Digital Scrap Booking

This is something I stumbled upon when I first started working on my blog. There are tons of websites with free clip art and some where you have to pay a small fee to use the images. For the most part you can find whatever you need for free if your willing to look! One site that I have been using like crazy is http://www.digiscrapdepot.com/ Just please remember to give the artist credit!

Here are a few pages that I have made with adobe Photoshop

Shmooangel bow and ribbon

Photo courtesy of Jessica N.

The fall elements came from http://twinkydezines.blogspot.com/

http://Skyrosemelody.blogspot.com for the jewels and ribbon

The fire hydrant came from clipart.com and the rest was Photoshoped by me

Michelle McCoy designs

Hope you have Fun! If you are not familiar with image layering programs there is a website (http://fotoflexer.com/) that makes it super easy to edit any picture! Use your imagination and you can come up with all sorts of ideas! Thanks giving is just around the corner, we cant wait to see what you come up with!

SOUP! 

It's getting cold outside! For us that means its time to start making soups and stews! This particular recipe came from Reader's Digest "The how-to Book of Healthy cooking-good food that's good for you" and now it is a staple in our kitchen. I made this "Chowder" for TRclub this past September and I received a wonderful amount of feedback, and being that it is so versatile I'm passing it on to you!

"Sweet Corn Chowder"

2 ounces reduced sodium bacon

2 Large onions, diced

2 Large carrots, diced

2 Stalks Celery, diced

12 ounces all purpose potatoes, peeled and diced

6 cups chicken stock

2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels

2 cups milk

salt and pepper

In a 4 quart sauce pan, cook the bacon until brown and reserve for garnish. In the same pan that you cooked the bacon add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until soft. Stir in the potatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender. Add the corn and return to a boil. Simmer uncovered for about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and using a ladle of slotted spoon transfer about 2 1/2 cups of the veggies to a blender or food processor. -the fun part!- Puree until smooth. Add the puree and milk to the sauce pan and simmer for about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with bacon and croutons!  

For a change- instead of bacon and corn, use cubed ham and peas -or even sausage and tomatoes! Corn bread, hot rolls, or grilled cheese always make this a winner!

With Tons of Hugs and Kisses! The Reeds