May Blossoms: Embracing Growth, Renewal, and Vibrancy

Honestly, It’s Not For Everyone

Nebraska’s state slogan, “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” might just be the best-kept secret. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have experienced life near a bustling West Coast city and seized the opportunity to relocate back to the welcoming embrace of the Midwest. The contrast between the two regions is striking, and the advantages of living in Nebraska are abundantly clear.

Gone are the days of enduring a lengthy hour-long commute to work, navigating through crowds, and battling heavy traffic. The Midwest offers a more relaxed pace of life, marked by a significantly lower cost of living and an enhanced sense of safety. The absence of daily traffic woes is a refreshing change that adds to the overall quality of life.

In essence, Nebraska is a place that values the simplicity of life without compromising on the richness of experiences. While it may not be everyone’s first choice, for those who are open to discovering the hidden treasures of the Midwest, Nebraska stands as a delightful surprise.

Ideas Create Comfort and That Gives Back To Our Community

1. Memory Bear (Sweet Pea Embroidery pattern, Love Bear) – made out of fabric from someone who passed away. I designed a cute card (to honor the deceased person) to go with it. This is my eighth bear I’ve created.
2. Pocket Hugs – This is what I just finished up sewing a month ago. Pocket Hugs for a military base child development center near my home. I created the card using my Cricut. Writing on the card:A Pocket Hug (on the top of the card) Here is a hug you can hold in your hand a token of love so you’ll understand that even though now we may be apart the very best hugs happen deep in our hearts. I used my embroidery machine to make the “HUG” tag. I created the heart pattern (two brown felt hearts, with a smaller fabric heart in the middle) and hand stitched each one. I hope that helps!
3. Book Pillow – I’ve made a ton book pillows for a school I use to work for. I created these pillows to honor 4th and 5th graders who read all ten of the Golden Sower Books. This is a big deal in the Nebraska schools. Each book pillow was personalized with their name on it. The pillows are presented to the students at their school award ceremony in May.  It was a way to promote reading. This design came from Kimberbell Machine Embroidery. ****What is Golden Sower Books- Each year, the Nebraska Golden Sower Committee nominates 10 books in 3 different categories for children to read. At the end of the school year the students that read these books qualify to vote for their favorite book.  Each year there is a “Golden Sower Award” which is Nebraska’s annual Children’s Choice book award.
4. Mug Rugs- I’ve made so many I stop counting! The cards I created on Circuit. Writing on the card: I’m A Mug Rug (on top) Bigger than a coaster, but smaller than a placemat. I’m the perfect size for snack time! I’ll keep your surface free of cup rings and crumbs- use me to hold your coffee or tea with a snack on the side. To keep clean, just toss me in the washer with cold water and dry on low. Enjoy! I use machine embroidery designs from Kimberbell and Sweet Pea Embroidery Designs.
5. Sew Powerful Purses – Helps Encouraging girls to stay in school. A Sew Powerful Purse provides a girl in Africa with the hygiene supplies she needs to stay in school all month, even on her period. Check out their website https://www.sewpowerful.org.

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” –John Andrew Holmer

Beautiful Sunken Garden

My Art- Home Is Where You Bloom

“Beautiful things come together one stitch at a time.” Unknown

April Shower Bring May Flowers

Spring is Here!

After enduring double-digit negative temperatures in the beginning of January, the arrival of April feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a relief to bid farewell to the snow and icy weather, signaling the end of our somewhat mild winter. In this blog post, I’m excited to showcase some of my favorite projects and recipes that have kept me inspired during the colder months. These recipes, though a bit more challenging compared to others on my blog, are undoubtedly worth the extra effort.

