Recipe of the Week #65-Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie
1 can Cream of Celery soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Veg All, drained- reserve the liquid
leftover turkey or chicken, cooked and cut into bite size pieces
frozen biscuits or 1 can refrigerated biscuits

Pour soups into a pot along with the mixed veggies. Use reserved liquid to thin the soup. Cook over medium heat. Add meat and bring to a boil. Remove from heat.

Pour soup mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with biscuits. Bake until biscuits are light brown on top and cooked through.

I have never been a fan of pot pie, but I make an exception for this! Everytime we havechicken or turkey, we always use the leftovers in this. It is simply delicious!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

So we may boldly say:"The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6

This post is linked to Be Different Act Normal, Making It Cuter, 52 Mantles, and The Dedicated House.

Vinyl Record Bowls

     I am helping to plan a graduation party, and we've decided to go with a music theme as the graduate has been very involved with his school choir. I have been collecting vinyl records for awhile and now I have a use for them! I am going to be using them for all sorts of things.
     Like today, I decided to give this a whirl. . .

vinyl record bowls

 

I made this one first,

 

then I whipped up this one.

 I followed the easy steps listed in this tutorial.

 

 

Now that I've tried this project and it not only worked, but was extremely quick and easy, I will make several of these to hold the toppings for our nacho/burrito bar!

 I just need to make a run to the thrift store to pick up a few more records. . .

     If you like this project and would like to see other projects I've made using vinyl records, you can go here and here.

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

A soft answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

This post is linked to Skip to My Lou, I Heart Naptime, Between Naps on the Porch, and Craft-O-Maniac.

Thrifty Thursday #65

     For some reason, my last few weeks have felt extra hectic. I haven't been able to fit in the fun stuff. Does that ever happen to you? It's like I've just been chasing my tail! Ah, well, such is the life of a mom:)
     Fortunately, I did get to take about ten minutes and pop into my favorite resale shop. It was worth the time and the money I spent!

 

I found this beautiful old spool for $.75.

It's going to go on my mantle next to my other giant spool.

 

I got this bolt of pretty white lace for a quarter!

 

I fell in love with this silver tray.

It's about 12 inches across by 7.5 inches wide.

For fifty cents it is mine to do with as I wish! I'll find some cute project to use it in.

I've been wanting to get a silver tray that I can use for a magnet board. This guy unfortunately isn't magnetic, but that's ok. I would've bought him anyway.

I need to put a magnet in my purse so I can test what I find.

 

I always pick up embroidery hoops when I find them.

This one is about eight inches across and only cost a quarter.

 I have a few "hoop" projects on my to-do list.

 

I got these brand new bags of confetti for a quarter each.

Next month, I get to help decorate for a graduation party.

Guess what the school colors are? That's right: red and black!

I'd have paid more than a quarter for a bag of this at Party City!

 

I picked this up for a quarter.

Who among us can't use a little improvement? I know I can use some:)

 

This was my favorite find of the day.

They're old pendants. Not for sure how old, though.

The original price tags were still on them.

I can't wait to do something with them!

 

That's it. $4.65 for all that loot. Nice.

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith,

praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God,

looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 1:20

 

 This post is linked to Bright Green Door and Embracing Change.

Layout of the Week #51- Using Preprinted Backgrounds

     I love to buy scrapbooking supplies. . . especially pretty papers. I'm really drawn to pieces with preprinted backgrounds. Even though I have quite a collection, I still buy more. Surely I'm not the only one who does that!
      Today we're going to create a layout using a page with preprinted text. While following these steps, you may have to make slight modifications depending on where your background text is printed.

 

Here's the basic layout we'll be creating.

We'll be placing photos and strips of paper around the preprinted text.

 

To create a layout like this, you'll need:

one piece of pattern paper with printed text on the background (if you don't have one but want to create the layout, use a piece of Kraft cardstock)

three strips of pattern paper- measurements noted below

coordinating embellishments (I used three tickets and I cut out a small piece of pattern paper)

letter stickers for the title

three or four photos

paper trimmer

adhesive

 

First trim the excess background from your photos if needed.

Adhere two photos vertically one above the other about 1" from the left edge of the page.

Adhere one or two next to those horizontally almost making a sideways "T" with the photos.

Keep in mind that you may need to make slight variations depending on your background text. For instance, you may need to stack two photos near the right edge and do a mirror image of this layout.

 

 

Now take the three pattern paper strips. Trim them to:

1/2" x 5 3/4"

1/2" x 6 1/4

1/2" x 5 1/2"

Adhere them in that order in the lower right hand corner.

 

Place three short strips above the top left photo.

I used the leftover scraps from my other strips. They measure:

1/2" x 2 1/4"

1/2" x 2 3/4"

1/2" x 2 1/4"

Place your title below the horizontal row of photos.

