Pork, pineapples and rice…Yum!

 Okay well it’s me again, Casharina, bringing you another Food Friday post!  Although you know I love to do anything in the crock pot, but when the weather is warm, I love to bring out the grilling foods and this is one of our new favorites!  It’s a pretty easy one too, and can be cooked on the grill, or inside on the stove, your preference.  The first time we had this was while we were camping with friends.  I was a little weary that my kids wouldn’t love it, or us for that matter (we’re VERY boring eaters! LOL!) …but to my surprise my whole family likes it!  So, let’s get started.

Ingredients:

• ½ small onion
• 1lb stew pork pieces (I try to buy them when they’re on sale, and stick them in the freezer.)
• 1 each: green, yellow, red, and orange pepper (These can also be prepped ahead of time and placed in the freezer.  I have also found that Save-A-Lot carries a small frozen bag of these ingredients and it works GREAT, and they’re CHEAP, much cheaper than buying fresh, unless you’ve got a garden!!)
• BBQ sauce (your favorite flavor…I use Kraft Original)
• 2 cups of rice (Instant is what I use, brown rice works great too.)
• 1 can of diced pineapple (I usually buy “chunks” and then cut the chunks into smaller pieces.  I use about 3 rings and then I divvy the rest up for the girls’ lunches the next day.) Reserve some of the juice from the can for the sauce.

Preparation:

• Cut EVERYTHING into small bite size pieces.
• This includes the already small pork pieces, it just taste better to have everything on the smaller size.  I usually cut the pork pieces in half and trim off as much of the fat as possible.
• Dice onion, peppers and pineapple into small pieces as well.

I chose to purchase enough to make two meals out of the ingredients and went ahead and chopped each of the peppers and onion, placed them into a large freezer safe bag and laid it flat in the freezer to use at a later time.  When using ingredients from the freezer the veggies won’t take as long to cook before they start becoming soft so be careful when cooking them.  Also there will be more liquid in the pan as they will have ice pieces, it’s fine, no worries!

Hard parts done, now it’s time to cook!

• Place your pork a pan. If you’re cooking on the stove your standard kitchen pan is fine, OR if you decide to use the grill/bbq, an aluminum pan or other grill-safe pan should be used.
• Add a little BBQ sauce to the mix – enough to keep it moist and some of the pineapple juice from the can.  You don’t want it too wet but you want the meat to take in the flavors, so add a little at a time during the cooking process.
• Okay, begin your rice (seperately).  Like I said, I usually use the instant 5-minute rice and it works great.  If you are using something that takes longer, you may want to start it a little earlier and follow your prefered method!  I use a 4 serving size of rice for this amount of meat & veggies.
• Once the meat is thoroughly cooked add the veggies.  Continue cooking/stirring and keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t scorch.
• After the veggies are done, you are too!! YAY!  Now you can choose to either mix the rice in and eat, or spoon it over the rice.  I like to mix and eat because I feel like it goes a little further that way.  My hubby adds more BBQ sauce right on top.  Either way it’s DELICIOUS, and definitely one of our family favorites!!

And here is your FREE 4×6 recipe card.  You can CLICK HERE to download the card…or simply click the image below! Enjoy!

Thanks for checking in with the Blog today…we’ll see you all on Monday for the Layout of the Week.  Have a lovely weekend!

CasharinaFood Stuff, Free (not desktops), Uncategorized 2 Comments

Hi all…hope everyone has had a wonderful week so far- full of smiles, laughs and sunshine moments!!! :o)  Kylie here again, but this time with the Shabby Shoppe Blog’s next Easy-As-Pie TEMPLATE CHALLENGE!  Template number TWENTY-EIGHT was designed with minimum fuss…to let your photo shine!  I really hope you enjoy working with it.  And don’t forget, you can dress it up or dress it down…scrap it your way.  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!  Happy Scrapping!:o)

To download…CLICK HERE (or simply click the preview image below)!

Now, let’s go over the GUIDELINES for our template challenges here at the Shoppe?!  Then be sure to keep scrolling for some lovely inspiration from our talented Shabby Artists…that’s sure to get you motivated to scrap a page!

The ‘deadline’ for this challenge is OCTOBER 28th :o)  We will announce the template challenge winner on November 1st, when we share Template Challenge TWENTY-NINE  As you probably know, we announce the winner on the same day we debut a new template challenge.  The ‘winner’ of the challenge will receive a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe!  Please note that for our template challenges…we select the ‘winner’ randomly (via random.org) – so everyone has a chance to win…beginners and experienced scrappers!  It’s a great way to jump in and give digi scrapping (and templates) a try :o)

In order to be entered into the template challenge – you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe’s gallery (in the SHOPPE BLOG CHALLENGES gallery) and then post a comment HERE at our blog (on this post only) with a link to your layout in our gallery.  This will enter you into the challenge :o)  Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP product (purchased or free).  To be eligible for the challenge – you must scrap with the easy-as-pie layered template!

