Two Posts in One Day?

I know...a miracle practically.  But, since it is Monday, and since I blew the posting off last week, I could do that to you again.  lol

So, without further ado...

Monday was a holiday hee hee...so I didn't make dinner, Phil did.  This week, I will give you a sneak tho.  Chili Relleno casserole is in the oven as I type.  Is smells sooooo good!

Tuesday we had orchiette with broccoli and sausage.  The kids always love this when I make it, and it is super quick an super easy.

 Wednesday we had chicken cacciatore

Thursday was a Waldorf salad with grilled chicken.

Friday, beef enchiladas.  Let me tell you something about enchiladas.  It takes way too many pans to make, so I tried to cheat and not fry my tortillas before wrapping my enchiladas.  You know what happened?  The tortillas practically disintegrated.  They were tasty, but they wouldn't really stand up.  sigh

Do you know why I didn't fry my tortillas?  Because my stove top is too small for 3 full sized frying pans.  But guess what?  We are beginning the process of remodeling my kitchen.  Woo Hoo!!!!  And I am getting a fabulous new range, 36 inches with 6 burners!  I am so excited.  So, tell me....are you interested in hearing about my kitchen remodel?  Would you rather me just stick to scrapping? Do you like the menus?  What to do, what to do?

Well, how about a recipe for while we ponder these and life's other great questions....

Orchiette with Broccoli and Sausage 

1 lb Italian Sausage
1 lb Broccoli florettes
1 lb Orchiette or Pasta Shape of your choice
1/2 cup White Wine or Chicken Stock
pinch Crushed Red Pepper
Parmesan Cheese for garnish

In large saute pan over medium heat, brown the sausage. Remove sausage from pan and deglaze with white wine (or stock) and add broccoli and red pepper. Cover, reducing temperature to low and simmer until broccoli is tender (about 4 minutes) Add cooked sausage and cover to heat through. Serve over pasta, topping with shredded Parmesan cheese.

February 28th

And that means it is reveal day at Sassy Lil' Sketches.

This month's sketch was perfect for me.  Lately it seems I have two photos in standard sizes that need to be together, and since it is an even number...it just never seems right to me.  That was until this fabulous sketch came along from Sassy Lil' Sketches.

And here is what I came up with...

These were not the best photos.  As you can see, it was a bit of a blustery day.  But, they were all I had documenting our trip to Winter Park, so......

Be sure and hop over to the Sassy Lil' Sketches blog to check out all the great DT entries this week.  And if you haven't yet, check out the new Sassy Lil' Sketches forums.  There is always tons of fun going on.

Our February Sponsors are:

Layout Paper Sponsor

Layout Digi Sponsor



Card Sponsor

To be eligible for the February layout sketch prizes, your layout must be linked below by March 5th at 11:59 PM EST. To be eligible for the card sketch prizes, your cards must be linked on the card sketch blog.

Specific rules regarding both Sassy Lil' Sketch challenges can be found our "SLS Rules" page.

*The layout paper prize and the card prizes are open to US residents only.

The digital prize is open to all US & International residents.

Snow?

Well, it looks like it is going to be terribly cold this weekend here in Northern California.  The snow level may drop as low as 500 feet and there is even talk of flurries at sea level (ok, only 10%, but it is a chance.)  There will be no accumulation as the ground is too warm, but the hills behind my house may get a dusting, and if it does, I promised the children a hike!  It is a pretty steep one, 800 feet in 1 mile...but if there is snow????

If there is no snow, I plan on holing up in my scrap room and playing all day.  Before I start more though, how about if I share a few I have already completed.  Both of these are super simple, really not my style, but they are done, and they can't all be masterpieces.  lol

Ainsley was not happy with me taking her photo.  The handwriting here is crooked...I hate my handwriting.  I think I will have to erase it and start over, but the overall design doesn't thrill me.

American Crafts, Dear Lizzy everything.

And here are Brighton and Mackenzie playing around.

Cosmo Cricket Earth Love patterned papers.  Prima flowers

Well, we have tickets for the ballet tonight, Swan Lake.  So I guess I should hurry and get ready.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

And It's Back.....

The cold (I know some of you won't think it is cold, but cold is relative, highs will be upper 40s), the rain,  looks like we are in for a fabulous weekend.  The Boy Scout snow camping trip was cancelled due to inclement weather, so my boys will be home this weekend.  No one wants to be stranded.  So, that means I should have lots of time to play if I can convince the family to help with the chores.

Speaking of playing, I have a few more projects to share today.

