a little cleaning to welcome spring...

I so very much wish that I was one of those people who enjoys cleaning.  I mean, some people actually love doing laundry, bask in doing the dishes, have enough elbow grease to make any surface shine.  I am so not one of those people.

Although I LOVE a clean house, I just don't enjoy the process to make that happen.

After some blog hopping and Pinteresting, I've discovered a few cleaning products that I actually love using, so I thought I'd take today to share them with you.

1.  First up is a DIY concoction.  I've seen several of these floating around, specifically in the detergent form, but I just can't bring up the courage to run one of those through my dishwasher and I haven't found an HE version of the DIY laundry detergent (not that I'd be brave enough to cycle it through that machine either...).  However, this was a surface cleaner with only two ingredients and bragging credits to boot.  So I figured I could handle this one.  And boy am I glad I did.

I found it through Fabulessly Frugal, but it's also running through Pinterest.  So simple: white vinegar (12 oz) and blue Dawn soap (10 oz).  Who woulda thought?  Heat up the vinegar (about 2 minutes in the microwave), pour it in the bottle (you can get an empty spray bottle at WalMart for $1), then add you soap.  Gently swish it together and you're ready to clean!

I used it to clean my tub and shower and was amazed at how quickly and easily all the gunk came off.  At first I tried to spray, let it set, and come back to scrub (which is how I normally clean my shower area...partially so I can breathe once the chemical aroma has faded some).  However, this is more of a spray and scrub type formula.  And I hate the smell of vinegar.  Hate.  But the soap drowns it out just enough to make it tolerable.  It isn't a lovely smell that you'll be oohing over (unless you're one of those weird people who likes nasty smells), but it isn't one that will make you pass out from chemical intoxication either.

You can just keep adding to that same bottle if you're running low.  One of the big bottles of each ingredient will last you quite a while.  Give it a try!  It's cheap, and you'll be hooked :)

2.  For number two, this is actually a product I discovered in college:  Lysol Mold and Mildew.  Not bathroom cleaner, not kitchen cleaner.  Mold and Mildew.  I'm not always able to find this specific mixture at the store, so when I do, I get so excited!  I use this to clean my shower curtain (and formerly my tub and shower).  Now, I just did this today and my nostrils are still burning a little from it, but that's because--embarrassingly--I had let my shower curtain get pretty dadgum nasty.  But, after a quick and ample spray of this stuff all over it, that baby is shining again!

3.  Lastly, Method All Purpose Cleaner.  I have seen this stuff for a while now and been curious about it, but not wanting to impulse buy cleaning product because it just looks pretty, I had always resisted.  Until a few weeks ago, a blog I follow did a whole post on how much she loves it and how well it works.  So I splurged a little--making a trip to Target specifically for that (and obviously coming out with much more than just that...).

I got the pink bottle because it smells good, cleans all surfaces, and it's pretty :)

And let me tell you--this stuff works!  I am yet to find something it doesn't clean with ease, and I find myself actually wiping up things I would normally ignore for a while just to be able to use my Method cleaner!  It's also non toxic and scented, so the smell is not only not harmful, but it also smells fresh and lovely!  The pink bottle is pink grapefruit, and I just love the smell as much as how well it works.

I am trying to get in the habit of cleaning a little here and there instead of putting it off so long that it's overwhelming and realllly unenjoyable :/  We'll see how it goes.  I'm happy to report though, that as of today, our Master Bath is beaming in cleanliness!

How many of you out there are lovers of the cleaning process?  What about those of you like me, who enjoy the product but hate the process?

Also, floors are probably my biggest weakness.  I hate hate hate cleaning the floors (and with a toddler, they're probably what I should focus on the most...fail).  Any tips or suggestions or products that would make that chore easier, or shall I even say somewhat enjoyable?

happy cleaning...(or at least not miserable cleaning),
angie

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful:

--for the opportunity to have lunch with some special ladies from church.  It's so nice to catch up with them when we have a little more time and freedom to visit.  I'm also very thankful that AJ was very well behaved during that lunch so I could participate in conversation and enjoy myself!

--that the turnaround is -are you ready for it?- OVER!  My boy has still been working later than normal these past couple of days trying to get caught up on his normal day tasks and machines (that he hasn't been able to focus on as much because of the turnaround), but each night is earlier than the last.

