10/16/17

What's Been Going On?

Happy start of a new week, everyone!  I'm scratching my head and wondering how we can possibly be starting the 3rd week of October already!  I mean, geez, let's slow it down a bit!  I was a bit absent from social media and the blog this past week and thought I'd share some of the things that occupied my time.

First off, I had shared a pic on IG of a new stew recipe I was trying and promised to share the recipe if it was good.  Well, it was delicious, so here's the pic I shared on IG.....

Everything is in the crockpot and ready to provide a wonderful aroma throughout the day. 

Here is the finished goodness.....and I do mean goodness!

Here's the recipe:

In a 6-quart slow cooker, add 1 1/2 lbs. chuck roast, cut into bite-size pieces (or do what I did and buy stew meat....saves a lot of cutting); 1 large potato, peeled and chopped; 8 oz. mushrooms, left whole or cut into quarters; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp. salt; 3/4 tsp. dried thyme; 1/2 tsp. pepper; 1 (32-oz) carton beef broth (reduced sodium if that's an issue).  Cover and cook on High until it starts to just bubble, then reduce to Low for 6 to 8 hrs, or until meat is tender.  Place 1/4 cup flour in a small bowl.  Add a ladle of cooking liquid and whisk until smooth.  Pour back into slow cooker and stir well.  Cook on High for about 30 min. until slightly thickened.  Add 1/2 cup frozen peas and let sit until heated through, about 5 min.  Serves 6-8 depending on how hungry everyone is!  It's great with an artisan bread or cornbread.

More crafting......
I've seen these swags several times in home tours and decided to make one to go over the chalkboard that has my favorite saying.   I wish I had made it longer, but seriously, I got so bored putting little squares, circles & folded pieces of book pages together with a needle and yarn...just had to stop!

This took most of the book I was using....I do really like it, and now that it's finished, I can say I'm glad I did it!

I've been whining about not finding these bead garlands that I keep seeing in blog tours, so I decided to make one.  I found these in HobLob in their finished crafting bead section.  I really wanted the unfinished wood beads, but they didn't have what I was looking for, but they had the finished ones in lots of different sizes.  The ones I used are 3/4 inch, and came in packages of 12 for $1.99.  They only had three packages left, so my garland is about 32 inches long (not including the tassels).  It was super-easy to make (and fast), and now I want to make another one or two!

Just had to share this cute free printable from Kristi at I Should Be Mopping the Floor.  I think you have to sign up for her newsletter for this particular freebie, and you should do just that....she does the cutest things and has tons of FREE printables available on her blog!

Perfect combination for an afternoon break... Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin (you can get the recipe from Tracey HERE)....so delicious; Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (you can get the recipe from Jen HERE)....this is the best "copycat" I've tried; and my creative Bible journal. 

I'm always amazed at how much I can get done when I turn away from social media for a little while!  One biggie that was on my list to complete this month were my Christmas cards.  WHAT?  No, I'm not talking about addressing and all that; I make all my cards, not just Christmas!  
In the past, I've made them all alike, but I much prefer......

Making them all different.

I have to keep a postage scale handy so as not to add too much weight with embellishments.  It's such a great way to use of odds 'n ends in my scrapbook stash!

Some are very simple and some are a bit more detailed.

I've made about thirty-two & may make a few more.  Now I have to come up with something clever or profound for the inside....yes, this "lover of words" writes the inside verse.  The inside is the same for all the cards;  I just adjust the size if needed. 

Well, there you have it....my mind and hands have not been idle!  I am so grateful to have a dedicated room for my crafting; and fortunately, it's just a few steps away from the kitchen!  Otherwise, there might be little or no cooking going on!  I hope you've enjoyed catching up with me.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

Warm hugs,
Carol

I hope to be joining some of these lovely ladies this week:

Kristi at Making it in the Mountains for The Creative Gallery
Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday
Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life  for Inspire Me Tuesday
Suzy at Worthing Court for The Scoop
Carol at The Red Painted Cottage for Share Your Style Party
Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home



11 comments:

  1. What a wonderful time you have had cooking and crafting. I am the same way- I get so much done when I abandon social media for a while...but then miss the interaction with others and always come back to blogging and FB. I am not into IG too much (so far). lol

    I love everything you have made-including the poke a needle through the squares to make a garland....lol

    I hope you have a wonderful week, Carol. xo Diana

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  2. Carol, I am so impressed that you make all of those Christmas cards! I've made ours before but each one was the same. Your soup looks wonderful. I think I could eat soup and salad everyday when the weather is cool. Hope you are feeling well! :)

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  3. What a yummy recipe! And so impressive that you make all those cards! Wow! Love the fall printable too. Happy fall!

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  4. Hi Carol! The recipe sounds delicious. I will give it a try very soon. Love your book page garland and your handmade Christmas cards! It is wonderful that you make them every year. I am glad you are enjoying your crafting time. BTW, you can find the unfinished wood beads at Michaels. They have them in large and medium size. I just bought some not long ago. Take care, Maria

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  5. It's definitely soup and stew season! Sounds delicious! How nice that you make your cards. They are beautiful! (I am sure I would get so much more done if I stayed away from social media as well...ugh)...
    Shelley

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  6. Your stew looks so yummy...the perfect comfort food and WOW, the cards you have made are so beautiful! I love this season.

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I truly love to hear from you and try to respond to each and everyone. If you have "no reply blogger," I will respond in my comments section and then visit your blog as soon as I can.

Make this a great day!
Carol

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