We also have several fun ways for you to obtain ‘EXTRA’ entries to the challenge (please note that in order to qualify for any EXTRA entries – you must first complete a layout with our easy-as-pie template and submit that to our gallery and blog) :o)

• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have one of our blinkies (available by clicking on the blinkies link in the sidebar) either on your blog or in all of your forum signatures (be sure to include a link to your blog or signature in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have facebooked or twittered about our template challenge (don’t forget to include the link in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have blogged about our template challenge (again, be sure to add your blog link to your post).

So, that means that you have the possibility of entering the challenge up to 4 times! Just be sure each entry is a separate comment, as we will be using a random number generator to choose the winner. Be sure to get your entries in by MIDNIGHT (eastern time) on October 28th, and again…the winner will be announced in early November (the 1st to be exact)!

I need to add that our blog SPAM protection has been extremely vigilant the last few months.  If you do happen to add a comment and don’t see it straight away it has unfortunately been directed to our spam queue, awaiting approval.  I check this queue daily, SO DON’T WORRY, I will catch it and add it back to this post so everyone can see it, and more importantly so that you have an entry.  Apologies if this causes any confusion!

So again…here is your newest Easy-As-Pie Layered Template! <–click this to download OR click the preview image at the top of this post :o)

Your download includes:

• 12×12 Layered psd template with drop shadows (you can opt to turn them off or use your own)
• 12×12 Layered TIFF template with drop shadows

In the event this is your first time scrapping with a layered template – SP has created a quick and simple tutorial on how to use our Easy-As-Pie templates in PSE and PS. You can find it HERE. We’ve tried to cover the basics, but if you have any questions, please let us know and one of the Shabby Team Members will do their best to answer it.

I’m excited to share how the super-talented Shabby Artists worked their own magic on the latest template.  A little bit of inspiration goes a long way and and these pages have boundless inspiration!!  And please remember that you can always visit the Shabby Artist Gallery for more information about each layout – we will be uploading throughout the day/night)…

I guess it’s no surprise to anyone that we all reached for the NEW Shoppe goodies, either a little or a whole bunch, when scrapping our challenge layouts. LOL! I went for pretty Penelope and did an ALL GIRL page!

Our resident Princess, the beautiful SP, also chose to spin a little Disney magic with Penelope.  Oh sooooo pretty…both the page and the photo!

Kim cleverly turned the template on it’s head and partnered it with some Parker!  A very, very special page to celebrate Caleb turning 6!

Casharina scrapped a precious family layout using the perfect kit – Memory Lane!  Beautiful and truly heartfelt!

And last, but never ever least, Rosy put together a page with a sprinkling of Parker gems.  What an inspired colour combo and sweet, sweet story!!

Thanks girls! :o) Now that you’ve had a peek at our pages we so hope you have a blast scrapping your own versions too!

{ Don’t FORGET to link up to this post only to enter template challenge TWENTY-EIGHT }

And now it’s my favourite part of the post…announcing the winner of last month’s TEMPLATE CHALLENGE…number TWENTY-SEVEN! – YAY!!  And the lucky number picked by Mr Random was #22… and that means that Lyndsfairne’s amazing Autumnal Equinox layout was selected! :o)  A perfect example of taking an easy-as-pie template and making it your own!  Beautiful scrapping!  CONGRATULATIONS, Lyndsey!!  You will be receiving a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe in your email box (be sure to check spam folders) this morning…have fun shoppe-ing and thanks for joining in the template challenge fun!

And, as always…a big THANKS to everyone who participated in the last template challenge.  We are thrilled that you did…and hope you are inspired to scrap lots of fun pages with our newest template!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Casharina be back tomorrow with some Food Friday yuminess!  See you then! :o)

…and remember, if you do happen to add a comment with a link and don’t see it straight away it has unfortunately taken a trip to our spam queue, awaiting approval.  I check this queue all the time, SO DON’T WORRY, I will catch it and add it back to this post so everyone can see it, and more importantly so that you have an entry.