--that we get to have dinner with some sweet friends of ours.  Hunter works with John, and his wife, Sky is also a teacher--so we all four hit it off pretty well :)  On top of that, they're expecting their first sweet tot this summer and they just found out this week it's a girl!  It's fun to get to share this journey with them.

--for those crazy teens at church, whom I love dearly.  I know I brag on them a lot, but it's because they deserve it.  Our youth group kids (and all of the adults who work with them with us) are just plain awesome.  And I'm thankful for them opening their eyes and hearts to the thought and action of what we can do to make the world more awesome.

--for my sweet father-in-law.  Sunday is his 50th birthday and his wife is throwing a party for him Saturday.  We're looking forward to spending the day with family and some old friends, celebrating the life of such a respectable man.  (Plus, his middle son {Hunter's brother} and his stepson {Hunter's oldest step-brother} also have their birthday on Sunday, and they will both be 25.  We think it's pretty cool that Frank and Shawnette got twins by marriage!  It'll be a day of milestones all around!)

--that Duck Dynasty premiered again last night!  It may sound silly, but we love the show and look forward to giggling through the episodes together.  Plus, I grew up going to youth functions at the church where they attend and minister, so it's neat to see them up on the big screen.

--for the trips we have coming up and the fact that we've somehow been able to make them all happen.  They'll all be unique and meaningful in different ways and we didn't want to have to miss out on any of those opportunities.

--that my grandmother got a good report from the specialist she saw earlier this week, and will hopefully not be having to have surgery for the issue!

be grateful, give thanks.

love, angie

baby boy shower

Not only did we have the youth rally this weekend, but I came home to helping host a baby shower the next day.  I was exhausted, but it was so very worth it.

My dear friend, Jennifer, has been through quite a journey on her way to mamahood.  And her honesty and faithfulness through that process were remarkable to witness.  She and her husband will happily be welcoming their sweet little boy, Jaxson, in a few months (through her sister's gift of surrogacy).  This was such a special shower to help host!

Jennifer is also one of my crafty friends (actually from whom I inherited the Stampin' Up! demonstrator torch) so we couldn't get away with anything less than crafty cuteness.  Her bedding has owls and chevron prints on it, so we played off of those as well as the color palate.  Here's a little peek into the fun:

I designed these little invitations with her owl bedding in mind (not to mention, I have a slight obsession love for owls right now, so they were first on my idea list)--but I designed them before I knew how many we had to make...which was 100!  Had I known that, I probably wouldn't have had so many separate layers and pieces; but nonetheless, it all worked out and I liked them :)  The center piece was typed out and then run through the Big Shot using the Top Not die.  The owl on the front was also created using the Top Note die.

We also wanted to help boost his library, so I created these little inserts for the invitations.  I found the poem online and adjusted it to fit our circumstances.  The little owls, made with the owl builder punch and cut in her colors, made a sweet little accessory.

One of my best friends painted the sign on the drink table.  She has a raw creative talent, and painting comes so natural to her (me, not so much...).  The verse was a perfect fit for the circumstances.

The bar was set up with the guest book and all of the yummies (cake, blue/green candy--sixlets, jolly ranchers, gummy bears--mixed nuts, and sugar cookies)!

Guest signed in in Jennifer's baby book, but they were also encouraged to fill out one of the baby libs (below) I created for something a little fun and different :)  I'll gather all of those up (along with the sign in sheets from her other two showers) and put them together in a book of some sort. 

Tracy, Jennifer's best friend and the mastermind behind the shower, created this banner--BEAUTIFUL!  If you want to know a true crafter, Tracy is your gal.  She sews, paints, paper crafts, refinishes, arranges/stages, designs...all of it!  Her eye is spot on and she is truly talented.  I just sat and stared at this piece; it was just perfect!  The letters were made from fabric that his bedding is made from and the pennants are burlap.  The brown is fabric and the frame is made from house trim.  Lovely.

I'm not big on the corsage thing, so I made "what's becoming my trademark" name tag for Jennifer to wear instead.  In my opinion, so much more fun that a corsage!  

Opening her gifts--she got quite the loot!

Jennifer made us these beautiful frames as our hostess gifts.  I just love the rustic whimsy they have!

