Sister Swap: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Hello again! This week I'm sharing a recipe. I got the original recipe (pictured) from a friend of mine. If you like all the ingredients feel free to follow it exactly. I'll be sharing how I do it-since I modify it for my families tastes. This makes about 10-1 1/2 cup servings. Being that it uses canned ingredients I don't try and half it. However, it freezes fantastically for an easy dinner later.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

(modified ingredients)

1/2 onion-chopped

2 bell peppers-diced (any color)

3 cloves garlic-minced

1 jalapeno-seeded and minced

1 rotisserie chicken-skinned, meat pulled off, and shredded

1 can kidney beans-partially drained

1 can black beans-drained and rinsed

1 can corn-drained

1 large (28oz) can crushed tomatoes-do not drain

1 can (14.5oz) can petite cut tomatoes-do not drain

1 quart chicken stock/broth

2 Tbsp chili powder

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp coriander

1 Tbsp cumin

2 tsp garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

olive oil

I like to prep everything before I begin. After you start adding things, the soup progresses quickly so it makes it easier to have everything ready. I chop all the veggies, measure all the spices into a single small bowl, shred the chicken, open all the cans, and drain the ones that need it. With everything pre-prepped, you can just grab and dump.

To freeze- I use the twist on Ziploc containers, leave about an inch of space (liquids expand when frozen),  mark the date and throw it in the freezer.

Hope you enjoy!
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Want to see my post on Rachel's blog? Check it out!

The Summer Comfort "Go To"

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Dress - F21 long long ago.

2. Purple T-Shirt - Kohls

3. Necklace - Thrifted

4. Bracelet - Thrifted

Here's the thing: I have a few fitted, crew neck t-shirts in my closet that I really don't wear very often. They probably could have been donated years ago, but I kept them for whatever reason. I'm glad I did too, because I also have these t-shirt style dresses that are way to low cut in the front. One day last summer I put together a look similar to this one with a knotted t-shirt, and it instantly became my go to for the rest of the summer. You know those days when you want to wear a dress, but want to feel like you're wearing yoga pants?

Yep, that's how comfy this is!

It's still a little chilly outside, but the sun is making more regular appearances this week! So I'm trying to take advantage of that!

And did I mention my nails are getting in the Spring Color mood too! 

Along with my phone case! 

Want to be in the conversation with my sister and I as we read The Purpose Driven Life? 
Check it out at My Wholesome Home.

Matthew 27:50-51

 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 

And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 

DIY: Frame Art

 

This was one of my favorite DIY projects.

My mom randomly bought all these simple unstained wood frames. A few months later she decided she had no idea why she purchased them. Soooo, knowing I'll take free art supplies any day, any time, she handed them over to me. I'm so glad she did, too. 

You know what is amazing? No? Well, let me tell you!

It's amazing how weak I am to conquer my shortcomings. Or let's call it what I'm really trying to get at. It's amazing how easily I'm conquered by my sin. But, what's even more amazing to me is that God is so strong. Stronger than any strength I can understand. And in my weakness He is strong. It's so clear when God uses me for His purpose. Because I know it couldn't have been me who did it. I know I can't on my own. But He can. Also, I love that He is patient while I stubbornly resist admitting I'm wrong. I love it. It's amazing.

Luke 15:8-10

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Nerd Alert

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Sparkle Neck T-Shirt - Thrifted for $3 and glitter-fied by me. 

(Glitter tutorial coming in the next couple weeks)

2. Jeans - Thrifted

3. Boots - Thrifted

4. Sweater - Who knows? College days.

5 Earings - Free & Friends Yard Sale

Have you ever been at a stop light when it turns green and the person at the very front of the line is not paying attention? Then right as the light turns yellow, that wonderfully observant front person finally goes in time for them to get through the light and all of you to get stuck sitting through yet another cycle of reds? Yep...that happened today.

But on a light hearted, uneasily frustrated note: The sun came to visit today. 
It was shining brightly and putting on a show for us to soak it up! 
Oh and you can bet your sweet bippy, I soaked and soaked! 

Now that we've hit the day's note on annoyance, and the note of sunny joy, let's hit the not of random nerd alerts. And all I have to say on that note is this: If only Frodo had Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility, that trip to destroy the ring would have been quick and easy.
Just sayin.

1Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 
His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him 
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once 
were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not 
obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Day of Few Words

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. White Jeans - Thrifted for $4 & skinnied.

2. Chambray (sleeveless) - Thrifted for $4 and taken in.

3. Striped Sweater - Marshals

4. Shoes - Target

I pretty much love these white jeans! I'm glad I have an imagination when I go thrifting!

I'm a lady with few words today. Actually all day I've probably only said about 15 full sentences. So with that I will leave you with a verse.

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through 

our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not 

only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been 

poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Soft as Spring

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Sweater - Hand-me-Down

2. Shirt & Shoes - Target

3. Necklace - Hand-me-Down

4. Jeans - Buckle

Well today was nice and laid back... Well all except for my 7am Crossfit workout. That was intense. I'm sure tomorrow my body will scream at me, "What Have You Done?"

