Work in Progress

I'm not one to make resolutions. In the past I've tried, failed and then felt horrible for not seeing simple {what seemed at the time} tasks through to fruition.

This year I wanted to make some changes in my day to day life. Nothing drastic, just simple subtle changes to better myself.

So, I'm claiming 2011 as the year of me!




1.Reorganizing and decluttering

This process is in full swing. I listed out all the areas of our home in need and posted them in my Agenda. The hope is to accomplish 1~2 tasks each week. Each area was purposely divided into manageable amounts of time so that I can accomplish them and not feel stressed. I'm the type that "grows"  projects until I'm in over my head and the project has taken on a life of its own.  I've allowed for a couple days each week as catch up days in the event that a certain area takes longer than anticipated.

2. Bible study

I've joined the Beth Moore 10 week study. I'm loving it! There are 5 sessions each week that I view online. She is an amazing teacher and even through a computer screen, she is able to reach out and grab you. By the end of the session, I feel empowered and alive! I highly recommend this as well as many of her books that I've read.




3. Photography

Over the past couple of years I've dabbled here and there reading a few books, articles and blogs covering this subject. It's time to get serious. Just in time, Lisa is proposing two options that I'm very interested in taking. Funny how things have a way of working out just when you're in need of them. I've also just begun Project 52. Simply put, I take a photograph a week for 52 weeks. I'm fashionably late to the party but I'm fine with that.  I wanted to keep this project seperate so I created a new blog, Simple Elegance.  Doing this will also allow me to view my progress as well as create a book at some point if I'm interested.



4. General Ed Certification

After much thought, time and consideration I've decided to switch certifications. I begin classes in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to this challenge and sitting in a seat rather than standing in front of the classroom. Well, for part of the day anyway.


5. Getting to know my husband

We are very comfortable in our roles and routines. I have no real complaints and in all honesty, I'm very happy. However, we've become complacent and predictable. I think this is true of many marriages that are years old. My husband has been on travel A LOT the past 7 months, we both have busy careers, on-going home projects, and various volunteer committees. I want to hone the focus back on "us" and find activities that we can share together and get to know the man I married again.  My first proposal is working towards a 5k next fall.



The first month of the new year is off to a great start. I'm not feeling overwhelmed, stressed or pressured with my goals. This is a good sign!

I'll post my progress in a few months and let you know if I'm still on task.

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Comfort food

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sizes pieces
1 onion chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 1/2 cup new potatoes, diced
1 cup Italian green beans
3/4 cup portabella mushrooms sliced
1/2 cup red pepper halved and sliced
2 cups spinach roughly chopped3~4 cups chicken broth
1 can low fat cream of chicken soup
1 can low fat cream of mushroom soup

1 package low fat refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces.

1. Place all the ingredients in a slower cooker except the biscuit dough.

2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.

3. Place the dough on top of the of the simmering pot pie one hour before it's finished cooking.



This recipe takes on a different twist each time it's made. I throw whatever veggies I have on hand in the crisper or freezer. This time it had an Italian flair to it but next time who knows!

It's the perfect comfort food for any chilly evening.

I run on kicks where I use my slow cooker several nights in a row during the week. For me, it's the perfect solution to getting a delicious meal on the table after a long day in the classroom. The effort level is low {just a little organization is needed} but the presentation is impressive.

Can't beat that!



Take a peek and see what others are cooking up this week.

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Snow day ...

We were treated to the true definition of a nor'easter. At 3:30 am I was awoken to loud claps of thunder and bright lightening! Not the most pleasant way to wake. I had to peek out and assess the progress of the storm. It was well underway.

The surrounding school districts called it correctly and canceled schools the night before. That is my idea of a special treat :)

These are a few of the photos I took to capture my snow day.




The first of many passes the plows made in our subdivision.







This was taken at 6:30 am. By mid morning, the snow was over little Bentley's head. I had to go out and rescue him when he tried to follow Bozley.



A winter wonderland in my very own backyard.
So peaceful.



The topiary has a new fluffy white top hat.






This little guy, tucked safely on our front porch, wasn't spared from the blowing effects of snow.






Hard to tell, but this is an urn on my back patio. That is actually a small wall in the back drop. The inches of white continue to accumulate.













There is just something about a snowy night and a home lite with the warmth of light.We have a delay this morning.
While I'd love to enjoy one more day snowed in my home, I'll appreciate the return when June rolls around and we have one less day to make up.

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Winter white

I'm with the theory that if it's going to be winter and the temperature chilly, then there should be snow. After all, the season would be wasted if we didn't have something to enjoy.


How can you argue with predawn beauty?



I love how everything is so fresh and crisp. The neighborhood was still soundly asleep when I snuck out for a few shots. I would have been too but the snow plow coming down our street took care of that. So worth it once I realized how beautiful my morning began.








This was the first one I took. It's very blurry and completely out of focus but I like it nonetheless. It has a warmth to it with the porch light on and the sun coming up.



Little Bentley's first real introduction to snow. He wasn't all that thrilled on the first take but once Bozley started playing around, he changed his mind and came around.

