Halloween Candy...For ME!

Did everyone have a great halloween? This is the candy that was left over. We only had five groups of kids stop by tonight! Wonder were everyone is this evening. Not a problem though...because now I have half a big bowl full of chocolate treats. Maybe I'll share them with my husband and the girls :)
hugs, Ellen

Friday Flea Market

Good Morning and Welcome to another Friday Flea Market. I really enjoy making creative pin cushions. Below is a picture of one of my Cupcake Pin cushions. It is for sale on my selling blog http://elliebellyjellybean.blogspot.com/ along with other handmade items, vintage finds and pretty lovelies .

handmade Chocolate Brown & Pink Cupcake Pin Cushion~SOLD

I have pin cushions and other items for sale on ebay right now. http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZsweet*memory*making*mom

I have a shoppe on etsy, where I sell more pin cushions. Stop by and see the pin cushions I have listed. Several of them are on sale. http://elliebellyjellybean.blogspot.com/

Thank you for stopping by today. Make sure to stop by other bloggers participating this week in FFM. http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=798234

Banana Bread Recipe!

So! What do you do when LIFE gives you mushy bananas? You make Banana Bread! I was going to make zucchini bread next but because I had all these browning bananas, I decided to make banana bread. The recipe is at the end of the post and it is the easiest recipe ever! My Mom made it for us when we were kids and I was so happy when she gave me the recipe.

I think it is so important to get your children involved. So I have been getting my daughters to help with baking. It is a great bonding experience for us thre girlie girls! Audrey loved helping me make this bread. Jane joined us but my camera needed to be recharged!

Look at those bananas!

Audrey doing a great job mixing the wet ingredients!

Of course she had to do her cutsy pose. I just love it!

And...vwala! The banana bread is done!

There is only one slice left! This is such a moist and yummy recipe! And when you smoother it with peanut butter, you are in heaven!!!

1 stick butter (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2-3 bananas (I use three)
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla (I always let it overflow)


1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.
2. Mash the bananas and then add butter, sugar, eggs.
3. In small bowl or cup, add the baking soda and hot water together to disolve soda.
4. Add soda to wet ingredients.
5. Sift flour and nutmeg in seperate bowl and then add to wet ingredients.
6. Beat on medium until completely blended.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Then change temperature to 325 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes or bread might fall apart.


Enjoy! hugs, Ellen

Great News!

Hope everyone is having a lovely evening! I have some great news!!!! I found out this week that my youngest brother Damien and his wife Ali are having a baby! YAAAA! I am the oldest of four. I have two younger brothers, David and Damien and my sister Sandra. Damien and Sandra are twins. I have been the only one with children so this is will be so fun for me! Plus, Sandra and her husband celebrated theie one year anniversary. What a great month October has been! hugs, Ellen

Children's Portrait Giveaway

Hello Everyone! I have been visiting blogs tonight and I found this wonderful giveaway. I immediately entered it. I would absolutely love to have one of my daughters portrait painted. Of course, if I were to win, I would want another portrait so I would have both girls.

Stop by http://sittingprettystudio.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win a watercolor portrait of an infant or toddler! Check out some of her work. She does beautiful work. hugs, Ellen

PINK Pink PINK Satruday

Welcome To Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly from How Sweet The Sound! Make sure to click on the link, to see what other pinkie bloggers are posting.

I try to have tea parties with my girls often. They really enjoy the time we have together. We invite my sister or my mother when they are visiting. The girls are so funny because they say, "only girls allowed. Daddy can come too because he's daddy." Just to cute.! So I took a picture of the teapot I used for our tea party yesterday, along with the very first teapot tea cozy set I made. The tea stayed nice and warm while I waited for the cinnamon rolls to bake in the oven! I've come a long way!

So pour yourself a cup of hot tea and check out all the pink ladies pink pretties, http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ Have a great day!

hugs, Ellen

Friday FLEA MARKET

Good Morning! Make sure to check out what other FFM bloggers are selling today, http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=798234 I am alittle behind, like usual. I definately have to find a balance here! LOL As soon as this post goes up I am going over to my selling blog, http://elliebellyjellybean.blogspot.com/ and putting up some items for sale. It should take me about half an hour at the most. So hopefully by 10:45 a.m. you will be able to browse my items. One of the items is a new cupcake pin cushion. I also have a Fiestaware creamer and sugar set. I will also be taking more pictures and putting more items on my selling blog, so make sure to check back. In the mean time, you can check out my etsy shoppe where I have many pin cushions for sale. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5815610 Have a great day. hugs, Ellen

PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE!

Hope everyone is having a lovely morning. I just had the last piece of pumpkin bread that the girls and I made Sunday. It tuned out YYYUUUMMMYYY!!! I found a great recipe for pumpkin bread from my friend Jennifers blog, Jennifers Petal Palace, http://jenniferspetalpalace.blogspot.com/ She gave me permission to share it with you on my blog. Sunday was a nice slow day at home. We missed church because the girls were sick and I knew we would all get alittle antsy, so I decided to have them help me back. Audrey helped me from the start while Jane layed on the couch with daddy. But eventually Jane came in to help.

