I saw this on a friends' Facebook page the other day, and thought it was worth sharing. It seriously made me cry and made me happy at the same time!!
About Me
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
New DCWV Stacks!!
Joann's has some new ones out and they are pretty cool!
All About Boys
Whimsy
Safari Chic
Taj Mahal
Garden Party
Kitchen
La Creme
Tahiti
Latte
Citrus
Green
These ones have been out for a little while, but are still fairly new too!
Sweet
Animal Crackers
All About Boys
Whimsy
Safari Chic
Taj Mahal
Garden Party
Kitchen
La Creme
Tahiti
Latte
Citrus
Green
These ones have been out for a little while, but are still fairly new too!
Sweet
Animal Crackers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ice Skating
Aaron has been talking about it for a week straight, so we went yesterday afternoon.
And then Kasoma fell down and sprained his wrist, not too bad though!
And then Kasoma fell down and sprained his wrist, not too bad though!
Soup's on
I made another on on Sunday, it was the best one so far, SOUP-ER yummy, haha!
It is Rachael Ray's Cossoulet Stoup
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 pound chicken, pork or lamb sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced (didn't have any of these, used Endive instead)
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed (used dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
1 can white beans (15 ounces), drained
4 cups chicken stock (used 8 cups)
4 tablespoons butter
5-6 slices stale crusty bread, like a baguette
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
Preparation
Place a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon.
Add the bacon to the pan and cook until golden brown and crispy, 4-5 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and reserve on a paper towel-lined plate. Brown the sausage in the same pan, breaking it up with a potato masher or back of a spoon as it cooks, 5-6 minutes.
Add the onion, leeks, carrot, garlic, thyme and bay leaf to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the veggies are tender, 5-6 minutes.
Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook until golden brown and aromatic, about 1 minute.
Add the white wine and cook, scraping up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot, until reduced by half.
Add the white beans and stock to the pan, and bring up to a bubble.
Simmer the soup until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with the butter. While the butter is melting, grind up the bread into coarse breadcrumbs in a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to the pan and toast them in the melted butter until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the parsley and reserve.
Serve the soup with some of the breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon on the top.
Cooking the veggies
Soup's on!
It is Rachael Ray's Cossoulet Stoup
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 pound chicken, pork or lamb sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced (didn't have any of these, used Endive instead)
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed (used dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup white wine
1 can white beans (15 ounces), drained
4 cups chicken stock (used 8 cups)
4 tablespoons butter
5-6 slices stale crusty bread, like a baguette
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
Preparation
Place a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon.
Add the bacon to the pan and cook until golden brown and crispy, 4-5 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and reserve on a paper towel-lined plate. Brown the sausage in the same pan, breaking it up with a potato masher or back of a spoon as it cooks, 5-6 minutes.
Add the onion, leeks, carrot, garlic, thyme and bay leaf to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the veggies are tender, 5-6 minutes.
Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook until golden brown and aromatic, about 1 minute.
Add the white wine and cook, scraping up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot, until reduced by half.
Add the white beans and stock to the pan, and bring up to a bubble.
Simmer the soup until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat with the butter. While the butter is melting, grind up the bread into coarse breadcrumbs in a food processor. Transfer the crumbs to the pan and toast them in the melted butter until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the parsley and reserve.
Serve the soup with some of the breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon on the top.
Cooking the veggies
Soup's on!
Valentine's Day dinner!
My good friend Kim is helping out on a fundraiser for her church youth's mission trip, and they are hosting a dinner on Valentine's Day! It is for couples and includes dinner and dessert, all for a donation! My hubs and I are going ;)
It is on Feb 14th, at either 5 PM or 7:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, in the new youth building, 119 Texas St, in Bellingham.
Please contact Kim at lauhouse@yahoo.com to sign-up for a spot.
It is on Feb 14th, at either 5 PM or 7:30 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, in the new youth building, 119 Texas St, in Bellingham.
