Patriotic Flower Wreath

I've had everything to make this wreath and finally put it all together last night.  It only took an hour -- why, oh why do I procrastinate so?????

I used a 12" styro wreath and 2 large red, white & blue flower stems.  Wreath from Pat Catan's and the flowers from Hobby Lobby.  The blue flowers on the left I did not use.

I knew that I needed to cover the white on the wreath and used a roll of patriotic ribbon that was 3' in length (it fit perfectly).  I then used 2 pins to hold the end in place on the back.

Proceeding to cut the flowers off the stem to just below the first greenery.  Originally, I had intended to poke the stems thru the styrofoam, but between the ribbon and the stems not being sharp enough - it was not going to happen.  So, I got out the low heat glue gun and glued all the stems onto the ribbon.

It was all a perfect fit -- just enough flowers to go around!

I had wanted to put this wreath facing the outside - between the screen door and the interior door.  But, I knew that the blaring sun would not go well with the glue -- so it is now facing the inside for us to enjoy!

If you click on the above pic - you can see the faux beads of water on the flowers -- so pretty!!

Lucy has a snack every day when Mr. Cardigan comes home from work.  Lately, she has been having 'food coma' after the snack --  Ha!

I am linking to The Answer Is Chocolate's BFF Open House Linky Party.  Just click here to see the many ideas - food & crafts!!

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan - A Pinterest Winner!!!

I know most of you are on Pinterest.  I love it as another way to find all things fabulous in blogland!!  I decided it was about time that I printed a few of the recipes I have been pinning (hoarding!!) and give them a try.  The Crockpot Chicken Parmesan fit in perfectly with my crazy summer work schedule.  I originally found it here - thank you Chef-in-Training!!!!

Doesn't it look good with the angel hair pasta?

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan


4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 C. seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 C. parmesan cheese
salt & pepper
1 T. olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1-2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
large jar marinara sauce

Put the olive oil in the bottom of the crockpot.

In one bowl - beat the eggs.  In another bowl - mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan  cheese, salt & pepper.

Dip the chicken into the egg first -- then dip into the bread crumbs mixture.  Make sure it is coated well.

Place the coated chicken breast in the crockpot.  Put as much mozzarella cheese as you like on top of the chicken.  Then, put the sauce on top of that.  (I used a jar of marinara sauce - then thought maybe I wanted more sauce to go with our pasta so I also added some spaghetti sauce that I had in the refrigerator.)

Cook on low for 6 -7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).

Serve with pasta - I used angel hair pasta this time.  Great with garlic bread/rolls, too!!


Here is the eggs and bread crumbs mixtures -

Dip the chicken breast in the egg mixture first -

Then, into the bread crumbs mixture -

Place in the crockpot on top of the olive oil -

Mozzarella cheese on top -

Sauce on top of that -

Ready to serve -

Angel hair pasta -

Love me some Lucy!!!!

I am linking to Designs By Gollum - Foodie Friday.  Click here to see all the amazing recipes!!!

Of Course, It's Shells Again On The Mantel!!!!

I love shells and can't wait to use them on my summertime mantel.  The shell trees I made and you can click here to see how to make your own.

I hot glue shells everywhere!!!

I am of the mind -- you can never have enough shells!!!  Do you feel the same?

Lucy, on the other hand, has been preoccupied with birds!!  Well, as much as an indoor cat can be!!  She has many scouting locations - this is her new covert operation --

There is a tiny head looking out that window -- as opposed to the view that I get!!!

I am linking to A Stroll Thru Life - Table Top Tuesday.  Check out all the fun by clicking here.

And, also linking to Home Stories A to Z who is having a Summer Mantel Link Party.  Just click here to get some great ideas for decorating your mantel!