I just love yummy breads, that I decided to post the recipes from my friends and my family. So make sure to stop back for more. Today the girls are going to help me make zuccini bread. I cannot wait! Have a great day. hugs, Ellen

Audrey is mixing the spices!
She is having so much fun!

Jane decided to join! Can you tell that Jane is much more sick than Audrey!

Here are the pumpin breads. This recipe makes 2 loafs. With the following recipe, I will have to tweek the time and temperature to work with my oven. It took me 90 minutes to bake. Next time I will bake them at 350 degrees for 60 minutes and probably 325 for the last 30 minutes. I do something similiar with my banana bread. This way the ends and bottom don't overcook. You might have to do the same thing.

Jen's Great Great Grandmoms (NANA) recipe for Pumpkin Bread

3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
2 cups pumpkin or pie filling
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp oil
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup English walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar in a seperate bowl. 3. Mix the eggs, pumpkin, and oil in a bowl. 4. Then add the dry ingredients together. 5. Beat until well blended. 6. Add the raisins and walnuts mixing by hand. 7. Flour loaf pans. 8. Bake 350 degrees for 60-70 min or until toothpick or knife comes out clean. Recipe makes 2 loaves. Enjoy! We did.
Tip: Smother your slice of pumpkin bread with peanut butter and then you will be in yummy heaven!

BLUE MONDAY

Good Day To Everyone! I am excited to participate today in Blue Monday hosted by Sally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ . Make sure to stop by her blog and see the wonderful blues that others are posting. Here are mine for today. I took pictures of a few items in my kitchen.
This is one of my favorite vintage pyrex patterns, Butterprint Amish Rooster in an aqua blue color. This is the last piece I have. I had a casserole dish and set of nesting bowls but when I moved, they broke. So I use this little guy as my butter dish and my garlic spot! LOL
Here is one of two vintage Lenox figurines that my father bought my mother. When my parents moved, my mom gave them to me for my home. If you enlarge the photo you can see how amazing the mother and childs faces are. Being I love this, it has special meaning to me.
Here is a collection of mini teapots. Doesn't the blue forget-me-nots look so pretty. I have a collection of teapots, teacups and other items related to teatime throughout my house! My mom used to make us tea when we were sick. So my sister and I have really taken that and have continued the tradition in our lives. It is really nice to create traditions because I think that it really helps to cultivate family. And as a mother, I am trying to create sweet memories for my girls! Have a wonderful day. hugs, Ellen

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!

Good afternoon friends. We have three winners! I am so excited to announce them but first I want to thank everyone who participated. This was so much more to me than just a giveaway. I read everyone's comments as they were posted. I was so completely moved and honored by your stories and wonderful words! Life goes by so fast, which became evident after the birth of my two girls. I am learning to embrace every day as God's gift to me, and to cherish my family. This is why I decided to have a giveaway in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. It is important for me to support the Fight for the Cure; for those who have or had breast cancer and for women who may one day be diagnosed. Call me selfish, but I want to potentially help Audrey and Jane's future health...LIFE! So if you can find your OWN way to support a CURE for breast cancer...any cancer , go for it! Thank you once again.

HERE WE GO!!! ENJOY!

THIRD PRIZE WINNER!

The winner of the fluffy Goldie clutch, tic tacs and blueberry chapstick is, Anne F. from Momma's Place.

Thank you Hubby!

SECOND PRIZE WINNER!!!

The winner of the book, "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, " by Sarah Ban Breathnach and the petal pink bath pillow is, Kristen from Kristens Creations.

Thank you Jane!

FIRST PRIZE WINNER!!!

The winner of Rose, the Kitty Cat Pin Cushion is, Amy at Bunny Rose Cottage.

Thank you Audrey!

Congratulations to the winners!

Here is my email address, sweetmemorymakingmom@live.com

Send me your mailing address and I will get your goodies out to you.

Have a Blessed Day! hugs, Ellen

LAST DAY OF GIVEAWAY!

Hello everyone. Today is the last day to enter at a chance to win one of three prizes in my, "GO PINK~Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway." So make sure to scroll down to the giveaway post and leave a comment. I would also recommend reading the comments. too. They are amazing.

If you haven't told anyone today how much they mean to you, take a moment to do that! Every day is prescious and we should live our lives as such.

Both my girls are sick today, so I will be spending the day telling and giving them lots of mommy love.

Have a Blessed Day. hugs, Ellen

~Friday Flea Market~

Good Morning and Welcome to another FFM hosted by Polly at Counting Your Blessings. Check out what everyone else is selling this week at http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=798234 Today I have a new pin cushion. I decided to make one for Christmas. I will be posting this in my etsy shop. I also still have 6 other pin cushions in my etsy shop. Check them out. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15610051
Candy Cane Cupcake Pin Cushion
Close up of cupcake
Most of these pin cushions are in my etsy shoppe. If you are looking for a specific color combination or specific look for a pin cushion let me know. I love creating custom orders. Have a great day! hugs, Ellen

Another Opportunity to Donate to "THE CURE."

