Artistic Organization and Turkey Meatballs

I'm back and ready to show you my latest project!  I can't tell you how busy I've been knitting beer coozies, baby hats and ornaments...

Along with these cute little babies I worked on a better way to organize my kids' art work!  I first measured and penciled off a section of a wall that had dead space.  Then I let the girls go to town on writing on the wall.  Mom giving permission to write on the wall?  They were in heaven!

Then I used magnetic paint.  WARNING: This paint does not work well at all!  It barely held magnets let alone a magnet and a piece of work...

So now what was I to do?  My husband headed to Home Depot with measurements in hand inquiring about having sheet metal cut to size.  The very helpful employee said they only have sheets in premeasured dimensions.  He suggested trying a local heating and air-conditioning company.  So I did.  I couldn't believe it, not only were they very helpful but the price was very reasonable!  A big shout-out to Kent Heating and Air in Valparaiso!  Thanks so much for my metal!  (Note: be sure to ask for galvanized/magnetic metal)  They even 'hemmed' the edges so there was no risk of getting cut!

What do you think?  My girls love running in after school and hanging up their work and awards!  It's worked great and put a really dead space to great use!  I hope this inspires you to find your own useful space!

Here is a delicious and EASY Turkey meatball recipe!  This would be great not only for a holiday appetizer, but a quick go-to dinner!

 

Turkey Meatballs

 

1 package of Stove Top Stuffing (I like the Chicken flavor but I'm sure any flavor will do)

1 cup of hot water

1 egg white

1 tblsp. of ground sage

1 lb. ground turkey breast

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.  In a large bowl, combine stuffing, water, egg white, and sage; mix well.  Add ground turkey; mix well.  Roll into 1 to 2 inch balls on prepared sheet.  Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through, turning halfway through baking. 

 

Cranberry Sauce for dipping

 

I will give you two versions of sauce.  The first is my homemade recipe.  It's so easy to make I question why anyone would buy the can of sauce? 

 

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

2 cups cranberries (8 oz.)

 

In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water.  Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Boil rapidly for 5 minutes.  Add cranberries.  Return to boiling; reduce heat.  Boil gently uncovered, over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until skins pop, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat.  Serve warm or chilled with poultry or pork.  Makes about 2 cups sauce (thirty-two 1-tblsp. servings)

Make ahead tip:  Prepare sauce; cover and chill up to 1 week.


Canned version:

1 16 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce
1/2 cup sugar

In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar melts. 

I hope you enjoy this easy and tasty recipe!

Superb Holiday Appetizer

Well I've been busy crocheting and knitting for various customers so pardon my delay in writing! 

I have a wonderful appetizer for you to share this holiday season!  Beef Wellington Bites (a recipe shared with me from my husband's friend at work) - and they are so delicious!  Putting them together can be a little tedious, but I promise you, after your first bite you will agree it was well worth the effort!  These are filling enough for two people.  My husband and I occasionally make these for our dinner.  Enjoy!

 

Beef Wellington Bites

2 sheets of Peppridge Farm's Puff Pastry

1 lb. filet mignon - cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Boursin Cheese - Garlic and Herb

1 egg - lightly beaten

Take out the puff pastry dough and roll it out onto lightly floured surface until it is about an 1/8 of an inch thick. Cut the dough into 2 inch squares. Take a cube of beef and place it in the center of the puff pastry, then take a 1/2 teaspoon of the Boursin cheese and place it on top. Fold up the corners and seal the pastry. Make all the Wellingtons and place on a cookie sheet. I recommend using a sheet of parchment paper on the cookie sheet. Once you have assembled all of them, take the egg - 10 minutes prior to putting them in the oven - brush the egg all over the Wellingtons.  Easily makes about 30 pieces, if not more!

Bake: 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes

 

 

 

 Don't forget to check out my Etsy page for easy Host/Hostess gifts to accompany a wine or champagne bottle!  It will be the talk of the festivities!

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114871405/christmasholiday-red-and-white

Hostess Gift, Headband and Veggie Lasagna!

