Victorian apron with pleated bodice
Toile apron with simple fold pleats
Thursday, March 12, 2009
APPLES AND APRONS: CURRENT PROJECTS
These are the latest of my ApplesandAprons projects. These will be auctioned off at http://thegarberfam.blogspot.com. This auction will be the second of a series to help raise money for Robert's leukemia treatments. Check on that site for these and other great auction items starting on March 20! (see previous post under mom matters for more details)
Victorian apron with pleated bodice
Toile apron with simple fold pleats
Victorian apron with pleated bodice
Toile apron with simple fold pleats
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
WHAT'S THAT... BEEF CASSEROLE?
I made this the other night, and while it resembles something that should NEVER be eaten... it is really good!! I know there are a lot of processed items in it, but it was my cheat meal. Once in a while the old standby of creamed soup and velveeta cheese is just too alluring! My kids shoveled it down, and my husband actually ate the leftovers. He isn't much of a leftover person so I was very surprised.
"WHAT'S THAT?" BEEF CASSEROLE?
Brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with one chopped onion, 1 clove garlic and drain when done. In a bowl combine 8 oz. soft cream cheese, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 c. milk. Stir well. Add into bowl 4-8 oz. velveeta cheese, 1 tsp. salt, and cooked meat. Stir well and pour into a 2 qt. casserole. Top with a can of oven ready biscuits.
Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.
*If you are using pre-cooked beef from the freezer make sure it is defrosted completely. Stir into soup mix and cook for 10 minutes without the biscuits. Top with biscuits and cook the normal amount of time.
**If you are not a fan of creamed soups (I have stopped using them) make a basic white sauce, but incorporated chicken bullion in for cream of chicken, and cut up mushrooms for cream of mushroom. Same can be accomplished with celery or onion.
"WHAT'S THAT?" BEEF CASSEROLE?
Brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with one chopped onion, 1 clove garlic and drain when done. In a bowl combine 8 oz. soft cream cheese, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1/4 c. milk. Stir well. Add into bowl 4-8 oz. velveeta cheese, 1 tsp. salt, and cooked meat. Stir well and pour into a 2 qt. casserole. Top with a can of oven ready biscuits.
Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.
*If you are using pre-cooked beef from the freezer make sure it is defrosted completely. Stir into soup mix and cook for 10 minutes without the biscuits. Top with biscuits and cook the normal amount of time.
**If you are not a fan of creamed soups (I have stopped using them) make a basic white sauce, but incorporated chicken bullion in for cream of chicken, and cut up mushrooms for cream of mushroom. Same can be accomplished with celery or onion.
Monday, March 9, 2009
GET A HOBBY MOMS!!
I am a person with many hobbies and a very short attention span. This has worked for and against me equally.
I have done ballet, swimming and water aerobics, baking, hiking, skiing (water and snow), rock climbing, candy making, sewing, fashion design, yoga, writing, cooking, babysitting, refinishing furniture (I just conquered this)... and the list goes on. That gives you some idea. It seems every time I get the impulse to do something I just do it. Maybe I don't master it, but I do try. This is another one of the quirky personality traits I have my late Grandma Grace to thank for. She was the type of woman that just did things, and did them well. Once a notion was in her head there was no stopping her!! She was always so happy and willing to try new things. I am lucky to follow in her footsteps. Right now I am considering learning to hula or making jewelry and setting stones. I will keep you posted on what I decide.
This little habit of mine is a blessing in the way that I get to try all kinds of new things, and a downfall in the way that it usually drives my husband insane. I tend to be a lot to keep up with! In any case I have found that every new thing that I try, and succeed with, makes me feel accomplished, free, and independent. Each of these feeling are important to moms. Each hobby provides me with an escape from my daily duties. I can escape from kid drama, from the pressure to do everything, and from any negative feelings that have popped up.
Moms fall into the family routine and tend to forget about themselves. It is in our nature to give and give, but never take. We are creatures for the greater good. When you are severely out numbered it is extremely easy to feel that giving in to the crowd is just easier. It may be easier, but may not be healthier!
I would challenge all of you stay at home moms, as well as all the stay at home dads we adore, to take on a new hobby ever year. If one a year seems lame, then take on two a year. Expand your horizons and learn new crafts. You never know what will come in handy and when!! Keep us posted on what you try!
