February 6, 2012 – Monday

Happy Monday everyone!  It’s supposed to rain today and tomorrow…so you know what that means???  LET’S SEW!!!  I love to sew when it’s raining… turn on the TV to HGTV or better yet… an NCIS marathon (wow I love those two fellows… so handsome!).  I have my laundry done, my bed is made and I’m just going to listen to my little featherweight purr all day!   I tried to sew yesterday… but it just didn’t happen!  ARG!!!  HOWEVER…

I did make a ‘killer’ recipe that I want to share with you!  It’s White Chicken Enchiladas(?).  They were so easy to make and OH SO GOOD.  Take a peek!!  Here’s the recipe!  Now… make sure you add this to the recipe.  I cut up a medium onion and caramelized it in butter – then added it to the sour cream – green chili’s mixture.  The onions were a GREAT addition.  I would love to take the credit for it… but someone mentioned it in the ‘comments’ section of the on-line recipe and it sounded like a perfect addition. 

Do you ever make recipes posted on the Internet?  I do… and so far – everyone I’ve made has been wonderful.  Make sure you scroll down to the end of the recipe and read all of the comments.  You’ll see where people may have adjusted the recipe and made it better! 

Chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce

10 soft taco shells

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 oz) can diced green chillies (I had a 7 oz can and used the entire can!)

1 medium sweet onion

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 pan

2. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese.  Roll up in tortillas and place in pan.

3.  Chop onion and carmelize in olive oil

3. In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour and cook 1 minute.  Add broth and whisk until smooth.  Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly. 

4. Stir in sour cream, carmelized onions and chilies.  Do not bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream.

5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.

6. Bake 22 min and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.

Do not bake longer than the 22 minutes - they can dry out too much.

Have fun making these and enjoy.  It makes 10 of them… HUGE!  I DID USE more than 2 cups of shredded chicken.  I had FOUR – HUGE – chicken breasts that I simmered and shredded. 

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Look at these silly dogs!!!  Can you tell one is playing the dominant roll?  Or he’s just being lazy and wants a padded seat… I guess the concrete is to rough on his butt!!  What a hoot.  The look on the dog that is being squashed is something else.  Good little chuckle for the day!

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So… what are your thoughts on picture frames?  Not given them much thought?  Well… I LOVE beautiful picture frames (so does my daughter…do you think she got that from me?).  Now… I really don’t own any wonderful frames… as of yet… but look at what they did with this!!!  It’s two frames – one on top of the other… and it’s so wonderful…. Don’t you think?  I love chunky and ornate. 

Then…look at what they did with these sweet frames… LOVE THEM!! So creative… you could make these to match any room in your house!  These have metal on the back - covered with fabric.  Use a spray adhesive and smooth flat.  Then take some cute buttons, old ear rings... add magnets to the back and you have adorable message boards!

 

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Clothes… have you ever dreamed of being able to wear special pieces of clothing.. knowing that your body will just NOT cooperate with that concept?  Well.. I sure have.  My body is so messed up that my dreams are all I have to look good (tee hee).  Look at this shirt – I’m not sure why.. but I just think it’s so sweet.  Now…this shirt would look wonderful on my Heather.  She has that pretty long neck (without multiple chins) and those slim shoulders (not slumping like mine) and those skinny arms (NO BAT WINGS).  I can just see her in this…so sweet… aaaahhhh… I’ll just live out my wardrobe fantasy though Heather!!!  What  a novel idea!!!

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Hey… do you like cookies? Well… I must admit… I am a cookie monster (at least I used to be).  So now that the cookies are ‘taboo’ with my diet.. I just look at the pictures and can image what they taste like.  I have decided that once all of my excess baggage is GONE.. I’m going to treat myself to some of these delicacies every once in awhile.  This one… is top on the list!!

Peanut butter melts with chocolate dips and nuts!

Here’s the recipe!!!

Pretty, peanut butter cookies with just five ingredients (It only makes about 18 cookies...what's up with that?  NOT ENOUGH!!  I would have to quadruple this recipe!)

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

4 oz. Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 325. Mix peanut butter, sugar and egg until well blended.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Remove and roll mixture into 18 balls.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Flatten each ball by using a fork to make a criss-cross pattern.

Bake 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet and then cool completely on a wire rack.  Melt chocolate.Dip one end of cookie into melted chocolate and then dip into chopped peanuts. Repeat with other side. Place on wax paper covered cookie sheet and refrigerate until chocolate hardens.

OK… I’m signing off.. the sun is coming up and it’s time to get another cup of coffee and let the sewing begin.  (I guess I’d better get out of my pj’s first!)  Oh no… this is a perfect day for PJ’s.  Susan used to ask me all the time at the store (when the weather was bad) if she could go home and put on her PJs and sew… she would stay in them all day and then get dressed right before her hubby came home.  Ahhhhh… Susan… you’re my kind of gal!!! 

Hey…we should have a PJ party sometime…wouldn’t that be fun???  Speaking of parties… I’m planning a “pinning party”!  Yep… that’s right…. All of us that love to PIN (using Pinterest) will be getting together soon!  Let me know if you’d  like to come!  We will have lots of food, show and tell – and laughter!!  ((it’s the best medicine you know….)

