QAL Happy blocks 5 and 6

First , I must apologize for the constant changes with the blog look yesterday. I am trying to decide what looks good and what does not and I have to see it for real to decide. I hope you all like the new look! The header is still too big and I will be tweaking that later. 

Now that I have a printer with ink and printing paper I was able to finally get back to the  QAL on Sew Happy Geek! Hopefully I can keep Adam away from that copy feature! 

I chose to do both of these in Denyse Schmidt Daisy Mae. So bright and happy!!!!!

Tutorial for block #5 HERE

I know this one is different from the original layout but I accidently put it on the wall this way and I really like it :o)

Tutorial for block #6  HERE

Now to tackle the paper piecing whirling star on Fresh Lemon Quilts

Another Reading Challenge!

Yup, there it is up there! If you are interested just click on the link...

The idea is to choose a book that all of these amazing book bloggers have recommended...They submitted their favorite reads from the year 2011 and you get to choose from THE LIST.

It's called the Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge!

Hosted by Reading With Tequila 

Click there for the list of books: Maybe you'd like to join us...

There are 5 levels 

The Levels:
Level I - Read 5 books from the 2011 Book Blogger Recommendation List
Level II - Read 10 books
Level III - Read 15 books
Level IV - Read 20 books
Level V - Read 20+ books

The Rules:

• Challenge will run January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Participants can join anytime throughout the challenge.
• Create an intro post, linking back to this post. 
• Sign up with the MckLinky below. Please link to your challenge intro post, not your blog home page. 
• Chose your own books from the list. You can decide to read books only on the Top 25 list or from the entire recommendation list. You do not have to make a list of books before the challenge begins.
• All forms of books acceptable (audiobooks, eBooks, etc.)
• Rereads do not count towards the completion of the challenge. The challenge is about discovering books that are new to you.
• You don't need a blog to participate.
• Reviews, while always appreciated, are not mandatory.

So there you have it! What do you say?

Are you up for it?

I think it will be fun...

Until next time,

Tex-Mex Meat Loaf with A Chipotle-Tomato Glaze

I attempt to write my menu plan based on the sales in the store, but I always allow myself to pick a few recipes that I simply just want to make.  Lately what I want is pretty much anything from The Homesick Texan cookbook.  It's my go-to cookbook for the moment.    

I have a favorite recipe for your classic everyday meat loaf, but this recipe for Tex-Mex Meat Loaf with Chipotle-Tomato Glaze has been calling to me ever since I first laid eyes on it.  I blame it all on the chorizo.  The idea of adding chorizo to meat loaf was completely intriguing to me. 

This meat loaf is dense in texture, packed with lots of flavor (chorizo, cilantro, onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano), and topped with a glaze that is spicy from the chipotle and slightly tangy from the lime.  It's not your everyday meat loaf.  It's meat loaf with a punch of flavor.  My husband who loves all these ingredients separately, did not love this meat loaf.  He said he preferred a normal old-fashioned meat loaf to this recipe.  I have to agree with him.  I certainly appreciated and enjoyed all the flavors in this recipe, but I think I prefer a simple old-fashioned meat loaf best.

  

Tex-Mex Meat Loaf with A Chipotle-Tomato Glaze

Adapted from The Homesick Texan by Lisa Fain

Serves 10-12

For the Chipotle-Tomato Glaze:

1 cup crushed canned tomatoes, preferable fire roasted

1/2 or 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo (depending on how much heat you like)

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 -3 cloves of garlic

salt and pepper, to taste

For the Meat Loaf:

1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 medium yellow onion, finely diced

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 pound Mexican chorizo, removed from casing

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 large eggs

1 cup finely ground crackers or tortilla chips (or a combo of the two)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking sheet with foil.  Butter or grease the foil so the meat loaf does not stick.

To make the chipotle-tomato glaze, in a blender, puree until smooth the crushed tomatoes, chipotle chiles, lime juice, and garlic.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

To make the meat loaf, heat the oil in a skillet on medium-low heat, and add the onion.  Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.  

Slide the cooked onions and garlic into a large bowl.  Add to the bowl the ground beef, the chorizo, cilantro, eggs, ground crackers (I used Ritz) or tortilla chips, oregano, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.  With your hands, gently mix all ingredients until well combined.

