"Havin' a Gnome-ful Year!" Pillow wrap home decor!

 Hey ya'll....hope you had a great weekend. Mine went too fast as usual. I wanted to share a fun project that's happening on my quilt blog. I'm making a pillow wrap with these adorable Gnome patterns by "The Whole Country Caboodle." They are the cutest seasonal gnomes and pre-cut too. I'll be featuring monthly designs with techniques from beginner to advanced. But here's the kicker...we'll be using one pillow all year...that's right "One Pillow...Sew Many Ways!" If you're like me, I love to have decorated pillows out for the holidays, but I'm limited on space. So, this way we can have our cute decor out and when we're on to the next month we just fold the wrap for easy storage. I've designed this concept with previous pillows (my fish pillow using Christmas pillow) and love it. Even if I had tons of storage, I would still use this concept. I hate opening a closet and pillows come tumbling down :-) You can purchase these adorable patterns from Missouri Star Quilt Co. plus save 15% with my affiliate link too. Link on upper right will take you directly to their website and discount appears at checkout. My February wrap design is pretty simple, but you can totally put your spin on it. I did give him some super cute "pink highlights" in his beard using Aurifil thread :-) I can't wait for y'all to see the "March Gnome." He reminds me of my late dad. Super cute! Well minus the pink highlights...dear dad was a  military man :-)  So, pop on over to my quilt blog and let's have a "Gnome-ful year 2gether!" Thanks so much for following and check back soon for a pasta dish that will definitely warm you :-)

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

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Super cute "Hearts and Kisses" Trivet for Entertaining.

 Hey y'all...warm Sunday blessings to you. I wanted to share a quick design for Valentine's entertaining. I just posted on my quilt blog trivets using the "HEARTS AND KISSES" pattern by Missouri Star Quilt Co. y'all please follow along on my quilt blog to make these fun trivets. Oh my gosh you will be surprised of how fast and easy these blocks come together with their clever techniques. Also, if you need the pattern or any sewing/crafting supplies you can save 15% with my affiliate link from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Link upper right on block and discount will appear at checkout. I'm super excited to share home decor projects with y'all so keep following. I have more fun & easy projects to share w/y'all. In the meantime, try some of my easy soup recipes that I previously posted. They will definitely keep you warm in this crazy weather. Thanks so much for following and y'all stay safe & warm.

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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"Cats Creamy Chicken Soup w/drop Biscuits..!"

 Hey y'all...hope your weekend is off to a great start. I know a lot of us are dealing with crazy cold weather, so I wanted to share this family favorite recipe. I love making this recipe any time but especially when the weather is cold. It's super easy to make...easy on the budget and you can "sneak" a veg in for the kiddos. We're kind of basic on the veggies...it's mostly corn...carrots but tweak recipe to your family's needs. It will serve 3-4 easily but you can adjust amounts to accommodate a larger crew. While this is simmering the smell will warm you up a bit. Might even bring home some memories of Omas "Chicken and Dumplings." Yes...they were in the kitchen all day prepping but sorry y'all...this is made with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Yup...super easy. Here's a hint...if you quietly ask your deli section for a "fresh cooked rotisserie chicken"...you just might get one hot right off the rotisserie! Sure, makes peeling it a lot easy when it's warm. I asked the other day, and nobody was around me...then he came back with my "hot bird", and I heard voices behind me "can i have one too." Needless to say, "I boogied." They do like to sell the ones already wrapped first although you can ask for the time when it was wrapped. O.K. enough of my O.C.D. with chicken :-) Oh if you haven't heard.....my discount link w/ Missouri Star Quilt co. is good for all month long. No longer a 1 x use. Oh my gosh...that's exciting plus they have daily deals on their site. I fully recommend signing up for their email so you can catch their special savings. My direct link is upper right on home page, and you will see me discount code and checkout to apply. Well, we have a lot going on this year and I appreciate y'all following me too. Remember do what you love whether it's cooking, sewing, crafting. Take time for yourself. I totally believe in "thread and fabric therapy." Helps me tremendously...even if it's just a minute or two. Take care y'all & be safe!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Here's all you need...

* 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (already cooked)

* 1 pkt. Herb ox sodium free chicken bouillon mixed w/2 cups warm water.

* 1 (10.oz ) can Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup

* 1 (15 oz.) can Del Monte Fiesta Corn (don't drain)

* 1 cup chopped carrots or your favorite veggies

* 1 can Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits

* Pinch of humor! :-)

Here's all you do...

* In large non-stick stock pot heat on low-medium heat the shredded chicken, broth. veggies, cream of chicken soup & mix well.

* Bring to a medium boil then reduce heat and simmer until veggies are tender. 

* Then bring back up to a medium boil and "drop tiny pieces of biscuits" in....reduce heat and cook for about another 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

Tip...keep checking to see if you need to add more broth while the biscuits are cooking. The biscuits will give your creamy consistency that we all love so much in "Chicken and Dumplings."

Serve with a side salad or your family's favorite.

This recipe freezes well but you need to add more broth once it's thawed when re-heating.

Enjoy & talk soon,

Cat

Exciting News from Me 2 You!