Chicken Breast Lombardy ***Delicious

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced       

2 T Butter, melted

8 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup butter, melted and divided

1/2 cup marsala wine

1/3 cup chicken broth

1/4 tsp. salt & 1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1. Cook mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet, stirring constantly, until tender. Remove from heat, and set mushrooms aside.
2. Cut each chicken breast half in half lengthwise. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten 1/8 inch thickness, using meat mallet or rolling pin. Dredge chicken lightly in flour.
3. Place 5 or 6 pieces of chicken at a time in 1 to 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet; cook over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden.
4. Place chicken in a lightly greased 13X9X2 inch baking dish, overlapping edges. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken and butter. Reserve pan drippings in skillet. Sprinkle reserved mushrooms over chicken.
5. Add wine and broth to reserved pan drippings in skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt and pepper.
6. Pour sauce evenly over chicken. Combine cheeses and green onions; sprinkle over chicken. Bake uncovered, at 375 degrees for 20 – 30 minutes.
7. Serve with spaghetti noodles or rice.

Rigatoni “D”. ***Super Good

Mushrooms:

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1 1/2 cups Mushrooms, sliced 1/4 inch

1/3 cup Yellow Onion, diced 1/4 inch

1 tsp Salt, 1/8 tsp freshly ground black Pepper

Marsala Cream Sauce:

2 cup Chicken Broth, cold

1 1/2 T. Corn Starch

1 oz Olive Oil

1 lb Chicken Breast (Boneless/skinless cut in 1 ” long pieces)

4 T. Butter

1/2 cup Chardonnay (or White Cooking Wine)

3/4 cup Marsala Wine

2 Cups Heavy Cream

1 T. Salt, 1/2 tsp. freshly ground Black pepper

1. Cook mushroom and onion mixture, first then set aside for later.
2. In a 4 quart sauce pan, add olive oil and 2 oz. of butter. Heat until butter is fully melted and begins to froth.
3. Immediately add chicken and cook until well seared and slightly caramelized.
4. Do not drain chicken. Add white wine and Marsala and reduce liquid by half, about 20 minutes.
5. Add chicken broth/corn starch and heat to a simmer.
6. Next add heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and reserved roasted mushrooms and onions. Cook until sauce slightly thickens.
7. While the sauce thickens, cook the pasta.
8. Add cooked rigatoni pasta and cook at the low simmer until sauce coats rigatoni.
9. Turn flame off, add basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
10. Mix in incorporated.

Nebraska Runza ***Super Good and Freezes Well

Ingredients to make this Runza recipe:

4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4  c. sugar

2 packages active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 c. milk

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. shortening

2 large eggs

Meat Filling: 

2 pounds 90% lean ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 c. finely chopped cabbage

2 tsp. seasoned salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

t tsp pepper

1. Place 1 3/4 c. flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl.
2. Heat the milk, water and shortening to 120 – 130 degrees. Pour over flour mixture and next add eggs.  I use a electric mixer on low speed until blended.
3. Beat on high for 3 minutes.  Stir in remaining flour.  Next switch attachment on electric mixer to hook- knead until smooth and elastic for 8 minutes.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until double or about in hour or so.
5. While dough is rising, in a large skillet, cook beef, cabbage and onions over a medium heat. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder and salt, cook until meat is done & cabbage is wilted.
6. Divide dough into 4 portions and work at one section of dough at a time.  Roll out dough using pizza cut I cut into four sections about 6 inch squares. Next place meat mixture in the center of the squares.  Add a little water around the edges of the squares and fold over dough over fillings, forming rectangle.  Pinch edges tightly and the little bit of water will help keep the seal and place on greased baking sheet.
7. Before you bake the runza, you can add a little bit of butter on top and seasoning salt.  It will help make the runza darken plus gives it more flavor.  Bake at 350 degrees for 18 – 20 minutes or until golden brown.  This recipe makes 16.  This recipe also freezes well.

Inspiring and a Bit Challenging Winter Sewing Projects

I’m excited to share a few creations I’ve crafted over the winter! These designs are from Kimberbell (Me Time Machine Embroidery). Each of them are part of a monthly box subscription, which includes all the necessary materials, detailed instructions, and machine embroidery designs. I opted for three boxes this winter, and here’s how they turned out!

