Yummy Taco Soup!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

12 comments

















My sis in-law makes this and it is soooo goooood! Not exactly sure where this recipe comes from, if it is hers or if she found it somewhere. It is so simple and quick and it is soooo gooood! Wait didn't I already say that? Goes over very well at gatherings, many ask for the recipe. Here it is! Thanks sis!

Taco Soup (or chili?)
2lbs. ground beef, (seasoned with onion powder, Lawry's garlic salt, & pepper. Keep smashing and stirring so meat is tiny. Add 1/2 cup water to meat that will help it cook down.
1 small -med red onion diced (cook with meat)

When thoroughly cooked add:

1 regular size can seasoned black beans (if you can find them) they say: "seasoned"
1 regular size can black beans
1 can diced petite cut tomatoes
1 can rotel (Green Chile's/tomatoes) (not the Jalapeno unless you want it hot)
1 small can tomato sauce (add TBS water to rinse bottom of can)
1 can cream corn
1 can low sodium beef broth
1 pkg. Durkee Enchilada Sauce Packet (dry)
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Packet (dry)
1 TBS parsley flakes

NOTHING DRAINED - and I put water in the bottom of each can to add more liquid and get all the yummy stuff at the bottoms of the cans. :)

Add water if you want it "soupier". I didn't. Only the water I used at the bottom of the cans.

Garnish with sour cream, cheese, red onion and strips of Corn tortillas cut up into small strips and sprayed with Pam - and cooked till crisp. (or crushed store bought tortilla chips.)

Linked up at:
I heart naptime
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Fish in a Bag Soap Tutorial

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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We made these fish in a bag soaps for my son's last birthday. They were the perfect prize for our fishbowl game here. Come get the full tutorial HERE on the site!

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(CLOSED) Personalized Hand Stamped Washer Keychain {Giveaway}

Monday, March 29, 2010

30 comments
The perfect gift for someone that likes the personal touch of hand-stamped jewelry, but doesn't really wear jewelry! These are great for men, grandparents, and kids!

Kids love to attach keychains to their stuff. Right? So when they attach these to their backpacks, coat zippers, lunchboxes, or other items they are actually labeling their stuff.

The hand-stamped washer keychains in the pictures below were actually used as party favors, how fun!
Want one? Well, let's get on to that giveaway, shall we? Two winners will get a hand-stamped washer keychain with up to 4 washers personalized any way they want!

To Enter:
Tell us in the comments box which item you like best from our shop here.

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each)
- Follow this blog.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Place the Cap Creations button on your blog or website.
- Blog about Cap Creations.
-Tweet about Cap Creations.
- Facebook about Cap creations.

Winner will be announced here on the blog on Friday, April 2nd and will have 72 hrs to contact us to claim their prize.
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Easter

Thursday, March 25, 2010

1 comment
Matthew 28 (New Living Translation)

The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

The Report of the Guard
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
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Oh how I heart thee my trusty little neti pot.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

4 comments
A few weeks ago I was feeling horrible. And the funny thing is that it was mostly at night. For about 2 or 3 nights every time I went to bed I would get that awful tickle in my throat that would lead to coughing. Coughing all night! Ugh! I was exhausted for a few days. Then I had a light bulb moment! Why don't I use my neti pot? And I did! And it was awesome! I did not cough one time that night and was able to get some much needed rest! Yea for me! I heart you little neti pot!

Have you ever used one of these? If you suffer from allergies you should give it a try. It seems kinda hard or tricky but honestly my allergic/asthmatic 5 yr old uses it. And it works wonders for my husbands allergies and asthma.
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I can't wait! How 'bout you?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

3 comments



Come on June 30!
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This Little Piggy Went to the Gym

Monday, March 22, 2010

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I've been helping my brother out with the layout/look of his new blog This Little Piggy Went to the Gym. He made the purchase of the domain name. Go on over and take a look and let me know what you think. We've added a new header, a dark background, some home, about, and contact links across the top. We've made the post area a bit wider and changed up the layout a bit.

And while you are there check out his story, leave a comment for him and become a follower so you too can be inspired. I'm telling you, this guy is inspiring! Even if you don't struggle with weight he will inspire you! And I must say, for never blogging he is doing a great job! Keep it up Dave!
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Silk Dyed Easter Eggs - Oh So Pretty!

