Seasonal WHITE Chili

Since I am ditching my hubby again to go to another fundraiser/crop this weekend, I figured I could at least make him some food so he doesn't starve to have to cook himself.

HOLY CRAPOLA, I love this recipe for White Chili! Scott will especially love it since it has chicken in it and he is so health conscious. My sister led me to this recipe via Seasonal Delights Magazine. It is a wonderful quarterly ezine, that I believe is also paper-printed as well. Kelli is very creative with her crafts, but even more talented in the kitchen! You need to purchase a subscription for downloading, but I tell ya, it is worth it! Just $5.00 an issue when you subscribe for a year. The typical ezine has over 40 pages, tons of pictures and tutorials for her crafts and recipes. Check out her personal blog, too! She includes lots of other ideas inbetween the ezine issues there. I know white chili is more for fall and winter, but after I read the simplicity of the recipe's instructions and looked over the ingredients, I couldn't wait! I knew it was going to taste awesome, and IT DOES!!!

Update

Hey ALL! Just an update on the Freebie... Obviously not posted yet. I can NOT wait until Josh gets back home from camp, that is all I am sayin'! UGH, I can get absolutely NOTHING done without him! This comes as no surprise as I was already well-aware how much he helps me with the three little ones; refereeing fights, filling sippies, passing out snacks... I am doing my best, I promise!

I shall return tomorrow!

Make it a wonderful evening!!!

(I am going to go finish watching The Princess Bride,

one of my personal favorites!!!)

OK, I give in!

Blogger squished all of my posts and for me it was uncomfortable to look at, so I changed my template altogether so I could get the spacing I wanted between the lines. My sister worked on the template, but nothing happened, so I gave in. I guess I could switch back to what I was using before and see if it re-sets itself, but I may try this template for a while and see if I can get used to it.

I DO like the fact that there is more space for writing in the columns. I always wondered by they had so much wasted space on the left and right of the last template I was using. Oh, well!

What's UP with Blogger?

I just came to check something on my blog and noticed something! ALL of the posts are squished! What is up with that? Usually there is like 1 1/2 spacing or double spacing between the lines. NOW everything is squished tight! It makes it harder to read! SO, I just want you to know that I did not make that happen! Maybe they will remedy it. Maybe not. I don't like the look of it, do you?

NO Freebie YET

Ok, long day again without Josh. NO freebie YET; but I am working on it. I got a lot done yesterday for customers and friends and commitments..... so, check back and I should have the freebie soon! HUGS!!!!!

For Helen...

A wonderfully talented lady at SplitCoastStampers asked if I would be interested in swapping cards with her. After viewing her gallery, I said DUH, YEAH! She is one artistic gal! So, this is the card I made just for her (used my wonderful COPICS for the coloring) and she will be receiving it in her mailbox soon! Thank YOU, Helen for asking me to swap! I can't wait to see what I get from YOU!!!!

KayLee, the Artist!

I was headed to the craft room earlier this morning to get started on those items listed below in the previous post.... and saw that my daughter, KayLee, still hadn't gotten dressed yet. UGH! I had asked her three times now! It is hard to stay mad at her when she can turn around and surprise you with something like this! I said, "KayLee, go get dressed!", and she says, "Look, Mommy, it's the earth!" So, needless to say I HAD to go grab the camera, which I have finally found, thank goodness, or I would have missed this! She turns to me and says, "That is art!" HA HA HA! I told her, that YES it is and that maybe one day she will be an artist like mommy and she said, "I already AM! I draw and color and I made Daddy a card for his birthday, remember?" I told her that I stood corrected and she was right!

June's SheetLoad of Cards

SheetLoad of Cards' newest issue is available for download! Here is my take on the sketch! Love is in the details, as I always say! Stickles in the button holes and a pop-dotted Hawaiian drink makes the card, well, uh POP! HA HA!

