folded fabric ornament

Here is a fun "sew and fold" fabric Christmas ornament 

that turned out to be pretty easy.

These will make great little hostess gifts or party favors.

One challenge I had was finding a hanging string.

I ended up using Hemp Cord from the jewelry section.

The second challenge was finding affordable buttons.

I am still looking for some gold ones . . .

I used a 7" plastic plate as the template.

  

For the ones above I used red and green quilting fabric  

and now I have some Christmas fabric for the rest.

Stitch two contrasting colored circles together

 right sides facing leaving a small opening.

Turn them right side out

Top stitch and you are ready to fold

Draw up the centers and stitch together 

 Fold each corner over the edge

Here is a YouTube video with the instructions.

may 2016

My daughter recently posted this
on her facebook page.

We are excited . . . 

cream cheese chicken chili

So simple yet so delicious

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

Number of Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 chicken breast  halves (frozen) 

1 cup chicken broth

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can corn, undrained

1 can RoTel, undrained

1 pkg ranch dressing mix

1 tsp caraway seeds (or cumin)

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

Directions

Drain and rinse black beans. Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot.  Pour the broth, can of corn, RoTel and drained black beans over the chicken. Top with the ranch mix and seasonings. Stir together. Place cream cheese on top. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Remove chicken, shred it and return it to slow cooker.  Cook for 1 more hour. Stir cream cheese into chili and serve. 

porch sit

If all goes as planned  . . .

this morning we will be enjoying our morning coffee
on this porch.

We look forward to a relaxing few months
reconnecting with our Florida friends
and searching out new volunteer opportunities. 

I will enjoy a cup of coffee right here

while reading your blogs in the mornings

and then in the late afternoons 

perhaps a cocktail 

and soon - hoping a few

friends and family will join us for a visit 

in sunny Venice, Florida . . .

the guest room is ready