Saturday, March 31, 2012

Spring Time

Today I am linking up with Our Reflection for the weekly photo challenge. The theme this week is "Spring" 

I'm so happy it's finally warm outside, and that the trees and flowers are all blooming again. This was the perfect opportunity to go out and do a little country sight seeing. We found a empty field with dandelions and yellow wild flowers growing. Perfect! This is what I came up with...



        Isn't she beautiful :)


Thursday, March 29, 2012

20 something going on 75

 You know that expression people use when asked how old their child is, " She's 10 going on 20." I have never really paid much attention to it, until now. Now that I can relate to it, and I'm not talking about my 2 year old, I'm talking about my husband and I. Last Saturday we drove about an hour north to go hit up some antique shops... we had a nice little Saturday, Enjoying the sights of some country mountains, and some old collectibles and such...

 Yeah going antiquing, that's our new "thing" apparently. Don't laugh to hard, we have gotten some pretty cool pieces of furniture for our house. Ok you can laugh... The fact that I used the term " had a nice little Saturday" had me laughing a while ago.

When we got home, Ava took a nap, and Tyler fell asleep on the couch while watching TV, and I started baking my Easter cake pops... Wow we are an exciting bunch over here. The sight of my husband napping in the middle of the day because he was so worn out from antiquing, randomly waking up to things like the oven timer going off, painted a picture of the old grandpa who sits in his chair all day long and sleeps every 2 hours like a baby. I can't make fun of him to much, I was baking... classic old couple scenario.

 We are 20 something year olds going on 75!

 Another instance of our rapid aging problem: This passed Christmas my mom asked me what she should get for Tyler, and I quote: " think of an 80 year old man, and whatever pops into your mind, then that is the perfect gift."  So you can imagine his excitement when he opened up a new robe, a pair of pj's, and moccasin slippers. I got a sewing machine, which is not an old person thing, but just think of the scenario I am playing out for you, now instead of baking, I am sewing, and my husband is still napping...

 We are both such homebodies, I have always kind of been like that. I enjoy the comforts of my home, maybe because it feels so homey with all my cool antique purchases. I enjoy that we have our "shows" that we watch on TV. Maybe instead of "shows" I will start calling them "programs." Its a little more fitting.

 At least we are in this together. And at least we have our daughter who keeps us young... or not she might actually be the problem to our tiredness, and that grey hair I found on my head the other day.

 We use to be cool, maybe being in Georgia is the problem... We are away from our Florida roots. We need sand and the ocean in our soul. Also extreme humidity, and sweat, that's part of the Florida package. Good thing we are going back, I'm not sure when but it is happening, and happening BIG. We are buying a house within 3 miles from the beach!

 Who am I kidding, we were like this before we moved to Georgia. Next thing you know Tyler will be rocking floral Tommy Bahama shirts, and I'll have a skirt attached to my bathing suit...

At least Ava thinks we are cool...for now...

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Coral and Mint Spring colors

Love these spring nail colors.

I'm so happy winter is over and spring has arrived! This year I'm loving anything mint, or coral, or both of them together! They are so bright, clean and fun.

All pictures c/o pinterest

What are some of your favorite colors for spring 2012?

Here is where I'm linking up:
Mom2MemphisandRuby

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Easter Egg Cake Pops

These little babies are so Delicious! Something about cake on a stick is better than just a
slice of cake, and in the spirit of Easter, why not make egg shaped cake pops?

You could easily package these up with a little baggy, and some ribbon and add them to your child's Easter basket.


You will need
cake mix {and ingredients listed on box}


1/2 package of cake frosting ( if you choose chocolate cake, then get chocolate frosting, if yellow cake then get vanilla frosting)

White and pink Chocolate Candy Melts {2 bags from Michael’s}

Candy sticks {from Michael’s}

Pastel Sprinkles

Styrofoam

Directions:
Line a baking pan with foil, then cook your cake according to package instructions.
When its done let it cool then crumble it up in a large bowl.

