Dragon Apron in Photos (VERY image rich!)

Katie helped me with my first major sewing project- an apron! Probably should have done something a little easier for the first time. I could not have done it without her! She did so much (well over 1/2 of the sewing!) , it was wonderful.

Now the pictures:

I have an Idea.

It's a quite brilliant idea if I say do so myself. For now, let's refer to the super-secret hair-brained scheme as "The Idea".

One major problem- It would be expensive. I would need lots and lots of fabric, way more than I could possibly afford on my own. It also requires a sewing machine, which I will be purchasing in the next month. I am trying to find a quality machine on sale.

So the determining factor in this is figuring out ways to get tons of cute fabric for super cheap or free. I am quite open to ideas.

So readers, fellow bloggers, and everyone out there- PLEASE help me brainstorm.

My first blog party- Ultimate Blog Party '10!

We here at ISBITK are taking part in the wonderful and exciting Ultimate Blog Party '10! I can't wait to see all the great blogs that are taking part, and gain a few new readers. We always welcome newcomers :) If you're curious about us, check out our "About Us" page.

So take a peek around, and if you like what you see please follow us! (Left Side Bar)

Now for the goods. This recipe for buffalo chicken dip is amazing- My wonderful boyfriend Kyle is actually the one that introduced me to it and he is the one that makes it too. I can't eat too much of it because of my lactose intolerance, but I still have to have some every time. It is always a big hit at parties!

Buffalo Chicken Dip Party Sized:
Serve (warm) with Tortilla Chips.

Ingredients:
16oz cream cheese
8oz Franks Buffalo Hot Sauce
1.5 LBS Chicken Breast, boiled and pulled apart
Shredded cheese

Mix cream cheese and sauce together. Add cooked shredded chicken. Sprinkle as much shredded cheese as desired on top, and heat in a 375 degrees oven until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

If you follow or leave a comment, make sure to leave your blog address in your comment so I can check out your blog too!

IF I'm really lucky and win, I would love any of these: US27 *drool*, US36, US42, or any gift card (preferably Amazon.com)

Arts & Crafts in Schools

I know that my state has drastically cut funding to schools, and the Arts Curriculum seem to be the first programs to be cut when this happens. There has got to be something that we can do!

If you had the opportunity, would you be willing to teach/supervise arts in a classroom environment? Even once a week, or once a month. Would you be willing to offer an after school arts program? Nothing overly fancy, just something giving children in our schools the opportunity to have a creative outlet.

I think that we could do something great, if only we knew where to start. Ideas? Thoughts?

Notice anything new? *ahem*

The past few weeks have brought some wonderful things. I got a new job, I'm moving in to a "new" place (that is about 20 steps from where I used to live), and I've been having a great time online.

I had the pleasure of participating in the Yo! Tweeps twitter exchange. I was introduced to a ton of wonderful bloggers, and one particular young lady who as of tonight officially Rocks My Socks.

Notice the new look? The awesome, beautiful new layout here on ISBITK? Well it's all thanks to the wonderful and talented miss Brittany Ciara over at Not Your Average Teen. If you haven't had the pleasure to stop over and check out her blog, you should do so now. You won't be disappointed.


What are you waiting for? GO!

Cider Stew

As adapted from Farm Journal's Country Cookbook, Revised, Enlarged Edition (1972)

It was so yummy! I never would have thought to put Apple Cider in stew, but it gives it a wonderful flavor with kick (a little spicy).

NOTE- This feeds a lot of people- if you're only making it for a few then you might want to reduce it by half. As is it fed 5 people with most having seconds, I had some left over to freeze, and I sent a serving home with my dad.

Ingredients:
2.5c Cider
2.5c Water
2 Yellow Onions (medium)
3lbs Stew Meat
8 Carrots
7 Potatoes (I used large russet)
4 stalks Celery
Fat/butter to brown onions
1/4c Flour
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
Corn starch to thicken (if wanted)

1. Brown the onions. Put the liquids in the pot you're using, turn the temperature on medium heat, and start browning meat.

2. While browning meat, mix flour and spices together. After meat is browned, sprinkle the flour mixture over the meat and stir to coat well. Scrape meat and drippings into soup pot.

3. Cover and cook on low heat for about 2 hours, or until meat is almost tender. If the stew isn't thick enough for you, add a little corn starch or flour (mixed separately with a little water or the flour will clump when added to the stew).

4. Cut veggies into bite size pieces and add to stew. Simmer until they're as soft as you like them, about 30-45 minutes.