I love reading Lain's blog for creative inspiration. Last week she posted this and today I was inspired to make my version:

IMG_4988 I think it turned out pretty cute and it only took about 30 minutes to create. The ink is still drying so I have to wait to hang it up. This was a great project to help get my creative juices flowing again. I've been in a slump creatively. Busy with life: kids, schools, work, etc... Busy with reading the Twilight series (hoping to start the final book this weekend). Busy planning a 50th wedding anniversary party for my parents. Just not feeling creative. But today I was able to play around with some supplies, create a couple of projects (the Halloween one and another project for a family Christmas gift) and I'm hoping to get some actual scrapbooking done this weekend, too. However, this is Football season, so I'm not sure how much will actually get done - but at least I'm feeling motivated again!

Here is another tired & true recipe that the entire family loves:

Maple-Balsamic-Glazed Pork Medallions (from Cooking Light)

1/4 cup maple syrup

3 tbs. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. dijon mustard

1 (1-lb) pork tenderloin, trimmed. (You can easily use boneless pork loin chops as well - just pound to 1/4 inch thickness)

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Combine syrup and vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 3 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in mustard.

Cut pork loin crosswise into 8 pieces. Place each pork piece between plastic wrap or wax paper; pound to 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork evenly with salt and pepper. Add pork to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side. Add vinegar mixture; cook 1 minute or until done, turning pork to coat with the sauce. Serve. Drizzle sauce over pork when serving.

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This is so good, everyone just gobbles it up! Last night we had sweet potato fries on the side:

Peel sweet potatoes. Cut into "french fry" size pieces. Drizzle with olive oil (not too much) sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake at 425 for about 20-25 until done. Turn halfway. Enjoy!