Beautiful Midwest and Standing Bear Park

My Art – “Beautiful things come together, one stitch at a time.” Unknown

“To be creative is to let little pieces of your heart go & place them into each project you make.” Pat Bravo

Hello March

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: A Journey of Goal Achievement

Every book I’ve delved into emphasizes the power of writing down your goals to enhance the likelihood of achieving them. Taking this advice to heart, on January 1st, I compiled a list of goals, including several ventures I’ve never explored before. One of these aspirations is leading me to Kearney, Nebraska, where I’ll be attending a state conference to receive an award later this month. 

I must admit, being in the spotlight isn’t my usual preference; I thrive behind the scenes. However, this upcoming experience is a significant milestone for me. Stepping out of my comfort zone to embrace this opportunity is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I look forward to the challenges and growth that this unique journey will undoubtedly bring. Here we go! How is your resolution going?

Inspiring Wall

In the challenging year of 2020, marked by masks, home confinement, and the shadow of Covid, I made a deliberate choice to embrace life wholeheartedly. My journey began with the creation of an inspiration wall, where every achievement found its place through photos, certificates, and cherished items. Today, the front of the wall stands testament to a tapestry of accomplishments, and I am currently engrossed in filling the other side.

What makes this wall truly unique is its dual functionality—it not only displays my achievements but also ingeniously conceals my occasionally cluttered sewing space. The ingenuity of this creative solution never fails to bring a genuine smile to my face every time I cast a glance at it; undoubtedly, it has become my sanctuary of inspiration.

Cricut Ideas for St. Patty’s Day

This month, we’re embracing the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a couple of creative ideas for the occasion? If you happen to own a Cricut, you’re in luck, as both of these images are incredibly easy to recreate. I stumbled upon these delightful designs on Etsy and couldn’t resist bringing them to life. For two of my coworkers, who always bring a smile to the workplace, I crafted the Shenanigans Coordinator t-shirt(Etsy design from HeatherRobertsArt). As for myself, I couldn’t resist making a heart with a four-leaf clover t-shirt (Etsy design from SVGcraftor) – after all, who wouldn’t want to wear something whimsically fun?

Lauritzen Garden

My Art 3-D Printed Zen Garden

Start Your Day:

I will be present to every moment.

I am smart.

I am kind.

I am brave.

I am beautiful.

Today is a great day.

Once a Husker, Always a Husker

Life can truly throw unexpected curves, and finding ourselves back in Nebraska is one such turn. I had intended to share this post four years ago, but life took over, as it often does. Between the move, work, and raising the kids, my blog slipped through the cracks. Time slipped away, and now, here I am, finally putting these thoughts into words.

Returning to the Midwest, I can’t deny it—it feels like I’m home. Go Big Red!

Here are some fun and inexpensive ideas for Valentine’s Day:

