You NEED This Recipe During the Busy Holiday Season

We're beginning our Christmas Blog Tour this week with recipes.  During this crazy, hectic, and busy holiday season, there are a lot of parties, potlucks, get togethers.  Saving time in the kitchen by creating this delicious yet SIMPLE dish will help save time and stress.

There are just 5 simple ingredients in this version of CORN PUDDING.  I got this recipe from a former co-worker y-e-a-r-s ago and I have used it over and over and over again.  It's a classic and it's always a crowd pleaser.  

Ready?  Here ya go!  First, preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Start with 1 box of Jiffy Mix corn muffin mix (IMPORTANT to use this brand. If you can't find it in your store, click here Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix - 6 ct), 1 can of whole kernel corn (drained), 1 can of cream style corn, 1 stick of butter (melted), and 8 oz. sour cream.

Dump all 5 ingredients into a 2 quart casserole dish.  (Yes, seriously, just dump them.)

Stir all of the ingredients together until well blended.

Bake in 300 degree oven for about 45-50 minutes (or until golden brown).

Yes!  That's it!  It's super easy and delicious...even the next day, yum!

And, because I know you'll want to save this recipe, here's a version to print or Pin!  

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!     Angie

This post contains affiliate links which help cover the costs in providing this site to you for free.  I appreciate your support!

Thanksgiving 2014 Highlights

My sweet sister-in-law, Barb, that always makes sure to capture our events.  She's an amazing photographer and the photos in this post were graciously supplied by her!

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Can you believe how quickly the holidays pass?  We had a great day with family and friends.

One thing I learned through all of the plans and preparations...it doesn't have to be perfect in order for everyone to have a good time.  The day should be about enjoying time together.

I did lots of planning and cleaning, yet after it was all over I noticed dusty areas that had been missed, clutter that hadn't been put away, decorations that didn't get put out.  Did it matter?  Not one bit.

Actually, of the 30 something guests that we had, I think all but 4 entered through my laundry room door.  Hadn't planned for that but it didn't change a thing.  I want guests to feel comfortable in my home.  Take a nap on the couch.  Get something from the fridge if they need it.  See that I have missed some dust and a couple of cobwebs,

Time spent together should be just that...enjoying your time together, having fun, catching up on each other lives.  Who wants to do that in a home that feels like a sterile museum.  (Phfft!  My home will never be described as sterile with us and our 3 dogs living here.  And the only reference to museum may be to say it's a museum of thrift store and yard sale finds, lol!  That's funny but so true.)

The tryptophan was kicking in!

Antique frame and chicken wire used to display photos of family members.  They were encouraged to take any of the photos they wanted.

One of my lovely clean up helpers sporting her matching apron and gloves.  You can read about making those in this post:  Hostess Gift

Playing Giant Jenga in the garage since it was so chilly and windy outside

And, of course, the skeet shooting tradition.  (Sorry for the blurry photo.  This was a snapshot from a video.)

If you ask my husband, he'd tell you I've come a long way in learning how to host without stressing about perfection.  I also enjoy the time with guests more now as well.  Much of my inspiration for stress-free entertaining comes from the Nester's book, The Nesting Place.  Myquillyn, the Nester, has been one of my favorite bloggers for a long time.  She has a gorgeous home, imperfections and all.  You can find her book here The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful.  (Put it on your Christmas list.  You won't be disappointed!  You will enjoy entertaining guests like never before.)

Since I live about 3 hours from my family, we alternate the holidays between my family and my husband's.  Thanksgiving was celebrated with my in-laws this year.  They are just half of the wonderful people I'm blessed to call "family."  Christmas will be spent with the other half, my mom and siblings.  I'll be sharing our time together later in December.

One more family I'm thankful for is the family of blog readers...you!  I really appreciate your taking time from your day to visit my blog.

God bless!
Angie

PS:  Be sure to check back tomorrow!  We begin our week of Christmas Blog Tours!

(Affiliate link used for The Nesting Place)

Turn a Wine Rack into a Standing Gun Rack

Back in July when I attended Haven, a blogging conference, Home Depot gave out these wooden wine rack kits.

Well, it was a nice gift but I had a metal wine rack at home and didn't really need another one.  So, the kit sat.  For months.  Until, I began planning for Thanksgiving.  When we host Thanksgiving every other year for my in-laws, it always involves skeet shooting in our back field.

