Recipe: Spenser's Sloppy Toms

To contact us Click HERE
This one comes from the Neely's on Food Network, and is a family favorite.  I usually add a little extra spice cos that's the way my family likes it, but it is an excellent recipe just the way it is, so I will give it to you exactly how it is written on Food Network.

This picture is from the Food Network website (all others are mine)

Spenser's Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Barbecue sauce, for topping

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet with straight sides. Add the bell peppers and garlic. Saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and cook about 8 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce into the skillet. Stir. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger bun with extra sauce.

Freebies: Kids' Fluids Chart

To contact us Click HERE
After a recent check-up at the doctor's office we decided we needed a way to make sure Big Sister is getting enough fluids.  She drinks milk in/with breakfast, but drinks water the rest of the day.   I've never figured out a way to get her to drink more milk until I had the doctor tell her she needs to be drinking 3 glasses a day.  We worked out a chart to be sure she's getting enough of all the right fluids- 3 glasses of milk, 2 glasses of water, and one glass of juice.


Here's what we do:
Milk- one in/with breakfast, one with her afternoon snack, and one with dinner.
Water- at school- she takes a small bottle with her to school and refills it once she has finished it.
Juice- I make her popsicles from juice using the Tupperware popsicle mold.  Now, I know this is only 2 oz, but she usually gets a little juice at some point in her day, so I am not so worried about it.  She enjoys the popsicle treat, and I am happy it's not completely loaded with sugar.

Here's a chart I made to help Big Sister remember what she has had already.  I gave her an off on Sunday since we are usually pretty busy that day.

Fluids Chart


Enjoy!

Easy Bedroom Updates {Vintage Style}

To contact us Click HERE
I am still in the process of a bedroom redecorating project, but here's a little peak at my progress.


This little makeover began with a rail from an old church. We had just put a king-size bed in the room and the old queen-size headboard wasn't going to work. When I saw the beautiful carvings on this piece I knew it would work well as a headboard. It was been painted... twice. First black... the color it remained for about a year, and then a very light beige-gray (because that's the two old wall colors I mixed to come up with enough paint for it!) as I decided I wanted to lighten up the room. I added a brown glaze to shab it up a bit and really show off the details. The photo below is of one of the sides.


Next came the vintage wall chandelier. Usually I am on the lookout for hanging chandeliers, but this one caught my eye as being quite unique and perfect to hang above my bed.


The final touch came from Home Goods. The neutral gray color and satin finish along with the tufting on this comforter and pillow set was perfect for the glamorous look I was going for!


The throw pillow was actually from another room. I wanted something to top it off and thought it would do. Can't beat shopping your house for accessories!

The next project will be painting the room. It's due for another update and it is definitely going to be a little lighter and kept neutral. Or... maybe I could put a dark color on the bed wall to accent it....???? Decisions, decisions!

Sewing Fail - Why can't I get eyelets to work?

To contact us Click HERE
Today I was planning to show a cool finished bag with triangle corners and featuring extra large eyelets at the top for the straps to run through. But after lots and lots of hammering, NOTHING happened. I swear I followed the instructions but I just can't get it to work.

Have you had success with applying grommets, eyelets or snaps? Have you ever used a tool like this or this? Do they work better than the little metal post things? I'd love to know if you have any advice. I always find frustration and disappointment when trying to do these.

October's Blog Theme is Autumn

To contact us Click HERE
The change of seasons is always worth celebrating and when you're tired of the summer heat like I am, then Autumn is the most welcome season of all. This month I'll be sharing fashion, food, crafting, knitting, and sewing – pretty much all the Autumn inspiration you could hope for. Please come back and visit throughout the month. Also check out my "Falling Into Autumn" pinboard on Pinterest for more inspiration.

Friday Faves – A Font & Fall Outfits

To contact us Click HERE

This week's Friday Font is Lust from My Fonts. It's a beautiful, bold and elegant font with dramatic thicks and thins, rather like the old classic Didot. The font has 9 variations although besides regular and italic they are not significantly different. This font would work well on sophisticated and – dare I say it – sexy designs. Here I'll show you how I might use this font and some Fall fashion inspiration.

