Jello Melon Wedges

I found this recipe in Woman's Day magazine and was dying to share it. Of course, when it came time to post the recipe, I couldn't find my magazine. I did find the recipe on the Kraft foods website. The only difference between the two recipes is the Kraft one mixes fruit into the jello. I actually like the presentation without the fruit mixed into the jello...the magazine picture looked so crisp and clean...perfect for a summer picnic...but it's up to you.

CUT 1 melon (about 3-1/2 lb., either cantaloupe or honeydew) in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Scoop out melon, leaving each half with a 1-inch-thick shell. Chop removed melon; drain well. Cut thin slice off bottom of each melon shell to allow it to stand upright.

STIR 3/4 cup boiling water into 1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-O Brand Gelatin in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved chopped melon and 1/2 cup fruit to each melon shell.

POUR gelatin evenly into melon shells. Pour any remaining gelatin into small bowl to enjoy later. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut each half melon into four wedges to serve.

Chandelier Help!

Okay, I got sidetracked trying to find a solution to an in-progress, chandelier makeover. I'm just stuck, so here's my official S.O.S. I've had this chandelier for years and was never crazy about the pewter color. I attacked it with spray paint last night and am loving its new black, matte finish. I've also had these adorable toile lampshades and thought I could somehow make them work with the chandelier. Because the lights point down, however, the shades look strange...at least I think they do. I've tried turning them both ways, but something still looks odd. I'm being rather stubborn (surprise, surprise!) about making these "work", but am beginning to have my doubts. Any suggestions/ comments? I could just scrap the idea of pairing the two and look for more appropriate shades or glass covers. Seems such a shame, though, since I have 5 shades already. What to do, what to do?

Projects Nearly Forgotten

This morning I realized that the majority of my recent posts have been about flowers, kids and/ or kittens. Lest ye think my creative juices have dried up, I will share some projects I've been working on the last few weeks. An aside: for me, creating is something I must do, in order to maintain a semblance of serenity, in my life. If I am feeling "off", it is most likely that one (or both) of two things have been put on the back burner: 1.) spending time with God and 2.) spending time crafting. As soon as I remedy those missing pieces, my topsy turvy life rights itself. Now, if I could remember that lesson before I get all turned inside out, it'd be smooth sailing!
Okay, projects...
I've been really into making tags and collages. Both feed my need for immediate gratification. I work on several, at a time, and am able to move freely, from one to another, as I complete specific steps. Idle hands just don't work for me...and waiting for pesky, but necessary, things (drying times, etc.) drives me batty! My pictures are not up to par today...sorry. It's gray & gruesome out, so I had to use the flash. Oh NOOOO, the dreaded flash!
I'm thinking this is going to be a multiple post day. I'll attend to mundane chores, then reward myself with some blog time. A good plan, I think. I'll share my vintage sewing/ knitting stand revamp after I put the laundry away.

Beating the Monday Morning Blues

My (nearly) 8 year old daughter doesn't exactly wake up like Little Suzy Sunshine...especially on Monday mornings. I have tried every trick, in the book, to make the process more pleasant: gentle cuddles, cajoling/ begging/ pleading, sticker charts, removal of privileges...I have even resorted to bribery ($1/ day if she gets up & gets dressed, without arguing). Each of my best attempts might work for a few days, before she goes back to her Grumpy Gertrude routine. Fortunately, my 14 year old son is up & out of bed as soon as I open his door. This morning, I tried something new with Caroline. I gently put the kittens in bed with her, then I woke Sleeping Beauty. The result: immediate giggles and a few minutes of happy playtime. It's a good day and can only get better!

Kittens!

I don't know what makes me think that I have the "right" to bore y'all, to tears, with my silly kitten pictures. I wasn't this bad with pictures of my own kids, when they were babies. Maybe it's because I realize that 1/2 of the "batch" will be moving on, to new homes, in a matter of weeks. That works as a plausible justification. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Gretel, by the way, is none too pleased now that the kittens are mobile and in her face. She might be more receptive if they didn't see her as another potential milk source. That was one picture I was unable to capture...and would have given anything to have!