My daughter shoots competitively for an area high school team and this past year I noticed they have a standing gun rack at the range.  AND, the top of the rack looks very similar to the wine rack.  The light bulb went off!  I would turn the wine rack into a standing gun rack to use at Thanksgiving.

Here's what I started with:

The Wine Rack Kit (thanks to http://www.attemptsatdomestication.com/ for the photo.  I forgot to get a before.)

I didn't need the two side pieces from the kit but I did use 6 32" pieces of 2x4s and several scrap pieces of wood for reinforcing.  I also used 2 3-inch hinges, a latch, and a simple handle.  The last two are optional.

I began by adding a scrap piece of wood to the backs of the two rack pieces.  I applied carpenter's glue to each piece before screwing them together from the back.

Next, I cut a notch in the end of 2 2x4's in order for the top rack piece to sit flush.   These were also glued before screwing the pieces together.  This was done on both ends of the 2 rack pieces.

After the sides are done, mark the inside measurements on to another 2x4, cut to length, and attach with glue and screws to the bottom of the sides.  You should have a box shape for each side of the gun rack when completed.

Stand the pieces back to back and mark where you want the hinges to go.  Attach them to the inside, between the two pieces.  It should look like them when done.

 View of the top

View of the bottom

Now, break out the wood filler and fill like crazy!

Wood filler has dried and the first coat of paint applied.  I used Rustoleum 2x Ultra spray paint in hunter green...because, you know, this green is for hunters! :)

Oops!  I almost forgot to mention!  See that wood piece across the back at the bottom of each side?  That was more scrap wood that I attached to keep the butt of the guns from slipping through.  Just cut to length and attach with screws.  It will also help reinforce the bottom structure.

Ready to see it all done and ready for use?!

I did add orange felt to the inside of the rack.  It took just one $.25 piece of felt :)

And, the handle and latch.  These are optional but they do make carrying and storing much easier.

Well, one project closer to turkey day!!  What special plans do you have?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

Here's a photo to Pin!  I'd greatly appreciate it!

I'm linking here:

THE STYLE SISTERS

JENNIFER RIZZO

HOME STORIES A TO Z

FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON

COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE

UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Fall Home Tour Guest Post on Vintage Paint and More

Hi all!  Today I'm guest hosting over at Vintage, Paint and More.  Cathy and I both have a love for vintage items as well as crafting so I knew this would be a great place to share with you.

I'm sharing my Fall home tour from a couple of years ago.  It's funny to look back and see what changes I'm made to the rooms since then.  The decorating, however, I still love it!

Here's a link for you to visit Vintage, Paint, and More!  The Altered Past Fall Home Tour

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie

Make Your Own Take-Out Boxes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Do you host Thanksgiving at your house?  Every other year, we host my husband's family...about 30-35 people!  It's always a lot of fun and there's always a lot of food.  There's plenty of food left at the end of the meal too.  That's why I decided to make some great take-out boxes this year.  Everyone can take home some of the leftovers and enjoy them all over again on Friday.  

I found these great containers at The Dollar Tree.  I spent $5 total, purchasing 4 packages (3 pans in each) of the metal pans with lids and 1 package of 10 foam food containers.  (I had no idea you could buy the foam containers at The Dollar Tree! Love these!)

Next, I made labels to add to the boxes.  A quick visit to The Graphic Fairy and I found a great retro picture for my label.  Using Photoshop, I added the message "We're thankful for you!" and "The Fortes" to the picture and they were ready to print.  I picked up a large package of page-size labels at the thrift store many years ago and I'm still using that package!

Of course, my guests will need a nice sturdy bag to carry their boxes home in.  I picked up 2 packages of gold gift bags and a package of to go coffee cups at Big Lots.  It was less than $10 for everything.  Gotta love The Dollar Tree with a Big Lots right next door!  

I didn't add anything to the bag except for the ribbon and the small envelope.  I thought the guests could reuse the bags during the upcoming holidays!  

Our closest relative lives about an hour away.  So, it's important that guests have the food packaged for traveling as well as having a to-go cup to take some coffee or hot apple cider for that long ride home.

Do you recognize the feather stamp from this DIY post!  Decorating a little coin envelope with my feather stamp, I stuffed a couple of wintergreen mints inside and then tied it to the bag using black gingham ribbon.  

Did you know mint helps settle a full stomach?  Yep, all those tummies will probably be feeling full about time to go so I thought a little mint may help ;)

Are you hosting Thanksgiving?  How do you handle the leftovers?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie



I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT