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

Mug Rug Swap - Thanks Jacque!

I just had to share my exquisite mug rug swap package. Jacque from Oklahoma made it especially for me. I just LOVE how my mug matches the sweet rug, and the layered scarf on the snowman is just a sweet touch. She also sent my favorite cocoas, along with the yummy candy canes.

THANK YOU so much. I'm just finishing up your package and will have it out Monday. It won't be near as professional but I hope you enjoy this beginner's touch.

Again, thank you for such a lovely package!!

THANK YOU, Emily and Sheri

I have been receiving some Happy Mail lately and here's just a sample!   I participated in two swaps that ended around the same time and my partners were amazing. 

First, in the Vintage Cowgirl Swap hosted by Sweet Goodness Swaps, Emily from Texas was my partner.  Check out my totally STUFFED box of goodies.

Aren't these too sweet?  We were to include one handmade item, one thrifted item, one "sweet" (mm, Rolos my fav), and challenged to include a vintage cowgirl image.  She certainly did that!  And, I don't think stayed within our $15 budget, either.  I've found myself wearing the cute little "S" necklace almost every day since it arrived.  THANK YOU SO MUCH EMILY!

Here's a few snaps of what I sent her --- a tutorial on the cowboy boot clutch will be posted soon:

Apron, 'cause that's what I do

My first altered clipboard

Twig star

Cowboy/cowgirl magnet

This totally cool embellished horseshoe (bad photo tho)

and my first Cowboy Boot Purse/Clutch

And, as if all that goodness wasn't enough, a second package arrived that day, this one from my A Swap for All Seasons partner, Sheri Howard.  The theme this time was "Something Old... Something New", and we had to include something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a wedding photo.  LOOK!

You could tell from the packaging that this was special

Everything was wrapped so beautifully

She had the printed definition on every one

Breathtaking, especially the handsewing on those amazing towels!!

OLD - delicate vintage hankies

NEW - amazing handstitched towels

BORROWED - Russian nesting dolls for my collection!!!!

BLUE - vintage cookbook, also for my collection

THANK YOU so much Sheri for all the time and attention you put into my package.  You really took my likes into consideration and gave me such a wonderful gift!!

Sheri posted what I sent here HERE, but I want to leave you with the vintage wedding photo I sent her ... this is from my mom's first wedding (married four times!) in the 40's:

Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap Recap

I have so many cute Christmas pictures to post but I am once again having camera issues -- first the battery recharger was missing, now the cord to upload is nowhere to be found. *sigh* So, my decorating open house will have to wait. I hope you enjoy a little recap from a recent swap.

Heidi from Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly hosted a Homemade Christmas Swap this fall, the criteria being to spend no more than $15 and include at least one nicely made homemade item and tuck in some goodies if funds allow. My sweet partner, Renee, swapped emails and shared wishes and preferences. Our packages were received earlier this month and check it out:

Look at this cute packaging - she used old sewing patterns! I LOVE it!!

This darling wreath is full of beautiful goodies - I really like the crystal garland and those beautiful birdies!


Look at this sweet vintage apron with the hand-stitched bird pockets

Then, a SECOND vintage apron, hostess style this time and super sweet.

Renee is a mixed media artist and she just stuffed my package ... altered composition books (with I Love Lucy and vintage pinup girls - my favs!), handmade tags, note cards, and so much more!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU AGAIN, Ms. Renee.


I only took pictures of my big gift for Renee but also tucked in some vintage pink ornaments and chocolate.
She asked me for a cream/white Christmas tree skirt in shabby chic style. I've NEVER made a complete circle and had a few mathematical issues that I didn't contemplate. I found some drapery lining fabric on clearance and cute out the largest circle I could, ala-snowflake style. Then, I bought a plush throw with the plans to use it to trim out the edge of my skirt in a fur-like feeling. I also bought some beautiful ribbon and sewed that on the seamline between the "fur" and the skirt. Finally, I laid out my finished product to admire it. Note to self - straight strip of fabric around a circle does not lay flat - at all!! After holding back tears and pulling myself together, I decided the only way to salvage my creation was to cut the fur and insert a "gore" of some sort. I had some tulle I thought might work - hubby thought it looked strange but my co-workers encouraged me and I'm so glad they did. I added some cream/gold buttons and, well, here it is. I really wanted to keep it!


