Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish you all a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.We went to my mother-in-law's as we do every year.It was a small group this year.We were able to come back home in time for hubby to go to his deer hunting. I am in the midst of cleaning my closet out and putting up summer clothes.I'd been meaning to do that a long time now but it has been three weeks that I have been sick and I just cannot seem to get over it all.Sleepless nights,aches,pains,sore throat and running around doing errands etc is hard on a body.
Well,since it is Thanksgiving,I just wanted to thank the Lord for blessing me-in the past,present and in the future too. No matter what happens in life, God is always good.

Chicken Bake

As you probably can tell, I love chicken and cook it a few times a week.I find myself getting bored with the similar dishes week by week so yesterday,I tried a chicken bake.Here is what I did:

*boneless chicken breast-washed and seasoned.I use salt,black pepper,garlic powder and parsley.That is my house seasoning for any meat and poultry.I have done that for years.

*a box of  seasoned stuffing mix.

* a can of Cream of Chicken soup

*fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
 (if you are using frozen,make sure it is thawed out before you use)

* olive oil

I first sauteed the seasoned chicken in a little olive oil until it get a little browned. Then,I placed it in a casserole dish.(1st layer)

Next, I mixed the veggies and cream of chicken together and poured it over the chicken breasts.(2nd layer)

Then I added some hot water over the stuffing mix in a separate bowl until it is just soaked but not soggy.Then I put the stuffing over the cream of chicken/veggies mixture (2nd layer).The stuffing is the 3rd layer.

I baked it for about 25 minutes.

Chicken Bake

Yes,I eat from my daughter's ladybug plate too :)

Decluttering again

So yesterday I struggled to do some decluttering and organizing.My chest pains and back pains were aggravated but I was so tired of seeing a mess. I got some of my stockpile from couponing a bit more organized (no,I am not an Extreme Couponer but I do try to use my coupons when there are sales and stock up). I was also able to re-arrange my office/craft room.

I still have upstairs to organize but I have to do that another time.It is on my Christmas cleaning list.

Happy Veteran's Day!

I would like to say Happy Veteran's Day and salute all those in the military who serve for our freedom-past,present and future.May God bless you and your families!!!

Trash to treasure craft-Folgers coffee container/pincushion

I am a craft addict and I love to recycle crafts.That way I can save the environment and money! Here is what I made today from a Folger's coffee bottle. Yes,I love coffee!!!

Steps on how I did it:

1.I peeled off the label and wash the container clean.Then I dried it.

2. I wanted to make a stuffed look top so I got some scrap fabric and cut a circle with extra fabric all around. I just eyeballed it. The circle was about 6 inches in diameter.

3. Next,I used a gathering stitch about a quarter inch from the edge of the circle.

4.Then,I put a few cotton balls in the center of the circle. You can use batting.Afterwards,I put the lid on the cotton balls.

5.After drawing the gathering stitch around the lid, I used a glue gun to keep the fabric onto the cover. To sort of hide my messy work,I cut a cardboard circle and glued it onto the inside of the lid.

6.I decorated the lid with some trim and a little accessory. Since I am using this bottle for my felt pieces,I just glued a felt dragonfly onto the bottle. I am even using the bottle lid as a pincushion!

I will be posting more craft projects in the future, please visit my Craft Page to see what is new. Click here  for updates whenever I post any crafts projects.

Finally made the caramels

Well,I finally got down to trying out the caramel from the recipe on Home Made Simple website. Click here to see it.
I never made this before so it did not come out quite a hit.I think I took it out way too early and it ended up a little softer than I wanted it to be.It was more like taffy...lol but it tasted great! It sure does cost a bit to get this made but homemade is always best :)

Hot creamy chicken soup with dumplings and veggies

It is a bit chilly outside and I was just in the mood for some hot soup. I just grabbed some stuff that I have on hand and tried to create a meal with it.

Here is how I made it:

*Boneless,skinless chicken breasts cut up in chunks.I used about a pound

* Seaonings to taste. I used salt, black pepper, garlic powder and parsley to season my chicken after cutting it up and washing it.

*Olive oil

*Any kind of veggies.I used the frozen Kroger brand soup mix that I got on sale for $1.00 a pack.

*1 small can evaporated milk

*1 can chicken broth

*flour to make dumplings (about 1-1/2 cups)

*potatoes- cut into small cubes

*parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before eating

Method:

1. First I cut the chicken and seasoned it. Then I let it set for about 15 minutes.
2. Next I put some olive oil in a pot and sauteed the chicken chunks until they turned completely white.
3. Then I added the frozen vegetables and cubed potatoes and stirred it up until the excess liquid is burnt off.
4. I added the evaporated milk and the chicken broth.
5. In the meantime,I kneaded the flour with some water to make a soft dough.
6. When the liquid in the pot was boiling,I added small balls of dumplings.
7. You can add extra water to the pot in case there is not enough liquid to boil everything.

The main ingredients that needs time to cook are the chicken,potatoes and dumplings and these should all be done in less than half an hour. You can season to taste.I love to add parmesan cheese on mine.