1. Decorate Your Child’s Door

2. Quilted Heart Project

2. Quilted Bear Project

3. Free Gnome Cricut Candy Holder

4. Cricut Cards and T-shirt Ideas

5.Create Personalized Valentine Cards

6. Valentine Care Package

1. Decorate Your Child’s Door: Use red, pink, and white hearts to decorate your child’s door. Each heart can carry a fun and heartfelt message to add a personal touch.
2. Quilted Heart Project: This adorable quilted heart is crafted from scrap fabric and featuring a pocket on the back. This versatile creation can also serve as a meaningful memory token. For those who have lost a loved one, consider using the departed’s shirts to craft a small quilted heart and memory bear (SweetPea machine embroidery design). This considerate gesture not only creates a comforting keepsake but also provides a special place to hold cherished memories close to the heart.
3. Free Gnome Cricut Candy Holder: Try making a free gnome Cricut candy holder for a creative and cost-free Valentine’s Day treat. You can find templates and instructions online for this delightful project. It is on YouTube under “How to Cut and Assemble FREE Gnome Candy Box SVG for Cricut” and there is a link for the svg files.
4. Cricut Cards and T-shirt Ideas: Explore fun inexpensive Cricut cards and T-shirt ideas on Pinterest for additional inspiration. Heart SVG: IsobelJadeDesigns; Gnome Valentine card SVG: DigitalGems; Easter Card SVG: SRdesignsUk; Floral Card design: SRdesignsUK; There are plenty of creative and budget-friendly options to make your Valentine’s Day special.
5. Create Personalized Valentine Cards: Add a personal touch to your Valentine cards by incorporating photos or cut-up images from an old Shutterfly calendar. Glue them onto pink and red heart cardstock to craft unique and special Valentines.
6. Valentine Care Package: Assemble a Valentine care package for a friend, college student, or a special person in your life. Use a free Cat Valentine design (I used the design from: seevanessacraft.com and thirtyhandmadedays.com- super cute free designs), cut Cricut hearts, purchase treats, create a personalized mug (purchase a fun Valentine mug) and candle. Decorate the boxes with different-sized hearts cut from colored cardstock for an extra touch. This creates a cute and fun Valentine care package for those special individuals.

These ideas offer a mix of creativity and sentiment, making Valentine’s Day memorable without breaking the bank.

Beautiful Nebraska- just a couple photos

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” -Charles W. Schulz

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – F P. Jones

My Valentine Art-
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Winter Wonderland

Good morning! Nebraska greeted me with a breathtaking winter wonderland today. There’s an enchanting beauty to fresh, untouched snow, isn’t there? I hope you’re snug and safe indoors, enjoying the swirling snow while cooking, creating, and relishing the warmth of home.

Looking for some quick and cozy recipes? I’ve got a selection that require less than six ingredients and hardly any time to whip up. Perfect for embracing the wintry charm from the comfort of your kitchen!

Chicken Nuggets

• 1 lb. chicken breast
• 3 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup canola oil

1. Cut chicken into around 1 inch pieces.
2. Two bowls – one mix eggs and milk; the other Italian bread crumbs.
3. Place chicken into egg/milk mixture next place in bread crumbs.
4. Place oil in pan, next add chicken pieces…cook until pieces are completely cooked inside.

Chimichurri with Chicken or Fish

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley
• 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 small red chilies , or 1 red chili, (I buy- La Costa Chipotles) finely chopped
• 3/4 tsp. dried oregano

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to release all of the flavors into the oil before using.
2. Chimichurri can be prepared earlier than needed, and refrigerated for 24 hours, if needed. Serve with chicken or fish.

Crockpot Chili

• 1 pkg. ground beef or ground chicken cooked
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1-can (15oz.) black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1-can (15oz.) pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1-can (15oz.) kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 package of chili spices

1. Cook ground beef or ground chicken until brown and drain.
2. Put all ingredients in crockpot cook on high heat 20 – 30 minutes.
3. Ready to serve when warm. 
4. Some ideas- I will buy sour dough buns from Panera (around $2.00, make sure you ask them to cut the tops). Another option chili dogs, it is also a favorite of my family.

My Latest Cricut Art and Beautiful Nebraska….

“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” Anamika Mishra

Cooped Up In The Kitchen

With Covid-19 going on…we are cooking 24/7 in our homes.  I thought it would be fun to post super easy meal ideas.  So here is some of my favorite simple five or less ingredient recipes.  Bon Appetit!  Enjoy!

Alfredo Sauce

This is my middle son’s favorite recipe.  It is a simple no-fail sauce.

1/2 Cup butter

1 Cup skim milk

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 Cup Parmesan cheese

pinch of nutmeg

1. Heat butter and milk to boil over medium heat.
2. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
3. Turn heat to low and add parmesan cheese and nutmeg.
4. Heat until thick.
5. Serve over your favorite pasta noodles.

Simple Cheese Tortellini

This is a family favorite.  I make this recipe twice a month for my family.

