**Christmas in July**

I've had the idea to make a blog post about Christmas in July and today feels just right for it. I love Christmas!


I'm doing it as a pick me up mostly because lately I've been feeling down and in pain. I went to the hospital to check a painful lump in my right breast and they referred me to Libby's Legacy Breast Foundation in downtown Orlando on Orange Ave. for a free mammogram.


If you're a woman, please get yourself checked. Its better to be safe than sorry.


 If you have no health insurance and you live in Orlando, you can call and set up an appointment with Libby's Legacy here 


1718 South Orange Ave
Orlando FL 32806
(407)898-8991


If you would like more information on where to get free screenings in your area, please check out this site:


http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dcpc_Programs/default.aspx?NPID=1


I'm hoping the lump in my breast is just fibrous and swollen due to fluctuating hormones but I'm going to get it checked either way.


Now that you know why I need a pick-me-up, let's get on to the good stuff...recipes, patterns, and ideas!


RECIPES

Here's a fun one for "Lumps of Coal". Use a regular rice krispies treat recipe from this site:

http://www.ricekrispies.com/en_US/default.html#/en_US/default

and add black food coloring! Look how cool it looks!

There are some great Christmas snack recipes at the Pilsbury site too! Check out these Santa Crackers

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/santa-grahams/69f0fff6-8ccc-418a-8e23-58d5cfd491e6/

DECORATION

Check out this pipe cleaner Christmas Tree from Martha Stewart:

http://www.marthastewart.com/265414/pipe-cleaner-decorations-christmas-tree

TOY IDEAS

Make some CLOUD DOUGH and put it in a decorative container to play with the kids! All you need 8 cups of flour and 1 cup of baby oil. It feels like flour but you can mold it!

http://www.jugglingwithkids.com/2011/11/cloud-dough.html

PATTERNS

Here's an idea for crochet Christmas trees for a garland or ornaments.

http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html

Here's another garland idea, Christmas Lights!

This one is a Ravelry.com Download. You need to be a member of the site to download the free pattern**

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/holiday-lights-2

These are so cute! Here are some more traditional ornaments.

http://greedyforcolour.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-bauble-tutorial.html

That's all for now friends. Stay tuned for more stuff.

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Mery Ann

Ugh, cleaning....

Every Saturday morning growing up, my mom would blast some old school Salsa music and get my sister, my brother, and myself up for our weekly deep cleaning session. We would all eat a nice big breakfast and set to work cleaning the house room to room systematically.

She taught me a lot about cleaning and tried to instill a sunny morning disposition in me. I can't say it was a rousing success but I will say that I appreciate it.

In honor of my mother's cleanly habit forming teachings I wanted to make a super neat blog chock full of useful household crochet patterns and cleaning and cooking tips.

Here's a poppy granny square design that would make an awesome dishcloth or hot pad!

http://colourinasimplelife.blogspot.com/2012/06/granny-bobble-spiral.html

If you want an even intricate design, this hot pad from Naztazia,com could be just what you're looking for:  (requires Ravelry.com account)

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weaved-hotpad


Every one could use some coasters. Try some neon colors for summer or pumpkin spice and burnt umber for the upcoming fall season:

http://www.lululoves.co.uk/index.php/item/crochet-coasters

If you're looking to purchase some sweet coasters instead, check these out for your wine glasses!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CoolBeansandThings?section_id=11609311

COOKING:

Crockpot Strawbery Jam!

2 lbs of strawberries all cut up 

4 cups white sugar 

1/4 cup lemon juice 

(I think to keep them looking red)

 Crockpot, high setting, 2-4 hours depending on size of strawberries.

Gotta love Jello!

For a much quicker and more chocolatey snack, check out this microwave delight:

Cleaning:

Want to save money on fabric freshner? Check this out:

What you need:

• 1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener
• 2 Tbsp baking soda
• hot water
• spray bottle (32 oz)

What you do:Add fabric softener and baking soda to spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with hot water. Shake it all up. Use as you would Febreeze.

I hope you liked all these useful hints and tips and as always, thank you for reading.

Love,

Mery Ann