A Blondie is basically a brown sugar version of the brownie. It ends up being a golden brown, hence its name blondie.

Yields about a half dozen somewhat thick pieces if you use a bread pan, or about a dozen thinner pieces if you use a cake pan.

If you use a bread pan, it may need more time in the oven. Make sure the center rises well, use a chopstick to poke the center to make sure it does not turn out too moist and gummy.

**Want a low sugar version?? Use Splenda’s Brown Sugar Mix (available at most grocery stores) according to their label!

Ingredients:

+ extras (chocolate chips, raisins, and/or walnuts)

Directions:

• whip together brown sugar and room temperature butter in a mixing bowl
• put eggs in a bowl with vanilla (do not whisk)
• add one egg at a time to sugar and butter, mixing it slowly
• add flour and baking soda
• add any extras
• do not over work the mixture
• spread batter on to pan

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes in a loaf pan.

1 pound Ground Beef (or Turkey for a healthier pie)
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/4 cup diced green beans
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup peas
1/3 cup spinach
1 8 oz can diced tomatos (or 1-2 fresh tomatos, diced)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon rosemary
Pepper to taste

4 Large russet potatos
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

–Peel, and cut potatos into cubes. Boil in water with salt and olive oil until fork soft. Drain, add sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash with potato masher or fork. Set Aside.

–In pan, add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once warmed, add all vegetables (do not add tomatos). Saute until onions are translucent. Add ground meat and spices until almost completely browned. Add tomatos and vinegar. Heat for 2 more minutes.

–Add mix to casserole dish. Spread mashed potatos evenly on top. Bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes or until top is browned.

I am looking for ways to advertise my site. I am going to start collecting links to others and would really like to see if they would link to me as well to help me get back in to the world wide web and get known. If you have any advice or thoughts on my blog, let me know. Thanks a ton!!!

Coming soon to Krafty Kitonet’s Korner:
Make up inspiration
Better, more in depth reviews
More recipes with photos
Crafting goodies (tutorials, inspiration, pattern of the week, etc.)
Tags (with requesting)

Please comment with ideas of what you would like to see on this site.

You have to come check this out! Isn’t this the cutest one you’ve ever seen?!

CONTEST OVER

Spotty Cat Wall Quilt Kit

This evening there will be a book review on the 3 books I ordered, plus some product reviews. I still have that extra book so if anyone has any contest ideas, comment! ^_^ I would also take a swap!

I need opinions on a product. My grandmother in law got it from the local health food store and I just started taking it. I am curious if anyone else has tried it.

Kyo.Green Powdered Drink Mix — Energy

I just received my dryer balls & scrubbie set. Also got my “The Laptop Lunch” book. I will run a review as soon as I can. Should be tomorrow or Wednesday. I can’t wait!!

P.S. Di was super sweet and threw in a sample of her homemade laundry soap!! YAY!!!

YAY! Photos. These are her photos, but for the moment they will work. ^_^ Starting from the left: laundry soap, dryer balls, and then the fabulous scrubbie set!! Love them!!! Will be using them today.

Thanks again Di!!!

I got my “Favorite Family Meals” book and my make up in. I will be working on a review for the make up, but one for the book is for today. ^_^
The book is great. Unfortunately I accidentally ordered 2 copies so I might be doing a trade or contest or something. The recipes are simply fabulous and I am looking forward to making them. The book has excellent tips and tricks for food and getting your family to eat. She even goes in to a grocery list at the very beginning so you can see how simple the items are. The photos are totally gorgeous! Just looking through the book made me hungry. lol

On another note, I have been taking the family in to the new age by introducing them in to an Eco-friendly lifestyle. Like most of us, as a child it was my favorite subject, but as life went on I became to busy and my Eco-thoughts were put on hold. Now that my daughter is older and going to school, she is learning how to save the earth and what not. Well, she asked me if we could do the same. This brought back a lot of that old passion and made me realize I needed to start supporting Gaia again so that future generations will not have to suffer for my mistakes.

