Kitchen Makeover...COMPLETE!!!

So, it might have taken a little longer than expected, but my Aunt and Uncle's Dream Kitchen Makeover is complete! For those that don't know, they won a $30,000+ Dream Kitchen Makeover from one of their local TV stations a few months back. They are happy to have a kitchen back, and not just any kitchen...you won't believe the difference!

BEFORE...remember the avocado counters and wallpaper and dated cabinets?

AFTER...take a look at the new, modern kitchen, complete with granite counters and stainless steel appliances!

Amazing, right?!?!?!

Sooooo happy for them...there's nothing like a beautiful kitchen to spend time in with family, for those brithdays, holidays and other family get-togethers that make up so many great memories!

Congrats Aunt Kate & Uncle Bob! :)

I retired from FCCB... :(

Those that know me know that I have been a part of Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog (FCCB) since day 1.  I absolutely LOVE everything about it and I have been proud to be a part of the Design Team.  But things have gotten CRAZY around here with moving and so I had to take a few things off my plate for now...FCCB was one of those things.  :(

So, I have officially "retired" from FCCB so that I have more time to get what I HAVE to get done, done.  I will still be checking in for the Daily Inspirations:

Monday: Challenge Me Monday

Tuesday: Quick Tip Tuesday

Wednesday: Wednesday Winners

Thursday: Thursday's Tutorials

Friday: Fantabulous Friday

Saturday: Scrappin' Saturday (sniff, sniff!)

Sunday: Sunday Spotlight

And maybe, if things EVER slow down around here, maybe I'll try playing along with one of the weekly challenges!

If you haven't had the chance to head over to FCCB and check out the amazing Design Team inspiration, fun weekly challenges and other great tips and techniques, PLEASE do!  You won't be disappointed!!!

And, to Robin, founder of FCCB...YOU ROCK!  I have truly loved working with you and will so miss being a part of such an amazing thing, all of which you created!  You're an amazing talent and truly a wonderful person!!!  :)



Valentine Lollipop Flower Pots

I made little lollipop flower pots for the Mess Maker's preschool teachers last year for Valentine's Day, and decided to do them again this year for her new teachers.  I couldn't find Tootsie Pops (?????) so I had to use Blow Pops, which have the wrappers twisted at the top.  So I just used glue dots to hold the wrappers down over the lollipop.  Problem solved!  My original directions and lollipop flowers can be found here.  I used flowers cut with my George cartridge and dot embossed cardstock in light and dark pink.  Sooooo easy and fun!

Things may be crazy at our house right now, but I can't completely stop crafting!  Yes, I have to keep my craft room looking "pretty" for showings.  No, I can't leave my Cricut, cartridges and paper all over because it wouldn't be attractive to prospective home buyers.  But I CAN do a quick little craft to show the Mess Maker's preschool teachers they are appreciated for Valentine's Day!  And yes, I cleaned up every last tiny piece of paper in my scraproom when I was done...

One Pot Dinner...YUM!

Things are C-R-A-Z-Y around here right now...we're in the process of moving.  You know, selling...buying...packing....entertaining children...AHHHHHHH!  It becomes absolutely necessary to make easy dinners these days unless I want my family to survive on fast food alone.  This is one of my all-time fave EASY meals...I have had it for years and I have no idea where it originated from, but it's TASTY!!!

One Pot Dinner:

1/2 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 C chopped celery

3/4 C chooped green pepper

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. salt (optional)

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 C uncooked no-yolk egg noodles

1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes

3/4 C water

1 beef bouillon cube

In a large saucepan, cook meat until no longer pink; drain.  Add onion, celery and green pepper and cook 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.  Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, basil and pepper.  Stir in egg noodles, beans, tomatoes, water and bouillon.  Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover.  Simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 5.

I've had a LOT of requests for this recipe lately, so here you go everyone!

P.S.  This is a super-easy meal to take to a new mommy or someone in need of a home-cooked meal...just whip up some cornbread muffins and you've got a complete meal!