1 lb. Italian sausage (browned)

1 jar spaghetti sauce -24 oz.

1 can Italian diced tomatoes -14 oz

1 pkg. cheese tortellini (follow instructions on package for cooking tortellini)

1. Mix and heat everything on stove or in slow cooker.
2. When ready to serve, add parmesan cheese.

Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

This is my oldest son’s favorite dish.  When he come home I make sure we have this dish at least once during his visit.

8 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 slices of Swiss cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup herbed chicken stuffing, dry

1/2 cup of butter, melted

1. Arrange chicken breasts in lightly- greased baking dish.
2. Top with Swiss cheese.
3. Next spread soup over all and top with stuffing.
4. Drizzle butter.
5. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degree for 45 to 60 minutes.

Bean Burritos

This is another quick and simple recipe to make.

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 package taco seasoning

1 can refried beans

1 can green chiles

flour tortillas

1. Cook ground beef or turkey.  Drain grease.  Add taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water.
2. In bowl mix add ground beef or turkey with refried beans and green chiles.
3. Put scoop or mixture in flour tortillas and wrap tortillas around mixture.
4. Place burritos on cookie sheet.
5. Preheat oven to 375.  Cook for 8 minutes.

Memories of 2020

“This too shall pass, take care and stay safe!”

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant pot recipes seem to be the latest cooking craze.  This month I thought I would post my favorite instant pot recipes.   I do agree it is easier, faster, plus saves lots of time because you don’t have to use/wash multiple dishes.  I use my instant pot at least once a day some times twice.  Below on this post are some of my family favorite meals made out of an instant pot:  spaghetti,  paella, chicken noodle and steel oats.  Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Spaghetti Ingredients:

1 lb Italian Sausage

1/4 c. onion diced

1 tsp garlic minced

1 jar spaghette sauces (24 oz.)

1 c. water

8 oz spaghetti noodles

2 T. olice oil

1 tsp. salt (optional)

grated cheese (optional)

1. Put Instant Pot on saute.
2. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook for a couple minutes.
3. Next add sausage and cook until pint is gone.  Drain grease.
4. Turn Instant Pot to manual, high pressure.
5. Add jar of spaghetti sauce, water, break noodles into 3rds and push noodles into liquid until they are covered.
6. Secure lid, close steam valve and set to 10 minutes.
7. Quick release when it beeps, stir and serve.
8. Yum!

Instant Pot Paella

Ingredients for Paella:

1 T. olive oil

1 lb chorizo ( we used Johnsonville ground),

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup green peas

1 1/2 cups long grain rice

2 T. freshly chopped parsley

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

14 oz can crushed tomatos

salt (optional)

1. Press Brown/Saute setting, set temperature to High, and then press Start/Stop
2. Add oil and chorizo and brown in Cooking Pot for a couple minutes until fully cooked.  Remove from Cooking Pot.
3. Add Shrimp in Cooking Pot and cook for  3 -4 minutes.  Remove from Cooking Pot.
4. Add garlic, onion and peppers.  Salute for 4 – 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Press Start/Stop and add remaining ingredients to the Cooking Pot, including shrimp and chorizo.  Stir ingredients.  Secure the lid.  Press Rice/Risotto setting, set pressure to Low, and set to 10 minutes.  Make sure the Steam Release Valve is set to the “Seal” (closed) position.  Press Start/Stop, Once Cooking has completed and pressure is released, season for taste with salt and pepper.  Ready to eat.

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Soup:

1 T. olive oil

5 medium carrots, cut into small pieces

3 large stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large yellow onion, diced

Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper (for taste- optional)

1 – 2 lbs of chicken, cooked & shredded

6 ounces of noodles (I use Reames Homestyle Egg Noodles – can get it at Safeway in the freezer section.  These noodles tastes like my Mom’s homemade noodles she made when I was growing up.  Very Tasty!)

