Bless YOUR heart birthday bash

 The Coconut Lime cake

 Our photobooth chalkboard

 Our party clan

 Our Southern Belle and her big moment

 Coupons for babysitting, fix it jobs, long talks, and more.

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Green Chili Chicken Soup

2-4 chicken breast, chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 can of white beans, drained
1 large can of green chili enchilada sauce
3 cans of green chill is
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste

Saute the chicken and onion until the chicken is no longer pink.  Add the mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes.  Add the beans, enchilada sauce, green chillies, and remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil then turn it down and simmer.

Top with shredded cheese if you choose.  Serve with warm tortillas. (we made quesadilas)

It's Friday and I'm Obsessed....

*I started buying fresh flowers every time I drove to town and now I can't stop.  I love them so much. 

*Her drawings.....I can't get enough. 

*Her artwork, doodles, and lettering. 

*Art journaling has become an obsession.  I love it. It is such a great outlet. I still love photography but it's nice to have another creative outlet.

*This lip treatment.  A few years ago a friend bought me one for my birthday and I have not been able to live without it since.  When I went to replace it and came upon the price I almost blew a gasket.  I called the friend and asked her what she was thinking.  Now, I have accepted the price because I love it so much.  I am even cruel enough to purchase it for my friends and family. 

mornings...ugh!

When I was growing up my dad would always say, "Wake up and let's get going so we can enjoy the rest of the day." I recently told him that it is my favorite thing that he taught me.  He beamed with pride.  If you are familiar with me you know my family is very important to me and my dad leads the list.

Anyway, mornings are not my favorite but I can handle them better when I get in a zone and get things done.  Then I can sit and enjoy my morning without a list weighing me down.

First thing I make my bed, clean my bathroom, and take out the trash.  Then I will look down the hall and normally see a scene like the one below....

Ugh! Laundry....really?  Yes, it never goes away just grows this amazing life of its own.  So, next step is to start a load.

Ummmm, now ask me if I passed this trait along to my children.  Obviously not! Her theory is that it is stupid to make your bed because you are just going to get back into it.  Oh my!  I raised her.....and kind of proud of it too.

My husband is trained well.  He helps me vacuum and then I dust, make breakfast, take out the trash and then I plop down in a chair and enjoy breakfast and a hot cup of tea.  Not too bad. 

flowers and puppy noses

One of my favorite things to do with my flowers when I photograph them is to set them on the ground and take a picture of the whole bouquet.  My puppies love it too.  I end up with shots like this every time.  It is funny how I keep these and the ones with out puppy noses are never to be seen again.  I guess I love life with all its imperfections.  Maybe, I don't love it so much as embrace it. 

Have a beautiful imperfect day!

DLP Week 17 ::: your favorite pair of shoes

 This is completely unfinished.  I may show a copy at the end of the week or just add it later to this post.  Yes, later at the end of this post.   Anyway, I always add little tidbits through the week and I normally shade more (add grundge as Roben Marie would say). 

I struggled at first with this prompt because I am not really an obsessed shoe girl.  Then I thought about TOMS.  I love buying them because they give a pair to a child in need.  After my massage therapist Angie informed me of that I have been buying them ever since and even received a pair for Christmas from a good friend. 

Above in the middle page is a girl I drew a month or so ago but I didn't really like her but thankfully I did not throw her away because she found her place on this page.  The balloons are magazine clippings that I had saved.  The camera, heart and scalloped edge are from an old book I bought at a thrift store.  I draw images on the pages, cut them out, and then run them through the xyron.  It is my new favorite technique. 

{w} family

I am not charging for sessions but I love the opportunity to have some practice.  This shoot was a lot of fun.  Kind of makes me miss doing this for a business...kind of. 

Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink In a Bowl

 One of our favorite meals at our house is "In a Bowls".  These are quick and easy meals that are often a great way for me to clean out my fridge.  This one I had left over rice, hummus, fresh mozzarella and guacamole.  All I had to prepare was grilled chicken breasts, edamame, and slice tomatoes. I sometimes will make a dressing but today I just drizzled balsamic dressing over the top and called it delicious.

Needs-no-meat Pizza on Flatbread

I love pizza without meat.  My husband loves meat.  I figured out that I can trick him by just adding flavor.  I always break and confess that there is no meat and he always reply's with, "It would have been even better if it had meat!"  To that I always feel defeated and want to choke him.  I said "want" to choke him.  I never do nor do I condone such behavior.  I normally get over it and complain to someone about my carnivorous family.  Finally my niece says to not mention the no meat, ever.  Just let it slide.  Don't call it Meatless Monday or Free Friday or any such nonsense.  Just cook good, healthy food that tastes delicious.

