Sponsor an Orphan

On my drive to work yesterday morning, I was semi listening to the local Christian radio station and making a list in my head of everything I needed to do at work throughout the day - you know, multi-tasking - driving, listening, thinking!    Slowly it dawned on me that the conversation on the radio was a little more serious than normal, so I began to focus more on what they were saying.  The DJ's were talking about needing a certain number of people to call in before 8 a.m. to meet their goal of the hour.  As I listened, my heart started to break. 

 In Mozambique, there are almost half a million children who are orphans - no parents, no safe place to live, no food, no medical care, and no way to attend school.  Many of them are also taking care of younger brothers and sisters.  They became orphans because of AIDS and other terrible things that happen in Mozambique.  Story after story was told about these precious orphans.  And about the odds they face. 

As I worked, I continued to listen to the broadcast and learned more about the goals that the radio station and Cross International were trying to meet in one day.  I also began to think about how blessed I am - living in a comfortable house with a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, plenty of food, clean water, and the list could go on and on.  I have a husband who loves me and provides for our family by working hard;  3 beautiful, healthy grown up children who make me proud every day; a wonderful son-in-law who makes my daughter happy; and then I thought, "What can I do about these children who need someone to help them?".    

While I am not as brave as a friend of mine from college - she and her husband have two grown daughters, and they recently adopted 3 precious children from Guyana.  I enjoy hearing about things that are so special to these little ones that we sometimes take as a given.  I'm not sure who is more blessed in this special family - the parents/sisters who opened their hearts and lives, or the three beautiful children.  The smiles light up their faces!  So I took a baby step and sponsored one child.  That child will now be placed in a home with 2 parents who will welcome them into their home, love them, and care for them.  If you want to learn more about some of the missions of Cross International, you can find them at www.crossinternational.org.

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

A New Look for an Old Stool

A few Several weeks ago I told you to check back and see what I did to this cute little stool I purchased for $10 at Mud Puppy Antiques in Winder.  Well, I did my part that same weekend, but it took quite a few weekends before my better half took care of his part!  Actually, once I paid for the purchase the lady at the store pointed out why the price tag said "as is".  I thought it was because it was a little wobbly.  Obviously there is a bit of history behind this sturdy little stool.  One of it's legs must have been broken because it had 3 identical legs and one that did not match - it had a bit more "details" than the other 3 did.  I decided that was fine; it gave it character and I could always turn it so that "different" leg didn't show.  It could be my little secret.

The hubs sanded all the wood down really well for me and then I got busy painting and crackling!  I picked up the awesome fabric at Hob Lob of course - 30% off that week - and made quick work of covering the cushion for a new look.  Once it was done, I needed the legs evened up because that "different" leg was a little bit shorter and the stool was actually a bit tall.  So finally this past Sunday my sweet husband finished his part of the project and cut the legs off so they were all even.  No more rocking!   I added some felt pads to the bottom of each leg and now for the unveiling of my new stool . . . . .

What do you think?  I love it.  Especially when I put my feet up to watch Castle, One Tree Hill or Revenge!!

Just Sew Studio - Pillowcase Dress Class

Ladies, if you've ever wanted to learn how to sew for a special little girl in your life this has to be one of the easiest projects to try.  Once you have this mastered, you can even use it to make a cute summer top for yourself.  

Pillowcase style Dress Class
Saturday, March 10, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost:  $35 - includes pattern, fabric, thread, and 3 hours of instruction.
Sewing machines available or you can bring your own.  Please sign up by Friday, March 2 to allow time for me to purchase the fabric and wash it prior to class.










Fabric choices are below and the link to sign up is here - http://acsg.wufoo.com/forms/m7x3p9/


A.                                              B.                                                     C.

     
(Blue)                                             (Pink)                                              (Brown)

 If you have any questions you can contact me at mary.vannus@yahoo.com.  Hope to see you at class!

Sweet Stitching,
Mary

There's a New Store in Town

Now I realize a new grocery in town might not be something to write home about, but when you love to cook and love to save money, it's a pretty big deal.  An Aldi store recently opened in a nearby town and I stopped by today to pick up a few things.

If you've never shopped at Aldi before, you will notice it's a little different from your usual grocery store.  You have to pay a quarter to use a shopping cart.  But, when you return your cart to the area at the front of the store, you get your quarter back.  No loose shopping carts rolling around in the parking lot bumping into your car!  Nice.  The store itself is not large. Things are neatly displayed on shelves, with prices clearly marked overhead.  Every so often you'll see a national brand, but most everything there is a store brand.  Make sure to bring your own shopping bags, or purchase paper, plastic or reusable bags there.  As the cashier rings your purchases up, she will place them in a shopping cart.  After you pay for your purchases, you push your cart over to the bagging area and put your purchases in your own bags - so no more complaining about the baggers who don't know how to put groceries in your bags the right way.

