Happy Cinco de Mayo!

In keeping with the festivities of today, I have decided to try out this new recipe I found posted on the El Paso site, along with some tasty Sangria! Looks so GOOD and makes me hungry just looking at it!

Chicken Enchilada Bundt Bread

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup diced onions

2 minced garlic cloves

1 - oz can Old El Paso™ Green Chiles

1 tsp Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix

1 1/2 cups chopped/shredded rotisserie chicken

1 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1/2 cup diced green bell peppers

2 (8.5 oz) boxes cornbread mix

2/3 cup milk

3 eggs

1/2 cup Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce

1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

** Sliced green onions or scallions for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray.

Saute the onions in the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add bell pepper. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add in the green chiles and cook 3 minutes to evaporate the liquid. Add the taco seasoning and the chicken, stirring to mix well. Remove from the heat. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.

Prepare the cornbread by whisking together the two mixes with 2/3 cup milk and 3 eggs. Pour half into the prepared bundt pan. Spoon the chicken filling evenly in the middle of the pan on top of the cornbread batter, leaving space along the edges and the tube of the pan so the filling will stay tucked inside of the bread. Cover the filling with the remaining half of the cornbread batter, spreading evenly to make sure the sides have filled in with the batter and there aren’t pieces of chicken or cheese poking through the cornbread.

Bake 30-35 minutes, until the cornbread is browned on top, the sides have started to pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread portion comes out free of crumbs. Cool 5 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate. Pour the enchilada sauce over top of the cornbread, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese and the chopped green onions before slicing. 

How you celebrating your May 5th? 

BUSY weekend!!

This whole Spring Cleaning thing has really been so worthwhile! I am lovin' the way things came out and can't wait for the temps to turn up on a regular basis to sit, relax after a long day, and enjoy a cool drink! We decided that we will keep the patio furniture we already have, but rearrange it to open up the area and make it more useful. 

Unfortunately, Saturday we had to remove a couple trees. One was getting way too tall, appearing to begin splitting in the middle, getting top heavy, and leaning in towards the house. We've watched it for a few years, but it was definitely time to take it out. Sadly, the one next to it was getting choked out and dying, which we didn't realize until the larger one was removed.  So, we are now down to one and hopefully that will fill in pretty good. I will say though, the little red maple does look pretty happy now that it has full sun!

Sunday was a play day for me while Butch finished the pressure washing, he wasn't up to tip toeing thru the tulips with the rest of us! LOL!! But we had a great time looking at the pretty flowers, picking our bouquets, and sampling the foodstuffs from the various vendors. 

The girls and I will compile an order together since we have to order at least 50 of each variety. Here are my top three that are on my order list:

The grounds are absolutely beautiful with small grouping of tulips and various trees and shrubbery:

And one can not go to the Tulip Festival without bring home a bouquet of their own!

We met up afterwards for lunch with Butch and it was the perfect ending to a great afternoon! I just love having our families living just a few minutes away! We can just decide at a moment's notice to make plans happen. :)

Have a pleasant Monday & Godspeed

Ideas please!

Today our temps climbed to the mid 80's so I got a head start on my day and the final pressure washing I can reach! Its a good thing too because my neck is saying "OUCH!" and my hand says "No more, please!" LOL!! You actually find all these little muscles you thought had left you in the aging process! I'm so ready for a dip in the hot tub, but I'd have to clean it first .... NOT! LOL!!

So now my dilemma is, decorating! Here is the corner I'm claiming ....

I'm looking for a 5 to 6 foot privacy screen to put in the corner to cover that electrical box.  I'll add a lounger and small table so I can just sit, chill, read, etc.  I have some outdoor artwork I've been checking out to hang on the privacy screen and with the addition of a few pots of pretties, it'll be a bit comfy and cozy! 

And then there's this side ....

I'd like to have a wooden step built to cover that ugly gray one that exists here now. I've contemplated painting the concrete, but it sounds like a bigger job than I had intended. Wonder how ceramic tiles would look?! I can hear Butch now!!! LOL!!