I colored in the umbrella and drink with my lovely COPIC markers, still lovin' these things! I used SUP! paper throughout. OH, and this month's SheetLoad of Cards is challenging you to get out those $1.00 stamps and use them. Well, I don't have any of those, but I do have a few non-SUP! stamps that are running around without a home, so I grabbed this one I bought from Wal-Mart. Check out SheetLoad and try your hand at this sketch, it is a great one!

501st POST!

WOW, now I know I DO type as much as I talk! HA HA HAAA!

Well, I am barely able to come to the surface for air with (my 18yr old son) Josh being gone! I miss him soooo much! Not just because he is such a great help with the three little ones but because he is just so fun to hang out with and keeps my spirit up throughout a hectic day. I wish he would let loose and let people see him as I do, he is such a genuine person. Anyhoo...

To avoid divulging TMI, I am still having "issues" with my recovery. I will get to you C.S., hopefully today with your promised pics and will try to finish your dangles, Kris, and your bookmark, Mom, and am planning on emailing K in FL and you, too Robbi! UGH! OH, and I still need to head to the postoffice, JenMarie with your freebie, and Helen with your card-swap, so I will attempt to do that this afternoon after we have lunch. {{ I had to stay in bed all night after we came home from KayLee's kindergarten physical (and finger prick; you would think she was stabbed with a knife), so I didn't get what I had planned to get done, DONE. Sorry for the delays, dear Ladies, please know that I am doing the best I can with this recovery. Like I told my friend, Kelly, on the phone last night, it has really been a pain in the ***, ha ha no pun intended!! }} Hang in there with me!

OH and NO I didn't forget about posting the freebie. I will try to do that today, too. I am contemplating not having a freebie anymore, due to the declining interest. That's not to say that I am falling from my #2 ranking, because I am still way up there. I think I have secret supporters that vote everyday and just don't email me for an entry into the freebie drawing because somehow I am still doing well on the chart! THANKS, to whomever you are!!!!! I will wait and see how this freebie does and decide later. I don't want to make any rash decisions because I am feeling under the weather and falling behind in my orders... if you all have any ideas or suggestions about the freebie, please comment or email me!

Have a great day!

I will check back ASAP!

Words of Wisdom

I came across this saying today and just had to share it...

Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success.

If you love what you are doing,

you will be successful.

(Albert Schweitzer)

Maybe this is why my jewelry line is as successful as it is! In the short length of time that I have been designing jewelry, I have LOVED every minute of it and have never been happier!!!

New SheetLoad of Cards Issue!

The June Issue of SheetLoad of Cards is UP and READY! I love this site, it really does help you make a bunch of cards at once! It shows you how many pieces of papers you will need, tells you what size to cut them, and where to add embellishments! EASY! Of course you can always tweek it to make it your own, add a ribbon here or a brad there, but all in all, the sketch and suggested papers and embellishments are all you need to make a set of cards!

Check out SheetLoad of Cards past issues, too! If you get a creative-block, this is a site that will get you through that rough-patch quickly! ENJOY!

Future Crafter!

I caught KayLee outside on the back porch all set up on the lounger reading a PaperCrafts Magazine! HA HA! How cute is that?

Look at how she set up her own end table with a bucket turned upside down for her bottle of water! FUNNY!

Here's a SHOUT OUT to...

... MY HUBBY, Scott. I just want to post a quick message in case he DOES ever check out my blog someday.

He showed me today exactly how great of a hubby he is. I KNOW, I am the first to admit that at times (especially of late) he has really made me doubt his love for me. But, he changed all of that today. He showed me exactly how loving and giving and self-LESS he is and I am truly in awe of his affection for me. I honestly feel that I don't deserve someone like him. I never knew what people meant when they said that someone was too good for them, but NOW I KNOW.

Thank you, Honey, for being who you are.

I love you deeply, from the bottom of my heart!

And the winner IS....

Eli is the helper for the draw today since he is done with school and now enjoying summer vacation!! Thanks to everyone for the VOTES!!!!!!!! They are so appreciated!

