An Irish-Canadian Girls' Interpretation of "Skinny Italian"

Tonight’s blog post was not a premeditated one. In fact, it wasn't until halfway through my cooking venture that I decided, perhaps, this concoction was blog-worthy! I know you're probably wondering, if I didn't realize until halfway through my preparation, how do I have photos right from the start?  The sad, pathetic answer to that is because that’s what I do sometimes. I take pictures of my cooking process – whether I have the intention to share it or not. The universe is likely going to give me an early onset of Alzheimer’s... almost like a payback for my need to photograph meaningless things and more often than not, share them with the world. At least I'll have an incredible amount of photos to look back on as I try to reminisce.

There are a few reasons why this “Skinny Italian” is a favourite in our household. You see, Kev’s favourite cuisine (at least before we met and in our earlier days of togetherness) is Italian – specifically, pasta!  I, on the other hand, couldn't choke down a bowl of his beloved starches to save my life. You heard right, I don't like pasta. Spaghetti, lasagna, bowtie, linguini – you name it, I hate it.

Although this truth has put me at a disadvantage in a handful of social situations, it has worked in my favour when I have attempted to cut down on carbohydrates. With about a month and a half left in my pregnancy (and, from what I’m told, a month and a half of going to bed wondering how you could possibly get any bigger and then, in fact, waking up bigger) I have taken it upon myself to attempt to eat as healthily as possible without denying my body any of the necessary nutrients it needs to finish growing this baby.

The “Skinny Italian” dish allows me to satisfy Kev’s taste buds without ending up looking like I should be tied down in the next Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Another reason it’s a favourite ‘round these parts is because it’s easy! With a prep time of 5 minutes and a total cook time of under 20, it’s the perfect solution when I'm strapped for time or energy - or both!

Here’s how I create my “Skinny Italian” dish. I challenge any of you pasta-loving creatures to give it a go yourself and see if it hits the spot!

1 -Start simmering marinara (or your favourite pasta sauce) in a large pan.
2- Chop thawed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add it to the simmering sauce
3- About 5 minutes after you've added the chicken, add chopped vegetables of your choice. I used onion, red and orange peppers, mushrooms and corn.
4-Once the veggies are added, add cream cheese and chicken broth to the mix. (Eyeball it and adjust your pouring based on whether or not you want to eat this with a fork or a spoon. Scientific, I know).
5-After about 15 minutes have gone by, drop in a few handfuls of spinach. The spinach will cook down quickly and add an element of freshness (and colour, if you’re into that whole “eating with your eyes” thing) to your pan!
6- Once your spinach has cooked down – you’re good to go! Make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, turn off the heat and serve!
*Seasonings added throughout : Oregano, Basil and Thyme

Disclaimer: I am in no way of Italian descent (though I did pretend I was for a few days in 4th grade), nor am I incredibly knowledgeable of their food fare. I am an Irish-Canadian who was raised largely on meat, potatoes, and vegetables from my own backyard. If my seasoning or use of cheese is not genuinely, 100% Italian – my sincere apologies! 

A Letter Twining "How-To"

Today’s blog is brought to you by popular demand. I’ve always wanted to say that.

Truthfully, though, the topic of today’s blog – “Letter Twining” – is one that I was asked to create by a number of my fellow DIY crafters! So, what the people want, the people get!

I, myself, hung my twined monogram letter (C – for Carpenter) in our hallway where I am in the process of creating a shabby-chic, mismatched display of all things love. See inspiration below.

(If you want to see more projects that I have completed or plan to complete in my own home – check out my “Home Sweet Home” board on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/caresselle/home-sweet-home/ )

However, these decorated letters have been growing in popularity and in the last month and I taken an order for a wedding head table (twined and accented with camouflage fabric) as well as a nursery (twined and accented with light pink ribbon and pearls). I will be finishing my own twined letter with 2 floral accents, made of lace, because I have an unhealthy obsession with the whole twine and lace combination. But, the first step in the healing process is admitting that you have a problem....

I will say, the process of twining wooden letters is one that takes some time. Because of the intricacy, it isn't something you will want to rush. In total, to complete one letter, the process took me about 3 hours. I started it last night and completed it tonight. As soothing as the process is (similar to what I believe knitting must be for those who knit) it is also one that takes an incredible amount of patience. Unfortunately, I’m not always the most patient person (I’m working on it) and so for that reason, I split my labour between two evenings. I took a mental break, of sorts. Besides, there are only so many hot glue gun burns these swollen, pregnant, Oktoberfest sausage-lookin’ fingers can take in one sitting.

Also, don't give yourself a fresh manicure before twining. Speaking from experience.

Step 1/What you will need):
· Your Letters (I purchased mine at Michael’s)
·         Twine (I buy mine in bulk online, but for smaller scale projects it is also available at Michael’s) ·         Hot glue gun
·         Scissors (believe me, this is not 6^th grade and you are not unpeeling a Clementine – you will not be able to twine your letter successfully with one, solid, uncut piece of twine).
·         Something Metal (this is for flattening the twine against the letter in those more difficult curvatures of the letter. I used scissors but a nail file would work great, too!)

Step 2: 
Twine over the edges that will not be covered in the same motion as your twining. This will require cutting the twine into approx 1-inch pieces and gluing them width wise (or length wise depending on what look your going for) to your letter.

Step 3:
Begin twining your letter, covering the work done during your 2^nd step, first.

Step 4:
Continue twining. This is where the process has the opportunity to be relaxing. Remember to glue the twine down periodically (on the side of the letter that will not be showing) as you go.

Step 5:
Make an indication mark with a sharpie on the back of your letter where any holes exist.
Note: this is only necessary if you will be hanging your monogrammed letters. If they are going to be displayed on a mantle, head table, or if you are going to be adding a ribbon to the letter and hanging it on a door, this step isn’t necessary.

Ta-da!
Once you have fully covered your letter, you’re done! If there are any weak spots where the original under-letter is peaking through, this provides you with a perfect place to glue your accents, whether it be a flower, pearls, gems, ribbon, seashells, or something else! For more great monogram letter ideas check out:  http://www.pinterest.com/joycem/letter-monogram-ideas/

There you have it (said in the exact accent of the man from Art Attack) - you can create letters to be displayed around your own home (nursery, living room mantle, on the wreath to your front door) or to showcase at your next event or holiday party. I also think they make great gifts, though, you may want to wait until you’ve got the hang of it first – unless the gift is for your parents, then, it doesn't matter how tacky it turns out. Remember, these are the people that spent hundreds of dollars on a Christmas tree only to proudly display your stale macaroni ornaments.

Happy Twining, folks!