Cream of 'Whatever' Soup

I (as many of you) try to pinch pennies whenever possible, without losing quality.  I also love to use my crock pot...especially on days that I babysit.  Several of my crock pot recipes call of a can of cream soup.  While browsing Pinterest I found a recipe for a dry cream soup mix.  I have actually been planning to try it for awhile...but am just now getting around to it.  What can I say...life happens! The original recipe can be found 'here'.  There is also a second dry soup mix recipe I have pinned that I want to try when this one runs out.  I did make a couple minimal changes to the recipe!

You will need a container (that will seal well) to store your dry mix in.  I chose a large glass jar.  I also used a Sharpie marker to write the recipe and directions on my jar.  (If I need to use the jar for something else a little acetone will wipe that marker right off!)

The recipe is:
1 c. Non-fat dried milk
3/4 c. Cornstarch
1/4 c. Bullion
4 T. Dried Minced Onion
1 t. Basil
1/2 t. Thyme
1/2 t. Parsley
1 t. Pepper

I did learn something very new when making this recipe.  It may be something you all know, but it was new to me and I was excited! It truly is the little things that make me happy!  I did not know that you could buy bullion powder!  I have only ever purchased bullion in cubes.  This stuff is amazing!  I can use just a couple teaspoons when I make rice!  I love it!  If you don't want to purchase this item, you can crush up some cubes.  Although the bullion powder was very reasonably priced!

Also, I didn't have any minced onion, so I used Onion powder and it worked great! If I have something in my cabinet/pantry that will work I don't buy new!


To use the dry mix you add 1/3 c dry mix and 1/2 c water.  Then microwave for 30 seconds (or until it starts to thicken.  Just be careful, if you cook in longer increments it may get too thick, so check it often until you find the right time for your microwave!

Let me know what you think!!

DIY Microwave Popcorn

I don't know about ya'll, but I LOVE popcorn!! The more butter and salt the better!  (Not better for you....but it sure does taste good!)  Last night I decided I would like some popcorn...but, I didn't have any microwave popcorn.  I do have an air popper, but I was being lazy and didn't feel like pulling it out.  So, I decided to try the DIY microwave popcorn I had seen on Pinterest!  It was good!  I did learn a couple things to make it better next time though!

The tutorials I read each said to put 1/4 c. popcorn kernels in a glass bowl.  I used the 1.5 quart, and it was much too small...  I would probably use my largest glass mixing bowl.  It also said to put a ceramic plate on top...that was no problem, unless you don't have one big enough for your bowl.

The tutorials also said to pop the popcorn about 3 minutes...that was not long enough for mine.  I'm sure all microwaves are different though and the time will vary from person to person.  I let mine go for about 4 minutes and my popcorn kernels were not all popped.  However, my bowl was full!

The healthiest way to eat the popcorn would be plain...but, I don't always go for the healthiest (even though I do try to usually).  I like to melt a chunk of real butter in a bowl with some olive oil and drizzle the mixture over the popped popcorn and then add some salt!

My snack was absolutely delicious!!  Let me know if you try it and if you like it!!

Diaper Box Makeover - Pinterest Project of the Week

Although I use cloth diapers when we are at home...I have chosen to use disposables when we are out and about, especially when we travel! Therefore, I have several diaper boxes.  I also am trying to organize my daughter's closet in a cute and inexpensive way.  Therefore, I saw a great idea on Pinterest about covering diaper boxes. The idea that I read mentioned using contact paper or sticky shelf paper.  When I went shopping the cheapest I could find was approximately $6 + tax, and, it was partially see-through.  So, as I was walking through the store, I found a large display of very cute duck tape!  Voila!  I actually bought 2 rolls ($3 each) because I had other projects that needed duck tape!

This project used less than one roll of duck tape (I probably could cover 2 boxes with just one roll).  I was beyond excited about how my project turned out!!  Check out the pictures below and let me know what you think!


I began with one diaper box...

Use scissors or a box cutter to remove the top flaps (I think using a box cutter is much easier!)...

I then began placing the duck tape (I alternated my two designs just for fun!)