CONGRATULATIONS, JENNIFER!!!

I will send it out ASAP since I already have your addy!

I hope you enjoy it!!

((Next giveaway will be posted next week, since I am waiting on a bead shipment to make it!))

WOWSERS!

We had a busy day today! The kids had dental cleaning appointments and immunizations today. Poor KayLee had four shots, while the other three kids had just one each. And we managed to squeeze in a trip to the pet store AND a run to Dairy Queen for some cones and icecream sandwiches. Then we came home and played outside until I had to fix supper and do the evening routine.

I probably over did it with the running around, but yesterday was the absolute best I have felt in three weeks, so I kinda forgot to slow down a bit today. AND I can feel it. The stitches are not happy with me! HA HA! Oh, well! I am going to go to bed and get horizontal, so I shouldn't feel bad for long!

I am glad that I am getting a lot of the necessary things that need to be done over summer right away. Dental & Shots this week, 5 yr old / kindergarten check up for KayLee next week, stuff like that. This way I can really enjoy the summer and not have those things in the back of my mind to worry about!

Hope everyone is doing fine!

Prayer Request

If you are a regular on-looker to this blog, you know that I talk about Jewelry and PaperCrafts, but I also do share personal things regarding my children, activities, travels and everyday things. Well, today I am requesting prayers for one of my cyber-friends, Robbi. And without giving too much personal information, she had a death in her family and could probably use some prayers of comfort to get her through this most difficult time.

Love You, Robbi!

JUST.......

....... TWO more days till I draw for the KEYBLING Blog Candy! Vote today and tomorrow to make it worth the while! THANKS for your voting support!!!

Excited to Share!

I just blogged about this picture, but I just had to share the picture of these items for those who don't have time to click on all of those links. Southern Living at Home has the most beautiful items for the entire home. Bath, Kitchen, Study, inside AND OUTDOOR living, too! (and they have the MOST AWESOME cook books, too!) So, enjoy this picture, doesn't it look so summery? I can't wait to get ALL of these items in my home! HEEHEE ;o)

Have a good day!

Southern Living at Home

My mom and sister sell Southern Living at Home. IF you don't know what that "SCHTUFF" is, check out their online magazine : HERE! After I saw their MEGA KIT that you get when you join, I decided to do it! If you have ever been in my house, you will see that my decor is limited. I have never really invested into homey decorative items. You would think that being an artist and past kitchen designer that I would have this real elaborate house that reflects my personality... Wellllllll, Uh..... no. I am ashamed to say that is just one thing that I have never tried to tackle. But I have an excuse....

When Scott and I got married in 2001 and got pregnant right away, there was really no time, not to mention desire, to 'make a home'. I was so sick the first year of our marriage due to the pregnancy and then after Eli was born I was pregnant again 4 months later. So, knowing that we would have two little babies running around soon, I didn't really want to purchase items for our home in fear of them getting broken by the kids. Fast forward now to 2008, the kiddos are older and was less accident prone compared to 6 years ago, and knowing that I have always ALWAYS loved Southern Living at Home items because of their durability and HIGH END quality, I decided to pick up the MEGA KIT for just $199.00! (It is regularly $299.00, but it is $100.00 off till the end of May!!!) There is well over $750.oo of product in it! Some items I do already own, (believe it or not; since like I said my decor is LIMITED), but that is okay! I could use the same items in another area of the house!

AND IN ADDITION to the MEGA KIT, they also offer an ENHANCEMENT KIT a couple times a year to help you have new items on hand for shows, but at majorly discounted prices. So, I picked it up as well! Over $260.00 of product for just $99.00!! I am going to have so much crap in the house I won't recognize it! HA HA!

