The worst flu season EVER!!! March 27, 2012

My goodness we have had the worst bug thru our family and it has stopped ALL business around here!  I went from being the nurse to hubby and all kids to a couple days of freedom to me being sicker then a dog!  I’m still under the weather but thought I’d come by and let you all know why I’ve been MIA.  I have a few posts and ideas ready for the coming week I’m just taking it easy so I can recover and be 100% ASAP…did I mention I NEVER get sick so this has really thrown me for a loop!

Anyway for today I just want to leave you with a little something to think about.

 

Only YOU have the power and ability to make YOUrself truly happy.  Do not give that power to anyone else as it is meant for YOU and only YOU.  Learn it, love it, live it…I think YOUr fabulous, YOU should too!

 

Have a great day!

Craftie Chef

YUMMOOO!!! March 8, 2012

For the Chef’s…First, I didn’t take any pictures of dinner SORRY!  But I made a DELICIOUS Spicy Crab Pasta, it goes a little something like this:

1 box Whole Wheat Rotini pasta

6 oz flaked crab meat

1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

5 cloves of Garlic (fresh & crushed)

1/2 lg Onion (diced)

1 TBS crushed Red Pepper flakes

1 cup cilantro (chopped)

2-3 cups fresh Spinach (rinsed)

1 small can diced tomatos

Salt and pepper to taste

While the water for the pasta is heating up I put 2 TBS EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) in a skillet added diced onion, crushed garlic, red bell pepper, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Cook until onion is translucent then add cilantro, spinach and tomatos. Let simmer while pasta is cooking (I add salt to my pasta while boiling as I will use some of the water in my sauce). When pasta is close to done take 1 1/2 cups of pasta water and add to veggie mixture.  Now add the crab mix well and cook until crab is heated thru.  Drain pasta and combine with crab and veggie mixture.  Serve and add a little fresh grated parmesean cheese and MANGIA!

Low in calories and very satisfying!  Since I’m not eating meat right now I set aside some veggie mix before I added the crab and had a great vegetarian meal!  Let me know what you think if you try it.

For the Crafter’s:

So I’m IN LOVE with this blog kojodesigns CLICK HERE to go to her site.  I know I planned to share a crafting recipe like a layout or sketch but I thought well the point is inspiration and well it’s ALL here on this site.  I LOVE her party ideas and seeing as I’m going to be co hosting a baby shower soon I knew EXACTLY where I needed to go for inspiration.  Look at this baby shower theme:

Stinkin CUTE!!  Can’t wait to start planning our themed shower!  Anyhoo I hope you love her site as much as I do and let me know what you think or what inspired you to get crafty!

Thanks for reading along,

Your Craftie Chef

 

WORDS, WORDS, WORDS….and my return ;) March 7, 2012

ACCOUNTABILITY: noun; the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions

For me this is a scary word…for most of us I think it is pretty powerful and frightening.  I know I started this year with accountability as “MY WORD” for the year, as most of my friends can tell you they know they can count on me for “important” things BUT when it comes to social outings or anything like that I’m usually the no show.  A flake, I know and I hate the feeling that I’m the flake of the group…it really sucks!  So, I promised myself and my closest friends that this year I’M GOING TO DO WHAT I SAY NO MATTER WHAT!!!!  And well I’ve done pretty darn good, I’ve slipped up a few times BUT I got back on track and remind myself that bad habits are hard to break.

Here is what I fail at ALL THE TIME no matter what…exercise and eating healthier.  I will find every excuse in the book to NOT exercise.  WHY???  I want to and intellectually I know I need to but I hate it!!  Until yesterday.  I took my first Kundalini Yoga class and LOVED IT!  Honestly, I feel SO MUCH BETTER even after 1 class.  So guess what I went again today WOO HOO I know, I’M A ROCKSTAR!  Yes I am patting myself on the back!  As far as my eating habits, they aren’t AWFUL but they definitely could be better soooooo I’ve decided to stop eating meat again.  I challenged myself to 30 days no meat and I actually did it and enjoyed it.  So I said another 30 days (I have to start small so I don’t think of it as such a huge change) no meat, I will eat fish though.