Okay, now that I have all these ideas running around in my head, what do you suggest? Since this will be our "forever home" I really want to make it something to be proud of and livable. 

Godspeed

Spring Cleaning!

It's that time of year to clear out all the dead ick of winter from our yard, sidewalks, flower pots, and get this yard back in shape. My first project was the front flower bed. After a few hours of turning the dirt, rearranging some bulbs and plants, I decided that I had way too many bulbs and they've all found homes in various locations of Clark County, LOL!

Then it was onto the next phase ....

It hasn't been an easy task with all the steady rain we've had since the first of the year, but it has finally subsided, at least long enough for us to get some major cleaning done! And my major cleaning, I'm referring to pressure washing! We started with the front porch & furniture, moved onto the sidewalk, front of house, and eventually stopped on the one side of the house ..... and that was just Sunday! Monday & Tuesday I tackled our looooong driveway and outside fence.

Today I have Ruby here so we are planting some pretties for the front porch to give it that homey touch! :)

Have a beautiful day!

Godspeed

A scrapbooking kinda day ....

The weather outside is transitioning from "Oh, not again!" to "What a gorgeous Spring day we're having!" One minute its beautiful & sunny, the next its cloudy & cold. So, what's a girl to do you ask? Scrapbook!

I've decided to get the old ones pretty much on paper and in the appropriate albums before starting on our most recent vacation a few weeks ago. This one is a bit on the "rookie side" but its getting me back in the grove to get out my papers & tape roller and get those photos scrapped!

So, without further ado, I present to you our Pumpkin Patch photos from this past October 2015 with some oldie but goodie papers:

Bella Blvd's "Family Tree"

 The ScrapRoom kit club 2008

I'll be back tomorrow with another, its time I got ready for the first ball game of the Little League season! Oh boy, more photos!! LOL!!

Godspeed

Happy Easter!

Blessings to you & yours for a Very Happy Easter surrounded by the ones you love!

Godspeed

Chicken, YES CHICKEN!

Last week we took the plunge and ordered our very first 40 lbs. box of chicken breasts from Zaycon Fresh. Since hubby and I are changing our eating habits and making healthier choices, this is just what we needed.

At $1.69 per pound, we just had to see what others raved about. Well ..... it is awesome! Although it took about two hours to split, trim, and package, its definitely worth the time and effort! These breast were HUGE, so I filleted each one and we ended up with 39 individual meals costing us approx. $1.73 per meal for the two of us!

So what does one do with all that chicken you ask? I have been scouring the internet and have found some rather tasty make-at-home meals! Here are the three I've tried so far and all three were amazing!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Orange Chicken

Honey-Lime Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps

And since we'll have the girls tonight and they LOVE their chicken nuggets, we have to check this healthier method for their favorite food. I'll let you know what they think!

Baked Chicken Nuggets

And now, I'll get back to searching! Have a great day!

Godspeed

An Online Crop!

This is something I haven't done in a few years and was excited when I came across this one from the fine ladies of Scrapbook Generations! Join the Scrap Squad and you'll find so many different challenges to get those scrappy, creative juices flowing again, and numerous way to use up those scrap papers we all are hoarding!

They did a Party With The Squad on Super Bowl Sunday and there's still plenty of time to participate with the challenges being due by February 21st. Here is a sampling ....

My "ingredients" were:

Bun - PP & CS

Meat - Stencil

Extras - washi tape, wood veneer, chipboard (alpha)

Dipping Sauce - ink 

So far I've managed three layouts and one card, and tomorrow I continue! Come on over and join us!

Godspeed

Simple Homemade Goulash

Since retiring and taking on the role of Domestic Engineer, I have more time to search the internet and my endless supply of cookbooks for new and different recipes. For some, they may not be anything spectacular, but for me they are new and being the adventurous type, I like to explore. 

