November California Christmas Pinterest Party

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I have been really excited about this Pinterest party theme for some reason. Christmas. I usually do nothing Christmas until after Thanksgiving but for some reason this year I feel like if I wait, I get to enjoy all my decorations less. That's one part. I mean, I store them in the she shed in tubs for 11 months out of the year - that's quite awhile!  Maybe I just want to soak in the holiday spirit a little longer this year. It's hard to ignore when every single store I walk in to has holiday items on shelves and they are playing holiday music. What's a girl to do?! So, I present to you the Christmas Pinterest party that I hosted last night here in Ridgecrest, CA.

October California Pinterest Party

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So this month's theme for California was Halloween and Fall. Keep reading to see what we ate and what we made!

Sculpey Clay Party with Tryazon!

I was super stoked to get an email from Tryazon that I had been selected to host one of their parties. I've tried for a few years, gave up for a bit, then tried again. I am a huge fan of Sculpey clay - I used to use it a ton when I was a teenager so I was so excited to try these products out with some friends!

California Cactus & Succulents Pinterest Party!

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Ahh this party turned out so stinkin cute! The food! The crafts! It's always fun to sit back and relax when it's over but when I am caught up in the moment, I have a blast. Keep reading to see what we ate and what we made craft-wise.

Pork & Cactus Crockpot Stew

Pork & Cactus Crockpot Stew

Recipe by Joanna C.

Joanna brought this to the cactus and succulents Pinterest party here in Ridgecrest, CA this month and it is not on Pinterest and so darn good that I got the recipe from her and am putting this post up and then pinning in to Pinterest. Great flavor and everything tastes super good together.

Ingredients needed:

Corn

Black Beans

Pork

Pepper

Crisco

Cactus

Chilis

Directions:

I used 4 thick cut pork chops, cut into bite-sized chunks.

Cut pork chops and cook in skillet. Drain liquid, add about a tbs of Crisco to brown the meat a bit.

Pepper the meat while cooking. While meat is cooking, drain and rinse the cactus, the corn, and the beans. Add to meat and mix well.

I used roasted Anaheim chilies, de-veined and cut into small bits.

I typically add the cactus first, chili second, beans, then corn last. But really, it would probably turn out well if all was mixed at once. 

I've also used fresh ingredients, but the canned stuff works well and is quick and easy.

Oh, and don't add anything other than pepper to the meat until the meat is cooked through.

Cricut Deals and Promos!

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You probably know how much I love my Cricut machines. I have the Explore, Air 2 and the Maker. When I travel, I often take my Explore with me as well as my heat press and removable and iron on vinyl and cardstock. I love making things for my nieces, nephews and friends.

Here are the current deals, good until October 1st.

Utah Halloween Pinterest Party

Ahh, thank you Utah for showing up for a Halloween themed Pinterest party! It was a lot of work but super fun to see it all come together and be able to see old friends and make new ones. Keep reading to see what we ate and made!

I complied ideas and inspiration on this Pinterest board.