KylieFree (not desktops), Template Challenges, Uncategorized 36 Comments

Hello there! :o)  It’s Kylie here with you today…along with a couple of very dear friends – the SEPTEMBER projectSCRAP templates!!  Aren’t they a sweet couple (two separate templates to create a ’spread’)!  And I just know you’ll LOVE scrapping with them!  As with all projectSCRAP templates, there are bunches of photo spots and lots of options for story-telling…and I’m really loving how easy it is to scrap a month-by-month snapshot of 2012.  How are you going?  Are you keeping up?  C’mon, LET’S HAVE SOME FUN and get those memories scrapped together :o)

You can click on the image above…or, CLICK HERE to download your latest templates!!

Are you new to project SCRAP? …well then, if you are not familiar with our little scrap project (if you ARE familiar with it, skip this paragraph, as always, lol)… THIS POST is a great place to learn more!  Also, if you click on the PROJECT SCRAP 2012 category (on the right side of the blog)…you can ALWAYS easily find ALL posts related to the subject!  It’s your go-to place if you want to keep up with everything in 2012!  But, as a quick little reminder…here is the project in a nutshell:::

Oh, and don’t forget to post YOUR project SCRAP 2012 pages in our special GALLERY :o)  We ALL love to browse the pages to get inspiration for our own layouts!  Especially during those times when we are not feeling so creative, lol!  SP will be doing her September ‘check-in’ in a few weeks time…and will, of course, be sure to include some wonderful gallery inspiration, using the latest templates…and ya just never know, your pages might be featured!

THANKS a bunch for stopping by the blog today!  I’ll be back tomorrow with some exciting Shoppe News!!

KylieFree (not desktops), project Scrap 2012, Uncategorized 8 Comments

Hi everyone…it’s Kylie! :o)  Today, it’s TEMPLATE CHALLENGE time!!…and we are up to NUMBER TWENTY-SEVEN!

Joining in our monthly template challenge is as easy-as-pie and so much FUN…we love bringing it to you!!  This month’s template is perfect if you’ve got lots of photos to scrap – summer vacation, back to school, everyday happy snaps!  However if you only have a couple of cute pics that need scrapping?…why not use some of the photo spots to display beautiful papers or extra journaling.  Templates are a great way to jump-start your creativity and we’d love to see where Template Challenge {27} takes you!  Enjoy!! :o)

To download…CLICK HERE (or just click on the preview image below)!

Now, let’s go over the GUIDELINES for our template challenges here at the Shoppe?!  Then be sure to keep on scrolling for some gorgeous inspiration from our super-talented Shabby Artists!

The ‘deadline’ for this challenge is SEPTEMBER 30th :o)  We will announce the template challenge winner on October 4th, when we share Template Challenge TWENTY-EIGHT.  As you probably know, we announce the winner on the same day we debut a new template challenge.  The ‘winner’ of the challenge will receive a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe!  Please note that for our template challenges…we select the ‘winner’ randomly (via random.org) – so everyone has a chance to win…beginners and experienced scrappers!  It’s a great way to jump in and give digi scrapping (and templates) a try :o)

In order to be entered into the template challenge – you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe’s gallery (in the SHOPPE BLOG CHALLENGES gallery) and then post a comment HERE at our blog (on this post only) with a link to your layout in our gallery.  This will enter you into the challenge :o)  Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP product (purchased or free).  To be eligible for the challenge – you must scrap with the easy-as-pie layered template!

We also have several fun ways for you to obtain ‘EXTRA’ entries to the challenge (please note that in order to qualify for any EXTRA entries – you must first complete a layout with our easy-as-pie template and submit that to our gallery and blog) :o)

• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have one of our blinkies (available by clicking on the blinkies link in the sidebar) either on your blog or in all of your forum signatures (be sure to include a link to your blog or signature in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have facebooked or twittered about our template challenge (don’t forget to include the link in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have blogged about our template challenge (again, be sure to add your blog link to your post).

So, that means that you have the possibility of entering the challenge up to 4 times! Just be sure each entry is a separate comment, as we will be using a random number generator to choose the winner. Be sure to get your entries in by MIDNIGHT (eastern time) on September 30th, and again…the winner will be announced in early October (the 4th to be exact)!

I need to add that our blog SPAM protection has been extremely vigilant the last few months.  If you do happen to add a comment and don’t see it straight away it has unfortunately been directed to our spam queue, awaiting approval.  I check this queue daily, SO DON’T WORRY, I will catch it and add it back to this post so everyone can see it, and more importantly so that you have an entry.  Apologies if this causes any confusion!

