Weekend news

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted the last 2 days, Not because there hasn't been anything to write about..
I just didn't.

Which is counterproductive to my goals for the blog. I will do better.

It is cold, rainy-sleety-snowy,,and did I mention cold? here today, I'm short on sleep and my knee and hip have been bothering me since I awoke yesterday. Still, I managed to make some pretties over the weekend., most were for BCA auctions, but I did get a pair of pillow slips made for the etsy store.

Made for the BCA auction--is sold

For the next BCA auction

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123939314/16-x-16-yellow-chevron-pillow-slip

And now, I think I will go nap..or sew...ok, nap it is lol

Until Next time!
Michelle

Short and sweet..

My planned post for today is being sidelined due to a major migraine.
Instead I will tease you with a sneak of my Challenge item for an upcoming BCA (Boutique Challenge Auctions) Auction.

and a flimsy I finished last night..

My cheesy potato soup recipe..plus a bonus

So last night we had Cheese potato soup for dinner. This is a favorite in our house, and is one of the few dinners that everyone will eat. I actually remembered to get the camera out so I could share the recipe, and Bonus, I also made my gravy for Sunday's dinner and am sharing that as well ;)

What you will need:
 5lbs russet potatoes
1 medium onion-diced
3 stalks of celery- Sliced (or I have used celery seed in a pinch, about 2 tsps)
1 pack of thick cut bacon- cut into pieces OR regular bacon, cooked then crumbled
2 to 3 jars of cheese dip/spread (this is dependent on brand. Pictured is the aldi brand which needs 3, wally world brand needs 2, cheese whiz 2, but kroger 3)
Cornstarch
Milk
salt and pepper


OK, so first things first

1. Peel and cut about 5 lbs of potatoes into just shy of 1" pieces. Rinse well and cover with water. season with salt and Boil over med heat until fork tender. *I should note that normally I would dice my onion and put them in with the potatoes to cook, but since I knew I was making pan gravy as well, I reserved them to cook with the bacon.
Add celery and pepper

2. In a skillet, cook your bacon. (Typically I use regular bacon, and fry it in the oven, but..pan gravy ;))

Halfway through the cooking process, add your onion. finish cooking until bacon is crisp and onion is cooked through. Remove from pan to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside pan with drippings for Pan gravy.

3. When potatoes are fork tender, Drain just enough water off so that the potatoes are just covered, return to a low-med heat.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 c of corn starch with 1 1/2 c of milk. Stir into potatoes and cook until thickened.

5. Once thickened to desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in bacon and cheese sauce. Stir until cheese is completely melted. serve warm.

Now the pan gravy.

I have planned a roast for our Sunday dinner, and decided to make the gravy ahead since I had the bacon drippings from the soup recipe. The wonderful thing about pan gravy is that it freezes very well, so even if you haven't a need for it within a couple of days, you can make it, pour it into a freezer bag, and voila, homemade gravy without the fuss and time next time you need a quick fix :)

Pan gravy is actually very simple. What you will need:
Meat drippings/fat
Flour
Salt
pepper
Milk/evaporated milk
Water or broth


In a skillet, heat the drippings until a dusting of flour sizzles when sprinkled over. Add enough flour to form a paste, I like to work with a looser paste, It makes for easier blending, but most cooks will tell you enough flour to resemble a crumble.

Add generous amounts of salt and pepper, add milk, stirring constantly. When you begin to see a paste forming, pour in your water/broth slowly, making sure to incorporate you paste completely. cook until just a bit thinner than you would like, as the gravy will continue to thicken on it's own. Serve, or freeze for later use.

Trouble Shooting tips:

1.My gravy is too thick/stiff.
   A. No problem, just add water or milk to loosen the gravy, just be sure to mix it in well.

2. My gravy it too watery.
    A. Heat to boil, cook until the gravy reduces to desired thickness...just be aware that it will thicken upon standing.

Crafting beginnings

Ever start on a project, with plenty of time and using supplies you have on hand, and still not be able to finish it? That was me last night.

My glue gun, E6000, all but 1 alphabet stamp set, ink pads, pearls, rhinestones, ribbon roses, paper roses.., I think you get the idea, well, they are all downstairs in what *was* going to be my new craft room before Hubby realized my sewing machine was going to interfere with his work (Walking foot.) And the room is a mess due to the going through of my ridiculously over-sized stash.

At least I got some beginnings going, and I will be clearing the way through to my general supplies today, believe you me!

a couple of coats of French Lace..

 Some vintage trim..

This wonderful tarnished metal butterfly....I hope to have the finished product ready to share tomorrow!

Keep creating!
Michelle

A few things..

Today was an early day, it should have been a very early day, but I turned off the alarm at 5:30 am and slept until 6:15

My day thus far:
Get up early to take boy 1 to work.
 
Take boy 2 with and grocery shop while out.

stop in at a new to boy 2 thrift store.

Get text from boy 1, he's very sick, needs to come home

Pick sick boy 1 up,  stop on the way home for boy 2 shoes, and caffeinated, carbonated beverages.

Arrive home, commence unloading car

Put away groceries, look outside and exclaim at how perfect the timing is!
This is what I saw when I looked outside..when we got home it was dry and nothing on the ground..I didn't even wear my coat most of the morning!

I'm so glad to not have to be driving in this, people forget to drive when it's wet or snowy or icy, or all of the above :(


For those of you wondering if we found anything at the thrift, just these wooden hangers, and boy do we have plans for them!!!

Have a crafty day!!
Michelle

Another blog hop and a recipe preview

I am so excited to have gotten into the Nancy Drew is a clue Blog hop!

I just need to get my fabric ordered and get to it!!

I've not gotten a lot accomplished today, a Dr.s appointment in the middle of the day for my youngest and oldest boys kind of threw me off track.

I am planning to work on some patterns I'm planning to release soon, and last night's dinner experiment was a success, so I will be making it again soon and will post pictures and the recipe for it soon!

Laters!
Michelle

February happenings

Birthdays, my oldest turned 20, my youngest, 15. So many friends pregnant or have just had chubby cheeked temptations. This would be the downside to having started our family so early. The up side is that well, I'm still young yet, even though my oldest just turned 20 and my youngest, 15.

That's all I will say about that right now.


The last couple of weeks have been filled with a bit of this

Reorganizing my floss..they were a mess!

Some more of this

Destashing fabric, I've far too much!

And even more of this

The new 5" binder, Coupon-ing is not quick, neat, nor for the weak of arm!!

So I can refill this

hmm...I think I need to reorganize before my shopping trip on Wednesday!

Until next time!