 

Now add a few embellishments. I placed three tickets to the right of the photos.(I use tickets often in my scrapbooking. You can get a roll of them for around $5 at both Wal-mart and Target. One roll will last a lifetime and you'll be surprised how often you use them!)

 I also placed a diagram above the bottom paper strips (I cut this from a large piece of patten paper; it's a moustache which goes with the theme of my layout.)

 

 

Add journaling to the lower left corner.

And we're done.

What do you think? Were you able to follow along with your own papers I hope?

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

 

This post is linked to 52 Mantles and Shabby Creek Cottage. 

Recipe of the Week #64- Restaurant Style Salsa

Restaurant Style Salsa
1 can whole or diced tomatoes, including the juice
1 can diced tomatoes with green chillies (like Rotel)
1 Serrano or Jalapeno pepper, quartered
half of a small onion
1 Tbsp juice from a fresh lime
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp. minced garlic
cilantro to taste

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to your desired consistency.

Note: I made a few adjustments to this based on what I had on hand: I used garlic powder in place of the minced garlic, lime juice from a bottle, and didn't add the Rotel. Also, I had four large tomatoes that needed to be used, so I used them instead of the canned tomatoes.

Let me tell you, this salsa is DELICIOUS!! We totally loved it! I loved the taste of the lime and cumin. My family prefers homemade salsa as opposed to salsa in a jar and this recipe is somewhat different than my usual recipe. Once you see how easy and tasty this is, you may become a fresh salsa family, too!

I got this recipe from this blog.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Proverbs 14:21

This post is linked to My Girlish Whims.

Bingo!

Hi My Dear Blogging Friends,

hope your week is starting off nicely.

Mine's been a wee bit busy- maybe you could tell by the late timing of this post:)

 

Anyway, I'd like to show you one of my favorite bracelets.

 

 

It's made from Bingo game pieces.

Do you like it?

 

You can make one, too.

All you need is:

 Bingo pieces- I used some from Tim Holtz's line

a circle bracelet -got mine at Hobby Lobby

E-6000 glue

 

Choose the numbers you want and glue them to the circles using E-6000 glue.

Allow 24 hours to dry.

 

Then you're good to go!

 

Can you think of any other game pieces that could be used on a bracelet?

 

     I've been trying to talk my hubby into taking me to a Bingo game on our upcoming date night. He thinks we'd be imposing on the regular players. I told him that they wouldn't advertise in the paper if they didn't want new players. Silly guy.

 

     If you like this project using Tim Holtz embellishments, you may want to go here and here to see how I've used some of his other items to make jewelry.

 

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

He who trusts in himself is a fool,

but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Proverbs 28:26

This post is linked to Glitter, Glue, and Paint, Today's Creative Blog, My Dedicated House, Skip to My Lou, Craft-O-Maniac, Making the World Cuter, and Between Naps on the Porch.

Another T-Shirt Scarf

     I love scarves, fun jewelry, and cute shoes. Now, I'm not a die hard shopper out at every sale looking for cute stuff. No, sir. As you've probably noticed, I am pretty cheap frugal, so unless I find something for a good price, I either go without it or make one.

     Today I have made one of those things.

A scarf. . . out of a t-shirt. Oh, yeah. 

 

 

 I actually think I'll wear this quite a bit. I have a lacy white scarf that I wear pretty often, so now I can switch out with this one.

 

 

Here's what I started with. A new t-shirt that I got at the thrift store sometime ago.

 

Then I followed this tutorial and made this cute little number.

     I've made a t-shirt scarf before, but this tutorial said it was even better. And I have to agree. I think it's because the strips are longer which makes for a longer scarf.

    Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalm 46:10

This post is linked to Be Different Act Normal, Junkin' Joe, Embracing Change, Happy Hour Projects, and My Repurposed Life.

Thrifty Thursday #64

     I have to admit. This week's haul could be considered a little dull. There's no pretty plates, no old board games, and, surprisingly, no old books. I have to say that some weeks are just like that.
     I'm not complaining, though. Everything I bought I have a use for.

 

This expandable file cost me $.75.

Now I'm sure it would make a great scrapbook or coupon organizer.

But the minute I spotted it, I knew it would come in handy for the financial class my hubby and I are taking. We're enrolled in the Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey. It's a great class- we're learning a lot. Part of the course entails keeping money for different categories in envelopes. I thought this would be perfect for that!

 

Got this pack of index tabs for a quarter. They will be used in scrapbooking. I love that they're clear so I can use them with any color paper, and I can personalize the labels.

Keep this in mind all you scrapbookers!

 

Couldn't pass up a new roll of floral tape for a quarter.

Even with a coupon, I'd pay more than that for a new roll at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

You can go here to see a project I made using floral tape.

 

Yep, those are house numbers you're looking at. Got them for twenty five cents each. Now I know you're probably thinking what in the heck is she going to do with those?

