creamy blackbean tortilla soup

* follow along on pinterest for all the latest and greatest from mister b & me! *


guys, this is a serious post. seriously important. this recipe will change your life!

okay, maybe that's a little dramatic, but this soup is amazing.
so easy.
so fast.
and so delicious.
isn't that we all want?

make it. i know it won't disappoint :)

ingredients:
(serves 3-4)

• 2 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning
• sour cream
• grated cheddar cheese

directions:
1. place chicken in crock pot. pour broth, salsa, corn, beans, and taco seasoning over chicken.
cook on low for 6 hours. (or high for 3 hours)
2. remove chicken and shred.
3. add sour cream and cheese to crock pot and stir until smooth. re-add chicken and warm. (about two minutes)
4. serve with tortilla chips.

(if you want to cook it faster, use thawed chicken and turn it on high.)

enjoy!

sincerely,
mrs. b

diy: valentines box

i don't know if anyone has noticed besides my most faithful reader (hi mom!), but i'm on a valentines high. i guess you could say cupid shot me this year because i'm obsessed with all things lovey-dovey :)

today's diy project was inspired while i was eating cereal the other day.
yes, breakfast food inspires me.
i looked at my honey bunches of oats and realized, "if i turned this box inside out - i could do all sorts of things with it!"

and so - turned it inside out i did.

i think tony the tiger would be happy to know i'm putting his cereal box to good use.
this project was (just like the previous valentines projects) super easy and super quick. and it's perfect if your child needs a last minute box to gather all the valentines they'll be getting!

materials needed:
* cereal box
* paper
* lettering (found at target for less than $1)
* cute owl (found at walmart for less than $2)
* glue stick/modge podge

i typed up instructions, but realized this project is pretty self-explanatory.
but, as always, if you have any questions or comments - email me at kaitlynblackham@gmail.com


happy projecting - only 4 more days 'til valentines!!

sincerely,
mrs. b


linking up here:
sew can do, creating my way to success,

diy: valentines blocks/garland

instructions:
* cut a 2 x 4 into three square pieces (about 4' x 4')
* paint them, let 'em dry (i used an off-white acrylic paint)
* while drying, cut your festive valentines paper (just smaller than 4')
* modge podge front of block
* stick paper to the block (make sure to push out any bubbles that may form)
* after paper is dry, modge podge the front again
* stick letters to block and hold for about a minute
* let dry
* show off your cute new creation for everyone to see :)

also - if your looking for a simple garland, this one was super quick and easy!
all you need is paper and twine (or substitute thread).

only 6 more days 'til valentines :)
happy crafting friends!


sincerely,
mrs. b


**remember how much fun it was to make valentines boxes in elementary school?
i looked forward to it every year.

come back soon to see the one i just made out of a cereal box!
(cuz you're never too old for that kind of stuff, right??)

diy: valentines scavenger hunt.

(i know i said garlands were next, but i decided to switch. they will be coming soon though promise!) 

last year for v day, i sent mister b on a scavenger hunt. boy, that was fun!

not only was it fun for him, but i had a blast making the clues, picking out his favorite candies, and sending him on my wild goose chase! obviously there are a million different ways to do a scavenger hunt, but here's how i did ours.

supplies needed: 
* paper (red and pink to be festive)
* his favorite candy, treat, anything
* puzzle of sorts (homemade is more fun and personal!)
* a grand prize 

steps: 
* come up with the clues. they can rhyme, or if that makes your brain hurt - they don't.
whatever your little heart desires.

now, don't copy mine because it's way more coming up with your own, but below is the list of my clues.  
(i only did five because our apartment isn't all that big... but you can do as many as you like.)

put by the front door:
 "you have now begun your very own valentines scavenger hunt. i know, sweet huh? it shouldn't take very long, but don't miss any clues or you won't find your grand prize! your first clue is on the couch. good luck soldier!"

#1: roses are red, violets are blue, for your next clue look in a _ _ _ _. (hint: 4 letters, rhymes with blue.)
#2: february 14th, full of red and pink - to find the next clue, look under the _ _ _ _.
#3: good job! you found me, there's only one more - to finish this chase, look behind the _ _ _ _.
#4: haha, just kidding - i'm making things hard, to end this chase go west 12 yard(s). *ok, maybe feet - but that doesn't rhyme.*
#5: yay! you did it - now wasn't this fun, put the pieces together and your all done! *after completing the puzzle, look on the back to find your valentine!*

* with each clue you can attach the candy/treat - i put his favorite treats with each one and a piece to this puzzle:

all materials found at wal-mart.

back - with baby pic of yours truly

some may think this is a tad cheesy - but we had so much fun with it... i might even do another one this year :)

enjoy!


sincerely,
mrs. b

(linking up here,
here

and here.)