Momma L's Chicken Salad

I attended a Ladies' Night Out this weekend with a group of church ladies. We all brought party foods, and ate and played games all evening. It was a wonderful time!

My Mom makes some unconventional but delicious chicken salad, and I knew it would be a hit.

The ingredient list sounds odd at first, but trust me when I say they come together to make one tasty chicken salad.

You'll need:
1 package Uncle Ben's Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 12oz cans of chicken
1 small can diced water chestnuts
1 small package of slivered almonds

A couple of notes:
You can't sub Miracle Whip for the mayo. You just can't. I love it on sandwiches, but it won't do this chicken salad justice. Also, I buy the diced water chestnuts, and then dice them finer once I open them.

This is really hard, but combine all the ingredients together.

I know...it's a tedious recipe to put together.

It's best to make this a few hours ahead of time and set it in the fridge to chill. When you get everything combined, it will seem like there is WAY too much mayo and sour cream. However, after it chills for awhile it all comes together nicely.

The first time I made this, it seemed odd that no seasonings were called for. I don't know how it works out, but it doesn't need anything.

It's magical chicken salad!

Mom usually serves it on croissants, which is very delicious. I also like to eat it as a snack with some Ritz crackers. Yum!

One batch is enough to make about 25 small croissants. Make some and let me know how quickly it disappears.

Happy Monday!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Handmade Mother's Day

A year ago I moved out from my parents' house and moved in with my Grama. My Grampa had been put in a nursing home, and passed away soon after. Gram had never lived by herself, and I was ready to move back to my hometown, so it worked out for both of us.

I've enjoyed being somewhat on my own and having my own space, but one of the biggest things I miss about Mom and Dad's is space. I had a fairly good sized bedroom. Big enough, in fact, for a craft table.

Since I moved, I've barely done any crafting or scrapbooking because I simply don't have any room. All my craft supplies are stored in the garage, and it's a big hassle to haul all that stuff in for a few hours and then have to pack it all back up. It's a pain.

However, I really wanted to make my own Mother's Day cards this year, so I spread everything on my bed and got to work! I ended up making two cards, but mysteriously only got a picture of one of them. Go figure. I guess that's what happens when you're crafting at the last minute the night before Mother's Day!

I bought this adorable bicycle paper a few years ago at Michael's and have been saving it for something special. This seemed like the perfect time! I cut it down to the size I wanted, and added my embellishments. I created the tag by cutting a piece of cream and orange paper. I used to go all out and measure and cut everything precisely. Lately, I just cut it and hope it looks good. I was pleased with how it turned out.

I had some Thickers letters that worked perfectly. I love the look of Thickers, but as most people I've talked to know, they are terrible at sticking. I ran them through my Xyron before attaching them to make sure they wouldn't go anywhere. As much as I like things to be uniform when paper crafting, I also like to make things a little quirky, so I turned the "o" sideways to add some character.

The string was leftover from a Thank You tag I received once at a scrapbook retreat. There really is a purpose for saving all the little scraps of things! I used clear glue dots to secure the string to the paper and loop it through the letters.

I layered cream and orange paper inside, and wrote my Mom a special note. I'm pretty sure she liked it.

Getting all my supplies out really made me want to craft more with paper. There are some birthday's coming up so we'll see what I come up with!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

The Local Munch: The Green's on Boulder

I'm excited to introduce a new series to you guys today. Since switching jobs a few weeks ago, I now work Downtown. I love our Downtown area, which has recently seen a great amount of revitalization. There are tons of local shops and restaurants within walking distance of my office, and I've been having a wonderful time exploring them.

Another plus to my new location is the fact that my father works about four blocks away. Deduction: fun lunch at a local spot with Dad, and he pays. It's a win, win!

So, I present to you, The Local Munch, a series where I'll be reviewing some of the local spots I discover. There are so many small places around my fair city, and I'm excited to find different spots to try. Come along!

Last week Dad told me he wanted to go to "the deli." There are lots of deli's Downtown, but he was speaking of The Green's on Boulder.

