Stacey Scraps and Cooks

Design Team Coordinator!

2012-01-04T23:20:00.001-07:00

I need a DT Coordinator for Inspired to Scrap!

Here are the details:
It’s a new year and we are changing things up a bit on Inspired to Scrap! We are planning a few minor changes and some new fun activities to keep us motivated and scrapping. To help me run it all, I need a DT Coordinator! Here’s the scoop-
Design Team Coordinator CALL (www.inspiredtoscrap.net)
Date of call-January 1-20th 2012
Inspired to Scrap (www.inspiredtoscrap.net) is seeking a well-organized and motivated scrapper to join us as a Design Team Coordinator. The term will run for four months (February 1- May 31 2012).
Duties include overseeing Guest Designers and Member Challenges; creating and posting a challenge each month; assisting in class planning; creating at least three class samples before each class (classes are every other month); creating two tutorials for each class; posting actively on the forum; and posting weekly on the blog. We request that you participate on no more than one other Design Team during your term. (Call is open to scrappers in the US and Canada only due to shipping costs.) As a thank you, you will receive a free class after your term, a package of scrapbooking goodies, and recognition on our site.
Please email three layouts that demonstrate your scrapbooking style and the following to stacey {at} inspiredtoscrap.net for consideration:
1. Your name, address and email
2. Your blog address
3. Are you active on any other forums? If so, which ones?
4. Why do you want to be the Inspired to Scrap Design Team Coordinator?
5. What do you feel are your best attributes that would help you to be successful in this position?
Please join our forum so we can get to know you during the call. Thanks and I look forward to getting to know you and having you join the team!!

Peanut noodles- recipe!

2012-01-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Of course, I forgot to take a photo of this tonight! But this sauce is really yummy...try it out sometime. :)

I just use whatever noodles I have on hand. Tonight it was Lo mein noodles that have been sitting in my pantry forever. But I usually just use spaghetti noodles. :) Add in whatever veggies you have on hand (steam them first) and some leftover turkey or chicken for a full meal.

Peanut Noodles (just the sauce)
1/3 cup peanut butter (I used reduced fat)
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantrro (I have left this out in a pinch but it really adds a good flavor)
1/2 tsp ground ginger (or use a tbs freshly grated if you have it! I never do.)
1 TBS rice vinegar
1 TBS soy sauce
1 minced garlic clove
1 TBS packed brown sugar

Directions: blend everything together and pour over cooked noodles and veggies. This will cover about half a pound of cooked noodles. Enjoy!

Menu Planning (Pantry Challenge!)

2012-01-01T23:15:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Jessica's challenge- http://goodcheapeats.com/2012/01/january-meal-planning-the-pantry-challenge/ ...I am going to save a few bucks and challenge myself to use what I have on hand in the pantry and freezer this month. Yes, I will still buy fresh milk, eggs, cheese, fruits and veggies. But I am also going to try to use some things that I might not normally reach for in my pantry so nothing goes to waste. :)

I had a bit of a hard time planning for the whole month. I am sure I will end up moving things around or changing things if I find a fun new recipe to try or end up buying different meats or items at the store. BUT...I like a plan and here is what I came up with based MOSTLY on what we have here.

I will also add in some sides of veggies and fruits depending on what I buy each week at the store. :)

Here is the plan in order on my calendar starting Monday, Jan.2nd.
~Leftovers (LOL! What a way to start, huh? But we have several things to get rid of in the fridge right now!)
~Grilled Cheese and Crockpot Tomato Soup (new recipe)
~Asian Sesame Noodles (I have a tasty recipe the kids love...I will share if I remember to get a photo!)
~Fish tacos, pinto beans
~Pancakes (either oatmeal or banana nut)
~Homemade pizza
~Taco Pasta (new recipe...will probably leave out the cream or use milk)
~ Burrito Bowls (rice, beans, leftover turkey from the freezer, lettuce, salsa, etc.)
~Grilled Cheese and Soup (Not sure what kind of soup yet. Maybe some leftover from the freezer or maybe I will make some fresh.)
~Star Hitched Chicken (crockpot) burritos (salsa, chicken and cream cheese in the crockpot...easy and tasty!)
~Cheeseburger rice (new recipe...from a magazine)
~ Pasta with red sauce,
~ Crock pot chicken cacciatore (new recipe), salad
~ Chili (leftover in the freezer) and rice
~Thai curry chicken, rice, veggie
~ Crockpot taco style lentils and rice-burritos (simple recipe but yummy!)
~Split pea and ham soup, homemade bread (my favorite and one of the easiest pea soup recipes!)
~ Chicken Masala, rice, veggie
~ Southwest taco pie (A pampered Chef recipe...we have had this before and liked it but that was ages ago!)
~Burritos (again...yes. My kids will eat almost anything if it is in a burrito) with sprouted beans and enchilada sauce
~Turkey, stuffing, gravy, rolls, etc. (I have a huge turkey in the freezer I need to defrost and cook!)
~ Black bean soup
~ Ravioli, red sauce
~ Waffles and sausage (i have a couple of yummy waffle recipes! I need to get on the ball with food photos and recipes again!)
~ Chicken and rice burritos
~ Coconut Curry Shrimp, rice, veggie
~ Chicken Parmigiana, salad (really yummy recipe!)
~ Turkey barley soup, homemade bread

WHEW! So, we'll see how well I can stick to this plan. Or not. ;) The point is going to be to use up some items and cook in this month. Think I can make it the whole month without getting take out or going out?? :)

Happy menu planning! For more menus, visit www.orgjunkie.com .

Good Luck Dip for 2012!

2012-01-01T11:16:00.002-07:00

Need a yummy way to eat your black eyed peas today for good luck in 2012?

My grandma (or "Poolma" as I nicknamed her as a young child since she was the grandma with the pool. The name stuck and we all called her "Poolma!!") would always make some black eyed peas on New Year's Day and we would be obligated to eat them. I don't think I liked them much as a kid...but I knew they were essential for a good new year. ;)

I had a bag of frozen black eyed peas (from the same friend mentioned in my garbanzo bean soup recipe below!) and decided to make something a little different that I thought my family would be likely to ~~devour~~ eat.
DIP! Who doesn't love a good dip?? This is sort of like 7 layer bean dip...but fresher and yummier. ;) So make this...today! Or tomorrow if you have to go to the store. Better late than never. My family could use a little good luck in the upcoming year...what about your family? :) The great thing about this dip is that you can make it to your preferences...add guacamole or black olives, take out the cilantro, etc. Make it yours, make it YUMMY...just make it!

2012 Good Luck Dip
Black eyed peas (canned, frozen and defrosted or dried and cooked)- about 2 cups
1-2 tsp cumin
Sour cream- (I didn't measure...maybe 1/2 a cup or more)
1 TBS taco seasoning (optional)
Salsa
Lettuce- chopped (about a cup...up to you!)
Cilantro- chopped (maybe 1/4 cup...as much as you would like)
Chopped fresh tomatoes
Shredded cheese (We like it finely shredded for this.)
Chopped green onions (about four)

Directions:
1. Drain your black eyed peas well and mix with some cumin to give them a better flavor ;) .
2. Mash up about half of the peas. I used a hand blender, but a fork and some elbow grease would work as well. Spread peas out on a platter.
3. Mix sour cream with some taco seasoning and spread out over peas.
4. Spread enough salsa out over the sour cream to cover it with a thin layer.
5. Add some shredded lettuce and cilantro. I like to chop the two together so the cilantro flavor gets all through the lettuce. (I do this for our tacos, too...YUM!)
6. Add your shredded cheese, then the chopped tomatoes and lastly the green oinions.
Serve with tortilla chips and ENJOY the good luck you will receive in the NEW YEAR. :)

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope you all have a fabulous 2012!! :)

Love and blessings to you and your family.
Stacey

Class starts Monday!

2011-12-31T09:24:00.001-07:00

My new sketch class starts Monday! The class forum is now open and everyone is checking in...join us this weekend if you aren't already registered.

It's a fun and motivating class...you will be amazed at how much scrapping you can get done with a few ideas, some new sketches and lots of great samples and motivation from your fellow scrappers!

Go here to sign up...you won't regret it!
Class registration

See you in class!

Yummy soup recipe! (Garbanzo beans....of all things!!)

2011-12-28T21:55:00.002-07:00

A good friend of mine who lives just a couple of blocks away likes to ~~pawn off~~ give organic foods her family won't touch to me. (Her hubby gets free samples all the time with his job....fun!)

Well, I decided to use a rock solid bag of garbanzo beans from her that was sitting in my freezer. I found a couple of blended soup recipes online but they had ingredients I didn't have (or even usually buy) so I made up my own simple recipe. Guess what?? It is TASTY and very satisfying.

I love eating a bowl of soup for lunch to keep my calories down (I am a night eater!!). This was yummy and I have three more bowls waiting in the fridge. ;)

Garbanzo Bean Soup
Makes six 1 cup servings (I divided mine into four 1 1/2 cup servings)

16 ounces frozen garbanzo beans (or 2 1/2 cups cooked garbanzo beans)
4 cups chicken broth (I used one of those boxed cartons of broth)
2 cloves of garlic-chopped
1 small-medium onion chopped

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Wedge of lemon

Directions:
Simmer beans, broth, garlic and onion in a large pot for about 30 minutes (with the lid on). Puree everything together (I used my immersion hand blender but you can do it in a blender in batches...be careful!!!). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Now, it was okay just like this. BUT...olive oil and lemon made it super yummy! Even my six year old son said how good the olive oil was drizzled on it.

Top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (I used 1/2 tsp on my bowl) and a small squeeze of fresh lemon.