6 cups of chicken broth

2 cups of water

1. Turn Instant Pot to high Saute setting.  Add the oil and once hot add carrots, celery, garlic and onion.  Cook, stirring, until vegetables are slightly softened, about 4 – 5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken, broth, water and noodles.  Lock lid and preparing to cook.  Set to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.  When instant pot is complete, be careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid.

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Ingredients for making Oatmeal:

3/4 cup Steel Cut Oats (get at Safeway)

2 1/4 cups water

Salt (optional)

1/2 cup sliced strawberries or blueberries (optional)

1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

1 tsp brown sugar

1. Combine oats, water and salt (optional) in Instant Pot.  Secure lid.  Press Multigrain, set pressure to high and adject time to 12 minutes.  Make sure steam release valve is in the “Seal” (closed) position.  Press Start/Stop.
2. Once cooking has completed, be careful of the remaining steam.  Besure to open release valve and remove oatmeal from pot.
3. Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, almonds and/or brown sugar.

 

Glimpse of My Town

Lake Wilderness Triathlon – #6

 

“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

Simply Baby

 

This blog is all about baby ideas!  There is so many fun things to make that doesn’t take a lot of time.   Also in this post is Puppy cakes recipe-  featuring my furry baby turning two!

Puppy Cakes

Puppy Cakes Ingredients:

2 T. peanut butter

2 T. oil

1 mashed banana

2 T honey

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1. Stir peanut butter, oil, banana and honey together.  Next stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until combined.
2. Place liners in muffin pan and add batter.
3. Bake for 10 – 20 minutes in 350 degree oven.  It makes 5 puppy muffins.

Baby Blanket and Bib

I love making baby blankets as a baby gift.  I like to buy a baby outfit and try to find matching fabric to make a cute little baby blanket to go with it.  There is so many ways to add your own personal touch and make it special.

Blanket

Materials for making baby blanket:

2 – pieces flannel fabric 1 yard each

Matching thread

1. Cut fabrics so it is the same size.  Make measurements around 32″ width by 36″ long.
2. Place right sides of fabric together and sew around all four corners.  Make sure to leave an opening of 5 to 6 inches so that you can flip the blanket right side out.
3. When you are done sewing around the edges, cut off the excess fabric. Also cut corners in an angle.  Next turn the blanket right side out.
4. Iron the blanket and make sure to press all edges so it is flat and even.
5. Next hand sew the opening.
6. Last step I stitch an decorative stitch around the edges of the blanket.
7. You have completed a super easy, soft cute baby blanket. So simple!

Bib

Materials for making baby bib:

1 piece of scrap fabric

Matching thread

small piece of velcro

1. Print pattern
2. Place right sides of fabric together.   Pin pattern to two pieces of fabric and cut around fabric.
3. If adding decorative piece fabric in front of bib.  This is the time to sew it on the front of the bib.  See photos above.
4. Sew around fabric edges be sure to leave a four inch gap.   Next turn over fabric and press so all edges are flat.
5. Hand sew the opening.
6. Sew a decorative stitch around the edges of the bib.
7. Sew velcro on the top of the bib.

Super Easy Cute Baby Ideas

Pink Bear & sleeping bag came multiple sizes from Kreative Kiwi site.  This bear is a free pattern.  The sleeping bag is a couple dollars for the design.  Here is the link for the pattern: https://www.kreativekiwiembroidery.co.nz/product/free-in-the-hoop-Teddy.html

Cupcake embroidery design came from Lynnie Pinnie site.  It is also a free design.  Here is the link for this site: https://www.lynniepinnie.com/shop/index.php

The simple little blue bear design came in three sizes.  It is from Etsy – DigitizedCreations for $3.99.  Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/76383497/embroidery-design-for-machine-embroidery?ref=shop_home_active_11

A glimpse of Lake Wilderness

 

Lincoln Marathon & Half-Marathon – #5

So next time you’re feeling down, unimportant, unproductive or “not enough”…remember the Power that lies within you with each breath you take.

