel like I have been baking up a storm, trying new recipes and baking some old favorites.

This weekend, I decided to make one of my favorite apple dishes. I made Ozark Apple Pudding. I found this recipe a while back on the Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen site. It's delicious all on its own and even better warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side!

Just so you know, I cheated a little. When I whipped this together, I was not feeling all the perky and did not feel like pulling the ingredients out, setting them up for a shot and then taking "in progress" pictures. I was in a funk and thought this would brighten my day a little. 

So, back to the recipe. It calls for pretty basic stuff like flour, sugar, oil, baking soda, salt, eggs, apples, cinnamon and nuts. (and, yes, those eggs are from my gorgeous feathered friends!)

Following the directions, it is pretty straightforward and a "quick" dish to make.  After baking, you get this yummy dessert!

Dish it up with ice cream, whipped cream or just eat it by itself!

Enjoy!