The finished product is now in my daughter's closet holding all kinds of wonderful things!!  Seriously! This was so much cheaper than purchasing storage cubes!  I could easily have done 2 boxes from one roll of duck tape and possibly had a little left over!!  Yay for super Pinterest project!!

Let me know what method you try and how it worked out for you!

Spinach and PepperJack stuffed Chicken

So, we all know that I absolutely love to cook!  Sometimes I wonder why I chose to get a degree in education?  Then, I remember how much I love my little angels in my classroom also!  So, I teach for a job and I cook for fun! :)  I have been working during the past year to grow my small cake/baking business and I have had so much fun with cake decorating!  I will try to post some pics of the cakes later.  For tonight, we'll talk about what I just ate for dinner!  Ohhhh my!  It was delicious!  This is another recipe that has been put into the 'rotation' by my sweet Mountain Man.  I found this recipe via Pinterest, and the actual recipe can be found here. 

The first time I made this...it looked horrendous!  However, it did taste very good!  So, I decided to make it again.  Of course, it seems nothing I make ever goes exactly as planned!  I thought that I had pepperjack cheese in the fridge - well, not so much!  So, I combined some cheddar and mozzarella with some red pepper flakes to use instead of the pepperjack cheese.  I also chose to cook my own spinach because it was cheaper than buying the frozen. 

So, the recipe with my modifications is:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded (you can use up to 6 oz)
• (Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Red Pepper Flakes)
• 1c cooked and drained spinach (I did not use exact measures here)
•  olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (I use my own - see below)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lots of toothpicks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Flatten the chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, spinach, salt and pepper.

Combine the Cajun seasoning and breadcrumbs together in a small bowl.

Spoon about 1/4 c of the spinach mixture onto each chicken breast. Roll each chicken breast tightly and fasten the seams with several toothpicks. This part requires a tiny bit of skill and I typically use about 8 toothpicks in each roll to ensure none of the filling seeps out. Be sure to count how many total toothpicks were used!

Brush each chicken breast with the olive oil. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture evenly over all. Sprinkle any remaining spinach and cheese on top of chicken (optional).

Place the chicken seam-side up onto a tin foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Remove the toothpicks before serving. Count to make sure you have removed every last toothpick. Serve whole or slice into medallions.

I left her directs the same because I really didn't do any of that differently.  I noted that I did not use exact measures on the spinach - I have a difficult knowing how much to put into the pot for it to cook down the exact amount, so I fill up my littlest pot and just hope for the best - so far this has worked wonderfully!  As far as bread crumbs - I learned from my wonderful Mother that there was no sense buying something I already had!  Whenever I make biscuits or bread there usually ends up one lonely piece or one lonely biscuit.  So, I crumble up that leftover bread.  I keep a Ziploc bag in my freezer and as I have leftover bread I add it to the bag.  I also have a bag for the little cheese cracker crumbs!  They are great for breading chicken fingers - but that is a different blog! 

Here is what my chicken looked like the 2nd time:

 

And the inside...

 

 

I promise you this was delicious!  And, my Mom had the wonderful idea of substituting broccoli for the spinach...may have to try that!!!

 

Let me know how this works for you!



Taco Seasoning - Home made!

 

I am all about making things myself, as opposed to buying them.  They are usually better than what you can buy in the store, and also much cheaper!  It is my goal to spend as little money as possible - We are working very hard to have everything paid off and to get ahead on the house - it doesn't happen overnight, but I figure every penny helps!!

 

 

This week I made my own taco seasoning - I used a recipe from Pinterest (Taco Seasoning).  However, as I usually do, I adapted it a little.  I also quadrupled the recipe!

 

The recipe, as I made it, is as follows:

 

4 Tb Chili Powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder (plus a little extra shake or two - I like garlic)

1 tsp Onion Powder

2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

2 tsp Paprika

6 tsp Ground Cumin

4 tsp Salt

4 tsp Black Pepper

 

 

I placed all ingredients directly into my jar that I would be storing the mix in.  I also used an old lid from a Parmesan Cheese jar - also a tip from Pinterest!!!  After all the ingredients are in the jar, screw on the lid, and shake shake shake!! :)   

 

As I made tacos I just season to taste.... 