So for lunch I made this pizza.  I filled it with seasonings, and veggies.  I always start with flatbread.  It is my favorite go to pizza crust, my version of frozen pizza.  Then I add about a tablespoon of sauce.  I saute the veggies and seasonings to top my pizza and then I top with fresh mozzerella.  I always round the edge of my pizza with a good olive oil and bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.  It was dreamy delicious.  The best part is that he ate his and then the rest of the leftovers.  I never mention the meat or the veggies.  He never mentioned them either.

Needs-no-meat Pizza on Flatbread

Toppings
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 med onion chopped
1/2 cup chopped brocolli
Olive oil
Penzeys Tuscan Sunset Seasoning
Penzeys Pizza Seasoning
(I always buy Penzeys seasonings and spices because they are fresh...it makes a big difference)
Pinch of salt

Saute the veggies and seasonings in olive oil.

I always have freeze dehydrated foods on hand.  We live in Alaska in the middle of no where and we can run out of things from time to time.  I am normally only cooking for 2-3 people and I hate wasting food.  A few years ago a friend suggested I buy freeze dehydrated foods from a company named Thrive.  I have loved it and it has saved my meals on more than one occasion.

That brings me to my sauce.  I use the freeze dehydrated to make my sauce and I can tailor it to fit the size of meal I am preparing.

Sauce--jar sauce is fine too

2 tablespoons tomato powder
1 teaspoon bell pepper
1 teaspoon onion
garlic
salt to taste
oregano

I add the amount of water it calls for. 

It's Friday and I'm Obsessed....

~ With throw back pictures like the one above of me when I was young and a young picture of my dad.  Instagram is full of them on Thursdays and I love seeing people when they were young. 

~With these earrings.  I may have to buy a pair real soon.

~This blog and their daily posts.

~These cookies....I can't get enough of them.

~Happy Mail....I get something each week and I love it but I have this obsession with the mail everyone receives. LOVE it.

~Art journaling....I do something each day and I look on the internet for inspiration. 

Total Eclipse of the Heart

My husband loves night photography.  He does most of the northern light shots and all of the other night shots I post.  He was excited about the eclipse and headed out to get some shots.  I set the camera up as best I can and he heads out and I head to bed.  Here is one of his shots from the other night.

spring is in the air

I have been seeing all these beautiful posts from everyone with flowers.  Flowers on trees, flower arrangements, flower gardens, and I love flowers so I get a little envious.  My husband suggested I go buy flowers so I did.  I can't even begin to tell you how that can turn a girls day around.

Today, the ground shook.  Literally.  We have had a couple earthquakes lately.  Today felt really close.  The dogs and I were being lazy and all the sudden things started to shake and the hall doors popped open and Nutmeg took off running (I don't know where she was headed but she was out of there).  Luckily it did not last long and nothing was broken.  My cute flowers stayed in place and no harm or accident came upon them....the family was alright too.

What does your spring look like?

Green Chicken Chilli Casserole

Green Chicken Chilli Casserole

Ingredients:

4 chicken breast, cubed
1 med onion, cubed

1 jar of salsa verde
2 cans of green chillies (opt)
1/2 cup minced carrots
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 bell pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 cup sour cream

8 small tortillas
2 cups cheese


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Saute chicken and onion until chicken is cooked thoroughly.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Add salsa Verde, green chillies, carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, and saute until tender.  Salt lightly.

Add cumin, garlic, and sour cream and remove from the heat.

Cut tortillas in strips. 

In a 9X13 pan layer chicken mixture, then single layer of tortilla strips, cheese and then repeat. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. 

Serve with lettuce and tomato.  I like to add a dash of Tapitio.

the documented life project ::: week 16 add a piece of cardboard from a snack box

This week kind of came out soft in color but I didn't mind.  I'm still trying to find my groove....if I have one I am on a mission to find it.

I included all of the happy mail I've received lately.  I just love all the little pieces that come and it means so much more to include them in the layout when they came from all over the world. 

This time I added a little pocket for journaling and room for lists on the flap. 

Monster Cookies....yum!

This are my families favorite cookie.  We devour them and I never have to erase the cookie jar anymore.  It has read "Monster Cookies" for weeks now.  I have a little secret....shhhh don't tell.  I have cut the sugar (well I exchange the white sugar for coconut sugar), there is no flour and they don't even notice.

The dough might seem to be wrong because it is not really doughy.  I worry every time I bake them but they always turn out wonderful.

Monster Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups creamy or chunky peanut butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup coconut sugar (you can use white sugar)
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M's plain chocolate candies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line or spray a cookie sheet.
I use liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter with the sugars and butter and mix.
Mix in the eggs and vanilla.
Mix in the oats and baking soda.
Then stir in the chips and M&M's.

3. Drop the cookies by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
I use a large cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop.

4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes

Final Four art journal

My daughter and I sat down to watch the Women's NCAA and chose our pics for the games.  I am not a sports enthusiast unless it is the X games or Olympics.  Sometimes I will give in if it is college basketball.  This year was much more fun because I brought my journal along.

