January, 2013 | Crafty Dad

A Soon-To-Be Birthday Gift for Mya

Posted on January 31, 2013 Written by Crafty Dad 1 Comment

Sometimes, the Creative “Bug” Bites Hard

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve completed a craft project.

My cousin’s daughter (Mya) is turning four this week. My wife and did some traditional birthday gift shopping last weekend. We’re all set. Well…almost.

I decided that it was time to put the creative juices to work — once again. I had a paper mache box tucked away and thought it would be a perfect gift. The box has 3-4 coats of Bubblegum Pink paint on it now. I promise to show you the project when it’s all done.

According to her mom, Mya loves pink and princess-y stuff. So…a quick trip to Hobby Lobby and we’re good to go.

It felt really good to make something again. In fact, while I’ve tried to push the creativity aside, it just can’t stay away forever. It’s part of me. And always will be.

I need to be okay with that. And make (no pun intended) the most of it.

Your Turn: What projects are you working on these days? Share your story in the comments section below.

Filed Under: crafts, kids, projects

The Power of the To-Do List

Posted on January 29, 2013 Written by Crafty Dad 2 Comments

We try so hard to keep all our ideas, thoughts, and tasks in our head. Why? That’s really not what a brain is for. Paper (or, in this case, a short-stack of index cards) is a MUCH better place to capture all the ‘stuff’ you need to do.

I carry one of these around with me all day long. Every day. At work. At the grocery store. Everywhere. Because I never know when a thought will cross my mind. And I really only want it to cross my mind ONCE.

Smart.

Writing things down frees my mind for what it’s really supposed to do: think, process, create.

I encourage you to find a way to empty your head of all the appointments, tasks, to-dos, and grocery lists. All it takes is a few index cards and a binder clip.

Low-tech is sometimes best. Just saying.

Your Turn: What is your favorite way to keep track of your ‘stuff’? Leave a comment below.

Filed Under: Favorite Things, Getting Things Done, Tips & Tricks

Easy Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing Mix Casserole

Posted on January 28, 2013 Written by Crafty Dad Leave a Comment

My family is always on the lookout for new (and easy) recipes to try. We get tired of eating the same old things every week.

A recent web-surfing session landed on a on site that (for the life of me I can’t remember). Ever have that happen to you? Ha! I’m sure you have.

As soon as I figure out where I got this, I will give proper credit. I promise.

But for now, add this to your arsenal of food planning tools. It’s easy, and really, really good.

We added sweet corn and a make-it-yourself salad as side dishes tonight. The boys both said they liked it — a lot. That is a HUGE compliment to the creator of this tasty dish.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Here are the details:

Easy Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Dinner, American, Chicken, Stuffing mix, Cream of chicken soup, Sour cream

Cooks in 4 Hours Serves 4 +

Ingredients

4 thawed skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 oz package of Stove Top Stuffing mix
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/4 cup water

Directions

Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
Pour the packet of stuffing mix over the chicken.
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, soup and 1/4 cup water.
Pour soup mixture evenly over the stuffing.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Fluff stuffing and shred chicken.
Enjoy!

Print Recipe | Print Ingredients Only

Filed Under: Cooking, recipes Tagged: chicken, crock pot, recipe, slow cooker

New Year. New Outlook.

Posted on January 25, 2013 Written by Crafty Dad 4 Comments

Consistency is key.

I’ve been everything BUT consistent when it comes to this blog.

Please stay tuned as I’m re-committing myself to this online sharing space for 2013. I guess I have a case of blogging ADD. I seem to start posts and blogs and a thousand other things and just never seem to finish them. That’s not a good thing.

Let’s consider this a time for new beginnings.

As the header of my blog says, I’m a husband, father, and maker of things. I don’t seem to have the ‘spare’ time I used to have. Making ‘things’ no longer includes crafty stuff. I’m currently making to-do lists, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. I’m making changes that will, hopefully, give my wife a break around the house. The boys and I need to step up and help out a LOT more than we ever have

I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Please visit often to keep tabs on me. I’m counting on your support.