The romance of the fresh fallen snow had worn off and the reality of the situation at hand and looming.

Snow Removal!

We own a HUGE snow blower.
It has gears.
Ginormous blades.
It rotates
and even backs up.
I think it even has turn signals ~ I'm not joking.

I'll be honest, I'm afraid of it.
My husband has shown me how to operate this massive piece of machinery but in the back of my mind I'm saying s h o v e l!

Had I thought ahead, I would have hired a hot  lawn boy to step in with such needs in my husband's absence.
Note to self!

A mere few minutes into my panic attack, the phone rings with a life line ...

Bill {neighbor} is coming over to do my drive. FABULOUS! I'll trade him his snow services for the use of our snow blower. He was thrilled {as all men are} to try out a new toy.

Best trade I've ever made!



This is the monster in question.



Look at those blades ~ they're vicious! 
You've heard those horrible snow blower stories on the news. I don't care to be a headline feature any time soon.



Seriously, who needs something this big? We do live in civilisation; I've checked. 

Oh yea, now I remember ...

You end up with one of these bad boys when you {husband} wait too long to purchase a snow blower and all the reasonable machines sell out.



I'm toasty warm inside my home while my generous neighbor tackles the elements.



This was no easy task. We have a loooog driveway.

Not only did he do it on Saturday but he returned Sunday morning when we awoke to a few more inches.

We are in for a big storm that is threatening over a foot and a half of fresh winter white on Wednesday.

No worries, Bill said he'd be over to help me out!

Ya just gotta love fabulous neighbors ~ thanks Bill and Fran you are over the top!

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Mexican Soup

It's the perfect soup day here in Connecticut. We have a fresh blanket of snow with more on the way this evening. There is little better than warming up with a bowl of soup after all that shoveling.




Mexican Soup
1.5 pounds ground chicken {you can use beef if you prefer}
1 red onion, diced
6 cloves garlic {adjust this to your liking}
1 can green chilies, diced
1 package taco seasoning {we like the hot}
1 cup of water
2 28oz cans petite diced tomatoes
1 28oz tomato sauce
1 can chicken broth {a second can if you want your soup thinner}
2 cans black beans {rinsed well}
1 cup roasted corn {I buy mine frozen at Trader Joe's}


Toppings
sour cream
shredded cheese
avocado
cilantro







Saute the first three ingredients until just cooked. Add the green chilies, taco seasoning and cup of water. Mix together. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Longer is better if you have the time.
The leftovers make a great lunch for the next day. 
I'm linking up with Quit Eating Out today for her featured Saturday Swap. Take a peek.

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Quiet beginning

Our New Year was very quiet and laid back.

I wanted the color theme to be in whites and the focus on just relaxing and enjoy our friends.







White flowers in the winter, right after the holiday of green and red, was a bit of a challenge. The selection isn't all the glorious.





The men did all the cooking for the evening. We were treated to some yummy appetizers ~ I was too busy talking and forgot to take pictures.

My husband made a beef tenderloin with shrimp and scallop skewers on the side. We also had garlic mashed and green beans with fresh basil and lemon zest. Kevin is a great cook. If only he had more time to share those skills.

Why is it that everything takes so amazing when you don't have to do the cooking?



Life is back to normal in our home. Well, at least our normal :)

Hope your New Year is off to a great start!

I'm finishing up my goals for 2011 and will share those later.

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Holidays 2011

We are going to pretend that I am ultra organized and have already begun planning for next Christmas {please insert major humor and lateness of this post.}
Yep, that's what we're doing here.

I am self taught on the sewing machine despite the many attempts my mother made to teach me. Trust me, it wasn't pretty! Over the years I've learned to make curtains, shades, and various other projects for our home. However, anything that involves a pattern doesn't end well!

When Tessa posted that she had made stockings for her family my ears and eyes perked right up. I've been looking for white stockings for the past few years. I'm a little picky and I didn't want something that everyone else had in their homes.




Upon entering the dining room my husband presented two thoughts ...

First thought ~

K: Whatcha doing?

J: I'm making new Christmas stockings.

K: I wasn't aware that we needed new stockings.

J: Oh you silly man!




Second thought ~

K: Why aren't you doing this in your art room?

J: Ummm, have you seen that room lately? I think someone broke in and vandalized it; seriously!

Focus on the task ... almost done ... Santa arrives in a few hours; no pressure ... what was I thinking? ... no worries, we have back ups ... or do we? ... did I donate our stocking with the last bags to Goodwill? ... I can do this ... what time do the stores close on Christmas Eve?





Tessa assured me this was an easy project and that I would have no problems creating my own.


Was she aware that I would attempt this on Christmas Eve? In the afternoon no less? Did she know I would be mauled with questions by my husband? ;)





Finished and hung by the fireplace just in time!

I love how they turned out!
The monogram is just the perfect touch ~ such a clever idea of hers.




Santa was impressed with my skills {ha!} and filled it up to the tippy top.




I am loving our new family stockings. They are one of a kind and made with love. My brother wants me to make them for his family.

Not a problem since I'm ahead of the game this year! ;)

Thanks Tessa :)

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