Saturday, December 24, 2011

Gavin Degraw Memes

I just have too much fun making these!
Hope you All have the Merriest Christmas & Happiest of Holidays!
 Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Inspired at Home

And indeedy I was. Right here, at home, sitting in front of the computer on Pinterest for what seemed like only minutes, when in "real life" was about 3 hours...But that's besides the point, you know you've done it too...So anyway, if you're at all engaged in social comunities & networks, you have seen the Ryan Gossling "Hey Girl" memes everywhere. Like the one I made below. They have them customized for everyone from the crafter, to the realtor and just stuff girls know. Anyway, I got to thinking, why does it have to be Ryan, necessarily?? Why can't I use my own celebrity-musical crush, Gavin Degraw? (don't get me wrong, I DO NOT mind seeing Ryan all over saying "hey girl") Anyway, You know him? If not, go listen now, Google him :)


Gavin says "Hey Babe" in my memes, though. Here are a few! Seriously, amusing :P I should be making Christmas Presents right now....Enjoy!









xoxo


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

31 Days Of Kindness

I'm not even gonna explain where I've been the past few months...Frankly, I probably couldn't tell you anyway :P But Im back!
Ya know, there have been people and things I have experienced that I have always wanted to repay with more than just a "Thank You", even though Im sure just saying that might have enough...So, to teach my daughters appreciation and to know the joy they can bring to someone they don't even know by being kind, even for just a second, I've decided to head up a family campaign called "31 Days of  Kindness".
We will begin on December first from a list I've created (I'm sure there will be plenty of add ins and just random opportunities) and each day we will blog/Facebook our random act of kindness. Of course, we will be and should be doing this everyday, but we will officially record ours beginning on December 1st. Afterall, they say it takes 4 weeks to create a habit and this is that habit I'm hoping to be created in my littles. 
I have created a Facebook event and am hoping we can make this go viral! Please join us!
I want to teach the girls, that not only does it not cost anything to be kind to someone, but the reward is priceless. The value in being a kind person is far greater than not.
So, I will see you on December 1st - and hope you join us on Facebook, as well. Share your random acts and your photos!
Here's a little tag I found at Thumba-Lea 's Blog - Please take & share!


 
"It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived."
- Author Unknown

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cornbread Salad

Mmmm....this is the dish I make for pretty much every pot luck I go to. The recipe is super easy and the results are perfect.


Ingredients:
1 ea. large Red, Orange, Yellow bell peppers
5 stalks of green onions
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread mix
1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
1 can black beans (rinsed, strained & towel pat dried)
2 large tomatoes
Shredded cheese (your choice) but I like cheddar or pepper jack
2 large tub of sour cream
1 bottle of ranch salad dressing

Now, cook cornbread as per directions then cool.
Combine ranch dressing & sour cream set aside.
Dice all of your veggies.
When the corn bread is cool, layer first about 1/3 of the cornbread you prepared then spread a thin layer of the ranch/sour cream mix in a clear glass bowl (for presentation). Be careful not to clump it with the cornbread. Then layer each of the remaining ingredients as you can see below. Layer everything twice. Then top with a little more cornbread, & cheese any any remaining ingredients.

Voila!
Gorgeous colors, right?
This is part of my healthy eating inspiration. :)


"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are."


Adelle Davis (1904 - 1974)


Monday, July 11, 2011

Inspired By Fajitas

I couldn't resist the cravings for fajitas - so I made chicken fajitas this weekend. Aren't those veggies just beautiful!?
I used one each, onion, yellow, green & red bell peppers. Sauteed them in butter. In another pan I pan fried about 1.5lbs of cubed chicken breast. I didnt have fajita mix so I used taco mix! Still yummy. When both pans of food are cooked (veggies until soft & chicken until done through) combine them into one dish and serve on corn or flour tortillas. Of course, you can add the the goodies like sour cream guacamole, salsa, cheese or whatever you like!
Try it. It's yummy!
****
The beautiful colors of the peppers inspired me to be happy! :) I'll take that!

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating that we do have"
Frederick Keonig

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xoxo

Friday, June 24, 2011

Beautiful Texas

My boss took me to Fort Worth this week for a Social Media Conference - We stayed down town...I had never  been downtown...How perfect! I took pics just about everywhere and really enjoyed Sundance Square. Fun Fun! ( I also posted our trip to Cabbage Rose Quilt Shop @ Stitchin' Heaven Howdy)
 This mural was so beautiful - a larger pic is on the Stitchin' Heaven Howdy Blog
 At the top you can see the little knight guarding the city
 I love clocks and think I need to find one a little smaller for my house. What do you think?
 This guy had to be about 50-75 feet tall. He's in the Barnes & Noble store - its two story - below is how he stands through both stories

 These were just some of the beautiful old buildings
 Bad pic - but can you see the angels with their trumpets on the site of the building? There were two! So beautiful!
 Those horses were inside the hotel (Hilton) Made of barbed wire and that's my boss, Deb! :)

We, of course, dined at some great places like Cantina Laredo (gourmet mexican with excellent Margaritas) and Salt Grass (rustic steak house) on the way home!

