Oh, spring...? And a GIVEAWAY!

Right about this time every year, I begin to realize how far away spring still is. Although I love being in a cozy sweatshirt and warm socks, curling up with a good book and drinking hot chocolate, I long for spring.

Spring.

My favorite time of year.

Fresh air.

Tulips.

Thunderstorms. 

Pushing my kids on their swing sets.

Gardening.

Mud.

Oh, yeah. Mud.

You know what? I don't even mind the mud.

But, there's still a long wait until even a hint of spring. So, to help you through these last few weeks of winter, I thought a GIVEAWAY would cheer you up! It cheered me! :-)

CSN Stores has offered to give one of my readers a $65 gift certificate to be spent at any of their 200+ stores! Wahoo for YOU!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Want to WIN IT? One person will win a $65 gift certificate to CSN Stores. To enter, tell me what's your favorite way to beat the winter blues! For additional entries (must do above to qualify for extra entries!),

• Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (sidebar) or a feed reader or subscribe by email (must confirm subscription). Comment and let me know! If you're already a follower/subscriber, comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to your post! (1 entry) 
• Follow The Creative Side of Me via Networked Blogs. Comment and let me know! (1 entry)
• Enter my giveaway URL into another blog's giveaway McLinky and send me the link so I can see it! (1 entry)
• Snag my blog button (in the far right column) and leave a comment with the link! (1 entry)
• Fan The Creative Side of Me on facebook and leave me a comment saying so! (1 entry)
• Sign up for Swagbucks using my referral link! Comment and give me your Swag Name! (10 entries!)

Entries that do not fulfill guidelines will be deleted, so read carefully!
Entries accepted until Monday, January 31, 11:59 PM (EST).Winner(s) will be chosen by random.org and winner(s) will be notified by email. Winner(s) must confirm prize email within 48 hours or another winner(s) will be chosen.


**Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Giveaway is hosted by me and provided by CSN Stores.**
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Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This week, CFBA is introducing Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel.

Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.

When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to know how to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?

MY THOUGHTS:

Honestly, Kim has become a favorite of mine and Courting Miss Amsel is just another sweet, prairie read to add to my KVS collection.

I just loved Mrs. Kingsley and her interaction with Edythe - reminded me of my favorite 'classic' characters, Marty and Ma Graham in Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. I also enjoyed Edythe's teaching methods - wish I'd had such a creative teacher!

Kim does such a great job developing her characters. They are so real, and you can't help but connect with their struggles and emotions. Although I didn't feel that Courting Miss Amsel had as much spiritual references as some of Kim's past books, she is really good at weaving scripture into her stories.

So, if you haven't yet read a book by Kim, I urge you to! I don't think you'll be disappointed!

AND FOR YOU, a peek into the book:
Courting Miss Amsel

Recommend: YES

**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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Turkey Crescent Wreath

I'm always looking for a new way to use up my leftover Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey, aren't you? I found this Turkey Crescent Wreath over on Bethany's blog and decided to give it a try.

Don't let the simple ingredients fool you - this recipe is fantastic! You could also easily substitute leftover chicken, as well!

(If you're a fan of Faith's Chicken Casserole, you'll LOVE these!)

You will need a tube of crescent rolls. Begin by unrolling the crescent dough and arranging a circle on a round baking sheet or stone, like this:

Combine 2 cups of shredded turkey or chicken, 1 8-oz package of softened cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion.

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, divide meat mixture evenly and place on large ends of crescent dough:

Wrap small end of dough over meat mixture and press to seal:

Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Yep, that's it! Now, eat and enjoy! Yum, yum!

TURKEY CRESCENT WREATH

1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
2 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon dried minced onion

Arrange crescent dough in a circle, with large ends overlapping, on a round baking sheet. Combine turkey, cream cheese, seasoned salt, and onion. Place meat mixture evenly on dough. Wrap meat with small ends of crescent dough. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Recommend: YES

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Chocolate Truffle Cookies

Unfortunately for my family, these little morsels won't be on their cookie platters this year.

I think the reason is perfectly understandable.

I can't stop eating them...and they'll be gone by tomorrow. ;-)

So, here's the recipe so they can make their own batch!

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE COOKIES


1-1/4 cups butter or margarine, softened (I used 1/2 cup margarine and 3/4 cup shortening)
2-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups flour
2 cups (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and cocoa until light and fluffy. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add flour; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Shape into 1-inch balls; dip tops in chocolate sprinkles. Place, sprinkled side up, 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: about 5-1/2 dozen.

Recommend: YES


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