Cherish Yesterday...Dream Tomorrow...Live Today

Sunday, February 26, 2012

I Spy Puzzle Bags, a Hearty Casserole, and Fat Quarters

Hi everyone and happy Sunday.  Actually, it isn't all that happy as I am going back to work after a week off, as is my husband and my high school senior also, so we have the Sunday night blues!  But let's skip past the blahs because I am excited to show you these I Spy puzzle bags I made my nephew's boys to send along with the baby gifts for their new sister.  I always try to soften the blow of all the attention heaped on the new baby by making a big deal out of the older siblings.  Anyhow, these puzzle bags were fun to make.  I picked out all kinds of "boy things" to hide in the bags. 

 I don't know if you can tell but those are pellets you buy to stuff toys to give them that "bean bag" feeling.  I bought clear vinyl and looked through my massive fabric stash to find prints that were masculine enough for boys.  I got the idea from Brittany's Best blog.  I made a smaller prototype before I made the big ones and my 21 year old would grab it every time he passed by it on the table!  I hope they like them. 

I also wanted to share the recipe for this cornbread chili casserole because my  guys all gave it the thumbs up.  I don't eat hamburger, so I can't tell you but I trust their judgement!  Here goes:  Take 1 lb. of ground beef and 1 chopped onion and cook together in a skillet about 10 minutes until beef is browned and the onion is soft.  Stir in 1 can of tomato soup, one soup can of water, 1 can of corn, drained, a chopped green bell pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder, and salt and pepper.  Simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors about 10 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350.  Transfer mixture to a 2 qt. baking dish.  Prepare 1 package of cornbread(8.5 oz.-I use Jiffy) according to package directions and spread on the meat mixture.  Bake 20-30 minutes until the cornbread is done and the casserole is hot and bubbly.  Pretty easy dinner for a busy week night. 

   I think I mentioned earlier that I participated in a fat quarter swap.  I received my fat quarters and I love them.  They are so bold and vibrant.  My partner Sky picked perfect prints and colors for me.  I have tons of ideas and hopefully this week I will start working on them. 

I have been helping my youngest work on applying for scholarships.  We waited a little longer than we should have and now we are really rushing and burning the midnight oil.  He is also in the process of getting ready to take his driver's test(he is not quite ready), applying for the Animal Management  program at our local college, and getting a part-time job with his brother at our local hospital.  Alot is going on and it is overwhelming all at once.  I hope you all have a great week and I hope everyone has the time to be creative in whatever way you wish.  Take care.  Nancy

30 comments:

  1. Hi Nancy,
    We have the Sunday night blues around here too, we all had the week off as well and my kids are already wishing for summer vacation :)
    I love your Ispy bags, I need to make some for my boys.
    My oldest son and daughter are just about to take their driver's tests too!
    Your casserole looks yummy, not sure cornbread would work with my weight watchers though.

    Enjoy the rest of your evening and I hope Monday is kind to you:)

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  2. Hi Tiff, These I Spy bags were pretty easy and I loved how they turned out. My oldest son is 21 and he has been driving for almost 5 years but my youngest is having a little trouble with nerves. My heart goes out to him. By the way, I am a fan of your blog and I read where you joined WW and my hat is off to you. I definitely should be doing something to get back on healthy track! You have a great week too.

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  3. Oh my goodness Nancy - sounds like such a busy week!

    Love those puzzle bags - it's so nice to spoil the older kids when new babies come along!

    And your casserole looks so tasty!!

    Good luck with all the scholarship applications!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Jill, Thanks! I can't believe my youngest is preparing for college n the fall-time flies!

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  4. Cant wait to make my kids the puzzle games. They would be great for traveling.
    www.newlifeovernight.blogspot.com

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    1. They would be great for traveling. When my kids were alot younger, we took the train to Florida. These would have been a good diversion! I used alot of buttons in mine and just snipped off the shanks. That gave me a better assortment.

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  5. This is a a fabulous idea! I think it would entertain my kids for hours! Would you share with my readers also? http://www.clipwithpurpose.com/clothespin-doll-made-for-you-monday-link-up-4/

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    1. Thanks Jessica for popping in to see me and for the invitation.

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  6. I love your I Spy toys and the cornbread looks so delicious! I'll have to try both :-)

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    1. Thank you. Let me know how they come out if you try them and send pictures if you can. I love to see how projects change in other crafters hands.

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  7. Two for the price of one with this post. Love it. The I Spy Toys are adorable and the cornbread chili delicious.

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    1. Thank you! I can't decide which I like best-cooking or crafting!

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  8. Great post! I would love for you to Link up at my Linky party via: www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com


    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  9. I love the I Spy bags....what fun! Thanks for sharing at Manic Monday!

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  10. Looks great! Just stopping by from the tater jots and jello link party.

    -m
    http://www.2sisters2cities.com

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  11. Hi Nancy, thanks for linking my Flaunt it Friday party, your cornbread chili looks yummy and easy! Going to have to try that one. Come back soon! :)

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  12. I love the idea of the Ispy bags! I've been on the look out for various things to help my little one stay occupied while on car rides/out to dinner, and these seem like a great option. Thank you for sharing! :)

    (Visiting from Feature Yourself Friday)

    Aramelle {One Wheeler's World}
    http://the-wheeler-family.net/onewheelersworld

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    1. Thanks. I wish I had these when my boys were young. They make very clever diversions!

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  13. We had some of those puzzle bags when my kids were little. They were great for church.

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  14. These are great and I agree with the trophy wife. It would be nice for church and in the car.

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    1. These are really a parents' helper. Thanks for becoming a follower. Welcome!

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  15. My daughter loved her I Spy Bag, now that we've got a little boy I'll have to look into a new one for him. I don't think pink kitties is quite the pattern for him.

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    1. The little boy bags I made were fun to purchase little surprises for. I could have kept going but I had to stop myself so I cold check out and leave the store and get home to start sewing!

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  16. What fun projects! I'm a new follower and would love for you to stop by my brand new blog and follow me, too! Thanks:)

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    1. Hi Kristin, Thanks for becoming a follower. I headed over to your blog and happily became a follower of yours. You have some yummy looking recipes on there that I am sure I will be trying soon.

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