Well, I think they'd be cute on the cover of a mini album. The #4 will be good for a family album for a family of four. 

Not for sure what I'll do with the #1s. I'll come up with something though . . . maybe #1 team for a sports themed book . . . hmmm.

 

The last item I bought is this brand new compass for fifty cents. We didn't have one of these, and one the boys needed one recently. I do always love a bargain!

 

That's it. Not an earth-shattering haul, but not too shabby either!

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . .

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

 

 This post is linked to Junkin' Joe and Tatertots and Jello.

Layout of the Week #50- Using Felt

      I love bringing unusual textures and patterns into my scrapbooking. Today I thought it would be fun to incorporate some felt.
     I used it as a mat, but it would also be cute cute into shapes (like clouds or flowers) and used as embellishments.

 

Here's the layout we'll be creating.

 

To make it, you'll need:

three pieces of 12"x12" pattern paper

one piece of felt

three strips of different pattern paper (one measuring 1/2"x 4 1/2", one measuring 1/2" x 2", and one measuring 1"x6")

journaling card (an index card will do)

two brads

Glue Dots

adhesive

paper trimmer

optional: letter stickers for the title

 

First, decide which piece of pattern paper you want for the background. Then trim the second pattern paper to 10"x10". Adhere it in the center of the background. This will give you a one inch border all the way around.

 

Feel free to ink the edges of your papers if you'd like. I almost always do.

 

 

Now trim your third piece of pattern paper to 12" x 4". Adhere it 2" from the right side of the background paper.

 

This next step will depend on what size photo you're using. I used a 5"x 7" photo, so I trimmed my felt to 6"x 8".

If you're using a 4"x 6" photo, trim your felt to 5"x 7".

 

Felt is hard to cut. I used my paper trimmer and made several swipes. This cut about halfway through the felt and left a line that I could see to finish cutting.

 

Adhere the felt mat about 1 1/2" from the top and left sides.

You'll need to use Glue Dots to get it to stick.

 

This layout will work with either a vertical or horizontal photo. If you go with a horizontal photo, just adhere it a little lower than what I did.

 

If you don't want to use felt, replace this step with some coordinating cardstock.

 

Adhere the photo to the center of the felt using Glue Dots.

 

Take your two strips of pattern paper measuring 1/2" x 4 1/2" and 1"x6" and adhere them about 1/2" from the bottom of the background paper on the left side.

 

Now take your last strip measuring 1/2" x 2" and adhere it to the top right corner of your photo.

 I extended mine to the right edge of the felt.

 

 

Either print your title and journaling on the computer like I did, or use letter stickers for the title and hand write your journaling.

Place your two brads on the top and bottom of your journaling card (if you don't have a decorative journaling card, you can use an index card cut to the size your want).

Adhere it slightly overlapping the bottom right corner of your photo.

We're done!

 

See how I created a visual triangle with the pop of color on the brads and the two bright paper strips?

 

Note: I had been wanting to do a layout on my trip to Cirque Du Soleil for sometime now, but didn't have a photo. If you've ever been, you know they don't allow flash photography. So I googled it, found a photo I liked and printed it off.

 

Hope you felt this project was enjoyable:)  

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?

Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Luke 12:25-26

This post is linked to 52 Mantles, I Heart Naptime, and Five Days Five Ways.

Recipe of the Week #63- Grandma's Brownies

Grandma's Brownies
1 cup shortening
4- 1oz squares unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup nuts- optional

Melt shortening and chocolate together in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Let cool. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Add sugar, then chocolate mixture. Blend and add flour, vanilla, and nuts.
Bake in a greased 15 1/4"x 10 1/4" pan at 350 degrees.

Icing
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup margarine
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix sugar, milk, and cocoa in a small pot.  Be sure to stir so the mixture won't scorch. Bring to a full rolling boil for one minute. Add margarine, salt, and vanilla. Cool and beat until it is a spreading consistency. You may add a little milk if it gets too stiff.

Yes, this is literally  my grandma's brownie recipe. And they are sooooo good! Especially when refrigerated.

Now, I usually am a brownie mix from a box kind of girl, but on occasion (usually when my brother begs), I will whip up a batch of these oldies, but goodies. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

For in You, O Lord, I hope;

You will hear, O Lord my God.

Psalm 38:15

This post is linked to My Dedicated House, Cheerios and Lattes, and My Girlish Whims.

Envelope Mini Album DIY

     Today I'd like to show you how to make a quick and easy mini album that you can put together in under an hour. After following these few easy steps, all you'll need to do is add photos and you'll be done! That's the beauty of mini albums. . . they are a project that you can complete in 1-2 sittings.

     With this project, you can go with any theme- camping, birthday, vacation. . . This album is so easy, you'll be able to make them and give them as gifts!
    

Here's the cover of  my album.

