Where Did the Weekend Go?

This weekend has flown by. I have been busy cleaning, cleaning, and organizing. My cousin started this organizing bug, and now I think 2010 might be the year I actually get organized. Is all my Christmas stuff put up? No. Is my house clean? No Did I get everything done? No. But there are parts of my kitchen that are beautifully organized and extremely clean. I actually found the floor in there, the bottom of my sink, and a few areas of the fridge. Ciara helped me to get things organized and helped me find a use for some of my grandmother's canisters that I want to begin using. I now have two overflowing silverware drawers, thanks to my aunt. I still have more to do and more changes that I want to make, but I feel good. It was a great start.

We also worked in Ciara's room. It has been torn apart since August since we gutted it. I got most of the bedding back on her bed this weekend, and we organized her new dresser. I bought little plastic baskets at dollar tree to help her get organized. She likes the system, so maybe she will actually use it. We still need to move her toy box in here and another dresser and maybe rearrange her furniture, but she likes it so far.

This year I really want to make some changes in my house. I really crave to be organized and I want to beautify my house.

Another thing I want to do this year is cook more. Ciara is getting old enough to help me in the kitchen and she likes learning new recipes. This weekend I made my grandma's swiss steak. It is a wonderful comfort food. I loved when my grandma would make it for me. Mine wasn't as good as hers, but it was plenty yummy. I made enough that I have lunch for two days already in the freezer ready to grab. (I love it when there is lots left over and I don't have to worry about lunches.) Anyway, years ago the friends of the Vega library put together a cook book. My family submitted a lot of recipes and my grandmother would get recipes from anywhere to put in that book. My book no longer has a cover and there is food spills all over it. It is my most used cookbook. I love it!! I looked up my grandmother's swiss steak recipe and it had celery in it! CELERY!!! GAG!! I never remember her putting celery in it. Anyway, if I find a great recipe this year I am going to share, so here goes:

Grandma's Swiss Steak

steak (tenderized is best)

flour

1 can diced tomatoes

1 onion sliced

1 bell pepper sliced (I loathe cooked bell peppers, so I think this is optional.)

Dredge (don't you love that word), dredge!, steaks in the flour and fry until brown. Drain on paper towels. (I am trying to be technical here!!) Lay steaks in bottom of casserole dish. pour tomatoes on top of steaks and layer onions and peppers. Bake around 350 degrees for half an hour or so!! (See how technical I am now???) Bon Appetit!!!

Next weekend I will be busy working on projects for a Stampin Up! party. I am excited to get back in the swing and start creating again. This is Sale-a-bration time. For every $50 you order, you get a free stamp set, punch, or paper pack. There are some really nice things this year. They are also offering any set under $15.95 as a free set with a $50 dollar order. I am hoping to collect quite a few myself!!lol There is also a new mini catalog just out with lots of fun new sets. If you would like to host a party or get more info about Stampin' Up! then leave me a comment. Hostesses also get a free Sale-a-bration set for every $300 of their party. It is a great deal, so come on everybody, let's start creating!!