Calories (without the oil) in ONE CUP- 158
1/2 tsp EVOO- 20 calories extra (well worth it!)

Blog Giveaway WINNER!

2011-12-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Anyone else get completely distracted by the holidays?? LOL

The winner of the blog giveaway is...

mustangkaylasaid...

I have you on my Google Reader. That is the easiest system for me right now as I'm not on Facebook much. My train delrailed the end of October and has yet to be put back on track! ;-) I'm hoping in January I can get back into the swing of things!

December 13, 2011 9:41 AM

Thanks for playing along ladies!!! Kayla, email me with your address and I will get your package out to you! mrs lokovic {AT} yahoo {dot} com (I think you can figure out how to put that together, right? :) no spaces or funky symbols. ;) )

Have a fabulous week!!!

Stacey

Peek-a-boo!!! (And a list of class photo sizes...)

2011-12-16T06:00:00.007-07:00

Don't forget to enter my little giveaway a couple of posts below! I will draw a winner later today or this weekend. :)
Here's another peek from the upcoming class-

Want to know more about my sketch class next month? Here are the photo sizes for all of the sketches in case you are a PLANNER!
January 2- Double Page Sketch (DPS)- Four 4x6’s (H)
Jan. 4- Three or Four 4x4’s
Jan. 6- Three 3x3’s (but three 4x4’s or two 4x6’s (H) would work pretty well here, too.)
Jan. 7- Two 4x6’s (H)
Jan. 8- Two 4x4’s (Could probably use two 4x6’s H without much change in the design)
Jan. 10- DPS Four 4x6’s (H), two 4x4’s
Jan. 12- One 4x6 (H), three 2x3’s (V)
Jan. 14- Two 4x6’s (H)
Jan. 16- One 4x6 (H), three 3x4’s (V)
Jan. 18- DPS Three 4x6’s (H), Four 4x4’s (You could easily switch out at least one of the 4x4’s with another 4x6)
Jan. 20- One 4x6 (H), one 4x4
Jan. 21- Two 4x4’s
Jan. 22- One 4x6 (H), Two 3x4’s (V) (One 4x6-V could easily replace the two smaller photos.)
Jan. 24- DPS Four 4x6’s (V), two 4x6’s (H)
Jan. 26- Two 4x6’s –or- four 3x4’s (V)
Jan. 28- Three 4x6’s (V)
Jan. 30- One 4x6 (H), one 3x4 (H) (or you could use a second 4x6 instead)
Hope to see you in classs!!!!

Some Layouts

2011-12-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

After classes are over, I tend to forget about sharing layouts with the rest of the scrappy world. LOL! Silly me!! Anyhow, I know that many of you who were in class have seen these, but i thought I would share a couple with everyone else. :)

Here are some of my favorites from the last couple of classes-

Hope you are getting some scrappy time in these days! :)

Sketches! (Plus, WIN GOODIES!!!!) -sneak peek!

2011-12-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Win this!! Read on to see how...

Soooo, it's been a while, huh? Life got in the way for a bit...but I am back to scrapping, sketching and blogging!!!

I just finished up SEVENTEEN brand new sketches and I am so excited about them! I have already created a page for a class sample and I can't wait to scrap more. :) Will you be joining us in class next month?

Want a little peek at a sketch?

How about a peek at the layout that goes with it? :)

I hope to see you in class!!!

Now, on to the GOODIES. :)

Let me know if you are still checking in with me to be entered to win a little goodie!! Just leave me a comment telling me how you keep up with my blog (google reader, plain old bookmark, or?) and I will draw a winner at the end of the week. :) Easy Peasy! If ya want an extra entry, share this post with your friends on the web and let me know where you shared it. ;)

New classes!

2011-08-31T22:28:00.001-06:00

We have a couple of fun new classes coming up in the next few months at Inspired to Scrap! I have been busy scrapping for the sketch class that ended today and now I get to start on a project I have wanted to do for awhile...the topic is secret until class, though! ;) (Ok, watch for peeks!)

We have a fun family vacation coming up for a couple of weeks in October so we are holding a short class instead of a full one next. It will be a great time to get some gifts made for the holidays or just to learn how to make some fun mini albums for yourself!

Here's the schedule-
Sept.19-Oct. 2-“Get MORE for your Mini” Be prepared for two weeks of mini album fun! The design team will present several types of mini albums along with tips and techniques. Be prepared to work along with us and finish some cute little books! These make excellent GIFTS (think Christmas!), table toppers and all around little albums. Even if you don’t enjoy creating mini albums, you are welcome to adapt the ideas to full-sized layouts (or you might even change your mind. ) There will be a class PDF sent out after class ends with all of the information presented. Cost- $8

November 1-30- “Fast, Flat and Fabulous!” A full month of inspiration to help you create quick pages that look great with products you already have. The Design Team will be presenting pages and ideas with embellishments no thicker than a button in this fun class! *Look for a few new sketches sprinkled in along the way! We’ll have sharing, prizes and encouragement along the way.There will be a class PDF sent out after class ends with all of the information presented. Cost- $15

January 2012- Another sketch class! Details to come.

I hope you will join us for one or both of the upcoming classes! Look for a special price if you sign up for both...they will be available for registration this week on I2S. :)

Cowboy Caviar

2011-06-20T12:44:00.001-06:00

To be honest, I didn't make this recently...but I need to make it again soon! I was looking back through my pictures and I realized I haven't shared this. It makes a yummy appetizer (or you could even have a big bowl of it for a meal!). We ate this with tortilla chips...yum!

Cowboy Caviar

1 can corn, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans , drained and rinsed
2 tomatoes diced
1-2 avocados, diced
1 green pepper diced
1 red pepper diced
½ onion diced
Cilantro to taste

Sauce:
¼ c. olive oil (try using less for less points?)
¼ c. red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves
1 lime squeezed
1 tsp. cumin
Pepper to taste

Mix sauce ingredients then toss with everything else. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Class starts today!

2011-06-01T06:33:00.000-06:00

I hope you will be joining me for a month of sketch inspiration in my class, "Inspired by Sketches-3." You can register here- Inspired to Scrap Class Info.

Here's a peek of one my layouts for class-

I hope you make time to scrap this month!
Stacey

Sketches

2011-05-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

Here are the sketches I posted for my one hour challenges during our crop last week. Would love to see your pages if you use them!!

Sketch class starts next week! I hope to see you all there!

One hour challenge! Today!!

2011-05-19T09:25:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, I am hosting a one hour challenge today on Inspired to Scrap! I hope you will join us at 1pm mountain time. Here's a link to the crop forum where I will be posting. :)

I hope to see you there!

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

2011-05-15T11:19:00.001-06:00

Lately, I have been signing up to get a big basket of fresh produce each week from Bountiful Baskets. It's a lot of fun because it's a great price ($15 for two baskets full), I am always surprised by what's inside and we get to try new and different things. This time, I added a Mexican pack and tortillas (cost was extra).

Here's everything I got this week:

This morning I thought I'd try out roasting those tomatillos (and one of the anaheim peppers!). Here's the yummy salsa recipe I came up with.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

8-10 tomatillos (husked and rinsed)

1 anaheim pepper (optional)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

large handful of cilantro leaves and tender stems

1/2- 1 jalepeno, stem and seeds removed

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp each salt and pepper

To roast the tomatillos and pepper, preheat broiler on high. Roast for about 4 minutes on each side or until blackened (keep an eye on them!!!). Remove and allow the tomatillos to cool. Put the pepper in a ziplock bag for 5-10 minutes to steam. Peel the pepper and remove stem and seeds.

Cut away the tough stem area on the tomatillos. Add everything to a blender or food processor. Blend. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Enjoy! Off to make some quesadillas with our new fresh tortillas!

Inspired Crop! Join us!

2011-05-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

We're cropping next week...all week long! No need to pack up your stuff, you get to crop at home in your pjs. :) Here are the details and prizes-

"Walking on Sunshine Crop"
From May 16-22, we'll be hosting lots of challenges, games and fun on the Inspired to Scrap forum. We have some great prizes as well as a few smaller RAKS along the way. Want to see what you can win?

Here's our crop schedule:

Monday & Tuesday- Challenges will be posted along with inspiration.

All Week- Games, Raks and chatting!!

Thursday & Saturday- Special one hour, fast-paced challenges! 1 PM on Thursday and 7 PM on Saturday (mountain time). See the message board for more details.

Sunday- Finish up and get your entries uploaded

Monday- Draw winners!

**I hope to see you all there!!!***

6x12 layout...have you tried it?

2011-05-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

One of our new DT members, Von, gave us the challenge to think out of the 12x12 box on Inspired to Scrap and complete a 6x12 layout. My first thought was, "no way!" I definitely didn't want to buy a different size album or page protectors. Well, she got me there because she also showed us we could just stitch down the center of one of our page protectors to make two slots. :) So I jumped in and tried it. Lots of fun...and fast!

I think I will be making more of these! This size is great for when you have just a couple of photos!

She also showed us how we can use cardboard for our background...check out her blog post! I think this makes a cool background for a boy's page. :)

Thanks Von! How have you all been challenged lately?

A few layouts

2011-05-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

I have been scrapping a lot...even though I don't always share the layouts here (they are mostly for class!). Here are a few from the class that just ended at Inspired to Scrap where we have been using up older items in our stash:

Our new kit just came out and I can't wait to create with it! I have one layout that went into the kit flyer but I will be working on more with it this week! I hope you find some scrappy time soon! Link me up to some of your recent pages...would love to see them!
Stacey

New Inspired to Scrap Design Team!

2011-05-01T09:06:00.000-06:00

Our new Design Team for Inspired to Scrap!