SO, if you would like to share in the "decorating excitement", check out their ONLINE CATALOG and let me know if there is something you would like. You of course can also have your own show at my home or yours, however, I WILL NOT be pushing that idea on anyone, as that is NOT why I joined up with Southern Living; but I would be more than happy to pass along my discount with my first order (and maybe future ones, too!!!). There are really awesome hostess specials for MAY and JUNE, I am thinking of getting the grilling set for my hubby! So if you are interested in earning these products free, then let me know and I would be glad to get you going. ((Have a catalog party and collect orders, that is an easy way to do it!))

Anyhoo, I will be placing an order by the end of the week, so if you want to get in on some really fine, quality items, just give me a shout (or email me if you aren't local, addy in my profile) and I would be glad to get these wonderful items to you. Their items are a bit on the higher-price scale, but with my discount, it should help a bunch AND once you see and feel the quality, you will be glad you invested in some fine pieces for your home!

Well, the kids are up and ready for breakfast and their official FIRST day of SUMMER! I will check in on ya'll later!

BLOG CANDY!

MORE BLOG CANDY at:

Stamps, Paper, Scissors and DONKEY SMILES!

Check it out!

Secret Project

I worked all day on a project that I hope to debut sometime next week, at earliest. Is it jewelry? NO! Is it papercrafts? NO! Hmm... what else could it be?

In reality it may take a week or two because of my slow-moving ways these days! BUT at least summer is HERE and the kids are at home and JOSH (my lovely 18 year old!) can help me with the tough leg-work that my body can't endure right now. I love him! He is always so ready to help without complaint. That must come with age, as he was NOT like this when he was 14!

OK, so for the two that know about the project, keep quiet! Until then...

Carla's BLOG CANDY!

WOWSERS! In celebration of my cyber-friend, Carla's 30,000 hits, she is offering up some awesome Blog Candy! Go check it out, HERE! She is adding MORE each day until she draws on the first of June! Congrats, Carla!

Last day of school 2008!

I just had to share these pictures of my kids from Friday, the LAST day of the school year. This is JOSH, now facing his Senior year of High School, hard to believe!

Wouldn't you look this happy if you were on the threshold of SUMMER? Eli wrapped up his first year of school with flying colors! NOW on to First grade!

AND, here is my little RAY of SUNSHINE! HA HA! KayLee woke up right after Eli and Josh left for school and I just had to take a picture of this LOOK! I mean, what is up with the hair? KayLee will be headed to Kindergarten next year, I can hardly believe that, too!

Then, there's Isaac. My biggest worry. How many girls do you estimate will be tracking him down once he hits school? What a beauty for a boy, huh?

OH, and I just want to say that I appreciate the emails from everyone inquiring about my recovery. I am still having some issues, so as long as I am pretty docile and not get up and down I do okay. I am able to sit and bead since everything is at arm's length (unlike my papercrafting, which involves getting up and down for stamps and paper, opening drawers for embellishments, ribbon, etc.) so I hope to get some more beading done later today. YES, I KNOW it is 4am! Like I said, still having recovery-issues! HA HA! Thanks again for all of the well-wishes and prayers, they are so appreciated!

Have a SUPAH day!

Who's Getting...

... their own personal collection of earring dangles? Hmm...

If you are unfamiliar with my earring line, you should hear about this! I have taken the major expense out of having a pair of quality earrings! ONE pair of HOOPS! Yes, just invest into one pair of sterling silver hoops that fit your style { 3/4" hoops for the modest, and/or up to 1 1/2"+ for the bold! } and then switch out a pair of dangles to match your wardrobe. Slide on two or three coordinating colors to match a blouse or dressy ensemble OR wear just one single pair of dangles to fit your style or personality that day!

A set of these range from $3.00 to $13.00 (more or less) depending on the size of Swarovski crystals and amount of sterling silver that is incorporated into the design. If you are interested in getting your own EarBling dangle collection started, just email me (addy is in my profile at left) and I will set you up!

No good deed goes unnoticed with me, so I am lavishing a special someone next week with these purty things! Hope she likes them!