Please contact Kim at lauhouse@yahoo.com to sign-up for a spot.
Money saving blogs
So I was talking about my shopping trip on a message board, and one of the ladies shared a few good blogs with me...
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/
http://www.5dollardinners.com/
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://www.thenewfrugalmom.com/
http://frommynoodle.blogspot.com/2007/06/pantry-challenge-basics.html
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/
http://www.5dollardinners.com/
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://www.thenewfrugalmom.com/
http://frommynoodle.blogspot.com/2007/06/pantry-challenge-basics.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
$417
I went grocery shopping today, and I am worn out! We are trying to tighten up our belts just like the rest of the world these days, and one way we decided to do it was to take a long hard look at our grocery budget. I think I stop at the grocery store pretty much daily and I know that is where we spend a ton of money we don't need to.
So last payday, on Jan 10th, we made the decision to shop monthly, and just supplement with the incidentals when we need to. We spent the last 2 weeks going through our fridge, freezer and pantry and using up old stuff and making a long list of what we really needed. I waited until today to go shopping, and boy did I shop! I budgeted $400 and got everything on our list. It was kind of fun actually!! I wasn't too worried about spending a ton, because I already knew I was going to and it was budgeted, so a little less painful LOL. $417 and 5 stores later....
Here is what I spent...
at Wal*Mart $86.86
at Cash & Carry (local restaurant supply store) $114.88
at Bellingham Grocery Outlet (discount grocery store) $118.57
at Sunshine Liquidators (discount grocery store) $38.65
and at Fred Meyers for everything else LOL $57.82
And just what did I buy?? I am curious myself, to see it all laid out and see what my family of four uses in a month! I didn't have to buy much meat though, my local grocery store did have a pretty good sale on hamburger ($1.29 a lb!!) so I bought 15 lbs last week, and I had a bunch of kielbasa sausage, ground pork and pork chops in the freezer already.
Gotta go eat dinner, I will finish this post in a bit!
**********************************
Ok, here goes...
2 lg boxes of Cheezits
2 packages of cheese cracker sanwiches
vanilla cookies
4 cans of tomato paste
5 pks of juice mix
tin of altoids
1/2 gallon ice cream
toilet paper 24 rolls
paper towels 8 rolls
6 boxes of mac and cheese
2 lg boxes fruit snacks
lg honey bear
80 pack dishwasher tablets
bag of cornmeal
tub of raisins
16 pck ramen noodles
6 boxes of cereal bars
2 bags noodles
4 boxes of chicken rice mix
5 boxes frozen spinach
4 cans sliced carrots
2 cans crushed pineapple
bag of sunflower seeds
2 jars mayo
4 pakages pasta and sauce mix
3 boxes vanilla pudding
6 boxes lime jello
3 boxes cherry jello
2 boxes beef rice mix
laundry liquid 12o loads
lg tub sour cream
5 lb bag onions
1 gallon plain vineagar
lg bag rice cereal
lg bag Cheerios
2 lb bag of broccoli florets
2 lb bag of mini carrots
gallon ziploc freezer bags 90 ct
quart freezer bags 120 ct
sandwich bags 200 ct
bacon ends and pices, 3 lb
2 bags barley
flour tortillas 40 ct
14 lb boneless pork leg (this was $.99 a pound!!)
bananas
salad mix
3 lb tub margarine
5lb block cheddar cheese
grape jelly
soy butter
ride wine vineagar
apple cider vineagar
jar of pepperocinis
lg bag spaghetti noodles
4 loaves of bread
cooking spray
4 cartons soy milk
bacon crumbles
paper napkins 500 ct
3 large jars spaghetti sauce
cottage cheese
spinach salad mix
2 packages bacon slices
2 packages chorizo sausage
36 pack cheese sticks
3 lb bag chicken nuggets
3 lb bag breaded chicken patties
3 lb bag fish fillets
hummus
2 bags crinkle fries
15 bean soup mix
2 bags lentils
3 light bulbs
bulk peppercorns
Ovaltine choc drink mix
balsamic vineagar
bulk curry powder
espresso beans
bulk dried black beans
3 heads garlic
worchestershire sauce
2 bundles green onions
2 packages butter
4 packages hotdogs
2 whole chickens
plain yogurt
6 boxes granola bars
3 bottles of salad dressing
lg can chicken soup base
2 boxes rice and bean mix
3 boxes vegetable dip mix
2 boxes ranch dip mix
2 bottles mustard
lg can of peanuts
bag of pretzels
phew!!