So I stumbled upon this cute little pattern online.  It's a hat and scarf set for a wine bottle.  Wouldn't this make the cutest hostess gift?  I plan on making a bunch and putting them in my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KnittedKnotions

Please check back there often, I will be putting in some of these cuties (Fall and Christmas colors) very soon!

 

 

Next is a headband that I created from two different patterns.  A friend mentioned how it was difficult to choose what color flower to pick for a headband.  So I thought, why not have the flower attach with a button so flowers can be interchangeable?

 

 

 

Another credit to my Pinterest surfing, I found a delicious veggie lasagna.  Of course I tweaked/added some ingredients more to my liking and ease.  I hope you give this a try....it's even delicious the next day!

 

Before

 

After. 

 

You'll have to forgive me, I didn't take a picture of a serving on a pretty plate.  I didn't even think to snap a shot before eating....it smelled so good my husband and I pretty much dove right into it!  We really enjoyed it!  It was easy to prepare too!  I always like that!

 

 

 

Veggie Lasagna

1 yellow onion, diced

1 15oz can diced tomatoes, low sodium

3 tbsp tomato paste

3 tbsp Italian spice blend

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1-3 zucchini and/or yellow squash, cut into medallion rounds

1/2 cup raw goat cheese, shredded

 1-2 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms

2 cups Ricotta Cheese

 1 bag of mozzarella (low moisture) cheese

1 bag of frozen baby broccoli florets

1 egg

OPTIONAL:  You can add 1 pound of ground turkey or lean ground sirloin.
I did not use meat because I didn't have any on hand....it was still a loaded dish!)

Directions:

In a large skillet or sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the diced onions. Saute on medium until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, ground turkey (optional), canned tomato and tomato paste, spices, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Continue to cook all ingredients until the turkey is cooked through. Set aside when done.

 

In a medium bowl, combine raw goat cheese, Ricotta, broccoli, and egg. Mix well.

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease the bottom of a 13 x 9 Pyrex glass baking dish.

 

Place a layer of zucchini and squash rounds evenly across the bottom, making a sort of liner.  Add a layer of turkey/mushroom-tomato sauce on top of the zucchini. Top that with some of the broccoli and ricotta mixture, then mozzarella. Continue with this layering process until you have used all of your ingredients.  Top the entire dish with more shredded goat cheese, and mozzarella if desired.

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Let it get golden brown!  Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!



A Work in Progress and More Organization!

Ok, so I took my first attempt at making a crocheted slipper.  It was quite hysterical.  I didn't follow the pattern correctly so my slipper ended up really big, falling off my foot as I walked.  My husband couldn't stop laughing.  This may have been my sexiest moment yet for him. 

Yes, I know it looks like a clown shoe.  But I was not going to give up!  I was going to make a cute slipper darn it!  (This is where my husband told me I'm out of control.) 

These fit much better and I'm pretty happy with them.  However, I think I would prefer using a bulkier yarn to really keep my feet warm and cushioned for those cold winter days.  I plan to find a pattern to accommodate that!

Onto the next!  As I'm crocheting more and more I realize I need to find a more practical way to carry, organize and see all of my crochet hooks.  Enter the Crystal Light container!

 

Before

 

 

After

 

So far so good!  This container is working very nicely for me!  I love when I can repurpose something and not have to run to the store!

 

So the other day my son said to me, "Mom, can I have some sandwich bags?"  I asked what for and he said he wanted to organize his Kinex pieces.  The sky opened and angels were singing!  My son said 'organize'!  So I gladly handed him the sandwich bags.  Well, I thought all he would need was a few....turns out he had about 30 sandwich bags sitting in a pile.  This wasn't going to work.  (...at least not for me aesthetically speaking).  So I went to Menards to see what I can find.  I had a nut/bolt organizer/bins in mind.  Well I found exactly that!

 

 

This has worked out very well!  There are notches in the back to even mount on the wall!  I plan to do just that! 