Friday, March 19, 2010

11 comments
These are gorgeous! You will not believe the detail. Seriously the most beautiful Easter eggs I have ever dyed. And I am posting this now so that you still have time to find your silk before this Easter. And yes, I know this has been done several times by several people including Martha.

Silk Dyed Easter Eggs
I want to mention, I do not know how safe these are to eat. The dye in the ties is probably not food grade. You may not want to eat them. If anyone knows please share in the comments box. That said we do eat ours lol! If they sit out all day for decoration you might not want to eat them though.

Materials:
Glass, Enamel Pot or I use a Stainless.
White Fabric cut in pieces large enough to cover one silk wrapped egg. (washed sheet from a thrift store works)
100% Silk Material
Raw Eggs
Twist Ties
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
Water
Tongs
Vegetable Oil

1. Remove the lining from the ties and cut silk into pieces large enough to wrap around one egg.

2. Wrap raw eggs so the printed side of the silk is touching the egg and tie silk with a twist tie. Try to get the silk as smooth as possible against the egg.

3. Wrap white fabric around the silk wrapped egg an tie with another twist tie.

4. Put eggs in the pot and cover eggs completely with water and add 1/4 cup vinegar.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.

6. Use tongs to remove eggs from water and let cool.

7. Remove eggs from fabric when cool enough to handle. This is the fun part! Each one is like a little present!

8. Rub a bit of vegetable oil on the eggs to add a little shine.

Tips - Look at thrift shops and yard sales for silk ties. The uglier the tie the prettier the egg! Bold and dark colored ties work better. It must be 100% silk or it will come out like the egg at the bottom right in the egg carton picture way below.





I hit the silk tie jack pot last May at a local, annual church rummage sale. Tons of ties and like 10¢ each! I know where I'm going every year for my ties!

The tie on the right in the photo below made my fave egg last year (the black egg in the photos above that reminds me of a tattoo). And I can't wait to see what the two on the left do this year! See Mickey peeking in the center tie?
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We've been Flocked! Funny!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

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So the other evening we're sitting at home and the neighbor knocks on the door. He says have you seen your yard? Uh No we say. ??? Then he says you've got to come see this! This is great!

FLOCKING FLAMINGOS! What the FLOCK?




Yup! We've been flocked! LOL! Thanks to my father-in-law.
This is actually a local fundraiser that's all in good fun. Someone pays to have the flamingos placed in your yard for about 2 or 3 days and if you want you can pay to continue it on to the next guy. I wonder if my brother likes flamingos?
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Happy St Patrick's Day and Cupcakes

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

6 comments
Okay remember I said we were gonna attempt these cupcakes? Well here they are and lets just say, way to time consuming! But pretty for sure! And one batch was a little over done. :( Oh well, the kids liked them anyway!

Ready to go!
Enjoy the rest of your St. Patrick' Day!
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New in the shop and a WINNER!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

2 comments
A few new pieces have been added to the shop! Click on the links/photos below to check 'em out! We've got cupcakes on the brain and so many of you have asked for the initial charms alone so those too have been added to the site!

hey cupcake hand stamped necklace
hey cupcake hand stamped necklace
cupcakes make me smile
cupcakes make me smile
Initial Charm
Initial Charm

And we have a winner for the Singing Sweet Songs giveaway! The randomly selected winner is comment #2 who is Rebekah {All Thingz Related}! Contact me Rebekah with your mailing address with in 72 hrs to claim your prize.
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St Patrick's Day fun!

Monday, March 15, 2010

2 comments
Here are a couple of projects we are doing this year for St. Patrick's Day for my sons class.

Taste a Rainbow Cupcakes via Family Fun magazine. On March 16th we are going to attempt the cupcakes pictured below. Click here for the how-to. We will post our photos if it's a success.

Lucky Penny's - These are simple and inexpensive! First visit Pumpkin Petunia and download the free lucky penny template. Don't forget to say thanks! Print them, cut them and put your pennies on with double stick tape. See tips below for cleaning pennies. How great do they look?! Right? What do you have planed for your St. Patrick's day?

How we cleaned our pennies. Place enough vinegar in a bowl to cover the bottom of the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Place a few pennies in and make sure they are not overlapping. As soon as they look clean pull them out! We made the mistake of leaving them in longer thinking they would get cleaner, but they did not, they actually turned back to how they started.