Shown above: Font from top to bottom: Lust Italic, Lust Didone, Lust Display. Outfit: No. 2 Pencil Skirt from J.CrewShown above: Font from top to bottom: Lust Display Italic, Lust Display, Lust Display DidoneOutfit: Kindred Spirits 6 from Ruche
For more font inspiration follow #FontFriday on twitter. You can follow me there too. Or if you're looking for more fashion or fall inspiration check out my Pinterest boards. Have a great weekend!

Giveaway Winner Announced!

To contact us Click HERE

Thank you to everyone who entered the Shabby Apple Gift Card Giveaway! The giveaway is officially closed. The randomly selected winner is Gina. You will be hearing from us soon!

Don't forget you can still use the code lulalouise10off to receive 10% off your Shabby Apple order until the end of the month.

Shown above: Cider Dress (left) and Animalia Dress (right) both from Shabby Apple

UPrinting Giveaway Winner: Let's try this again

To contact us Click HERE
This first winner never came forward so we are trying this again!

Thank you everyone who entered!  I hope to have a giveaway at least once a month, so keep checking for the next one.

The winner for the UPrinting Letterhead is....

patricia

I work with kids with special needs. I would use the stationary for notes home to parents

August 21, 2011 10:11 AM

 Congrats Patricia!
Please contact me via email within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Recipe: Spenser's Sloppy Toms

To contact us Click HERE
This one comes from the Neely's on Food Network, and is a family favorite.  I usually add a little extra spice cos that's the way my family likes it, but it is an excellent recipe just the way it is, so I will give it to you exactly how it is written on Food Network.

This picture is from the Food Network website (all others are mine)

Spenser's Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Barbecue sauce, for topping

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet with straight sides. Add the bell peppers and garlic. Saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and cook about 8 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce into the skillet. Stir. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger bun with extra sauce.

Freebies: Kids' Fluids Chart

To contact us Click HERE
After a recent check-up at the doctor's office we decided we needed a way to make sure Big Sister is getting enough fluids.  She drinks milk in/with breakfast, but drinks water the rest of the day.   I've never figured out a way to get her to drink more milk until I had the doctor tell her she needs to be drinking 3 glasses a day.  We worked out a chart to be sure she's getting enough of all the right fluids- 3 glasses of milk, 2 glasses of water, and one glass of juice.


Here's what we do:
Milk- one in/with breakfast, one with her afternoon snack, and one with dinner.
Water- at school- she takes a small bottle with her to school and refills it once she has finished it.
Juice- I make her popsicles from juice using the Tupperware popsicle mold.  Now, I know this is only 2 oz, but she usually gets a little juice at some point in her day, so I am not so worried about it.  She enjoys the popsicle treat, and I am happy it's not completely loaded with sugar.

Here's a chart I made to help Big Sister remember what she has had already.  I gave her an off on Sunday since we are usually pretty busy that day.

Fluids Chart


Enjoy!

Recipe: Spenser's Sloppy Toms

To contact us Click HERE
This one comes from the Neely's on Food Network, and is a family favorite.  I usually add a little extra spice cos that's the way my family likes it, but it is an excellent recipe just the way it is, so I will give it to you exactly how it is written on Food Network.

This picture is from the Food Network website (all others are mine)

Spenser's Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Barbecue sauce, for topping

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet with straight sides. Add the bell peppers and garlic. Saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and cook about 8 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce into the skillet. Stir. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger bun with extra sauce.

Freebies: Kids' Fluids Chart

To contact us Click HERE
After a recent check-up at the doctor's office we decided we needed a way to make sure Big Sister is getting enough fluids.  She drinks milk in/with breakfast, but drinks water the rest of the day.   I've never figured out a way to get her to drink more milk until I had the doctor tell her she needs to be drinking 3 glasses a day.  We worked out a chart to be sure she's getting enough of all the right fluids- 3 glasses of milk, 2 glasses of water, and one glass of juice.


Here's what we do:
Milk- one in/with breakfast, one with her afternoon snack, and one with dinner.
Water- at school- she takes a small bottle with her to school and refills it once she has finished it.
Juice- I make her popsicles from juice using the Tupperware popsicle mold.  Now, I know this is only 2 oz, but she usually gets a little juice at some point in her day, so I am not so worried about it.  She enjoys the popsicle treat, and I am happy it's not completely loaded with sugar.

Here's a chart I made to help Big Sister remember what she has had already.  I gave her an off on Sunday since we are usually pretty busy that day.

Fluids Chart


Enjoy!

