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!-

M & J Trimming

 

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!*

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

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

"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!                                                       

Happy {handmade} Easter!

 

{a scrappy egg created with precious little hands by Princess #2}

 

{gifts with love for our teachers}

 

{simple glittered eggs created to become a part of our Easter table}

 

{mini banner made from studio scraps sharing our reason for celebrating}

 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope

 

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."

1 Peter 1:3

 Happy Easter!

love & blessings!

Jill

happy "little things"...

 

a little rainbow of glitter on my desk...

 

a little painting created by Princess #1...

 a little surprise gift from a precious friend...

(that I just looooove!)

 

a little line-up of Spring polish...

(our favorites! by Essie, from left to right)

Sand Tropez, Turquoise + Caicos, Ballet Slippers, Coral Reef, Nice is Nice

 

a little spot of favorites in the bookshelf...

 

a little face that just melts your heart!...

 

Princess #2's dream-come-true-

"Winston"!

 he joined our family this past weekend

and has us all a bit smitten!

 What's on your happy "little things" list right now?

Oh, please do share!

love & blessings!

Jill

nesting...

 

well, creating "noodle nests" that is...

one of the children's favorites they look forward to (and ask for!) every Easter!

 

a simple little treat, created with:

24 paper baking cups

3 T. butter or margarine

3 T. creamy peanut butter

3 C. mini marshmallows

1 (12oz.) bag chow mein noodles

jelly beans

24 marshmallow chicks

 

Melt margarine over low heat. Gradually stir in peanut butter, then slowly

add marshmallows. Stir until mixture is melted and smooth.

Remove mixture from heat. Add noodles and stir until noodles are coated.

Spoon mixture into paper lined muffin tins and shape to form nests.

 

When nests are cool, you may add jelly bean "eggs"...

 

 and of course a little chick too!

Enjoy!

&

Happy "Nesting"!

Many Blessings!

Jill

p.s. ya'll just blessed me beyond words with all your emails (and comments)

filled with prayers and well wishes!

You are just the sweetest readers! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!-

and the stone is moving along...slowly, but moving!