3 Little Pumpkins...

One Little Pumpkin

So being a 'regular' at our town's yearly brewfest, my husband and I were quite fond of a beer we tasted out of St. Louis.  On a recent trip there, my husband was sure to pick up Schlafly Beer's seasonal Pumpkin Ale.  This is definitely a spice-filled beer...just like biting into a slice of pumpkin pie!  If you'd like to get the complete pie experience, just take a sip and squirt some whipped cream in your mouth!

Two Little Pumpkin

 

Here is a recipe I recently tried and must say it was pretty good!  This would be a great snack to add to your child's school lunch.

 



Pumpkin Dip

 

3 oz. softened cream cheese

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 8oz. tub of Cool Whip

 

Beat cream cheese and sugar.  Stir in the rest of the ingredients and fold in the Cool Whip.  Serve with graham crackers.  Enjoy!

 

Three Little Pumpkin

 

With every crocheted hat I make I realize it is definitely quicker than knitting.  And when you are a mom of three, constantly watching the clock, this is definitely a more time-friendly craft.  I just love the big flower on this one, don't you? 

Oh, I almost forgot one more thing to share with you!  I am a sucker for infomercials and newly invented cleaning products.  Can't explain why - I just am!  Anyway, I was at WalMart and stumbled upon these cool little doo-dads...

Can you believe it?  Microfiber Dust Slippers?  Why didn't I think of that!  I snatched these up and couldn't wait to get home and try them out!  Sure enough - they worked great!  And best yet, the sole of the slipper is detachable, so you can throw them in the wash when you're done dusting!  If you have hard-wood floors I would recommend getting these.....my daughter loved putting these to work! 



Busy, Busy, Busy...

I haven't written in a few days due to getting this 'bug' to makeover my daughter's bedroom.  First step was finding the inspiration.  We took a trip to Kohl's and there, Brooke found her quilt.  Next was a trip to Home Depot.  If you haven't tried their Behr paint samples, you really should!  You can pick any color from the swatches and they will tint the sample cans.  I can't tell you how many times I bought paint because it looked good in the store, brought it home, painted and HATED it!  Trust me - it's worth the few extra bucks and trips to the store.  Anyway - here are the before and after pictures.  You'll have to forgive me, I couldn't take the chaos in her room another minute that I was too antsy to stop and take a 'before' picture.  Just before painting I realized I never took a 'before' shot.  So the only thing you'll see is the 'before' color. 

The green was fine.  It served its purpose for the last four years.  But I, he-hum...Brooke wanted a change and a more calming color...

And here it is!  The cabinets, believe it or not I found at Hobby Lobby!  They were very affordable and hide her 'stuff' so well!  The hinged boxes on her coffee table conveniently hold note pads and the remote control to her tv.  The bed I nabbed at a neighbor's garage sale!  (Have I mentioned how much I love garage sales?)  What a great deal I got!  It even comes with a trundle frame that rolls underneath the bed!

Brooke loves her room and I must say, so do I!  It feels like a little studio apartment!  So cozy!

Soooooooo, what about my crocheting?  Well I just finished my first crocheted hat.  This is called the Newsboy and I'm quite pleased with it.  This will serve well on those days just before my hair color touch up!  I know I will be busy making a few for my girls! 

Headband and Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup in the Crockpot!

So I'm sitting at my allergy appointment knitting up a headband for my friend when my nurse, Chris (who is a loyal enabler, uh I mean customer) asks to see what I'm making.  I show her a picture and sure enough she needs to order four for her two daughters.  The other nurse, Darlene overhears the order being placed, runs in and asks what's going on.  She sees the headbands and orders two for herself.  Then, the patient sitting two seats down from me apologizes but asks to get in on the action....three from her.  Whew!  I sure hope my fingers don't bleed!  Anyway - these are a favorite in that you don't have to wear them as a headband, you can also wear them as a collar.  It's very cute, keeps your neck warm and isn't bulky wearing under a coat.

So onto the next item of business....