We will be back tomorrow to announce the winner of our Singing Sweet Songs giveaway! Be sure to enter here if you haven't!
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Giveaway - Inspired by Bob

Friday, March 12, 2010

43 comments
Bob Marley that is. The Bob Marley classic Three Little Birds is one of our favorite songs of all time. It's a great song. My kiddos know all the words (couldn't be because we've been playing it for them since birth) and it just puts us in a great mood anytime we hear it.

New in the shop is the Singing Sweet Songs hand stamped necklace. Hand stamped with the words singing sweet songs and of course features 3 little singing birds!


Because we are in such a great three little birds mood we're giving one away!

To Enter:
Tell us in the comments box which item from our shop is your favorite.

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each)
- Be a follower of this blog.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Place the Cap Creations button on your blog or website.
- Blog about Cap Creations.
-Tweet about Cap Creations.
- Facebook about Cap creations.

Winner will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday, March 16th and will have 72 hrs to claim their prize.
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Be Inspired - This Is Gonna Be Big

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

1 comment
But he's not, not anymore anyway!
Do you struggle with weight and weight loss?


This is  Dave, my younger brother. Both of these photos were taken in late 2007 at around 420lbs.


And today March 2010 Dave now weighs in at 187 lbs. with a total weight loss of 236 lbs! What is most amazing about this is the fact that he has done it all natural with diet and exercise! No surgery or procedures, but some serious determination, self control and readiness!



Dave was overweight his entire life and I seriously think God made him that way so that he could get to this point in his life. The point where he is now feeling a tug in the direction to help others who are overweight.

He just started a blog to document this, to inspire, and help others. It is called This Little Piggy Went to the Gym. I am so excited about his new blog, please go check it out and see more about his story. Go say hi, follow him if you like but most importantly, BE INSPIRED!

He is still going strong! Go Dave!!! You are AWESOME!
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New Earrings and Discount Code

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

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New Hoops and Pearls earrings now in the shop! Sturdy sterling silver hoops and freshwater pearls. And you can slide the pearl off and get a whole new look with the hoops alone!

Today only for you blog friends, get 15% off your order when you use the coupon code "blogfriends"!
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A million toys would never compare...

Monday, March 8, 2010

1 comment
...to the fun one has with stuff from around the house. A blanket, some throw pillows, a collapsible laundry hamper and couch cushions (pay no attention to the sad worn cushions)...















...make one awesome fort. My little guy played in here for hours. He loved it!















Why is that? You get them all the toys one could dream of and they want the boxes they came in. ???
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Bird Feeder

Friday, March 5, 2010

5 comments
This one is fun and easy for the kids!
Cover a pine cone with peanut butter.















Pour on some bird seed.
Tie on a string and hang.















So good even poor Sally Dog wanted it! lol! She kept pacing, sniffing and sniffing trying to figure our where that yummy peanut butter smell was coming from. Look up Sally! "Oh I found it!"
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Creative Gift

Thursday, March 4, 2010

4 comments
We recently celebrated my dad's retirement, after 43 years of work at the same company. We had a big ole bash for him cause we are so happy for him. Anyway this creative gift came from my cousin. She printed out sayings, taped them to candy and used the names of the candy to finish the sentence. Creative and fun, right?
May your days of retirement never be Duds. (Milk Duds)

We hope you look back and remember your years of hard work as Good & Plenty.

But if you do not feel that way just remember this - gone are the days of working with a bunch of Nerds.

May your retirement checks always be Whoppers.

Because now is the time to enjoy your Payday!

And in the bag below was cleaning supplies - rubber gloves, feather duster and this note.

Enjoy your new job!
P.S. Becky (my mom) likes the toilets cleaned with bleach.

Is this great or what?! Thanks Cindi for a great idea and laugh! You are so creative! 
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Born Again American

Monday, March 1, 2010

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I want to share this site with you. I think it is great what they do.

Born Again American is committed to the rebirth and re-expression of citizenship through informed and thoughtful activism. 

You can sign the pledge to recommit to the principles of our Declaration of Independence and declare yourself a Born Again American.



This is their music video and  the singers and musicians, non-professionals all were chosen because they are living the lyrics in these troubled times, not just performing them! Find out more about them here.
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