Crafting Examiner Roundup for January 9, 2012

Looking for a few new places to shop for crafts in Illinois, interested in taking a few classes, or trying your hand at a new project? Then come check out this week’s craft roundup from the Arts& Crafts Examiner and the PaperCrafting Examiner.

WarmUp Lake Zurich

Warm Up Lake Zurich was launched last fall at the Ela Area Public Library and organized by employee Laura Cloud as a community project/program for local knitters.

I’dRather Be Knitting Yarn Studio

I'd Rather BeKnitting Yarn Studio was founded in 2003, by Linda Goone. Her mission is to continually strive for a friendly, welcoming community where one can shop for the finest yarns and knitting accessories, while enjoying a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Bird Seed Ornaments

These molded bird seed ornaments are a lot of fun to make, and very inexpensive. You may already have all the materials you need in your home - we were able to make gifts for all the wonderful friends in our life for around $3.

CulturedPearls of McHenry County

The Cultured Purlsof McHenry County are a fun and friendly group of knitters in Northern Illinois meeting together to share ideas , the love of knitting, and to spread knitting in the community.

Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Foodie Examiner Roundup for January 9, 2012

Are you looking for a few new recipes to make in the crockpot, serve at parties, or bring to a potluck? Then you might enjoy this week’s recipe roundup from the Wauconda Food Examiner.

Appetizers: Bacon and cheese dip

Looking for something interesting to serve at your next party?  Appetizers are perfect to serve at graduation parties, on New Year's Eve, showers, at cocktail parties, before dinner to keep your guests appetite whet, or at the next Super Bowl Sunday event.

Side dish: Oven baked fries

Create healthy side dishes to go along side your favorite meat dishes.

Become a Mindful Eater

Most of our healthy habits focus on what to eat instead of how to eat. The core concept of mindful eating is to eat when you are hungry, instead of for other reasons such as boredom, stress, anxiety, or anger.

Healthy eating: Winter lentil soup

You promised to eat healthy this year and even add a few new food items to your repertoire. Then consider making this heart healthy soup of winter lentil soup filled with lentils, leeks, sweet potatoes, and kale.

Slow cooker: Hearty potato soup

Pull out your slow cooker/crockpot and let it do all the work in your kitchen. Instead of venturing out into the cold night air for fast food, fill homemade Italian bread bowls with hearty chunky potato soup featuring potatoes, onions, carrot, celery, and savory seasonings.

Happy Eating!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue

Featured Freebies for the Week of January 9, 2012

Hello and Happy Monday to Everyone!

Here are this week's free digital images or printables found on websites, blogs, or submitted to us from friends and followers:

Create with TLC shares a number of free word art including “you are my rock”, “a cluttered desk”, and “happiness is bubbles”

MelJen Designs is sharing seven free digital images to download by clicking here

Patty Wraps is sharing  a few lollipop wrappers for Valentine’s Day including doggie, kitty, and love bug

Jane's Doodles shares  a coffee cup of love digital image

That’s all for this week!  Happy Crafting!

Creativity Bug ~ Sue