Snowmen Apron Giveaway

Quick -- pop over to the Apronista for a chance to win THIS baby - the special Snowmen Baking Apron

from D-Lux 57 ... love it!!!

Brrrr

I'm so cold today. And it's not even snowing or raining or anything; it's partly sunny and 51! I wonder if I'm getting sick? So many people seem to be lately, don't you agree?

I've had such a fun and busy weekend, even though I've been solo. Miss T didn't have school on Friday and her girl scout troop drove to coast for yurt camping. I ended up doing a lot of catch-up since Mike works all weekends and has been hanging with the guys on Saturday night.

Friday night, we spent the evening after dinner making up six trays of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas- I took two small ones with me on Saturday to an all day sewing group and Mike took the other four with him. They are quite yummy, even though they are packed full of processed ingredients! So, I will post my "secret" recipe but don't copy it down if you have a problem using canned cream soup.

Shawnee's Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
(makes a large pan)
1 family-size can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 small can diced green chiles
1 can diced olives (optional)
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups chopped cooked chicken (I usually boil 3 breasts and rough chop)
10 Flour Tortillas, slightly warmed
Bag 'o salad
1 medium tomato, chopped

Directions

Mix soup, sour cream, chiles, olives, and 3/4 of the cheddar. Stir in the chicken.
Spread about 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in large shallow baking dish (I use a 9x15). Spread any remaining filling on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until hot. Top with salad mix and tomato or salsa.

I also got my new phone synched up --- T-mobile invited me to become a "T-Mobilizer" - to review new gadgets for them. I just got the snazzy new HTC Amaze 4G phone. It is Mighty Fine -- so powerful, with a dual-core processor, large screen, crisp images, and a powerful camera.

Saturday, I went to my first quilting event and got so much help from experts! I finished my table runner (late, of course). I stitched in the ditch for the first time, made my own binding with diagonal joins, and learned how to finish the binding in a totally seamless way. It was so cool. 

Then, I got several steps closer to finishing my first quilt. In summer 2010, I took a quilting class at church using jelly rolls. I made the most amazing blocks for a top but never finished putting on the borders, backing, etc. Yesterday, I got my top totally done and pieced out the back. I ran out of time before I could put all the pieces together, so that is still so daunting to me but I want. to. do. this. I really want to finish this project so I can look on to gift making with a clear conscience.

I also posted a giveaway for a friend on the Flirty Apron Swap blog -- Lana from Sassy Aprons on Etsy creates the best aprons, adorable and affordable. You should thrown your name in the hat. I'm also trying to be a good steward of The Apronista --- Deanna handed the reins over to me earlier this year and I'm still struggling to find my voice, to be relevant and an interesting site. I've been contacted by several people that want to be highlighted for Christmas shopping, so I decided to put together a Holiday Gift Guide. That's a fun little project -- if YOU would like to get some exposure of your shop, direct sales business or website, check out my info HERE.

Then, Saturday evening, I met with my friend Rhonda Kay. She is going to be coaching me for the next eight weeks on the Healthy Edge program, and I'm starting the USANA Reset program tomorrow. She's going to walk with me on my journey to health. I'm just excited to not GAIN during the holidays! =) Actually, I'm excited about more than that but a little nervous, too. I don't want to fail again.  Be sure to check back in if you're curious about my journey.

I volunteered in the nursery this morning but then the girls got back early, so Michelle and Kathy wrapped up without me.  Miss T finally made it home, we had lunch and made some cookies, so I'm going to get in some snuggle time. I didn't really use my extra hour this morning, so I'm going to take advantage of that now!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Shawnee

Yummy Raspberry Tea recipe

I gave up my two-Diet-Pepsi-a-day soda habit last year when I joined a weight loss challenge at mamavation.com, although I will admit to still enjoying an occasional soft drink.   Now I regularly order lemonade, tea or just plain water with my meals.  I’ve found that I also really enjoy the Lipton Raspberry Tea that is offered at franchises owned by PepsiCo – Taco Time, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc…   Not the best everyday drink due to calorie count but tasty and refreshing.  And maybe a little addictive.  And MAYBE I got just a bit annoyed last week when, as I’m tired and grumpy late to lunch, I head to my nearest KFC specifically with that delicious drink in mind and THEY NO LONGER OFFER RASPBERRY TEA!

Well, what’s a girl to do??  I settled for lemonade that day but I’m not giving up in the quest of my delicious drink – and I’ll save money to boot!

Photo by: Taste of Home

I found a most yummy recipe over at Taste of Home HERE.  Wouldn’t it be delicious at your next patio party or barbeque??  If you have an even better recipe, please share it in comments.  I’m desperate!  =)

(I also shared this over my other site, the Apronista.)

Apron Giveaway on The Apronista

Candace from One Tree Lane USA sent me these beautiful aprons - check out those lovely tassels. T and I LOVE them and feel so very sassy while baking (a much better picture HERE).

I’m excited to share with you that Candace is giving away one apron of your choice to a lucky Apronista in a Christmas-time giveaway!! Pop over to my post on The Apronista for details and to enter!!!