It was such a special time to be a part of, and I'm blessed to have been able to help gift the shower to her.  We had a great turn out and she got lots of goodies!  

"a baby is God's opinion that the world should go on..."  --Carl Sandburg

love, angie

Introducing Stampin' Up! Online Classes!

Perfect for the BUSY stamper!  Or the INTIMIDATED stamper!  Or the "LET'S DO THIS!" stamper!  Or the NEW stamper!  Or the "SEASONED" stamper!  PERFECT FOR ANY AND ALL STAMPERS!

Learn innovative ways to get the most out of your Stampin' Up! supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot) with clever tips and all the techniques you need to start creating with success.  Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics, Stampin' Up! online classes include videos, step outs, and supply lists for 30+ projects!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER "THE BASICS" CLASS FOR $14.95

These are downloadable zip files.  You DO NOT need My Digital Studio to take advantage of the class!  After purchasing and downloading the class, open "Stampin' Class--The Basics" folder and there will be 6 individual "sessions" folders inside.  Click on each and enjoy!

PC Instructions

The files will be downloaded as archive files that you can then extract and save on your computer.  When you click the download link, an extraction program will automatically launch.  Choose the location where you would like to save the files (be sure to note where you save them).  Follow the prompts on the extraction program, then navigate to the location where you saved the files.  Click on the file and open.

Mac Instructions

When you click on the download link, the file will be mounted as a drive.  Once it is mounted, open the drive and drag and drop the files to the location of your choice on your hard drive.  The files can then be opened.

Visit my webpage and online store 24/7 for all of your Stampin' Up! needs.  

happy crafting, angie

SoulLink 2013

Life doesn't slow down to let you catch up on your blog, does it?  Bummer.  I have so many things to post about, but life is so crazy busy, that I don't have time to do so!  So instead, all of those things keeping us crazy busy get added to the blog wish list, making this an unending, cyclical process...oh man.

This past weekend, we had the joy and pleasure of taking our group to SoulLink, a youth rally in Houston.

Up until the very last minute, we didn't know if Hunter would be able to join us because of the turnaround.  But through God's grace, his schedule had about a 40 hour window--which just happened to be the exact amount of time off he'd need to come with us.  FAN-TASTIC!  This also meant that Kyle would come with Rachel (those two birds are our best friends...and he wasn't coming if Hunter couldn't)--so it was a double win.

We ended up taking a group of 26--15 adults and 11 teens :)  It's not that our teens require that much supervision--they actually require very little (we are incredibly blessed with our youth group, full of spirit, heart, and maturity).  Our adults just enjoy spending this weekend with them so much, and in turn, we are able to get our cup filled as well.  The worship experiences were sincere and touching; the fellowship with our group as well as others there were irreplaceable; the changes and growth are undeniable.

The theme this year was "Filter"--determining what filters we see ourselves and our world through, and how that can change when we use Jesus as our only filter.  The lessons were spot on for our kids, growing up in today's culture of deception.   Here are some notes I was able to jot down during the keynotes and classes:

• If you are alive, breathing with a heartbeat, you will hear the voice of the Adversary; and he is saying, "you are not enough."  He gives you filters to see your life through to make you believe that lie.
• Instead, read through Ephesians 1:18-21 and look through your life using these filters.  "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
• If we hold the standard of our lives (Scripture) next to our actual life, what do we see?  What happens when we run our lives through the filter of humanity?  Think of giving someone a picture of something beautiful for them to make a cake from--and then it turns out as something much less beautiful than the plan.  That original picture is our lives as God designs them.  How close is your cake (life) to that picture and design?
• It's not ok when Satan says, "oh that didn't turn out so well."  It's even worse when he says, "let me help you fix it."  Don't give him a foothold in your thoughts.  He will not help you.
• You can let the world give you a filter through which to see Jesus, or Jesus can be your filter through which to see the world.  
• The adversary's voice is loud...even when he's whispering...
• "You knit me, so I praise; You found me, so I live!"  (Psalm 139:14-16)
• A filter blocks out things that don't belong, but also lets things through to allow change.
• Colossians 1:21-23  --  Once you were....  But now....  Focus on the "But Now"!  God uses filters to put you back together.   "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.  This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
• The amount of light and darkness in our lives determines the way we look, the way we act, the way we see ourselves and others, the way we are.
• A view master (the old toy with the picture reels) has to be pointed to the light to work.  Our sight has to be pointed to the Light in order for us to be able to view the Master.