Announcing the new Design Team for May –August 2011:
Angie Gutshall
Carol Sheetz
Von Tinney

Guest Design Team (May-June 2011)
Jaime Grider
Sarah Rentz

Guest Design Team (July-August 2011)
Janie Boots
Kate Vickers

Congrats ladies and I look forward to being inspired by all of you!

Cornbread muffins- recipe

2011-04-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

These are quick, easy and tasty. They are a sweeter cornbread. I think the original recipe called for at least twice this much sugar...but that was way too much in my opinion. These are great with soups, chilis and stews!

Cornbread Muffins:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup white sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease or line 12 muffin cups. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, honey, eggs and salt. Mix in flour, cornmeal and baking powder; blend thoroughly. Stir in milk and corn. Pour or spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Add a little butter and enjoy!

Freezer French Toast -recipe

2011-04-28T06:00:00.030-06:00

I used my homemade white bread for this...just because it is soooooooooo good with it. But you can use any sort of bread you have on hand. :) (But the thick, soft pieces of homemade white bread really work well as French Toast!)

Anyhow...this is really easy and simple. Nothing you probably didn't already do when you make French Toast. But I love that I discovered it freezes and reheats well! This worked out perfectly for camping for us. I made them ahead of time, froze them in freezer bags and just threw them into the camper fridge. They were defrosted when we wanted to cook them and all I did was add them single layer in a pan and baked them til hot. This would also be great for a quick breakfast at home.

Here are the recipe details (although I did end up mixing up more egg mixture to cook more slices):

Freezer French Toast

Makes 12-16 slices.
6 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Dash cinnamon and vanilla
12-16 slices white bread

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. (I use a large skillet that covers two burners and I can fit 8 slices at a time.)

Have a cute little helper drop slices of bread into the egg mixture, then turn and coat the other side.

Cook in batches, flipping after a couple of minutes (when it starts to brown). Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Cool then freeze in single layer. Once frozen (about two hours) they can be packaged individually or placed in a single freezer bag.

To reheat:

Remove from freezer, and heat in toaster (haven't tried this yet!) or oven, then serve with butter and syrup. yum!

I store them like this in the freezer:

White bread recipe

2011-04-27T00:42:00.000-06:00

We are usually wheat bread eaters here. Not that I don't like white bread...I guess I feel that wheat bread is better for us so that's what we eat. Honestly, I have rarely met a bread I didn't like. :)

Anyhow, this recipe makes for some yummy white bread...which is great plain, with butter or even better- as French Toast! (I will share that recipe tomorrow.) I hope you will give this recipe a try. As with any bread, adjust the liquid and flour slightly to make sure the consistency is right...not too wet or dry. I make this in my Kitchen Aid mixer with the dough hook, but you could do it by hand as well. I have no idea if this will work well in a bread maker. If you try it, let us know!

I doubled this recipe for two fluffy loaves to make lots of French Toast for the freezer (perfect camping food!)

White Bread

1 1/4 cups lukewarm milk

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions: Combine the milk, sugar and yeast. Let sit a few minutes until foamy. Combine flour and salt in another bowl and whisk together. Add the butter (melted) to the milk and stir. Add flour and salt to the milk and knead for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Punch down, place in a loaf pan, cover and let rise for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 350. Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Design team call and a great prize!

2011-04-26T12:37:00.000-06:00

You can win an Echo Park "Be Mine" paper collection by becoming a fan and commenting on the Inspired to Scrap Facebook page! Here is the link to the page-
Scroll down to the photo of the prize and leave a comment! Be sure to share the fun by re-posting about it on your page.

Inspired to Scrap is having a design team call and time is running out to apply! Anyone can apply. Join the forum and get to know us...we have a great group of scrappers! See the call details here-

Class is ending this week and it has been so much fun scrapping our stash! I will share some layouts soon!

I have plans for more layouts and recipes here...stick around and don't give up on me since I have been such a bad blogger lately! :)

Menu Monday

2011-04-25T06:00:00.005-06:00

Whatcha cooking this week? We have easy meals...many from the pantry and freezer. Trying to use up a few things that have been sitting around. :)

Here's a photo of Thursday's recipe! (from over a year ago!)

Monday- pasta and bean skillet
Tuesday -quick barley chicken chili (recipe on the back of the barley box)
Wednesday- shepherd's pie, fresh bread
Thursday-lean and green chili
Friday- ww chicken parmagiana , pasta
Saturday- hamburgers, oven fries
Sunday- tuna noodle casserole, peas

So what are you cooking? Have you broken out the grill yet? :) We grilled some really yummy chicken over the weekend. Shoulda taken a photo...I will next time! It was a great recipe from one of my scrappy friends, Daiva. :)

A couple of layouts from class

2011-03-04T14:38:00.001-07:00

We recently ended another sketch class at Inspired to Scrap and I had so much fun creating layouts, sharing techniques and being inspired by all of the other layouts and designer techniques! You should really join us in one of the classes...it's a great opportunity to get a lot accomplished! Here are some layouts I completed in class...one of each of the munchkins. :) In total, I completed more than 15 layouts!

The first two are based on sketches by me:

Based on a sketch by Shannon Morgan:

Kit layout

2011-01-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here's another layout I created using my Inspired to Scrap Jan. kit. I added the pink cardstock and the flowers from my stash. I used this for one of my challenges during the Whimsical Winter Crop. Have you used your kit yet?

Pumpkin Biscuits

2011-01-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have been out of the habit of sharing recipes so I am trying to get back into it. I love browsing through other blogs to find new recipes so I want to share in the fun. :)

We've made these several times and they are soft and yummy. My oven never gets quite hot enough...it usually hovers just above 400. Even so, these still turn out tasty. This photo is not the best...it was the last lonely biscuit...a little thin from being part of the third round of cut outs. But I forgot to take a picture of the nicer ones. LOL Anyhow, we had these with Orange Honey Butter which was fun for a change but I think we prefer plain old butter. These are not too sweet...just a little. They are a great with almost any sort of meal!

Pumpkin Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour (add more if sticky)

3 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces

3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk (Or combine 3/4 TBS white vinegar with 3/4 cup skim milk)

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450º.

2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (flour through nutmeg); cut in chilled butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.

3. Combine buttermilk and pumpkin; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 5 times. (I don't usually even knead that much...just enough to barely make the dough hold together...you don't want to over work dough for biscuits.)
4. Roll or gently pat dough to about 1/2-inch thickness (I make them more like 3/4-1 inch thick). Cut into 12 biscuits with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 450° for about 11 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with 1/4 cup Orange-Honey Butter.

Orange Honey Butter
Mix 1/4 cup softened butter with 2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp grated orange peel. Add more honey or orange to your taste.

Enjoy!!

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Another week of meal plan sharing...yay me! :)

We tried a new blueberry muffin recipe this morning-yummo. The recipe is from Smitten Kitchen- http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/08/perfect-blueberry-muffins/ . We made them as mini muffins. It made exactly 24 nice "big" fluffy mini's. It is always so cute when the kids are waiting for treats to bake (Ellie does this funny little trying-not-to-smile-smile. LOL)

Tried any new recipes lately?

Here's our plan for the week. Easy stuff...you know, since I have sooooooo much time to spend cooking in the kitchen. ;)
Monday- Stinky Chicken (don't let the name fool you...this is delicious! It's a recipe from the Scrapshare cookbook...but basically chicken, potatoes and green beans baked with butter and a packet of Italian dressing mix).
Tuesday- Garlic Shrimp, grilled veggies, rice
Wednesday- Tacos
Thursday- Chicken and lentil soup (been on the menu for a couple of weeks and it keeps getting pushed back!), cornbread muffins (I will try to remember to get a photo of these...it's an easy and tasty recipe I have been making for a few years!)
Friday- Kielbasa with beans and rice
Saturday-Fried rice with meat and veggies (whatever we have...I make it up as I go!), Egg Foo Young
Sunday-Crockpot italian cream cheese chicken over pasta, a veggie

Find more meal plans and recipes at http://www.orgjunkie.com/

What are you making this week?

Whimsical Winter Crop!

2011-01-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

We have a big crop going on this weekend! I hope you will join us for fun, challenges, games and prizes!

You could win one of these:

Or something else fun! We'll also have some great class and kit specials going on!!
See you there. :)

Spinach Salad

2011-01-13T13:25:00.001-07:00

We have two favorite spinach salad recipes. I am sure I posted these before but when I made all of the blog changes, I accidentally deleted a bunch. Anyhow, here they are! I hope you enjoy them. :)

Warm Spinach and Mushroom Salad

4 slices bacon
2 eggs
2 teaspoons white sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound spinach
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

DIRECTIONS:
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover completely with cold water. Bring water to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and cut in wedges.
Return 2 tablespoons bacon fat to skillet, stir in sugar, vinegar, water and salt. Keep warm.
Wash and remove stems from spinach, dry thoroughly and break into pieces in salad bowl. Pour warm dressing over and toss until coated.
Top salad with mushrooms and bacon, garnish with egg.

Spinach Salad (from my friend, Christine)

(beware of little fingers stealing the "goodies" out of this! LOL)

Fresh Spinach leaves
Pine Nuts
Cranberries

Dressing:
¼ cup each of balsamic vinegar and olive oil
1-3 cloves crushed garlic cloves
4 TBS brown sugar
*Combine first three ingredients in a large bowl. Mix dressing ingredients then toss everything together when ready to serve.

Black Bean Soup

2011-01-13T12:39:00.001-07:00

Here's an easy and tasty recipe I said I'd share with you. This is filling and is low in calories/WW points. I am not familiar with the new WW points plus, so this is the old point value.

