Chili Cheese Dip

This has always been a big hit at both parties or small get-togethers.  We have even been known to feed the kids an early dinner and steal a late night at-home movie date, with this yummy dish instead of popcorn or chips!

And it's easy-peasy, too!  And although it's more of a winter dish, I thought I'd share it now.  Partly because I love it but mostly because it's the only recipe I have photographed right now... :)

A friend of mine made this once and when pressed, she confessed that she found it on the inside of the Stagg chili can!  I changed it slightly, but still will give most of the credit to the makers of the best canned chili around!

You can also use homemade chili for this, but I think that will be the next recipe I feature....

To make it, you will need:

Stagg Chili (I used Classic, but have been known to kick things up with Silverado Beef, and even the Dynamite Hot on accident!); cream cheese; shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese on hand, you can substitute mozzarella or brick, but I'm warning you... it won't be the same.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soften the cream cheese by warming it in the microwave for about 1 minute (or until it starts popping and threatens to leave an incredible mess).  I leave it in the foil wrapper AND the box to avoid this.

Dump the cream cheese into an 8x8 glass or metal pan and spread evenly on bottom.

The original recipe calls for salsa to be spread on the cream cheese, but since everyone else in my family seems to have an aversion to salsa, I omitted it.

Next, open the can of chili and dump onto the cream cheese.  My suggestion would be to dump it in the middle of your pan, because for some reason, the beans are ALWAYS at the bottom.  This allows you to spread them out over the entire dish.

At this point, you could add finely diced jalapeno or even habanero peppers to spice it up, if you're not a coward when it comes to all things spicy.

Like me.

Add the grated cheese on top of the chili.  I usually don't measure - must be the Italian thing - but I just add enough to lightly cover the chili, for the most part.  Any less and it's just chili and cheese... and any more, and the entire cheese layer will just lift right off after cooling for 5 minutes or so.

Pop this into your pre-heated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly around the edges.  Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes to avoid serious tongue-burning incidents...

Now there's a variety of ways to serve this.  You can add baguette slices to the side, so your guests (or you) can spoon the chili mixture over top.  Or you can serve with Tostito Scoops, which are perfect little bowls to scoop up that chili goodness.

My favourite, though, is to serve with a spoon ( to avoid double dipping offenders) and a bowl of Fritos Scoops!  Oh, what a little bowl of Heaven...

Guess where I'm going??

At ScrapFest, Nancy and I took advantage of the early-bird entrance to the marketplace on Friday that was included with our crop fee.  One of the booths we stopped at was Stamping Bella - it was our first and only make-n-take of the weekend and I bought an adorable stamp:  Jill is Two.  Sadly, I can't include the stamp image here, but I can include this beautiful card made by Elaine Hughes, using the stamp:

I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'm excited to do so - it so reminds me of Aili at this stage, when she doesn't get her way... and she's well past two!  Ah, well...

Anyhow, while we were paying for our purchases, I picked up a flyer with coupons for discounts on future purchases, not sure when I'd be able to visit the store, as it's approximately 4 hours away! 

Then I saw it.

The store was having Donna Downey come to teach classes!  I have always admired her artistic flair and after talking to Holly, we discovered that we BOTH wanted to take the same class!

So, on June 6th, we're heading to Stamping Bella to take her "Swatches" class!!  We will be making 3 - 10" canvas artworks in framed loops.  Here's a class description:

New in a series of craft media workshops, you'll learn the step-by-step process of how to create Donna Downey's signature Swatch art pieces. In this 4-hour workshop, you will create three individual 10" framed canvas Swatch art pieces utilizing more than a dozen art mediums, techniques and tools. As you create each canvas, you will build upon layers of technique and applications, introducing new ideas that will open up multiple creative possibilities for layering and texturizing your art.

I'm so excited!!

The Beginning of the End...

Of the journey, that is...

On Thursday, I took Liz for her final chemo treatment.  It's hard to believe that she's been through 4 months of chemo treatments (six in total, one every three weeks) and this was the first one where I was able to take her.

Walking in brought back memories of the few visits with my mom, five years ago.  I remember being eight-and-a-half months pregnant with Aili at the time, and sitting in the lounge, waiting for her radiation treatments.  They were so difficult for her, since she couldn't lie down for very long without pain, and after 3 treatments, she refused to have any more.

