Best Taco Soup Ever!!!

Thought I'd give you a quick recipe that'll make your mouth water!

Taco Soup

1- lb lean(93/7) Ground Beef
1- clove minced Garlic (You may use 1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Powder)
1/4- chopped Onion (You may use 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder)
1- packet Mild Taco Seasoning
2- 32oz. cans Beef Broth
2- 11oz. cans Sweet Niblets Corn
2- 15oz. cans Petite Diced Tomatoes
1- 15oz. can Tomato Sauce
1- 15oz. can Ranch Style Beans
1- 15oz. can Pinto Beans
8oz. medium Picante (I use Pace Brand)
2- packets Ranch Seasoning Mix

Brown ground beef with garlic and onion. Add Taco Seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Let Simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir. Let soup come to a boil, I usually let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Serve with Shredded Cheese and Tortilla Chips.

Hope you enjoy!

Guess what I received in the mail today...

I'm so excited. I received my New Restoration Hardware catalog today. They've recently changed their look and I love it!!! I can look at these FREE magazines over and over and over...droooooling....! Check out these pictures...

What are your thoughts?? I'm speechless...

What I did with a CHEAP photo board...

Last year, I found the greatest photo board on clearance at HL. I hung it on my bedroom wall and displayed photos on it. This look seemed too busy and got old really quick. So, I dug out an old bay leaf wreath I had gotten on clearance at Target a few years back. I hung that on my photo board with some thick burlap/linen ribbon. I then added a mercury ornament for the Christmas season. I was very pleased with the way it turned out! What do you think about it??

I hope this inspired someone...Use what God gave you, GO BE CREATIVE!!!

The most amazing antiques ever...

Last summer, my hubby and I took a trip to good Ole' Texas. Numerous times I'd heard people talk about going to "Canton" and antiquing (yes it's a word, I looked it up. *smile*) . It wasn't until we were down there that we found out it was going on that weekend. I was so excited, I can't pass up "miles and miles of antiques". Well, we ended up spending 2 days there (if you ever go, don't plan on seeing it all in 1 - 2 days!!!). I have to tell you though, my favorite part of going to Canton was the antique mall we passed on the way there. We had to stop, and we were SO glad we did! It had to be like 200 times better than Canton!!! Here are some pictures (these don't do it justice).










And for you men out there...

They have a little bit of everything...or should I say a LOT of everything. Even if you don't enjoy antiques this place is like a museum (even had a 3 wheeled car). So, if you're ever on the highway between Dallas and Canton you must stop at De Ridder Antiques, you WON'T be disappointed!!!

Refinishing a night stand...

I can't seem to find my before picture, but imagine an ugly, black, scratched up night stand. My hubby showed me how to use the belt sander (I think I learn something new everyday), I sanded the top of the stand down to the beautiful bare wood. I then took some pieces of metal and a screw driver and made dents in the top, (yes, I like the worn out look *smile*) I then taped the top off. Again, with my hubby's help, I drug the stand into the back yard and began to paint it. I used Kilz primer spray paint, and then Krylon cream spray paint. Once that dried, I drug it back into the garage and got out the old cabinet stain (my hubby stained our cabinets two years ago, more on that later) and began to rub it on in small areas. I would immediately wipe it off with another rag. I also stained the bare top with this. It took a couple hours until I was completely happy with it, but here is the finished project...

When I find the before pictures, (I think they're on my hubby's phone) I'll add them. I also need to add a picture of the stained top.

Hope this got your creative wheels turning...use what God gave you, GO BE CREATIVE!

Where to start...

I have so many ideas and pictures I want to share with you, that it's hard to find a starting point. Let me begin by showing you some recent projects I've completed.

If you spend your free time looking at blogs,like I do, I'm sure you've seen the sheet music wreath. Well, when I saw it I HAD to have it. So, to Goodwill I went. I found some lovely sheet music for $1.50 a book (around 25 pages each), got 2 of those. Then off to the craft store, I found a wreath shaped, flat piece of board. Got one of these for $4.50 (Cardboard can be used but I didn't have any at the time). I then got to work.

After a couple of hours, many glue gun burns, and a cup of hot chocolate, I had my finished product for about $8.00!!

As you can see, I hung it with some thick burlap ribbon. I think my entire house is turning to burlap! *smile*

Now it's your turn...use what God gave you, GO BE CREATIVE!

Getting Started...

Well, if this is your first time to read my blog my hope is that it gets your creative wheels turning. In my blog you will find yummy, mouthwatering recipes, exciting decorating ideas, tips on saving money, lots of money, with coupons and anything else that comes to mind . I feel this blog will help me get my thoughts on paper since I've never been good at keeping a journal *smile*. I hope to encourage someone as well, as I feel being a christian is the most important thing you can be in your life. BE ALL YOU CAN BE for Christ!!!

Let me know what YOU want to hear about...
~ Ashley