It lays flat! (okay, fairly flat) - whew! I was so stressed. I think I'll make one of these for OUR family next year!! Do you have any crafting nightmares to share?

White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap - Christmas Carol Creations

H
i friends! I'd like to invite you to join my Christmas Flirty Apron Swap!! I love everything about Christmas ... the lights, decorations, parties, special church pageants and plays, how everyone is just a little nicer, and I especially love the sounds of the season. So, in this year's winter swap, participants will put on their creativity caps and create an apron representative of their partner's favorite carol! I hope you can join in the fun.

(click on an image to register)

Deadline to Register: November 15
Partners Sent: November 17
NEW Swappers: mail to Shawnee before November 30
All Others Mail After: November 30
But Mail Before: December 6

Create a handmade "White Christmas" apron - an apron created based on one of your partner's favorite Christmas carols - and include a note about how you spend Christmas along with $15 worth of gift-wrapped goodies to round out your special package.

If you have anything you'd like to donate for a giveaway, just let me know and I'm happy to highlight your shop or blog in exchange. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Here's a button that you can put on your blog to help spread the word. the more people involved in the swap, the more fun it will be!

you gotta hop out of your reader to get the code!
<a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2009/10/holiday-gift-swap.html"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4088058451_347192a1aa_o.jpg" /></a>

so get out there spread the word and let's have some fun!!

AFTER YOU REGISTER, jump over to the Flirty Apron Swap Blog and comment so we can see who's IN!!

A little more swapping thanks - apron pictures

While I sent thank you emails to all my partners, I've been so behind in posting pictures on my blog. Please indulge me and enjoy the pictures!
Check out these cute goodies received during the Atomic Housewives Spring Cleaning swap. I LOVE the cool mini-broom and the commercial fancy cleaning gloves. She also tucked in lots of environmental-friendly cleaning products. My box was PACKED full of goodies!

THIS is my Winter Basic and Baubles package from Jennifer. This was her first swap and I ADORE how she packaged it! She found tons of pink and white goodies to brighten up my dreary winter kitchen.
This gorgeous apron came from Suzee in UT during Laura's Happy Birthday Apron Swap on Swap-Bot. Suzee went above the requirements and included that cute Happy Birthday kitchen towel she embellished AND a cookbook. Of course, my absolute favorite is this new apron. Thank you, Suzee, for using my favorite of cupcakes, pink, polka dots and brights and making this beauty. You are an amazing seamstress!
Here's the apron I made for this swap -- it's my first Lilly apron and it went to Laura's mom, Mary F. I DO like this pattern; I wasn't so sure the first time I saw it but it's quite adorable on. Hope she likes it; I was so very late in sending but hope it was worth the wait.

Speaking of amazing seamstresses, look at this adorable apron Joey whipped up for our St. Patty's Apron Swap over at Booming Aprons. She used vintage fabric for the waistband/ties, and those little tucks are just so perfect. I really like her sewing label, too.

This is the apron I sent to Joey. It's from the Two for Tea Apron Pattern, and I mixed up several green and St. Patty's fabrics. I must admit, I STINK at corners with bias tape!!! I'm sorry that you were the recipient of un-perfect corners!

Don't you want to SQUEAL when you see this cute apron?! Teri from Mary Jane's Farmgirl Connection made this especially for me! She knew I loved red and created this beauty just for me. Isn't so Minnie Mouse-ish?? I wore it while working in the church nursery last weekend, and I got so many admiring comments. It's just so cheery and bright -- I was tickled, too, that the bright red w/white polka dots actually matched one of my crawling babies so I carried her around so we were twinsies. =)

Here's the apron I sent to Terri - It is my first Chatterbox Apron pattern from Mary Mulari - I bought the pattern at the Sewing Expo. I was really stuck during this swap trying to find the "perfect" pattern and fabrics and just couldn't get the time to finish it so was very late, but I MADE time and really love it. I rarely use pastels but was so glad that was her preference because I'm so pleased with how it turned out. It feels very farmgirl-ish to me, and I adore the bodice.