Kidz Korner - My Scientific Valentine

We are so excited to share with you our new series of blog posts. Because we believe that it is so important to give kids opportunities to use their imagination and creativity, we are calling this Kidz Korner! It's also a great way to spend time with your children, grandchildren, neighborhood children and even your school students teaching them the value of creating something with their own hands.

To kick off our new series, and with Valentine's Day a few days away, here's an easy and scientific printable Valentine. Click on the image below for the complete tutorial, downloadable link and even a short You Tube video to see it in action.

Ana is the creator of Babble Dabble Do and has a site filled with lots of Science, Art, Engineering and Design for kids. Click on the photo below and start planning some great hands on with the kids.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Valentine's Tutorials

Last week we made applique Valentine's Day cards so I thought this week I would bring you some tutorials on different avenues for making Valentine's. 

I am sure many of you are always looking for things to do with your kids and trying to keep them busy. Here is a great idea from HousingAForest for finger knitting and making Valentine's. 

I have never tried to make anything out of tissue paper, but these roses over at TheIdeaRoom are so pretty. And there are so many colors to make them. 

Now this looks pretty complicated to make, but it actually isn't when you read it. Check out this tutorial at SweetandSimpleLiving to find out how to make it. 

Then for all you sewers out there here is a great heart pillow from Imaginegnats. You can make this for your Valentine decorating. :) 

I was surprised when I started looking for tutorials for making Valentine's that there were so many different avenues for making them. Now the problem is which one's to do! :)

Have fun creating! 

Colleen :)

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Chicken Chilaquiles

Here's a great Southwestern chicken casserole. What makes this sooooo easy is using store bought rotisserie chicken. This is a little spicy. If you would like it even spicier, add 1/4 tsp ground red pepper to tomatillo mixture. To lessen the spice, use Monterey Jack cheese without jalapeno peppers. Either way you like it, this is sure to please the pallet!!!

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, divided

2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

3/4 cup 1% low-fat milk

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

1 (11 oz) can tomatillos, drained

1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained

12 (6 inch) corn tortillas

Cooking spray

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine chicken, green onions, 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan, chili powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

Place milk and next 3 ingredients (through chiles) in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.

Heat tortillas according to package directions. Pour 1/3 cup tomatillo mixture into bottom of 11 x 7 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 tortillas in dish and top with half of chicken mixture. Repeat layer with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture, ending with tortillas.

Pour remaining tomatillo mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle with remainingg 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Serves 4.

Nutritional Information:

Calories 347

Calories from fat 28%

Sat Fat 4.5 g

Monofat 2.9 g

Polyfat 2.9 g

Protein 30.9 g

Carbohydrate 33.3 g

Fiber 5.9 g

Cholesterol 79 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Sodium 560 mg

Calcium 272 mg

Recipe and Nutritional Information taken from www.cookinglight.com.

Beat the Winter Blues Blog Party

Beat the Winter Blues Blog Party!!! Let's lift everyone's spirits by showcasing your Handmade Items! Each participant is allowed to link up to 3 items from your shop or blog.

The rules are simple:

• Follow our blog
• Handmade items only
• You may list up to three items each week
• Family friendly items only

The success of this link party depends on the each participant spreading the word. Please share with your friends, on your blogs, your favorite social networking site such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

To help spread the word, grab the blog button below and put it on your blog or website. This will direct your visitors back to the party so they too can Beat the Winter Blues!


<center> <a href="http://byyourhands.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l35/EweNme/byh-150.jpg" /></a></center>

To get started adding your items, click on the Add Your Link button below.

An InLinkz Link-up

How to Sew an Envelope Cushion Cover

One of the easiest beginner sewing projects is making pillows. How about making covers that can have the insert removed for easy cleaning and changing out for the different seasons, holidays or just a room makeover? The prettiest way to do this is by making an envelope style back for the cover.

For complete instructions, complete with lots of pictures, visit Deanna at SewMcCool by clicking on the graphic above. This would be a great weekend project, so pull start going through your fabrics and get started today!

Deanna also has an Etsy shop with the most adorable patterns. Click on the graphic below to see her offerings.

Thanks for stopping by today!