To take a step in to the right direction I have started sorting my garbage in to recyclables and trash. I have also purchased some reusable, washable sponges and cleaning stuff from a very dear friend. She has her very own shop on Etsy. I will do a review on the items just as soon as I get them in and get to use them. Go ahead and stop on in though. She also sells dog clothing, handmade hypo-allergenic laundry soap, and other items. You can also get her to make you custom items. She’s a total doll! You rock Di! I shall also be hosting my own store there soon with handmade soaps, sewing projects, and much more. Yes, I’m a dork. lol I pictured myself somewhere else by the time I reached this age, but I realize now that there is no where to go, but back to the top. The only person who I can change is myself and build a better foundation for my children.

I am working on another project of my very own garden and will be planting soon. I’m so excited about that since my family and I love fresh veggies. I will post my tips and tricks as I go.

We are supposed to be getting our plumbing fixed this week. YAY! Home projects are fun. lol Riiiight! I might post before and after, but it’s going to be pretty graphic so I will post a warning. lol

Oh and on another note, hehehe, I’ve gone down from an 18 to a 16! How awesome is that!?

Like most moms I have come to realize Macaroni and Cheese is a common staple in our house. It is something I can make quickly, cheaply, and my family loves it. I have also discovered a way to get a lot out of a little when it comes to the prized food. ^_^ I am the type that likes to throw in a little extra to make the meal more filling and appealing, plus give my kids a little different taste of an old favorite.

All you need to feed 3-4 in proper portions:
1 box of Macaroni and Cheese (My personal favorite is the store brand with the cheese sauce instead of the powder)
add ins (These can consist of fresh diced tomatoes, diced ham, turkey, chicken, corn, etc.)

Another fun way to try it is the white cheese kind with broccoli and chicken.
My family eats every bite without a second glance. Let me know if you try it. Would love to see what you made as well.

I ordered some goodies so I can start making my life the way it once was and possibly help me in the right direction of not sitting in from of the pc for several hours on a daily basis. lol I am getting back in to sewing also. YAY!

Books:
Easy Japanese Cooking: Bento Love by Kentaro Kobayashi
Favorite Family Meals by Annabel Karmel
The Laptop Lunch User’s Guide: Fresh Ideas for Making Wholesome,
Earth-friendly Lunches Your Kids Will Love by Amy Hemmert , Tammy Pelstring

Make up:
Ordered from E.L.F.
Therapeutic Conditioning Balm Strawberry Cr me
Earth & Water Mascara Duo Noire
Blending Eye Brush
Defining Eye Brush
Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush
Total Face Brush
Eye Widener White
Hypershine Gloss Fairy
Hypershine Gloss Cloud Nine
New Moisture Care Lip Color Pink Lemonade ‘06
New Moisture Care Lip Color Cherry Tart
New Moisture Care Lip Color Ruby Slipper
Plumping Lip Glaze Mauve Berry
Plumping Lip Glaze Ruby Kiss
Eye Shadow Brush
Natural Lash Kit-Black
Dramatic Lash Kit-Black
Hollywood Eyelashes
(There is more, but I don’t remember what they were actually called.
I will post my haul and use information once I get them in. ^_^
Also from my favorite seller on eBay: 120 Eyeshadow Palette

Can’t wait to get my goodies in!!

I made a resolution to begin to be more active and start losing these post Buddy pounds. After my son was born I got depressed and started slacking off. This caused me to gain over 60 lbs in the last 5 years. Not much to some, but considering I was smaller while pregnant, it really bothers me. I know it is affecting my marriage and over all health. I am going to keep everyone up to date through this journal.

Here is a pic of me last year. I will be posting weekly – monthly updates on my status. I will post what I am doing to help my weight loss such as my activity level and what I have been eating. I am hoping that this will help in my over all progress since I don’t want to shame myself. lol

God I hope this works. My goal is 145, but I will most likely change that once I get that small. My goal size is 10.