The outside was nothing fancy, so I'll admit I was a tad skeptical as we walked in. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the happiest little deli!

The decor was incredibly colorful and fun, with one wall painted completely pink and accented with pictures of the owners' grandchildren.

I couldn't help but smile as I stepped up to order, from the hand-written, chalkboard menu. Everything was very reasonably priced, and for a small place they had lots of variety. Sandwiches, soups, salads, hot items, cold items...you name it. Plus, they had a list of daily specials. One option was already marked off (meatloaf & scalloped potatoes), so it must have been good!

Dad and I both ordered The Boulder Basket: your choice of half a sandwich, two sides and a pickle for $5.95. I chose the egg salad on wheat. Dad picked chicken salad, and we both decided to try the hamburger vegetable stew, which was a daily special.

The owners are very flexible, and let us each pick a dessert as our second side. Dad picked a huge brownie, and I chose the chocolate chess pie.

Everything was superbly delicious. I love egg salad, and am rather picky about how I like it. This was perfectly chopped and seasoned. Dad said his chicken salad was also very delicious. The hamburger stew was very hearty and perfect for a windy day.

As good as the lunch was, the clear winner was the chess pie. I'd heard of it before, but had never had an opportunity to try it. It was so deliciously rich and thick, it was hard for my fork to cut through the chocolatiness. I took one bite and promptly told Dad he really didn't want to try it. I wanted it all to myself!

It was such a fun, enjoyable lunch. We will definitely be going back to try more of the daily specials. From the adorable couple who owns The Green's, to the vibrant decorations, to the delicious, homemade food, this was definitely a hit.


Food: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Atmosphere: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Service: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Price: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Free Friday Printable + An Announcement

One of my favorite things to do is create. In my life, that can take on lots of forms. I enjoy scrapbooking, paper crafting, cross stitch, and I've even tried embroidery and hand stitching. I also love graphic design. It is my career, and I am so thrilled to be in a new place where I am creating things I love and being able to use my skills.

I've thought for a long time about opening an Etsy shop to feature my design work. There are plenty of designers on Etsy, but that's the fun thing about design. Each person has a different take on things, and there are no two designs exactly alike.

I'm excited to announce that a few weeks ago I took the plunge! Check out Jenn & Tonic on Etsy for art prints, announcements, invitations, stationary and lots of other goodies! I will gradually be adding things as I get them created.

I'm so excited about this venture! To celebrate, I'm featuring a simple print that hangs in my room. It reminds me every day to take advantage of the time I have. Make every day an adventure and cherish every moment!

Just click and save for a high-resolution, 8x10 image. Feel free to print it out for yourself and hang somewhere, to remind yourself to live in the moment!

Visit the shop and let me know what you think! If you'd like to see something specific, don't hesitate to message me. I'd love to create something special for you!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

T-65 Days to AYC DR

Sixty-five days. I can't believe we're already in the double digits!
It just hit me today how close this trip is.

If you had told me two years ago that I would be going out of the country not one, but two times, I would've told you, "You're nutso!" But here I am... preparing for my second missions trip.

After being in Tanzania last year, I knew before I even got home that I had to travel again. Missions grabbed my heart and hasn't let go. I strongly contemplated and prayed about going back to Africa this year. That place has a piece of my heart. But I realized God had other plans, and I'm happy to be broadening my missions scope.

This year I'm going with a group of 50 students and young adults to the Dominican Republic, which is located in the Caribbean. We will be ministering in the National Youth Camp and distributing humanitarian aid in the village areas.

I am excited to get another perspective through the aid work we will be doing. Traveling through the village areas of Tanzania last year was the most humbling experience I've ever gone through. I know the Dominican will be just the same.

We have some fun things planned as well, like visiting Santo Domingo (the oldest known city in the New World) as well as seeing gorgeous sites (like waterfalls!) along the way.

I think I'll go pack my bags right now!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

I'm Back!

