Catch Up TIme

I can't believe it has been 1.5 years since I posted! For those of you that will see this post and continue to follow me...thank you for being dedicated! The last time I wrote I was still in Graduate School and doing a lot of craft fairs. While I loved to craft, I found blogging about my crafts almost like a job or requirement. When I didn't blog, I felt like I was letting my readers down. It seems silly, but if you are a blogger, you know what I am talking about! 

Anyways, life has slowed down a little (I think), so I wanted to fill you in and get you up to speed on my life. Here is the quick version in pictures...

I donated 9.5 inches of my hair to a cause. This is something I do every few years to try and "give back" 

Graduated with my Masters....

Met my wonderful boyfriend...

 Started a new job with the City of Columbia... 

Became a home owner...

I am SOOO excited to be a home owner!! I have been doing small updates around the place for the last year. That is what has really kept me busy. Since I no longer live in a dorm (thank you graduate school), I am going to use this blog to slowly shift from pure crafting to more home updates. Don't get me wrong, there will still plenty of crafting mixed in with home projects. I am excited to show you what all I have been doing and plan to do. 

It feels great to be back :) 

What's Cookin' Wednesday- Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Pot Pie 

You will need the following ingredients/items: 

1 package of Pillsbury Pie Crust (2 in a pack)
1 package of Carving Board Chicken Breast (Roasted)
1 can of Campbells 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken
1/2 can of sliced carrots (rinse off to cut salt) or use fresh
1 small can of peas
2 baking potatoes
1/2 teaspoon of chicken poultry seasoning *adjust to taste*
1 can of skim milk
1 pie pan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place baking potatoes in the microwave for 8 minutes then follow these steps... 

Place first pie crust in the pie pan

Cut up potatoes and mix all ingredients into bowl

Pour filling into pan

Place second pie crust on top 

Pinch bottom and top crust together

Place 4 cuts in the top of the pie and then place in the oven for about 30 minutes and then start checking in every 5 minutes until it is browning on top

ENJOY!!!

Simple Solution Sunday- Sponges

How many of you use your kitchen sponge on a daily basis?! I know I do. Did you know the most unsanitary item in your house is your kitchen sponge?! That's correct...even the toilet is cleaner.  

The best and easiest way to kill 99% of the microorganisms found in your sponge is to simply zap it in the microwave for 2 minutes {always make sure it is wet NEVER dry}

Another great way to keep your sponges dry and off the kitchen sink is to use a binder clip 

Keep in mind, sponges aren't just for cleaning dishes, they can also help keep your vegetables fresh longer. Line your refrigerator drawers with sponges to help eliminate moisture. When they become wet, ring them out and let them dry, before placing them back in the fridge {don't forget the microwave method first}. 

What do you use sponges for? 

Happy Halloween

I spent the weekend at my parents house with my niece Hailey and mom Lisa (my dad was out of town working on his football book...you can follow his blog HERE). 

Hailey decided she wanted to dress up as a gypsy fortune teller so Friday evening was spent making her this adorable outfit. {This is her serious look}

My favorite part is the "crystal ball". It is simply made out of a styrofoam ball spray painted with glitter and a styrofoam circle covered in fabric attached with toothpicks! 

Did you make your costume this year? I would love to hear how creative everyone is.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

Can you forgive me?

First off, I would like to say I am sorry for my LONG blogging absence. I have been VERY busy/stressed the last several months with classes and work. I recently "resigned" from my nannying position and have found I have a little bit of extra time, so I thought, "what better to do with that time then craft?"

 I have SO MANY great projects I have been dying patiently waiting to try! So look for future projects from me that are inspired by other bloggers just like you! In fact, I have decided that this year all my family and friends will be receiving something "home made" so I have been strategically planning (<--that's one of the classes I am currently taking...funny I caught myself using the term) out projects to complete for each.

Until then...I am going to enjoy this much needed, wonderful rainy day!