Black Bean Soup
(the original recipe is "spicy" black bean soup but my kids can't handle too much spice so I took it out. We did however add a big scoop of spicy salsa to the adult bowls this time and it was a yummy addition.) I think this one is from my friend, Becky. :)

Black Bean Soup
POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 8 (about 1 ½ cups each)
1 medium onion(s), finely chopped
4 medium garlic clove(s), minced
3- 15 oz cans canned black beans, undrained
1 tsp ground cumin (or more!!)
14 1/2 oz fat-free chicken broth, or vegetable broth
10 oz canned tomatoes with green chilies,
11 oz canned yellow corn, drained

Instructions
1. Coat bottom of a large stockpot with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft but not brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Place one can of beans in blender; add sautéed onion mixture and cumin. Cover and blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour mixture back into stockpot. (**I ususally just combine steps 2 and 3 and blend it all in the pot with my hand blender. I also blend the tomatoes so my kids don't eat around them. lol).
3. Place second can of beans and broth in blender and puree until smooth; add to stockpot.
4. Stir third can of beans (do not puree first), tomatoes and green chilies, and corn into stockpot. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
**Serve with chips, avacado or toppings of your choice. (Extra pts.)

Sketches, sketches and more sketches! (plus a peek!)

2011-01-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about our next class- a sketch class! (Feb.1-15) We have 15 sketches plus a couple of bonus double page sketches to share along with samples, tips and techniques by our Inspired to Scrap Design Team and Guest Designers.

I love sketches because you can use them and adapt them to fit your needs...use any papers, photos, etc. that you want. I also love the challenge of trying to get them all completed during the class period (without deadlines, I don't think I would ever get any scrapping done!)

Here's a peek at one of my sketches this class-

I hope you will consider joining us and challenging yourself to complete at least 15 layouts in February! We have several fun prizes lined up- little things and big things!!! It's going to be a blast...see you there.
Stacey

Menu Planning Monday

2011-01-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday! This is going to be a really crazy busy month for me...menu planning is going to help ease a bit of the stress and help us stick to our budget. I have healthy meals planned for the week to help us stick to our healthy eating goals (baked and ate too many cookies last month! LOL) This is an old photo that I have already posted, but I don't have a new one right now so this will have to do. :) This is tonight's dinner- yum!

Do you have a plan for the week? Here's mine-

Monday- Lean and Green Chili, steamed cauliflower
Tuesday- Tacos and beans
Wednesday- CP Santa Fe Chicken, rice
Thursday- Black bean soup with chips and guacamole (I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe...I will take a pic and post it later in the week!)
Friday- Garlic chicken with broccoli
Saturday- Split Pea soup with bread
Sunday- Lentil and chicken soup

For more menu planning ideas, visit http://www.orgjunkie.com/ !!

So busy!

2010-12-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how busy I have been lately. Between the kids, the house, getting ready for the holidays, taking a girl's trip to CA and Inspired to Scrap, my time just vanishes!

Anyhow, I wanted to share a few things that are going on around here. :)
1. I am having a great time being inspired in our journaling class right now! Our designers and guest designer are amazing and have such fabulous ideas! (you can totally still join if you want to!!! Scroll down here to register- http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/store-kits-and-classes )

2. I've been scrapping and sketching...but it's been mostly for classes. :( I will share a little peeky though!! This is from an upcoming challenge in the journaling class currently going on.)

3. I am still menu planning! I do it every week without fail. But lately, we've been making lots of the same old boring and easy meals. I have just had a hard time finding a lot of time to cook. Here's a yummy and easy recipe we had last night (and have had many times). Everyone loves this here!
Black Beans and Rice

Kielbasa (I use the lean turkey variety)
2 cans black beans-drained and rinsed (I dumped in one can without draining it)
1 can diced tomatoes (Mexican if you have them) (not drained)
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
cooked white rice
avocado-optional but really good with it

Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Throw it in a skillet and sear. Toss the garlic, cook another minute or two then add the beans and tomatoes and let it all simmer.

Serve the bean mixture over rice and garnish with sliced avocado.
YUM!!!!
Have you cooked anything easy and yummy lately that I can add to our rotation??

4. Haven't had ANY time at the sewing machine in months. :( This totally makes me sad. I need to find time in 2011 for some sewing. I have several quilts and other projects I want to work on.
Have you made anything fun lately???

Let me know you are still around! I will try to be better about updating my blog. :)
Stacey

Have you entered to win??

2010-11-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

We are giving away a free journaling class on Inspired to Scrap! Have you entered? Just leave a comment on this blog post to enter. You can become a fan of I2S on Facebook as well for another entry (be sure to leave a comment if you do!!). Go to the post!

You can also see a video on making some little flowers and enter to win some chipboard letters on the forum. :)

Here's a peek at a project how-to I will be sharing next week on the forum-

Happy Friday!
Stacey

5 years layout- Scrap Challenge

2010-11-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

I created this layout for the November scraps challenge on the Inspired to Scrap forum. I used the new Sketchy Thursday's sketch and Valerie's idea to spray bubble wrap with mist instead of using paint.
Here's my scrap pile (leftovers from the Sept. I2S kit):

And here's my layout:

Hope you are able to sneak in some creative time soon!!

New kit layout

2010-11-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got to sit and create a layout using the new Inspired to Scrap kit! Yipeee! Ellie is napping, Joshua and Abby are coloring and it is snowing outside. (The snow is melting as soon as it hits the ground, though.)

Here's my layout...this is such a fun kit!

I hope you have a wonderful and warm Monday!!!! :)
Stacey

New kit revealed!

2010-10-29T13:54:00.000-06:00

Did you see the new kit on the Inspired to Scrap blog??? You have to check out the design team work using it in the gallery as well.

Here's the kit!

It's about $5 less than retail and there's also a really great combo deal if you get this kit and the first kit right now in the store! (There's only a few left of the first kit!)

The sketch class is ending so I will finally have time to work with the kit and I will definitely share here when I do!!! What have you been working on?

Want a peek?

2010-10-16T13:52:00.000-06:00

Want to peek at one of my upcoming layouts for the sketch class going on right now at Inspired to Scrap? (It's not too late to join us!! Visit the store to purchase Inspired by Sketches.)

Been busy creating lots of sketches and layouts for class. I've also been working on and off on a fairy doll house with Abby. So fun! What have you been working on lately?

Sketch class begins Friday! (and a giveaway!)

2010-10-10T16:01:00.000-06:00

Want to take the sketch class for free? Go check it out!
http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/2010/10/10/sketch-class-giveaway

Inspired to Scrap has a new class beginning on Friday- “Inspired by Sketches.” Complete 15 layouts using brand new sketches! The design team will present a new sketch for you each day during this 15 day class. We’ll have inspiration, techniques and challenges for you to be motivated to complete more pages.
Features of the class-
~Access to a private area of the message board
~Daily inspiration will include a new sketch and samples
~Video tutorials(special surprise techniques!)
~All new samples and layouts to spark your creativity
~Encouragement and support to complete 15+ layouts
~Inspiration from fellow classmates
**Visit the Inspired to Scrap store to purchase the class.
www.inspiredtoscrap.net/store

Now for the fun part-we’re giving away one free class!! Here’s how you can win:
1. Leave us a comment on this post. (On http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net...not/ my blog. :) )
2. Post about the contest and/or class on your blog (or facebook!)
3. Visit our Facebook page and give us a thumbs up (I think it’s called “Like us” but that sounds so silly to me! LOL)
4. Join the message board and post at least 15 times (if you are already registered, great! Just start chatting!)
5. Upload a new layout or two to the gallery (leave some love while you’re there as well!
**Be sure to leave a comment for each item you complete.
Deadline is Monday night. I will draw a winner on Tuesday morning.
Good luck everyone!!

Card Inspiration Class

2010-10-06T22:59:00.000-06:00

We have a Weekend Warrior card class this weekend...but you know what? You don't even have to be available this weekend to take it! Everyone who signs up gets the class content afterwards so you can work through it later at your own pace. :) Hope you'll consider joining us!! See here for details- www.inspiredtoscrap.net/store
**One of these days I will post about something other than Inspired to Scrap related..I promise! But that's what I have been spending all of my creative time on lately. Although I *could* show you a picture of the spaghetti squash that exploded in my microwave tonight. Yikes! LOL

A couple of new layouts for the crop

2010-10-01T12:21:00.000-06:00

Finished these pages for my challenges at the I2S Fall Crop. The crop goes through Tuesday so you have lots of time to join in the fun!!

Hope you get in some scrappy time soon!!!

Stacey

Want to win a great prize???

2010-09-30T00:49:00.001-06:00

Inspired to Scrap is giving away some really cool prizes this weekend!!! Join us for our Fall Crop at www.inspiredtoscrap.net/forum starting Thursday morning (Sept. 30). The crop goes until Tuesday night. Challenges, chatting, games, inspiration.
Here are the prizes:

One Free Kit!!

Crate Paper embellishment set!!

Fall fun embellishments (Jenni Bowlin notecard pack and kit goodies)

Pink Paislee stamps-

Free Weekend Warrior Card Inspiration Class (Oct. 8-10) $5 value
Beat the holiday frenzy and create beautiful cards to send to your family and friends. We will provide card sketches, samples and encouragement to complete as many cards as you need. Class will take place in a private area of the message board. Join us for a holiday card inspired weekend.

Free 15/15 Inspired by Sketches Class (Oct. 15-29) $15 value
Let’s complete lots of pages using sketches! The design team will present a new sketch for you each day during this 15 day class. We’ll have lots of inspiration and challenges for you to be motivated to complete more pages.Features of the class-
Access to a private area of the message board
Daily inspiration will include a new sketch and samples
Video tutorials(special surprise techniques!)
All new samples and layouts to spark your creativity
Encouragement and support to complete 15+ layouts
Inspiration from fellow classmates

See you at the crop!!! (Get an extra entry by sharing about the crop on your blog and/or Facebook page!!!)