What does your family eat compared to mine?? I am curious ;)
So last payday, on Jan 10th, we made the decision to shop monthly, and just supplement with the incidentals when we need to. We spent the last 2 weeks going through our fridge, freezer and pantry and using up old stuff and making a long list of what we really needed. I waited until today to go shopping, and boy did I shop! I budgeted $400 and got everything on our list. It was kind of fun actually!! I wasn't too worried about spending a ton, because I already knew I was going to and it was budgeted, so a little less painful LOL. $417 and 5 stores later....
Here is what I spent...
at Wal*Mart $86.86
at Cash & Carry (local restaurant supply store) $114.88
at Bellingham Grocery Outlet (discount grocery store) $118.57
at Sunshine Liquidators (discount grocery store) $38.65
and at Fred Meyers for everything else LOL $57.82
And just what did I buy?? I am curious myself, to see it all laid out and see what my family of four uses in a month! I didn't have to buy much meat though, my local grocery store did have a pretty good sale on hamburger ($1.29 a lb!!) so I bought 15 lbs last week, and I had a bunch of kielbasa sausage, ground pork and pork chops in the freezer already.
Gotta go eat dinner, I will finish this post in a bit!
**********************************
Ok, here goes...
2 lg boxes of Cheezits
2 packages of cheese cracker sanwiches
vanilla cookies
4 cans of tomato paste
5 pks of juice mix
tin of altoids
1/2 gallon ice cream
toilet paper 24 rolls
paper towels 8 rolls
6 boxes of mac and cheese
2 lg boxes fruit snacks
lg honey bear
80 pack dishwasher tablets
bag of cornmeal
tub of raisins
16 pck ramen noodles
6 boxes of cereal bars
2 bags noodles
4 boxes of chicken rice mix
5 boxes frozen spinach
4 cans sliced carrots
2 cans crushed pineapple
bag of sunflower seeds
2 jars mayo
4 pakages pasta and sauce mix
3 boxes vanilla pudding
6 boxes lime jello
3 boxes cherry jello
2 boxes beef rice mix
laundry liquid 12o loads
lg tub sour cream
5 lb bag onions
1 gallon plain vineagar
lg bag rice cereal
lg bag Cheerios
2 lb bag of broccoli florets
2 lb bag of mini carrots
gallon ziploc freezer bags 90 ct
quart freezer bags 120 ct
sandwich bags 200 ct
bacon ends and pices, 3 lb
2 bags barley
flour tortillas 40 ct
14 lb boneless pork leg (this was $.99 a pound!!)
bananas
salad mix
3 lb tub margarine
5lb block cheddar cheese
grape jelly
soy butter
ride wine vineagar
apple cider vineagar
jar of pepperocinis
lg bag spaghetti noodles
4 loaves of bread
cooking spray
4 cartons soy milk
bacon crumbles
paper napkins 500 ct
3 large jars spaghetti sauce
cottage cheese
spinach salad mix
2 packages bacon slices
2 packages chorizo sausage
36 pack cheese sticks
3 lb bag chicken nuggets
3 lb bag breaded chicken patties
3 lb bag fish fillets
hummus
2 bags crinkle fries
15 bean soup mix
2 bags lentils
3 light bulbs
bulk peppercorns
Ovaltine choc drink mix
balsamic vineagar
bulk curry powder
espresso beans
bulk dried black beans
3 heads garlic
worchestershire sauce
2 bundles green onions
2 packages butter
4 packages hotdogs
2 whole chickens
plain yogurt
6 boxes granola bars
3 bottles of salad dressing
lg can chicken soup base
2 boxes rice and bean mix
3 boxes vegetable dip mix
2 boxes ranch dip mix
2 bottles mustard
lg can of peanuts
bag of pretzels
phew!!
