Strawberry roll- up cake

Simple and Lucious 

 1-Angel food cake mix

Large cookie sheet 

Mix according to directions

Bake approximately 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Cool 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes refrigerate at least 30 minutes.  With a sharp knife gently go around pan to loosen edges.

With a spatula gently lift edge and continue to remove from

Pan.  I placed the cake on silpad and topped with 1- large can strawberry pie filling and roll starting at smallest end of cake.

NOTE: you can use any fruit pie filling or even pudding.

Chocolate would be delicious!!!

TOPPING

1- pint heavy cream 

4 T powdered sugar 

1-tsp. Vanilla 

I-pkg. unflavored gelatin (2 tablespoons) the gelatin will help stabilize ) you can also use 2-T vanilla instant pudding instead of gelatin) 

The cream might Slightly taste like vanilla)

It will

Also help The whipping cream will stay longer .

Refrigerate until serving.  The longer it refrigerates the better it’ll be to slice.

Getting Organized: FYI: your closet 2025

 Happy New Year 2025

Every year I update this post but I seldom change a word.  Just the year!

  It’s the best time of year both January and July to get yourself and your closet and home back on track.


I usually post this every year to help us get organized.  

Twice a year, January and July I try to go through my closet and decide what I'm going to do with items I never use, seldom use, are damaged and either donate, take to resale store or discard.

The years come and go but somethings don't change.

Let's get together and get organized.



Passing a few helpful suggestions to you to help you and I get organized this new year.  

To be clear I am not suggesting you do this for New Years Eve or Day.  

A rainy day or if you find yourself bored and are looking for a lift it's a good suggestion. Also if you have not made any plans for the weekend I say why not? It just may make it a good way to start the new year or a new month. 

I know it is hard to do but in order to have a free and uncluttered closet you must downsize.  Several nice casual and dressy casual outfits is probably all that you will ever need.  Personally at this time of my life I need less and as much as I love to shop I find myself being a lot more selective.  So IMO that is as good a reason to leave room to pick out some new items when you feel the need for a little something to update..

FYI:  Take some time (preferably on the weekend )  or a rainy day and start going through your clothes. Anything that is soiled or damaged get a large bag and get rid of them.  Make note that any clothes that don't fit quite like you would like them to either pitch it or put it in a pile to go through to donate or re-sell at a re-sale shop.  They are the in thing at the moment.

Making about 3 piles should make it simpler to do. One to pitch soiled or unwanted items, one for donation to local homeless shelter and one for consignment or re-sell.   This should help allowing room for any must keep items.  This should not take you a very long time.  It is either a keep or time to go. Simple!

I like a neat closet and twice a year go through it.  It makes me feel much calmer.  Yes it does and instead getting frustrated on what to wear this will take some pressure off you. 

It will take some stress out of getting ready.  No matter if it's work or to the grocery store.  It just makes life better!

My Closet:

   

16

My shoes...removing boxes help and I use slide out containers and I do have an over the door rack for sandals. 

First and foremost I make sure all my hangers are going in the same direction.. So much easier when you have them all going the same direction.

Second:   I keep my shirts, blouses and other hang able tops in one section. I keep my clothes according to colors.  Whites, blacks, browns and keep mixed colors last.  Anything that can be folded I put in easy accessible drawers.  I keep all tanks, tees and cami's in one drawer..

Third:  I place pants/slacks, beige's, brown's and blacks next to my shirts or blouses. I have decided basic colors work best!

Fourth:   I place all casual jackets, blouses and tops  according to color.


***I keep belts and scarfs on a belt/scarf hanger (I bought one at Marshall's for $6.99.. ( I used to love scarves but now feel they outdate you).  I’m donating lots of them.

You can use a plastic soda 6 pack bottle container for scarves too!  

They make an easy place to store scarves.  Hang the plastic container on a hanger and through the holes place scarves.( I hope I explained that enough for you to envision it..No picture sorry!

Fifth:   At the very back of the closet all dressy skirts, pants and items that I use only on occasion. I find I wear fewer dress items anymore.

A special note:  You don't have to spend a fortune organizing your closet.  I ask for the hangers when I purchase items.  Usually they are more than happy to accommodate.  I do have a few felt pants hangers for those creased or hard to hang pants or slacks..

Last about shoes.  I love shoes lol.  and purses(I won't even go there)and shoes and purses are a weakness in my never ending search for the right purse/bag or pair of shoes. 

Note:  I do not keep boxes..I have learned they take up way too much space. I use stackable containers  to store my extra shoes. I bought the containers at either Wal Mart or Target. The drawers slide out for easy removal of shoes.  They store approximately 5 or 6 pair of shoes in each container, depending on size of heel... 

On a personal note I find being organized in my home makes me more relaxed and feeling in control.  

Happy New You!

12/30/16

Updated 1/25/2023

 

Christmas with Marks Family

 

Coconut cream trifle

Everything in this recipe is from scratch for the exception of cookies.

Homemade custard

Freshly whipped heavy cream

Toasted coconut 

Candied cherry on top.  Maraschino cherry is acceptable!

Enjoy!

Microwave Custard Filling:
1/4 cup corn starch

1/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk( I used 2%)Or whole Milk is the best.
2 Egg yolks
2 Tablespoons butter
1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium glass bowl combine corn starch and sugar.  With a whisk , gradually stir milk into the corn starch.

Place above milk, cornstarch, sugar mixture in microwave on high power for 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened and bubbling, stirring after each 2 minute interval.  

Take out of microwave using whisk gently whisk half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks and then add the rest of the egg mixture into remaining hot mixture..

Microwave on high power for 1 1/2 to 2  1/2 minutes or until thickened and heated through, stirring after each 45 second interval.  Using a wire whisk blend in butter and vanilla. Cool before layering.

.

If any questions email me.

Merry Christmas!