Yours will look slightly different depending on your paper and sticker choices.

 

 

To make an album like this, you'll need:

two 9"x12" Manila envelopes

two pieces of 12"x12" double-sided pattern paper 

one piece 12"x12" pattern paper that has different pattern strips as seen on the right

 

one yard of ribbon

24" piece of twine

one sheet of themed stickers (7 Gypsies has a lot to choose from; you can also get great sets at Hobby Lobby)

 Glue Dots

hole punch

paper trimmer

scissors

stapler

hole reinforcers

optional: 2-3 small artificial flowers

tickets or other embellishments

 

To start, you need to close the flaps on the envelopes, then fold them each in half.

 

Trim the two pieces of pattern paper to 8 3/4"x 11 1/4".

 

Fold both pieces in half.

 

With one envelope sideways, center one piece of pattern paper on it so that the folds line up.

 

Slide your hole punch as far as it will go on the each end of the folds and make a hole.

Do this with the other envelope and pattern paper.

 

Place hole reinforcers on the fronts and backs of all the holes except one envelope. On that one, just place reinforcers on the inside like this. This envelope will be our cover.

 

Now it's time to stack our pages to create our book:

1. First, lay down the cover envelope with the opening on the right side

2. then one piece of pattern paper

3. next, the second envelope with the opening on the left side

4. finally, the last piece of pattern paper.

 

Now take your twine and place each end through the holes.

 

Pull the excess twine through to the back of the stack and tie a tight knot.

 

 

Next, take the third piece of 12"x12" pattern paper and trim it along the strips.

 

Trim four strips to a length of 9". We'll be placing these strips on the blank envelope pages.

The first strip goes on the inside cover opposite the first page.

 

 

Flip the page and adhere another strip on the right edge of the envelope.

 

Flip three pages until you get to the next blank envelope page and adhere a strip along the right edge.

Turn that page and place a strip on the left edge of the blank envelope page.

 

Now there's a little color on every page except for the two ends that open.

 

 

Let's work on our cover.

We're going to use the two pieces of paper that we cut off of the 12"x12" pattern paper in step 2. Trim each piece to 3 1/4" x 5 3/4". You should have four pieces.

Take one piece and adhere it to the bottom of the front cover. Take the coordinating piece and adhere it to the bottom of the back cover.

 

Now you'll need one of the strips from the 12"x12" paper with the different pattern strips. You need a two inch strip- you may have to use two strips.

Trim it to 5 3/4" and adhere it right above the bottom strip. Do this on both the front and back.

 

 

Now, take the last two coordinating pieces and adhere them to the top of the front and back covers.

 

Take the ribbon and line it up across your book. It should evenly stretch across the front and back with the excess hanging off the right side.

Attach the ribbon with Glue Dots- place one to the far left and right on the front and back.

 

Place your title sticker in the lower right corner, slightly overlapping the ribbon.

 

 

Use the excess ribbon to keep the book closed.

As you fill it, you'll be glad we added this.

 

Here's a look at the completed book. If you have extra embellishments, feel free to add them. Don't feel you have to, though.

 

This is the first layout.

I folded a ticket in half and stapled it to the upper right corner.

 

Here's the second layout. See the other half of the folded ticket?

If you don't care for the look of staples, you can use Glue Dots.

 I placed one of the pattern paper strips near the bottom of the left page.

 

The third layout has the envelope on the left.

This gives you more room to store photos or mementos.

I stapled a ticket to the flap.

I also added a small artificial flower with a sticker in the center to the lower right corner.

 

Here's the fourth layout which is the center of the book.

 I placed a sticker on the bottom right corner and added a ticket to the top of the right page. I let a little of it hang over the edge of the paper.

I love the look of embellishments hanging over the edges of the paper. If you do this, be careful to not let too much hang out or the items may get bent.

 

Here's the fifth layout. I folded an artificial flower in half and stapled it to the bottom right side.

I also added a strip of pattern paper to the bottom of the left page.

 

For the sixth layout, I folded another flower in half and stapled it to the top right corner. Then I overlapped the flower with an oval sticker.

I also added a strip of patten paper along the bottom of the right page.

 

The last layout has the second envelope pouch. I stapled a ticket to the flap and added another ticket to the upper left corner of the left page.

 

Feel free to go through and add more of the themed stickers. Once I add photos, I'll also add more stickers. 

 

Here's the back cover. Looks just like the front cover without the title sticker.

 

I am going to fill this with photos and give it to my mom for Mother's Day. Stop by in May, and I'll show you what it looks like once it's done.

 

If you'd like to see an envelope album similar to this completed, you can go here.

If you'd like to see a tutorial using business size envelopes to make an album, go here.

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

 

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

 

This post is linked to Craft-O-Maniac, Too Much Time on My Hands, Making the World Cuter, Today's Creative Blog, and Skip to My Lou.