Goodbye Cornucopia!

When it comes to decorating a table for Thanksgiving festivities, we all have seen or even used the old familiar cornucopia as the focal centerpiece. I actually have a silk one stored away, and I have been known to bring it out and freshen it up for the holiday. Unfortunately, I think my cornucopia has to retire! I looked at it this morning and it has seen it's last Thanksgiving. So, I decided to replace my old friend with a more contemporary table scape!

As most of you know, I am a Floral enthusiast! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fresh flowers! If I could, I would have fresh flowers throughout my house all the time. As the holidays approach, I get even more excited about using them as decorations. This season, I am going to replace "corny" with easy and inexpensive flower arrangements.

Here is an idea I have come up with:

Using a floral trio. I am using three square 5" vases. The flowers I plan to use is yellow roses, orange lilies, green spider mums, red berries & curly willow. The additional mechanics I plan to use is floral wire, brown 3" wired ribbon, and a hot glue gun. I will use the ribbon to wrap around the container by cutting enough to tie a decorative knot and crimp the excess ribbon to create a polished look. I will glue the knot to the vase to keep in place (optional). After cleaning and the stems (remove all leaves), I will begin to create a bouquet in my hand. Grabbing one flower (The lily is best to start with), I will add the additional flowers rotating the types. For example, add a rose, berry stem, mum, and start again with lily. I will do this until I reach the desired fullness. Keep the flowers tight and wrap the wire just beneath the heads (do not wrap too tight). I will finally trim the stems to my desired height, and drop them in the vase (the bouquet should rest on the lip of the container. Lastly, I add the curly willow (cut to desired height) in the center of each one, and giving the center arrangement taller willow. This is an easy, but elegant replacement for the cornucopia!



You can purchase most supplies at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or any store that sells craft supplies. The Flowers can be purchased at a local florist, supermarket, and on-line (larger quantity).

Happy Decorating!!!!!!

White Chicken Chili !

Okay, I am one of those "cooks" who like to make things from scratch, or at least use a recipe from my Paula Deen cookbook! Unfortunately in my pursuit of simplicity, I don't seem to have the time or desire to be Paula Deen in the kitchen. So, I have decided to dust off my good ol'crockpot, purchase ready made meals, and look for easier ways to prepare our dinner! While shopping last week, I went to the seasoning mix section. I normally pick-up pot roast & basic chili seasoning packs, but this trip I decided to look for new and fast ideas for dinner. I came across and selected a White Chicken Chili mix by McCormick. To my surprise it only required a couple of items to complete the meal. You may have already discovered this time saving find, but for me I tend to be a day late and a dollar short! HAHA!

Last night I decided to prepare it for dinner and it was delicious and different. Curt loved it!

Here is what I did to add a little flavor, but I am sure it is just as good without the added ingredients.
1 pack: McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning Mix (makes 4 servings)
2 cans: Bush's Northern Beans (calls for one, we like beans)
1.5 lbs: Chicken 1/2" cubes (I purchased a bag of frozen chicken breast tenders)
1 cup: chicken broth (mix calls for water, I used broth instead)
1 sm can: diced tomatoes with green chillies (I added this)

Prepare according to package with substitution of broth for water, and adding the tomatoes.

Serve with cheese and sour cream.

It took about 20 mins for preparation and cooking. FAST, FAST, FAST!

ENJOY!

Simplicity!

I don't know about you, but I am tired of living life in the fast lane! I feel like I am running in fifth gear all the time. This way of life is wearing me down, and causing me and my family undue stress!

So, I have decided to put the brakes on several areas, and focus on simplicity! I am hoping to use this blog to fill y'all in as I take this journey to acheive the simple life. Furthermore, I hope to be able to share with y'all the set backs and the victories along the way,and I plan to reveal the helpful and useful discoveries I come across (for example, recipes, cleaning tips, time management ideas, shopping savings, ect).

Wish me LUCK, I am going to need it :)!