Grandkids Sign

 Just wanted to show you some quick pics of the sign I made for my mother-in-law's birthday.  We celebrated her birthday on Tuesday and well, I kinda' procrastinated a little...

I purchased the wooden board on Monday night and started the project Tuesday morning.  I used a couple coats of gel stain --with a short dry time between each coat -- sprayed it with polyurethane, and then distressed the edges using sandpaper. 

 Needless to say, it was a little tacky when I added the vinyl letters and still wasn't completely dry when I gave it to her! 

{It feels good to confess that I'm really a last-minute, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of crafter!}

Anyway, she really liked the sign and is proudly displaying it in her living room!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a great side dish for tacos, fajitas or enchiladas.  

It's super easy to whip together and uses very basic ingredients. 

Try this recipe as an alternative to an overpriced box mix!

Mexican Rice

(printable version)

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon butter

½ cup salsa

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon taco seasoning

Directions:

Bring all ingredients to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cover.  Simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Links I Love

Here are a few great links...

*I love Ann Voskamp's  100 Day Calendar.  

It is the perfect way to break down a big project or slowly establish a new habit.

{She also has a schedule for memorizing the whole book of Colossians in one year.}

*Go HERE to see Craftomaniac's  super cute and very unique vinyl project.  {Hint...  It involves toes!} 

*If you have read Angie Smith's blog Bring The Rain you will want to check out this video of her telling Audrey's story.

Pumpkin Muffins

Something about cold weather makes me want to break out the pumpkin.  I had a couple of cans leftover from Thanksgiving and found this yummy recipe on Allrecipes.com.  

This is probably the easiest muffin recipe ever and it doesn't use oil or eggs?!? 

You can find the recipe here...

Easy Pumpkin Muffins

Try them with a little whipped cream on top!

Valentine's Day Countdown Calendar

 

I finally finished putting away all the Christmas decorations and was able to start working on a Valentines project!

 

 I made something similar to this last year and it was so much fun!

Using a piece of foam board covered in brown paper, I scrapbooked the background and the header onto the board.  I attached the mini clothespins with double stick tape and used a circle punch to cut out the numbers.  

I filled out the circles with "sweet nothings" for my husband, so each day in February he can take one off the calendar.

My husband wanted to get in on the fun too, so I am making another set of circles so he can return the love notes. 

 

 

I can't wait to start "counting down"! 

{alisa}

Grandma's Best Chili

This is an adaptation of my mom's amazing chili recipe.  

Growing up, we enjoyed this recipe on cold winter days with buttered saltine crackers and a big glass of milk.

{Donnie thinks it's weird that I have to drink milk with chili, but there is something about that combination that I love!?!)

Give this yummy recipe a try!

Grandma's Best Chili

Personalized Picture Frame

One of my New Year's resolutions is to have all my birthday and Christmas shopping done early this year.  I usually start off with good intentions, but inevitably end up scrabbling for several last minute gifts by the time Christmas rolls around.

Along with getting all my shopping done early, I also want to try to make more of the gifts that I give this year.

I always enjoy receiving homemade gifts and love the personalized touch of something handmade!

Here's one thing that I made for my m-i-l's birthday.

This project has been done a million times before, but is still a super cute idea! 

Here are the directions:

 To make this frame, you will need a unfinished wood frame that you can purchase for around $1 at Michaels or probably any craft store.  Paint the edges and the back of the frame with coordinating craft paint.  Trace the frame onto a piece of scrapbook paper and cut out.  It doesn't have to be perfect, because the edges will be sanded.  

Using Mod Podge, glue the paper to the frame.  After the paper has dried, lightly sand the edges with sandpaper.  (Rub the sandpaper in one direction; do not rub back and forth!)  Brush a light coat of Mod Podge over the top of the scrapbook paper to seal it.  Embellish the frame!  You can use vinyl, ribbon, ric rac, stickers or paper cut outs.

This would be cute for your kid's birthday pictures or even family Christmas pictures!

{Alisa}

Frogs, Snails, Puppy Dog Tails...

 ...and little toy cars.

I'm Linking Up At...

Wordless Wednesday & Finer Things Friday

 

Nacho Pie

 This recipe, passed along to me by my mom, is a dinner staple in our house.  It is so yummy - though probably not super healthy - and very quick to whip together.  I usually serve this with a salad & veggie to make it a little bit healthier.

 Here's the recipe...

 Nacho Pie

Stay Tuned...  I plan on posting some Valentines projects as soon as I get all my Christmas decorations put away and have the room and time to decorate!