March 28, 2011

Crockpot Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Fix it and forget it!  These kind of recipes are great for crop days.  No worries about dinner when you get home.  I have been doing the "family test" for a few recipes and will share them periodically so you will have some ideas of "what's for dinner" on those days when all you really want to do is scrapbook!  From Weightwatcers.com.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
1 lb. skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces (I used skinless chicken breast)
1 cup fresh, frozen or canned mushrooms (I used 2 cups fresh...we are a mushroom loving family)
1 cup fresh or frozen sliced green peppers (I like em but nobody else in the fam does so I omitted these)
1 cup fresh or frozen onions, chopped
1 medium garlic clove minced
1 TBSP canned tomato paste (I added a second one ...just couldn't leave the extra in the can)
14 1/2 ounce crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted (I didn't have the fire roasted but wish I did)
1/4 cup dry red wine (no wine in the house so used chicken broth to make up the liquid difference)
3/4 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp table salt, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper

Place chicken in a 3 to 5 quart slow cooker.  Add mushrooms, green pepper, onion, garlic tomato paste, tomatoes with juice, wine, oregano, 1/2 tsp of salt, and black pepper.  Cover and cook on high heat for 5-6 hours or low heat for 6-8 hours.  Taste just before serving and add remaining 1/4 tsp of salt if needed.  Yields 1 cup per serving.  (four servings, 5 ww points per serving).  I served mine over rice.  And, they ate it up!  (Well all except on family member who has very particular taste buds and opted for a can of chili?)

Wish I had a picture to share.  Will try to remember that for the next one. 

Hope for Japan

We have all heard and seen the devastation that occurred in Japan from the earth quake and tsunami.  We have friends who live in Tokyo and although they were uninjured, have an intact home, and no huge destruction, they have been affected by it all.  Stress and disruption to their lives and their desire to help those who experienced more devastation has taken over their daily living routine. 

Of course, Jeanette's heart was also touched by this experience and she has created a beautiful stamp set to remember Japan and create a way that she and her company along with consultants and friends, can give a piece of their heart to the people of Japan. 

From now until April 30, purchase the exclusive, non-commissionable “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95 US) and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross’ efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need.  You can view the stamp images here.

 

March 18, 2011

Close to My Heart supplies on sale!

Take a look at the website for the updated, discounted supplies and retired products are available to you at phenomenal prices. Check back often to take advantage of these products that are offered while supplies last!

Also, if you are in the Bothell area and want to attend a Magic Monday scrapbook workshop, March 21st, 7:00 p.m. you are welcome to join us.  To prepare for the workshop, cut the papers for the Mystique layout pattern in the Magic book.  Bring your scraps, photos, and foam tape and we will assemble and embellish at the workshop.  My layouts are below...and don't be alarmed that mine are different than those in the book.  We will used the same paper to create the layouts. 




Hope you can join us!
Michele

March 07, 2011

Finished scrapbooking 2008! Taking Advantage of the Specials

I loved the Studio J special in February. I went back to photos that I had not yet printed or scrapped in 2008 used Studio J to finish up the year. Through out the month, I also watch some videos created by Amy Ulen who does a great job of using Studio J to take her online layouts to the next level and best of all, she shares it with us. You can find her videos here on her YouTube channel. Thanks Amy!
Here are my layouts that I completed.

 





Marissa made this one.  Studio J is great for kids!



March 04, 2011

March Stamp of the Month & Easter "Basket"

Target's $1 section is tempting to peruse and when they started caring Valentine items (the day after Christmas), I found these handled boxes.  Many of them had pre-printed hearts on them but I went through the bin and found a few that were white and kraft without any printing!  I struck gold!  How fun to alter them with our stamp of the month and create Easter Baskets. 

Take a look at what I created and then let me know if you want to make one,or maybe a couple, at my workshop on March 29th 7 p.m.  Workshop fee is $10 and includes a blending pen to take home for future projects.  Additional boxes without the blending pen are $5.  Looking for more of pink color?  Choose the option to create your project with the Sophia paper pack which you can see here.  Sign up by March 18th to reserve your space.






Here's another box that can be filled with goodies for an Easter gift.  This project was inspired by the talented Lisa Stenz and can be created at the workshop for $8 and also includes the blending pen.  Add some Easter grass in each side and a few chocolate eggs and you have a sweet surprise! 


Sensational!

The March stamp of the month features these sweet little bunnies, Easter eggs and basket.  You can earn is at a discount with your order or even for FREE!  Take a look at the artwork created using this set on the blog hop and wait for a couple of hours and you will see some artwork right here on my blog, using the set to create a fun Easter surprise.