We walked in and after having the required bloodwork done, we stopped in to a back room where two volunteers sat at sewing machines, creating all kinds of caps for chemo patients.  Liz asked if there were any more lightweight scarves to wear while exercising.  (If you don't know my sister, you'll soon realize that it's impossible to keep her still for long...)

Anyhow, so many great volunteers at this site - one of the women promised to bring something up to Liz before she left!!  And true to her word, she had one of the volunteers bring it up halfway through Liz's treatment!!  I didn't get a picture of it, but it's the cutest thing - wraps like a bandana, but ties at the back with a matching scrunchie!  I will have to get a picture of her in it.

We stopped in at the Image Enhancement room, which is what inspired Liz to host her fundraiser tea in March.  They had this funky Bernadette Peters-style wig that I made Liz try on:

Hazel, one of the volunteers (with the most adorable South African accent), was a good sport and joined in with another curly wig!

We made our way up to the waiting area, after she checked in.  Seated was a young woman who had obviously been going through chemo.  She and Liz recognized each other from prior visits and began chatting, trading chemo stories.  After a while, they got up and when her mom returned, we discovered that the young woman was only 26 and just diagnosed in February with leukemia.  She was in her final year of nursing and had to drop out to start treatment.  It was heartbreaking to hear her mom talk about it - I can't imagine.

Finally, Liz was called.  The nurse lead her into her hospital bed and proceded to hook up her IV to her port, surgically installed at the beginning of her treatments.

After a saline drip, they then administer Benedryl.  I don't know that I even asked why?  I do know that it makes the patients sleepy so maybe it's to make the time go by faster? :)

Then out comes the big guns:

Once the chemo started, I read quietly while Liz began her meditation, complete with ice mitts (to prevent nail discolouration and loss from the chemo drugs). 

She started meditating daily when first diagnosed, and I think it's a big reason that her treatments have gone relatively smoothly.  She is willing her body strong, and I'm positive that it's helping!

After meditating, she rested.  I snapped this photo of her with a hoodie sent to her by her daughter, Sarah, in England.

Never Give Up.  It's been our mantra throughout this journey.

Time went by relatively quickly and by 1pm, we were on our way out and headed to a celebratory lunch at Cora's and impromptu shopping trip at Michaels!  Nothing like food and shopping to make you feel better about your day!

So now, she heads into the next phase: radiation.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers - every little bit helps! 

And by the way, Cancer - you will NOT win this time around...

Food for Thought

Another Hands On! Photography workshop!!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be teaching another Hands On! Photography workshop in Kitchener!  This time, it will be a smaller venue, namely the quaint and funky The Art House Studio, owned by the fantabulously talented Karen Ellis.  I was fortunate to meet Karen at ScrapFest and we immediately hit it off - she's so fun and full of life!!

And did I mention talented??  You can see more of her work here on The Art House Studio blog, and she's also one of the alternate cover designers for the Canadian Scrapbooker Summer 2010 issue!

Well, Karen contacted me with the idea of teaching at her studio and I was thrilled, not only to see Karen again (and maybe get a little inky in her studio??), but to be teaching again.  The workshop will run on June 26th, 2010, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, with lunch included.  I will be instructing for about 3 hours, with an emphasis on working in "manual" mode, with a break for lunch.  We will then "test drive" your new skills by heading outdoors, weather permitting, to the Grand River and Park trails!  You can get more details here on The Art House Studio blog.

There is only room for 8-12 participants, so if you're interested, contact Karen by email today!

Webisode #6 is live!

Join Jackie as she reviews some of the storage options available and creates this adorable storage unit by KaiserCraft!

Click HERE to watch today!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

"Fate – everything happens for a reason. And when fate happens, look for the good in it, as it is there."  ~ Author Unknown

Today was my hubby's last day of work after nearly 10 years with the same company (although they switched names AND owners several times, but that's irrelevant).

While the news is unexpected, we are cautiously optimistic that this will either be temporary as indicated, or that this is a first step towards a larger picture for us. 

Mixed feelings abound today, so I'm not going to say much.  It's not really my place.  I know that my husband is an incredible employee, with a work ethic that is not found much anymore.  I know that he is smart, loyal and reliable and that we will bounce back from this, ten times higher.

I love you, sweetie - I'm right beside you, holding your hand every step of the way.

Ironically, one of my co-workers sent me this email today and I thought it was hilarious - and may act as a refresher course for those who need it!  I've made it PG, because my son loves to peruse my blog! :)

The Six Lesson Management Course

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower, just as his wife is finishing with hers, when the doorbell rings.  The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.  When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour.

