Sunday, December 23, 2012

Made in Portugal

I picked this up today for $3.45 at the thrift store. It'll look great on my open shelf kitchen (whenever I get one).

Christmas Chicken Roast

Two of my children don't like turkey. So, I decided to roast an 8 pound chicken for Christmas Eve.
I didn't truss it. I've only trussed one bird in my lifetime. I don't mind the look and the extra crispy wing tips.

Homemade vegetable stock

I'm making vegetable stock from scratch for my Christmas dinner. Here's my recipe:

Vegetable Stock
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, quartered
1 stalk celery, quartered
2 medium carrots, quartered
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
3-4 sprigs parsley, coarsely chopped
8 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
8 cups cold tap water

Heat the olive oil in a stock pot. Add the onions and saute until softened and starting to brown.

Add the celery and carrots. Continue to saute until fragrant.

Add the parsley and garlic. Saute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic or it will turn bitter.

Add the water, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for one hour.

Strain. It's ready to use for making gravy and my cornbread dressing.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year!

It's a wonderful start to another year. I thank God that He continues to bless me, my family, and my friends. With the Lord's help, I survived 2011 through all of the twists and turns and I look forward to what 2012 has to offer.

I've decided to do a 21-day spiritual fast along with a small group of women. We're loosely following the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church (note the church link to the left leads to the site where an audio message automatically plays) 21 Days in God's Presence Corporate Prayer and Fasting. I say loosely because each person will fast according to what the Spirit leads her to do. However, we will all follow the same scriptures as listed in the 21 Days in God's Presence.

Our group decided to meet once a week, preferably in person, to share our revelations, discuss our experiences, and be accountable. Since all of us are full time workers, it is challenging to find a time to meet. But, with a tool like Doodle it makes it easier to identify a time that works for the majority of participants.

I've decided to follow a much stricter fasting regimen. It is similar to what is discussed on Susan Gregory's blog. Basicly, I've committed to a vegan eating plan with additional restrictions such as nothing deep fried, no artificial anything, and no added sugar. As this is my second year on this fast, I know what to expect and what are some potential pitfalls.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you and hope this can help someone else along the way.

Be Blessed,
Lela

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Stampin' Up! SALE!

Stampin' Up! is having a BIG sale right now with some products up to 80% off! Now's the time to stock up on ribbons, punches, brads, and much more. Check out the deals at my online store. I'm sure you'll see something you'll love. Plus, you can order it from my store and have it shipped directly to you!


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Happy Penguin Punch Art

I was a vendor at a recent Scrapping for Soldiers crop in Lexington Park, Maryland. I had to teach a free make and take class. After weeks of fretting, I decided on making a penguin made from punched paper pieces. I wanted something that represented the season and could be used in several ways. This penguin could be used on a scrapbook page, a card, or on a gift tag or bag.

I made this penguin after seeing several ones on You Tube. It uses Stampin' Up! punches and paper. If you're interested in receiving instructions to make one, please email me.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pencil Stocking Stuffers

I have been busy making gifts and samples for an upcoming crop. Here are some pencil stocking stuffer gifts. I used the following Stampin' Up! supplies:

Paper
Soft Suede item #115318, Cherry Cobbler item #119685, Whisper White item #100730, Pacific Point item #111350, Old Olive item#100702, Real Red item #102482, More Mustard item #100946, Brights Patterns Designer Series item #117155

Stamps
Tags til Christmas item #121169/120847, Perfect Presentation (no longer available)

Tools
Lace Border punch #122362, Petite Pennant Builder punch #122361, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch #119854, Ornament punch #119847, 3/4" Circle punch #119873, Scallop Edge Border punch #119882, Double Circle punch (retired)

Inks/Markers
Island Indigo, Marina Mist, Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Gray

Embellishments
Old Olive 5/8" satin ribbon #117292, Hemp Twine #100982, Marina Mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon #119257

I hope you enjoy!
Lela