Next you want to spoon about half the container of frosting into the bowl, and begin to mix together with your hands.
Your cake should be moist enough to shape into a large mound and hold its shape.

Next,
Now instead of rolling your cake ball with the palm of your hands, grab a little plastic Easter egg, and fill both ends with your mix. Continue this until you have no cake left.

Place them in the fridge for about 2 hours or so.

FYI: I eyeballed this step, I had every intention of using the plastic eggs to help me mold the shape,I could have sworn I had some so I didn't buy any while I was out getting my ingredients. But I didn't...Instead of going out and getting some, I figured I would try to eyeball it. It actually wasn't to hard.
So if you feel comfortable...go ahead and eyeball it!   

Now take your eggs out of the fridge, and open them up. You should have a perfectly formed little cake egg!

Now it's time to decorate:

Prepare the chocolate shell. Pour one entire package of white chocolate candy melts into a microwave safe bowl. Follow the melting instructions on the package.
If you are using 2 colors like I did, just do one at a time.

Place your candy stick about 1 inch into the chocolate, then stick the stick into the bottom of your cake egg. ( this acts as a glue)

Place your cake pops in the Styrofoam to harden while you are continuing with the remaining cake pops.

When I dip, you dip, we dip...
What worked for me was tilting my bowl a bit, then dipping the cake ball in at an angle and spinning it. Also using a spoon and be helpful to... It may take a few tries before you get it. but that's ok that's what the sprinkles are for ;)

Tap off any excess, that might drip.
TIP: if you do have one that is dripping, just wait until it dries to fix. Once it's dry you will easily be able to crack off any pieces that may be hanging down.

Directly after dipping, I sprinkle. Or else the coating will harden, and the sprinkles won't stick. Notice I didn't sprinkle all of mine.

once you are done with coating all of them

Fill a Ziploc bag with your colored white chocolate. Cut a small hole in one corner of the Ziploc back so that you can drizzle the colored chocolate over your pops.

 let them dry, then...

Enjoy!









Friday, March 23, 2012

10 things you don't have time to read...

1. I think God tests my patients every day. Most days I fail the tests.However I pray that he never stops testing me, because one of these days I'm going to get it right.

2. I hate Wal-Mart. It gives me anxiety every time I go into that store. To much going on, and to many people walking around in their pj's... and WHY are there always 30 check out lanes, but only 4 are open and 2 out of the 4 are self check out lanes...WHY??

3. I don't like to cuddle...there I said it. I can only stand it for about 5 minutes, then I get hot and claustrophobic.

4. I believe that God made one perfect child, and that every mother has him. (or in my case her.)

5. I hate milk, and to make myself sound more interesting I say its because I'm lactose intolerant, even though I don't actually know if I am. I still love chocolate milk though...

6. I am overly self conscious and shy. I tend to be my own worst enemy and I envy people who have that "I am who I am" attitude.

7. I feel like advertising, and just society in general has made people (myself included) think they need more than they actually do. Bigger houses, fancier cars etc.. However moving away from family and friends has really put what is actually important in life into perspective for me. Not saying that I am now living a simplistic life, but I am more aware.

8. I have a real live problem/addiction with social media. You will always find me attached to my phone, checking my emails and facebook every chance I get. I am trying to work on cutting it back a little. Besides it will seem like I have way more emails, and comments on my blog and facebook if I just wait longer to check them ;)

9. Sometimes I think the only reason I might want another baby is because I love naming them.. 

10.  I have no happy-medium when it comes to sweets. If they are in my house, no matter how many times I convince myself that I'm not eating them, I do... No matter how many times I say that I am just having one... I have 3. So I try not to keep them in my house at all because I simply have no self control when it comes to chocolate chip cookies.


I would love to hear 10 things about you! Feel free to join me either in the comments section, or in your own blog post and then leave a link in the comments section so others can visit!

( If you are doing your own post, please link back to me and let others know. The more the merrier!)

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Today I'm also linking up over at Our Reflection's  weekly photo challenge!