On my first visit there last week, Carla was my cashier.  She was very friendly and after she rang up my purchases, she took a few minutes to explain a little about how Aldi works.  She has been an employee of the company for 5 years.  She pointed out the money back guarantee on their products - if you aren't satisfied, return the product and they will refund the purchase price.  And she also said you can cut your grocery bill in half!

Since I really planned on just getting milk and broccoli, I decided not to spend a quarter for a cart.  By the time I made it around to the produce sections and saw the "deals", I realized I should have spent that quarter.  Just as I had everything precariously balanced in my arms, I saw that milk was $1.99 and remembered we were getting low.  As I very carefully and slowly opened the cooler, and then started to bend down to get the milk, I realized another shopper was watching me.  She asked if I needed help.  I told her thank you, but I thought I had it under control.  She turned to her daughter and said, "She looks like Rachel Ray gathering food in her kitchen".  If only I could throw a meal together in 30 minutes like her . . . and get paid for it!!

Today my purchases totaled $13.91!  Here's what I got -
8 oz pack of baby bella mushrooms.....  .79
sliced bacon...................................... 2.99
1 pack of 3 romaine hearts..................  .99
8 roma tomatoes................................  .79
6 pk individual applesauce cups........... 1.29
avocado............................................   .89
cucumber.........................................   .59
9 oz spinach...................................... 1.69
16 oz broccoli crowns........................ 1.39
1 gallon skim milk.............................. 1.99
1 reusable plastic grocery bag..............  .10

I'll definitely be shopping at Aldi from time to time if they continue to have prices like this.  Now I've got to get in the kitchen and use some of my purchases to get supper ready.

A New Blog - Sew. Cook. Create.

Overwhelmed.  That's how I've been feeling for the past few months.  A lot of this is due to pressure I put on myself.  I feel like there's always something else I need to complete before the day is done. . . and usually there are quite a few things I don't get to.  So they are waiting for me the next day when I wake up.

For the past few days, I've had quite a bit of time to myself.  The men in my family have gone off on one of ther infamous father/son trips.  This time they've gone ice fishing in Wisconsin.  Even though they are safely back on dry land as I write this, I won't be sure until I see them that there weren't any mishaps during this trip.  Usually something happens to one of them, but many times I don't find out about it until they return home.  There was also a lack of cell service on the island, so that might be another reason I haven't heard any "horror stories".

So during this "quiet time", I realized  I wasn't doing a great job with blogging.  The fact that I had two blogs probably doesn't help.  So I've decided to combine my blogs and hopefully that way I won't neglect either of them.  I decided on a new name, "sew.  cook.  create" .  Now I can blog about all the things I love to do.

So here's a little peek at what I've been up to recently.  Yesterday I taught my first class of 2012 at Just Sew! Studio.  Four ladies attended the class and learned how to use a pattern, sew in a zipper, and make a skirt.    The skirts turned out really cute.  I  hope they will enjoy wearing them.  More classes will be offered in March.    As soon as I have the details, I'll include the info here in case you are interested in coming to a class.

I've been sticking with some of my favorite recipes recently - just because they are usually quick and easy.   I've tried a few new things that I've found on Pinterest, but they usually include chocolate.  I did find a really great recipe/technique for making some of the best scrambled eggs I've ever had.  Ingredients are the same that I've always used, but the method is what makes the difference.  The next time you scramble some eggs, give the Brown Eyed Baker's version a try - http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/11/04/how-to-make-perfect-scrambled-eggs/

Towards the end of 2011, I put some of my "creations" for sale at  The Sassy Sister, a new store in Jefferson.  The store has recently moved to 20 Railroad Street.  As I get some new spring & wedding items done,  I'll be taking them to the store too.   Please make sure you stop by and see all the cute things available there.

Winter Decor

Winter Decorating

Today the Hubs decided he would do the cooking, and make a double batch of his famous "deer chili". So that gave me the opportunity to finish up a few projects so I could cross "winter decorating" off my to do list. Most of the winter decor has been up since I put my Christmas decorations away. There were a few things I had seen on Pinterest that I wanted to finish up and add to my winter mantle. So today was the day. Here's the full view of the finished project.

