Counting Down

I'm officially 39 weeks today.  My due date is a week from tomorrow Nov 3.  My entire family is on the edge of their seats waiting for the arrival of Miss Emily.  She seems to be content in my belly.  No signs of escape yet.

We are currently waiting out hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm which is supposed to hit NJ Monday night/ Tuesday.  My husband is worried she'll come in the eye of the storm.  He's a worst case scenario kind of guy.  I think I'll be taking it to the end which is fine with me.  I still have a ton of inventory I'm trying to get done to keep the shop open.

My Mom fly's in on Wed night from Florida.  I'm so excited.  She'll be here for a month helping me adjust with little one.   Hopefully her flight doesn't change again.  It's already changed once because of the hurricane.

In shop news I've been busy painting and making hair accessories.  Here's a peek at some of the new hair clips and headbands I've been working on.

Cinderella Inspired Headband

Holly Berry Hair Bow

Forest Critters Hair Bow

Jack Frost Clip set

Polka Dot Hair Bows

Princess Hair Bow

Red Ridding Hood Pendant and Tote set

Rapunzel Pendant and Headband Set

XO,

K

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken and Rice

I'm terrible at taking pictures while I cook but I wanted to share this really simple and delicious recipe I got from All Recipies.com

I'm all about the crock pot in the winter oh heck anytime really.  You just dump your ingredients in set the clock and forget about it!

Luckily I had all ingredients on hand.  Here we go....

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 cups converted long-grain white rice 1/2 large white onion, sliced 1 (24 ounce) jar salsa

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies 1 (1 ounce) packet dry taco seasoning mix, divided 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Pour the chicken stock into a slow cooker, and stir in the rice, onion, salsa, green chilies, and half the taco seasoning. Rub the remaining taco seasoning over the chicken breasts, and place into the cooker. Place the lid on the cooker, and set to high setting.
2.	Cook until the rice is thickened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 3 hours. About 20 minutes before serving time, turn the cooker to warm setting. Remove the chicken breasts, and slice them. Stir the chicken and the black beans into the slow cooker. Return lid to cooker, allow the beans to heat, and serve.

I did do a few substitutions.  I didn't have taco seasoning but I had fajita seasoning.  I also omitted the green chilies as I didn't have any and even if I did I would probably have left them out.  I used 3 chicken breast we get them from BJ's or Cost Co.  They come individual package great for quick meal.

I cooked mine for 6 hours on high.  About an 1 1/2 before it was ready I took the chicken out, shredded it then put it back in the pot.  At that time I also added the rice.

This is a keeper.  My husband loved it so much he took left overs to work for lunch!

Enjoy!

Xo,
K

Tiny Shop Update

I'm officially done with orders. I can't believe it.  I've been taking the down time to stock the shop and create new items for my maternity leave.  Take a peak....

Kokeshi Alice

The man of steel

New Alice Pendant

New Rupunzel Pendant

I'm also working on some more hair accessories and Pendant and hair clip sets.

The baby's crib was delivered today!  The nursery is almost complete.  Waiting on the crib bedding to come hopefully next week.  I'll do a nursery revel soon!  Only 2 more weeks to go!

XO,

K

Crock Pot Pepper Steak

I made pepper steak in the crock pot today, however I substituted pork chops for the steak.  You really can probably sub chicken too.

I used this recipe from allrecipes.com.  It came out great.  I have to remember to take pictures while I'm making something but I can honestly say this is a keeper.  Absolutely no leftovers.  I served it over rice.

Try it out!

Crock Pot Pepper Steak ( or pork or chicken)

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips garlic powder to taste 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cube beef bouillon 1/4 cup hot water 1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup chopped onion 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
2.	Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
3.	Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

XO,

K

3 More Weeks!

3 more weeks and I will be a Mom.  I can't believe it!  We are super excited around here.  I don't know who's more excited My husband and I or our family.  I guess not having a baby around in a while makes everyone giddy.

Between getting ready for baby I've been fast a work finishing orders and stocking up the shop for when baby comes.    With the holidays on my mind I finished these 2 Nativity sets.  Ready to ship.

5 piece peg dolls Nativity set

Kokeshi Nativity

See them in the Shop!

Shop Update

I did a little shop update yesterday.  Lots of super cute little girl gift sets and some new kokeshi dolls.
Just a reminder.  The shop will be on Maternity Leave from 10-31-12 to 11-15-12.  

Doll Necklace and Hair bow Clip Gift Set

The Kringle Girls!  Perfect for this years Holiday Parties

Kokeshi Jasmine

Belle Pendant and Hair collection

The Clauses 

Happy Monday!

It's a BOO Sale!

I just love this time of year so I decided to have a little sale in the shop just because.  Enjoy 10% off your entire order from 10-1-12 to 10-15-12 Enter offer code BOO2012 at check out.  Offer expires 10-15-12 Eastern Standard Time 12:00 pm