What does your family eat compared to mine?? I am curious ;)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Some more Etsy stuff...
I had a little quiet time today and made some cards for my Etsy store, and uploaded my Halloween lace from awhile ago finally. I got to use the new stamps that I got the other day ;)
Secrets...
If you haven't heard of PostSecret, it is a really amazing website, check it out. I do every Sunday!!
http://postsecret.blogspot.com
http://postsecret.blogspot.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Check out this GREAT blog!!
http://thepinkstamper.blogspot.com/
This is a fabulous blog, and she has TONS of how-to use your Cricut videos!
This is a fabulous blog, and she has TONS of how-to use your Cricut videos!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Finally!!!!!!!!
I got my first REAL scrap-for-hire job, WOOHOO!!
I have a client that I have had for about 13 years and her and her boyfriend own a DJ business. They recently started renting photobooths for their parties/weddings and asked me to make some scrapbooks to have on hand for the guests write in and put the pics in. And she wants a DOZEN! So I gave her 4 last night and she loved them ;) They are simple, nothing fancy, so I can make them fairly quickly, but she is also going to have a few of my business cards there for them to look over as well, I am so excited!!
ETA: I have had a few requests for pictures, lol! The truth is, I was scrambling madly to finish these in order to get them to Wendy on time that I was literally late getting out the door! I will post pictures of the next batch, promise!
I have a client that I have had for about 13 years and her and her boyfriend own a DJ business. They recently started renting photobooths for their parties/weddings and asked me to make some scrapbooks to have on hand for the guests write in and put the pics in. And she wants a DOZEN! So I gave her 4 last night and she loved them ;) They are simple, nothing fancy, so I can make them fairly quickly, but she is also going to have a few of my business cards there for them to look over as well, I am so excited!!
ETA: I have had a few requests for pictures, lol! The truth is, I was scrambling madly to finish these in order to get them to Wendy on time that I was literally late getting out the door! I will post pictures of the next batch, promise!
New stuff to read
Sunday, January 18, 2009
More stamps...
These aren't too bad for my 'scrap diet' LOL! They were $9.99 and on sale for 40% off at Joann's, so only $5.99!
and some more fun $1 stamps.... These are the Studio G series 26 set
and some more fun $1 stamps.... These are the Studio G series 26 set
Success!!
My son Aaron likes to get up at the CRACK of dawn, and eat breakfast. Every morning promptly at 7:15 I get a -poke-poke-poke- "Moooooooooom, it's time for breakfast!" Both Kasoma and I have been trying for about a year to get him to use the toaster, and he just wouldn't do it, until this morning!!!
He made his own breakfast... Toast with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon, a banana and some milk. Well, he made cream cheese to go with his toast, but it's still progress!!
YAY!
He made his own breakfast... Toast with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon, a banana and some milk. Well, he made cream cheese to go with his toast, but it's still progress!!
YAY!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Goofy kids
Just them being silly!
....playing in a 'fort'
...and Adrian hiding under some blankets on the couch
....playing in a 'fort'
...and Adrian hiding under some blankets on the couch
Adrian's Christmas program at preschool
Adrian's preschool did the Nativity and she was a sheep :)
Hertwo teachers, Miss Angie (red shirt) and her daughter Miss Katie
Hertwo teachers, Miss Angie (red shirt) and her daughter Miss Katie
Family pics
We went to my cousin Sarah's house last Sunday in Seattle, and had a chance to hang out with some family we haven't seen in awhile! Her 2 boys were being Christened that day and her mom and brother were up from California to visit.