Before she can say a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel..."

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.  After a few seconds, Bob hands her the $800 and leaves.  The woman wraps herself back up in her towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?"

"It was Bob, the next door neighbour," she replies.

"Great," says the husband.  "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the Story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.


Lesson 2:

A priest offered a nun a ride.  She got in the car and crossed her legs, causing her gown to reveal an ample amount of leg.  The priest nearly caused an accident.

After recovering, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.  The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"

The priest removed his hand.  But after changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.  The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"

The priest apologized, "Sorry, Sister, but the flesh is weak."

By this time, they had arrived at the convent.  The nun sighed heavily, thanked the priest and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.  It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the Story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
 

Lesson 3:

 
A sales representative, an administration clerk and their manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.  They rub it and out comes a Genie!
 
The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."
 
"Me first!  Me first!", says the administration clerk.  "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world!"  Poof!  She's gone.
 
"Me next!  Me next!", says the sales representative.  "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life."  Poof!  He's gone.
 
"Okay, you're up," says the Genie to the manager.
 
The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."
 
Moral of the Story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
 
 
Lesson 4:

 
An eagle is sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. 
 
A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"
 
The eagle answered, "Sure.  Why not?"
 
So the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested.  All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
 
Moral of the Story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
 
 
Lesson 5:

A turkey was chatting with a bull.  "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."
 
Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull.  "It's full of nutrients."  The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.
 
The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.  Finally, after a fourth night, the turkey finally made it to the top of the tree and was proudly perched there.
 
He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
 
Moral of the Story:
Bull Sh#t may get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.
 
 
Lesson 6:
 

 
A little bird was flying south for the winter.  It was so cold that the little bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field.  While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.
 
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow poop, he began to realize how warm he was.  The poop was actually thawing him out!
 
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. 
 
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.  Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
 
Moral of the Story:
1.  Not everyone who sh^ts on you is your enemy.
2.  Not everyone who gets you out of sh^t is your friend.
3.  When you're in deep sh^t, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
 
Thus ends the 6 Lesson Management course - I hope you learned something! :)

Project 52

Last year, I talked about my girl-crush on Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman.  Perhaps you have been living under a rock, or have just landed on Planet Earth and may not have heard about her?  She is this incredible writer/blogger/cook whose blog, The Pioneer Woman, is one of my daily surfing haunts.  I love her style of blogging and she takes the most incredible photos!

It doesn't hurt that she often shows photos of cowboys.  In chaps.

I know, I know - say no more, right?  I'll wait patiently as y'all click on the link and search frantically for the cowboy pictures...

Here - let me save you the trouble... Cowboys, Wranglers and Chaps

Now that you've got it out of your system (and have bookmarked her site for future enjoyment), I'll get back to my initial topic.  But not before I point out Ree's new cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl - go buy it now!!

Okay, where was I??  Oh yeah.  Project 52...

I was surfing PW's site the other day and saw this adorable photo HERE.

Well, if that didn't make me want to run right out and have another baby...

Then I pinched myself.  But I did want to find that baby and pinch those adorable chubby cheeks!  And I was pleasantly surprised when his mama, Anna, posted a comment on my blog the day after I posted a comment about Baby Neil!

Okay, I know you're still trying to find the connection between this post and my Project 52 title... bear with me!

In surfing Anna's blog (which contains more adorable photos of Baby Neil!), I noticed that she had a Project 52 blog.  Me, being naturally curious, checked it out and realized that it is exactly like the Project 365 that I started in January (and at which, I failed miserably after week three!) but it's a photo a WEEK, instead of per DAY!

Now that's something I can commit to, and most likely, successfully finish!

I'm not sure if I will start another blog, as Anna has done, as I already have three to maintain, but will post photos here, complete with "the story" so I will have instant journaling when it comes time to scrap these photos!  I may take Anna's lead and do one photo of Aili and I, and another photo of Connor and I, so that I can document their progress.  Heck, maybe I'll even do one of them together (before they grow up to an age where being that close to one another will be the LAST thing they want to do...)

So what do you say?  Wanna Project 52 with me??  You have a few weeks - I'm going to start June 1st...

Friday's Funny

Last NSD Layout to Share

Finally! 

