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