An experiment, my own verson.... Coconut, Pineapple, Banana Bread... yummm!

 I found a recipe for a cake in one of the monthly magazines and decided to give it a try.  But knowing me I had to make a few changes.

I used Coconut Supreme cake mix and Instant Lemon pudding instead of what was called for in the magazine recipe.  I also used Coconut Oil in place of the vegetable shortening called for.

 Mixed the ingredients together and put into half size loaf pans, baked as directed and I'll tell you, "This cake turned out more than wonderful"... Mr. N and I stood at the counter and ate one of the little cakes before ever taking it out of the baking pan.  I also took a few slices to my neighbors asking for their opinion... the one 'man' asked me to bake him one and the next neighbor, a woman asked for the recipe. 

My recipe...    

1 package Coconut Supreme cake mix

                       1  3.4 oz package Instant Lemon Pudding mix

                        4 eggs

                        1/4 cut Coconut Oil

                         1 tsp ground Cinnamon

                         1 can crushed Pineapple, juice and all

                         2 mashed Banana's 

                         Chopped mixed nuts... as much as you like, 

                          I added a half cup

                          
 I put all ingredients except the pineapple and nuts into the mixer and turned it on medium for about 3 minutes then folded in the pineapple and nuts.

 Pour batter into 4, half size loaf pans and bake about 40 minutes at 350'

I wanted to show you the Coconut Oil I used. 

 (I also use this on my hair, it's wonderful)

This is my new Christmas bread for my friends and neighbors this year.  I was also thinking I might add chopped Maraschino Cherries to the next batch.

One more thing, I added a simple sugar drizzle for looks. It sure does not need any sweet added.

You must give it a try,,, you know, this cake might just be a nice treat for your "Thanksgiving Breakfast" with coffee or milk.

Enjoy! 

I'm sharing this with

 Tuesdays to do List

Wow Us Wednesday 

Show off your Stuff Party 

BFF Open House Link Party

Making Christmas Stockings for three very special people..

The Holidays are fast approaching and I've been pretty busy this past few weeks with my crafty self.

If there is one thing I love to do is make different items for family gifts and Christmas is my favorite time to do this. 

My son Tom is known as "Man of the Mountain" 

 

My Son and his family live up in Juneau and they love the animals all around their town.  They take hikes in the wilderness every weekend and are always sending photos of the bears and wildlife.  So what else but putting a few of their favorite wild animals on stocking for each.

Tom and Michelle on one of their weekend hikes. 

Imagine this background is just outside their door.

First I bought heavy duty craft felt and cut out the stockings.  I found this idea from no other than Martha Stewart.  Her stockings were on Pinterest and  are on the cover of  MS Living.

  The December issue and their perfect for this wilderness loving family.  I did make a few changes to reflect my ideas.

 The Brown Bear will be for Michelle.  

The Deer for their daughter Eve and of course a Polar Bear for my son.  Tom had a dream come true this past year when he came literally face to face with one of these really mean animals.. it's a long story but the Angles were with him on that day when he locked his rental car keys in the car and there was a Polar Bear just sitting on the horizon watching him....This was up in Nome while he was on duty there. Thankfully he was able to get home and tell the tale.  (Although it was terrorizing I know he will be telling this 'fish' story with a smile,  till his dying day)

I used a bit of craft paint to give each stocking a bit of color. 
A bit of cotton ball for the fur.

And some cute little stuffed burlap pillows for their names.

 Cute, I think they will like them.

Ok.. on to the next project.

Don't you just love the Holidays!

* * * * * *

I'm adding a new photo. Today my Son and his family sent this shot of their new stockings hanging proudly on the fireplace.  All they could say was, "Perfect"

"Happy Mamma here" 

(thank you Martha)

 

Linking up to

Inspiration Friday 

Happy Hour Friday 

Saturday Show Off 

It's Overflfowing with Creativity 

Very Cheri Link Party 

Cupcakes and Crinoline
Setting For Four
Three Mango Seeds

Cottage Cookbook Open House 

Make it Pretty Monday 

Cowgirl Link up Party 

Outdoor Wednesday 

Under $100. Link Party 

 Debbiedoos' Copy Cat Challenge

Crafty Christmas 

Natural Decor Christmas Party 

My "Salute to our Vererans" and Christmas Jammies for the entire family...

 I've given myself a full week to work on Christmas gifts for family members and I'm in love with sewing and needle work so I got busy... Christmas Jammies for my daughters family.. yes, Dad, Mom and the three boys.

At first I wanted to make both tops and bottoms but knowing how modern their family is I opted for making just the bottoms.  I chose a nice soft flannel but first the fabric had to be washed to allow for shrinkage....
I did find a 'family pattern' and it had sizes for all ages.  I cut out each and began sewing... it was fast and really easy.  Had them all cut and sewn in two days work.

 For the tops I chose simple black Tees....

I used some designs from the fabric and made little front of the shirt patches.  Sewed them on each Tee and CUTE!