 

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup in the Crockpot

(I found this recipe on Pinterest.  This is a very easy soup to make and

would partner up great with a grilled cheese!)

Makes about 2 quarts (about 8 servings)

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
2 cups half and half, warmed (or skim milk)
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.
3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed (I would recommend adding the oregano and basil towards the end of the cooking time as the crockpot tends to 'weaken' the flavors after a while.)
4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.
 

A Lil' Scrapper...

Here is the newest addition to my crocheted collection! This uses up scrap pieces of yarn. This scarf is so me....casual! I'm happy with it and think I'll be wearing it often...

A Lil' Note...

So I made a promise to myself I would try (key word try) to make a variety of lunch options for my kids. I've got to think they get just as bored eating the same thing as much as I do making it!

So today they get a peanut butter apple wrap, strawberries and choc chip pumpkin muffins (which by the way, I tweaked with a butter cake mix and used 1/2 a can of pumpkin). One of my girls gags on strawberries so she gets goldfish crackers...

I also stumbled upon a wonderful blog and Facebook page... It's Written On The Wall where you can download free lunch notes for your kids' lunches. All you have to do is like them and request the download. Here is a link. Check them out! They have really cute ideas...even for parties!

http://www.facebook.com/itswrittenonthewall

So Far, So Good!

So I made my second crocheted project.  This is another cowl, same pattern.  It's called a moebius mesh cowl.  Moebius meaning there is only one side - due to the twisting of the strip of yarn.  This is very fun and very easy to make!  Thank goodness my teacher started me out on this fun project!

I'm keeping my juices flowing by crocheting a scarf that uses many scrap pieces of yarn.  Can't wait to show you!

Here is picture of a cross body purse I finally finished from last winter!  Felting was a serious addiction of mine for a while.  I can't tell you how many felted purses I've made!  I think this one will get a lot of use....

I have no recipes today!  It's game day (Chicago Bears) and that means, pizza and wings!  The kitchen is closed!

Apple Pancake and a Little Organization

After transporting grasses in my van, it needed a good vacuuming. Driving in a cluttered vehicle makes me a little crazy...I thought I would share with you my little organization helper I made for my van. This is a scrapbooking tote I bought from Michaels. It has lots of compartments to hold wet wipes, coupons, Chapstick, dvd's, etc. It fits perfectly in between my two front seats.

This morning I made a tasty Apple-Oven Pancake. I recommend doubling this recipe and baking it in a 9 x 13 pan. This would be great for Christmas morning.

Apple-Raisin Oven Pancake

1 apple, cored, peeled and sliced
1/3 cup raisins
2 Tblsp brown sugar
4 eggs
2/3 cup milk
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tblsp margarine, melted
Cinnamon and Nutmeg for seasoning
Powdered Sugar for garnishing
Pancake syrup (optional)

Shake some cinnamon and nutmeg over apples. Toss evenly. Combine apples, raisins and brown sugar together. Spread into lightly greased 9" pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 min. Remove and set aside. Whisk eggs, milk, flour, a few shakes of cinnamon and margarine together. Pour over apples and bake at 450 degrees for 15 min. until golden. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with syrup if desired.

A Doctored Cake Mix

I love finding a shortcut to a recipe...I love it even more when I can jazz it up! I made these mini muffins and my girls can't get enough of them! They're great school lunch fillers also!

Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 box of Spice Cake Mix
2 eggs
1 can of pumpkin purée
1/2 - 1 cup of mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix the first 3 ingredients with a mixer on med speed. Then stir in the chocolate chips.

Spoon into greased mini muffin tins (almost to the top). Bake for 13-15 min. or til an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Makes about 40 muffins. Enjoy!

Happy Fall!

Well it took a while but I finished my Fall mantel.  I had an old cotton tablecloth (checkered) which didn't fit any of my tables but I still wanted to use. So I cut a few triangles and sewed them to some black felt triangles....turned out pretty good! I went a step further and cut some runners from the cloth.