• If we're not uncomfortable, God won't be able to change us.  We won't let Him.
• We look through a church filter instead of a Jesus filter.  The church filter is allowing us to love events more than the Father.  We're excited about the pep rally, but we ignore the game.

We serve a creative God; serve Him creatively!

Don't get sucked in to redundant and habitual acts of worship and service, allowing them to lose their meaning.  Keep your service to our God alive and purposeful, with a heart full of dedication and joy!

Doing a little "shake it out" to wake everybody up and get the blood flowing Saturday morning!  #handstohammies

:)

We even had the pleasure of meeting, hearing from, and learning more about Kid President, Robby Novak!  His videos about loving life, being awesome, and dancing through it all have gone viral across the social networking community.  We were privileged to hear testimonies from Brad Montague (pictured above) and his wife, Kristi, last year at SoulLink--including her family's story of adopting two children with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease).  Well, this year, all the connections were made when we realized that Kid President is one of those precious kids Kristi's parents adopted!  The whole team's passion and drive for action, unwilling to accept the state of and suffering in the world, is motivating and contagious.  Go!

Let's start a joyful rebellion! 

Love changes everything, so fill the world with it!

We have a pretty awesome group of people whom the Lord has given us as family with whom to spread His Love.  The weekend helped us regain focus, boost our stamina, and remind us what we're all about--all while teaching us to look at the world and its people through the filter of Jesus' blood.

I pray we allow ourselves to be used in BIG ways for the Lord.  I pray for the broken hearts who are searching for the "But now" portion of their lives.  I pray for joy and love to sweep over the world with uncontrollable passion.  I pray that God will continue to shower His mercy and grace.  I pray that the hearts of the lost will be found.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."  -Romans 12:1-2

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you:  Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.  Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.  Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.  Instead, fix your attention on God.  You'll be changed from the inside out.  Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.  Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."  -Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)

I love both versions of those verses in Romans--what a declaration over us!  Be comfortable being different; be comfortable being you.  

Remove all of your filters until there's nothing left but the eyes of our Jesus.

love, angie

Thankful Thursday

Link up with Ryan at Loved and Lovely!

Today I'm thankful:

--that an end is in sight for this stinkin' turnaround!  Tuesday is supposed to be the day...I'm scared to hope, but too excited not to.

--that some miracle worked its way into my boy's schedule this weekend and he will, afterall, be able to join us as we take our youth group to Houston for SoulLink!  I have been pretty bummed that he wasn't going to get to go--especially since our best friends are coming with us, and if Hunter couldn't go, Kyle wasn't going to go either.  But now we all get to go!  Which leads me to my next point...

--for a weekend away with our best friends and we'll all be kidless!  Granted, we'll be surrounded by thousands of teenagers, but we don't have the responsibility of our toddlers this weekend (which is a major relief, especially for us mamas).  We'll be able to visit and relax, have true and undistracted worship together, and laugh...oh how we love to laugh!  Plus, I'm thankful for the chance to go see them last weekend for their son's first birthday party.  Hunter couldn't come to that, but we still had a good time.  And two weekends in a row makes my heart giddy!

--for the opportunity to take our youth group to this youth rally.  The caliber and size of this event are incredible; especially to be hosted at and by one congregation.  It's always a weekend that rekindles the fires in our hearts, strengthens the unity in our group, and refocuses on the work we need to do as skilled laborers of the Lord.  Watching these teens worship, have break downs and break throughs, choose to spend their weekend at the foot of the Cross--it's just incredible.  And I'm honored to get to be a part of it.

--for my parents being willing to keep all four of the grandchildren while my sister and I (and our husbands) take our youth groups to the rally.  It's a pretty selfless and overwhelming act to house those four little hooligans for the weekend, and we are ever so thankful for their help.

--that I've been able to stick to my mean plan every night this week!  Sometimes, I get a little off course if the week gets crazy; but so far, I'm right on track, and it feels good!

