Prima

I love free stuff, and I guess that is a major motivator for me posting to my blog! Prima is about to make a big announcement, but in the meantime, they are having a great giveaway! If I don't win, it would be great if someone I knew won!

Finally!

I was finally able to sit down and make some scrapbook pages for me. These are a little simple, but it was a great feeling to get something accomplished for me! The first page was made with the February MemoryWorks Express kit and was made for a photo inspiration challenge. These are pics from the hospital when Allison was born.



The next one is made with the October MemoryWorks Express kit. I prefer coming up with "homemade" costumes rather than buying them. I guess I enjoy the creative process in many different outlets!




It has been so long since I've done any projects for myself, that I actually had 6 kits that I had just filed away to use later. I'm trying to get some of them used so I don't feel guilty keeping my subscription!

It's So Easy!

I just received My Simple Stories kit from Memory Works. The kit has so many different possibilities, and I am excited to get started. I'm hoping to get some photos picked out this week! In the meantime, check here for a video and explanation of the kit. On February 21, there will be a blog hop featuring My Simple Stories.

Now, I'm off to be creative!

Here's What's Cooking!

I try new recipes all the time. I probably average a new one a week. So, I've decided that I need to keep a list of our favorite recipes during the year. If I have a list, maybe I won't forget about them. And, they will be easy to access anytime someone asks for the recipe. If I'm feeling really productive I can put together a little cookbook at the end of the year!

So, this is the recipe that is Scott's favorite from January. I found it on RecipeZaar which is one of my favorite sights for finding new recipes! I did not put onions in it because Scott and Taylor don't like onions, but I bet it would be really good with onions! Also, you could make it spicier or less spicy depending on the kind of tomatoes that you use. Enjoy!

Ranch Style Beans (AKA Cowboy Beans)

1 lb. dry pinto beans
8 cups water
1 medium onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles

Place beans in a dutch oven; add water 2 inches above beans. Bring to a boil, boil 1 minute. Cover and remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Drain. Bring beans and 8 cups water to a boil in dutch oven. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours until beans are tender. Add onion and the next 7 ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes. Add tomatoes. Simmer 30 minutes and serve.