From L-to-R Me, Kasoma, my dad (Ted), his sister Sue, and her two kids Tom and Sarah.
Sarah and Marty's oldest, Jackson, playing with Aaron in their playroom.
From L-to-R Me, Kasoma, my dad (Ted), his sister Sue, and her two kids Tom and Sarah.
Sarah and Marty's oldest, Jackson, playing with Aaron in their playroom.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bummer!
I saw this today, and am so sad! This is one of my fav scrapping magazines!
The Official Announcement
Loyal readers and contributors,
I am saddened to share that, due to difficult conditions in both the economy and the publishing market, the May/June 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (on sale April 14) will be its last.
Since its founding in 2002, Simple Scrapbooks has been simplifying the process of scrapbooking for tens of thousands of scrapbookers worldwide, providing solutions that keep them engaged in and passionate about sharing their stories and memories. The end of Simple Scrapbooks as a magazine is not the end of this message. It will continue as part of Creating Keepsakes magazine, where, starting with the July 2009 issue, we will integrate Simple concepts and personalities into our editorial mix, and continue providing ideas and inspiration to help beginning and experienced scrapbookers alike fit scrapbooking into their busy lives.
Implementing these editorial changes does not mean Creating Keepsakes readers will lose the content they know and love. It only means that the magazine will be further enriched by the Simple Scrapbooks approach—the best of both worlds in one publication! With 75% of readers subscribing to both publications, CK Media feels this change will also benefit subscribers who are feeling the current economic hardships.
All current Simple Scrapbooks subscriptions will be honored through the May/June 2009 issue, at which point any remaining issues will be fulfilled by Creating Keepsakes magazine, beginning with the July 2009 issue. If you are already a subscriber to Creating Keepsakes, your subscription will be extended accordingly. Any questions regarding submissions can be directed to simplescrapbooks@emailcustomerservice.com or by calling 866/334-8149.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We have enjoyed our association with you, our loyal readers, and look forward to continuing it as part of the Creating Keepsakes family.
Sincerely,
Lin Sorenson
VP/Editorial DirectorCK Media
The Official Announcement
Loyal readers and contributors,
I am saddened to share that, due to difficult conditions in both the economy and the publishing market, the May/June 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (on sale April 14) will be its last.
Since its founding in 2002, Simple Scrapbooks has been simplifying the process of scrapbooking for tens of thousands of scrapbookers worldwide, providing solutions that keep them engaged in and passionate about sharing their stories and memories. The end of Simple Scrapbooks as a magazine is not the end of this message. It will continue as part of Creating Keepsakes magazine, where, starting with the July 2009 issue, we will integrate Simple concepts and personalities into our editorial mix, and continue providing ideas and inspiration to help beginning and experienced scrapbookers alike fit scrapbooking into their busy lives.
Implementing these editorial changes does not mean Creating Keepsakes readers will lose the content they know and love. It only means that the magazine will be further enriched by the Simple Scrapbooks approach—the best of both worlds in one publication! With 75% of readers subscribing to both publications, CK Media feels this change will also benefit subscribers who are feeling the current economic hardships.
All current Simple Scrapbooks subscriptions will be honored through the May/June 2009 issue, at which point any remaining issues will be fulfilled by Creating Keepsakes magazine, beginning with the July 2009 issue. If you are already a subscriber to Creating Keepsakes, your subscription will be extended accordingly. Any questions regarding submissions can be directed to simplescrapbooks@emailcustomerservice.com or by calling 866/334-8149.
Thank you for your loyalty and support. We have enjoyed our association with you, our loyal readers, and look forward to continuing it as part of the Creating Keepsakes family.
Sincerely,
Lin Sorenson
VP/Editorial DirectorCK Media
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New scrap stuff
I broke my scrap 'diet' and splurged on a few things today! I have been pretty good, I don't think I have purchased anything since Thanksgiving or so other than a few neccessities like adhesive, etc.