That said, I remember goulash from my childhood, but didn't remember what went into it besides hamburger and macaroni. I knew it was a start, but there had to be more to it! The recipe I found was from a blog called Simply Homemade. I did make a change since I wanted to use what I had in my pantry and not make that extra trip to the store. I left out the ground turkey and added a bit more hamburger. Next time, I think some Italian sausage in place of the turkey would be a nummy change. 

And the final results .... hubby LOVED IT!! The recipe does state that you can freeze for later, but with all the seconds he had, let's just say, we have leftovers for one night this busy weekend! 

During the cooking stage ... the smell was DEVINE!

Simply Homemade Goulash

Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1 pound lean ground beef
1 -2 small onions, diced ( I used red onions)
1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
3 cups water
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T Italian seasoning
3 bay leaves
3 T soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
1 T seasoning salt
course ground pepper to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Directions:
Brown meat and onions in a large pan, I used my cast iron Dutch oven, it's the perfect pan! After the meat is brown, spoon off any excess grease. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, water, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy or worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and pepper. Stir to mix everything together and put the lid on your pan and cook for 25 minutes. Add macaroni and simmer for another 20-25 minutes over low heat. Let it sit about 30 minutes with the heat off. Remove bay leaves before serving. Be prepared to eat it with a spoon so you get all of the sauce! Enjoy!
Makes about 8-10 servings. Freeze in airtight containers. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Godspeed

Allie-Kat

11/17/04 - 11/27/15

It's been eight weeks today that I had to say "See you on the other side" to my faithful friend, Allie-Kat. We snuggled, she purred, and she looked at me with reassuring eyes that told me she was ready to rest. I rocked her as she leaned against me and she took her last breath.  

There was something special about her, I can't quite put my finger on it. She's not the first pet that we've had to lay to rest, but for some reason its been the hardest on me. I get comfort in knowing she's basking in the sun, waiting with our other kitties and puppy dogs sharing stories of their time with us, and no longer in pain. Maybe in time it will get easier .....

Rest, my Sweet Allie-Kat, rest.

Godspeed

A day for baking ...

Since I am no longer working outside the home, I had the time to make pie crusts from scratch. Its something I haven't done for over 13 years and just hope they come out okay! If not, they can eat the yummy filling which I know they all enjoy!

I just couldn't resist taking photos of the process .... apples, sugar, 

cinnamon, a splash of nutmeg, and a bit of flour is all it takes! 

VIOLA! A beautiful Apple Pie!

And what is Thanksgiving without the traditional Pumpkin Pie!

A dollop of whipped topping and its heaven!

Now I just need to get the rolls thawed and in the oven and we're ready with our portion of the Thanksgiving Feast! This year our son & daughter-in-law will be hosting for both sides of the family!  Is it time to pass the torch? We'll see .....

Wishes to You & Yours for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Godspeed

Can you believe it!?

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only one week away?!? My word, time is getting past me in a FLASH! This year my daughter-in-law and son are being the hosts for the big Thanksgiving Dinner and my job is pies, of course! LOL! I am thinking of going off the grid and making baking a few new deserts instead of the usual pumpkin & apple pies. 

The first one that came to mind is this ....

PUMPKIN PECAN COBBLER

Yield: 8 servings  Prep Time: 10 minutes  Cook Time: 40 minutes  Total Time: 50 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup + 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

topping:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups very hot water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and spices. Set aside.

In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, melted butter and vanilla together to combine. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix to create a thick batter. Pour into a small 8-inch casserole dish with high sides. 

In a separate bowl, stir sugar, brown sugar and pecans together. Spread over the top of the batter evenly. Pour hot water over the entire thing {WITHOUT STIRRING A THING!} and bake for 40 minutes or once the middle is set. {Be sure to place on a baking sheet incase it bubbles over.} Cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with more pecans and vanilla ice cream.

***********

Doesn't that just look scrumptious!! I'm going to give it a "test drive" today without the pecans, because I know the little ones will just pick them out! ;)

Have a great day & Godspeed

Dearest Blog ....