--that my mother-on-law is quite the seamstress and has agreed to make not only Arabella's Easter dress, but also my nieces and a tie for my nephew!  And that I found fabric that we LOVE!  They are seriously going to be the cutest things you have ever laid eyes on.

--that my sister's angels scooped her up out of harm's way Tuesday night as she was driving with a friend right past this building seconds before the explosion.  They were not hurt, but terrified and very shaken up.  There were also many people injured, and last I heard, some unaccounted for.  Please remember those affected by this unexpected catastrophe.

--funny, dramatic, touching TV shows that help me escape from reality a bit and help me pass the time.  I'm very productive, especially at night, as I sprawl out a project on the living room floor and watch episodes of my favorite shows.

--that the kind people at the Jennings Church of Christ were willing to record Patrick Mead's lessons from the youth rally they hosted, as well as his talks he gave at their meetings throughout that week.  I got them in the mail today and am anxious to hear the wisdom and word he delivered.

--that my sweet baby bug wasn't more sick than she is, and that I caught it in time with a doctor visit and some meds.  Saturday night's throwing up and major wheezing had me pretty concerned--but we caught the ear infection just as it was forming, and got her started on breathing treatments for the wheezing pronto.  So I'm also thankful for her pediatrician and having accessible medical care.  (Let me throw this note of thanks in this one as well:  our pediatric office house about 10 doctors.  Weekday mornings, they offer a walk-in clinic on a first come, first serve basis--meaning you see whichever doctor comes available first and it likely will not be your child's pediatrician.  Well, we've been blessed to have always and only seen Dr. Bartz, her actual pediatrician, at every visit, including  to the walk-in clinic.  I'm very thankful for that!)

--to be given the opportunity to help host a sweet friend's baby shower this weekend!  Her story is special and she is dear to my heart.  I'm looking so forward to being able to bless her little family this way!

--that Hunter was off on Tuesday, and even on that day off, he chose to work and get things done around the house.  This included steam cleaning our carpets (which turned into a fiasco when BOTH of the machines we rented from Lowe's were broken...and it's a 20 minute trip one way to our Lowe's...) and fixing some things outside.  He also watched sweet Arabella without resistance while I hosted my monthly Stampin' Up! stamp club.  He's pretty much the best.  (and he brought me a slice of Pecan Praline cheesecake from Pappadeaux on Saturday...and last night he brought me a Sonic sweet tea to church!  He spoils me.)

With this many things that I'm thankful for, I'd say it's been a pretty great week :)  

be grateful, give thanks

love, angie

Thankful Thursday...on a Friday.

Today I'm thankful:

--for my forever Valentine. My sweet husband who works so hard to love me well and protect and provide for us. He leads me, teaches me, and strengthens me; all while taking such good care of my heart. I'm so blessed to get to giggle my way through life with him.

--that I live close enough to my family to drive over and spend Valentine's Day with them since my man had to work.

--for a mom who's willing to stay up until after 2am chatting with me about anything and everything. I hope and pray that i can be that way for Bella and that she will want that from me when that time comes in our relationship.

--that the end of this turnaround is in sight! He still can't give me a day, but the last steps of the process are starting to happen.

--for a weekend with my best friend. I am in major need of some late night laughs and vents with this chica. Not to mention, we get to let our absolutely adorable babies play and have fun together too, and that's always super fun to watch.

--that the Carnival Triumph has made it safely into port and the passengers are safe and free!

--that the weather cooled off again. I love me some chilly weather--and chili weather!

--for the commitments I've had for my Women of Faith group this year. Really loving my ladies.

--for the acknowledgment and kind words from a friend earlier this week; such a nice boost for my spirits.

--that my darling angel was not seriously injured Sunday (a very heavy and large--20ish foot tall-- ladder toppled on top of my toddler)...it could have been devastating, but her Guardian cushioned her.

--for my parents who raised me to be passionate, firm, and fearless when standing for what I believe; but still to take that stand in love. To not be comfortable with complacency, but to crave growth and action. To live out loud through my behavior.

be grateful, give thanks.

love, angie

14 Days of Love--Day 14

Happy Valentine's Day!  

We made it through all 14 days--what a fun little game this was for me to offer my love.  I'm actually kind of impressed with myself for getting them given on time AND writing the corresponding blog post on time...for all 14 of them!

