2.29.2012

the perfect blue.

It's time for some pinterest love.

Recently introduced to Annie Sloan paint { the yummiest colors - I get mine at the Purple Pear }, and I am inspired to paint. Furniture, jewelry <--coming soon, you name it... I've taken to scouring craigslist under the terms "tlc" and "needs paint", because I really need more hobbies { not! }

Pinterest is full of shabby blue inspiration...

2.27.2012

simplicity. turkey tortellini.

I've been working toward my goal of Simplicity (my word of the year), intentional living... a big part of this for me includes making as many meals as I can. Ok, that didn't sound simple. To rephrase --> I am simplifying in other areas, in order to make it easier for me to give time to what I feel is important.

I don't consider myself to be much of a cook { ie cookbooks still need pictures and step by step directions for me - don't just say "blanch" without explaining what it means...} So that's my level of cooking ability.

Instead of reaching for the cardboard box and pushing "Start" on the microwave, I've been on the hunt for easy meals and today, with the help of Simple Mom's Basic Guide to Menu Planning, I've got a month of meal's planned, printed out and on the fridge. It is so freeing! and it was easy...

I'm sharing one, we've had it twice and it is easy-peasy. All it needs is Olive Garden breadsticks to take it to the next level...


This recipe serves 6 generously... my crockpot it small and threatens spillage - I will be upgrading to a larger one, just keep this in mind - it will go right to the top on the small crockpots.

R E C I P E

Turkey Tortellini Soup

Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 on high, plus an extra 30 minutes on high
  • 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 cups of water
  • 4 cups coursely chopped roasted turkey breast (1 pound)
  • 1 - 14.5 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 - tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
  • 1 - 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 - cups fresh baby spinach
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  1. In a 5- to 6- quart slow cooker combine broth, the water, chopped turkey, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-4 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting at the end of 6 to 8 hours. Stir in tortellini. Cover and cook for 30 more minutes or until tortellini is tender. Stir in spinach. If desired, sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.
Per Serving: 240 cal., 3 g total fat (2 g sat. fat), 63 mg chol., 656 mg sodium, 25 g carb. (3 g fiber, 4 g sugars), 28 g pro. I was not able to find this recipe online - SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens Diabetic Slow Cooker magazine 2012.

2.20.2012

i can't resist. portlandia.

From Portland  --> make jewelry.

My husband and I laughed so hard at this one. Portlandia nails it every time.

2.15.2012

just tinkering.

I tinker. I stare at the pile and sometimes I got nothin'. Other days, my creativity flows, so much so that I only make one earring before moving on impatiently to the next design, forlorn single earrings strewn all over my workspace, my fingers refuse to move as fast as my brain on these days.

Wire wrapping is something I've been considering adding
to some of my designs. It's so pretty, but something
I still remain inconsistent at. I think this was my 3rd go at it.
It has taken me 4 months to know what to do with the lovely
filigrees atop this fringe. I bought this fringe - it was one of those -
oh oops, smaller than I thought! But I love them so much here.
Favorite high school earrings are the main component here -
yikes! they are truly vintage LOL - these clips from long ago
have been converted to a great looking long filigree earring.

I recently read article on another artist's blog about time spent tinkering, experimenting and failing. It made me feel better about my tinkering time - it's part of the creative process (no matter your hobby), although at times it feels like a mental block. I improve by experimenting, whether I succeed or fail.

"Those days of tinkering and taking stock are not lost time. You need those times to think and experiment and move things around... Even when you make something and it doesn't turn out, it's still valid time spent. It's going to happen whether you like it or not, this tinkering. In fact it HAS to happen to get good work, so you might as well either square with it or consign yourself to the easy path of making frivolous trinkets."- Sparrow Salvage


Lace, silk, suri silk ribbon.

My next tinker session? I want to experiment with lace, textiles, ribbon. I hope to create layered textile pendants and wrist cuffs. I can't sew. Experimentation definitely required.

2.10.2012

Christine Marie giveaway @ Primp


If you love the vintage style, then don't miss this opportunity to win a $40 gift certificate to my etsy shop. Michele at Primp has been so kind as to host a giveaway that ends on Valentine's Day.

--> { More about how to enter }

While you're there don't miss the Primp Your Stuff Link Party - a lot of creativity flowing!


{Primp}

2.07.2012

funky junkin'.

I think I have the post funky-junk blues. I had much fun seeing my vendor friends - everyone is so talented! Over the top displays, fabulous stuff { thus requiring large blog pictures for full effect }! I picked up a few things for my craft room and my son's room, I'll share those in a later post. Dixie and Linda are amazing ladies - thank you for a really fun show!

This large mirror frame could not have been more perfectly chippy-shabby. I was actually "lightly" contemplating it, but someone saved me from myself - it was already snapped up.
Tarte - outrageously creative - I know who got the Santos { wink }.
I always look for Diane's dress form. { Molly Mo's }
Just Chic had my favorite horizontal surface in the whole place.
I did not catch the name of the vendor that had this shelf. Perfectly rustic.

Faded Charm does the grey-white-cream thing the best.
Ormolulu. Need I say more?
I can't finish without sharing a little bit of my booth...
If you missed this show, the next one not-to-miss is the 3 Friends Sale, March 17th. Mark your calendar and watch for more information.