CATAGORIES:

Flips (46) Picks (42) Clicks (28) Chicks (19) Digs (19) Trips (18)

Thursday, December 30, 2010

2hipchick 2010 Year in Review

Well, here we are at the end of another year.
I have been watching all the year-end top countdowns for 2010
and decided to do my own.
(Click on the links below the pictures to see the complete post.)
2Groovydude at his artsy-fartsy class
at Gilcrease Museum.
What else would you be inspired to make at the cowboy museum?
Cow skulls.
The mind of a little boy always amazes me.
Rainy day shot of Gilcrease campus.

My artsy-fartsy project for Daddio's birthday.
He is still at those lessons.
We actually recognize the songs he is playing now.

Okie sunset.

My favorite veggie dish.
Yum!

Dan and Jeff getting the projects done on our
Down Home Ranch
mission trip.
2Groovydude on his bunk at the ranch.
Daddio and the 2Groovydude taking a break in the giant boot chair.
Rhubarb really loves to help with the gardening.
Crocus means spring!

2Groovydude likes to help me cook.
We have made lots of great goodies together this year.
For all of our favorite treats click on Flips.
Mmm....chocolate!

Now, I would have to say that the arrival of our newest family members
has been quite the project and oh, so much fun!
Baby chicks!
You can't beat 'em.
So fluffy and cute.
Of course, they are all grown up now, but I'm sure we will have more new
babies this spring.
We are hooked on our pet chickens and the eggs are a pretty nice bonus also.

Since Daddio can also cook, I give him a little blog time.
Right now, with the cold weather would be a great time for
Daddio's famous chili.
Give it a try.

I have been hitting the tea pretty hard this week.
Warms you right up!
I discovered a new tea company this year that's worth a look,
if you are a tea lover.

We got in on a church ramp project that turned out to be a lot of fun.
This group really worked together well.
Snap, snap it was done in half a day.
2Groovydude really gets into these projects.
He's a hammering fool.

Oh yeah!  I almost forgot about these new pets.
The Mason bees should be coming around in a few months to
pollinate our garden.
Thanks Bees and Lulu!

The chicken whisperer.

My hummingbird friend.
I still can't believe my luck.

Fun family trip to Destin, FL
And as always a stop at Dewey Destin for our favorite food.

Fun at the beach.
Can't wait to go back.


My tiny children.
Our newest human family member, Cole.

Baby Belle.
Our new puppy.
She's five months old and (I'm knocking on wood, here.)
hasn't had a pee-pee in the house for about a week now.
Rhubarb, Rocket dog.

Tales from the Crypt, I mean Neighborhood.


I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year
with joyous memories to come.
Keep up with the 2hipchick

Friday, December 24, 2010

Pretty Lights

Wow!  We finally made it to Christmas Eve.
I didn't think 2Groovydude was going to make it.
We have kept him very busy this week.
Christmas parties every other night and car trips.
He told me he is going to stay in bed and watch movies until
the Christmas Eve service at church.
Sounds like a plan.
Christmas Eve has become one of my favorite days.
We don't really have much going on and the only thing on the agenda
is an evening church service. 
Kind of nice after all the hustle and bustle. 
I have really gotten in to the whole Christmas light thing
indoors over the years, as you can see. 
Peace. 
Stockings hung with care. 
My little birdhouse chapel.
This gets the honor of staying out all year.
I just think it is so cute and tiny. 
Welcome Christmas cheer. 
From us, to you,
a very Merry Christmas! 
Oh yes, and from Blu Belle 
and Rhubarb...woof, woof. 
Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas
from the
2hipchick

Monday, December 20, 2010

It's Not Too Late Yummy Gifts

So, here we are, 5 days before Christmas.
I know you still have shopping to do, or you forgot someone.
It just happens.
Here are two ideas for quick, easy, gifts that you can pick up right in your grocery store.
My neighbor brings these over every year and I always say I am going to make them.
This was the year.
Pretzel Turtles
Yum!
If you just have an hour or so to spare, these are really tasty and make a great gift.
Especially for those people you don't know what to buy.
 Here's all you need.
Pretzel snaps
Rolo chocolate-caramel candies
Pecan halves
Yes, three ingredients!
Alleluia!
Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees.
Place pretzel snaps on a cookie sheet.
Place candy on top of pretzel.
Bake for 4 minutes. 
While the candy is still warm, place a pecan half on top and press. 
So easy!  So quick!
So Yummy!
Give it a try. 



Now, if you happen to have a little more time to spend, you can make this really delicious snack mix.
You can still find all ingredients at the grocery store.
You are going to have to go there anyway. 
This recipe takes a little longer, but makes a great gift.
Just put it in one of those cellophane bags and give it.
But I warn you, it's addictive!
I can't stay out of it. 


PRETZEL TURTLES
from allrecipes.com

20 small mini pretzels
20 chocolate covered caramel candies
20 pecan halves

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F.  Arrange pretzels in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Place one candy piece on each pretzel.  Bake for 4 minutes.  While candy is still warm, press pecan half onto each candy.  Cool completely before storing in airtight container.



MAPLE-SOY SNACK MIX

12 cups Rice Chex cereal (1 box)
1 1/2 lbs roasted mixed, salted nuts
3 cups Asian rice crackers (in the ethnic food aisle)
3 cups sesame sticks or mini pretzels
2 sticks unsalted butter
1/2 cup maple syrup (the real kind)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 T. Thai red curry paste (I left this out)
Salt and pepper

Pre-heat ovent to 275 degrees F.  In a large bowl, combine the cereal with the nuts, crackers, and pretzels. 
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, syrup, soy sauce and curry and bring to a simmer, whisking to dissolve curry.  Pour the mixture over the snack mix and toss to coat completely.  Season generously with salt and pepper and spread on 3 large rimmed baking sheets.  Bake for 35 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times until nearly dry and toasted.  Let cool completely, stirring occasionally.  Serve.
Make Ahead
The snack mix can be stored in airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.  Recrisp in oven if necessary.