 

You Got the Spirit! Go Bears!

Hello out there,  In case nobody has told you yet today, you’ve got this, you matter, and the world is brighter and better place because of you!

Now on to my some easy, great tasting recipes and craft ideas…

Yummy Melina’s Egg Rolls

My daughter’s favorite meal…Egg Rolls and Fried Rice!

Ingredients:

1 chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound of ground turkey

salt and pepper for taste

1/2 tsp of ground ginger

1 T. sesame seed oil

1 bag shredded cabbage

1. Once the meat is fully cooked then add all ingredients by order.
2. Then wrap them up in the egg roll dough and fry egg roll 1 to 2 minutes on each side. That is it! Yum!

Easy Fried Rice

1 – 2 Tbs sesame oil

2 Tbs olive oil

1 onion

1 clove garlic minced

1 cup frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)

1 egg

3 cups of cooked rice

1/4 cup soy sauce

1. Heat sesame oil and olive oil in pan.
2. Add one chopped onion, one clove garlic and 1 cup of vegetables.  Stir till tender.
3. Push vegetables to one side and scramble one egg in same pan.
4. Add 3 cups of cooked rice and 1/4 cup soy sauce.
5. Stir till headed throughout.
6. I add chicken or fish to this recipe or you can eat it as is.

Go Blue & Gold!

Cheer Bow Holder

 

Cheer tryouts start this month so I thought it would be fun to post a couple fun and easy cheer projects.  This machine embroidery bear design came from Parker on the Porch – Mascot Bear Snaptab.  I used the Mascot Bear Snaptab design and trimmed off the snaptab.  You can use a 4 X 4 hoop to make this.  I machine sewed this bear design on a circle design that came with my machine.  Used the ribbon and sewed several strips.  Used snap barrett clips make it easy to attach the bows.  Super easy project to make.

Cheer Mom Tag

This design came from Designs by Little Bee.  Easy to Make!  All it takes is a 4 X 4 hoop and sparkly vinyl (that I purchased at Hobby Lobby).

Good Luck at State Cheer Bows

 

This is what I came up with for my daughter’s team – their state competition.  I used our team colors and added our high school initals…this is the finish project. Very cute!  A fun little bow to put on their cheer backpack.  The cheer bow is a Bean Stitch embroidery design.  Go Bears!

Glimpse of Washington

 

Seattle Hot Chocolate Run 15K – #4

 

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.   C.S. Lewis

Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo

This is a good recipe you can cook in the oven or on the grill.  It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients!

Fiery Fish Tacos with Crunchy Corn Salsa

2 cups corn (I use can)

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 cup peeled, diced jicama (at the Fred’s Store, you can buy it already peeled)

1 cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, chopped

1 lime, juiced and zested

1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, or less

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons of salt, or less

6 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia or cod

2 tablespoons olive oil

12 corn tortillas, warmed

sour cream or guacamole to serve with it

1. In medium bowl, mix together corn, red onion, jicama, red bell pepper, and cilantro (or parsley).  Stir in lime juice and zest.  and corn salsa is done.
2. In another small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and salt.
3. Brush each fillet with olive oil, and sprinkle with spices for taste.
4. Grill fillets or cook in oven.
5. Place on tortilla fish, corn salsa and top with sour cream and/or guacamole.

 

Baby Shark Blanket

This is a fun blanket to make.  The pattern is Simplicity 8275.  I ended up making three sharks and one mermaid.  It took about an afternoon to make one, so not a lot of time.  By the time I got to the fourth blanket I was a bit sick of making them.  It did turn out cute and I think my little niece and nephew loved it.

More photos of my projects! The mermaid and shark fobs designs came from Parker On The Porch.  This site has a ton of CUTE fob designs!  Their website: www.parkerontheporch.com.

Living in the NorthWest- Spring around the Corner

 

Apache Junction Lost Dutchman 10k -#3 and our vacation from the rain and snow

“We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  Aristotle