Mod Podged Slate Coasters

I recently had a crafty get together with friends, and it was a blast! My crafty friends made such beautiful items, I wanted to keep them all for myself. ( I'm not that greedy, really.) I only wish I had taken more pictures to share with all of you, but I did manage to get a picture of these beauties!

My creative friend Marianne had the idea to make these coasters. I'll try to explain how she did it. ( it was really easy) 

Marianne found the plain black slate coasters at Micheal's craft store. She bought a set of 4 for only $2.00! The slates already came with felt pads on the bottom. All these babies needed was a little character. 

Next, she printed, (onto cardstock) and cut out the free printable "keep moving" bicycle image from the "Wild@heart"  blog.

She then distressed the edges of the images using black ink, doing this "blends" the image into the black slate, giving a more uniform look. 

Now, Marianne Mod Podged the cardstock image onto the slate coasters. She did a total of 2 coats of Mod Podge, allowing to dry between coats. 

Finally, Marianne sprayed all of the coasters with an acrylic sealer. The coasters are pretty much water proof. 

The entire process took about 1 hour. Marianne has seen similar sets selling for close to $20!  

These made an excellent house warming gift for her brother. 

So there you have it, so easy, and so cheap. If you would like to use the free image click here. 

Thanks so much Marianne, for sharing this wonderful idea with us. I've seen so many coaster ideas out there using small tiles, that to see this slate coaster is a refreshing change. I love it,

Staying Organized

So I thought today I would share with my readers a tip. Something that has been very helpful to me. It's really simple, not anything that's going to knock your socks off. Are you ready for this? Here it is... I keep a list. Yes, you read correctly, I keep a list. 

I printed off this daily organizing template from Lifes a Journal . I tucked it into a plastic page protector, and hung it on my refrigerator. I use a dry erase marker to write my lists, this way I won't need to  print a new chart everyday, just wipe off the page protector and start over. This has been such a huge blessing for me, I'm a very visual person, and being able to look at what I need to do for the day keeps me on track. Also it feels great to check off what I've finished . 

I start by filling out the list the night before, by doing this, I no longer wake up with my mental "to do" list. I'm free to start my day out focusing on my savior rather than everything that needs to be done. I don't have to try and "remember" because I've already put the daily tasks on my list.

I use the "Today's Goals" section of the page to list personal and spiritual goals for the day. I don't list any "to-do's" in this section. For example today's goals were: start with Christ, End with Christ, Show mercy, And mortify the flesh. Doing this gives me a visual reminder of what my ultimate purpose for the day should  be, and what should be foremost in my thoughts for the day. 

I especially like the "hydrate" portion of this chart.  I'm terrible at making sure I get enough water during the day. This serves as a constant reminder every time I go to the kitchen for a drink, to choose water. 

So there you have it, my very simple tip of the day. If you would like to print out your own copy of this chart    click here. 

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Zuppa Tuscana Soup

As I sit here with a looming head cold, throat hurting, head throbbing, and body aches. All I can think of is eating a warm bowl of Zuppa Tuscana Italian Soup. You know, the soup that the Olive Garden offers. Well, feeling this sick, I don't really want to go out, it's a good thing that I made some last week, and put some away for a time such as this. 

For those of you who like me crave this soup, but can't afford to go out to the Olive Garden every month. Then I'm sharing this guarded recipe with you all. 

You will need:

1 lb. Colissimo's Hot Italian Sausage

1 whole onion finely diced

1 TBS. garlic powder + additional to taste

1/2 TBS. Italian seasoning.

5 washed and thinly sliced russet potatoes

12 cups chicken broth.

1 cup Hormel real bacon pieces

8 oz. fresh or frozen chopped spinach

2 cups heavy cream

Lawry's garlic salt to taste

directions:

1. cook Italian sausage (casings removed) in a large stock pot with the diced onion, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over medium heat until sausage is cooked through. ( be sure to use the HOT Italian sausage to get that signature spice in the soup.)

2. add the thinly sliced russet potatoes with the 12 cups broth, and bacon. Bring to a boil, allow to simmer for 10 minutes.

3. add the 8oz. of spinach, simmer for an additional 10 minutes. 

4. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. add garlic salt and garlic powder to taste. 

5. heat until warmed through and serve. 

I like to serve this soup with warm Italian bread sticks.(recipe coming soon). This soup was inspired by Mrs. Robin Acree, who has taught me what it means to be hospitable. Recipe adapted from Mrs. Becky Adank and Diane Dupont. Thank you so much ladies for your godly example of ministry to others. It truly is a blessing to call you my friends. 

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