The sun is shining - it must be spring!

For those of you who check this regularly I apologize for my lack of posting the past few weeks. Time flies when you are having fun, right? or working!

This weekend the weather was nice. We only had a dusting of snow on Saturday morning and then the sun came out and there was no precipitation today. Because of the lack of snow and the presence of the sunshine I have felt renewed - similar to that feeling you have when spring has arrived. I might be slightly optimistic when stating that spring has sprung - but it is definately on its way!

Yesterday I traveled to NE Minneapolis to one of my favorite stores Crafty Planet. I am always inspired to do more with my time when I browse this store. I should crochet more, learn to knit, sew more and advance my skills and list goes on. I purchased this book which contains 101 patterns. Initially I thought I would make at least one of every pattern however I'm not sure I need to make matching mother-daughter halter tops so - my goal is to make 50 of the 101 patterns by the end of the year? Some of those projects include: framed tack board, lined bookcase, bed pocket, laptop case, smocked pillow, bathroom towels, an apron and oven mitts and hot pads. I am going to be seeking the help of my friends who are little bit better with the sewing machine than me and I also purchased some books on Amazon yesterday to learn a bit more! I think the first step will be to set up my sewing machine so I can have it all set up every time I want to use it! I'll keep everyone posted and post pictures as I accomplish projects!

I also purchased a couple new cookbooks online yesterday at a discounted price. I am currently co-leading a cooking small group for church. I was asked because I love to cook for others and open my home and host events. So far it has been really great. We have had two meetings. Next week at our next meeting we will be having a potluck and everyone will bring a dish they have never made before and try it for the first time with the rest of the attendees of our small group. I think it will be really fun but what should I bring? If you have any great recipes feel free to forward them on to me. I made a new recipe tonight thanks to Darci. It was a Pizza Casserole and was also a Weight Watcher recipe. Only 6 points per serving and the 9x13 pan serves 6.

Pizza Casserole

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

1 15 oz can/jar of pizza sauce

1 lb or ground beef or turkey

1 1/2 cups 2% mozzarella

Grease 9x13 pan. Spread dough over pan. Cook ground beef/turkey. Mix with sauce and spread over dough. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 minutes. Top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

I made a couple changes to the recipe. I added onion and green pepper to the mix. I also broiled it for an additional 2 minutes at the end because I love when the cheese is crispy!

Here's a pic of my delicious dinner

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend. Don't forget to send me any good recipes!