2011 Challenge?

I've been reading about a challenge for 2011.  I first read about it on Shalleen's blog.  The challenge was to start 15 new projects in 2011 and finish them in 2011.  Basically you start a new project each day for the first 15 days in January and then finish them throughout the year.  And I liked the idea but I knew there would be no way to sell this to my husband.  He doesn't understand why I can't start a project and just finish it before I go to the next.  Does anyone else have that problem? 

But then I just read on Jayne's blog about a twist on this challenge.  Her challenge is called the Flip'n Crazy January Challenge and it's to finish 15 WIP in 2011.  This one I might could do.  I'm not sure if I have 15 WIP or not.  Can't wait to get home and count them.  I can think of 8 so that's a start.  And I think I could sell this to my husband.  I wouldn't be starting anything new just finishing up my WIP pieces. 

I was looking for some kind of SAL or Challenge or something for 2011.  This might be the ticket!

Wise Words

"Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."  Mother Teresa

I guess you can tell I love quotes!

I am making more progress this month than I have in the past on my stitching.  Of course, I can't show you my focus piece.  I'm really kind of annoyed about that.  I'm thinking that in the new year I would like to do a SAL.  Maybe with a group where we say every Thursday we work on a certain piece.  I've seen many of you doing these.  Does anyone know of one I could join in the new year?  I'd need to order supplies so I guess I need to be thinking about this. 

Black Bean Chili

Things are a little cool here.  We made our usual chili and a black bean chili for a recent get together.  The black bean chili turned out so well that I wanted to share the recipe with you.  Here it is:

Black Bean Chili

Ingredients:

   ½ pound ground beef

   ½ pound Italian sausage

    2 cans black beans drained and rinsed

    2 cans diced tomatoes

    1 cup chopped onions

    2 teaspoons garlic

    1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

    1 tablespoon chili powder

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

    Pinch paprika

    ½ teaspoon black pepper

    ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    ¼ teaspoon oregano

    ¼ teaspoon thyme

    ½ teaspoon salt

    4 cups water

    2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

    1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

    1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Directions

In a skillet, brown ground beef, Italian sausage, onions and garlic.  Drain and move into a pot.

Add tomatoes, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt and water.  Let simmer for around 15 minutes.  Add black beans and let simmer for an additional 20 minutes. 

Right before serving add the lime juice, cilantro and cheddar cheese.  My husband also likes sour cream and crackers!

If you make it, I would love to hear about it!

Ho Ho Ho Update and Question

I wanted to give an update on my Ho Ho Ho Ornament.  Keep in mind that this is just my lunch time stitching.  So while there is some progress it's really not a lot.

I'm still working away on the project that is a gift.  I feel bad since that is where most of my time stitching is being spent and I can't show you my progress.  I'm only about half way finished with the project so I still have a lot to do. 

I have noticed on several blogs that it is common to start a new project on your birthday.  My birthday is coming up on November 30th.  And I LOVE the boxes Becky has made. I would love to make a box like this for myself and I think it would be a perfect birthday gift to myself.  Does that sound selfish?  I'm really not.  I only have a couple of things I've stitched because I almost always stitch gifts for others.  But this leads me to a question.  What pattern should I choose?  I'd like something that could stay out all year.  Does anyone have a suggestion?  I don't have a local store, so I'll need to order the pattern.  What do you think?

What A Great Idea

Oh my goodness!  I have a follower and someone posted a comment.  Thank you so much for the warm welcome to blogging.  I'm so excited to see others have found me.  I'm still a little nervous about posting so I hope you won't get bored before I figure this all out.

I was reading blogs today and came across Lindsay.  She has a wonderful thing she does at the end of each month.  She posts how many stitching hours she got in that month and a summary of what she accomplished.  What fun.  Kind of like a challenge to yourself each month.  And since today is November 1st, it's the perfect time to join in.  Hopefully we won't all laugh at my attempt at the end of November.