No Sew Baby Mobile

I know this is back tracking a bit, but I want to record some of the projects I did for Bambina's nursery for future reference since the whole thing is pretty much DIY. Her mobile was one of the first things I made and I used the scrapbook paper I found for it as the color scheme for the rest of the room. 

I got the basic idea from this cute mobile, but instead of fabric and sewing I went with glue and paper.

Supplies:
Ribbon (approx. 11 feet)
Double-sided Scrapbook Paper (enough for 28 1.5" circles)
Craft Glue
8" diameter cross stitch hoop
Jute or extra ribbon for hanging

Directions:
1. Find some coordinating paper that you love (mine was double sided which worked out great) and cut out 28 circles approximately 1.5" diameter.

2. Cut four pieces of ribbon at 17" and four at 14.5". I used two different colors, but you could use all one, too.

3. Glue four circles to each 17" ribbon and three circles on each 4.5" ribbon. I spaced them so the three circles on the short ribbon matched the three spaces on the long ribbon. Be sure to leave about 2" at the top of your ribbon for folding over and gluing to the hoop.

4. Remove the outer circle from your cross stitch hoop and discard or set aside for future crafting project of your choice. Fold about an inch from the top of your ribbon over the inner circle of cross stitch hoop and glue in place. Repeat 7 times, spacing the ribbon evenly around the hoop.

5. Using more ribbon or jute, tie three strands around the top of the hoop. Knot together in the center. Cut as long or short as desired for hanging.

It's that simple! I was pretty pleased with the way in turned out and love the extra color it brought into the nursery.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Creating!

Soy Banana Bread

I am always on the look out for a new, healthy banana bread recipe to try. However, I often fall back on this Soy Banana Bread recipe as a tried and true favorite. A friend first shared it with me several years ago and now I'd want to pass it on to all of you! And don't be scared away by the soy flour, it can easily be swapped out with regular wheat flour. I do love that it adds some extra protien to an otherwise carb- heavy snack though so if you're feeling adventurous give a try!

Soy Banana Bread

Sift together:

1cup + 2 Tbsp Soy Flour

1 1/3 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (or 1 cup white flour and 1/3 cup bran)

2 3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 cup Sugar (I often cut this down)

Add in:

1/4 cup Oil (or 2 Tbsp Oil and 2 Tbsp Yogurt)

1 Egg, beaten

1/3 cup Milk

1 cup Mashed Bananas (2-3)

1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (option)

Mix until just moistened. Spread into a greased 9x5 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 50 minutes. Enjoy!

So do you have a favorite go-to snack bread recipes?

Meal Plan - Jan 22

Well, I know I already said this once before but things have been busy, busy so here's getting-back-to-meal-planning-after-the-holidays, take two!

Dinners:

Black Bean Burgers - (I'm picturing these serving as a wrap in ww tortillas with avocado and maybe a dollop of sour cream)

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham and Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Lunches/Snacks/Other:

Fried Egg Sandwiches and popcorn (these have been tasting delicious for lunch lately!)

Roasted Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup (might add some leftover ham to this)

Carrot Cake Muffins (no sugar added)

Egg Casserole

Yogurt

Chicken Stock / Bone Broth

Happy Cooking!

Meal Plan - Jan 8th

Well, after a bit of a hiatus for the holidays I'm ready to get back to meal planning and cooking some wholesome, nourishing foods again!

Dinners:

Soup, Salad and Herbed Wheat Dinner Rolls

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

Roasted Tomato and Black Bean Soup

Stir Fry

Other:

Soy Banana Bread

Avocado and Egg Salad Wraps

Cuties (Ok, so not something I'm making, but I've been really loving these tiny little fruits lately!)

Happy Cooking!

Cottage Cheese Enchiladas

I was so happy to stumble across this recipe one of my Pages Documents the other day! It's a recipe Mom used to make growing up and I thought it was long gone. So now it's going up on the blog so I'll always know where to find it to share with you all.

Cottage Chili Enchiladas

4oz. can whole green chiles

12 corn tortillas

8 oz. sharp American, Jack or Cheddar

1 cup sour cream

12 oz. cream style cottage cheese

14 oz. can mild enchilada sauce

Salt, pepper

Drain chiles, remove seeds & rinse.  Cut into 12 strips.  Fry tortillas in hot oil a few seconds on each side & drain on paper towels (or warm for a few seconds in the microwave to make them more pliable).  Cut half of cheese into 12 strips.  Shred remaining cheese. Combine sour cream, cottage cheese, salt & pepper.  Spoon heaping T. of mixture on each tortilla & top each with a strip of cheese & chili.  Roll & place seam side down in 9 x 12 pan.  Combine remaining sour cream mixture & enchilada sauce.  Pour over enchiladas.  Top with shredded cheese.  Bake @ 350 degrees 20-30 mins.

Krab Chowder

Leave it to me to modify a modified soup recipe, but this is one of my favorite go-to soups and it's hearty enough to satisfy the hubby as well. You can find the original modified version  here at Taste of Home, but this is the more budget friendly version that I have come to make.

Krab Chowder 

• 3/4 cup each chopped onion, celery and carrots
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups 2% milk, divided
• 1 lb imitation crab meat

In a large pot, cooke onion, celery and carrots in butter until tender. Stir in broth and seasonings. Add potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until potato is tender.

In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup of milk until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

Stir in crab meat and remaining milk. Heat through but do not boil.  (Makes 3 quarts)

Meal Plan - Dec 2

Sweet and Spicy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk over Rice

Mediterranean Beef Stew with Rosemary

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Tamale Pie

Fettuccine Bolognese 

Avocado Egg Salad Wraps

Happy Cooking!