I started this layout on Saturday morning around 10 am... and I think it took me a good 12 hours to finish!!  It's not overly complicated, aside from a bit of handcutting and handmade denim and paper flowers.  I think I fussed over it entirely too long - I used it for a DT application and while I love the end result, I have come to the realization that the flowers all ended up in the same position that I had them in at around 2pm...   Thanks to Lori for the PUSH to "just finish it already!" :)

Let me first apologize for the quality of the photos.  As I may have mentioned in an earlier post, I sent my Nikon D70 in for service.  In order to keep things simple, I sent only the camera body, leaving my lenses at home so I could use them with the D90 that Nikon had so thoughtfully sent me to use during the absence of my D70.

Imagine my surprise when I received my camera back, popped on my 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens and took some photos, only to discover that they still produced soft images!  I called the Nikon service department and emailed them a few SOOC (straight out of the camera) photos so they could check the quality.  He agreed that they were soft, but suggested that since the body only was sent, perhaps there was a problem with the lens?

I thought that he was just reaching, because I had kept my lens to use with the D90... although when I checked back, nearly ALL the photos I had taken with the D90 were either with my 50mm f/1.8 lens or my 70-300 f/4-5.6 lens.  And the one or two that I took with the 18-70mm lens WERE a little soft...

Did I mention that this all went down the week before ScrapFest??  Arggghhhh!

Lucky for me, I have a fantastic CSR and when I contacted her, panicking, she assured me that they could send me a camera in time for my class.  Thanks, Cassie!!

So, needless to say, I have been unable to find the time to get my camera and lens packed up and shipped off to Nikon to service.  And I'm a little leary to be without my camera for a few weeks... and I feel terrible asking Cassie for a camera AGAIN!

Let's just say that you'll be able to tell which ones were photographed with the 50mm lens compared to the 18-70mm...  Oh, and let's just overlook the terrible shadows from the quick snap taken outside at midday... *sheesh*

Anyhoo... here it is!

Orange flowers and foliage were handcut from Little Yellow Bicycle's Traveler line that was featured in the Just Cre8 August 2009 kit.  I added bling and/or buttons to all flowers.  Lots of texture and dimension going on here!

Here are detail photos:

Denim flowers were made by cutting circles freehand from denim fabric and squishing into a flower shape.  I added the stem and petals cut from paper on top to give the illusion of blooms.

Newsprint flowers were made from old dictionary paper (Thanks, Jen!), using Leah Fung's technique.  

Five-petal flowers, small flower and centres were punched using EK Success and Stampin' Up punches. 

Journaling was handwritten on cardstock strips, inked and attached with foam pieces for dimension.  It reads: " Caught in the act - I came into the kitchen and found you enjoying your cereal, down to the last drop!  Guess we need some more etiquette lessons!"

Thanks for looking!

Sharing more NSD productivity...

Here's another layout that I completed at Holly's on our JC8 girls NSD weekend.

I love these photos.  Aili has an obsession with cameras right now - I will hand over our little Nikon CoolPix and let her snap away. 

Journaling reads:
Aili - you love to use the little point & shoot camera and snap photos of your life.  It's refreshing to see your perspective of our world.  Thanks for a glimpse into your day! :)

Thanks for looking!

Caramel Apple Baked Brie

I made this hot appetizer at Holly's on Friday night - and while this photo certainly doesn't do it justice, it's a warm, gooey, sweet mess that will delight your senses and could quite possibly add 5 pounds in one sitting. 

But that's no reason to not try it.

But first, a disclaimer:  These photos were taken at about 7:30pm with barely any natural light, no flash, and only my overhead potlights on.  I had to use a very small aperture (f/1.8) which resulted in a very small depth of field.  I mean to say that only a small area of each photo is in focus.  So don't blame my poor focussing skills! :)

What you'll need:

Granny Smith or Gala apple, sweetened dried cranberries, pecans (unless allergic), brown sugar, butter, apple juice (or brandy), baguette and a wheel of Brie cheese.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peel and chop apple into fairly small pieces.

Chop pecans finely, if using. (And unless you have allergies, I'd recommend using them - they add a wonderful complement to the sweet cranberries and brown sugar!)

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Do not burn! (and I speak from experience...)

Measure out brown sugar and pack loosely.  Add to melted butter and stir well, until melted.

Add apple, pecans and cranberries to butter/sugar mixture, along with 2 tablespoons of apple juice.  You can also use brandy, if you're having a "grown-up" appetizer party.

Lucky dog, you.

Cook mixture for a few minutes until apples are soft.