I found this paper pack at M's for $9.99, it is super cute!!
They have a bunch of new lines that I drooled over, like Chloe's Closet and Friendy Forest!!
Plus I found a bunch of fun new $1 stamps at J's!
I found this paper pack at M's for $9.99, it is super cute!!
They have a bunch of new lines that I drooled over, like Chloe's Closet and Friendy Forest!!
Plus I found a bunch of fun new $1 stamps at J's!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's for dinner tonight?
I decided to make soup today, my house smells so good! I used this recipe from Rachael Ray...
Red Beans and Rice Stoup
I made a few susbtitutions though so I didn't have to go to the store!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 pound andouille sausage, sliced on the bias (substituted smoked sausage)
1/2 cup orzo (subistituted broken spaghetti)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated (used 4)
2 to 3 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (substituted a carrot)
1 bay leaf
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 to 5 sprigs thyme
1 14-ounce can red kidney beans
1 cup long grain white rice, such as basmati
1 quart chicken stock (I doubled this to 2 Qts, I like it a little more broth-y!)
3 to 4 scallions, thinly sliced
Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the andouille to the pan and cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and reserve on a plate.
Add the orzo to the pan the sausage was cooked in and toast until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, celery, pepper and bay leaf to the pan, and cook until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Season everything with salt and pepper and add the hot sauce, Worcestershire, thyme sprigs, beans, rice and reserved sausage to the pot. Stir in the stock plus 2 cups water and bring up to a bubble. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the rice and pasta are cooked through, 16-18 minutes.
Just before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and season as needed with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with scallions.
Red Beans and Rice Stoup
I made a few susbtitutions though so I didn't have to go to the store!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 pound andouille sausage, sliced on the bias (substituted smoked sausage)
1/2 cup orzo (subistituted broken spaghetti)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated (used 4)
2 to 3 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (substituted a carrot)
1 bay leaf
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 to 5 sprigs thyme
1 14-ounce can red kidney beans
1 cup long grain white rice, such as basmati
1 quart chicken stock (I doubled this to 2 Qts, I like it a little more broth-y!)
3 to 4 scallions, thinly sliced
Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the andouille to the pan and cook until golden brown, 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and reserve on a plate.
Add the orzo to the pan the sausage was cooked in and toast until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, celery, pepper and bay leaf to the pan, and cook until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Season everything with salt and pepper and add the hot sauce, Worcestershire, thyme sprigs, beans, rice and reserved sausage to the pot. Stir in the stock plus 2 cups water and bring up to a bubble. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the rice and pasta are cooked through, 16-18 minutes.
Just before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs and season as needed with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with scallions.
A fun bag
I stayed up a little too late last night working on this, but it turned out how I wanted, so it's all good! I wanted to make something funky, and I had some leftover denim and this pretty floral stuff, so that is what I used.
I was inspired by these cute bags I found on Etsy that are just so cute! I wanted to try and make something similar before I went to the store and bought some fabric just for this project, so this was my practice one. I didn't have a pattern, I just eye-balled it and here's how it turned out...
I even made a lined pocket for the first time, using this tutorial!
I was inspired by these cute bags I found on Etsy that are just so cute! I wanted to try and make something similar before I went to the store and bought some fabric just for this project, so this was my practice one. I didn't have a pattern, I just eye-balled it and here's how it turned out...
I even made a lined pocket for the first time, using this tutorial!
Monday, January 12, 2009
CPSIA update
CPSC Clarifies Requirements of New Children’s Product Safety Laws Taking Effect in FebruaryGuidance Intended for Resellers of Children’s Products, Thrift and Consignment Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws. Beginning February 10, 2009, children’s products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children’s products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.
Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009.
The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children’s products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.
The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
When the CPSIA was signed into law on August 14, 2008, it became unlawful to sell recalled products. All resellers should check the CPSC Web site (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html) for information on recalled products before taking into inventory or selling a product. The selling of recalled products also could carry civil and/or criminal penalties.