Fall Crop (this week!!)

2010-09-26T21:26:00.000-06:00

Inspired to Scrap will be having a Fall crop (Sept. 30- Oct. 5) on our message board (www.inspiredtoscrap.net/forum). We'll have lots of great challenges, games, and inspiration. We have a new forum and gallery so if you registered prior to the move, you will need to re-register. We’ll have some great prizes such as a free kit, a free class and some other items. I hope to see you all there so we can be inspired together!!

School mini album

2010-09-20T12:36:00.000-06:00

Here's a little album I made a couple of years ago for Joshua. (I need to make some for the girls as well!). I had this tutorial posted on Paper Popsicles but since they are not open anymore, Melissa gave me the go-ahead to post it on Inspired to Scrap. You can view the step-by-step tutorial on the brand new message board there- www.inspiredtoscrap.net/forum (you will need to register for this new forum even if you already registered for the first one...we had web hosting issues so we had to change over to this much better forum!)

New board and gallery

2010-09-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

In case you didn't get the email, Inspired to Scrap switched web hosts and we have a much better board and gallery now. You will need to re-register but I think everyone will be much happier with it. (I know many of you had issues logging in to the first one). I hope you'll join us there for some scrappy chit chat and inspiration. http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/ (click on the tabs at the top for the forum and gallery).
Thanks!!!

15/15 class started today!

2010-09-16T11:18:00.000-06:00

Our first 15/15 class started today on Inspired to Scrap! Want a peek at one of today's samples?

It's not too late to join us! You can purchase the class at anytime in the store at http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/
See you there!

New sketch and a layout!

2010-09-09T14:42:00.000-06:00

Here's a new sketch I posted on the Inspired to Scrap message board. My page uses the I2S kit.

I have been so inspired to scrap lately with getting ready for the 15/15 class and playing with the new kit! I hope you get some scrappy time in!

A new layout~

2010-09-08T11:57:00.000-06:00

I finished this page late last night while everyone slept. :) Used the new Inspired to Scrap kit. I love these pictures I took of Abby when she turned three. This one is for the family album.

Fabric flower

2010-09-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

Have you used fabric on your layouts? There are so many fun fabrics out there and we are including some small pieces of fabric with the Inspired to Scrap kit. Here's a quick and easy no-sew fabric flower you can make. You can find more ideas as well as a video how-to on the Inspired to Scrap message board.

Hope you are getting in some scrappy time!
Stacey

Inspired to Scrap's kit release

2010-09-06T07:12:00.000-06:00

Yay! Our first kit is ready to go and is up for sale at Inspired to Scrap! I started playing around with it last night and I love all the papers and goodies...such a fun kit!!

So...I am playing with scrappy goodies and preparing for our next class...so much inspiration! What's inspiring you these days?

It's almost kit time!!

2010-09-03T12:32:00.001-06:00

I am was so excited to find these boxes on my doorstep today! Wanna know what was in them???!!

Goodies from Jillibean Soup and Bella Blvd!! Waiting on a couple of other orders from different companies and then I'll be revealing Inspired to Scrap's FIRST KIT!!! (scheduled to arrive tomorrow!) I can hardly wait! Here's a little peek at what came in today-

Kits will be available early next week at http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/ . Plus, if that wasn't fun enough, we have our second class beginning in two weeks over there. It's 15 days of Inspiration to help you complete 15 (or more!) layouts. I hope you'll be joining us!!

Layout

2010-09-01T17:15:00.000-06:00

Here's a super quick page I was able to throw together today. I used Stacy K.'s great sketch on the Inspired to Scrap blog. Here's my layout. I used some old BG still hanging around in my scrappy stash.

I hope you'll check out her sketch and share a page in our gallery!

A fave class layout and kit news

2010-08-30T22:21:00.000-06:00

Well, our first Inspired to Scrap class has ended and I just have to say that it was so much fun to plan! I hope everyone who took the class enjoyed it and was inspired to get some pages completed. I won't be sharing most of my layouts from class (although you can still buy the class content and samples in the Inspired to Scrap Store), but I do want to share one of my favorites.

Thanks for a great class and I hope to see you all in our next class in September. It is 15 days of inspiration and challenges to get you scrapping.

***Also, watch for the reveal of our very first kit in a couple of weeks (or less!). I ordered everything today and expect the items to start arriving late this week or early next week!!! Fun!!***
Stacey

Whew! Lots of scrapping for class!

2010-08-25T13:30:00.000-06:00

Been busy scrapping and working on samples for the Inspired by Borders class this weekend! It starts on Friday and there's a TON of great inspiration packed into the weekend. I can't wait to share what I have been working on. :) I don't want to give anything away, so I am not going to show you much...but here's a tiny little peek at a bit of a layout from day one (our technique day!).

Hope to see you in class!!
Stacey

Inspired to Scrap Class Schedule

2010-08-18T17:07:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! We've posted the class schedule for Inspired to Scrap and are busy working on the first class coming up in just over a week!! You can see the list of classes on the site home page- http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/home.htm and you can register for them in the store- http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/apps/webstore/

Our first class is a member inspired class based on a couple of requests. It is a weekend class - August 27-29 and it's called "Weekend Warriors- Inspired by Borders." We are focusing on border strips and punches. Anyone have those sitting around?? Yeah, I thought so...most of us probably have some. :) We'll be focusing on new ways to use those punches and pre-cut strips. As a BONUS, we are including a really cool technique called "patterned paper transfers" using products you probably already have. You will receive daily instructions, ideas, tips and samples within the setting of a private message board.

* For those of you unavailable that weekend, you can still purchase the class (and any of the classes!) and you will receive the class content in a document after the class is over. You'll miss out on the fun of chatting and sharing during the class, but you can still learn some techniques and gain some inspiration.

I hope you will join us for an Inspired class this fall and get more pages completed!!
*Head on over to our message board and gallery if you haven't already joined! :)

New layout-Scraplift challenge

2010-08-16T13:19:00.000-06:00

I posted a scraplifting challenge on the Inspired to Scrap blog today. It is a challenge to lift one of your own layouts! Here's the page I completed for the challenge. Head over there to see the page I lifted and our guest designer takes on the challenge as well.

Hope you get some time to scrapbook today!!

Chicken Taquitos and Refried Bean Soup - WW recipes

2010-08-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of tasty and low point recipes. These are great together (dip the taquitos in the soup) or separately.

Chicken Taquitos- From Hungry Girl

MAKES 4 SERVINGS 4 pts for 2 taquitos
Ingredients:
8 small (6-inch) yellow corn tortillas
One 9.75-oz. (or 10-oz.) can 98% fat-free chunk white chicken breast in water, drained well
1/2 cup salsa
1/3 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp. dry taco seasoning mix
Optional: red enchilada sauce, additional salsa, fat-free sour cream, for dipping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
~In a medium bowl, combine the chicken and salsa, and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
~Remove chicken mixture from the fridge, and drain any excess liquid. Add cheese and taco seasoning, and mix to combine. This is your filling. Set aside.
~Prepare a baking sheet by spraying with nonstick spray, and set it aside.
~Dampen two paper towels, and place tortillas between them. Microwave for about 1 minute, until tortillas are warm and pliable.
~Take one tortilla (keep the rest between the paper towels), spray both sides lightly with nonstick spray, and lay it flat on a clean dry surface. Spoon about 2 heaping tbsp. of filling onto the tortilla. Spread it evenly across the entire surface, and roll tortilla up tightly, so that you have a cigar-shaped tube. Secure with toothpicks and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
~Bake for 14 - 16 minutes, until crispy. Allow taquitos to cool for 5 minutes. If you like, dunk in enchilada sauce, salsa, or sour cream!

Refried Bean Soup

WW Points: 1 point per Cup (10 servings)
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cans fat free refried beans
3 cups fat free chicken broth, divided

Directions:
1. Combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, and 1 cup of broth in a large pan; boil for five minutes, stirring often. (I like to blend the tomatoes up so there are less chunks.)
2. Stir in beans and remaining 2 cups broth; simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.
I got this recipe from-http://thematzats.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!!! Happy Cooking!!!

New sketch and layout

2010-08-09T08:26:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone! I posted a new sketch over at http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/ . I hope you'll check it out and share what you do with it! Here's the layout I created using it-

There's a gallery over there you can post your version of the sketch in. See you there!!

Organized scrappy area and a prize!

2010-08-06T00:20:00.000-06:00

I've finished cleaning up my scrappy area for the first challenge on Inspired to Scrap...woohoo! Here are a couple of photos-

You can see a short video of me in my scrap space if you go to the Inspired to Scrap blog. I also have a cool prize up for grabs...

Check out the details here.
Have a great Friday!!!

Inspired to Scrap!

2010-08-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to tell you about my new site- Inspired to Scrap! The home page is http://www.inspiredtoscrap.net/ but the real fun is starting on the blog and message board TODAY! So go check it out, join my first blog challenge (don't forget to add the blog to your reader!), join the message board (you'll have to complete your profile and wait for approval before you can post) and tell me what you think! I hope we can all be inspired to scrap together!!!

Big news....

2010-08-02T12:42:00.001-06:00

I have something big I am working on!! Stay tuned! Any guesses? :)

Blueberry Coffee Cake

2010-08-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

What do you do on a lazy Sunday afternoon when it is too hot to go outdoors? (After almost melting riding bikes to the park to play!)
Make a blueberry coffee cake, of course! LOL
I had some fresh blueberries from a farmer's market that I needed to use and this sounded oh so good after our bike ride.
This turned out moist and soft and delicious! We ate dessert before dinner (and after). I hope you'll try it. (Frozen blueberries should work, too. Toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. Frozen berries will often turn the cake a little greenish...don't worry, that's normal!)

