I'm Straight...

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(image source unknown) If you follow me on Twitter, then you already know I straightened my hair last Wednesday. I tweeted a pic, but didn't really have much time to really get into to it. However, I did record the whole flat ironing process and HOPEfully..notice the emphasis on hope...I'll have it posted this week.Until then continue reading to see how my hair has been holding up...Wednesday 11/23Friday 11/25...curls from pin-curling at night!Saturday 11/26...Mrytle Beach, SCMonday 11/28...still straight as I type this post

Today's Hair...Turban Edition

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All tied up! On a random and somewhat wasteful trip to Marshall's I came across this cute scarf under a pile of clearance junk. It has an "ethnic" with splashes of coral, teal, yellow and outlines of black. I love it! It's not too thick, the length and softness is perfect for head wrapping.My hair underneath is a week old stretched braid-out, gathered up into a loose bun. The bangs are simply twisted loosely to the side and the ends were secured with bobby pins. This is a super easy look to disguise a bad hair day or to add a bit of funk to your everyday...same ol same ol...hair routine.I'm sure some are going to ask if I recorded a tutorial and the answer is yes! BUT the video came out terrible. The whole top part of my head was out of view and I was just yapping away without even noticing lol! I will rerecord, just not until next week, but in the meantime check out one of my fave vloggers, Taren916's scarf tying tutorial >> HERE!!

Crafting Personalized Gift Box Ornament with CriCut Mini #DIY

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When I was a child, my grandmother handcrafted an ornament for us each year out of all different craft mediums: clothespins, plastic canvas, paper, yarn, beads, and even pop tabs.

I always thought they were super cute, but didn't truly appreciate their importance and significance in my life until I was in my mid-twenties.  Now, each year at Christmas time I rejoice in the cherished memories as I hang these lovely keepsakes on the tree.

Sadly, my grandmother is no longer able to craft ornaments due to her failing eye-sight.  Certainly, I cannot replae my grandmother's touch or amazing creativity, but I am determined to keep the crafting spirit alive in our holiday celebrations by handcrafting ornaments each year.

This year, I admit I was a little pinched for time and didn't get started as early as I would have liked, but thanks to the CriCut Mini and a few embellishments I was able to whip up some adorable gift box ornaments that I personalized with favorite colors, paper patterns, stickers, bows, and mini tags with names and dates.

From cut to finish, I was able to put together the first four gift boxes in about a 1/2 hour - a lightening fast project that you can complete easily if you are still looking for last minute ideas!


From the online CriCut craft room, I chose a simple box shape.  Any box shape will do, but I stuck with the traditional square present shape where the cuts and folds are very simple and easy to quickly tape or glue together (I used double-sided tape.) 


After taping the bottom and top box pattern, put them together, add a little ribbon and a tag... and an embellishment or two and viola!  Instant cute, personalized ornament.  (If you haven't guessed, the hugs and kisses are for my hubby!)

I wrote the date on the outside of the tag, and the recipient's name on the inside.  You can easily write a "to" and "from," a quote, or even the children's ages on the tag.  Also, I happened to have a bunch of mini tags on hand, but could have easily cut them with the CriCut Mini, too.


With this simple pattern, you can achieve many different looks depending upon the embellishments you use.  I like the "classic" style of these gift boxes, but by simply altering the paper patterns (such as the writing paper above that I used to create one for my son's teacher,) you can create a customized look.  When you are finished, use a standard ornament hanger (available by the box for uber cheap!) or ribbon or thread to create a loop to hang the ornament with.

Stickers can also be used to personalize with sports teams, favorite characters, to create a baby's first Christmas ornament or for just about any customization you need. And you could certainly cut more custom die cut shapes with the CriCut to embellish the boxes.


Have you tried a CriCut machine yet?  I'm still fairly new to my CriCut Mini, but loving every mini-minute of it!  What craft projects are you working on this holiday?

For more information on the Cricut Mini, visit http://www.cricut.com

Gourmet Holiday Recipe: Figs Stuffed With Gorgonzola

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Our friends from BetterEats.com, Everyday Health’s new food site want to bring joy to your rural table with this fabulous recipe.. .enjoy!

Figs Stuffed With Gorgonzola

Ingredients:

· 16 medium figs, dried - about 8 ounces
· 1/2 cup port
· 1 tablespoon vinegar, balsamic
· 1/4 cup cheese, crumbled Gorgonzola - 2 ounces
· 1/4 cup cream cheese, reduced-fat - softened
· 1 teaspoon rosemary, fresh - chopped
· 2 ounces prosciutto - sliced and trimmed of fat· pepper, black, coarsely ground - to taste

Directions:

1. Snip the stem off each fig and make a crisscross cut two-thirds of the way down to partially open the fig. Trim the base of each fig so it will sit upright when finished.