 Hey y'all...hope your week has been great. I'm super excited to share a along with y'all that my affiliate link with Missouri Star Quilt Co. is great for saving 15% all month. Not just for one time anymore. I know when the weather is crazy it's fun to stay in and craft. So, whatever your sewing/quilting/crafting needs might be you will find it on their website. Missouri Star Quilt Co. has awesome quality products plus customer service. Win...win in my books! They also host daily deals too! My affiliate link is upper right on home page for your convenience. Also, follow on my quilt blog for a super fun & easy Valentines or Christmas "Scrap-a-long." I'm featuring "HEARTS AND KISSES" pattern by MSQC but I'm making a sweet baby quilt. I love to give a baby gift that is Christmas inspired so they can use it through the years. You know me..." 1 design...sew many ways!' This design is super fun and today I posted a "tip" of how to try new blocks in 2024. One block @ a time! Well, I'm wishing y'all a safe & warm weekend. Thank so much for following!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

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"Wishing us all a "Soup-r Year w/ Cats Spanish-Style-Soup!"

 Hey y'all...hope all is well and the weather is being kind in your area. I watch the weather channel every morning while doing my morning stretches. Funny how words change as you get older. Now it's called "stretches" :-) Anyway...when I think my weather is rough, I just look at what's going on in the world. Oh, my goodness...I survived -10 (one winter) in Indiana and that was enough for this Texas gal. Wow...that was the craziest winter for me and now the northern states are embracing for a doozie. I know when the weather is cold, I always gravitate to a hot soup. Not only is soup usually light on the budget but it's convenient for a hectic night as well. Most recipes you can let simmer while you tackle your tasks or even slow cooker friendly. Either way I'll be sharing some of my family favorite soups that are budget friendly and timesaving too. I love to cook mine slowly in my Cuisinart stock pot (5qt) but you adapt to your family's needs. Also, I have promised y'all more "home decor" projects so pop on over to my quilting blog for some exciting patterns/projects that have already started. With this crazy weather it sure makes staying in crafting/sewing/quilting. Plus, you can save 15% on supplies with my link from Missouri Star Quilt Co. (1 x use in January) and link upper right on home page for your convenience. Trust me whatever your crafting needs are I'm sure you can find it on their site. While you are enjoying their site please check out their "Summer Strolls Tripple Play" B.O.M. Oh my goodness y'all it is stunning. My post on quilting blog just might get you excited as me :-) My discount does not apply towards the monthly B.O.M. but sometimes ya just need to treat yourself. I've learned life is too short and sewing/quilting makes me happy plus I'll be making it as a gift. Win..win...for me...Christmas gift starting in January! Yup...first of many y'all. I promised you so keep following. I'll be posting fun & easy projects along with recipes to help with those hectic evenings. As always, I thank you so much for following & wishing us all a "Soup-r 2024!" 

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSCQ

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Here's all you need...

* 1/2 of a store-bought rotisserie chicken (shredded)...theirs your time-saver folks!

* I Knorr Spanish Rice pkt.

* 1 pkt. Herb ox granulated chicken (sodium free bouillon) whisk w/ 2 cups hot water.

* 1 10oz. can Old El Paso red enchilada sauce

* 1 16oz. can Bush's best chili beans (mild)

* 1 16oz. can Bush's best black beans (drained)

* Pinch of love

Optional topping but d'lish........crumbled queso fresco on top or sour creme.

Here's all you do...

* In medium stock pot spray bottom w/cooking oil. On low heat warm chicken if needed.

Stirring constantly. 

* Add in chicken stock & Spanish rice pkt. (enjoy that smell as the seasons come 2gether)

* Stir well on medium heat until it comes to a light boil.

* Add in enchilada sauce...beans & mix well.

* Heat on low for a least 30 minutes. 

Note...rice will absorb liquid while it cooks so add more broth while cooking.

* You can add more seasoning if desired but the Spanish rice pkt has seasonings so taste as it cooks.

Crumble queso fresco on top just before serving. Corn bread is a great compliment for this recipe :-)

Enjoy!

Tip...if you have leftovers, you might notice that you no longer have liquid. The rice continues to absorb liquid but here's the fun....you now have a great filling for a burrito. Or just add more broth when heating but sometimes I love a great burrito filling :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Happy New Year from My Home to Yours!

 Hey y'all....happy 2024! I hope everyone rang in the New year as you wished. I was blessed to have time with my daughter's family. Needless to say, this is one Happy Gege! I'm excited about the projects and recipes I have to share with y'all. As you know I love cooking and quilting. I'll be sharing designs and projects but also incorporating my love for healthi-r recipes as well. Yes, I'm still working on the weight-loss-journey but that's o.k. too. My son-in-law recently told me that it's a "lifestyle" change. I honestly never look at it that way. He stated you need to just make the time for you then it becomes a routine, and you don't even think about it...it just happens. My 13 yr. old grandson has this mental concept already and that' s why he achieves his goals as well. I can't state enough how proud I am of my daughter's family. They help keep me staying focused and I totally need that! :-) My projects will state my affiliate link with Missouri Star Quilt Company which will give you a 15% discount (one x use per month) for your sewing/quilting needs. The link is stated on upper right of blog for your convenience. I do receive a kick-back when you do so I appreciate it and will state they have great products & customer service. The first project pictured below is from Santa. The Measure once cuss twice pattern can be purchased from MSCQ. I definitely need to see this in my sewing room and obviously Santa did too :-) I thank you so much for following and looking forward to creating a Scrap-tacular year 2gether!

Blessings from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC affiliate

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Happy New Year from Me & Chuck!

1st project of 2024! (starting mid-week)