Meanwhile, slice baguette into thin 1/4" slices, making sure to keep them in order.

Wrap entire cut loaf in foil.

Unwrap Brie cheese and slice in half, horizontally.  Be sure to use a sharp knife.  It may help to run the knife through hot water first so it doesn't stick to the cheese as much.

Place wheel half in ungreased pie pan.  Spoon half of the apple mixture on top of the cheese.

Cover with remaining wheel half, secure with toothpicks.

Pour remaining sauce over top.

Place Brie and baguette in oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is gooey and sugar mixture is bubbling.

The Brie's rind keeps the soft cheese contained but it spoons out easily for serving.  If you prefer it to melt more, increase your heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit when baking.  Keep on eye on it, though, because it can burn quickly!

If you are having a grown-up party and don't want to serve from your pie plate (or cake pan, as I have here, because I think my pie plate may be in the garage - don't ask), you can dress this appetizer up.

Using a spatula, carefully move the cheese to a pretty plate.  Make sure it has a lip to catch juices.  Pour juices from pie plate over cheese. 

Place plate on larger serving dish.  Remove bread from foil and arrange around plate.

Be sure to sneak a few bites before bringing this out to your guests or you may not get any!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chopped and peeled Granny Smith apple
1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 tablespoon pecans (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brandy or apple juice
1 small wheel Brie cheese

Happy Mother's Day

Since my mom's passing, this day has always been rough on me.  It's a day of appreciation for your mother - the woman who bore you, raised you, made you into the person you are today (for the most part). 

My mom was a huge influence in our lives, growing up.  I can see bits and pieces of her in my sisters and I:  the way my eldest sister can never sit still and always has to have something on the go; the gentle quietness that she passed down to my middle sister; her sense of adventure, tempered with sensibility that I inherited (okay, maybe not the sensible part, so much...)

I think, as with all things, we sometimes take things for granted and never truly appreciate them until they are gone from our lives.  It makes me so very sad to think of my children's future, bereft of their loving, kind and generous maternal grandmother.  That my daughter will never know her Nonna (grandmother in Italian) is simply heartbreaking.

So, on this Mother's Day, I wish you the happiest of Mother's Days.  And while you should delight in your role of Mom (if applicable), also take the time to reflect and be thankful for your mother.  Call her and tell her you love her, appreciate her and am so very grateful for her.  Because one day, you may not have the chance.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom - I love you.

Gina Puglia

1930 - 2004

A Little Piece of Ann

I have been waiting patiently for Ann to post the layout that she completed at Holly's, using my photos of Aili.  I didnt' want to jump the gun and post them first, since it was her talent and therefore, her right to blog about the layout first.

It then occurred to me yesterday that since I had taken the layout home with me, she COULDN'T blog about it.  Because she didn't have a photo of it...

Duh.

So today, I'd like to share the layout that Ann completed, using my photos of Aili that I shared in an earlier post.  Ann joined my Just Cre8 design team back in April 2008 and has always impressed me with her clean, simple style, full of journaling and beautiful photos.

So when, at our Just Cre8 NSD crop at Holly's, Ann commented that our paper scrapping was inspiring her to turn off the laptop, I practically THREW my folder of photos at her! :)  I took out a selection of photos for her to choose from and then offered over my supplies and let her work her magic.

She was done in less than 30 minutes, I think (which puts me to shame, considering I worked most of Saturday on ONE layout...) and the result is no less beautiful than I expected:

And I now have a little piece of Ann artwork for my albums - thank you, Ann!!

Weekend Aftermath

About to go to bed (early for a change!) and realized that I haven't shared any layouts from our scrapping weekend!  I guess I should prove that the 5am nights were validated! :)  I'll share them over the next few days...

I have been working on a mini album for over a year now.  I started it with the intention of giving it to Gary for Valentine's Day... last year!  I just wasn't feeling the love - I got around to covering the pages and added a few photos, but every time I brought it out at a crop, I sat and stared at it, not sure how to proceed.

I'm happy to say that I finished it on Friday night!  Must have been all of the wonderful mojo that was flying around the room from my talented friends.  You can see a peek at Lori's projects here and Ann's layouts here and here!  I will share links to Jennifer's and Holly's work when they post it on their blogs!)

I used the papers from the Just Cre8 February 2008 kit.  Once I had all the placement for the photos, trying to work them so that they were visible when the album was closed, I just started layering embellishments.

Wedding photos by Due South Photography. 

Thanks for looking!