I made one of the Epsom Salt candle holders you can find on Pinterest. Very easy and I got all my supplies at the Dollar Tree. The plate was something I already had, and used my Silhouette to cut the "V" out of vinyl. The pitcher and bird were things I had.. I added a bit of "snow" to a pine cone.

At the other end, I added some black candle holders I picked up at the Queen's Antiques in Buford (love that place!), a metal ice skate from Michael's, and a few more pine cones with "snow" in a milk glass dish.

There are several ways to repurpose old sweaters on Pinterest. I decided to use an old white sweater and make a wreath for my living room mirror. I used a sleeve from the sweater to cover a styrofoam wreath, wrapped it with some yarn, and added a few fabric flowers. Taa Daa!! Here's a close up and another pic for the full effect hanging on the mirror.

Hoping you are enjoying your weekend as much as I have enjoyed mine. Spent some time with some special people, heard a great message at church this morning and finished my winter decorating. Really enjoyed the chili (very yummy and very spicy) and my day off from cooking. Thanks honey!

Come back soon to see what I do to this cute stool found at Mud Puppy Antiques in Winder (another favorite place to browse for treasures!).

I've been sick for the last 4 days. So sick that I haven't cooked since maybe last Friday. That is a stretch for me. Ask my hubby. Ask any of my children. Since I've been sick I've been able to watch the Food Network while I lay in bed, read some books that seem to have southern recipes written into the story line, and browse and pin new recipes and ideas on Pinterest. Today I've finally started to feel like I have a little energy, so I decided to try two new recipes tonight . . . must have an appetite again!

Have you heard of 7 Up Rolls? Have you tried them? Why haven't you told me? This is just one of the yummy recipes you can find on Pinterest . . . it was pinned quite a few times I might add. My mom makes the best yeast rolls I think I've ever tasted. She has shared her recipe with me, but mine don't turn out as light as hers. And they take some time to make. So I opted for this quick version of a roll to go with the soup tonight. Four ingredients - can't be much simpler than that and about 20 minutes from start to finish and they are done.

The soup I made was based on a recipe I saw Rachel Ray throw together on her show this week.

7 Up Rolls

1/2 stick of unsalted butter

2 cups baking mix

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup 7 Up

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. While oven is preheating, place 9" square baking dish in oven and let the butter melt. Remove dish when melted.

In small mixing bowl, place 2 cups of baking mix and 1/2 cup sour cream. Use two forms and cut the sour cream into the baking mix until a crumbly mixture forms. Pour in 7 Up and fold into baking mix and sour cream. This makes a very soft dough. Sprinkle extra baking mix onto a pastry board or on a sheet of wax paper. Turn dough out onto this surface and pat lightly into a 9" x 9" square. Cut into 9 rolls. Place into baking dish. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.

* You might want to add an additional 1/4 cup of baking mix to the recipe. The dough was very soft and sticky. But the rolls turned out yummy - very light.

Italian Meatball and Pasta Soup

2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil

1 onion

2 cloves garlic

1-2 ribs celery

2 cans chicken broth

1 can diced tomatoes, 14-15 oz can

2 cans cannelini beans, 14-15 oz cans

3-4 carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices

2 small zuchinni, cut into small pieces

1 bunch Kale, chopped

Meatball Dumplings -

1 lb. Italian sausage

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1 egg

1-2 Tbsp. milk

parmesan cheese

Pasta of your choice

In soup pot, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and sliced celery.

Cook until veggies become transparent. Add 2 cans of chicken broth and 3 broth cans filled with water. Add diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil. Turn heat down, cover and let mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Peel and slice carrots. Slice zucchini. Add veggies to the broth and let them cook for about 30 minutes until tender. Add another soup can of water if a lot of the liquid has cooked out. You want to make sure there is enough broth in the pot to cover the "meatball dumplings" you will be adding to the broth. Bring the broth to a low boil.

Mix italian sausage with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 2 Tbsp. parmesan, 1 egg and 2 Tbsp. milk. I use a melon baller to make uniform size meatballs. Drop meatballs into the boiling broth. Let them cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add kale and let cook for another 10 - 15 minutes until wilted.

I did learn a trick from Rachel about the pasta. Since my family doesn't always sit down to eat at the same time, this worked perfectly. I cooked the pasta separately, rather than adding it to the soup. Drained it, drizzled it with a little olive oil, and set it aside. Then when I was ready to serve the soup, I put some pasta in each bowl, ladled the hot soup over the pasta, sprinkled with additional parmesan and served it. Hubby just said I could serve this soup in a restaurant! He made my night . . . just one of the reasons I love him.

Happy cooking!