Friday, May 13, 2011

Don't forget!

just a simple ring I created...
as a pretty little "reminder ring"-
a bit like the classic ribbon tied around the finger to help one remember something!
(or in my case,  remember LOTS of somethings!)

I chose large white vintage buttons from my collection,
and lovely dyed silk ribbon from one of my favorite ribbon sources!-

tied the ribbons in a sweet bow on top 
and sealed the ribbon edges with Fray Check...

then simply glued the buttons to a ring base-

and now I'm hoping to remember things just a bit better!-
(if only I don't forget to put on the ring!)

and don't you forget- to have a wonderful weekend!
many blessings!
Jill
p.s. good grief!- I am NOT 110 years old!- even though my hand sure looks it!
evidently I need to "remember" to use my hand lotion a little more often! *smile!*

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Let's talk chicken!

some like it hot!...

some like it cold!...

I created two new recipes, one served hot and one cold...
both beginning with my favorite way to prepare chicken.
-5 frozen boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
-1 small bottle Italian dressing
-1/2- 3/4 cup Allegro Original Marinade
-cook on low in crock-pot for 6-7 hours
-remove chicken breasts and shred

for the hot:

Jill's Chicken & Noodles

 -5 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (from recipe above)
-1 bag carrots, pealed and diced
-3 celery stalks diced
-1 large onion diced
-1 stick butter or margarine
-1/2- 1 tsp. seasoning salt
-1 Tbsp. Tony Chachere's original creole seasoning
-black pepper to taste
-4 cans all-natural chicken broth
-1 cup "drippings" (or "broth") from crock-pot of chicken 
-1 large bag wide egg noodles- cooked per bag instructions

1. melt stick of butter in a skillet, add carrots, onions, celery
and saute until tender
2. in a large pot combine chicken broth, "drippings", shredded chicken, 
noodles, sauted vegetables and seasoning
3. cover with lid and heat through

Enjoy!

for the cold:

Jill's Chicken Salad

-5 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (from recipe above)
-3/4 cup celery chopped
-1 cup red or green grapes sliced
-1 cup mandarin oranges
-1 cup mayonnaise (or less, I start with 3/4 cup and add more if needed)
-1 Tbsp. lemon juice
-1 tsp. black pepper

Stir all together and chill.

Enjoy!

Happy cooking!
love & blessings!
Jill

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

handing your heart to mom...

precious hand prints,
forming the shape of a heart!
A little project I created for Princess #2's class...
a gift for Mother's Day!

so sweet and simple, I thought I would share...
I used a canvas panel, paints, a strip of natural linen material & not shown- acrylic sealer

1. paint entire canvas background color, I chose a Spa Blue
2. I created a "frame" by rubbing a brown antiquing medium around the edges
3. to soften the brown edges, I then dry-brushed a bit of Oyster White around the edges
4. I then poured the Barn Red paint on a paper plate, dipped each child's hands in
and placed them gently on the canvas to form the shape of the heart
 (after the hand prints dried, I did spray the entire canvas with an acrylic sealer)

5. I used a strip of natural linen, cut to desired length,
hot-glued to the back of the canvas,
   then tied in a bow, (leaving a little room to use for hanging)
6. or to place on a stand...and enjoy!

Truly a treasure...
  created from precious little hands!

 and now I'm off to add the bows to the rest of the classes "hearts"...
so on Sunday they will be able to "hand their hearts to Mom!"

Have a happy day!
love & blessings!
Jill

Monday, May 2, 2011

"Do you see what I see?"

certainly not a studio floor in desperate need of a good vacuum!-
rather, a lovely bit of happy "confetti" left behind from a weekend of creating!

not an empty candy jar!-
why a perfect spot just waiting for something new and delicious!
any suggestions?

not an unfortunate *painful* accident at the most inconvenient time of the year!-
(is there ever really a good time for a mom?)
but a perfect new spot to add a pretty little posy!
(and perhaps a gentle reminder to slow down a bit!)

not scraps too small worth saving!-
really just the perfect thing for little hands to create their very own masterpiece!

and of course...
not a glass half empty!-
ALWAYS a glass half FULL!

Happy Monday!
Many Blessings!
Jill

                                                                                                   * life made lovely!