I have done ballet, swimming and water aerobics, baking, hiking, skiing (water and snow), rock climbing, candy making, sewing, fashion design, yoga, writing, cooking, babysitting, refinishing furniture (I just conquered this)... and the list goes on. That gives you some idea. It seems every time I get the impulse to do something I just do it. Maybe I don't master it, but I do try. This is another one of the quirky personality traits I have my late Grandma Grace to thank for. She was the type of woman that just did things, and did them well. Once a notion was in her head there was no stopping her!! She was always so happy and willing to try new things. I am lucky to follow in her footsteps. Right now I am considering learning to hula or making jewelry and setting stones. I will keep you posted on what I decide.
This little habit of mine is a blessing in the way that I get to try all kinds of new things, and a downfall in the way that it usually drives my husband insane. I tend to be a lot to keep up with! In any case I have found that every new thing that I try, and succeed with, makes me feel accomplished, free, and independent. Each of these feeling are important to moms. Each hobby provides me with an escape from my daily duties. I can escape from kid drama, from the pressure to do everything, and from any negative feelings that have popped up.
Moms fall into the family routine and tend to forget about themselves. It is in our nature to give and give, but never take. We are creatures for the greater good. When you are severely out numbered it is extremely easy to feel that giving in to the crowd is just easier. It may be easier, but may not be healthier!
I would challenge all of you stay at home moms, as well as all the stay at home dads we adore, to take on a new hobby ever year. If one a year seems lame, then take on two a year. Expand your horizons and learn new crafts. You never know what will come in handy and when!! Keep us posted on what you try!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
HAM AND RICE DINNER
I made this tonight and it was a huge hit!!
HAM AND RICE DINNER
Cook 2 c. rice in 4 c. boiling water (or rice cooker).
In large pan cook 2 1/2c. cooked ham in 2 TBSP EVOO or butter. Chop an onion and add to ham. Cook until tender. Add to pan 1can cream of chicken soup, 1/4-1/2c. white wine, 2TBSP prepared mustard, and 1 tsp. dill weed. Allow to cook to a gravy like consistancy. Add a bit of water if needed. Reduce heat and add 1 c. sour cream.
Stir in cooked rice and frozen peas. Enjoy!!
**Can use regular or spicy mustard. also can leave out the wine if you like.
*If you don't like cream soups you can make a white sauce with flour and butter then stir in chicken stock to thicken into a gravy. Add a splash of evaporated milk for the cream element.
HAM AND RICE DINNER
Cook 2 c. rice in 4 c. boiling water (or rice cooker).
In large pan cook 2 1/2c. cooked ham in 2 TBSP EVOO or butter. Chop an onion and add to ham. Cook until tender. Add to pan 1can cream of chicken soup, 1/4-1/2c. white wine, 2TBSP prepared mustard, and 1 tsp. dill weed. Allow to cook to a gravy like consistancy. Add a bit of water if needed. Reduce heat and add 1 c. sour cream.
Stir in cooked rice and frozen peas. Enjoy!!
**Can use regular or spicy mustard. also can leave out the wine if you like.
*If you don't like cream soups you can make a white sauce with flour and butter then stir in chicken stock to thicken into a gravy. Add a splash of evaporated milk for the cream element.
Monday, March 2, 2009
ACTION TODAY!!!
One of my dearest friends has a brother in law that need a second bone marrow transplant. He had his first about 9-12 months ago and has been doing well. Then early last month his blood work showed his leukemia was back! This family needs help raising funds to pay for his second bone marrow transplant as well as chemo treatments. You can follow the entire story at:
http://adventuresofrobdobandashpants.blogspot.com/
Should any of you feel like you want to help you can find more information and items available for auction at:
http://thegarberfam.blogspot.com.
Many creative people have been kind enough to donate items, and the family themselves will be offering up everything from a cookbook to a softball tournament in an effort to raise money. I have donated a few of my baby line items ("simply smith"), and later will offer up a few "apples and aprons" items.
Please check out the link and help if you can. We all know the economy has made it hard for everybody, but every little bit helps. Check back often if you don't see something that interests you. Items will change as auctions end and new ones begin.
Spread the word!!
http://adventuresofrobdobandashpants.blogspot.com/
Should any of you feel like you want to help you can find more information and items available for auction at:
http://thegarberfam.blogspot.com.
Many creative people have been kind enough to donate items, and the family themselves will be offering up everything from a cookbook to a softball tournament in an effort to raise money. I have donated a few of my baby line items ("simply smith"), and later will offer up a few "apples and aprons" items.
Please check out the link and help if you can. We all know the economy has made it hard for everybody, but every little bit helps. Check back often if you don't see something that interests you. Items will change as auctions end and new ones begin.
Spread the word!!
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