Take the meat and form it into a loaf.  Place it on the sheet and take half of the chipotle-tomato glaze and spread it on top of the meat loaf.  Place meat loaf in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.  Remove from the oven, spread the remaining chipotle-tomato glaze on top, and place back in the oven for about 10 more minutes.  Let the cooked meat loaf sit for 15 minutes and then slice with a serrated knife and serve.

 

My trial with paper piecing

I have been afraid to try paper piecing for a very long time. I don't know why I thought I would fail so miserably that I could not recover my standing ( in my brain) as a sewer if I could not master, or at least submit to, this skill. 

Friday was a lovely day and Saturday we started having some winter weather that kept me inside

and the kids went out to sled or at least slide across the thin layer of ice covered by a smattering of snow so I had some time

I came across a tutorial that I had printed up about a year ago on Free Spirit Fabric and decided I need to take the plunge and give it a go!

I am so happy I did, it was an easy and fun tutorial and I just had to figure out how to make it square instead of round ( LOTS of pins!!!!!!!).

I did a super simple nothing of a quilting to just give it something :o)

Joel Dewberry Heirloom goodness was my inspiration and I think it is STUNNING! I need to make a matching pillow so this one is not alone.

** I must apologize for the photos they weather is still gray and gloomy**

Linked to Manic Monday Linky Party

and Sew Modern Monday

Pink and Celery with a Tag

This morning's CAS Challenge at Splitcoast is to use Pink, Celery and White.  I had just received a very large flower from Layers of Color - so I knew right away I wanted to tone-on-tone the flower.  But I couldn't figure out what to do with a sentiment, until I remembered The Paper Players challenge which was CAS with a tag.  I thought a tag tied to the flower stem might be a perfect simple touch.

FYI - everything at Layers of Color is clearanced at 50-75% off so this very large Cottage Rose stamp is only $7.

• Stamps: Layers of Color Cottage Rose, Daisy Bucket sentiment
• Paper: Stampin' Up Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink
• Ink: Stampin' Up Pretty in Pink
• Accessories: The Twinery Honeydew baker's twine, Stampin' Up tag punches

Couponing 101

I received quite a few questions and emails regarding my last post about couponing.  Those questions were fresh in my mind as I clipped my coupons this morning and I thought it would be fun to share some tips and tricks with you.  Here they are, in no particular order.

Tip # 1:  Only clip coupons for things you actually use.  Couponing has a way of being addictive.  Take caution not to buy things just because they are a good deal. The coupons above are all things we use (hot sauce, pickled jalapenos, dishwasher detergent, vitamins, aluminum foil, nuts. Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, yeast, Cheerios (for my 5 year old) and cheese. (These coupons total $10.50 in savings)

 Tip #2:  Learn the coupon policy for your store(s).  Every store's coupon policy varies.  Visit your store's website or go to their customer service desk and ask them about their coupon policy. Most stores will double any coupon that is $.50 or less (this is as good as it gets at my store).  However, some stores double coupons up to $1, making each $1 coupon instantly worth $2.  Anytime you can double a coupon worth $1 then you are going to get an amazing deal (you may even get money back)! Additionally, some stores will double the value of any coupon on one particular day of the week.  If this is the case then it would definitely be worth doing the majority of your shopping on that day.  I could go on and on here, but it is best to check with your store.  You'll want to be fully informed so that you don't run into any surprises.


Tip # 3:  You'll find the best deals by combining what's on sale along with your coupons.  Here is a perfect example.

This week my local store has cans of Hunt's tomatoes on sale for $.59 each. I have a coupon for $.45 off 3 cans, which automatically doubles to $.90 off.  Therefore I will buy 3 cans for a grand total of $.87 ($.59each  x 3 cans = $1.77 - $.90 coupon  = $.87).  You really can't beat a deal like that!  Canned tomatoes are a staple, especially in the winter.  I will be so glad to have these on hand in my pantry.  In fact, this leads me to my next tip.

Tip #4:  If there are good deals to be had, and you have the room/space, stock up!  Don't be afraid to ask a friend for their paper when they're finished with it OR if the savings dictate, buy another paper.  The main point is to stock up.  Sales and coupons are on cycles and oftentimes you will run out of a product before it cycles again.   


Tip # 5: Make sure your coupon is the best deal to be had.  Do not go to the store determined to use your coupon without first checking prices for the other brands.  Every once in awhile it happens where I'll clip a coupon and then go to the store to find that another brand is cheaper.  The motto here is to pay attention.  Don't use your coupon just for the sake of using your coupon.  Remember, you are after the best deal. 