Today's gift may seem odd, but it's something he really wanted and needed.  As I mentioned when he was gifted UnderArmour socks a few days back, Hunter has really grown fond of UA clothing--including their underwear.  So that's just what he's getting today:  a new pair of undies (or manties as I call them much to his dismay) with the more than true statement, "You work your hiney-tail off for our little family."  And for fun, a Jerry Seinfeld quote: "Men want the same thing from their underwear that they want from a woman:  a little bit of support and a little bit of freedom."  :)

And the song...  "When I Said I Do".  This was the song we first danced to as a married couple; and it's one that I not only love dancing to with him, but also singing with him.  We still stop and sway together anytime we hear it.  Its lyrical definition of marriage is spot on--those two little words promise so much.  I never want us to forget that.

I'm also reminded of this blog post that I came across a few months back (it struck a chord with me deep enough that I saved the link to my desktop).  What a thought and challenge to be reminded of our commitment on a daily basis, in a literal way.  Remember your promises; repeat them; live them.

I hope you've enjoyed walking our little love journey these past two weeks, reminiscing through pictures and expressing affection through silly puns and small gifts.  I hope you've been able to recognize the love and appreciation that my husband and I share for one another; the joy and spark we've kept alive for nearly 10 years; the fun, giggles, and shenanigans we have together; the forever in us.

make sure the ones you love know it.  

 and make sure you make love fun!

love, 

angie

Corn Flake Candy

This one isn't a recipe I found on Pinterest (although I have seen similar variations of it on there), but rather one that my mom has been making for us for years.

It's super easy and a very tasty treat for any peanut butter lover.  Hunter's family loves when I make this stuff--it doesn't last long at those gatherings.

What you need:

1 cup light Karo syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup smooth peanut butter

6 cups corn flakes

wax paper

That's it!

The key to this recipe turning out right is preparation.  Once things get going, they go rather quickly, so it's best to have everything laid out and measured out ahead of time.

Pour the cup of Karo syrup into a small pot.

 Using the same measuring cup as you did for the Karo, spoon sugar into it.  This is a tip to help get the remaining syrup out of the cup easily--the sugar crystallizes it making it much easier to spoon out.

On a medium-low heat, stir the syrup and sugar together until a light rolling boil occurs.  The mixture should become smooth and somewhat runny.  Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

Once it begins to lightly boil, add the cup of peanut butter and remove the pot from the heat.

Stir the peanut butter in until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour it over the corn flakes.

Fold the mixture into the cereal until the flakes are coated evenly for the most part.

Immediately spoon clumps of candy onto wax paper.

Keep spooning until you run out!

Note:  if you need to place these in a dish to transport or set out to eat, place a piece of wax paper between the layers of candy.  If not, they will all stick together and you will end up with one big lump of cornflake candy instead of bite sized goodies.

I made this batch to send to work with Hunter as a Valentine's gift to him and his buddies that are on turnaround graveyards for it.  He requested these to take to work a while back, but he doesn't know I made them for him :)  I kinda feel sorry for all those guys stuck out there all these nights, but especially this one, instead of being home with their loves.  I have a feeling these little sweeties won't last long out there tomorrow night...

Enjoy!

love, angie

Cornflake Candy

Ingredients

1 cup light Karo syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup smooth peanut butter

6 cups corn flakes

wax paper

*The key to this recipe turning out right is preparation.  Once things get going, they go rather quickly, so it's best to have everything laid out and measured out ahead of time.

1.  Pour the cup of Karo syrup into a small pot.

2.  Using the same measuring cup as you did for the Karo, spoon sugar into it.  This is a tip to help get the remaining syrup out of the cup easily--the sugar crystallizes it making it much easier to spoon out.

3.  On a medium-low heat, stir the syrup and sugar together until a light rolling boil occurs.  The mixture should become smooth and somewhat runny.  Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

4.  Once it begins to lightly boil, add the cup of peanut butter and remove the pot from the heat.

5.  Stir the peanut butter in until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

6.  Pour it over the corn flakes.

7.  Fold the mixture into the cereal until the flakes are coated evenly for the most part.

8.  Immediately spoon clumps of candy onto wax paper.

9.  Keep spooning until you run out!