  

So far, it seams to be a big hit!! - Enjoy!

Coffee Mug Cozy - #2

 

I really liked the first coffee mug cozy I made, but I saw this one and had to try it as well!!  Oh my!  I cannot tell you how much of a hit this has become! I sold a dozen in a day!  They are also not terribly difficult to make!  I found the pattern on Pinterest of course!  Also, it was a FREE pattern.  If you like to crochet, but want a quick project you need to check this out!!  It takes me about 30 minutes to make one, and I love the stitch pattern in it - this will be appearing in some of my future projects!!

 

 

The pattern can be found here.

As always, if you would like to purchase one or more of these please message me for details!!  They can be made in colors of your choice!

Laundry Shelf

I am all about organization!!!  I also hate it when things fall behind the washer or dryer...because then I have to pull them away from the wall.  Which means I will end up vacuuming and mopping behind them...  Now, it is a good idea to clean behind the washer and dryer, but I try to plan these things for a day when I am off work, or do not have ten places to be!  :)  So, I saw on Pinterest the idea to put a shelf over the back of the washer and dryer.  I loved it!!  Now, I'm sure you will notice that my washer and dryer do not match...but, they came with the house, and I will not complain about appliances I did not have to buy!  So, I asked my sweet Mountain Man husband to dig through his extra wood, and we found a board that would work.  So, I found some stain that was close to my cabinets and I stained it - so easy!! Then, we pulled out the washer and dryer (and I swept and mopped) and we hung the shelf!!  It is definitely one of my favorite additions to our laundry 'hall'!  It took a total of about 3 days - I was only able to work on this after work.  Day one I did one coat of stain, Day 2 I did a second coat of stain, and Day 3 we hung the shelf!!  It is wonderful!  )We did make a small cut out so that we could still get to the outlet just behind the washer!)

 

Have you made any additions to your laundry room?  What would you change if you could?

Newsprint Manicure...

So, last night I decided to try giving myself a manicure!  I have never been an excellent nail painter...especially when I have to use my left hand to paint my right! :)  However, I wanted to try the newsprint on fingernails idea.  I did not have an off white color as they show in the Pinterest picture.  So, I chose a shade of hot pink....I figured the black newsprint would still stand out against such a bright color.  I first tried applying the rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball...but that did not work.  So, I poured some rubbing alcohol in a small bowl and soaked each nail one at a time for about 5 seconds.  Immediately after taking my nail out of the alcohol I pressed a small piece of newspaper against it.  I did learn that if you press to hard  it will dent your existing nail polish! :)  However, it worked!!  I now have typing on my fingernails!  I want to get an off while polish and try the road map next!!

The picture isn't that great, but you can at least tell that the newsprint did show up! It does look better and more clear in person! :)

Planning Ahead...

I finally realized I would be more likely to get my projects started and completed if I would plan ahead what projects I wanted to do each week!:)  So, here is a preview of some ideas I am hoping to try this week....I may not get to all of them, but I hope to get most of them finished!!  IF you have any ideas or suggestions...let me know!!

 

I have a gazillion hair ties and a plethora of yarn...so... :)

 

I got a Hobby Lobby gift card that I need to use....I was waiting for the stamping sets to go on sale, but have not seem them go on sale yet...so that 40% coupon will come in handy!!

My sweet husband is a tick magnet...so, we will hopefully find out if this works!!

I have a ton of newspapers (saving to make a pinata) so this should be easy....

I have already started this one and I will be posting about how it worked and if it did work...

The Bathroom Remodel...

Normally when you remodel a room in your house, it is because you have saved your pennies and are ready to change how that room looks.  Well, I have been ready to do a few small things to change my bathroom, but had not save enough pennies yet.  I also didn't really plan for the Master Bathroom to be the first room to get a fresh coat of paint and such.  However, that is what is about to happen!!