Are you sitting down? Are you in a stable position? Because I'm sure you're all shocked to see me actually posting something!

It's only been almost a year since my last post.

Loads of wonderful things have happened in the last year, and if I had time and a hot cup of tea I would share them all with you. Let's just say it's been one of the best year's of my life.

My sister got married last year...

I traveled to Africa (best decision of my life) and made some wonderful new friends who radically changed my life...



I moved back to my hometown last year, and I recently got a new job (which I love)!

This last year has been a transition period for me professionally, and I'm finally back in the design field and excited about my professional future. I've missed blogging like crazy, and am finally in a place where I can devote more time to the things I love doing.

As you can see, I'm slowly changing the design and purpose of this blog. I don't craft nearly as much as I used to, but I do have projects here and there that I will share. I'm currently (slowly) working on a stitch-heavy cross stitch project, so I will keep you posted on my progress. I even recently sewed my first plushie! Without a pattern, all on my own. I was pretty darn proud of myself.

Although it may look like a rat, it's actually an R.O.U.S. (Rodent of Unusual Size). If you don't know what an R.O.U.S. is, you're not living! It's a creature from the movie The Princess Bride. This was a surprise birthday gift for someone special, and I'm pretty sure it was a hit. I almost didn't want to give him away, he turned out so cute. I Googled and found a side drawing of a rat body, and created my own pattern. I hit a few snares along the way, but managed to figure out what I was doing!

It definitely inspired me to do more hand sewing. I foresee more plushies in my sewing future!

As for the future of the blog, I will be sharing bits and pieces of my life (I promise to only give you the interesting bits), some fun and random iPhone photography, recipes, crafts, and whatever other random things I decide to post. One thing I never featured much in the past was my designing. Not only is it my 8-5 job, but I also do freelance graphic design, so I will be making a special section of the blog to feature that part of my life.

After being in Africa, I knew I had to go overseas again. Missions work has grabbed my heart and won't let go. So this summer I'm heading to the Dominican Republic! You can be sure I'll post about that.

All in all, I'm just happy to be back to blogging!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

June Showers Bring July Weddings

So, it's been awhile. I could make lots of excuses, but honestly I just took a break! A lot has happened in our family in the past few months. Starting on Memorial Day, my wonderful Papa went to be with Jesus after a long, well-lived life. My sister flew home from New York to be with us and is here until her wedding in a few short days! I've been getting preparations together for my trip, spending much needed time with my family, and just being busy. So, that's the long and short of it!

I can't promise my blogging will get any more frequent over the next few months, but I do promise to give you updates of what's happening in my little life, and I will absolutely be bringing you LOADS of pictures from Africa!

This weekend we threw a bridal shower for my sister in honor of her impending nuptials. We had a small crowd, and a large amount of fun. Close friends, good food and laughter were all on the menu.

As stressed as I get right before a party, I can honestly say they are one of my favorite things to do. Buying decor, planning the menu and sending out invitations are all fun bits and pieces to any successful party. And even though the Bride 2 Be called me a "party nazi" I'll forgive her. ;-)

My mother made her famous Chicken Salad with Wild Rice, and we served them on croissants with garden greens. We had the Bride 2 Be's favorite, shrimp cocktail, along with deviled eggs, crackers & cheese, hummus & pretzels and fresh veggies.

I got the idea from Pinterest to do a Mini Fruit Pizza bar and it was definitely the hit of the party. One of the bridesmaids brought homemade sugar cookies and we topped them with fruit dip and assorted fresh fruits. They were delicious! We also had chocolate dipped pretzels and assorted candies for the guests to take home with them.

We were missing a bridesmaid and were all sad she couldn't be with us, but she'll be here very soon from New York and we will party hard while she's here. ;)

Happy Monday everyone!

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

P.S.

Best Fruit Dip Ever: 1 jar marshmallow creme & 1 package cream cheese.

Whip together and try not to bury your face in it.

P.P.S.

