Pinned There, Done That. Philly Cheese Sloppy.

I found this recipe on Pinterest

 

from http://blogchef.net/philly-cheese-steak-sloppy-joes-recipe/

I've been trying to find some new meals for my family.  This photo just looked so delicious. 

We basically followed the same recipe with a few changes.  Here is what I did.

1 lb. Ground Beef

1/4 Steak Sauce

1 Tblsp. Dried Onion Flakes

1 Cup of Beef Broth

Salt & Pepper

 

I buttered and broiled some hamburger buns.

Added meat to bun, and added a slice of Provolone cheese on top.

Back in the oven to melt for a second.

 

That's it.  This was a very easy meal to make.  My family gave it

  My friend Laura over at her blog  has a "Pinned There Done That" linky thing going on.
http://lmichele.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/05/pinned-.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00e54f053b398834017eeafeba24970d

Join in the fun and use it as motivation to actually make some of the things we pin.

I hope to see you there.

 



Fairy Gardens at The Minnesota Arboretum.

A few months ago the Minnesota Arboretum was having a Fairy Garden exhibit.  I've always liked the idea that there are beautiful fairies living in my flower gardens.  So off I went to check out the exbit and get some inspiration.

Here's some photo's.

BBQ Potato Chip Chicken - Easy Meal.

This meal gets requested almost weekly from my kids.  Lucky for me, it's an easy meal to make.  I serve it with another favorite Anne's Mac & Cheese.

Here's all there is too it.

4-5 Chicken breasts - I usually thaw mine out, but sometimes I'll even do it with frozen ones.

1/2 cup Butter - melted.   (I've used olive oil, even a mix of milk and eggs.  Basically, to coat the chicken.)

Next, smash a bag of Potato Chips - any flavor you like.  We like the BBQ flavor, but without MSG please whenever possible.

Coat the chicken breast with the potato chips and put into a greased pan.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until thermometer reads 180 degrees.

Serve and enjoy!

Studio Snapshot

 

Studio Snapshot

Every once in a while I like to give you a glimpse of an art project I'm working on.  This one has been in the studio for a month or so.

I tend to let things simmer and brew a bit.  Inspiration on what is next, comes to me like a book, chapter by chapter.

This is a painting of my three sister's, and me.

It's not done, but my hope is, I'll be finishing it in a couple of weeks.

I'll post the finished project as soon as it is completed.

 

Black & White Art - Becoming

I'm really loving this black and white doodle.

I never have any idea what my doodles will look like when I am finished. 

 

This one is named

 

"Becoming"

 

www.virginiajbailey.blogspot.com

Deviled Eggs for Easter Brunch

If I was making Deviled Eggs for Easter Brunch. 

I would make these:

Sprinkled with a touch of Lawry Seasoning Salt.

What's your favorite dish to share?

Recipe found over at: http://realmomkitchen.com/10823/easter-deviled-eggs/

Can I Tell You A Secret?

I am addicted to finding great blogs.  Yes, I really am! 

Inspiration is everywhere. 

I think it is the most wonderful thing in the world to be able to connect with such gifted and talented people, and have them connect with me.

This week alone, I would summarize that I have become a follower of at least 10 different blogs.  I can't get enough.

My sister's say to me when I tell them something I've read/learned on a blog.  "How do you have the time?  What do you do all day?"  Well, I work fulltime people.  It's just that I love, love, love learning new things.  Seeing such creative minds at work really get my own idea's going. 
I thought it would be fun to suggest a blog that I'm really loving at the moment.  This blogger doesn't know I'm telling you about her.  But, I know she'll love the extra bloglovin she'll be getting from you, when you check it out.

http://shoppegirls.blogspot.com/

I joined the mailing list for this blog a while ago.  I think at the time I was a little curious about the fashion world.  This was a fashion blog, so why not?

Here is a small sampling of some of my favorite posts:

http://shoppegirls.blogspot.com/2013/03/tips-on-eyebrow-perfection.html
Who doesn't need tips on how to have the most perfect eyebrows?  I always enjoy hearing about new products and now I want to try cute little eyebrow kits like this:
eyebrow kit sephora

Seriously, don't you love learning new things?

