Japanese Chicken & Ham Fried Rice

This is one of my family's favorite meals.  Everyone eats it.  Which is rare in my house.  Satisfying 6 people at the same time is hard work.  But this meal is awesome.  I even had a friends children over and they ate it.  Probably some of the pickiest kids ever.  They loved it.  I was so proud and there mama was thrilled! So I thought I would share it with the blog world.

Wonder box

Have you ever heard of a Wonder Box??  I met a lovely lady at a Emergency Preparedness class.  She was talking about Sanitation (I will post on that a little later).  I felt inspired to talk with her.  After a lengthy talk I discovered we had a lot in common.  When I mentioned I enjoyed sewing she brought out the wonder box.  She had many people that wanted one, but didn't sew.  After looking at hers.  I added a few improvements. 

She handed me the cookbook and history behind the Wonder box and away I went to make my own.

So here is a little History on Retained heat cooking.

One of the stories I came across was about how they used hay boxes in WWII.  They would get there food boiling during certain times of the day. When they were allowed to cook. (Certain times were not allowed due to aircraft over head bombing the area.  Smoke from a fire would alert enemy planes to the area.) They would place there food into the hay box and eat a few hours later or even the next morning.  Allowing the families to have a hot meal.

So now to the wonder box.  They first began in South Africa.  A Pamphlet was published by "Compassion".

Here is the Google Document with the information.  The information was retyped and a few recipes and other information has been added.

Wonder Box Cook Book

So here is my Wonder Box Diy. 

Wonder Box DIY

I love my Wonder Box.  I use it all the time.  Its great for Cooking, Keeping thinks cold and even camping when you want a hot shower at night or hot water to wash dishes. 

Here are a few I have made.  I like the simplicity of the design.  No pattern pieces to cut.  Just 4 large circles and 2 long strips.  Sew them fill them and you are ready to go.

Enjoy! 

Adrienne

Linking up too:

It's a Wrap! Neighbor Gift

A few years ago, on Christmas Eve, a neighbor brought by a roll of wrapping paper, a roll of tape and a small plate of treats with a little typed tag attached. so I made up this cute little tag here to share, with a little improvement.

{Right click and save. Prints as a 4x6}

 I have been searching for this little tag for years and finally found it.

I loved the idea. And who doesn't need a little extra wrap and tape on Christmas eve.

{If you already have plans for this years neighbors gifts, Plan for next year and pick up your paper and tape at the after Christmas sales.  Your gift will be a hit next year}

Hope your Holidays are Merry and Bright this year!

PLEASE follow the following rules for Free Time Frolics printables:

• I would love for you to become a follower of Free Time Frolics. More Free Printables are comeing. You don't want to miss out.
• Free Time Frolics printables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to the original post or this page.
• Freebie printables are offered "as is" unless otherwise noted.
• Pin, share, use in your home or as a gift. Enjoy.

Adrienne

Kid Christmas Treat Bags

I am always looking for a fun craft for my kids.  This one is quick and easy and may not even cost much.

I made these with my kid in about 20 minutes.  Here we go.

Supplies:

Brown craft paper

(If you have brown paper bags they will work)

Crayons, marker or whatever you have to decorate.  Lots of options.

candy

sewing machine

I started with printing some templates for shapes.  You can make these on Photoshop elements or just freehand a few.

Cut them out  in pairs and hand them to the kids.

Let them decorate to there hearts content. 

Once they were done I used my sewing machine and stitched around the edges.

Stitching 2 pieces together.  

Leave an opening so you can fill them with candy. 

Fill them up and stitch them closed.

These would make great little gifts for your kids to give to friends at school or make a bunch and use them as an advent calendar.

Tear them open and eat them up!

Fun and easy. Just the way I like it!

Adrienne

Linking up to:

Cups and Straws Cleaning Tip

We all try and do our part, Right?  Help the environment, recycle, upcycle. 

(If Your a crafter Upcycle is your favorite!)   

Well I try to do my little part.  I am kind of a water brat.  I will not drink from the tap.  It tastes a little weird.  Maybe its from my Flight Attendant days. Not quite sure.

(I flew back in my glory days of no kids or responsibility. What a fantastic job. Just me, myself and I. Sometimes I miss those days.)

 We always drank bottled water.  Especially on the airplane. 

Well no more.  

I love these new cups with lids.  My girlfriend turned me onto them about 2 years ago.  I love them.  They are convenient and easy.  I find that I drink more water and feel better.  

I had just one hang up.  I could not drink anything but water in them. 

 The whole bacteria in the straw that I can't clean easily. Kind of Creeps me out.

 So I gave them up for a bit. 

I knew I wanted them back in my life so I came up with an easy method to clean that straw and keep the creeps out. 

Add caption

Supplies:

Dishsoap

Pipe cleaner

Fold one end of the pipe cleaner about 1 inch.

This may vary depending on the circumference of your straw. 

 You may need to fold it over twice.

Dab a dot of dish soap on the folded end of the Pipe Cleaner.

I use Hot water to flush the straw out then stick the Pipe Cleaner in the straw.

Twist, Turn and Pull in and out until your straw is to your standards.

You may have to do this to the other end if your pipe cleaner does not reach the end. 

Rinse well with hot water and all clean. 

No more gross things growing in your straw. 

Quick, Easy and Cheap.  

I kind of have a collection.  One for the car, the kitchen, the craft  room and my bedroom.  I picked up a few after Halloween for $2.  Yeah, for me. 

These also make fantastic gifts for Co-workers, teachers or family. 

Here are a few ideas. For gift giving ideas!
This is also a great way to clean your sippy cups if you have toddlers!

So buy a cup (They are only about $5), clean the straw (I just showed you how) and help save the Planet.

. Fill them with a fun little treat (and a pipe cleaner) and you are ready to go.

Easy Peasy!

Thanks for Looking. 

Adrienne

Home Made Holiday Winners!

Monday, November 28, 2011Giveaway Winners!


It's time to announce all the winers of our Homemade for the Holidays giveaways! Thank you to all who entered and followed along for the past few weeks. We had a ton of fun putting it together, and we hope you enjoyed our ideas :) Without further adieu....


{Boys necktie pattern} Winner: Brooke


Brooke said:

I liked you on fb. Your son is adorable!

www.inside-outdesign.blogspot.com


{Girls pattern from Cosette's Closet} Winner: Jean Marie
Jean Marie said:

Just became a new follower!
{Christmas Pillow Kit} Winner: Brooke
Brooke said:

and I liked you on fb!


{$25 HomeGoods gift card} Winner: Kelly

Kelly said:

Such cute ideas! I'm a new follower. :)


{For the Ladies - Necklace} Winner: Amy
Amy said:

Love the necklace! I'm a new follower. And I'd love for you to share this here:

http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/shine-on-fridays-2-and-some-fabulous.html


{Car T-shirt kit} Winner: Enrique and Lindsay
Enrique and Lindsay said:

I'm a follower!
{Grandparents frames & earrings} Winner: Patty C
Patty C said:

I like Pick Your Plum on facebook!



{25 homemade gift tags} Winner: Shanny
Shanny said:

I like you on FB!



{Grand Prize: $50 in Craft Supplies from Pick Your Plum} Winner: Sissypoo



Loopy Ribbon Christmas Trees by Sissypoo

We will also be picking our favorite traditions ideas to receive a little gift from each of us.



*Winners will be notified via email within 24 hours. Please respond asap to get your prize!



Thanks again to everyone who entered and followed our series! We'll be back soon sharing more Christmas ideas :) Happy Monday!