Tip# 6: Certain stores, like Walgreens, allow you to combine their store coupons with manufacturer's coupons.  This is one of my favorite tips/tricks.  Walgreens is the place where I find a lot of great deals.  And, I must not be the only one because I frequently see other people couponing there as well. After you clip the coupons from the coupon inserts, get out your Walgreens ad.  Inside the Walgreens ad there is another set of coupons.  Here is an example.

Walgreens has a coupon for $2 off Listerine which they will allow me to combine with my mfg. coupon for $1 off.  I happen to know this particular bottle of Listerine is always $3.99.  This means that with my combined coupon I will be getting this Listerine for $.99.  Again, if possible I would stock up on this because this is a big staple in my house.

I should also mention that in addition to their weekly sales ad, Walgreens also puts out a monthly pamphlet (available at the front of the store by the sales ad) that also has coupons in it.  There have been times where I have used a Walgreen sales ad coupon, combined with a coupon from the monthly pamphlet, and a mfg. coupon. I love that Walgreens allows you to triple up on coupons. However, be cautioned when it comes to using mfg. coupons at Walgreens.  You can use them, but Walgreens will not double them.  Therefore, if you have a mfg. coupon and cannot match it with a Walgreens store coupon then it is best to use your mfg. coupon at the regular grocery store so that it can be doubled.  

Tip # 7:  Be Organized.  If you decide to coupon then you will need some sort of organizer.  I don't have anything fancy or pretty.  I just use an old photo album that has separate compartments and I've labeled each compartment with a sharpie marker. Each week I take care to go through my coupons, removing any expired ones, and at the same time refreshing my memory with the coupons that I do have so that I can better match my coupons to what's on sale that week.  As I make my grocery list I set aside the coupons I want to use and place them in a ziploc baggy to take to the store. 

Tip #8:  Keep your coupons with you.   One of the most valuable lessons I've learned while couponing is to ALWAYS keep my coupons with me.  I keep my coupon book in the trunk of my car so I always have it.  You never know when you are going to find a good deal.  

Tip #9:  Leave your kids, and any other distractions, at home when you shop!  Kids are cute, and I have two of my own, but I try my best to leave them at home when I do my shopping.  There is no way you can pay attention to the deals, your coupons, and the cashier who is ringing up your order if you have kids in tow.

Tip# 10:  Try to plan a menu based on your savings.  Challenge yourself to come up with recipes based on the items you buy with your coupons.  This week it's pretty much a no brainer for me.  Based on the canned tomatoes, yeast, Italian sausage and cheese I will most definitely be making some homemade pizzas.  The coupon for the pickled jalapenos is just the push I needed to make The Homesick Texan's breaded and fried pickled jalapeno slices, which have been on my to-do list for awhile now. 

Bonus Tip:  When couponing, please pay attention to the cashier ringing your order and also double check your receipt to make sure all your deals rang up correctly. Cashiers are busy and bound to make mistakes and sometimes the computers do not code the deals correctly.  Don't be afraid to point out errors while the cashier is ringing up your order.  Also, know beforehand how much you should be saving with your coupons so that you can double check your receipt afterwards and make sure it is all accounted for.  The grand total of my coupons above is $10.50 and I will be sure to make sure I see $10.50 in savings at the bottom of my receipt.

Another Bonus Tip:  If you're interested in couponing, but are feeling a little nervous about it all, then start off small.  Find yourself one good deal, grab your coupon, take it all to the register, and have it rung up separately so you can look at the receipt and understand it.  Next time around you'll feel more comfortable and you'll understand the rules a little better.

As of right now, I only use my local Sunday newspaper for coupons.  Some people like to get their coupons online, but then it is necessary to print them, which does involve extra cost. If you're interested, there are some great online coupon sites out there, namely smartsource.com and redplum.com. 

I hope this bit of information was helpful in answering some of the questions. If you have any additional questions, or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments section, or via email.  I'd love to hear about them! 

Elle's Studio

My first post in the  Elle's Studio gallery is live today...YIPPEEEEE....the other girls have done an incredible job too I hope you can pop over to see .  The more I play with Elle's tags the more I am falling in love with them. I created three layouts, I will share two today and one later this week.

...and speaking of Elle's Studio, her newest kit called A love story is about to go on sale ...you will soooooooo love it , here is a sneak peak of one of the layouts I made with it...

Till next time...