Mackenzie is growing so fast.  Hard to believe that this is her second year en pointe at the ballet.  She is getting so much stronger.  She really enjoys her class and has made a few good friends.  Lots of lovely Prima Marketing yumminess.  Last year's Analee line and a few doilies.  Can't bear to break into this years new Prima yet.  hee hee

Prima Marketing patterned papers, flowers, pearls, chipboard.  American Crafts glitter alphabet

And here is a little bit older photo of Mackenzie.  This time of her at the San Diego Zoo.  We were on one of the trails and she sat on the rock and began meditating.  Such a goof.  But the landscaping was so beautiful and so peaceful.  That zoo is amazing!  If you ever get a chance to go you definitely should.  I am not usually a huge fan of zoos, but this one I just love.  Lots of Crate Paper Restoration and a bit of Prima.

Crate Paper patterned papers, chipboard, rub ons.  Prima Marketing flowers, bling, lace.  American Crafts chipboard alphabet

Well, I probably should get dinner going.  I have a few more projects to share tomorrow.  And then, hooray! It will be the weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

A Bit of Spring

Hi Everyone.

A few weeks ago, Punxsutawney Phil popped out of his hole and declared that spring was on its way.  Well, not here.   Last week, it was cold, and rainy, and completely icky outside.  I decided to brighten my day by creating a bit of sunshine for my home.

I found these little birdhouses in the wood section of my local Michaels store.  With just a few scraps of beautiful papers (including some gorgeous Prima), bits of ribbon and lace, and of course a few Prima flowers, and  bling, I was able to create a fun little home decor project to brighten up my home.

I started by using some mist on the base of the houses. Then cut the papers to size.    

Prima Papers, Lace, Mini Roses, Shimmerz Mist

I added bits of trim

Pebbles Papers, Doodlebug ribbon, Maya Road pleated trim, Prima Mini Rose, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

some flowers and bling

My Minds Eye Papers, Prima trim, bling and rose

And I was finished.  I really wish I could find some teeny birds to perch...but no such luck.

These little houses really brighten my day when I walk by them.  The first house, Ainsley is trying to steal for her room.  The Pebbles house is heading to Memories Live On, and the third house, well, I think that one I am keeping for myself.  hee hee

Hugs.

Nancy

Finally....

I know I promised to be back today, and here I am.  It was a crazy busy day here....but instead of complaining about it...let's just get to the good stuff.

Brighton and Ainsley had a swim meet this weekend which was tons of fun, especially on Saturday when the temps were in the upper 40s and it poured rain.  Well, since it wasn't exactly good viewing weather, I stayed home and managed to get quite a few chores done.  Sunday was beautiful.  So I went to the meet and actually watched my children swim.  So fun!  Chatted a bit with some friends, watched Brighton and Ainsley both get a few new A times, and had a lovely day.

Thanks goodness for the long weekend though.  Monday, with Phil being off work, allowed me some much needed creative time.  I have a post tomorrow over at Your Memories Here using some of the gorgeous trims, glimmer mists, flowers and bling.  So be sure and be back then.  I also have these two layouts over at Ideas for Scrapbookers.  This week's designer showcase is ribbons.  I have been crazy for pleated ribbons lately, so I decided to make these.

This is Ainsley, posing with her new Christmas ornament, before we put it on the tree.  See that big, red rose?  It was made with some Maya Road pleated ribbon.  So quick and easy to make, and the texture is fabulous.

Basic Grey papers, My Minds Eye alphabet, Prima mini roses

And here is another layout of Ainsley.  These photos are from a few years back.  I was doing something in the office, and she came in a mess.  So, I told her to go into the bathroom and get cleaned up.  Well, she did.  She filled the pedestal sink with water and bubbles, and climbed right in.  What a goof!  lol  She thought she was so clever sitting in her 3 inches of water.

Pink Paislee paper, pleated trim, gem, Prima flowers, pearls, leaves.  Martha Stewart border punch, Tim Holtz distress inks. Webster's Pages journaling card, Wilson cake doily, Unkown lace

I am so hoping that tomorrow is a better day.  I will be back to share the project I made for Your Memories Here.  Until then.......

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy President's Day

I know, today is Monday.  But it is a holiday and the children and dh have the day off school.  I know that some of you may be looking for a menu, some recipes, some scrappy goodies.  But, I just can't seem to get it together today.  Photo editing and recipe creating are just not happening.  I promise tho to be back with some things to share tomorrow.

Hugs.

Nancy