Or, this post on Hillary Duff and her baby.  It's just pictures - but I love pictures.
http://shoppegirls.blogspot.com/2012/11/celebrity-mumma-hilary-duff.html

Maybe it's her post's like this, that I love so much:
http://shoppegirls.blogspot.com/2012/08/love-body-you-have.html

There is so much good stuff on this blog. The colors, the pictures, the fashion tips, the uplifting lists. Just really good stuff.

Go say hello to Vicki, but first, please tell me about some blogs you love.

Do share in the comment section below.

Black & White Art - Happiness

 

 

I'm currently working on a collection of

my black and white doodles.

 

This one is called

"Happiness"

 

 

I just feel happy looking at it and remembering how fun it was to do.

 

 

My Book "Do Over" Movie Trailer

My first book trailer -  "Do Over,"

by Virginia Bailey

My daughter Jade who is only 14 years old, surprised me with this book trailer last night.  I can't believe how talented she is.  How lucky am I?

Oh, how I love watching my book trailer.  It is perfect.  I love who Jade chose to portray the characters.  I could not have chosen better.

MY book is available here on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00943I95W

Thank you everyone for visiting my blog and supporting me in pursuing my dreams.  I am bursting with gratitude. 

Thank you Jade, for all that you do.  I love you.

Mom

P.S. Jade says, she would love it if you subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Subscribe here:http://www.youtube.com/jxdey

Creativity Rocks Project - Painted Basket For Beauty Supplies

 I've been wanting something to hold my beauty supplies in, on my bathroom vanity.  I guess the drawer is just not convenient for me, as I tend to leave them all over the counter when I'm done.

Of course, later I don't like the mess.

I searched for a container, thinking I'd like to make it special somehow.  Well, the other day while shopping at our local thrift store I found the perfect basket.  It was only $2.00.  Bingo.

But, I didn't want the zebra print.  I wanted it to go with the decor in my bathroom.

Could I paint it?  Well, yes. Of course, I could.

It was the perfect canvas.

This was a mixed media project.  I used Acrylic paint, some leftover

wallpaper, some scrapbook paper, markers, and Mod Podge.

I love the way it turned out.  It holds all my supplies perfectly. 

It feels good seeing it every morning.

Hope you like it.

Happy Birthday Stone!

 

My son Stone turned 17 yesterday.

Today, he said to me. 

"You know, I thought I would feel different

now that I'm older."

"Really?" I answered.

"Yeah", he said.  "The only difference is now I can go to R rated movies without my parent's permission, and I can buy my own rated M (for mature)

video games."

 

So there you have it - turning 17 from Stone's point of view.

 

Stone has a unique perspective, and is very artistic.  His speciality is in graphic design and creating logos.

 

In Ceramics class this year Stone gifted me with this

awesome looking vase.  It's so authentic on it's own that I seriously think any flowers in it would not even be noticed.

I love it.

I can always count on my Picasso Stone to bring me something so unique and different, it could never be duplicated.

 

 

Movies That Inspire Me.

While I watch tonights Oscars, I am inspired to create a list of my life changing favorite movie's.  Each one of the movies on my list not only entertained me but they changed my world.

I'd suggest watching them in this order.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrnes

A great movie that really embraces my favorite quote - Think about the things you want, not the things you don't.

The Shift by Wayne Dyer

I loved watching this movie.  After the secret, I searched for more movies that would help me understand what I had just learned.  The Shift was great as it helped me see the secret in action.

Heal Your Life by Louise Hays

This was another really good movie.  I had always appreciated Louise Hays message in her books.  But, this movie really helped me see the repeatitive thoughts I was thinking in my head.  I loved watching this character change her world by simply changing her thoughts.

What The Bleep Do We Know - Down The Rabbit Hole

I will admit that for me this movie was one I watched way before the others and I think a lot of it went over my head.  At the time, I knew nothing about Quantum Physics.  I plan to watch this one again.


What are some of the movies that changed your life?  I love to know, let's have a conversation about our favorites in the comment section below.  I would love to find some new ones to watch and further my education.

 www.virginiajbailey.blogspot.com

Wet & Wild Bronzer Makeup Review

Do you like hearing about great products?  Me too.  I'm a bit picky about the products I use.  Once, I find something I like though, I'll be the first to tell you about it.

Wet n Wild is a company that sells inexpensive makeup.  I've tried a few of their items and honestly I'm impressed.  For the price they're pretty darn good.