I was putting my makeup on the other morning and stepped closer to the mirror and the floor was 'squishy'.  Of course, Stephen was at work, but later that evening when he stepped on it, you could hear the boards squeaking.  We decided this was definitely a bad sign and called our insurance agent the next day.  They gave us another number to call, they said they would have someone call us back in a couple days (meanwhile I'm hoping my bathroom lasts that long!).  While waiting, I do not like standing on the 'squishy' floor, so thankfully we have a second (smaller) bathroom, which all of my 'get ready' things have been moved to.

So, a couple WEEKS later after an insurance adjuster and a contractor have looked at our bathroom and conversed about the details we learn that we have a leak in the wall behind the vanity (which backs up the Master Bedroom closet) and they will have to tear our the vanity, toilet and part of the wall and sub flooring.  However, insurance will cover the majority of the work (for which I am very grateful).  I will have to remove everything from the bathroom and Master closet...YIKES!  Due to the dust from the the drywall and the fact that Stephen sleeps during the day, we will also have to move ourselves to the guest room and cover the bed and furniture in the Master bedroom to protect it from the dust!

I decided, since the bathroom was going to be taken completely apart, I might as well do a few projects I have seen on pinterest, as well as paint the bathroom!  Right now it is has lavender walls and a floral border (that is peeling off) from the previous owner. I am also thinking about painting/staining the vanity and painting the cabinet pulls to match the towel bar and shelf we got at Wal-Mart (all ideas from Pinterest!  We will also be getting new vinyl flooring!

I will go ahead and post the 'before' pictures....don't really know how long it will take the contractors to fit us into their schedule, and then how long it will take for them to pull everything out and let the leak dry out, and then replace it all.  So, as things progress I will post more 'in progress' pictures!

Please excuse any dirt you may see...I didn't really see the need to clean and mop since the floor is about to be torn up!!

Mini Lasagna!

I do my best to make a weekly menu each weekend for the following week.  I also do my best to have a variety of meals.  I try to include chicken, deer, pork and fish each week...which only covers 4 meals.  I am also working to try to make my meals healthier! 

While scrolling through my Cooking Board on Pinterest I ran across a recipe for 'mini' lasagna!  I thought...well, why not!  You can find the original recipe here. 

I (of course) modified this recipe! :)

You will need:

• Marinara Sauce (I used the Wal-Mart brand 'pasta' sauce)
• Ricotta Cheese (will be near the cottage cheese...learned that after walking through the whole grocery side of the store a couple times)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Won Ton wraps (near the healthy stuff in the fresh produce section)
• Deer mean (or meat of choice) - Optional

Spray your pan well.  Place one won ton wrapper in each muffin space.  Add a spoon full of marinara sauce, a spoon full of deer meat and a spoon of ricotta cheese.  I then placed another won ton wrapper on top of the ricotta cheese and sprinkled the very top with mozzarella (the original recipe added a full 2nd layer of everything). 

Bake at 375 for about 18 minutes and Enjoy!!! I served mine with a small Caesar salad and sweet tea!!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 16

Today I decided to do some baking!  It has been a few weeks since I made and decorated a cake and I was having the family over tonight, so it just felt right!  I looked through the cake ideas I had pinned and decided to do a golf theme cake.  Tonight I made it just as the picture showed it....white sides, grass on top, golf ball in the hole.  It turned out fine, but it just looked rather plain...so...I now have big plans for a redo with some special features!! :)  Now, I just need an event that I am supposed to bring a dessert to... :) 

Here is a picture of what I did tonight...I couldn't find a real golf ball and had to scramble to make something work (since I ate the cake that I cut out to make the hole!).

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 15

Amidst my time with family here in North Carolina I found time to work on a project for today!!  It has been a full day!  I did the first part of the project this morning, then we went to visit some family, ate lunch at Hardees, and spent some time in the pool!!  So, this afternoon I was able to finish my project for the most part.  I did have to make a stop at Wal-Mart to pick up the final detail!  I recently found a simple crochet pattern for a coffee cup cozy on Pinterest.  So, I figured that would be rather simple to make with the partial skein of yarn I brought with me!  The pattern recommends using cotton yarn, but I had acrylic and it worked just fine!!