The lantern I found at Old Time Pottery. I elevated some candles in it and added a few leaves and mini pumpkins. I love finding a great deal!

This look will last me til November! Happy Fall!

I did it!

So I finished my first crochet'ing project! It seems that crochet'ing might be a quicker craft than knitting. As my experience grows I will get a better feel for the difference between the two. It might be like comparing apples to oranges. But for now I'm happy to cross this off my bucket list!

I Pledge Allegiance...

...to organization!  I have been busy this week checking off my organization to-do list as well as completing beer cozy orders so I have no new pictures to post on the knitting front!  I do, however have some organization photos for you!

This year I am determined not to trip over any one's backpack!  I pledge to have outgoing papers ready and waiting by the back door!  I will not run around like a crazy person every morning looking for lunch coolers!

This first photo is of my daughters' crafts.  I had a cabinet that was a disaster.  A quick trip to WalMart brought home an over-the-door shoe organizer.  Now they can open our hallway closet and help themselves to easily-accessible craft supplies!

This next photo is of our mudroom.  I re-purposed a cabinet door from an old night-stand to hold a pencil sharpener (no more searching for the little sharpener!) and cup of pencils.  I also installed hooks to hold backpacks.  Thank goodness they are off of the floor!  I also re-purposed a wooden box to become a shelf to house cell phones and hold lunch coolers.  I bought a 3-pocket wall file (spray-painted black) for each of my kid's outgoing papers....personalized with a photo-magnet of themselves.



Now it's time to switch to Fall mode!  This weekend officially starts the season!  This is a picture of my mantel from last Fall.  I'm not sure if I will style it like this again...we shall see!

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

So I just finished Crochet Class 2 of 3 and as you can see I have a lot more practicing to do!  I can see however the differences between crocheting and knitting....crocheting seems to take less time than knitting.  Of course it all depends on what pattern you're working on. 

Back to my craft of knitting, I am starting to get orders for my beer cozies.  These are especially useful this time of the year as the weather starts to drop.  While tailgating, out at a campfire, hayrides, etc., they keep your hand warm!  Cheers!

 

Here's a useful tip for knitting/crocheting...  Take an emptied and cleaned Parmesan cheese shaker.  Drop your ball of yarn in it, pull the thread through one of the holes of the lid.  Screw the lid back on.  Now your yarn won't roll all over the place while you work!  Don't you just love re purposing?

 

 

Some Comfort...

I spent yesterday reflecting on the events of 9/11.  In some way I felt it was my duty as an American to not change the channel, but to remember all of those who suffered those horrific attacks.  I watched the original footage of that morning, some actual recordings of passersby and then watched Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (with Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock).  I knew that the next day, I would get back to my routine. Today however, I needed to give my attention to those helpless people.  They deserve it.  My husband was flying out of town that morning which put me at a heightened awareness.  So when his flight landed tonight, I was thankful and grateful for his return.

I spent a very happy day today with my daughter, Ally and her class at our local apple orchard.  We couldn't have had more perfect weather.  I enjoyed laughing and picking apples with Ally.  Taking in those little moments....adding to my mental scrapbook. 

Tonight I made apple crisp....my comfort food.  This is my husband's favorite (ok, one of his favorites).  I am including the recipe and hope you enjoy it too!  Just a note, I would double this recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan....it goes fast! 

Oh, and so far so good on the crochet'ing!  My next class is Friday so stay tuned!  : )

Apple Crisp

 

6 gala apples - peeled and sliced

8 graham crackers (2 1/2 x 5 inches), coarsely chopped

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup quick or old-fashioned oats

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Various spices...nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 

Toss apple slices with  a few shakes of your preferred spices.  Place apples in greased 8 x 8 baking dish.  Mix together graham crackers, brown sugar, flour, oats and cinnamon..mix well.  Melt butter or margarine and add to graham cracker mixture til moist and crumbly.  Sprinkle over apples.  Cover loosely with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes.  Remove foil and bake an additional 10 min. til golden brown.  Top with ice cream.  Enjoy!