Busy, But Not Out of Touch!!!

The weather here has been so rainy overcast and just plain yucky, but I can honetely say I am getting a lot of stamping and sewing done. Lots of meals are being prepared in the crockpot, to make life real simple. I managed to finish a few more valentine cards and get them ready to mail. (Sorry the pictures are so bad!!! I also finished two rag quilts over the weekend and will post pictures once I get them out of the camera! One of the rag quilts was done entirely during the superbowl. Once the crockpot was plugged in with the ravioli stew (yum!) I was able to sit and watch the game and sew. The valentine gifts to the grandbabies have all been distributed and now I can enjoy my upcoming weekend out of town!

While out of town, I am planning on taking the sewing machine with me to sneak in some crative downtime-of course working on another rag quilt. And lots of stamps and paper since I need to put card class packets together for an upcoming card class I am having. The theme is spring but not necessarily easter, so I would like to create something that could be used for both or even mothers day-I really like versatile cards.

Here is the crockpot italian stew in case you are interested:

Crockpot Italian Stew

2 cups sliced carrots

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic (actually I throw in a lot more-I am a garlic freak!)

2 14-oz cans of vegetable broth

2 14-oz cans italian style diced tomatoes, undrained

15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 tsp dried basil leaves

1/8 tsp pepper

9 oz pkg refrigerated cheese stuffed ravioli pasta ( Ilike a lot of ravioli so I add two bags)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Prep:

Combine all ingredients except ravioli pasta and parmesan cheese in 3-4 quart slow cooker. (I use my bigger crockpot because I do add extra ravioli) Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until carrots are tender. Increase heat to high and stir in ravioli. Cover crockpot and cook for 10-15 minutes until ravioli are tender. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

This is a great vegetarian meal and a real comfort food-enjoy! I will return after this weekend to post some additional project pictures and maybe a new yummy menu item! Have a great weekend!