If you are interested in making one of these, you can find the pattern at Ravelry for free!  Or, if you would like to purchase one, please check out my Etsy shop!!  As with my other products, this can be made in custom colors, just message me for details!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 14

Yesterday I spent the day in a minivan with my sister-n-law and her three children...so...didn't really do much of a project! :)  However, any day spent with family is wonderful!!  So, I thought I would show ya'll an old project that I did and had on back-up for such situations!  I have already talked about my closet and the pegboard to hang my purses (thanks Dad and Stephen).  I had been trouble storing my 'cute' winter boots and saw the neatest idea on Pinterest.   You take those foam pool noodles and cut them to size and stick them down in your boots.  So, I went to get some pool noodles...and could not find them!!!  But finally, after girls night with my best friend we were seeking shelter from a storm in Kroger and there were my pool noodles...ON SALE!!  Woohoo!!  I bought three, but only used two, and here is the finished product!  I am so pleased with this project, and it was SO easy!!

Put the pool noodle  in your boot

Mark the desired height with a marker

Cut with regular scissors

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 8

Today I decided to try to make the 'One Hour Scarf' that I pinned awhile back.  It takes four strands of yarn and a 10mm crochet hook.   I'm not exactly sure if I used the right size crochet hook because my biggest one does not have a size printed on it, but it worked great!  I used four fall-like colors this time, to try the pattern out, but next time I am thinking of using two colors, two strands of each color. I really liked how this turned out.  I do have to admit it took me two days to complete my 'One Hour Scarf' - crazy right?  But, I started it, and worked off and on amidst laundry and housework. Then, left for dinner, planning to come home and finish, but got caught in the storm and didn't make it home until after 11:00, so I finished when I got up this morning.  I do think if I were to sit down and work continuously that I could complete this scarf in an hour or an hour and a half at the most!  I also did not modify this pattern at all!  The pattern can be found at: http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2008/03/one-hour-scarf.html.  If you try it, let me know how it goes!!

This is my finished scarf and the crochet hood I used.  I got this crochet hook at Wal-Mart for a very decent price!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 7

I didn't actually do this project today.  I am actually away from home and am in Memphis at the National Association of Free Will Baptist.  Since it is quite difficult to travel with all my favorite crafting supplies, I thought I would post about a project I have already completed...and actually I have done this project many times. It makes a great gift and every one who has received this has been very grateful! :)  There are many different patterns you can use, either crochet or knit and these are the most useful things you will ever make!!  I have pinned many patterns on my crochet/knit board on Pinterest - the one below I actually found in a book I had bought years ago...the main thing is that you use cotton yarn!   I have found that it is cheapest at Wal-Mart unless you use a 40% coupon at one of the crafting stores like Hobby Lobby or JoAnn!

I am actually talking with a local shop owner about putting some of these in her store on consignment, as well as perhaps some scarves or other hand made items....so, all prayers are appreciated! :)

Also, if you don't want to make your own...check out my shot at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplySweetbyCori?ref=si_shop!!  You can even request custom colors.  Enter the coupon code 'Project10' for a 10% discount!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 5

I decided to do one of the crochet projects today.  On Tuesday my Mom and I went to Cross Plains to have lunch at Thomas Drugs, a pharmacy and soda shop. While we were there we checked out a couple of the local shops.  I spoke with one of the shop owners about selling some items on consignment and we discussed my hand crocheted dish rags and scarves.  So, I have been looking at different types of scarves that are comfortable, cozy, not overly difficult to make, and attractive.  I got the basic idea for today's scarf from a pin on Pinterest (http://brookeanndove.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html).  However, it called for a thick yarn, which I don't keep on hand.  However, the next time it is on sale at Hobby Lobby (or I have a 40% coupon) I plan to get a skein of the thick yarn to try it out also!  So, of course, I modified the pattern given on the website to make the scarf work with the yarn that I did have on hand.  I do not own, and I have never made one of the infinity scarves...so, that is what I made today! 