So again…here is your newest Easy-As-Pie Layered Template! <–click this to download OR click the preview image at the top of this post :o)

Your download includes:

• 12×12 Layered psd template with drop shadows (you can opt to turn them off or use your own)
• 12×12 Layered TIFF template with drop shadows

In the event this is your first time scrapping with a layered template – SP has created a quick and simple tutorial on how to use our Easy-As-Pie templates in PSE and PS. You can find it HERE. We’ve tried to cover the basics, but if you have any questions, please let us know and one of the Shabby Team Members will do their best to answer it.

Time now for some inspiration!

Here we have sweet Kim’s summer lovin’ page!

A little more outdoor fun from the lovely Rosy! 

And here is my version – in all it’s pastel glory! ;o)

Thanks heaps Kim and Rosy! :o)  You can visit the Shabby Artist Gallery anytime for a closer look and for more information about each layout – we will be uploading throughout the day/night.

…and, now that you have had a little sneak-peek at some of our ideas…we can’t wait to see what you come up with! :o)  Have FUN!! and…

{ Remember to link up to this post only to enter template challenge TWENTY-SEVEN }

And now it is time to announce the winner of TEMPLATE CHALLENGE TWENTY-SIX! – YAY!!  This time, the ‘lucky’ random number was 31… and that means that onyxdrop’s Moments & Memories layout was selected! :o)  A beautiful page, in every way!  CONGRATULATIONS, onyxdrop and a big WELCOME…I see this is your very first post!!  You should have received a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe in your email box (be sure to check any spam folders) this morning…ENJOY the shoppe-ing and thanks for joining in the challenge fun!

And, as always…THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the last challenge.  We soooo appreciate it and love seeing all your wonderfully creative pages – and I have to say, everyone totally rocked the last challenge template - AMAZING stuff ladies!!

Thanks for checking in with us today…enjoy your new easy-as-pie template!  I’ll see you all back here with some hybrid inspiration tomorrow (or even Saturday – as I’m having way too much fun with it, LOL!) !  See you then! :o)

…and remember, if you do happen to add a comment with a link and don’t see it straight away it has unfortunately taken a trip to our spam queue, awaiting approval.  I check this queue all the time, SO DON’T WORRY, I will catch it and add it back to this post so everyone can see it, and more importantly so that you have an entry.

KylieFree (not desktops), Template Challenges, Uncategorized 38 Comments

Hello Shabby Shoppe readers, Rosy here, and welcome to Food Friday!  Are you wanting to hang on to these warm, sunshiny days for just a little bit longer?  Here’s a recipe that will give you another little taste of summer!  Awhile back I was looking for an orange recipe and couldn’t seem to find what I was looking for, so I decided to go the simple route of adding my own flavor to a boxed mix.  You could add any flavor that you like, really!  Here’s what I did…

Gather your ingredients, just to make sure you have everything before you start.

For the cupcakes I used:

• 1 yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• zest and juice from 2 oranges (divided)
• water

First I carefully cleaned my oranges and then extracted the juice and zest from them.  I tried a few different ways of zesting an orange, but found that using the fine setting on my grater worked the best for me.

Press lightly, making sure to get only the orange colored peeling and not the bitter white underneath.  I used all the juice and half of the zest for the cupcakes, setting aside the rest of the zest for the icing.  You could adjust the amount of zest according to your taste, but a little does go a long way and this was more than enough orange flavor for me.

Add water to the juice to make 1 and 1/3 cup.  Pour all of the cupcake ingredients into a bowl and beat well.  Fill your cupcake liners and bake at 350F (180C) until nicely browned (about 15 -20 minutes).

Now it’s time to make your icing.

• ½ cup solid vegetable shortening
• ½ cup butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tbsp. milk
• zest of one orange
• food coloring (optional)

Cream together the butter, shortening and vanilla.  Gradually add the sugar and the remaining orange zest.  Add the milk and beat it at a high speed until it’s nice and fluffy, adding food coloring if desired.  I added a tiny bit of red and yellow to mine.  Pipe the icing onto your cooled cupcakes using any method that you prefer.

I also made some pretty cupcake wrappers using papers from SP’s Sandbox kit and summer additions.

 And here is your FREE 4×6 recipe card.  You can CLICK HERE to download the card…or simply click the image below! Enjoy!

Thanks for checking in with the Blog today…we’ll see you all on Monday for the Layout of the Week!  Have a very special weekend!

…and, P.S. Just a quick reminder that the Easy-As-Pie Template Challenge 26 deadline is SUNDAY night (12 midnight US EDT), for all those still wishing to join in the FUN and have the chance to win a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe!  Don’t forget to add your comment/link to the original blog post after you upload your layout to the Gallery!

RosyFood Stuff, Free (not desktops), Uncategorized 5 Comments