Don't you just love to see the entire family wake up Christmas morning in their matching Jammies... I know my daughter will love them.

Ok... each set were wrapped in separate bundles with each name tagged and off in the mail they will go for Christmas eve!

Let me give you a sneak peek of my next project... knitting a really nice warm sweater for someone special that lives up in Alaska... she will use it I'm sure... 

 "With needles clicking away I bid you adieu and "Salute" to all our "Veterans" who gave their lives and time to serve our great Country.

I'm linking this post up to

Make it Pretty Monday

Create and Share 

((hugs))

Removing the old bricks and putting in new decorative style...

 The weather was good this past week here in my area and as much as I hate to say this, it's thanks to "Sandy".  The hurricane came blowing up the Atlantic and gave us winds and cool weather.  This happens when ever there is a Tropical system out there.  So I got busy finishing my re-do of the front garden.  I did a post last week on how I pulled all the plantings that were at the end of their summer life,  you can see it here.

 Once I had all the ground cleared I put in some new shrubs that will no longer require my attention. They don't need as much water and are Florida friendly. The spot will also loose soil when it rains so I got busy changing out the brick that did not work because they were simply not tall enough.  I found some decorative bricks and replaced with new.

So much more attractive and I don't have to worry about the new pine bark washing into the street or my having to water this garden spot as much.  As much as I love my gardens I'm getting to a point in my life where I just don't want to work as hard keeping them neat and tidy... I have much more important things to do, don't you know!

"Enjoy our time change and your new week everyone" 

I'll be linking up to
Make it Pretty Monday 

Its So Very Cheri

Cupcakes and Crinoline
Design Dreams By Anne
Setting For Four
Three Mango Seeds

(((hugs)))

Fingerless Glove Set, a Find and the Superstorm.....

No matter where I go my crochet or knitting go's with me. This past few days I put together another Christmas gift. If only I lived in a cold climate I'd be making myself a few pair of the Fingerless Gloves..  While driving yesterday I had to slam on the brakes to pick up a find along side of the road.. Look at this great wrought iron table.. it's in perfect condition and only needs a scrub to get off what seems to be candle wax. 
This will be going to my daughter for her new back yard and patio.

 

 Once I had the fingerless gloves put together I started a head band that will both look good and keep ones ears warm.  The pattern was just something I made up.

 I asked my daughter to model the set for me and she agreed as long as I did not show her face. "Mom, I look horrible" (little does she know she is beautiful with or without her makeup)

 Once I had the pattern to size I had to add the frill and their ready for someones Christmas box.  I'm getting into the Christmas mood this week. Today I went to JoAnn's for some Christmas Flannel. Getting ready to make my grandsons matching jammies...

 I'll have to wait to get started on these,  first i must wash the fabric before I cut them out.  Flannel always shrinks.   I'll show the end results in another post.  

Back to my crochet.   

Today I've been glued to the TV news watching all that has gone on with "Sandy"... my heart go's out to all hit by that really odd storm.  Amazing how she started as a hurricane that blew up the Atlantic coast giving us here very high winds and a nice chill. She then  turned into a windy winter storm and did so much damage to the North East.. I like all of you have been watching the clean up today and saying a prayer for all those lost and all the mess left.  We here know to keep a hurricane kit. Mine is under my stairs. Food for a week, radio, batteries, blankets, water, pet food, sterno for cooking and more.   
The people up north did not have anything stored for this emergency and are suffering without such things.  It's going to take months to clean up.. such a shame.

Take care all!

Flaunt it Friday 

Its So Very Cheri

Cupcakes and Crinoline
Design Dreams By Anne
Setting For Four
Three Mango Seeds

Sometimes it's just you and the water....

Photo of Coast Guard rescue swimmer in the streets of Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy.

Some times you gotta go it alone - no helicopter, no boat, just you and the water.

 Photo taken today of the "Old Guard" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They perform their duty regardless of weather.

Big thanks to all the first responders working all that overtime!

 

 

"I can actually see the Holidays coming"

Once the Holidays are over I always save the Poinsettias and pot them up on my deck, or put them out in my back yard. This is one of the perks of living in SoFla.  I think I might have about 8 growing into bushes out back and three have the leaves turning red.

 This pot has two plants that were really small last Christmas and I felt bad for them and put into a large plastic pot. I can never toss them as so many millions of people do.  Their treated like disposable plants and that does not sit right with me.. 

This past few months I've been getting my list together and have done some crochet for a few people, not getting the Holiday feeling until this past week, when I saw the Poinsettias  starting to bloom.

 It's pretty amazing to watch.. there is not a flower bud of sorts,  the actual leaves start to turn yellow then red.

 Guess it's time to get serious about the Holidays.. the Poinsettias say, "There on the way!"

 Let me share one of my Crochet creations..

 "Fingerless Gloves and Beret"

(I'm not saying who they are for)

Time to get your gifts made and to get the lists made then ready set go.... Shopping! 

"Yes, the Poinsettias are talking"