2. Place the figs, port and vinegar in a small saucepan; cook, uncovered, over low heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until the figs are plumped and softened and most of the liquid is reduced, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

3. Meanwhile, combine Gorgonzola, cream cheese and rosemary in a small bowl; blend with a fork.

4. Cover and refrigerate until the figs are cooled.

5. Cut prosciutto into 1/4-inch-wide ribbons.

6. Using a teaspoon, melon baller or small spoon, place a dollop of cheese mixture in the opening of each fig.

7. Garnish each appetizer with a ribbon of prosciutto. Dust with a grinding of pepper.

Holiday Magic with Disney: Festive Fudge Recipe

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Disney has always been a part of our lives, but it wasn't until recently I realized how much Disney plays a major role in all of our holiday celebrations, too.  From costumes and treats on Halloween, to themed baskets at Easter, to birthdays and anniversaries spent at the theme parks, to seasonal movies and Christmas decorations, you'll find Mickey Mouse and all his friends making an appearance in our rural home year 'round.

This year, we added a special element of Disney fun by creating a Disney-inspired "Festive Fudge" recipe. Disney offers recipes on their website so that family can experience the magic of Disney even through holiday dishes and treats. And it certain adds a whole new level of merriment to our holiday celebrations!


I hope you enjoy joining us for a Disney holiday moment and if you decide to make Festive Fudge (I highly recommended it! Super easy and delicious recipe that's very kid-friendly,) you can find the complete recipe here:
http://family.go.com/food/recipe-652804-festive-fudge-t/



Disclosure: A gift card will be received from BSM Media for participation in this promotional activity.  However, we'll gladly share our love of Disney anytime (and you know I certainly do on a regular basis!) without incentive. All thoughts and opinions are that of Rural Mom. 

Grace's Black Bean Pie Recipe

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I love sharing recipes with friends, but it's even more delightful when a dear friend shares a treasured recipe back, as Grace (of BlessedElement.com/create) is sharing today with us!  This Black Bean Pie recipe is certain to warm up and add some amazing flavor to your winter nights:

Black Bean Pie

First make a cornmeal pie crust:

(Cornmeal pie crust I cook in the microwave)
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of cornmeal
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 cup of shortening
3 to 4 (more if needed) TLBS of water.

Mix dry ingredients and then add shortening and mix until mixture resembles small peas.Add water and form into a ball.

Flour dough board and place dough on it and roll it out.Put it in 9 inch glass pie plate. Like you would do for any pie.

Cook in microwave on high power for 5 to 7 minutes and set aside.


Black Bean mixture:

I cook 16oz of black beans of the stove.

I soak them for 24 hours and then cook them on the stove until they are soft. I add onions and garlic to my beans while they are on the stove. Drain.

I then put them in my food processors using the S blade and mash them into a paste.

Add 1/2 onion1 TBLS chili powder (if you don't want it to be spicy then only add 2 tsp of chili powder)
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
1 clove of garlic

Mix together in food processor and then pour into pie crust.

Put 2 cups of shredded cheese over top of pie.

Cook for 6 to 10 minutes( until cheese is melted) on 50% power level in microwave.

Cut into pie wedges and place on serving plate then add shredded lettuce, tomatoes and onions on top.

This is a favorite at our house and I hope you enjoy it too!

Grace Hodgin is a Grandma Blogger at blessed elements.com/create encouraging grand parents to remain active in the lives of their grand children and to inspire imagination and creativity.

Hot Toys for 2012: EzyRoller Review

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When I was little, all of our play vehicles were self powered, no remote controls, no motors, just good old-fashioned leg power to propel us down the road.

Though modern updates are certainly fun and though we've certainly purchased and enjoyed motor-powered vehicles for our sons, I've always felt they were missing out on some fantastic memories along with some of the health and exercise benefits by using those... so we've certainly encouraged bicycle riding, skate boarding and other modes of self-transport fun.

When I first heard about EzyRoller, I knew it was a toy my sons would love, but also one that I'd feel great about introducing them to. The EzyRoller design reminds me a bit of a go-cart crossed with a scooter, but there are no motors, batteries, chains, or pedals.  EzyRoller moves like a snake, using right-left movements to power the ride.

At 9 and 11, it's not always easy to pry my sons away from video games, construction sets or basketball, but the second the EzyRoller showed up, I had their full attention!  Naturally, we had to open and assemble.  I was immediately impressed with the durable product materials and ease of assembly.  It took only a few minutes to figure out the set-up and put together.


The EzyRoller comes with two extension so that it can be set up (and adjusted later) for growth to accommodate children ages 3-14.  I really love this feature, it certainly makes the EzyRoller a very worthwhile long-lasting purchase.  When my boys are done using the EzyRoller, we'll be able to adjust it back down for granddaughter and start the fun all over again!

An inaugural test ride was in order so we took the EzyRoller to our town park, where I knew we'd have plenty of road space to ride.  My oldest son is tall for his age and I worried a little that the EzyRoller might be a little small, but that was quickly allayed, he fit easily and said he was surprised by how comfortable it was. In no time, he was on his way, zipping around the park and zooming down the walking/bike trails.


Of course, my youngest was eager to get in the action and this is his very first ride (you can see how easy it is to operate from the start) and his reaction:


The EzyRoller allows forward and backward movement, turns, spins and a whole lot of fun, fun, fun!  This terrific toy also has a built in brake that makes stopping a breeze and heavy duty wheels that easily handle bumps in the road or a tromp across the grass.

EzyRollers are available in six colors and multiple styles including a Junior version. For more information, visit http://ezyroller.com

Disclosure: Product was received for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are that of Rural Mom. As always, we are under no obligation to review, but choose to share as we've found this to be a quality product worth sharing!