Missing in Action this month!

Yes, I didn't feel like blogging! I was too busy enjoying life. My dear husband and I took a trip back east to Ohio for a pastor's conference. I enjoyed the green and the barns! If only the sky was blue and the sun was out! I did get to experience rain like I've never seen before....that was interesting, and SCARY!

A special treat for a California girl... Canadian geese. We almost had a multi car pile-up. We noticed them, tried to pull over fast, then everyone on the road started honking at us like we were crazy. They are crazy... they take advantage of the cute birds! In fact someone ran one over later that night!

We drove to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. I was amazed! It took my breath away... I enjoyed it as much as the Grand Canyon. There is a wonderful small town about 10 miles from the falls called Niagara on the lakes, it was so cute. It is an adorable few blocks filled with great stores, antiques,and cute bed and breakfast's everywhere.

The spray from the falls is like rain...hard rain, rain like we don't see in California!

It gently falls over the edge, then the explosion of water begins!

My dream barn!

I had a wonderful time... came home and reality hit me, so I painted the dining room and joined the gym(the scale scared me the day after I got home).

Heaven Squares (toffee, almond, chocolate)

Heaven Squares... I don't know exactly what they are called, but since I've been trying to watch what I will be eating this next month, and had the stupid idea to make these after seeing on The Martha Stewart Show. I've decided to call them Heaven Squares. I figured I can eat anything I want in heaven and not gain a pound... So there you go! Good thing I've been working so hard at the gym this week... thanks Martha! When my son ate one he said, "OHHHHH, I LOVE YOU".


Ingredients:
13 graham crackers
1 bag (8 ounces) toffee bits
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped toasted natural almonds
1/2 cup sugar (I used 1/3 cup...it tasted great)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (I used one...it was plenty! I'm trying to lose weight)
3/4 cup (4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place graham crackers in a single layer on sheet (I broke them in 2 in. squares at this time to avoid having to cut when done), edges touching. Sprinkle toffee bits and almonds over graham crackers.
2. In a small saucepan, bring sugar and butter to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat and cook at a rapid simmer, swirling pan occasionally, until mixture is syrupy, 2 minutes. Immediately pour over graham crackers. Bake until sugar topping is bubbling, 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate and salt over graham crackers. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares (or break before like I did). Let cool completely on sheet on a wire rack. (Store in an airtight container, up to 1 week.)

The Burlap Craze...

I see burlap everywhere... and I know exactly what this craze is all about, because I now have a serious addiction. I just can't get enough (isn't that a song?). So to the sewing machine I go...

It started with a tablecloth

Then it was a table runner

I was really happy find a use for the one too many little white roses

that I made out of an old white T shirt.

Then it was the shopping Bag

Next...

hmmm... I have an idea!