I'm back & a quick recipe for Taco Seasoning!

Hello all!

Sorry it's been a busy couple weeks. Back to school after Winter break for the monkeys and then a week of the stomach flu this past week. Just a quick line or two and a promise to be more diligent to post more frequently.

Anyway on to the promised Taco Seasoning recipe!

Tastes almost exactly like store bought but fresher and lower sodium!

Ingredients for approx a lb. of ground meat (Beef,chicken, or turkey)

1 Tbs Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (decrease to 1/8 tsp for kid's recipe or for those who don't prefer a little zing)
1/4 tsp Oregano (dried)
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp Ground Sea Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper

I grind up sea salt & the crushed pepper flakes in a Molcajete (Mexican Mortar/Pestle) before combining.

Tip: easier to make a double batch and store 1/2 for your next batch.

Enjoy!

This week's frugal crafty project. Simple Knit Harry Potter Scarf w/ Pattern

My Harry Potter fan just HAD to have a

Gryffindor scarf. Here is the finished project and

simple directions/materials for you to make your own.


I used Red Heart Super Saver 7 oz skeins (as they were on sale for $1.99) in the following colors:
Claret & Gold. You may use whatever colors or 4 ply yarn you wish with this pattern.

I will post pix/pattern for hat as soon as I can find time to make one.

Knit Harry Potter Scarf Pattern:

US size 7 double point needles
1 Crochet hook size J or thereabouts for affixing fringe when done
4 ply worsted weight yarn in 2 colors approx 4 oz each color, or 7 oz of each if you wish to make matching hats/mittens to accompany your scarf.

Gauge 5 stitches = approx 1" in width.
15 rows = approx 1 1/2 inches in length

Finished dimensions: 4" wide X 56" long (plus fringe)

Final materials cost: $3.98 plus tax! I even have yarn enough left for a hat and mittens!

Start w/ darker color (claret.) Cast on 40 stitches, join and work in the round.
Work 20 rows and change color to gold. Continue 20 rows in each color block. I made a total of 19 sections. Cast off. I used a 3 needle cast off so I had a finished edge. You can find directions to do that here: http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/cat/binding-off/
Sew Cast on side neatly together.

Optional: fringe. I used a 12 inch ruler and wound yarn around 5 times total and then made 5 fringes per side. 3 of the dark (both ends and middle) and 2 of the lighter color in between.
You can find how to for fringe here: http://www.ehow.com/how_14822_knit-scarf.html

Tips: Always start and end in the darker color. You can make your color blocks larger or smaller and scarf wider or narrower if you prefer. This was sized this for a 10 year old.

Pattern is offered free for all to enjoy.

So, please no reselling of this pattern.

Happy knitting!

Lilly and the Kingdom of theThree Purple Moons - an ongoing story by Super Elise

Chapter One

My name is Nina, I am 8 years old and I love all school activities.

This is my story…

There was a school play today.

I was cast as the most magical fairy.

The play was a great success.

Then, after I went to sleep that night following my performance…

“Wake up protector of the forest.” said a voice in my ear.

“Who are you?” I said, certain I must be asleep.

“My name is Lilly, and I am the Guardian of the Kingdom of the
Three Purple Moons.”

“This must be a dream!” I said, to which Lilly said “No it is not!”

“Well then, tell me more.” I said, as I sat on the edge of my bed.

Lilly said “You are one of three protectors of the Kingdom.
Without your help we could be gone forever, Nina!”

“I was in a play today and I was a Fairy.
The teacher said there was something about me that
made me perfect for that role."

Before I could open my mouth Lilly said "We must hurry to the kingdom as time is running out.
I will tell you all about the forest as we are traveling there." Lilly took my hand and away we flew out the window into the starry cold night.

To be continued...