(please excuse the shirt that does not match the scarf...)

My modified version:

Red Heart yarn (I only used less than half a skein to make this)

Crochet Hook I/9 - 5.5mm

     * Chain 150

     * Connect to beginning chain with a slip stitch, chain two (this will count as your first double crochet - on this row and each row throughout)

     * Double crochet in each chain, connect to ch 2 with a slip stitch.

     * Repeat double crochet until scarf is desired width.

         (this picture is with 7 rows of Double Crochet....I plan to go back and add at least one row)

Good Luck! Let me know how your projects turn out!! :)

 

 

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day4

Today's Pinterest Project of the Day is not actually from Pinterest....However, I believe it will be on Pinterest soon.  I have to give full credit for this idea to my Dad.  I have always had difficulty storing my purses...I tried drawers, shelves, and everything I could think of, but nothing would work.  So, when I bought my first house a few years ago, my Dad had a brilliant idea!  My closet was a walk-in, with two walls of shelving and one empty wall.  He had the amazing idea of hanging a piece of pegboard on the empty wall and using that to hang my purses and tote bags.  It was the most amazing closet revelation ever!!!  So, today, my wonderful sweet loving husband and my brilliant father cut a piece of pegboard and hung it in my closet!!  I just hope the people that bought my first house understood why there was pegboard in the closet of the master bedroom of a single girl... :)   I used various sized pegs (from Lowe's) to hang the purses, and I also bought a couple baskets (that fit in the pegboard) to hold things like sunglasses.  I also use one peg to hang belts from!

If you have any amazing closet organization ideas please let me know!!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 3

Hi, my name is Cori, and I am addicted to dessert... 

My Grandfather is talked about for asking what was for dessert as soon as the prayer for the meal was over!  I think I am much like him in that way.  I am always ready for dessert.  As a child, I would tell my mother that I was full of regular food, but that I had a separate space for dessert!  Being in and out of town or visiting with family during the summer means that I don't do as much cooking.  The only desserts I have made in the past few weeks have been to take places.  Tonight after dinner, I wanted some dessert, but I did not want to make a big dessert.  I recalled seeing the Mug Cake on Pinterest.  So, as usual, I compared a few different recipes that I found, and modified them to make my own version.  It was delicious!  This project was definitely a success.  I may still tweak the recipe some...next time I plan to try using one egg in two mug cakes (I made two tonight,because if you make dessert, you should have enough to share with your loving husband!).  I will let you know how it goes in the future.  Below is the recipe I compiled and modified to make my own.  If you have any recommendations, please comment! I would love to hear your feedback!

Mug Cake

4 T All Purpose Flour

4 T Sugar

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1 Egg

1 T Coco Powder

1 1/2 T Hershey's Syrup

1 T Milk

1/2 tsp Vanilla

3 1/2 T oil

Chocolate Chips

Mix all ingredients in large coffee mug.  Cook in microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.  Let cool - just enough that it won't burn you.  ENJOY!!!

Pinterest Project of the Day - Day 1

I have pinned so many amazing and interesting things on Pinterest, but have not followed through on doing many of them.  Therefore, I am going to try to go through and do as many as possible!!  I thought it would be fun to post about how each project went as I did them.  Today, I made my first diaper cake.  I have seen many diaper cakes as various showers and such, but I have not ever made one.  I wanted mine to be a little different.   I had noticed at showers there was always a cake and a diaper cake.  So, I thought I would try to combine the two.  (I also thought it might be a cute marketing idea for Simply Sweet ~ by Cori www.simplysweetbycori.blogspot.com)  I checked out pinterest for some diaper cake ideas and there were so many cute ones!  Since this was my first I didn't do anything to terribly elaborate.  I simply made a large round cake and then made two layers of diapers for the topper.  I did not plan ahead very well and had to ask my husband to help me.  I really needed more rubber bands than I had on hand.  I needed to rubber band the center, then wrap the diapers around it and rubber band that...but my husband had to hold diapers in place until I could rubber band them! The cake turned out very well!  Hopefully now that I have the basics down I can make one a little more fun/fancy next time!