 

Organizational Tip:  Do you have electronics & phones that you no longer use?  Get rid of them!!  Take the phones into Verizon (or any other phone store – make sure everything is erased from it) and donate your phone.  Old cameras you no longer used… donate them to Goodwill… !!  Have fun!!

Gloria
p.s.  Sorry about all of these silly lines!  I have NO CLUE where they came from and I can't get rid of them!  (have I told you how frustrating it is when I can't get my computer to do what I want.... arg!!)

February 5, 2012 - Sunday ((Superbowl Sunday!!))

Ahhh.... what a great day - Sunday!  I'm so looking forward to 'playing' in my sewing room - I have 3 quilts (I'm on a MISSION!!) to get finished.  I've been so distracted by all of my other crafts.. they have been forgotten.  My problem:  I simply like toooooo many things!! 1. quilting  2.  wool  3.  making jewelry(something new I've started....arg!)  4.  Pinterest  5.  cooking recipes I've found on Pinterest  6.  designing  7.  handwork  8.  wool rug hooking  9.  the list goes on and on!  PLUS... this doesn't even include the two most wonderful things in the whole wide world that I want to do.... ((((drum roll))))

Knitting AND Counted Cross Stitch (antique samplers & primitive things)!!!  So... I'm thinking about doing what one of my friends used to do ((Faye... love her!)) .  She would cross-stitch one day, quilt the second day, and on and on.... don't you think that sounds like a plan?  Although.. I know myself VERY well and I know I would get off track. 

I'm not sure what has happened to me... I used to be very focused...stay on track... finish one thing before starting another.  I think it started when I worked my final years at the bank!  I had to work on so many different projects at one time... my focus was messed up!!  Then the store came along and it was a multi-task job... so... I'm just a mess!  I have to tell myself the entire time... focus...focus...focus...  Does that happen to you??  ((please tell me yes...))

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Ok... the "feel good" picture today is hysterical!!!  Ready????  Here you go!!

Now that... is a "bust"!!!  Wow... isn't it a hoot???  I don't think I would like to carry those gals around with me!  My back is killing me...just thinking about it!  Tee Hee... I'm sure your hubbies will get a kick out of this photo too!

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Look at these adorable magnets!!!  What a fun idea and so inexpensive to make!  You may already have some buttons around the house..just glue some round magnets to the back of them.  You may even want to tie some pearl cotton through the holes (tied in a bow) to give it a little extra "punch" while hanging on the refrigerator.  What a fun way for small children to learn their colors too!  OR.. choose only those colors that match your kitchen decor (it's all about the presentation you know...).

Have fun with them!!

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Then... I saw this great idea to make large throw pillows!!  These are rugs - you can buy two and sew them together or just one large one - folded in half and stitched together.  They are perfect for kids to play on - lay on while watching tv.  If you want - you can Velcro them closed - then it will be easier to remove the pillow insert and wash them!  Throw rugs like this come in such wonderful colors and designs, they are durable and can add that extra 'zing' of color to a room!

Check out places like World Market, Pier I... places that may have rugs with different textures and design!! 

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Then... I just gasped with surprise when I found this sweet thing... !  It's a simple tub that you can buy MANY places (Target, Walmart, etc.)  Then they used fabric and Mod Podge to cover the exterior!  How sweet is this?  Use the instructions on the Mod Podge jar for applying.  Cut your fabric by measuring around the object along with the height.  You can trim the top and bottom to fit!!  Wouldn't these look so cute in your laundry room?  My last house... I loved my laundry room.  I had it decorated so cute... it actually made doing the laundry not such an AWFUL chore....

Speaking of laundry.... be right back... time to put a load in the dryer..... 

Ok...all done.  My hubby gets so frustrated with me... I'll put a load in the washer and then forget to put them in the dryer... many times having to wash them again.  He just doesn't get that... how can I forget?  Hello.... he just doesn't live in my head! 

Then... I promptly told him that if it bothers him so darn much... he could resolve the issue and do ALL OF THE LAUNDRY HIMSELF!!  That immediately dismissed his ISSUE!!  ((darn it... I thought sure he would go for that deal..but it didn't work.) 

Now... he DOES help me with the laundry...don't get me wrong... however... HE DRIVES ME NUTS.... when he's folded the clothes (towels, sheets...etc.) he will sit them on the bathroom counter!  Leaves them there!  Now... here's the issue... the linen closet is right BESIDE the bathroom counter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Why can't he open the door and sit them on the shelf????  See... I also have issues with the laundry!  Is any of this sounding familiar to you?

Ok... I feel better know that I've shared that with all of you... moving on to a new topic!!

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Look at these 'long johns' !!!  Are they a sight to see???  I read an article... this family hangs them on the line each Christmas... then leaves them all winter long.. lets the snow fall on them... !  Hey...wouldn't this make a cute jigsaw puzzle???  hhmmm... which red piece belongs to which pair???