THE Next American Idol IS.....

David Cook!

HE ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!

I loved him with ZZTOP!

Mrs. Small's KeyBling

My kindergartener, Eli, has just three more days of school left! I can hardly believe that this year has come to a close already! And to know that sweet little Eli is now going to first grade... it really chokes me up! So, for his wonderful teacher, Valerie Small, goes this beautiful one of a kind KeyBling! I want her to use it and remember Eli each and every day! If you knew Eli's personality you would understand why! He is such a sweet, quiet and loving boy; definitely one of the 'good' kids in the class. So, I am sure she will think of him fondly when she uses this keychain that was made JUST for her!

Thank You, Mrs. Small!

We will see you next year!

Maybe KayLee will have you, too!

Cards for Alisa and Mrs. Small

Here's the card to go with Eli's teacher's KeyBling above. These colors of Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie and Soft Sky were inspired by Split Coast Stampers color challenge #166. I colored the rocketship with my newbie Copic markers and added some silver stickles for some sparkle in the nighttime sky! I thought that the rocketship would look silly in a light sky with stars shining, so I shaded it with a neutral toner #3. I hope Mrs. Small likes her card!

I made a matching one at the same time and gave it to a gal that works at my doctor's office. She is always so kind and understanding when I have to call and rearrange appointments or talk to the nurse AGAIN and AGAIN! She is ALWAYS so fun to talk to, too! She IS A BLAST!

Thanks, Alisa!

Geri's KeyBling

ONE day a week, for just three hours (from 8am to 11am) I have a wonderful gal that watches my KayLee and Isaac so I can get some house work or errand-running done. OR should I say 'had'? Tomorrow is her last day watching the kids. Next year KayLee will be in kindergarten and Isaac will be in preschool four days a week in the afternoon, so I won't be needing her anymore. She watched them off and on last school year just for a few months in the spring, too. I love Geri, she is such a wonderful person. I have known her since 1988 when I moved to Jasper, during my senior year of High School; so I guess you could say that she knows me rather well!

I thought it would be nice for her to have a keychain so that everyday when she goes to the store or comes home to unlock the door, she will think of the kids! Thank goodness they DO behave when they are there or else she just might not WANT to think about them! HA HA!

Thanks, Geri, for your wonderful patience with the kids! We love you!

FOR NEWBIE READERS:

HI there, everyone! If you are a newbie reader looking to win the gorgeous KeyBling (which is made of sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and fine lampwork glass beads) please read the directions at top on how to win!

Simply put, all you do is:
(1) click on the cute pink & green striped tent in left column....
(2) click on the long white bar on the next tab/screen that pops up....
(3) find my ranking #1, #2, or whatever....
and (4) email my ranking to anderson.arts@insightbb.com!

Note: You do NOT need to leave a comment or "rate" me for your vote to count. JUST clicking on the tent and seeing me in the ranking/list IS a VOTE!

It is that simple!

IF the system hangs for more than 20 seconds, then the site is doing a tally-update at precisely that moment. SO, wait 5 minutes, and try again! You can vote every 24 hours for an entry to win the fab-U-lous KeyBling, just be sure to email me and let me know that you voted!

Thank YOU for voting!

Put me in your favorites so you remember

to vote every 24 hours!

You can win even MORE entries!

SEE POST BELOW!

May 30th Blog Candy

I was just thinking that the Freebies I offer are really 'blog candy', too! So, if you want the Amber and Lime lampwork keychain really really bad, post about it on YOUR BLOG with the Title of "AVAILABLE BLOG CANDY!" at the top of your blog entry and you will get 10 additional entries into the drawing for May 30th!

Please be sure to leave a comment on this post (thus eliminating having to email me) that you posted and/or linked about Anderson Arts and the freebie sterling, lampwork and Swarovski keychain to your blog post and you will be eligible for the 10 extra entries !!

GOOD LUCK

&

Thanks for spreading the word!