I haven't meant to ignore you, I've just been crazy busy with so many activities that I haven't been able to visit with you. I sincerely apologize and will be more attentive from here on. I still haven't touched a piece of scrap paper, made a card, painted on canvas, or anything else creative since my last post in May, and I can tell .... I just feel different, empty, not quite whole. So I promise from today on, you will see me visit at least once a week and creating as before.

Until then ..... Godspeed

Retired & lovin' it!

Seven weeks ago today, I punched the time clock for my final shift. It has been quite a ride since then and here people told me I'd be back in a few months because I was bored!! Are you kidding me!?! I'm having the time of my life, doing what I want, when I want, no time restrictions, no missed family get-togethers, no missed ball games, and being able to have dinner with my husband!

I just finished up week two of my art classes that I'm taking with my oldest granddaughter, and its been fun! Never have used charcoal as an art medium and I thought "WHAT?" But that thought was quickly squashed once I got started on my first drawing! Its so easy, the shading is a breeze, and I've discovered something new!

STEP OUTSIDE THAT BOX!!! …. they said!
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!! …. and I'm glad I listened!

She's, yes my puppy picture is a "she", isn't finished just yet, but next week I'll be sure to come back with a snapshot of her to share!

Hope you all have a Wonderful Thursday!

Godspeed

SEVEN MONTHS!!!

WOW!! I sure have been busy! Where has the time gone? Our summer was GO! GO!! GO!!! Here is a sampling of what we did ….. a pool party for the Fourth of July! You can see who lost here!!

Now that Butch has a local trucking job we were able to spend so much time together with the kids and other family members. It was a summer that had it shares of highs and a few lows, and I intend on scrapping them all. Until next time …. 

Godspeed

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Sausage Egg & Cheese Muffins

Had to make a few alterations to the original recipe to meet my dietary needs but they taste so delicious!

Cook, drain & cool -
10 oz. mild pork sausage

Add & mix together by hand until well blended -
4 oz. shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups of Mexican Style egg substitute
1/2 cup skim milk
3/4 cup baking mix (Bisquick, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray. Divide mixture evenly into muffin pan. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until set. Let them cool slightly, then carefully remove from pan.

Approx. 125 calories each! Yummy for breakfast or mid-day snack. ENJOY!

Snow Days!

 Max decided to watch from the inside!

 And Maggie was nose diving on the outside!

In all we received over 6" in all which is a
pretty substantial amount for this area.

The backyard was covered and drifted in white and
made everything so bright for nighttime.

And our little fir tree we planted in our front yard this 

past summer looked so cute decked out in white!

But, it all has disappeared now as the rain has made its presence known and melted it all 

away. It was fun while it lasted, but now its back to our normal wintertime weather. ;)

Yes, I still know how!

Although its been quite some time since I scrapped, I did manage the time for one a few weeks ago! It was fun mixing up some older papers (Basic Grey Sugar Rush) with newer stuff (washi tape) and using up some alpha stickers (including the numbers for letters) to create a really cute layout of Ruby in her new Hello Kitty outfit…...

I finally had our San Diego vacation photos processed, so maybe I'll get to some of those soon. Our pretty snow has turned into freezing rain, so since I'm homebound, maybe its a good day to start!

Godspeed

Max

My baby boy is growing up so fast! Already weighs in at 10.2 lbs. and bossier than ever to his older sister, Allie-Kat! We received snow yesterday and he needed to check it out as I was shoveling, and here he is all tuckered out!

And as I type, the snow has started once again! Round TWO!

Oven Baked Fajitas

What's for dinner tonight you ask? THESE!! This recipe has been bouncing all over Facebook so tonight we're giving it a go. I can smell them baking and taste the yummy goodness already!

Oven Baked Fajitas

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into strips

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken strips in a greased 13×9 baking dish. In a small bowl combine the oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.
Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Next add the tomatoes, peppers, and onions to the dish and stir to combine. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are done.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!