The Crafting Pot Challenge #5

This is my entry for The Crafting Pot's Challenge #5. I was having a hard time imagining something for a return envelope. So I just grabbed one and sat at my (messy) craft desk. Maybe the mess was the inspiration because I came up with Chore Chomper.

This return envelope had a window, so I put black cardstock on the inside. Then I taped it down in the middle so that there are two sides - one with the window and one without. The envelope is the chomper's mouth.

The chores are written on pieces of paper with curly ribbon taped to the back. The ribbon is the hair and when it's time to do chores, the child (or you if you need the inspiration) just pulls one ribbon out to reveal their chore for the morning or such. There's one piece that's a freebie.

When a chore is completed, it is moved to the mouth side to be chomped! (And the pieces look like funny teeth for the chomper.)

Chicken & Veggie Crockpot Soup

I threw this together last night and it was gooooood.

1 large or 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks (does not need to be cooked)

1 zucchini, sliced or chunks

1 yellow squash, sliced or chunks

1 bag mixed veggies (mine had broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

5 or so cups of chicken broth (I used 1 can and then 3 cups made from paste)

salt

pepper

onion (minced or powder)

garlic powder (fresh would also be good)

basil

Place the veggies in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle with seasonings and add 1 can (or 2 cups) broth. Place chicken on top and sprinkle with seasonings. (I just sprinkle until it smells right). Cook on high 4 hours. Add the rest of the broth and a little more of the seasonings. Cook on low for 2 to 3 more hours.

Serve with rice or noodles.

TCP 5 Things Challenge Entry 2

Here's my 2nd entry for The Crafting Pot's 5 things challenge.

TCP 5 Things Challenge Entry 1

Here's my first entry to The Crafting Pot's 5 things challenge. The challenge was to use black, grey, white, teal and pink in a project. This one has black ink and brads. The paper is pink, grey, and white. And the buttons are teal.

How I Organize Coupons

Before I start, let me say that there are several systems for organizing. What works best just depends on the individual. For me, I've tried binders, but I just can't get into them. I haven't tried just dating and filing inserts because it would be more work for me.

I use a box and envelopes. Here's my box:

It's a Sterilite box with a lid that snaps on (I keep my coupon scissors in there as well).

I have my envelopes labeled with categories and the categories are sorted by type. I have 6 main categories - Foods that are snacks, condiments and such, Foods that are boxed, bagged or canned, Frozen/refrigerated foods, Household goods (including paper products and cleaning products), Health and beauty, and Medical. Each category is broken down further. Some people find it helpful to alphabetize by company rather than break down by category. Use whatever works. I like having all brands of a certain type of food or item in one place. It makes it easier for me to do comparison shopping.

I buy 4 papers. I take all of one insert and pull out one page at a time - the same one from all 4 copies. I line them up and cut all four like pages at once. As I cut, I put the coupons in front of the envelopes where they are to be filed.

When I am finished, I go through the box and file the coupons in their envelopes. I also pull expired coupons at this time.

Just Buggin' Blog Hop Entry

This is my entry for the Just Buggin' blog hop challenge. Sadly, it's my last entry for the hop. I'm out of time for my last three. BUT, I've had a great time doing these! The challenge for this particular one was to use an altered die cut. Yes, I know it's simple. I'm a math brain. I'm just starting to learn creativity LOL

Peachy Keen Blog Hop Entry

Here is my entry for Peachy Keen Stamps' blog hop challenge. It was a layout challenge. I don't have anything to make scallops with, so I used one of 2 circle punches I had LOL.