Good Afternoon Everyone! I just had a post in my giveaway from a husband who is trying to help his wife raise money for the 2009 Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day which is a 60 mile walk over three days. This fundraiser also is to benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Here is the link: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/BostonEvent?px=1446623&pg=personal&fr_id=1292

Kathi J. Ahearn has a goal to raise $2300.00. As of now she has $5.00. So if you want to donate to this great cause for a cure. Here is another wonderful option. Here is the link to the team of ladies, PSUMC Pink PANTers Kathi participated with in the 2008 3-Day walk. http://www.psumcpinkpanters.com/ They were able to raise $31,966.68. Wow! That is amazing. You can also go to Tim'g blog, http://tim04901.blogspot.com/ and read his posts on his new endevour to create a blog and help his wife raise money! So PLEASE consider donating. Like their motto reads, "Because Everyone Deserves A Life."

Make sure to check out my, "GO PINK~Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway." Saturday October 18th is the last day to enter to win. I will be announcing the winners for the three prizes on Sunday Evening. Have a Blessed and Safe Day!

hugs, Ellen

Rose Wednesday

Jan from http://jt-jantom.blogspot.com/ is hosting, "Rose Wednesday." What a wonderful idea. I love anything roses. Today I chose to post three roses. Jane picked a rose in her favorite color pink. Audrey's rose is in her favorite color purple. These roses where photographed at the Botanical Garden in New York. My brother David, takes amazing photos. (I'll have to create a post dedicated to his art.) And for the final rose, I chose a picture I took of a yellow rose from my garden. See the difference in the pictures! I have always loved yellow roses. There is something so cheery about them. I hope you all enjoy!

ROSE JANE

ROSE AUDREY
ROSE MOMMY
Make sure to stop by Jan's blog to see who else is posting pretty roses today.

hugs, Ellen

Newest Cupcake Pin Cushion in my etsy shoppe!

Isn't this just the cutest lil' teddy bear cupcake pin cushion. I just love how yummy sweet this lil' cushion turned out. I used a retired Hagen Renaker figurine as the topper. Check it out in my etsy shoppe. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15610051
Close up of cupcake.
Pin cushions I have made. I am always happy to create custom order pin cushions. Just leave me a post! hugs, Ellen

GO PINK GIVEAWAY~Breast Cancer Awareness~CLOSED

NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU. Welcome to my very first Giveaway. I decided to have one this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. As I have previously posted, I have been effected by cancer. I had an aunt die from breast cancer, another aunt died from ovarian cancer, and my husband had a cancerous kidney removed and is now a cancer survivor. So I just wanted to do something to express my gratitude for my husbands life and remember the wonderful women my aunts were. Thank you for sharing this with me.

Now on to the good stuff. All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment plus your email address. It would be nice if you either share how you have been impacted by breast cancer, words of inspiration, prayers for those who are battling or have lost loved ones, or a funny story. That is it. Doesn't have to be great in detail.

So...I was going to have one giveaway but decided to break it up into 3 GIVEAWAY PRIZES!!! So you have a chance to win one of three. I will run this all week and it will end next PINK SATURDAY. I will write down all your lovely names. Audrey, Jane, and Dan will each pull someones name. I will post the winners Sunday, October 19th. Then I will contact you for your mailing address.

I am looking forward to reading your posts. Have fun.

Lots of Hugs, Ellen

First Prize: Rose the Pretty Pink Kitty Pin Cushion.

Second Prize: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Plus a petal pink bath pillow.

Third Prize: A fluffy Goldie clutch, tic tacs and blueberry chapstick.

Thank you to Bev at How Sweet The Sound for hosting PINK SATURDAY. Make sure to check out other bloggers who post their pink pretties. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/pink-saturday---september-13.html?cid=130530330#comments

~Giveaway~Coming Soon

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I have decided to have a giveaway. I will be posting the giveaway starting Saturday 11th and will run it for one week. Details will be givin in Saturdays Post. What a better day to start on , "Pink Saturday." So check back this weekend. I am so excited because this will be my first one. Have a wonderful evening. hugs, Ellen

My Sister Went Home!

I am so sad! My sister left today. Right now she is in the air flying her way back to California. Sandra was here for two weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish we lived closer because I definately don't get to see my little sister as much as I would like. Audrey and Jane are sad too. So we have been hanging around the house and lovin' on each other. Lots of hugs & kisses. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to remake their "Nests" today. The nest is a mound of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and a book or two, with each girl sitting in the middle. The whole nest thing started when I called my lap the nest. Both girls still love to sit in, "Mommies Nest." Funny how these thing are created. I love it. So I have to say, "poor hubby!" He will be coming home tonight from work to a house full of sad girlie girls!!!

Warmest Hugs, Ellen