I'm a block head

It's getting to be that time again, end of the year.  Where did it go?  I can remember last Christmas like yesterday, but on the other hand this past 4th of July seems like ages ago.  I fear I am starting to suffer from old timers disease.  That much dreaded condition that was scoffed at when we were in our teens and twenty's.  Then it became a distinct possibility in our thirty's, and fearfully loomed on the horizon as we entered our forties!  All this just to say that as the year ends we have many things to ponder and paperwork to take care of - LOL

 

 

I don't mention my direct sales business on here much but I do love my Mary & Martha, and all their lovely high quality products.  I am still fairly new and have only been with the company since August of this year.  Hallmark is our parent company and have brought their standards and products to a new line of shopping.  They truly are trying to bring encouragement to our homes and us busy moms.  One of my favorite products is the Rustic Block set.  A bit like a Chines puzzle and a great conversation starter.  I not only display them at vendor events, but keep them on display in my own home.  The children really enjoy seeing how creative they can be and it spurs some amazing conversations with them about faith and family life.

Here is my current block saying 

One before that : )

 

My first on I made on opening the box!
 

Here is one of the original Jpg pic's from the current broacher/catalog.

 

 

 

Sadly all good things must come to an end, and that includes the fall merchandise from M & M.  The rustic blocks are being discontinued.  I know, right!   They are so popular I couldn't believe it.  There are whole FB pages devoted to sayings to make with the blocks.  It has become a badge of sisterhood with other M & M consultants to share your new clever saying as soon as you make it.

 

 

On the bright side, new items will arrive in the spring catalog for us to share and grow fond of , and I can't wait to have a spring fling to show off all the goodies!  However, many consultants sell their old pieces to make room for the new.  Not this girl, these blocks will be around my home for many years to come.

 

If you are interested in getting your own while they are still available, please visit my page at: www.mymaryandmartha.com/ BADANIELSEN

 

 

Thanks so much for keeping me company while I waited on my dinner (chicken corn chowder) to simmer.

 

Blessings, Beth

Monday Madness: baking, cooking and more ~ oh my!

Been a wild week with holidays now behind us, and looming largely ahead of us.  I did not participate in the Black Friday madness.  Although it looked like the bulk of the sales took place on turkey day.  At my house we were bunked down chowing on far too much food and counting our blessings.  I had been in a bit of a funk due to lack of children making it home.  But after some wonderful long distance calls from army son, sweet big sis and Grandpa Dave; I was feeling less heavy hearted and more willing to face the upcoming weeks of craziness (although army soon is not sure about Christmas). 

 

Black Friday did see me and the twins grocery shopping like normal.  No problem, buy 8 a.m. there  were not many folks about and I found some great deals!  LOL

 

 

 

I found more ground beef, 20/80,  for under $3 a pound.  I try to grab a few when ever I find them, they won't go to waste. 

Most meat counters were full of reduced items on Black Friday, due to over stock for the holiday.

After the first of the year as I continue to eat cleaner, I am hoping to reduce my meat consumption, I want to switch over to grass feed meat.  I spent the past week reading this new purchase I requested from the library.  I highly recommend it, it is full of lots of great information, tips and recipes.

 

I have followed the same named blog for a few years and was thrilled to see a book released with all the info in one place.

 

 

I grabbed a few of these handy chopped salads from the produce section.  So yummy and fresh when used right away. 

 

Many folks forget that all perishables get reduced, not just meat.


 

I know this is not healthy, but I need to bring this to book club tonight.  It is a running joke with me, I will not drink powdered creamer my coffee.  Life is to shore, I could go any minute.  I will not die with powdered coffee creamer as my last meal!  Last month I forgot to bring my own creamer and so had no coffee.  I was informed that I NEEDED that coffee.  They were right, sigh.  So, as this is our Christmas party and our last meeting before we take a 3 month hiatus, I decided to bring something festive we all could enjoy.

 

I have never tried this flavor, but kudos to the new holiday flavors!

 

Speaking of the adult book club Christmas party, I am cooking/baking up a storm this a.m. in preparation of a jolly time.  I used my Mary & Martha bake and take ware, and love it!  It is so easy, festive and no clean up!  LOL

 

Visit my page for more info at: www.mymaryandmartha.com/DANIELSEN














Now, on to channeling my inner Griswold and keeping the Bumpass's dogs out of the kitchen!  LOL please tell me you know these Christmas movie references and that I am not the lone geek. LOL

Blessings, Beth