Willow House: Until the end of the month you can get a second item for 1/2 off when you spend just $39.95. Interested in hosting a party, but don't want to physically host one? Email me! You can do it online - just have you friends use your name as the host when they place their order online and you get credit! Incentives are up to 70% off for June. We have 6 days left! You still have time!

As always, something or someone inspires me. Aside from the beauty of Fort Worth, and that clock that I must find a smaller version of....I leave you with this:

"Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe




Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Joplin Relief

Most of us are aware of the disaster the tornado brought to Joplin Missouri and several other cities and states last month.
Stitchin' Heaven has partnered with The Quilt Shoppe to gather goods for those who are suffering from loss.  Check out the post I wrote on Stitchin' Heaven Howdy to get more information on what we are gathering, how you can donate and to where.
Anything and everything is deeply appreciated. Its amazing how we all come together to help and there is never a shortage of people willing to do their part. Thank you!
You can grab the button, also, to show your support. If you have other groups that are gathering donations that you'd like to share, please leave a comment or email me at nichole@stitchinheaven.com and I'll be sure to spread the word!

ps....My brand new digital camera died on me and am waiting for a new one....Hence the lack of posts. So upset....:( But I have a couple of great recipes to share and don't forget to stop by my Willow House Store to check out the great deals going on for June!
Happy Summer!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I'm Just Gonna Ask!

I need your help!  My Willow House Team has challenged us each to make $1,000 in sales during the month of May. So, I need you. If it's just one of these cute Birthday Memories Book = $4.95

 
Or These gorgeous Tuscan Goblets. Set of 4 = $29.96

 

Or these beautiful Italian Planters (Set of 3) = $49.96

Or search the entire Willow House Catalog onilne just click the little Outlet button below! :)
But that's not all!!!


Spend $39.96 get 2nd item equal or lesser value for 50% off!!
(excludes outlet & magazines)

Even if you can't buy right now, join the party, leave me a comment and cheer us on!
ps...All orders placed for the month of May to help me make my goal will receive a handmade gift of your choice. It could be a table runner, tote bag or charm necklace. Your choice!
You're the best!
*smooches*

Monday, May 16, 2011

Stuffed Bell Peppers - Slowcooker Style






I have been craving stuffed peppers for a while, but don't really have the time to make them in the oven with working full time. So, I decided to try them in the crockpot.
Here's what I used:
4 - Bell Peppers
1 - Large Egg
 1lb of Ground beef or (ground turkey would work)
2 Cups Minute Rice
I can of tomato soup
2 cans of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
***
First, cut the top off your bell peppers and gut. Discard the top and the insides. Rinse the bell peppers set aside. In a large bowl combine with your hands, the ground meat, egg, and 2 cups of rice. Add salt & pepper if you wish. Stuff peppers with rice/meat/egg mixture you just mixed with your hands.
In slowcooker, pour cans of tomato sauce, soup & water. Stir. Then place the stuffed peppers into the crock pot, I spooned some of the tomato sauce over the pepper then just cover on low for 4 hours.
(I put them on at 8 am - came home at 12 for lunch they were done, but I left them on "keep warm" and the peppers were just perfectly tender when i got home from work at 5p)

Prep was less than 15 minutes!
 That's my kinda dinner! Let me know if you try this recipe. :)

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Shabby Inspired

I love country, shabby decor. I'm not one to like straight lines or wood finishes that are all the same. I want a mix!
Yesterday was the local quilt and art festival in which The Aroboretum hosted and Stitchin' Heaven's customers sponsored the quilts hanging in the park. It was a beautiful day. The beautiful flowers and green everywhere was gorgeous. I woke up today refreshed and ready for something new. I didn't go out and buy anything new, I just rearranged what I had.
So, from a previous post, where I showed fabric pictures on the entry door wall, I have taken those down and now have this:
The girls then brought in a gorgeous Magnolia. How beautiful!
That's it! My weekend inspiration!
Tomorrow I'll put up my Slowcooker Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe. Prep time is less than 15 minutes!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Where I Create

I just love thumbing through magazines and surfing online, admiring crafters' rooms.  My favorite places online are Pinterest & Flickr and then any magazine from Architectural Digest to Country Living. Inspiration is everywhere.  I love, love, love Karen's sewing room from Sew Many Ways... blog.  You know, when it comes to your crafting or sewing space, I'm pretty sure that design laws don't have to apply. Afterall, it is your room and you can do with it whatever you want....As I have.
Here's is just a glimpse inside my Mom Cave, where I create...What do you think? (you can click on the image to view it larger)
Don't forget to stop by my Willow House Store and shop the great stuff for home and entertaining. The Outlet is filled with items up to 70% off , but before you leave sign up for my newsletter for exclusive gifts and promotions! <3