I especially like their bronzer's. 

I like to use this one for a little all over natural looking glow.

The other two shades work really well as a blush.

I found mine at our local drugstore.  The price can't be beat.  I paid like $3.00. 

Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

My Favorite Traveling Tip

 

Wear a scarf. 

Scarves class up a basic comfy outfit.
They work as a cozy blanket shawl in different temperatures.
You can wear them multiple ways.
A scarf can work with different outfits. 

Another favorite traveling item is:  A backpack.  I think it's a must while traveling.  It easily holds a kindle, ipod, phone, sketchpad, snacks, water,
etc. I loved having it along on a recent business trip to Las Vegas, NV.
Not only was it convenient for the airplane, and airport, but, I loved having it with me while touring around and especially for all the samples I collected at the trade shows.  Best thing about it was my hands were free to shop.

Which reminds me: Thank you Thea Moss for featuring my Art Inspired Ikea Backpacks on your blog www.journeytostyle.com.

You can read Thea's review of the Ikea backpack here: http://www.journeytostyle.com/2012/a-fabulous-backpack-from-ikea.html

Available now in my etsy store is a brand new Art Inspired Backpack.

My Etsy Store

 Click picture for etsy store.

Happy Valentine's Day

So Long 2012 - Good Day 2013

 

I've been dragging my feet a bit with planning my goals for 2013.  I guess the idea's just needed a bit more time to perculate in my mind.

Before I can even begin to think about my intentions for the new year, I like to look over the highlights of 2012.  Somehow, this adjusts my mind and allows me to move on.

2012 -  My word for the year was Blossom.  It was a great year. With the predictions out there telling us that the world was over 12-21-12, I decided it's now or never.  I am grateful for this push to just do it.  Let me just say doing feels so much better than procrastinating or hesitating. 

A quick review of my proud moments of 2012.  In March I started this blog.  It's been so much fun sharing with all of you.  Hearing your wonderful comments.  I also feel like this blog has been good at keeping my creative juices flowing.
In April, I found the Ikea backpacks and started to have some creative fun.  I really started to work with different mediums. http://www.virginiajbailey.blogspot.com/2012/04/ikea-backpack-customized-with-original.html  I had a blast painting my designs on the backpacks, wine glasses and more.
In May, I found out about earthing http://www.virginiajbailey.blogspot.com/2012/04/ikea-backpack-customized-with-original.html and fell inlove with Juil shoes. http://www.virginiajbailey.blogspot.com/2012/06/get-grounded-with-juil-shoes.html

June came along and I was painting every night, I contributed some pieces to the artists playroom.
June and July were a blur, I think I was enjoying as much of summer as I could.
In August I went camping with my daughter, and published my book "Do Over" on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00943I95W
Spent two days in September browsing some art fairs in Wisconsin while on an anniversary weekend with my hubby.  November was the month I officially opened my online etsy store and learned how to knit from an 86 year old friend.
When December came along, I pretty much took a hiatus from everything except Christmas.

All and all the year was an adventure.  Just like life is supposed to be.

Plans for 2013 - My word for this year is Abundance of all good things. (My husbands words are Financial Abundance, so we've got that covered.)

What do I want to accomplish?

1.  My own Art Show.
2.  Teach an Online Class on my Blog.
3.  Finish my next novel.
4.  Fine tune my websites.
5.  Get on a regular blogging schedule.
6.  Have some guest writers on my blog.
7.  Take a photography class.
8.  Have my art in stores.
9.  Travel
10. Learn, Create, Learn, Create, Learn, Create....

Of course, I've got some personal goals too, like speaking words of blessings over my life and others.

What are your goals for 2013?  Do you have a word picked out?

Join in on the conversation by leaving your comment below.

Web Inspiration

My son first told me about this you tube video while having dinner one night.  It was so hilarious watching him struggle to stop laughing long enough to get his words out.  Before he was done I was laughing, the whole family was laughing.  We had to stop and get out our phones and watch that video right then and there.  Want a good laugh - check this one out.

Key & Peele: Pizza Order 

12-21-12 Prediction

Another post from my daughter Jade.

Here is a video of a undiscovered Youtube artist named Andie.  She is singing a song about tomorrow's prediction. I loved it.
Let's get to work on our bucket lists everyone.  No school tomorrow?

                                                                                                     Jade