Sewing Fail - Why can't I get eyelets to work?

To contact us Click HERE
Today I was planning to show a cool finished bag with triangle corners and featuring extra large eyelets at the top for the straps to run through. But after lots and lots of hammering, NOTHING happened. I swear I followed the instructions but I just can't get it to work.

Have you had success with applying grommets, eyelets or snaps? Have you ever used a tool like this or this? Do they work better than the little metal post things? I'd love to know if you have any advice. I always find frustration and disappointment when trying to do these.

October's Blog Theme is Autumn

To contact us Click HERE
The change of seasons is always worth celebrating and when you're tired of the summer heat like I am, then Autumn is the most welcome season of all. This month I'll be sharing fashion, food, crafting, knitting, and sewing – pretty much all the Autumn inspiration you could hope for. Please come back and visit throughout the month. Also check out my "Falling Into Autumn" pinboard on Pinterest for more inspiration.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

To contact us Click HERE

WOW! I am totally overwhelmed by the incredible response we have had to the new FREE Printable Thanksgiving Collection! I just wanted to stop in and say THANK YOU for your support and all of the lovely comments! Your encouragement and positive feedback just makes me want to continue to make more and more creative designs (including more FREE ones!). In a social media world where we are exposed to so many great ideas and inspiration, there is a a phenomenon going on that many of my fellow bloggers are feeling. While we know our blogs are getting traffic and our blog posts are being read, many readers aren’t taking the time to comment on blog posts. With Facebook making it so easy to just give a quick “like”, we all (including myself) are getting lazy with really cheering on the bloggers we love who pour so much time and energy into their posts. I have too felt this with my own blog, as we work so hard to product new, unique content and don’t always get the feedback that we hope for. So, I want to encourage you to thank that blogger who came up with a fantastic idea that you spotted on Pinterest and then created for your own home and thank the designer that shared a free printable that you used for your child’s class party or teacher gift.

As far as yesterday went, I want to give a huge thank you for the response…you all showed me that you are all alive and well and still here reading and paying attention to The TomKat Studio!
So thank you so much for that!

xoxo, Kim

PS. Due to the overwhelming response, we may need a couple extra days to get the thousands of collections ordered emailed out. Did you miss our post yesterday? Don’t worry, the collection will continue to be available for free download through the season!

 

UPrinting Giveaway Winner: Let's try this again

To contact us Click HERE
This first winner never came forward so we are trying this again!

Thank you everyone who entered!  I hope to have a giveaway at least once a month, so keep checking for the next one.

The winner for the UPrinting Letterhead is....

patricia

I work with kids with special needs. I would use the stationary for notes home to parents

August 21, 2011 10:11 AM

 Congrats Patricia!
Please contact me via email within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Recipe: Spenser's Sloppy Toms

To contact us Click HERE
This one comes from the Neely's on Food Network, and is a family favorite.  I usually add a little extra spice cos that's the way my family likes it, but it is an excellent recipe just the way it is, so I will give it to you exactly how it is written on Food Network.

This picture is from the Food Network website (all others are mine)

Spenser's Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• Barbecue sauce, for topping

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet with straight sides. Add the bell peppers and garlic. Saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and cook about 8 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce into the skillet. Stir. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger bun with extra sauce.

Freebies: Kids' Fluids Chart

To contact us Click HERE
After a recent check-up at the doctor's office we decided we needed a way to make sure Big Sister is getting enough fluids.  She drinks milk in/with breakfast, but drinks water the rest of the day.   I've never figured out a way to get her to drink more milk until I had the doctor tell her she needs to be drinking 3 glasses a day.  We worked out a chart to be sure she's getting enough of all the right fluids- 3 glasses of milk, 2 glasses of water, and one glass of juice.


Here's what we do:
Milk- one in/with breakfast, one with her afternoon snack, and one with dinner.
Water- at school- she takes a small bottle with her to school and refills it once she has finished it.
Juice- I make her popsicles from juice using the Tupperware popsicle mold.  Now, I know this is only 2 oz, but she usually gets a little juice at some point in her day, so I am not so worried about it.  She enjoys the popsicle treat, and I am happy it's not completely loaded with sugar.

Here's a chart I made to help Big Sister remember what she has had already.  I gave her an off on Sunday since we are usually pretty busy that day.

Fluids Chart


Enjoy!