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups blueberries

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

3 tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees .Grease and flour a 9 inch springform pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the blueberries. Pour batter into prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon and chopped pecans. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool and enjoy.

Happy baking!

Tinkerbell cake!

2010-07-26T16:07:00.000-06:00

Abby turned three and we had a small fairy party to celebrate. Happy birthday, Abby!

Ruffled t-shirt

2010-07-22T11:52:00.000-06:00

How to prepare for two birthdays (Jeremy will be 35 and Abby will be 3) and three house guests(my parents and my sister) with only 24 hours to spare:

1. Make a giant list of things to do and clean (including clearing a path in the guest room, cleaning the bathroom and baking a Tinkerbell cake).
2. Ignore list and decide that your adorable little girl (who's going to be three tomorrow!) needs a t-shirt refashioned.
3. Trim off bottom of a too long and stained t-shirt that is too cute not to wear.
4. Hem t-shirt (uh...I really need some tips on this part!) and pin on fabric strips (see Elizabeth Kartchner's blog for my inspiration) to cover stains.
5. Decide an impromtu outdoor photo shoot is in order after getting less than desireable results with basement lighting.
6. Play baseball with children while the baby naps.
7. Ignore list some more, heat up a cup of coffee and decide a blog update is still more important (uh-oh....will I ever be ready for tomorrow???)

**Seriously...I need to get to work now! LOL

Power toast & homemade almond butter

2010-07-21T16:07:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Diana at The Chic Life, the kids and I are hooked on our own version of Power Toast. The kids like it with half almond butter and half dark chocolate peanut butter (soooo yummy.) I had mine with a TBS of almond butter and a small smear of the chocolate good stuff. We sprinkled Chia seeds on it...a new thing for us (again thanks to Diana).

This piece was way too big for Abby...she only gets 1/2 slice now. Joshua always eats his crust first...on toast and sandwiches. He likes the good stuff in the center the best so he saves it for last.

I have had this huge bag of whole raw almonds from Costco in the fridge forever so we decided to make some homemade almond butter. All we did we throw a bunch of almonds into the food processor(about 2-3 cups) and mixed it ~~to death~~ until it was creamy and delicious. We added a little bit of salt since they were unsalted. I read online we can store it in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. Power toast for weeks! :) I think a TBS of almond butter is 2 WW points. (At least that's how I count it.)

Nothing new on the scrappy or crafty side here. :( I never seem to have the time!!! Gotta find some time...I am having withdrawls!

Wooden Summer Blocks

2010-07-09T07:31:00.000-06:00

Jeremy cut some wooden blocks for me awhile back and I have used them for a couple of projects. I wanted a new table decoration for summer and I thought these would work but the word is too long for the table center. Oops. Anyhow, they still look cute up on one of the plant shelves. :) I used one of the TSR kits from March. Joshua helped me paint the blocks. :)

Have a great weekend! We hope to hit the Farmer's Market tomorrow...yippeee!!

It's finally done! Picnic quilt and a table runner

2010-07-06T09:40:00.000-06:00

I finally finished this little picnic quilt for the girls. Abby picked out the fabrics several weeks or so ago and it has been hard to find the time to work on it. The "quilting" gave me the most trouble because I really didn't know what to do or how to do it. I just have a small sewing machine (which is an AMAZING sewing machine actually, just hard to "quilt" on since it doesn't have a long quilting arm) so learning how to manuever the quilt around to do the quilting was a challenge. I ended up buying a walking foot and that helped a lot. Despite numerous mistakes and re-do's, I am anxious to make another one. I think I want to get one of those feet that lets you free quilt. Because I didn't have one of these, I could only do straight stiches on this. Oh, and I decided to finish the binding by hand and I am so glad I did! I think it looks much better than a machine finished binding and it really wasn't hard at all. It only took two nights of movies/tv watching after the kids were in bed to finish. :) (Or, maybe it was three nights actually.)

I just could not get everyone to stop and take a nice photo. LOL

Here's the best I could get.

Next up is either a denim rag quilt (which I already have all the fabric for...old jeans and some pretty plaids for the back) or this one- http://obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-quilt-ever.html which I probably have most of the fabric for as well.

Another quick project we did last week was to dress up our table for the fourth of July. The reverse of this table runner is a pretty everyday fabric...cream with soft maroonish flowers. I will share a picture once we figure out a fun centerpiece to go along with it. Any ideas the kids can help with??

Two more layouts

2010-07-01T08:56:00.000-06:00

I got two quick layouts done yesterday during naptime with my TSR kit. They have a fun challenge every month to try to use the kit (there are actually four small kits in the one kit-each one very different) and yesterday was the deadline. I finished my other two pages with the kit earlier int eh month...I still have most of the kit left to scrap with-woohoo! Here's what I accomplished in the very short amount of free time I had. :)

I hope you get some time to scrap!!
Stacey

Layout-TSR blog sketch

2010-06-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

Here's a layout I made a couple of days ago using the sketch on TSR's blog. http://thescraproomblog.blogspot.com/ I used part of their new kit as well along with some goodies from my scrappy stash. :)

I have been very slowly working on a picnic quilt (the one that they showed on DIY DIsh a few weeks ago) for the girls. The quilting part has been very very slow going for me. But I only have two sections left to quilt then I will start piecing together strips for the border. Think good quilting thoughts for me!!!! LOL

Hope you get some crafty time in soon!

Stacey

Early morning scrapping

2010-06-11T09:52:00.000-06:00

Nothing like starting the day with a bit of scrappy fun. This is for a TSR faves challenge using part of the December kit.

Hope you can sneak in some scrappy time!

Stacey

Another layout and Adonica!

2010-06-10T08:54:00.000-06:00

Finally got to scrap a page. Been busy preparing to go camping...then camping...then getting settled back in at home. Got to meet up with one of my very best friends, Adonica! (Too bad Abby was sick all weekend...put a bit of a damper on things. But still wonderful to see Adonica. I will share more pics on the family blog as soon as I sort through them all.)

Snuck this page in during naptime yesterday. The background is actually black so the colors are off a bit....

New layout and sketch!

2010-05-27T10:25:00.000-06:00

Sparked by the new blog challenge at The ScrapRoom, I created this layout and sketch. This page is for Abby's album.

Ok, here's the new sketch I promised. I am leaving it up to you to decide where you want to add your title and journaling. :) Hope you can use it to spark some "scrappiness" today. I would love to see your take on it if you do use it!! My version of it is at the top of this post.

Enjoy! (Now go scrap!!) :)
Stacey

New sketch!

2010-05-27T09:12:00.000-06:00

Can anyone use a new sketch???!!!

Good thing I got a picture of the sketch before Ellie crawled over to "help." Man, I have some great helpers, don't I???? LOL

Coming later today...almost done with my layout!

Prep your scrappy goodies!!!

Layout-Sketchy Thursdays

2010-05-26T17:45:00.000-06:00

Got this done just in time! I completed this layout based on the sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. This one is for the family album. I used more of my May kit from The ScrapRoom.

An oopsie and some new layouts

2010-05-23T17:06:00.000-06:00

Have I told you what happens if I leave too many tempting scrapbooking tools and items on my desk unsupervised for too long? Abby happens. She loves to "help" me scrapbook. She'll very kindly ink papers, add rhinestones, and cut up photos for me. Thanks kiddo. LOL

I went to a crop at the LSS last night and got 10 pages finished...yippeee! I got to meet a few really nice ladies and had a nice time scrapping. Here are some of my favorites from what I completed...

Hope you get some scrappy time in soon!!

Stacey

Layout

2010-05-17T08:44:00.000-06:00

Here's one I squeezed in on Friday before my parents arrived. :) More of the TSR May kit.

Two more layouts

2010-05-12T10:58:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I scrapped twice this week already!! Thanks to me not feeling well...getting more sitting down time. LOL

I used part of the May kit from The ScrapRoom and a sketch by Nicole Stark for the May sketch challenge on Citrus Tree Studio for this one:

For this one, I used an old kit from Paper Popsicles.

First snow

2010-05-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Got this layout done yesterday...didn't feel much like journaling on it then so that will have to wait. (Not sure there's much to say anyhow!) Ellie's first snowfall. This is a lift for the faves challenge at The ScrapRoom.

Happy scrapping!!
Stacey

Cauliflower soup

2010-05-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

Here's another super low point yet tasty and filling soup. I found the recipe for this here- http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/03/cauliflower-soup-0-ww-pts.html

I really don't make it different from her recipe...except I usually just make enough for me at lunch. I never measure anything...just eyeball it. Easy peasy! This is creamy and really good!

Cauliflower soup
WW- 0 pts (yippeee!!)

Chopped cauliflower (a couple of large handfuls)
Diced onion (small handful...maybe 1/8- 1/4 cup)
Chicken broth to almost cover the veggies (don't add too much...you can always add more later if it needs thinned out)
Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: Simmer everything for about 20-30 minutes in a small covered saucepan. Blend until smooth. (I use my immersion blender for this but you can very carefully blend it in a regular blender.) Enjoy!

New layout!

2010-05-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

I am hoping to make more time to get some scrapbooking done this month. Here's one I threw together pretty quickly this afternoon for the Favorites Challenge I am hosting at The Scrap Room. I used part of my April kit from there and I used a cool technique Becky posted on the Feeling Scrappy blog. It feels good to scrap...hope I can get more done this month than I have in a while.