B-r-r-r-r-r... doesn't it look so cold???  I'm so HAPPY to live in Florida!!!

BRB.... my darling hubby has breakfast ready!!! ((30 minute time lapse))    Baaaaccckkk.... that was pretty yummy!  Scrambled eggs, bacon and hot tea!!!  He fixes breakfast every day... aren't I lucky???

Ok...time for me to get my tush off this computer and get busy!!

Here is your organizational tip for the day:

Take a good look at any artwork you have hanging on your walls, stored in closets, attic, basement... do you really want these pieces any longer?  Shaking your head no????  Then donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army centers.  It's time to let someone else enjoy them like you have!

Let's visit tomorrow!!

Gloria

February 4, 2012

Happy Saturday!  Ok... I must admit.. I've lost track of time and what day this is.  What a whirlwind week this has been.. finishing up the retreat, coming home and hauling everything back into the house and garage (which I have not finished putting up yet... sniffle...), helping Heather at her new house... and BOOM it's Saturday already. Wow... this week just flown by.

So... today is "GET TO WORK GLORIA" day!  (I hate to do things I don't like to do... how about you?)  I'm on a mission to get my sewing studio back to normal.... we may have to bring in the "organizers"... you know ... those people you can hire to make sense out of your mess?  (no... it's not that bad...really...)

Hey... look at this sweet photo!  I just want to curl up with this sweet fellow and take a nap.  What a life dogs have... ever noticed that?

Dreaming of wonderful things that are just outside the window!  LOVE HIM!!

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My B-a-a-a-d Girls Club starts this month at the Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe here in Jacksonville. 

 B-a-a-a-d Girls Wool Club 

I'm going to spoil everyone each month with a special treat... and a yummy dessert.  Look what I've picked out for February!!

Aren't these adorable?  I have everything all ready... I just need to get the little cellophane bags and some sweet ribbon.  I have the chocolate, peppermints, and sticks.  I just can't wait to make them!

Then.. for dessert we are having home made cheesecake in these adorable little canning jars!

I'm topping mine with cherries !!!

Then... we are 're-purposing' the jars and lids and making them into "wooly clipping jars" to use during our wool sewing session.  We'll be adding cute wool flowers to the lid !  They are so cute.. I know the girls will love them.  The lid will be a learning lesson on the different stitches... and adding black beads and a button to the flower center! 

So... Come on... come and join us!  It's going to be so much fun... sewing on our projects, eating, laughing, just bein' with the great people and havin' a blast!  $45.00 for the quarter - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm each month - last Saturday!  See you there!!

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Let's talk extension cords... ok?  Have you ever wondered why they are always - brown, black, green, that gorgeous school bus YELLOW and don't forget that bright 'caution' ORANGE!  Now... this I don't understand.  They have a rubber coating... why can't they be plaid, striped, flower print... they could do that you know... and they would sell a TON OF THEM.  All of us chicks would rush to the store and buy them out.  I thought about making a 'cover' for mine.. .just to make it a little more attractive.  Then I came to my senses and said... come on Gloria... get a grip!!  It's only an extension cord... not the cover for your couch!  But then... look what I found!!!

A 'SCREAMIN' BRIGHT PINK" cord!!!  Is this not to die for?????  I'm telling you... I need to only have the money to put some of these ideas in my head into motion.  If they can make a bright pink cord...what's wrong with purple???  soft pink???  mint green???  Don't you think I've hit on something here?  Although... I'm sticking with my first thought... the paisley, flower or plaid look!  Heck... they can make that gorgeous oil cloth, plastic coated fabric... why oh why not the cord???

Ok... that's it... I'm over it now... I'll be happy with pink.  I swear... if I see a cord manufacturer come out with these new designs I've just talked about... I'm suing!!  ha!!  It never fails.. I just have this luck... every time I think of something... it appears and I missed out on the deal.  (of course... I'm sure there is a reason for that... just don't know what it is yet... one of those questions I'm asking when I get to Heaven!)

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Here's a sweet idea I found on Pinterest.  The butterflies are the name tags at each place setting.  Now... you can use anything that 'fits the party'.  Let's say you're having a bunch of gals over for a sewing bee and you want to serve them dessert.  This is a cute way to show them how to use the name tag in the fork idea.  ONLY... let's use a spool of thread instead...

I went a head and found this one for you on "google".  You can print it - enlarge it - whatever works for you.  You can just cut away the needle!

Google - I should be a stock holder as much as I use it.  For those of you unfamiliar with this great computer 'tool'... did you know you could ask Google a question and it will give you sites to visit that has the answer for you?  It's a miracle... Google is an encyclopedia for whatever you need to know or find!  Try it... go to the Google website and type this question - Where is Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe located in Jacksonville, FL?  Press the Enter key and there you will have your answer.  Try it the next time you need information.... it's awesome!!

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Okay.. it's time for me to get busy!!!  But before I go... let's get back to getting organized!!

Tip for the day:

Empty your frig freezer - toss old food - give it a good scrub... it will make you feel so much better! 

Tomorrow....

Gloria