Um.. What? How?

So I realized a few days ago that not only did I hit 500 Followers.. but I just had my 2 yr Blogiversary. I can't believe it's been 2 years already.

I'm planning something.. something really good!! So stay tuned. I just need to figure out what it is.

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Roadtrip turned upside down

The kids are on Spring Break this next week. We had plans (just me and the kids) to roadtrip to Grandma and Grandpa's house (4.5 hours away) and spend a few days.. eating.. laughing.. playing.. laughing.. you get the picture.

Well, we had to cancel because we are still sick and need to get better. In fact, my Mom told me so. I think her words were "You guys are sick and shouldn't be out on the road.. stay home and rest and we will see you Easter." And even at my age, when your mom tells you to do something.. you do it!

So, we decided to get a head start on our VERY FIRST GARDEN!!

We are very excited. My husband is pumped.. the kids are pumped.. and I'm doing all the work pumped.

We always wanted a garden when we lived in Arizona - but the sandy soil isn't very "garden" friendly. So even though they have multiple growing seasons - it takes a lot of time and know how to do it. Years and years of soil prep and typically all done above ground.. so we never took the time to do it.

But, while the kids were at school today - the husband and I went to our local garden center and bought some initial supplies. We will be getting our seeds started this weekend.

Now we just need all the snow to melt and the ground to thaw. Then my Dad and Uncle will be bringing the rototiller to prep the plot we have picked out and we can get growing!!

How about you? Do you garden? What kinds of things do you grow? Pin It

Chicken WOW!!

I haven't shared a recipe in a while - and I've been holding on to this one for a few weeks. So I figured it's time to let you in on this wonderful dish!

You will need:
1 whole Chicken
6 oz Cream Cheese
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
Ground Black Pepper
1 Fresh Lemon (cut in 1/2)
Olive Oil
3 Baking Potatoes
3 Sweet Potatoes
Prep time = 30 minutes
Total time from start to table = 2 hours

Step 1: Take 6 oz (3/4 of an 8oz brick), 2 of the minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. You can also add some herbs to this. Maybe rosemary or thyme? Get creative if you want.

Step 2: Combine mixture together (I used the mixer)

Step 3: Use your hands or the handle of a wooden spoon to carefully separate skin from meat of breast, thighs and legs. Being careful not to tear the skin.

Step 4: Spoon cream cheese mixture up under the skin. This is the messy part.. get your hands in there and spread it around.

Step 5: Salt and Pepper the outside and place 2 lemon halves inside the cavity of the bird. Place chicken in shallow baking dish and brush with 2 Tbsps of olive oil.

Step 6: Peel and cut the Potatoes. Toss with 3 Tbsps of Olive Oil and remaining 2 cloves of Garlic (minced). 

Step 7:  Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Place Chicken and Potatoes in the 375 degree oven on separate racks. Bake for approx 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until Chicken is done (165 degrees) stirring potatoes every 30 minutes.

 Place on serving dish.. and enjoy!!

I can't even begin to tell you how moist this chicken was. It was SO GOOD!!

If you try it.. I'd love to hear what you thought!

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Checkers Anyone?

Have you ever seen these large checker games?

My brother got this one as a Christmas gift this past year. He has always been a big game player.

He works in Afghanistan and travels back to the US every 3 months. He usually spends a night with other co-workers in Dubai while they wait for their flights home to various parts of the World. And typically they pass the time playing games.. checkers.. dominos.. etc.

Well, he asked me to make a bag to carry the game.  Do you think it's "manly" enough?

The pockets were his idea - he originally asked for a pocket for each checker so he would always know that he had them all packed. But 24 pockets seemed a little daunting. So I made 12 total - 6 red and 6 black (2 checkers in each).

What do you think? I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. He's currently home so I will get to see what he thinks about it this weekend when I see him.

And the best part - all the fabric was from my stash!! I only needed to purchase the zipper! I love when that happens. Pin It

Do as I do.. not as I say

Wait.. is that how that goes? I don't think so.

Anyway - I joined another SWAP!!! Yep.. I know.. I know.. but I'm really excited about this one. It's an I-Spy Swap.

Click picture to signup!!!

or click HERE

Have you ever done one? I have - just one other time and it was fun. And of all the swaps I have done, probably the easiest kind EVER!!

I've seen a few adorable patterns for I-Spy quilts lately and really want to make an I-Spy quilt. It's the perfect gift for any kid in your life.

Crystal over at Hendrixville is the organizer and there are only a few spots left. So you better get over there FAST and signup!! All the cool people are doing it! Pin It

Swaps are Fun!

I had recently avoided swaps because my TO DO list is WAY too long. But I did join the Once a Season Swap recently.

I made this Corduroy Tote and a matching zipper pouch for Toni over at The Quilting Pirate. I'm so happy she liked it!!

The next round of the Once a Season Swap is coming in April. Go visit Cheryll and keep your eye open for signups coming soon!

And if you are interested in a tutorial for the Corduroy Tote... Click HERE to see the one that Bobbi over at Crafty Vegas Mom has on her blog. Pin It

The FNSI Winner!!

Once again we had a successful Friday Night Sew-In. Along with all of us "regulars", we had quite a few first timers too. I've had fun looking at some of your blogs - there are alot to go thru! 196 people this time! WOW!! Think of all the fabric and thread that was put to good use this weekend?

Anyway.. now for the lucky winner of the June Taylor package from Arrow Sewing Cabinets

Random.org selected #175 Becca from Quilting B 29's Quilt Life. Becca made some great progress on an apron. Congratulation's Becca!! Send me an email with your address and we will get the awesome prize to you.

Thanks again to everyone for joining in and supporting each other. The next FNSI will be April 15th - get it on your calendars now! And don't forget to check out the Facebook page for Arrow Sewing Cabinets - you can win cool things if you become a fan. Pin It