Your probably asking, “why the heck is she telling us all of this”?  Well I’m telling you so maybe something I say will help you pick 1 thing in your life that you’ve been wanting to change or something you’ve been wanting to do but you find excuse after excuse not to…I’m sharing to give you support to be ACCOUNTABLE for yourself.

So here I am sharing with all of you I am holding myself accountable for:
1. 3 yoga classes a week

2. Walk/run 2 x a week (this will increase as I build up my stamina)

3. Stop eating meat and choose healthier foods.

My overall goal is to lose 40 pounds…I’m shooting for 5 pounds a month.

So, tell me what are you going to hold yourself ACCOUNTABLE for?  I chose 3 things but you can choose 1, share it with me and let’s get a “I’M A ROCKSTAR” support group going, what do ya say?  Share this with friends and family and get them involved.

Here’s a quote from one of my favorite books; “She…” written by, Kobi Yamada

“She woke up one day and threw away all her excuses….Celebrate her accountability“

So friends, lets clean up and throw away the excuses so we can celebrate our accountability!

I’m rooting for you,

Your Craftie Chef

I’m still here and so sorry! February 18, 2012

WOW, before I knew it the whole week was behind me and I realized I hadn’t posted about anything and I’m sooo sorry!  I’m having such a blast keeping up with this blog but phewww, life came at me hard last week!

So, I’m apologizing and letting you know I’m and I will pick up on Monday….today I’m preparing for the Open House I’m hosting tomorrow for the launch of the new Spring/Summer product of Pampered Chef.  Wish me luck on bookings and sales!

Til Monday, have a fabulous weekend!

Your Crafite Chef

Mindful Monday… February 13, 2012

Well my Monday hasn’t started off very mindful BUT I’m determined to turn it around.  So I will share with you what works for me.

I usually go into my room or any room that is quiet and peaceful to you…if the weather permits I like to go sit outside and enjoy the air.  I start with a few 3-4 slow, deep breaths, I then move on to some slow neck rolls, still paying attention to my breath making sure it’s slow and steady.  Move onto shoulder rolls then onto some leg stretches (any stretches that feel good to you).  Then I end with a few more deep cleansing breaths and a minute to remember what I’m grateful for.  The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes so anyone can fit it into their schedule.  After I do this I feel MUCH better and I keep a smile on my face and move on with my day, one step at a time.  And if I feel that annoying feeling creeping up on me, I just smile and take a breath.  I like to start my day with a morning meditation, as soon as I can in the morning that is.  I try for first thing but sometimes I have to wait til I get back from taking the kids to school.  It really makes my day flow and keeps my head clear!  On that note, I’d like to invite you to join me in the Chopra Center’s 21 Day Meditation Challenge, click HERE for details, it’s FREE and for people of any level…try it, I promise it will make a world of difference!  Let me know if you sign up, I’d love to know how it works for you.

Now for a little mindful crafting tip.  With financial strain coming to the forefront for so many of us try using your pattern paper as embellishments.  I know all the 3D CUTE embellies are so much more fun to use BUT they cost $3-$9 and well not all of us can buy all the embellishments to go with a line of paper.  So, I challenged myself to do a layout with paper ONLY!  What do you think?

I did have a sticker sheet to go with this BUT you can spend $2 on stickers and use them for the added dimension.  You can’t see it in the picture but I “popped up” the heart on the left and the “me & you” on the right.  I glazed the heart, the &, the little heart between the little people in the top right corner.  I also added stickles to the strip of little people and the words “YOURS & MINE”.  I inked all the edges of the photo mats and embellishments just to add dimension.  SO, with 2 sheets of paper and 3 stickers from the sticker sheet I made this layout and I’m very happy with it.  Cute layout for under $5, heck yes!!!!!  And I still have enough left over for another layout or a few cards.  Just be mindful of the patterns on your paper and use them for embellies.

**TIPS**

1. When cutting images from paper to use as embellies, I first adhere them to a piece of chipboard so I can “pop them up” and they are stronger or adhered directly to paper they still have a little dimension.

2. I ink the edges so it hides any imperfections in my cut…sometimes I go off the line or cut a little crooked but the ink will hide those areas.

3. A $2 bottle of Stardust Stickles will amp up any layout or card!

OK, friends there are my mindful tips for today.   If you have any of your own, please share them or share your experience trying either one of the above tips.

