lovely idea for bows

If you wrap presents in boxes, you often end up with scraps of wrapping paper that probably end up in the trash.  If you feel bad throwing it away, here's a great idea from Cut out and Keep with full directions.  Just cut your scrap paper into strips, and you can make your own bows!  They look super cute and help minimize waste at the same time. Click here for the full tutorial.  It's really pretty easy to do and such a good way to be creative and recycle.  Check out the ones we made!

 

{We took some extra strips and wrapped them around a pencil for a curly look}

Christmas Lights

One of the best Christmas traditions are the lights!  Some of my neighbors put up lights this year and although they aren't the most extravagant, they still put me in the Christmas spirit.

{Cute vintage Santa - didn't photograph well}

{Lights reflecting off the lake}

{These people put in the most effort of the whole neighborhood}

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!

White Chicken Chili Recipe

This recipe is courtesy of my Aunt Gail and I had to share it because it is sooo yummy and really easy to make too!

Ingredients:

4-5 chicken breasts cooked tender {about 2 lbs} and shredded

{optional - I shredded a rotisserie chicken instead}

1 small can of diced green chilies

14 oz can of chicken broth

16 oz jar of medium salsa
1 large can of great northern beans including liquid
16 oz block {shredded} or 2 bags shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.

 Directions:

 Mix all and bring to a light boil in a large pot.

Once boiling, stir in the shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.  

Enjoy!

♥ N & E

I Spy Something Red

I glanced out my window into my backyard today and a spot of red caught my eye.  It was a little cardinal and it just looked so pretty in contrast to the dull winter landscape.

Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Feeling famished on a wintry day?  Put on your most comfy clothes and try this family favorite!  If you can operate a stove and a can opener, this recipe is a cinch.  Best of all: it's healthy and filling.  Pasta Fagioli will warm you up and leave you satisfied.

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cups each: diced carrots and celery
1 diced onion
5 cloves minced garlic
1/2 of a box of ditalini pasta {box is usually 16 oz}
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup instant beef bouillon granules
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 can tomato paste {6 oz}
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce {Tabasco}
2 tablespoons parsely
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
Pinch of salt
1 can {15 - 16 oz} drained & rinsed; red kidney beans {cannellini}
1 can {15 - 16 oz} drained & rinsed; white kidney beans

Directions:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.

{you'll need room for additional ingredients}

Once beef is cooked, drain the grease.

Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, celery, & carrots to the beef.  

Sauté for 10 minutes & set aside.

Heat water in microwave for 2 minutes.

Pour into large pot and stir in bouillon mixture. 

Stir in oregano, black pepper, Tabasco sauce, red pepper, 

parsley, thyme, basil, rosemary, and salt.

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, & 4 cups of water. 

Optional - more water may be added for preferred consistency.

Add beans, beef, & veggies to pot.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Cook pasta while the soup simmers & add pasta just before serving.

Enjoy!

♥  N & E

Introducing Nicole & Elizabeth

Elizabeth {aka Eli - as in Ellie} and I are very dear friends and former college roommates who love the simple things in life.  Nothing makes us happier than a long girl talk, travel plans, crafty projects, and cooking something tasty!  If you can combine any of these things, we're very happy girls. 

Eli and I met a few years ago through her boyfriend, Sam, and attended the same University.  Eli has a degree in Marketing.  My husband, Michael, Sam, and I all have our degrees in International Affairs.  After taking a few courses together, Sam and Michael came to the realization that both couples needed roommates - desperately.  

{Nicole & Eli}

Although we liked Sam, we were only school acquaintances.  Signing a lease with anyone is a risk as roommate situations can go sour - fast.  We decided to meet up at a cafe to get to know each other.  This was the first time Eli and I had really met, and to say we hit it off would be an understatement!  What started as a short breakfast meeting ended four hours later during lunch.  We decided to go ahead and sign a lease after that meeting.
 

 {Eli & Nicole}

God clearly had plans for us because friendships like this are one in a million.  I would have been content with a fairly decent roommate.  To our surprise, we've formed a lifelong friendship.  And after planning many pot lucks, parties, showers, weddings, photo shoots, and get-togethers, we realized that we both have a knack for all things crafty, creative, and lovely.  We're both avid blog readers and are fond anything DIY.  Of all the things we love, what absolutely thrills us, is taking something ordinary and making it adorable. 

It only made sense for us to create our own blog comprised of all our ideas and experiments.  We hope everyone will join with us in our addiction to friendship, celebrations, and life!

With love,
N & E