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Before & After: Stools

I get these urges every so often where I just randomly want to do something...These stools were one. We just moved into or house this last summer and the house is amazing...We got lucky. The stools go around the jacuzzi and are alittle aged. I thought about stainging them again, but then....Decided to do black and monogram our initial with white paint. Didn't turn out too bad for an afternoon project :)
Before

After
What are you doing this weekend? Oh, oh! I did fabric flowers. Im hooked! Gonna work on a bunch this weekend will be sure to post..maybe a tutorial?? :)



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Bird Nest Cookie

IDK where I found these cuties but I attempted this this weekend and they're pretty good.
Ingredients:
2 -  12oz. pkgs of Chow Mein noodles
1 pkg butterscotch baking chips
1 pkg. malted easter eggs
You just melt the butterscotch as per the directions - about 3 - 30 second intervals in the microwave stirring in between each interval until smooth. Mix in the chow mein noodles. Drop onto wax paper and place 3 candy eggs right away so they will stick to the warm butterscotch. Cool for about 15-20 minutes. They should be hardened and ready to eat!

 Simple enough,. right? And super fun with the kiddos...When we ran out of candy eggs we just put chocolate chips! :D

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Chicken. It's What's For Dinner

Mmmm....We've had chicken almost every day this last week, and I figured by the end of the week when I had already made the "usual" chicken meals, I'd try something new. I found a recipe in a magazine for stuffed chicken breast. I didn't have most of the ingredients they were calling for so I improvised. And so I gove you my version.
Niki's Stuffed Chicken Breasts
8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
roccotta cheese
shredded mozzerella cheese
Grated Parmesean (topping)
1 cup Mayo
2 cups corn flakes cerial - crushed
garlic salt
2 cups spagetti sauce
1 lb spagetti
Preheat oven to 350 degree. Heat spagetti sauce in sauce pan. Prepare noodles as per package instructions. For chicken:
Smother a thin layer of mayo over chicken breasts then rub breasts in crushed corn flakes on both sides. Lay flat and spoon in a teaspoon of rocotta cheese, mozzerella cheese toward the bottom of the breast (long ways) and roll up from the same end. Use a toothpick to hold the breast rolled up. Sprinkle rolled breast with garlic salt. Place in baking pan - lighty greased with butter or Pam. Repeat with all breasts. Place in oven for about 45 minutes. Take out of oven. Immediately dribble heated spagetti sauce then sprinkle with mozzerella and parmesean cheese. Serve over a bed of spagetti.Voila!

 Dessert!
I just used a box of brownie mix and topped with chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts! (only 1/2 w/ cocnut 'cause only two of us like it)
Easy enough, right?
Don't forget to stop by my store and place an order by March 30th to recieve a free gift ($10.00 value)!
 I promise you'll love it!
Featured item:


Friday, March 18, 2011

Color: Green

Green:
Described as : The color green is associated with people that are slow paced and task oriented. They tend to go slowly and make the best decision. They are good listeners and communicate details well.
Ain't dat da trut?

I was walking around yesterday, St. Patty's day, BTW Top 'O The Morninin' :), and found myself surrounded in beautiful greens!
You have to love the clovers!
The beautiful Dogwoods! (not so green, but pretty, pretty!)

Holly Bush & Ivy

 And chocolate!
The kids are still off for spring break, so we picked out some plants to make a garden! We got strawberries, bell peppers & tulips :) We'll spend tomorrow planting them...I'll letcha know how it goes.
What are you gardening this year?

Monday, March 14, 2011

Welcome Warm Weather

Well, this week is Spring break for the girls. This means they need to be entertained. We have different friends scheduled to come over all week and a different movie and activity for each day! Today was butterfly cakes and Fruity Punch (recipe below) It's super easy and makes snack time that much more fun!
The butterfly cakes were made in these cute butterfly tins I got from a friend filled with just cake mixes then sprinkled with turbinado sugar. 
Fruity Punch
Recipe: makes 2 1/2 gallons
5 pkgs. Hawaiian Punch Kool aid mix
5 cups sugar
3 oranges
Water
Ice
Mix Kool Aid per package instructions with mix, sugar & water into a drinking dispenser like I used or a punch bowl. Slice oranges, discarding ends. Add ice and orange slices to drink mix, stir.  Voila. That's it! :p
Garnish glasses with orange slice and you can even sprinkle sugar around the cup rim.
And it looks pretty!
Happy Spring Break
Please go check out my Willow House Facebook page...

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Inspired by Iron

Iron is one of my favorite elements to decorate with. It's masculine, yet can be feminine.  Here's how/where I've used it at home.

My keys
 Candelabra & I'm not sure what the jars are..but they're cool :)
In the bathroom
In the bedroom
In the dining room
 My favorite places to find cool iron decor is at flea markets and antique shops... And I love to search through Google images for ideas - Google's my best friend!  What's neat is that most people think of iron as more of an outdoor element, but it's really functional both ways!  Do you use iron decor?
xoxo for now <3