But back to being laid back - I took my time sipping coffee while I made myself breakfast and started watching Devil Wears Prada (which is one of my fav movies, and may just be why I enjoy my closet so much.) Then I wandered out of the house to the bank and then sat for hours at, can you guess... Yep, a coffee shop: where I read for a while. I studied some verses in 1John and read a little in a group study book about heaven. After which I came home to put next months schedule on my calendar and alter some thifted treasures. (A pair of crazy flared white jeans into skinny jeans, and a sleeveless chambray taken in so that it would fit well.)

I hope everyone else had a somewhat easy breezy weekend!

Proverbs 1:5

A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.

I love days like today when I don't feel rushed but I still feel like I got a few things done. 

Cleaning House

The fun things about this outfit:

1. Skirt - Thrifted for $5

2. Belt - Thrifted for $0.50

3. Sweater - "stolen" from a friends closet {wink wink}

4. Necklace - Purchased from my friends jewelry company.

Ok, so I didn't actually wear this today. I actually wore it yesterday, because I was throwing my gorgeous friend a baby shower. I knew she was wearing a dress, and I couldn't let her go it alone!!! Her baby boy should be here any day (3rd darling babe for her!).

I love this skirt. I thrifted it more than 6 months ago, but for some reason this is the first time I've ever worn it. It just hasn't looked right when I try it on...which is often. So, needless to say, I'm pretty pumped to be wearing it finally!

Speaking of finally... I cleaned my house today. I even sorted through my clothes and started making piles of "get rid of this" stuff. That's a big step for me! I'll be passing some to friends, and some I'll be using the fabric to recreate something new from something old. You know...one of my fav things! 

Isaiah 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

Saturday Sister Swap

 

Saturday the Second! I'm glad to be back for our second Sister Swap. Today, I'm gonna talk about sewing. Naomi is a fantastic refashionista (I'm sure you've noticed by now). But in case you're new  to the wonderful world of sewing, I'm gonna share a few starter tips.With the kind of sewing you may want to do for refashioning, I highly suggest a machine. Hand sewing is time consuming, frustrating, and not nearly as durable. Although, I will admit it worked for people at some point since clothing's been around longer than sewing machines.

Tip 1: Naomi's mentioned this, but if you're taking in a shirt or pants, turn them inside out first. This allows you to mark or pin on the wrong (since it's not showing) side of the fabric. 

With the item being inside out, you can put it on, mark/pin, and easily slip it back off.

  

Tip 2: For most clothing, use a 1/4-1/3 inch seam allowance. Sewing on the edge of the fabric can lead to stitches coming undone or fabric unraveling and the item coming apart (and I know no one's looking for a wardrobe malfunction!). Most machines will have a built-in/pre-marked guide.

Tip 3: After sewing, try the garment back on. 

Make sure it fits like you want and you don't need to take it out and try again.

Tip 4: NEVER EVER CUT EXTRA FABRIC OFF TILL YOU'VE COMPLETED TIP 3!!
If you cut the fabric off before trying it on and then realize it doesn't look/fit/work like 

you wanted it to-and you cut the excess off-you're screwed. Just saying-I've done it.

Tip 5: Cut the excess fabric off. Now if you've completed Tip 3, and it's exactly 
how you want it-cut it off! Remember Tip 2 though, and leave some room so 
your seams don't come out.

Tip 6: Have fun! The best part of thrifting and refashioning is creating a piece 

of clothing that's uniquely yours. No one else will have that exact item.

  

This is my puppy, she wanted to assist me today-wouldn't take no for an answer 

as you can see. Hope these are helpful! If you have questions you can email me 

(mywholesomehome@yahoo.com-or link it to my name) or Naomi. 

So what fantastic find are you going to refashion now that you have all the tips you need?!

Spring Showers Anyone?

The fun things about today's outfit:

1. Chambray - Thrifted

2. Skirt - Thrifted (Pretty sure it was originally Target)

3. Shoes - Target

4. Earings - Buttons (I've been doing this for years, but never taken pictures. But here's a great tutorial)

5. Necklace - Original design by ME!

6. Giant Bracelet - Thrifted

I tried to bring a little spring into my outfit with some color in the skirt. It's still raining here in strange ways. The sun will shine for like 10 min. Then it will rain for 10 min. Then the sun sneaks in again real quick, right before the down pour. Then the sun is impatient and doesn't want to wait its turn, so it comes on out while it's down pouring. 

This is a serious tease to my desire to run outside because in the time it takes me to look out a window and think, "wow, I'll go running now" to the time I get my clothe changed and hit the road, the weather changes dramatically. Good thing someone invented a treadmill. Not my fav, but it will work when needed.

I co wrote my sister's blog post today. She's doing a Friday series on a book titled The Purpose Driven Life. Check out our thoughts on chapter one here. I'm excited to be going through this book. Chapter One is focused on us understanding "It's Not About Me."

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, 

but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live 

by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.