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Monday, February 28, 2011

A special bridal gift

Jenn at Craft-o-maniac is so darn talented, I only wish that someday crafting ideas came to me as easily as they do her! My brother-in-law is getting married this coming month and I wanted to give his bride-to-be something special and something personal but I just wasn't sure what. Luckily Jenn gave me just the idea.


Here is how I made this fun project:

I started by ironing the tissue paper to get out all the creases. Yes, this can be done at a very low iron setting. Next, I cut a piece of black felt to frame up their photo. After the felt was cut I used a scrap booking photo adhesive to adhere the photo to the felt, then I did the same to the back of the felt to adhere it to the tissue paper. Now it was time to clean off all the finger prints from the glass. Of course I just used Windex. After putting the frame back together it was time to bring out my Cricut. Finally, I cut out her soon to be last name and two small hearts from black vinyl.




Tada, there you have it a great personal bridal shower gift for the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Garcia which symbolizes when their two hearts will become one!

I love it and think that I need to make something like this for the hubby and I.

Today I am linking up with the following blogs, check them out for great ideas and inspiration!



















Craft Couture

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Dress it up with a Cuff!

This week has been very busy with work, and preparing for my brother-in-laws wedding. I have been able to find a little time to complete a few crafts but not as much as I'd like. Here is a little peak at the cuff's I made. They are super simple and add just enough flair to any outfit! I have many other great ideas to do for future cuff's but until things slow down I don't think I'll be completing them this week!











Today I am linking up with the following blogs, check them out for inspiration and fun!







A Glimpse Inside



giveaways




Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fashion Wednesday!!

Today I am linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy and No Model Lady's All Dressed Up. They are both super fun linking parties every Wednesday! You must join in on the fun and get great fashion ideas as well!!

As you can see I have a few missing days in this weeks fashion, I did get dressed and not just hang out in my PJ's but, I guess I just forgot to take pictures. Hopefully next week will be better!


Thursday:


Blue Sailor pants- American Eagle
Navy tee- Refashioned by Me
Brown heels- Steve Madden
Necklace- Tiffany's

I don't know what happened to Friday!!

Saturday:


Hudson Jeans- Nordstrom
Whit tank- American Eagle
Pink Sweater lace top- Nordstrom
black ballet flats- Target

Sunday & Monday are missing as well, I guess I enjoyed my three day weekend & forgot to take photos!


Tuesday:


Black Baby doll tunic- Forever 21
Black Leggings- Forever 21
Sparkle zebra flats- Target
Necklace- Tiffany's

Wednesday:


Black boots- DSW
Black Tights-???
Dress- Target
Belt- Forever 21



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas



This is always a big hit at our house! I usually make the sauce the day before so it isn't so much to do in one evening. Working full time doesn't allow for a lot of time in the kitchen on week nights, but this is sure to please the family!

What You Need:

FOR THE SAUCE:
2 pounds tomatillos
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped white onion
1/3 cup chopped cilantro, lightly packed
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream


FOR THE ENCHILADAS:

12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack
1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Make It:
1. To make the sauce, husk the tomatillos and rinse them under warm water to remove any stickiness and dirt. Broil the tomatillos on a foil-lined baking sheet 1 to 2 inches from the heat, turning them once, until they are softened and slightly charred, about 7 to 9 minutes.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the white onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Transfer the tomatillos to a blender and add the sautéed onions, cilantro, green chilies, cumin, sugar, and salt and puree until smooth.

4. Return the tomatillo sauce to the skillet and cook it over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add the broth and cream and continue cooking until the sauce is slightly thickened and not watery, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add more salt if desired.

Making the Enchiladas:
1. Brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with oil and lay them on a cookie sheet in stacks of two. Heat them in a 375ºF oven just until they're soft and pliable, about 3 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, half of the Cheddar, half of the Monterey Jack, the chopped onion, and the salt. Add 1/2 cup of the sauce to the chicken mixture and toss to combine.

3. Spread a third of the remaining sauce in the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Place 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of a tortilla. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the other tortillas. Pour the rest of the sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and Cheddar on top of the casserole.

4. Bake the casserole until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.


Today I am linking up with the following blog parties:



handmade projects





Beauty and Bedlam




Thursday, February 17, 2011

Just One of those DAYS!!!