Are you making time to get some scrapping done this month?
Stacey

Herbed Lemon Chicken-recipe

2010-04-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

When my friend Melanie visited us in Utah, she made this yummy chicken for us. Ever since then, I have been after her to send me the recipe and she couldn't find it anywhere! So I finally got an email a couple of weeks ago from her...she found it! Yay! This is quite peppery so if you don't like pepper, you might want to use a regular lemon seasoning instead of the lemon pepper. But Jeremy and I love this...and so do the kids (although I scraped off some of the seasoning from their pieces). I hope you enjoy it!

Herbed Lemon Chicken

WW- Makes 4 servings @ 3 points per serving

2 Tbsp. Ms. Dash Lemon Pepper seasoning
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
½ medium lemon
1 c. low sodium chicken broth

1. On a large plate, combine lemon pepper seasoning and flour; pat chicken Dry and roll in mixture.
2. Heat butter in large skillet; add chicken And brown on both sides (about 3 minutes each side).
3. Meanwhile; remove zest from lemon; squeeze juice from lemon and mix zest and juice w/chicken broth.
4. Pour over chicken , cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove lid and cook for a further five minutes or until juices run clear. (I kept the lid on until it was cooked...took about 20-25 minutes for me.) Serve immediately. The juice is so yummy poured over veggies and quinoa (or rice). :)

Thanks Melanie!!!!
Happy cooking & eating!
Stacey

New tote bag

2010-04-23T00:17:00.000-06:00

Sewing fun projects is addicting!! There are so many cool tutorials out there in the big wide world of bloggers. I came across this one and had to try it. I used fabrics from my stash but had to go out to buy the key rings. This is a really cool bag. I can see it being great for day trips out with the kids or instead of a diaper bag. Problem is, I don't want to load it up yet because I don't want it to get all dirty from carrying it around everywhere! LOL (Anyone else have a hard time using new things???)

Anyhow, here's my cool new tote bag.

I couldn't figure out how to get a good photo of the inside. But notice all the neat pocket space? There are several spots in there...on the side you can't see, there's room for a magazine or other large item. On the other side, there is a pocket for sunglasses, a couple of book sized items and pens. There's even a keychain holder in there! I told you this was a fun bag. :)

I have stayed up way past my bedtime for several nights now so I must head off to bed. :) Someone please remind me to go to bed early tomorrow. LOL (Oh, and I didn't make the bag tonight, it was a couple of nights ago...tonight I stayed up baking breads, muffins, etc. to stock the freezer since we are having some cooler weather. Anyhow...good night!)

Happy sewing!

Stacey

Porcupine Meatballs

2010-04-21T22:45:00.000-06:00

Yum! Who doesn't love meatballs?? These are great alone or with a gravy or dipping sauce(maybe ketchup or BBQ sauce). Since they have rice in them, you don't really need rice or potatoes on the side...just a nice big salad or other veggie. (Ok, who am I kidding...we had mashed potatoes with them but some bread would be good, too. LOL)

Porcupine Meatballs

WW- 5 meatballs (recipe makes 25 total)
7 points using 90% beef, 6 points if using 95% beef

1 lb ground beef (90 % or better)
2 cups fully cooked rice (I used brown rice)
1 cup shredded lowfat cheese (I used Kraft 2%)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp each garlic powder, salt, pepper
Directions: Combine all ingredients and roll into meatballs. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until fully cooked.

Source- I got this recipe here but I made a couple of changes. I felt like 3 cups of rice was too much so I made them with 2 cups and 3/4 lb ground beef. But everyone wanted another meatball or two so this time I upped the recipe to 1 lb and kept the other things the same. I am not sure about adding more rice to stretch it to more meatballs. You could try that. I also chose to use 2% shredded cheese to lower the points. Feel free to experiment with spices and cheeses. :)

Happy eating!
Stacey

Cuban black beans and rice - recipe

2010-04-20T10:29:00.000-06:00

I have no idea if these are really "Cuban" black beans. I don't think I have ever had real Cuban food. But, it doesn't really matter all that much because we like them whether they are authentic or not. :) This is yummy and filling.

Cuban Black Beans and Rice

WW-Beans = 5 points a cup
(Rice extra points

1 lb. (2 cups dry) Black Beans (or 2 cans drained and rinsed)
4 slices bacon (or turkey bacon), cooked & chopped
2-3 cups Chicken Stock
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, peeled &chopped
2 cloves Garlic, peeled, mashed and minced
¼ Bell Pepper, chopped (or more)( any color…I like red)
1 cup Celery, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons distilled White Vinegar
1 Bay Leaf (or ½ of a leaf if yours is strong…or leave it out)
1 medium Tomato, cored, seeded and chopped
Salt and ground Black Pepper to taste

*Sort rinse and drain a 1 pound package of dry black beans (2 cups). Add the beans to a large pot and cover with 6 to 8 cups of cold water. Bring the pot of beans and water to a rolling boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1½-2 hours until the beans are very tender. Add more water as needed Drain the beans and set aside.

*In the pot that you used to cook the beans, heat the olive oil. Add the bacon, onion, celery and pepper into the hot oil. Cook, stirring constantly until onion is translucent.

*Add chicken stock or broth until these ingredients are covered. Add bay leaf, vinegar, and tomato. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

*Add in the drained beans. Add in more chicken stock or broth until bean and seasoning mixture is covered. Add some salt and pepper (or other spices) to taste. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep covered. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve beans over rice. We like to add some chopped cilantro, green onions and lots of hot sauce (I like Frank's). Yum!

Happy eating!
Stacey

More sewing projects-wrist pin cushion and pillowcase

2010-04-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking I need to add "sews" to my blog name. LOL
Here are a couple of small projects I made over the weekend. I have wanted to make a new wrist pin cushion for a long time. I used this tutorial and it was really easy! I added some plastic inside of the band part under the cushion to keep the pins from poking me (I cut an old credit card in half). It works perfectly and it is sooo much more comfortable and cute than my old wrist pin cushion (which was given to me when I was around 10 by one of my grandmothers...they both gave me sewing kits the same year for Christmas!). I used scraps of fabric from my apron project.

I also made Abby a new pillowcase. Fun! I sewed French seams so that there wouldn't be any raw edges. This was my first time sewing this type of seam...in fact, I don't think I had even heard of it before! Here's a link to a video I watched to learn how. I made my seams a bit smaller than she does, though (a scant 1/4 inch then a generous 1/4 inch).
Abby loves her new pillowcase! I used scraps of fabric plus part of the top sheet that came with her toddler bed set. Both she and Joshua have hated using that top sheet...do your kids like it? Mine prefer the regular bottom sheet and a blanket. So instead of just having it sit unused in the closet, I decided to make a pillowcase with it (I still have more of it for another project). The lighting was poor since it was about midnight when I took this. It's really much cuter than it looks. :)

I hope you are having a great Monday!!! What are you working on??
(I also have a fun project I made for my sister for her birthday...but I can't share it yet! I will have to remember to post after she opens it. :) )

Happy sewing!
Stacey

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

I think I forgot to post my menu last week...sorry! I am doing it first thing today so I don't forget again. :) I created my menu last night and we are trying a few new recipes this week. It's always more fun for me if I get to try new things. :) I have a couple of these recipes that I want to share with you so I will add them when I get a chance.

Monday- Cuban black beans over rice, salad

Tuesday- Chicken salad *new*

Wednesday- Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans

Thursday- Pasta (with sauce from the freezer)

Friday- Hearty Lentil Stew*new* (we are supposed to have a couple of chilly days!)
Saturday- BBQ chicken pizza, salad
Sunday- Steak fajitas, beans and tortillas

What do you typically fix for breakfasts and lunches?
We are going to try a couple of new things for breakfast this week....Blueberry breakfast crisp and Warm and nutty cinnamon quinoa. But usually, our go-to's are cereal, oatmeal (Abby's FAVORITE thing), corn "mush" (this is a new one for us...but similar to malt-o-meal...Joshua loves this one), and breakfast burritos. The kids love add-ins so we like to add dried fruit, bluberries, nuts, ground flax seed (and of course a little brown sugar to our hot cereals).

For lunches, it varies. Sometimes it's leftovers. Other common things on our lunch menu include sandwiches, eggs and toast, soup, grilled cheese, quesadillas, bean & cheese burritos and wraps. Then we add a little fruit and/or veggie on the side.

I'd love to hear about your go-to breakfast and lunch items!!!
For more menu ideas, go to orgjunkie.com.
Happy eating!
Stacey

Cream of celery soup - recipe

2010-04-13T12:16:00.000-06:00

Here's a low point soup that is tasty and filling. I love to have a cup of a low point veggie soup in the afternoon when the tummy rumbles hit. I have a few others I will share as soon as I get a chance.

Cream of celery soup

Cream of Celery Soup
WW points per cup-1.25
Servings: 4 (one cup each serving)
2 1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
1 small potato, peeled and diced
2 tsp olive oil
4 large stalk celery, diced
1 cup onion, diced (about 1 small onion)
2 clove garlic clove, minced
Directions: Saute onion in olive oil for a few minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute or two. Add broth, celery and potato and bring to a boil. Turn to low, add lid and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Blend soup in blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

The early bird...

2010-04-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

...catches the scrappy bug! I woke up early and finished two pages this morning. These are both lifts of members of The Scraproom for challenges.

I know my mom is going to kill me for posting this one...but I think the photo is sweet and needs to be shared. Love you, mom. (Don't be mad!)

Curried Lentils - recipe

2010-04-08T10:47:00.000-06:00

Here is one of our regular meatless meals. I got the basic recipe for this from Nicole. Here is how I make it....mostly...I taste and add depending on my mood and the curry powder I have. Curry powders are all so different. Some are mild, some are spicy, some are a little sweet. I have added a bit of cumin before and even some hot red curry paste. Make this to suit your taste preferences.

