And I'm Back...

Okay, I realize it's been FOREVER since I posted last.  Sorry.  The last two months have been a little (or a lot) crazy--including a big move from Colorado to Washington.
The good news is that I am finally feeling like I can breath again.  I had been feeling like I was underwater--SO much to do.  But things have slowed down now.  I am mostly unpacked and settled, the husband started his new job, kids are back in school, and now I feel like I can get back into crafting.

Here is a super easy craft for you.  Remember that cloche I made awhile ago?  Well, I have been debating what to put in it.  Then one day it hit me--a bouncy ball.  You know those bouncy balls you buy your kids for a quarter at Old Navy (am I the only one that does this?).  I have TONS.  I guess I have been to Old Navy kind of a lot.

 But of course, I couldn't just put in plain old bouncy balls.  No, but after about 10 minutes they were ready.

 Quite simple.  Only thing I used, JUTE, YARN, and SCISSORS.  Simple.  Start wrapping the ball in the yarn or jute.  I didn't even glue or anything.  Just wrap until you are happy with how it looks.  I didn't go in any particular pattern.  Once it is covered and looks okay, cut the yarn and tuck in somewhere.  It doesn't get much easier than that.  Oh--and thank your kids for letting you borrow a few of their balls.  Luckily, I don't think they'll be missed.

Hooray for being back to crafting!

Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke Panini

Remember my post from yesterday?

Well, here is the DELICIOUS recipe I used:

For your bread, use crusty artisan bread from the bakery.  Or, try THIS recipe out and make it yourself!

For the spinach & artichoke spread: (also makes an awesome dip for breads, crackers, and veggies)
     1/2  (10 oz) package frozen spinach, partially thawed and chopped
     1/2 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
     1 package softened cream cheese
     1 (16 oz) container sour cream
     1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
     Garlic salt or powder to taste
**Note, this makes quite a bit.  I usually half the recipe and still have plenty for at least 4 sandwiches.  I also don't measure exactly--just spoon in approximate amounts.

Mix all ingredients together.  Spread some on each side of your sandwich.  Add sliced grilled chicken.  Then grill your panini to perfection.  Delicious!

The Poor Man's Panini Press

Okay, so I LOVE panini sandwiches!  I think they are quite possibly my all-time favorite food.  Only problem is I don't have a panini grill.  Luckily, my sister gave me this great tip of how ANYONE can make their own panini using simple things everyone has lying around their kitchen:
1--A Griddle (either electric, or one used on your stovetop)
2--A heavy frying pan
3--Heavy cans from your pantry (I usually use pumpkin puree).

That's it.  You want to see how it is done?

 Make your sandwich.  Smash two sides together.  No butter needed on outside of bread.

 Place heavy pan with heavy canned goods on top of your sandwiches.  You can do several sandwiches at once--which is great for a family!

 Cook several minutes on each side--just check occasionally to know when to flip the sandwich.  Cook until brown and a little crusty.

  Enjoy!

Stay tuned for this great recipe.  Yum!

Another Tag

My daughter started preschool today!!!  I'm not sure what I am going to do with only a newborn at home, but I know I am going to enjoy the QUIET!  Anyway, with Halle starting school, she of course needed her own backpack tag.  Here's what I came up with--a little more girly than Cole's!

P.S. I know her shirt isn't the cutest--school uniform.  They get to wear a school t-shirt everyday.  Oh, and don't worry that she is 3, but the smallest size they sell is 6-8.  Poor girl.  Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about her ruining all her good clothes!

You say Tomato...

What do you do when this is sitting on your counter?

You get out your jars and start CANNING!!!

Tomatoes are one of my favorite things to can.  They are easy and taste SO good.  I love having them for soups, spaghetti sauce, and tomato juice.  For those of you who may be new to canning tomatoes, here is a simple tutorial.  I promise they are easy--even my husband has done a couple of batches for me.  

**Remember, always start out with clean jars and tomatoes.  

Here we go:

#1:  Fill a big pot just less than half full with water.  Bring to boil.  Put in tomatoes and let cook for a few minutes.  They can be taken out once a few of them have started cracking.  It doesn't need to be brought to a full boil.  Place tomatoes into a shallow pan (such as cookie sheet or cake pan) to cool.  They need to cool for about 15 minutes.  Be careful--they get really hot!

#2 & #3:  Using a canning funnel begin filling your jars.  Peel the tomatoes.  They will peel really easily.  I just cut out the center core and then peel the skin with my fingers.  Make sure you do this over the jar so any juice will fall into the jar.  Cut the tomato into quarters (or more if they are big, less if they are small) and drop into the jar.  Fill the jar up, only leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.

Add 1/2 tsp. of citric acid and 1 tsp. salt to each Quart jar.  Wipe the rims of the jars to assure they are clean.

#4:  Boil your lids.  Place on jars, screw on caps.  

#5:  Place jars into water-bath canner.  **As a note, you can start heating water in the canner while you are filling your jars.  Lower the jars into the water.  They need to be completely covered with water.  Put on canner lid.  Bring water to a good rolling boil.  This will take awhile.  Once the water is boiling, set the timer for 45 minutes.  This really takes longer than the prep time.  Once the time is up, take them out of the canner and wait to hear the beautiful sound of the lids sealing (sounds like a little pop).  Make sure you don't touch the lids and push in the seal.

And here is what you end up with:

I'm up to 35 quarts.  I think salsa may be next!  Gotta love fresh garden veggies!

Tag it...

I saw these great backpack tags a few weeks ago and knew I needed to make one for my son.  The funny thing was that when I started looking through my fabric scraps, I found fabric just like the one in the tutorial.  I did decide to add a little "C" to one side for my Cole.  I love how it turned out.  I love how easy it was--really anyone could do it.  Those are the kind of projects I love!

K is for Kindergarten

My oldest started Kindergarten today.  CRAZY!!!
Anyway, my sister had this great idea to make a "K" for him to hold during his traditional "First-Day-of-School" Photo.  I thought it was brilliant--and SIMPLE! (which is a good thing because we just got back from a 10-day vacation late last night)
All you need is a cereal box, scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and a template of your letter (or you could just draw your own).  Simply cut a side of your cereal box.  Mod Podge your paper to the cardboard.  Let it dry.  Trace your letter onto the back side.  Cut out the letter.  It doesn't get much easier!

Next year I plan on making a 1, and on up.  So fun!

Happy First Day of School!