rounding up skillet dinners....

What's better than a meal that cooks all in ONE skillet? Less dishes to wash, plus delicious flavor to boot! We love these simplified recipes that come together in a flash and we know you have some good ones to share. So, tell us...

What are YOUR favorite recipe for SKILLET MEALS?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Here's a recipe to inspire you from our cookbook,
Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets...enjoy!

Quick Skillet Spaghetti
This recipe was shared by Lisa Parrish of Trinity, North Carolina. She writes, "My husband requests this recipe for dinner weekly! It’s so easy because you don’t even have to boil water for the spaghetti. Try it
with half sausage and half ground turkey too."
1 lb. sweet Italian ground
    pork sausage
1 clove garlic, pressed
7-oz. pkg. spaghetti, uncooked
    and broken into 1-inch lengths
2 14-oz. cans diced Italian tomatoes
15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 t. dried basil
3 T. shredded Italian-blend cheese
In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain; stir in garlic and broken spaghetti. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and stir until well blended. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until spaghetti is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer to melt cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

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Link up your favorite recipe for a SKILLET MEAL below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

Love Blooms in Winter by Lori Copeland

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Blooms in Winter Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012) by Lori Copeland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.

Just keeps piling up

A stitch here and a stitch there.

I feel like I'm only getting A stitch in here and a stitch in there; one stitch at a time the picture gets done.  Well, I did get to put in a few stitches on the cross-stitch last night.  Hubby was off work so I didn't get in as many stitches as I would like to have gotten in.  I was able to work on it about an hour after supper was cleaned up, then hubby wanted to watch a movie.  Here is a before and after shot of my cross-stitch.

before FNSI

after FNSI

breakfast anyone????

Getting out of bed can be pretty tough on these chilly winter mornings, but when you entice your family to the table with piping hot cinnamon rolls, fresh-baked blueberry muffins or a savory egg bake, you can make it that much easier!
This week, we're rounding up all of YOUR best breakfast & brunch recipes for winter mornings and we'd love to have you join in the fun! So, tell us...

What are YOUR favorite WINTER BREAKFAST recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Here's a recipe from our cookbook, Comfort Foods, that will definitely bring 'em all to the table...we love the shredded hashbrown crust!

Savory Breakfast Pie
Shared by Sharon Tillman of Hampton, Virginia, who assures us "Nothing says 'Rise and shine!' on a lazy weekend morning like the heavenly aroma of this pie in the oven." Thanks, Sharon! 
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
pepper to taste
5 T. butter, melted
3 c. frozen shredded
    hashbrowns, thawed
1 c. cooked ham,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. onion,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. green pepper,
    chopped
1/4 c. diced pimento,
    drained
1 c. shredded sharp
    Cheddar cheese

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; set aside. Drizzle butter over a 9" pie plate; pat hashbrowns into bottom and up sides to form a crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until golden; cool. Sprinkle crust with ham, onion, green pepper, pimento and cheese; top with egg mixture. Reduce heat to 375 degrees; bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until eggs are set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reid

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson David C. Cook (January 1, 2012) by Don Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since wrote two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

A Mile in His Shoes DVD Review/Giveaway

I was so excited when I was contacted by Angie from Propeller about doing product reviews/giveaways.  I want to thank them for the opportunity to help support and get the word out on good family products. You'll want to be sure and not miss any of the up coming giveaways.  So become a subscriber to my blog and you'll get a message whenever a new post is posted.  You'll find it in the right side bar:  follow by email.  Now let me introduce the first product for 2012 that have have for review/giveaway.

main Cast:
a boy with autism, a loving coach who believes, a team member that shows outstanding friendship, a mother that is willing to let her son find his own path, and an over protective father.

special themes:
working together as a team, friendship with those that are labeled special needs. you gain a respect and learn a little bit about autism.   Definately a movie of hope and strength.  a movie where everyone learns and grows from it.

I don't have enough thumbs to put up for this newest Thomas Kinkade movie.  It is the best.  The story line and characters are just superb. based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" Luke Schroder (debut) and Dean Cain both were perfect in their roles.  My teen daughters love movies with Dean Cain (superman) and they loved this one too.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of Luke Schroder in coming movies. It is a very powerful movie; full of heart-warming moments, up-lifting, inspiring, and full of life lessons.  The ratings are 4.5/5 stars for this movie.  If you need a good family night movie then I would highly recommend A Mile in His Shoes.  Learn more about this amazing new star in links below.

visit Luke Schroder's home page here
visit Luke's blog here
visit an interview with Luke here




Synopsis: Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.

buy on-line
CBD
Amazon

Be sure you do the mandatory entry by leaving a comment PLUS fill out the rafflecopter form.  In the end the rafflecopter will chose the winner so if you don't fill out the form you won't be entered.  Thanks



a Rafflecopter giveaway



check out other blogs giving this dvd away
Trinity Rose's Garden
deadline Jan.24th
Day by Day in Our World
deadline Jan. 25th
The Johns Family
deadline Jan 22nd
a cooking bookworm
deadline Jan 31st
The Knowlton Nest
deadline Jan. 25th

A copy of this DVD was provided for this review and giveaway by flypropeller

 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it  on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WWW ~ Jan. 18, 2012

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?


Currently Reading:

Recently Finished:

 Read my Review here

Next Read:

BIG NEWS BREAK!!!

it's here this friday....

OK I'm going to do my dead-level best to participate in January's FNS-i.  It is this friday.  Don't know what it is all about will check it out here.

What am I going to work on???  well hopefully between daughter's work schedule and hubby's work schedule I'll get some more of my cross-stitching done.

Now head over to Crafty Vegas mom and learn more about these sew-ins and sign up

Then head over to Sew Bittersweet designs and check out the giveaway there.....
a sneak peek.....

yep you guessed it has is sewing related.... cool click here for details of how to enter. 

Don't forget to join the sew in on Friday night here.

DayBook ~ Jan. 16, 2012

Outside my window...the sky is cloudy and gloom is hanging around.  wintery day.

I am thinking…I need to post on this blog again

I am thankful for...my warm house

From the kitchen…I comes the ticking of the clock

I am wearing…green jean skirt and sweatshirt with knee socks

I am creating…a cross-sticth

I am going…take my daughter to work shortly

I am reading…Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy

I am hoping…to get some reading and cross-stitching done today

I am hearing...the clock here in the living room tick and the furnace blowing

Around the house…it is mostly quiet as daughter is getting ready for work now

One of my favorite things…Hot chocolate

A few plans for the rest of the week…???????????  undecided

Photo for thought…

one of my Christmas surprises