The bottom right picture perfectly illustrates our relationship as sisters. =)

Banana & Peanut Butter Sliders

I've been on a banana kick the last few weeks. I do that. I hate bananas for 6 months, then I eat one every day for 3 weeks straight. I'm weird like that.

In any case, you should make some of these!

I chose crunchy PB, because I like crunchy things with soft things. Creamy would've been too much soft at one time in my mouth. But we already know I'm weird like that.

Use whatever PB you prefer. I should probably care more about hidden sugars and such, but the Natural Jif fits into my dietary needs at this moment in time, so I went with it. It's better for me than regular PB, and it's not so "natural" that you have to skim half an inch of oil off the top. I just can't do that. It freaks me out.

At some point in the near future I'd like to tackle making my own PB with honey roasted nuts. Ya know... in all my spare time.

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

P.S. I'm starting a new project this month! Finally. Since participating in the Stitch Swap, I've been itching to be creative again. Things have somewhat settled down so I should have some fun posts coming!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

This will be a different, more personal post, but it's what I feel.

Many of you who follow and read my ramblings are close, personal friends. Many of you know of my struggles with being myself, being comfortable in my own skin, and trying to shape a healthier life for myself.

Last year, I tried a radically different approach to a healthier life, and it worked. The end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 were great for me. I felt good. I ate better, I lived larger...it was wonderful.

But with anything I ever do, I became careless with it. Letting this or that slip in. For the past few months I've been pushing myself to make a more concerted effort to get back to the me that I want to be.

Today, Andie, a person I really don't know, but I do, has inspired me to get back on that path. She is forever my inspiration. She talks straight, pulls no punches, and I adore her for it. She is always challenging me with her honest writings, and giving me inspiration through her own journey.

Read her post from today. I promise it's a keeper. She doesn't sugar coat anything. Because honestly, we'd just eat that too.

Last year I started a personal blog to track my progression to a healthier me. I'm contemplating opening that blog up and linking it to this blog, to give myself more accountability. It's a scary thought, so some thought and preparation will have to go into that decision.

At any rate, I hope Andie's post and mine help someone who might be struggling. I can't tell you how many times I've fallen off the wagon. I have millions of virtual bruises and scraps from all those times. But that's not the point. The point is to pick yourself up, dust off the powdered sugar and sprinkles, and just keep going.

-Jenn (With 2 N's)

Up To Date

It's been a crazy month over this way!

I'm still knee-deep in salsa sales, and thankful for every single order! It just absolutely took off like wildfire and I couldn't be more grateful for a successful fundraiser. So far, I've met my first monetary goal, and already have funds to go toward my second goal, due at the end of May. I have been blessed beyond measure with donations and plenty of salsa sales!!

Among all the preparations for Africa, I moved to the big city! It's been a long time coming, and I'm beyond happy to be back in my hometown. Unfortunately, we had to move my Pa into a nursing home because of his progressing Alzheimer's and the toll it was taking on my Grams, so I was able to move in with her to help her adjust. We get along wonderfully, and it's been a God-send for both of us.

I was ecstatic to go buy my first set of groceries ON MY OWN for my new house. That is, until I had to pay for it in the end. It's much more fun to pick out groceries when you're not the one swiping the credit card. ;)

It's been fun to see all the old things that Grams is finding while cleaning the guest bedroom to become my bedroom. I found these super old hangers in her closet, and thought they were so neat. And I'm happy to say I'm getting to use my very favorite quilt. It's been at her house since I can remember, and it's always been my fav.

The move has also relegated me to the Monday night card table with Grama, Aunt G and Uncle J. Since I've been a kid they've been getting together at Gram's house on Monday nights to play cards. Since Pa's Alzheimer's, they haven't gotten to play as much (Rook, especially), so we brought out the old Rook cards Monday night. Much to my Aunt's chagrin, Grams and I slaughtered. They decided to switch to Golf, a card game I wasn't that thrilled with the first time I played it, but since I walloped them at that too, it's not such a bad game after all. :)

-Jenn (With 2 N's)