I added some clips from the Time magazine article this week.  It was fun but it was sad when our team choice lost.

Denali Art Club

We met a Park Ranger in Denali Park

We (Sonya the neighbor and I) were invited to join a small group of ladies to go out and sketch in our books.  We had such a great time.  These ladies were awesome.  Sonya and I have finally arrived...we are in the cool kids group.  I can see sitcoms being made from this group of very creative women.  I can't even tell you how awesome they are.

I am going to finish my pages tonight while I watch the new episode of Hart of Dixie but I thought I would show the pages so far. 

It's Friday and I'm obsessed.....

a little load of wood in the back on this truck made my heart swoon.

I started the ten day Give YOUR Dream Wings.

A year of beautiful posts and journal prompts.

Inktense pencils are inspiring me want to spend most of my time in my art journal.

I can't get enough of this guy.  He really did rescue us.

Really wanting to try this recipe soon. 

I can't stop listening to 8 track.

Alice in Wonderland quotes.  They speak to me on so many levels.


I am feeling very accomplished with my goal to fall in love with my blog.  So, although it is Friday I will be back tomorrow. 

Daddy Long Legs

It was Draw a Bird Day....so I drew a couple birds to celebrate.

So this photo has nothing to do with this post.  When I write about what I am reading I just have to throw a random photo in there because my iPad just doesn't photograph well.  It is not a secret and she knows she is not as photographic as the tangible books and she has accepted it and moved on. 

I miss reading and holding real books sometimes but we move so often and live in places without libraries to speak of so I opt to use my iPad and read from the Kindle app.  I continue to buy real cookbooks, art books, and my favorite books in the flesh (book flesh that is), but switched to the Kindle for everything else. 

Anyway, I was writing about Daddy Long Legs (sorry my attention span is lacking lately).  I was talking to a friend about epistolary novels and she suggest I read Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster.  I loved it.  It read so fast and easy and entertained me every moment.  I love a well developed character and a bit of mystery too.  It was the perfect read for me.  The older I get the more I fall in love with classics and can't get enough. 

Anyway, if you have not read it you must!

P.S. It is free on the Kindle.

Pickle bag knock off

I asked my husband for a Pickle bag for Easter.  I know, I know I am spelling it wrong.  Their spelling drives me crazy.  So, I choose to ignore their spelling.

So I bought the bag and then the I decided to get the Complete In A Pickle Pack.  After I started thinking about it I decided to buy extra sets of the interior bags.  I was going to pack this puppy full of all kinds of stuff.  My purse is an arsenal of all kinds of useless items just in case Zombies really do take over the planet I will be prepared.  I imagined all kinds of items filling the little extra bags.

Well it arrive and it will only hold four (4) of the clear plastic thingies. I even watched the You Tube video and it did not dawn on me that it would only hold so much. 

So, I quickly switched to plan B.  The Pickle above went into my purse.  I decided to make little pickles for each car.  I used the extra clear plastic thingies to make my own little pickles. 

Sorry about the tissues, GOT SNOT.  I really did not plan on blogging this when I bought them.  They are obnoxious my sister in law would not approve.  She thinks I should be more of a lady.  I disappoint her often and she still loves me. It is our thing.

I had all of the items just lying around the house to fill the two additional pickles...my cheap version of the pickle bags.  I attached them with a little ribbon and I use a rubber band to wrap around the whole thing to hold it compact. 

Here is a list of items I included

• hand sanitizer pen
• spot remover pen
• individually wrapped antibacterial wipes
• a mirror
• pair of tweezers
• pair of fingernail clippers
• emery boards
• travel size sewing kit
• retractable mini scissors
• tailor tape
• hair bands
• rubber bands
• bobby pins
• safety pins
• paper clips
• philips mini screw driver
• straight mini screw driver
• mini pen
• sticky notebook
• bandages
• travel tissues
• pill box

(You can purchase this pack directly from their site or make the kit yourself)

My final word on the original bag is that I love it but I wished it held more.  The clear plastic thingies are wonderful and cheap. 

finding joy in your home

Today I walked around with my cell phone and took pictures of my favorite corners of my home.  It surprised me what ended up on my phone as I looked around.  Even the mess in my craft room made the list.  I think it is important to surround yourself with joy.  Life on the outside of my walls can be crazy and I want to come home and escape from the world outside.  I want to be inspired and feel relaxed in my home. 

Joy Inducers 

childrens art work
books
mason jars
typography
home baked goodies
pictures of friends and family
chalkboards...my favorite
cameras....obviously a must in my home.
momentos from your travels
moleskine notebooks
well worn aprons
gifts from loved ones
art work
cozy corners
color filled rooms
messes created out of talents or hobbies
canvas bags
linen fabrics
puppies
plants
bowls
baskets
and the list goes on....

What is in your home that brings you joy?  Do you need more joy in your home?  Are you overlooking items that might need enhancing?  Take a photo walk around your home.  The results might surprise you.