Have a fabulous day…

Your Craftie Chef

 

FRIDAY FuNdAy!! February 10, 2012

Today is alot of little funny here at home.

Started out with me and my daughter singing allll the way to school, funny how we sing different words at the same time…who’s right and who’s wrong?  Who cares it’s funny!  Then I get home and decided to make Peanut Butter cupcakes with Chocolate frosting.

I went from this (all of which you can order right here from my website)

to THESE!!!!  Which you can make Cupcake Recipe HERE and the Frosting Recipe HERE both were a HUGE HIT!  I made some just regular Peanut Butter cuppies and some Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chips (my son is a chocoholic!)

I made mini cupcakes (so I wouldn’t feel so guilty eating them…they’re SMALL!).  The recipe made 48 mini’s and the frosting recipe made the perfect amount of frosting.  I decided to chop some peanuts and sprinkle on top of the regular PB cupcakes, I figured they needed something since the others had chocolate chips in them…I had to be fair, right?!?!?

Here’s the funny part during the cupcake making process.  I have the cupcakes in the oven for 5 minutes and my oldest son calls me…

“Mom I’m at the store and I need you to come down ASAP” I’m thinking Oh Gees somethings wrong, something bad….

“Why, what happen, are you ok?”

“Yes, I locked my keys in my truck and it’s running” yes he got out of his truck with the engine running and locked the door and then DUH!

“OK I’ll be there in a minute, DO NOT leave your truck”

The best part is, I get mad because I have to take the cuppies out of the oven NOT because my son is a goof!  And plus, I always start to get out of my truck and sometimes forget to turn off the engine.  I guess that means we have WAY TOO much on our minds!

The other funny part is I was having a conversation with my friend yesterday how I wanted to start working out and wanted a body like Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussy Cat Dolls…

HILARIOUS I know!  Especially since I just baked 48 mini cupckaes!  I immediatley packaged some up for my Aunt and Uncle, my friend, for the family of the boy I babysit and the friends that give my daughter a ride home from school…I HAD TO GET THEM OUT OF HERE!!!!!

See I told you comedy all day around here!  Now you have some fun, make a sinfully yummy recipe and show me your imaginary body.  ****I DO NOT advocate idolizing celebrities for their appearance and I completely understand they don’t look so perfect in real life but I do like to have a little visual inspiration when I start working out****

Here’s wishing you all a FUN and HAPPY weekend!!
Your Craftie Chef

(the crafting will begin tonight and tomorrow for me, how about you?)

Recipe Thursday is here!! February 9, 2012

First, I will try to have these posts done in the morning…just kind of makes sense to me.  Here we go…

Craftie Peeps:

I came across a very inspiring blog called LG’s Scrapbook World and I love her work, I think you will be too.  So here is a sketch of hers I plan to use during my next crafting session.

I like how she uses the scalloped paper not once but twice.  Most people shy away from it because of the thought that your pages need to be square but WHY?  Your scrapbooks are your art, I say use what feels good to you…create and have fun, take a risk and play!

I’d love to see samples of layouts made using this layout!  Now….

 

For my Chefs:

So my youngest son has been bugging for homemade fried chicken…I HATE fried chicken.  I started on a mission to find a nice and healthy “baked” fried chicken recipe then I started thinking…..it’s going to be breaded so it’s unhealthy anyway and we don’t eat like this all the time SOOOOOOO I made my way to my FAVORITE down home cooking, comfort foods chef, THE ONE AND ONLY, Paula Deen!  I used her Southern Fried Chicken recipe it was a HUGE hit EXCEPT for the fact that it was WAY to salty (my error)  but I would cut the salt in the House Seasoning to 1/2 cup.  I also made a Cilantro Lime Corn, ours was Cilantro Lemon since I sent hubby to the store, I should know better!  It was delicious anyway (he’s so lucky).   The recipe was intended as a spread for Corn on the Cob but I used canned corn and mixed it all together, YUM!!!  Here’s my recipe:

3 cans Sweet Corn

3/4 cp Low Fat Sour Cream

1 bunch Cilantro

1-1 1/2 tbs Pampered Chef Southwest Seasoning you can order here directly from my website or email, call or text me.

