Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Big News ... BIG NEWS!!!

You've all probably noticed that I disappeared for a bit.

I've been a little preoccupied with a big change in our life to be blogging.  

We are moving to Pittsburgh, PA!!!!

Mr. K starts his new job the middle of December and
Abigail and I will join him just as soon as we sell our house. 

Pittsburgh Skyline


We will be just a 6 hour drive from our family in Michigan!

We will be downsizing into a home that is more suitable for three people.  Less yard work and housekeeping is a good thing!

Please think and pray for us as the next few weeks are going to be a whir-wind of activity.  

Love,

Erin



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Simple Abundance




I drew this in my Gratitude Journal a couple days ago.  It's a quote from Simple Abundance that really spoke to my heart.  

The Holiday Season is sneaking up on us along with all those TV ads and glossy circulars telling us we need ABC or XYZ at this Fabulous Price.

I'm going to work hard at having Contentedness this Christmas.
Will you join me too?

Love,

Erin

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Hamburger Helper ... Home-style

One of my favorite recipe sources is the More with Less Cookbook.  

This is one of the first recipes I tried when I purchased it several years ago.  It's easy to make, tastes mighty good, and hits the frugal factor.  =)


Boil pasta in salted water.  Drain and set aside until later.




Chop up one small onion and two stalks of celery.   If you have children who don't like "chunks" of vegetables, you can substitute onion powder and omit the celery.



In a shallow stock pot (5 quart is just the right size), cook the onions, celery and ground beef with a bit of salt and pepper.  


When the vegetables are tender and the meat is no longer pink, add diced tomatoes, corn, and cooked pasta.


 Turn the heat down to Low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.  Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra bit of flavor.  Yum!


Here's the best part ... Mr. K's lunches are done for the week!


HAMBURGER HELPER HOME-STYLE

Boil 2 cups crinkly pasta or noodles in salted water - drain and set aside.

Brown in a skillet & drain off extra fat if needed:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Add to skillet when beef is browned:
1 can corn or peas
1 can diced tomatoes (I like to use the basil-oregano ones for extra flavor)
Cooked and drained pasta

Simmer uncovered 15 minutes to blend flavors.
Sprinkle each serving with shredded cheese or Parmesan cheese.

Happy Cooking!

Erin

Monday, November 15, 2010

Simple Circle Potholders


Seven rounds, each a different color ... the PERFECT size.




I absolutely ADORE this clamshell border.  =)




Solid color seven round circle for the back.



  
Such HAPPY colors!!!
XoXoXo

Tutorial coming soon.  =)

Love,

Erin


Thursday, November 11, 2010

PSA - HQ16 Quilting Machine for Sale

It's on Ebay and the auction ends tomorrow.  =)  
Pass the word around to all your friends!



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Granny Log Cabin Blanket ... Finished!


I think it's neat how the sunlight dances across the logs.  The colors are so yummy and vibrant!




Pretty Package all Neatly Folded




Clam Shell Rick Rack Border ... my own invention.  =)




In all it's Colorful, Happy Glory!  
I am pleased as punch with the results.

Abigail is home sick with a stomach bug and fever ... she dubs it the Get Well Blanket.


Love always (and stay healthy),

Erin


Gratitude + Art Journal

Artist Sketchbook


Sharpie Markers Galore


I love to Doodle.
I love to Journal.

This seems like a perfect combination ... I'll share a page or two with you every week.

Love,

Erin


Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Wonderful Weekending

Abigail had a playdate with a friend from school.  It was all about American Girl Dolls and Webkinz.

Mr. K and I picked up lots of leaves with the lawn tractor.  I drove -- he emptied.  I think I got the better end of the deal.  =)



Trip to the Library for books and videos.  
Trip to the YMCA for swimming. 
Trip to the Pizza Place for supper ... yummy!


The Girls snuggled up on the couch (aka. Crochet Central) Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.


Working on this:


Abigail can KNIT.  =)
She's already learned, "Please Mommy, just one more row?!"

It was a wonderful weekend.

Love,

Erin


Thursday, November 04, 2010

My Creative Space

My day needs an infusion of Color ... it is rainy, cold and cloudy.  This project does the trick!  It is a large version of my Log Cabin Granny.  The center is much bigger and the logs are thicker.  



The yarn is Tonic by Jojoland, a DK weight blend of acrylic and wool.  The colors sucked me in ... they are so bright, happy, and cheerful.  =)  



Just a few more logs, a border, and I'll be done!  It is going in the Gift Closet for the next time I need a Baby Gift ... unless Abigail claims it.  =)


Love,

Erin




Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Mid-Week Musings

Abigail received this lovely, old-fashioned baby doll carriage this weekend from some wonderful friends.  
She adores it ... Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. D!


I crocheted another potholder and am very pleased with the results.  It's a little bigger then usual ... just the right size for those bigger pots and dutch ovens.  I'll work up a tutorial in the next week or so to share with you.  =)

Today was the Fall Brunch for my Coffee Break Group.  There is always some sort of "activity" after we eat.  I diverted from the usual "ice breaker game" and did a book review.  They are books that I've read that I found to be very encouraging and helped me grow to be a better wife, mother, and woman.  I'd love to share the titles with you:


I talked about starting a Gratitude Journal ... write down five things every day for which you are grateful and thankful.  I sent them each home with a Journal so they can start this practice TODAY.  =)



I know I sound like a broken record but ... THANK YOU for reading my blog!!!!  There are almost 100 followers so I must be doing something right.  =)  Keep the comments and emails coming ... they always make me smile!

Love,

Erin

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