Button

I am trying to create a button....if it works, feel free to grab it for your blog.  If it doesn't, than just enjoy it here in this post:) Hey some awesome friend of mine---how bout you try it out and see if it works.  Then let me know--thanks:)

Taco Soup Deliciousness

Long time no post huh???  I have been having some personal problems...

Just kidding, but seriously----still not back into blogging mode quite yet.  Maybe someday I will actually go into my craft room for more than just borrowing scissors. 

As for right now I thought I would share a recipe.....NOT just ANY recipe.....THE RECIPE.  If you have a funeral or a baby....guess what I am bringing over????  This is my GO TO recipe and ALL of my friends know it.  If I am asked to bring food to a party it is either THIS or 7 layer bean dip---ALWAYS:)

So here it is....

Jessica's Taco Soup

(disclaimer: I never make this the same 2 times in a row, so this is a bit of an estimate on ingredients, but it will get you started in the right direction at least.)

In a crock pot or large soup pot add:

2 or 3 cans of diced tomatoes (leave all of the juice for this and ALL cans of ingredients)

2 or 3 cans of beans (black, pinto, or chile, but not kidney)

1 or 2 pounds of cooked ground beef or turkey (or for something different you can add 2 or 3 cans of cooked chicken --like the cans from Costco.  Shred it up a bit and it is like pulled chicken in the soup---mouth-watering)

1 can of corn

1 small can of diced green chiles

1 package of taco seasoning

Either turn on your crock pot and let this simmer all day, OR turn your pot onto med/high until it starts to boil.  Then cover, turn down to low and let simmer.  It really just needs to be warmed up because everything is cooked, but I like to let it simmer at least an hour for flavor. 

Then when you are ready to eat, top with grated cheese, sour-cream, crushed taco chips (or fritos--yum), and cilantro.  Cilantro is a new addition for me, but makes ALLLLLLL the difference.  Don't leave it out:)  I have also added chopped avacado on top, but not everyone loves them the way I do. 

I wish this picture was of MY actual soup, but there is nothing resembling homemade happening at OUR house right now---but whoever made this doesn't it look yummy???!!!

Living in Luxe Land

I have not given up reading....just blogging apparently.  HMMM...someday I will catch up with my life again.  Is Summer over yet???  No??  Ok then I am still clearly behind. 
A while ago I read the first book in a 4 book series.  LUXE by Anna Godbersen.  I have pretty much been non-stop reading the next 3 books ever since.  I LOVED these books.  Book number 2 was called Rumors.  It continues the story of a group of RICH kids in the late 1800's and early 1900's in Manhatten.  These kids are wealthy but have all sorts of troubles....like marrying in their class, parent involvement in spouse choosing (YUCK), and horrible backstabbing friends.  The usual rich tabloid type stuff---except from hundred years ago.  So add in carriages, amazing dresses, balls, and tea----I have always wished that tea had caught on in America.  Who does not want a drink and some cake in the afternoon???  Anyway...it is hard to explain the allure of book 2, 3, and 4 without ruining the crazy secrets in book number 1....so you will just have to take my word on it---they are entertaining.
Book 3 is

Envy. Seriously---what girl has not thought of rocking a dress like that.  SIGH---too bad a corset and 3 days of not eating is required (or in my case a month of not eating I would assume).

And book 4 is Splendor.  Now the only thing I WILL say is do not read these books if a complete fairytale Disney ending is what you are looking for.  These books have twists and turns and people are ruined and lives are taken and cheating occurs--not all roses and kissing and making up. 

BUT if you love Historical books and need a new obsession for a little while.....I would recommend taking a trip to the library for a little LUXE today---you will not regret it. 

***sidenote---these books are found in the Young Adult section---don't let the detur you....16 back then was pretty much 25 nowadays right????  I mean admit it....WE ALL READ TWILIGHT RIGHT????

Life: 1 Jessica: 1

Finally a finished project to share.  Life hit me like a ton of bricks this last week and I have just been in survival mode, but now I think I am somewhat back under control and ready to make some cutie patootie stuff again.  This quilt was a wedding gift for my cousin (I made her the matching tablerunner and towels a few weeks ago).  This is my Go-To quilt pattern.  When time and energy are short---this is what I make. 

The pattern is 5 and Dime by All Washed Up. I found it over HERE at the FQSHOP for sale.  I made the smaller size.  It uses 6 fat quarters and there are NO seams to match up---BIG SMILE!!!!  If you have never quilted (or if you have) and want an easy quilt to start off with---this is the one.  PLUS, I have NEVER not liked the finished product of this one.  It never disappoints me!!!!

The back might be my most favorite-ist part.  I usually make my backs all one fabric, but I loved this pieced back. Especially because the backing was my favorite fabric of the bunch.

The fabric is Neutral Mediterranean and I got the fat quarters and yardage at JoAnns. 

Nothing feels as good as a finished project after a long craft break---sigh.  Now I just need to clean my house (I have also taken a bit of a break from that).