1 tbs Lime Juice (lemon if you send hubby)

Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Chop Cilantro into smaller pieces

2. Combine Sour Cream, Southwest Seasoning and lime juice, mix well

3. Add Cilantro mix well, add salt and pepper to taste

4. Heat 3 cans of corn, remove from heat

5. Add mixture once corn is at desired temperature, stir til well combined.

ENJOY!

I also made Jalapeno & Cheddar Cornbread (from scratch with Corn Meal and all)

I have to thank hubby for doing all the frying in his fryer, saved me some time!  Here’s a photo (remember, I’m not a food photographer)

If you try this meal in your home, let me know what you think!  That’s all folks, see you tomorrow for FUN FRIDAY!!

Have a great evening,

Your Craftie Chef

 

 

Schedule, routine, habit…. February 8, 2012

I have none of these in place, well I guess I do have habits, all bad of course LOL!  I need to make myself a schedule so I can stick to a routine and turn my bad habits into good ones.  Procrastination is at the forefront of my bad habits.  It used to drive my motivation, a race to the finish at the last minute was exciting to me…now it KILLS me!!! So, I’ve prepared a daily schedule to follow and of course I left some wiggle room just til I get into the swing of it.  (keep your fingers crossed for me)  Along with my daily personal schedule I planned a schedule for my blog!  With all the technology we have at our finger tips it too easy NOT to do.  My blog is linked to my Facebook which is linked to my Twitter, so I kill 3 birds with 1 stone, I can handle this!

As you know I’m combining my 2 passions/business’ into 1.  Scrapbook District and my Pampered Chef business’ will be combined to create the “Craftie Kitchen” so I will do my best to create a blog that includes tips and tricks for both crafting and cooking.  So, here is the “planned” weekly “schedule” which will become a “habit” for the blog.

MONDAY- Mindful Monday: topics will include how to be a mindful crafter and chef.  From spending to eating.

TUESDAY- Tips and Tricks Tuesday: here I’ll share techniques, tips and tricks I use in the studio and kitchen.

WEDNESDAY- Word Wednesday: I will share a word or words that help inspire you with your crafts and cooking.  A little pick me up for the mid week blues.

THURSDAY- Recipe Thursday:  Here I will share a crafting recipe, which is a layout or card sketch and a cooking recipe that I’ve tried and think you will LOVE!

FRIDAY- Fun Friday: As Friday starts the weekend, for most of us, I will share something random, funny, exciting and everything else!

Saturday and Sunday I will take off…to do some planning for the next week.  As always I invite you to share the blog and participate.  If you have something to share on the appropriate day, please do!

Now, I’m off to plan for “RECIPE THURSDAY”, I already know what I’m going to make and can’t wait to try it, it’s my first time making it!

Have a great day friends,

Your Craftie Chef

February 1 & 2 Photo a Day February 3, 2012

I decided to catch up and do yesterday’s challenge along with today’s and here is what I have.

FEBRUARY 1-Your View Today

So today as I sat at my desk doing some work I was laughing as my youngest son was getting his Wii on!

Playing Wii, hula hooping his tush off.

 

FEBRUARY 2-Words

So I think my LOVE for I Love Lucy or Lucille Ball herself makes me LOVE these words…but I think it’s so true (plus I really don’t like chocolate).  So my words for today are:

I definitely love my friends far more than chocolate!

Well friends, time to call it a night.  See you back tomorrow!

Your Craftie Kitchen

 

A fun project for the month… February 2, 2012

Hello friends,

The Craftie part:

I’ve decided to get back into picture taking so I found this great little challenge on fat mum slim blog.  This is a great little blog is full of inspiring tid bits…I’m hooked!!  Her challenge is a photo a day in February and she gives you a list of topics to follow, so its very simple.  Looks like it started in January but I decided to jump in on the game now.  I’ll be posting my daily photos here to share with you all.  I’ll be loading up nightly.

Until then, here is a little set of wall hangings I made Tuesday during my craftie time with my buddies, Debbie and Cheryl…ENJOY!

These wall hangings are being sold as a set for $12 (shipping available at an extra charge).  They each are made of sturdy chipboard and measure approximately 7.5″ tall and 7.75″ wide.  Contact me for purchase .

Off to take some pictures and work on the layouts for my layout of the month club!

TTFN,

Your Crafite Kitchen