While CPSC expects every company to comply fully with the new laws resellers should pay special attention to certain product categories. Among these are recalled children’s products, particularly cribs and play yards; children’s products that may contain lead, such as children’s jewelry and painted wooden or metal toys; flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts; toys that lack the required age warnings; and dolls and stuffed toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children.
The agency has underway a number of rulemaking proposals intended to provide guidance on the new lead limit requirements. Please visit the CPSC website at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws. Beginning February 10, 2009, children’s products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children’s products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.
Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009.
The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children’s products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.
The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.
When the CPSIA was signed into law on August 14, 2008, it became unlawful to sell recalled products. All resellers should check the CPSC Web site (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html) for information on recalled products before taking into inventory or selling a product. The selling of recalled products also could carry civil and/or criminal penalties.
While CPSC expects every company to comply fully with the new laws resellers should pay special attention to certain product categories. Among these are recalled children’s products, particularly cribs and play yards; children’s products that may contain lead, such as children’s jewelry and painted wooden or metal toys; flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts; toys that lack the required age warnings; and dolls and stuffed toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children.
The agency has underway a number of rulemaking proposals intended to provide guidance on the new lead limit requirements. Please visit the CPSC website at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information.
Want to join me???
Spread the Love, Share the Hope
It's the dawn of a new year and a new season of hope. It's the perfect time to encourage your friends and family to embark on a new adventure and join your resolution to do something truly big and bold to end breast cancer.
Friends and family who register for the Breast Cancer 3-Day between January 12th - 16th with the discount code NEWYEAR will receive a $25 discount off the registration fee. They'll also get a free Breast Cancer 3-Day window cling in the mail, to show the world that they're proud to be a part of the Breast Cancer
3-Day.
Forward this email to a friend today and share the gift of the Breast Cancer
3-Day.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Life's most urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" We know what you're doing - working to end breast cancer forever! Thank you for that. Your Breast Cancer 3-Day experience could be even better by sharing it with friends and family. Please forward this email along to them.
Begin your Breast Cancer 3-Day journey with your friends and family by your side. Urge them to register today.
We're here to help,
The Breast Cancer 3-Day Coaches
Note: Visit http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY to register. Participants must register before midnight (CT) on January 16, 2009 and use the discount code NEWYEAR to receive the $25 discount off the registration fee. We are not able to retroactively discount any previous registrations, or registrations that are made without using the discount code.
For more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, visit http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Michael's coupon!!
I went in search of a certain pack of pp this morning at M's and they have a TON of stuff one sale! The MM Embellishment rack is 50% off (so $39.99) and there are those red clearance stickers EVERYWHERE, and the carts are 50% off, I bought the Calligraphy one!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Check out these pics!
Here are some amazing pictures from the flooding the last week in Whatcom county where I live!
Aerial photos
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
A few interesting ones...
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Adrian goes to preschool in Ferndale, about 8 miles away from our town. While she is in school from 9:30 to 12:30 I go right down the street to the local gym and hop on the treadmill for a few miles. I have just enough time to walk about 3 or 4 miles, take a shower and run an errand or two and then pic her up again. Check out these two pics!!
The preschool was doing pretty good, but the gym had mud right up to the front steps!
Also, my dad works for Puget Sound Energy and sent me some pics that he took the last few days.
Click HERE for the slideshow
Aerial photos
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
A few interesting ones...
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Adrian goes to preschool in Ferndale, about 8 miles away from our town. While she is in school from 9:30 to 12:30 I go right down the street to the local gym and hop on the treadmill for a few miles. I have just enough time to walk about 3 or 4 miles, take a shower and run an errand or two and then pic her up again. Check out these two pics!!
The preschool was doing pretty good, but the gym had mud right up to the front steps!
Also, my dad works for Puget Sound Energy and sent me some pics that he took the last few days.
Click HERE for the slideshow
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