Throw Pillow Round-Up

Well, I have not done as well as Nicole on posting about my Thirty Before 30 list as I've been working on it.  Part of that is because I haven't done as well at WORKING on it as she did.  And part is just the general lack of blogging motivation the last few months.  But I have accomplished some things from that list, so over the next few weeks I'll try to post some of those results.

#7 on the list was finish my throw pillows.  In retrospect, that was just an ill-thought-out goal.  I'll never be FINISHED with my throw pillows!  There are too many fun new ideas that pop up each week, and I get too bored with the status quo to ever be DONE making throw pillows.  Silly.

But I think that coming to that understanding accomplishes the same goal.  The point was to cross something off my list so that it wouldn't be hanging over my head making me feel discouraged from my lack of completion and like I hadn't worked hard enough or stayed focused enough.  That's done.  Now that I've shifted my paradigm, the joy really is in the journey!  So I've decided instead to show you all some of the MANY throw pillows I've bookmarked over the last little while.  I will also add a linky at the bottom so that you can share any you like and recommend as well.

 

1. Petal Pillow  2. Sunny Summer Pillow  3. Felt Flower Pillows 4. Petal Pillow  5. Felt Flower

1. Chic Pillows  2. Quick Rosette Pillow  3. Chiffon Poppy Pillows   4.  Gathered Muslin  5. PB Knock-Off Felt Pillows

1. Stripes to Chevrons  2. & 3. Box Pleat Pillows 4. Cascading Bottom Pleats with Bow Accent 5. Felt Butterfly Pillow 6. Button and Piping Pillow

1. Pleated Pillow  2. Pleated Pillow  3. West Elm Rosette Pillow  4. French Lingerie Style Muslin Pillows  5. Herringbone Tucks  6. Wide Braided Pillow  7. French Braid Pillow

1. Pottery Barn Knock-Off Christmas Pillows 2. Embroidered Paper Pillow  3. Embroidered Linen Pillow

1. Zig Zag Pillow  2. Pumpkin Patch Pillow  3. Berry Laden Branch   4. Aster Manor Pillow  5."You" and "Me" Pillows

 1. Pillow with Ties  2. Big Bow Pillow  3. Give a Hoot Pillow

1. Ho Ho Ho Pillow  2. Floral Clustered Pillow  3. Scrap Buster Fall Pillow  4. Gathered Heart

 Now it's your turn!  Feel free to link up ANY pillow as long as a link is provided to give credit to the originator.  Share pillows you've made or want to make.  These don't have to have tutorials, either.  Just something that inspires you to create!

Taco Soup

I've been struggling with finding time to blog, so I apologize for the recent dearth of posts.  There's nothing new or upsetting that's interrupting; I think it's just one of those things.  I've considered just giving up on this blog, since I feel sometimes like I don't really add anything indispensable to the craft blogosphere.  But I decided that even if I post sporadically and don't have thousands of followers, WhimsiKel still provides me a creative outlet that I love.  Thank you to those of you that still come check to see what's new and leave me sweet encouragement. 

Today, I was excited to see The Mother Huddle is doing a soup swap link party.  Taco soup is one of my go-to recipes when I want to feel virtuous for cooking but with the least effort possible.  In fact, we had it for dinner last night.  I know there are a ton of variations, but here's mine.


Taco Soup

1 small can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz or 14.5 oz if you're not a big fan)
2 cans whole kernel corn
3 cans beans (whichever you prefer, I use black, dark red kidney, and pinto)
1 envelope hidden valley ranch dressing
1 envelope taco seasoning
meat (optional, 2 cans chicken (to just throw in with everything else), 1 pound ground beef, or 1 pound stew meat)

To prepare, you have a few options.  I open up all the cans and dump everything into the crock pot in the morning, add about half a cup of water, and leave it on low all day, stirring when (and if) I have a chance.  I
don't drain anything (except the canned chicken).  Or you can drain everything and then add water. 
If you want to add meat, I've tried several variations.  The laziest option is canned chicken (drained).  But you can also brown ground beef or stew meat and add it in the morning with everything else.

Serve with sour cream, cheese, and/or fritos.  Enjoy!

(photo source)