Today I don't have a lot to share. Of course it is not because I haven't been working on crafts but rather the fact that the day didn't get started on a good note! This morning I prepared Chocolate/peanut butter brownie cakes for today's luncheon at work. They turned out great and I must admit I didn't sneak a bite or lick of any! Yes, this was very hard for me!! Then things began to fall apart! Just as I was getting ready to put my daughter in the car I looked out the back window only to find our dog was not in his pen. I didn't panic for many reasons, but mostly because this is not the first time he has gotten out since we've moved. I found him once again laying down in our back porch just as I did this past Tuesday. I quickly put my daughter on the couch, turned on cartoons, and changed my clothes to fix the pen and get him secure for the day. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that it was pouring rain outside and I needed to leave for work in 3 minutes. In my husbands over sized sweatshirt, my jogging pants, and rain boots, I worked as fast as possible to repair the mess our dog had made.

Finally, the job was complete and now it was time to get ready for work once again. Luckily my students have band first thing in the morning on Thursday's so they were taken care of. Needless to say It was a rough morning but I was only about 15 minutes late to work. Yes, I like to arrive very early but today it just wasn't possible.

Tomorrow will be better, I hope!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Fashion Wednesday!!

Today I am linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy and No Model Lady's All Dressed Up. They are both super fun linking parties every Wednesday! You must join in on the fun and get great fashion ideas as well!!


Thursday:


Black Pants- Gap
Gray Tank- American Eagle
Top- ???
Black Heels- Nordstrom


Friday:



Seven Jeans- Nordstrom
Black Tank- Target
Black Ballet Flats- Target
Gray Tee- Forever 21
Black Belt- Forever 21


Saturday:



Black Yoga Pants- Target
Black Tank- American Eagle
Pink Tee- Cabo, Mexico
Running Shoes- Finish line

Sunday:


Straight Leg jeans- American Eagle
Red Ballet flats- Target
White Tank- American Eagle
Blue baby doll top- Target
White Sweater- ????

Monday:


Black pants- Nordstrom
Red Top- Express
Black Sweater- Gap
Black Heels- Nordstrom

Tuesday:


Black Leggings- Forever 21
Black Uggs- Nordstroms
Black Tee- Target
Purple Sweater- Forever 21

Wednesday:


Dark Gray Cords- Gap
Black Tee- Target
Pink Sweater- Forever 21
Black MaryJane Dansko's- Local boutique

I sure hope spring is on its way, I am more than ready to put this winter wardrobe away!!



Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup

This is great for those cold winter nights, unfortunately we are having one of those today! As you can tell I am very ready for spring!




What You Need:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage (bulk or with casings removed)
2 onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
8 ounces fusilli pasta
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
8 ounces ricotta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella

Make It:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and sauté, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and sauté until the paste turns a rusty brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juice, the broth, and the bay leaves and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

2. Add the pasta, then increase the heat to medium-high and boil the soup until the pasta is tender to the bite, following the time recommendations on the pasta package. Discard the bay leaves, then stir in the basil. If desired, season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, the Parmesan, the 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the pinch of pepper. To serve, place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in each bowl, sprinkle with some of the mozzarella, and ladle the soup on top. Makes about 13 cups.


Today I am linking up with the following parties, check them out and enjoy!



handmade projects





Beauty and Bedlam




Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine Photo Frame

The weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend and today it is cold and rainy, oh well at least we were able to enjoy it while it lasted. We had lots of family and craft time over the weekend. Miss Ava of course was a big helper with many things. We got all 32 of her valentines wrapped, and ready for the big school party today! She was so proud of all her hard work as was mommy!












I was able to get many projects completed yesterday as well. Here is the Valentine photo frame that I made. It was quit easy. I purchased a frame at Target on clearance for $2.99 and the rest of the supplies I had at home.


Step 1:
With a hot glue gun I glued the thin black and white ribbon on the outer edge of the frame.




Step 2:
Again using the hot glue gun I glued the thick red ribbon inside the inner edge of the photo frame.




Step 3:
Next I took fabric scraps that I had and made fabric rosettes.

Step 4:
At this point I felt the roses needed a little more flair so I added jewels to dress them up!





Now all I have to do is put the beautiful Valentine photo of my daughter in the frame and our gift is ready to go!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!

XOXOXO

Today I am linking up with the following blog parties, check them out and join the fun!



















Craft Couture