Curried lentils and potatoes

WW – 4 servings @ 5 pts each

1 onion chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup light coconut milk (or more broth if you prefer...but it really doesn't make it taste like coconut...just adds more depth to the flavor)

2.5 cups chicken broth

1 Cup Lentils

1TBS Curry (or more)

2 potatoes peeled and cut in chunks

salt and pepper to taste (add other spices such as cumin or red curry to your taste preferences)

Optional Items:
sour cream, cilantro, green onions

1. Chop and fry up an onion in a big soup pot with a little cooking spray (I usually add a little olive oil for some healthy fat). Once it is soft and golden, add garlic and cook for one more minute.
2. Wash and pick over lentils. Add lentils, curry powder, coconut milk and broth to the soup pot.
3. Bring to a boil and then cook on med-low for about 10-15 minutes, until lentils start to soften.
4. Bury potatoes under lentils. Put the lid on and simmer without disturbing for ten minutes.
5. Check to see if it's getting too dry, add water or broth if needed. Stir gently and continue to cook until potatoes and lentils are tender.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
This is a thick stew not a soup so if it's soupy take of the lid and keep cooking. Serve on top of rice with sour cream, chopped cilantro and green onions (extra points for the rice and sour cream).

I hope you like this. We have it a couple times a month...Jer really loves curry!
Stacey

Cast iron skillet baked potatoes - recipe

2010-04-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

I have a feeling that I will be making a lot of potatoes in my new cast iron skillet in many different ways. This is a super easy and basic recipe that you can use instead of having plain old baked potatoes. This gives the potatoes a yummy golden crunchy top.

Cast Iron Skillet Baked Potatoes
WW points- 2 points for each potato half
Ingredients:
4 medium sized baking potatoes (I used russet but I am sure almost any kind would be good)
4 tsp oil (I used olive oil)
Seasoning to taste (I used Old World Central from the Spice House. It is similar to a seasoning salt but much better. :) Use any sort of seasoning you like that will go well with what you are eating.)

Directions:
1. Scrub and dry your potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise.
2. Add oil to a COLD cast iron skillet.
3. Sprinkle whatever seasonings you are using evenly over the oil. I didn't measure this. I just sprinkled til it looked like there was enough. I might even add more next time.
4. Place your potatoes, cut side down, in your pan.
5. Put your cold skillet into your cold oven and set it to 400 degrees. After about 15 minutes, turn it down to 350 and cook for another 30-45 minutes until a fork goes easily into the potatoes.
6. Serve with sour cream, cheese, chili....or just eat plain alongside your main dish. So yummy!

Enjoy!
Stacey

Hello new friend!

2010-04-07T14:55:00.000-06:00

I have a new friend. Here she is...

I picked this out for part of my birthday present from my parents. I have always wanted a cast iron skillet... but I am so intimidated by it now! I don't know why. I have been busy looking up tips to care for her and cook with her. I have seasoned her once in the oven with some shortening but I have yet to cook with her.

I hope you will leave me some recipes/links/tips to help me get over this fear. :)

Here are a few I plan on trying soon...

Buttered rosemary rolls

Breakfast potatoes (so basic and yummy...but I wonder if they are even better in an iron skillet!!??)

Cornbread

Steak

Sunny breakfast skillet

Help! Do you cook with a cast iron skillet? Do you use it daily or just for special recipes?

Stacey

Quilted table runner

2010-04-06T21:58:00.000-06:00

I found this great tutorial last week on how to make a quilted table runner. http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/03/guest-tutorial-blogger-amy-of-diary-of.html
I decided to use some scraps that I have had for a very long time to decorate my table for Easter. (One of the fabrics has an Easter Bunny on it.) The other side is just a simple floral for spring. This was the first time I have ever tried to "quilt" anything and it was fun. It took a little longer to do all of the actual quilting than I expected, but I am happy with the results. I have to admit that I forgot to iron between adding the strips and I still think it turned out fine. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I actually had to stop each strip, go into the other room and iron it. The batting I used had a bit of stick to it so it held the strips down a bit while I worked. But if it hadn't I am sure I would have needed to use an iron. Anyhow...here is my first quilted project. :)

I hope you'll try something new soon, too!

Stacey

Menu Planning Monday

2010-04-05T14:46:00.000-06:00

Forgot to post last week! Here is our menu for this week. As always, I reserve the right to make changes to fit my mood for the day. LOL
Monday- Leftovers
Tuesday- Curried lentils with potatoes, rice and roasted cauliflower
Wednesday- Crockpot chicken taco chili over baked potatoes
Thursday- Angel hair pasta with alfredo sauce, sauteed mushrooms and grape tomotoes, salad and bread
Friday- Orange chicken, rice and broccoli
Saturday- Burritos with taco style lentils and rice
Sunday- Chicken & Dumplings (Depends on the weather actually...if it's warm by then, I might change my mind.)
See http://www.orgjunkie.com/ for more menu planning ideas!

New sketches and a challenge

2010-04-01T10:53:00.000-06:00

Happy April Fools Day!! Are you one to play tricks on people? I have never been too fond of practical jokes so I rarely do. :) Instead, I have some fun new sketches for you today. I have not had a chance to create layouts for these yet but I will share when I create some.

I am also hosting the Got Sketches challenge on The ScrapRoom message board April 1-14 so hop on over to join us if you use these sketches. http://www.scrap-room.com/ Here are two new single page sketches-

Here is the second sketch made into a double page sketch for those of you who like creating double page layouts.

I would love to see your layouts using any of these sketches so I hope you will link up your pages in the comment section here.

Happy Scrapping!!!

New bag-lost sleep

2010-03-30T11:03:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to try to make a new purse for a loooooong time. I have had this tutorial saved for entirely too long. I was just afraid to try it...there are so many steps and layers. I have made small purses for Abby but just easy-throw-it-together-without-planning ones. I wanted something little nicer (but fun!) for me. This probably took me longer than it would a more experienced sewer...but the directions were great and despite a few mistakes, I think it turned out cute! Plus, it makes me want to keep en eye out for cute fabrics on sale to make more purses in a variety of styles. :) All in all, it was worth losing a bit of sleep staying up to make this last night.
Here is my finished bag-

I think my next project will be a little matching wallet to use with this. :)
What's your next project??? Maybe I want to make one as well! LOL
Stacey

Scrap That!

2010-03-29T08:29:00.000-06:00

Melissa asked if she could use one of my sketches for the weekly challenge at Scrap That! this week and of course I said yes! I hope you'll take the challenge!
Stacey

Another new sketch and some layouts

2010-03-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

I have another new sketch for you. Anyone out there using them? :) If so, I would love to see your pages! Thanks so much to those of you who share your pages in the comments...I really love to see them. It makes my day when I can inspire someone even just a teeny tiny bit!

Here's a layout I created using this sketch.

And here's a layout that my good friend Stacy Killion made using this sketch. (Thanks so much for using the sketch, Stacy!!) I really love this page!

I hope you make time for something creative this weekend. Happy Scrapping!!

Stacey

New layout

2010-03-25T13:42:00.000-06:00

I got to scrap two new pages yesterday! (Actually, three but one was just cardstock with some extra photos and no creativity was involved! Do you make those sometimes as well???) Here's my favorite of the two pages. I used a sketch from a challenge issued by Melissa on Scrap That!

This layout is for Ellie's scrapbook. I think I have shared layouts with these pics for the other albums before. :)

I hope you get some scrappy time in soon!
Stacey

Stacey Scraps and Cooks

Design Team Coordinator!

Peanut noodles- recipe!

Menu Planning (Pantry Challenge!)

Good Luck Dip for 2012!

Class starts Monday!

Yummy soup recipe! (Garbanzo beans....of all things!!)

Blog Giveaway WINNER!

Peek-a-boo!!! (And a list of class photo sizes...)

Some Layouts

Sketches! (Plus, WIN GOODIES!!!!) -sneak peek!

New classes!

Cowboy Caviar

Class starts today!

Sketches

One hour challenge! Today!!

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Inspired Crop! Join us!

6x12 layout...have you tried it?

A few layouts

New Inspired to Scrap Design Team!

Cornbread muffins- recipe

Freezer French Toast -recipe

White bread recipe

Design team call and a great prize!

Menu Monday

A couple of layouts from class

Kit layout

Pumpkin Biscuits

Menu Planning Monday

Whimsical Winter Crop!

Spinach Salad

Black Bean Soup

Sketches, sketches and more sketches! (plus a peek!)

Menu Planning Monday

So busy!

Have you entered to win??

5 years layout- Scrap Challenge

New kit layout

New kit revealed!

Want a peek?

Sketch class begins Friday! (and a giveaway!)

Card Inspiration Class

A couple of new layouts for the crop

Want to win a great prize???

Fall Crop (this week!!)

School mini album

New board and gallery

15/15 class started today!

New sketch and a layout!

A new layout~

Fabric flower

Inspired to Scrap's kit release

It's almost kit time!!

Layout

A fave class layout and ***kit*** news

Whew! Lots of scrapping for class!

Inspired to Scrap Class Schedule

New layout-Scraplift challenge

Chicken Taquitos and Refried Bean Soup - WW recipes

New sketch and layout

Organized scrappy area and a prize!

Inspired to Scrap!

Big news....

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Tinkerbell cake!

Ruffled t-shirt

Power toast & homemade almond butter

Wooden Summer Blocks

It's finally done! Picnic quilt and a table runner

Two more layouts

Layout-TSR blog sketch

Early morning scrapping

Another layout and Adonica!

New layout and sketch!

New sketch!

Layout-Sketchy Thursdays

An oopsie and some new layouts

Layout

Two more layouts

A fave class layout and kit news