Catching Up

The older I get the more I see myself and my friends developing their own lives.  While at the same time it is very exciting and completely wonderful I miss just hanging out for hours doing absolutely nothing, watching mindless TV or a chick flick. This weekend felt like old times with my long time buddy Ash!  She lives only about 3 hours from me but it seems to be sorta difficult to find times our schedules are clear simultaneously.  She is always great about taking me by my favorite places like the boutiques downtown, Calypso and Black Market (love them!).  But the best part of the weekend was watching TV and catching up.  It's crazy how much we miss by not being able to talk everyday.  Makes me miss all my other buddies.  sigh.  But anywho..I took a couple snapshots of one of our little adventures from the weekend.  We painted pottery at The Mad Potter, and I can't wait to see the finished product!  If you've never been to a pottery painting place you should go!!  It's great because the pottery is already made for you and all you have to do is put a little of your style into it and wala!

Happy Painting!

Love, T

Fundraiser Goodies

I was contacted by a friend to donate a piece of wall art for a fundraiser benefiting a family from her church.  Of course I said yes and I am truly honored she contacted me.  I hope my little treats help raise even a few dollars for this family.  Here they are!

I hope whoever ends up with these finds them as wonderful as I do :)

My business card!!

The benefit is Saturday from 2-4 at First United Methodist Church in Madisonville, KY. 

Happy Donating!

Love, T

my etsy shop

I'm not sure if you are familar with etsy.com but you need to be.  There so many sweet, creative wonderful things on the website.  I first became familar with etsy when I was spending hours a day on weddng websites searching for what I had pictured in my mind.  When I came across etsy I thought...wow somebody does get it, actually a lot of somebodies! I became obsessed with so many little shops on etsy it was kinda pathetic, but in a good way :)  I loved the thought of purchasing something handmade with love from someone rather than a big business.  Etsy became my go to website.  Since I've been married I've really gotten in touch with my crafty side (hence the blog), and have found such joy and reward in creating something for someone else!  So i finally took the leap and started my very own etsy shop! Yay. I just smiled so hard it almost hurt, dang that was dorky.  but any who...here it is, please visit it periodically.  I really hope you like it! I will keep you posted of my progress.  Hopfeully I can make somone's day the way so many etsy shops have done for me:)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ACupT?ref=si_shop

Happy Shopping!

Love, T

Recipe Time: Black & White Chili

This is the perfect time of year for throwing something in the crock pot before leaving for work and having something warm and ready when you step through the door.  When talking to anyone about cooking I always end up mentioning the crock pot because it is so simple and perfect for busy people, I mean who's not busy?  Who knew something so healthy and easy could be so good.  My challenge to you is to pull your crock pot out of whatever space it is hiding in and USE IT!  You will not be disappointed!  There are so many recipes available online it's ridiculous.  If you have an iPhone than there is even a free app called crock-pot, it's so great because it even has a grocery list spot!  Go ahead download it! Sooo..in my handy dandy crock pot I made Black and White Chili!  I'm so excited because it's my very own recipe :) I hope you enjoy!

Tia's Black & White Chili:

4 chicken breast frozen

3 cans northern beans, rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed 

3 cans of water

1 chicken bouillon cube

1/2 cup verde salsa

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1 package of white chili mix

1/2 T garlic

1 tsp ground pepper

Throw it all in the crock pot

Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low 8-9 hours

Right before eating take chicken out, shred, mix and enjoy!!

Hopefully you will find this as tasty as Johnny and I do:)

Happy Cooking!

Love, T

Quick Craft Post

My newest knitting obsession! I made my first cowl this week and I can't wait to create more. It's just as warm as a scarf and takes half the time to make, which is a major plus in my book.  I tend to get a little anxious to see the finished product. Check it out!

Before I got to start knitting Burli stole my seat!! Such a funny kitty :)  He was too sweet to move.

Happy Knitting!

Love, T

What's Burli up to?

I'm going to periodically post what my Burlington does that makes me love him so stinkin much!  Let's see what Burli has been up to lately....

He watches me pack my lunch...

He sleeps...

He mimics java the hut...

You know all the normal things cats do :)

He's a Happy Kitty!

Love, T

I heart U, U heart me :)

Here is my newest addition to the wall art family.  After making this lovely little piece my urge to start an ETSY shop is bursting out of me.  I am still nervous that other people would want to buy my little works of art.  Hmm..to take the risk or not to..heck why not.  Hopefully I will get to tell you soon all about my little shop.  Ok here it is :)

I got so excited when my good friend Leigh Ann Fox said she wanted one, she was kinda like my first official customer!  So I created her this for her wall! It's a great feeling when someone says they want something that I made!  My family is always great about giving me positive feedback so they are always my unofficial customers.

Happy Crafting!

Love, T