Troll blast from past craft...easy

Nyla fell in love with her BFF's troll dolls this Christmas! Thankfully her BFF, Stella is super sweet and gave one to her.  These cute little things reminded me of a craft that I use to make when hmm... I was about Nyla's age.  I made so many of them my Mom took them to work and sold them :) 
(super Thanks Mom for selling them...well buying them).

 I use to call them "frustration pencils" cause when your mad, you whirl them in your hands and then smooth them.  Nyla thought, Fluffy Writer Friends was a better name and I agree :)  These cute little guys are kinda like the stress ball of the workplace or classroom.


I could only find white fur but back in the day when I had my "business" I had all colors, even multi-colors. 
This is a super easy craft, just your fingers might get a little gluey.

First make a part in your fur (easiest with a comb), our sizes varied but mostly about 4-5 inches to top of fur, then cut.

grab your pencil, I liked to cover up the #2 writing, then squeeze some glue and roll tight, gluing along the way.

tie with a pretty ribbon, add googly eyes and your done!


xxxxxoooo Michelle

Our Traditional New Years Day dinner...

I just have to share our little southern tradition...

cabbage rolls for money, black eye peas for luck, cornbread for just good ole bellie yumminess!

My Recipe (Keep in mind I do a little of this and that, so add to your taste)

Soak Black Eye Peas
Then bring to boil, add chopped onion, garlic lots of salt, chicken cube,  turn down and put a lid on - slightly open, keep checking every so often to see if they need more salt. I throw in a bunch of fresh spinach a couple minutes before serving.

Take apart the cabbage leaves and lightly steam them, cut off or thin the stem part (makes it easier for rolling up bundles)
In the pot put a little bit of tomatoes so bundles won't burn

Now
in a big bowl add ground turkey, a bit of white rice (not too much or your bundles will blow up and be super dry, I did that once), a can of whole tomatoes - makes it so fun for squishing; Nyla loves that part!, a bit of cinnamon, lots of salt, pepper, some sugar and pats of butter.

Add change, this is the most important part!!

Roll
Nyla likes to add money to each roll, but you can throw it in the pot, we did both.  Ours never turn out perfect by any means and by the time I serve them there kinda like bundle blobs but I love them just the same, its not about perfection. Careful with the toothpicks, I always prick my fingers.

Put bundly rolls in Pot, Pour left over mixture over rolls (this is how I see if their done, when rice is cooked their usually ready), add more can tomatoes, maybe a little bit of water and some more butter.  Our house likes them good and juicy, my Mom use to put a gravy pitcher on the table with the juice in case they were dry.  

Bring to a Boil, then simmer for awhile probably about 30-45 min. but this is kinda a no hurry meal so as long as their on low their good!, Check on them, when white rice is done they should be ready.  


Meanwhile, make a pot of yellow rice.

Cornbread
Straight out of the box, Jiffy!  It's the best, I just add a small can of cream corn per box.

I also made a pot of cabbage rolls with beef for my husband to take on a fishing trip, since I don't eat red meat or pork he never really gets that stuff at home. I made it the same way, but since I don't eat it I'm not sure how it turned out.  Nyla said both were great, friends agreed.

Since we're a small family, I have been eating the left overs, still super yummy, this makes a perfect winter time meal too, just without the money :)


(Be careful of money and toothpicks when eating) This is a great year, I'm loving this moment of reveling in the possibilities!  xxxoooo Michelle

Happy New Year 2013!

I've got my black-eye peas cookin, stuffed cabbage rolls started, cornbread ready for the oven, friends will be over soon.  This year is starting out fantastic!  Sending you all love, hugs and happiness! xxxxoooo Michelle