White Bean And Spinach Soup *Vegan*

• 

This dish is a good source of Protein, Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium. Perfect for a vegetarian diet. Very warm and comforting and amazing during cold winter months.

I used a small bag of dried white beans. Boil beans until almost firm. About 45 minutes on high heat. I always boil my beans with a bay leaf.

If you wish you can use canned white beans (30 oz.)

 

Add 2-3 cups frozen spinach and half a red onion sliced.
Once spinach is tender and 1 cup mixed carrot and celery

Add mixed veggie bullion cube and 1 cup water. Boil until carrots are tender.

Season to taste. I added Season salt, Oregano, and some dried Parsley.

Enjoy! This tastes delicious with a hot roll.

Dia De Los Muertos Hair Sticks

• 

I usually paint Day of the Dead images and leave them at home hanging on my wall, this time I decided to paint something I could actually wear.

I used wooden chopsticks, small skulls, paint, glaze, and super glue to create this look. If you don't have small skulls you could also use fimo just make sure you poke a hole for the chopstick before you bake it.

"Lined Paper Tee"

I saw this adorable shirt created by Maybe Matilda, link is below, click the blue text.
I am an English major and this seemed like the perfect way to show my love of reading.

http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2011/08/creative-guest-lined-paper-tee-by-maybe.html

 

Start with a clean white t-shirt.
You will also need blue and red craft paint, fabric paint medium, and painters tape.

 

Mix the medium and craft paint according to directions.

Using the painters tape mark off the "lines" and paint the blue paint. Once this is dry Use the painters tape to paint the red line down the side. Allow shirt to dry according to paint directions, set with hot iron and wash inside out.

 

TIP: Wash in cold water and allow to hang dry, this will help preserve the design.

Side Table Remodel

This side table was a very cheap re-model and I enjoy the new version so much more than the old.

Find a piece of furniture to re purpose. This small side table was only $5, a steal for how sturdy, and elegant it is.
It's hard to tell but the paint was already chipping, and the color scheme is outdated.



 

First clean your piece of furniture with a non-greasy cleaner.
Next use an electric sander to rough up the surface and remove the old gross paint.
This picture was taken AFTER I applied 2 coats of spray-paint primer (Amazingly fast!)
  

Using leftover glossy black spray paint I painted the top of the table. Be sure to tape off any area you do not want painted, and only paint in a well-ventilated area.


  

I used the same process on the top of the dresser for the drawers. Be sure to remove any hardware prior to painting. I removed the handles and screws and sprayed those separately.

Once the black spray paint was dry I removed the tape and taped the black area. I then used a paintbrush and roller to paint the remaining wood. Lucky for me I had some paint leftover from another project.





 

Enjoy your NEW-to-you side table and feel proud that you saved something from going to waste and reduced your carbon imprint while providing a stylish new piece of furniture for your home.

Pesto Tortellini Soup *Vegetarian*

 This is one of my favorite soups to make. It is quick and easy, perfect for the lazy vegetarian, plus it tastes amazing. I got the inspiration from a website(don't remember which) and changed it to make it vegetarian. Also the peppers are my idea. I have included the changes necessary to make it NON-vegetarian, but let me tell you, this version is yummy!

First gather your ingredients.
20oz. frozen tortellini
1 pesto packet or (prepared basil pesto)
1 Vegetable bullion cube or 1 cup stock
3 cups water
1 cup soymilk or (regular milk)
Red pepper to garnish *optional*

You begin by boiling your frozen tortellini according to package directions until pasta is al dente (firm to touch) Be careful you do not boil the pasta too long.
Once pasta is done drain and set aside.

Now prepare your soup.
Combine 1 cup milk with 1 pesto packet and 2 cups water. Use 1 cup of the water to make the veggie bullion cube broth. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium.

Once pesto soup has been boiling and reduced add the set aside tortellini. Stir and check seasonings.




 

Boil soup and tortellini for an additional 5 mins.

Garnish with sliced red pepper. Serve and enjoy!

 

German inspired military necklace

This necklace was made for a friend in Germany. She likes military fashion so I combined her favorite colors and textures to create this military necklace. I really like the way it came out, isn't the little airplane awesome?

Vegan banana muffins with crumble topping

I make these yummy banana muffins about once a month they are especially delicious in the morning or as a late night snack.
BONUS! These muffins are completely vegan and don't require any special egg or milk substitutions. I have also included the substitutions if you don't like vegan food, but I doubt you won't LOVE these!

First gather your ingredients, for the banana muffins you will need:
*3 fully ripe bananas (mashed)
*1/4 cup applesauce or (2 eggs)
*1 Tsp melted butter/margarine
*1 cup sugar
*1/2 tsp Nutmeg
*2 cups Bisquick

For the crumble top you will need:
*3 Tlb flour,
*3 Tlb brown sugar
*1/4 tsp cinnamon
*2Tlb soft butter/margarine

First mash your bananas with a fork until they are the consistency of baby food.
Now add the sugar, applesauce(or eggs), melted butter/margarine, nutmeg. Mix well.



Next add your Bisquick. make sure you have broken up any lumps in the Bisquick PRIOR to mixing with the banana mixture.Beat well.






Pour the mixture into a greased muffin pan. Bake at 350* degrees for 15-20 mins. If you choose to make a Banana bread loaf bake at 350* degrees for 1 hour.






If you would like a crumble top on your banana muffins make this crumble to sprinkle over the batter before you bake. Mix all powders then cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork



Combine:
3 Tbl Flour (I used brown)
3 Tbl Brown sugar
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
2 Tlb Soft butter

• 
  Sprinkle the crumble atop the banana muffins prior to baking and bake at 350* degrees for 15-20 mins.
  
  
  
    
  Muffins are done when toothpick inserted comes out clean. Makes 1 dozen banana muffins.
  Enjoy this yummy treat with a cup of tea :)