Where do I begin? A bunch o' stuff...

You know, once in a while I get a little down...I start thinking about this blog and I wonder, "Does anyone really care if I post or not?" I think we all have "visions" when we start a blog, and sometimes the visions become a reality and sometimes they do not. I don't know where I'm going with all of this, I usually don't get this "philosphical" on my blog, and I don't mean to sound like a downer....just letting you know what my thoughts have been. Anyways, I understand and totally get that to become a famous blogger it requires a lot of time, a lot of skill (great photos are a huge bonus) and a lot of dedication. Some days I have it and some days I don't. Some days I want to focus on the fun stuff and some days I want to focus on the required stuff....chores, paying bills, grocery shopping, homework -- you get it. So, that is basically my "excuse" for where I have been and what I've been up to. But, in a positive light, a few weeks ago I got the sweetest e-mail from someone I admire and have admired for a long time....I've never met her, but I think she's super talented, super sweet and I deeply appreciate the fact that she reached out to me during a time when I was thinking, "does it matter?" If you've never been to Laura Craigie's blog, you MUST check it out....she's been on a roll lately and has many accomplishments attached to her sweet name. I would love to be half as talented...

Here's some of what I've been busy with lately:

This is a card I made for a friend using some scraps, SU cardstock, the Teeny Tags stamp set, scallop border punch, Fiskars edge punch, the Outlines alphabet stamp set from Papertrey Ink and a Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Can you tell that punches are my favorite tools to use?

Next up a little card I made for my sister:

This was a quick card I made using a Hero Arts bicycle stamp. (My sister gave my daughter a bike and I wanted to send a thank-you card.) The patterned paper was from my stash, but I think it's from Hobby Lobby's brand. I also used the Apron Lace border punch and the Teeny Tags stamp set.

I've also been working on a few Easter treat samples. I'm not sure what I'm going to go with yet so I just make one or two of something and then I decide.

This is a fun egg-shaped tote that is just small enough to make with one piece of 8x11 paper but big enough to fill with some fun treats. (I actually made these last year.)

This was an easy craft using a piece of cardstock and a piece of vinyl. I punched the holes using my Crop-a-Dile and then cinched it together using purple organza ribbon. I also made another version using clear vinyl on both sides and stitched it together using pink thread and my sewing machine. (Sorry the photo isn't the best quality.)

I think both of these would work much better using flat M&M's (the plain version) but for Easter, the plain version is made in an egg shape. Who would have thunk such a thing? (is thunk a word???)

And, one of my favorite Easter treats is a non-sweet treat....I shared these last year but thought I would re-post a picture:

Easter "carrots" made using Cheetos (or you could use Goldfish crackers) and piping bags from Wilton. These were a huge hit in my 2nd grade class.

And, just in case you're interested, here are a few things I've done in the last few days (things that I've actually managed to take pictures of):

I've long admired a turquoise and red necklace worn by another blogger (that I visit daily) and I've never been able to find one like it....so, yesterday I gathered the supplies and made one all by myself!! I was shocked that it took less than 15 minutes and turned out just the right length and exactly how I envisioned it.  Yahoo!!

Next up, I thought I would share a fabulous bread that we've been making lately. I got the recipe from another blog (what we would do without blogs?) and it's fantastic! In my quest to get my family on a healthier eating path this Oatmeal Bread will be making an appearance quite often at my dinner table.

That's it for now...I promise to be a better blogger, but thanks in advance for your patience and understanding! Bloggers and blog readers are the best!!

Yumminess in a Bowl

I made a really easy and really tasty pasta salad the other night.  If you like your pasta salad with a little "kick" then this might just be right up your alley...

I'm calling this "Fresh Market Spicy Pasta Salad" because the original pasta salad we tasted came from a fancy food store called "Fresh Market." They sell grocery items plus fresh fruits and veggies along with tons of prepared items that are good, but at the same time very pricey.

To make this one start out with some cooked angel hair pasta that you have drained and rinsed.  I have found that one-half pound (or half the box) makes plenty, but adjust to your needs.

Next, in another bowl, combine diced tomatoes (2-3) and diced fresh jalepenos (2):

To that add diced onion (1/3 of a medium-sized onion), olive and canola oil (1/4 cup each) and rice vinegar (1/4 cup):

I also added some small cubes of Parmesan cheese because that's what we had on hand. You could also add Asiago cheese and that would be equally as yummy.

To finish up the mixins' I added Italian seasoning (1-2 tsps.), salt and pepper, crushed garlic (3 cloves) and dried parsley.

Add the pasta and toss it all together. 

The first time I made this salad I added fresh basil.  This time I left it out.  I think the basil adds a really nice flavor so if you have it use it....I hope you try it and like it!

Saturday Night Shrimp

Yesterday, I was visiting a few of my "blog friends" and I came across this recipe....I thought it looked pretty yummy, so tonight we made it. Let me tell you....it was FABULOUS!
Although my picture is not as pretty as the one on "Little Birdie Secrets" - I was in too much of hurry to eat....this recipe has now earned a spot under our "favorite recipes" section. We felt like we were definitely eating high-style with the yummy, creamy homemade parmesan/garlic sauce. If you like shrimp, I would encourage you to try it out...you won't be sorry!

Favorite Chicken Wraps

My husband brought in this tray of chicken and veggies last night for our dinner and I had to take a quick shot of it....the veggies all lined up with perfect grill marks...just beautiful!
These chicken-veggie wraps are one of my favorite dinners. I just love them! You can take any veggies you like, we like squash, purple onion and red pepper. We marinate both the veggies and the boneless chicken breasts in olive oil and Emeril's "Bam" Seasoning (in separate bags). Then you cook everything on the grill.

When everything has been grilled, you get your cheese, tortillas and ranch dressing ready. We like to use Monterey Jack Pepper cheese. Cut all of your veggies and your chicken into strips.

Next, brush the ranch dressing on the inside of your tortilla shell and begin filling with your grilled ingredients, topping everything with the jack cheese. Roll them up and stick them with a toothpick. Now, they're ready for the grill [again] just to warm everything up, melt the cheese and crisp up the outsides of the tortilla shells.

Here's what they look like when they are finished. We usually serve them with a side of chips and salsa! They are delish! And the leftovers are just as good!