Seashell Basket for Metamophosis Monday

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch forMetamorphosis Monday Please go by and see all the great metamorphosis projects others in blog land have to share. Susans' blog is great and she always has something great to share.

This week I am sharing a basket I found at the GW for $1.00, it is the usual basket you might find at any GW store, I kept coming back to it, so I decided it needed to come home with me.

I went to my local dollar tree and purchased sea grass and a flower stem.

I already had the Styrofoam and seashells. I really liked the color of the basket, it just needed some cleaning with a damp cloth  and to be filled with something, So I began .

placing the styrofoam and placing the grass and flowers. The shells I used are one I have collected on past trips to the beach. Using my hot glue gun I placed them on skewers covered in green florist tape and then broke off to desire length, placing them in the stryofoam.

The large shell in the back on the left is actually a large crab shell from our favorite seafood restaurant here in town. It was just to pretty to throw out, so I washed it  and I think it works great.
I am pleased with how it turned out, now I just need to find the perfect spot for it.
Thanks for stopping by and please check out the other great Met Monday projects.

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

 I am participating in Foodie Friday hosted by Michael at Designs by Gollum. I have not posted in such a long time but decided to share my favorite fall weather recipe. Beef stroganoff which is very simple but so delicious. 
You need:
2 lbs boneless beef stew
8 oz. package of sliced mushrooms
1 medium onion chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can beef broth
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1 16 oz. package of egg noodles
1 container of chive and onion cream cheese spread
1/2 cup sour cream
Place meat, mushrooms, onion and garlic in slow cooker. Add broth, paprika, and salt. Cover with lid.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours)

Cook noodles as directed on package just before serving.
While noodles are cooking add cream cheese spread and sour cream to meat mixture in slow cooker, stir until well blended. Drain pasta, place in serving bowl. Add meat mixture; mix lightly and serve.

Add a crusty roll and you have a great meal. My husband always says it looks like a mess but it does taste
good, even he will tell you how good it is. Enjoy. Patricia

Busy as a Honey Bee

I have been away from blogging for sometime, I have had alot of new happenings in my family and at work.
My son and his fiance are getting married in October, having a baby in January 2011, and work is sending me to Washington, DC for a End of Life Conference in August which will involve much teaching to other Hospice Nurses after the training. So blogging has taken a back seat to all the other things in my life.
I have enjoyed getting to know some of you and reading your blogs. I just am not able to continue at this time. Thanks to all who have come by and those who became followers. I will continue to read your blogs when I get a chance. Please pray for my family and for me, that God will give me the strenght to do everything I need to do in the coming months. I am very excited that I am going to be a grandmother for the first time. I will try to post a picture when he or she comes. Thanks again, Have a great weekend. Patricia