This week's theme "something sweet"

To me nothing is sweeter than seeing my husband and my daughter together, especially when they are sharing some cookies and milk! And even though is picture was taken with my iphone, I still think it is beautiful ;)

Here is where I'm linking up.. Come link up your photo, and win some cool prizes!
Our Reflection Photo Challenge


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

From Skirt to Toddler Maxi Dress

 One of my Christmas gifts this year was a sewing machine. I have never used a sewing machine, and every time I even tried to figure it out I was filled with anxiety. My mom came and stayed with me for a few days and gave me a little help. I can barely sew a straight line, but I'm getting there!

 One day while cruising Pinterest I found this picture of this little girl wearing this cute white maxi dress, I loved it, had to have it. The lady sells on etsy and has some really nice stuff, but the dress was very expensive. If it were for maybe a special occasion I could understand, but just for me to have because I thought my daughter would look cute in it...no way.

 I dropped it, and moved on. Then the other day I was going through my closet I grabbed this white skirt that is to big for me, and I probably have worn it 3 times in the 2 years that I have had it. I put in on the ground to make a give away pile, I look over and see Ava with the skirt around her as if she is trying to put it on. Then I got a crazy idea...





Not to shabby for only sewing one pillow in my entire life! It also withstands the test of a toddler, I put it on her to check for adjustments, and she was kicking and screaming, I thought for sure it was going to rip.



This is before it was completely finished. This was also the ONLY picture I was able to get of Ava wearing the dress. All that hard work and she doesn't want to wear it!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Guest Post : Lisa From The Party Works

 I have a love/ hate relationship every year my daughter's birthday comes around I love planning parties, the decorations, the food, the fun...its all exciting to me! I'm also a little sad she's getting older and growing up way to fast. However whenever that time comes around I'm always trying to find unique ideas on the Internet to help make her day extra special. So when Lisa from The Party Works contacted me about guest posting about little girls' birthday party ideas, I was more than willing. I'm loving the mermaid theme...so cute!



Little Girls’ Birthday Party Ideas




If you have a little girl, you know how special their birthdays are to them every single year. They’re special to you too, it’s the anniversary of the day your angel came into this world. So, what are the best ways to celebrate this special occasion? The first couple of years are pretty simple: friends, family, food and presents. However, once she gets old enough to understand more complex concepts like a theme party, there’s a lot of fun to be had by all. Here are a few tried and true ideas for little girl’s birthday party ideas and themes.


1. Mermaid Party

This is a great theme because of the decorations. You can put seashells and starfish everywhere! Encourage everyone to dress up and have the movie Little Mermaid for a back up plan if everyone needs a little down time. Activities like a slip and slide or crafting with sea-themed inspiration will fit right in.



2. Tea Party

Either go to a thrift store and pick up several large sun hats or request on the invitation that the guests bring their own. Make dainty, crustless sandwiches and secure a tea set complete with saucers (regular mugs will not do). Have a pile of costume jewelry and scarves for the girls to dig through for extra flair and then sit them down to a proper tea. Once they get a little antsy sitting at the table it might be time for a dance party, musical chairs and cookie decorating.



3. Beauty Party

You will want to enlist a few adult helpers for this one, but a spa/beauty party is just about the most adorable thing to behold. Get a couple of jars of face mask and nail polish, slice a few cucumbers, wash every towel in the house, or ask that the girls can bring their own, and direct the girls in their day of beauty. This is an especially great activity if you’re planning on having everyone stay for a slumber party.



Well, there you have a few ideas to get you started. Enjoy each moment of her birthday parties while she’s young, because once she’s in high school, it’ll be harder and harder for you to paint her nails and make seashell necklaces at her party.



Lisa is a guest post blogger who writes about different types of theme parties from Mario birthday party ideas to holiday and anniversary bashes.


Friday, March 16, 2012

The Letter K

I love alphabet photography, I also love the weekly photo challenge over at Our Reflection. This week's theme is "letters."

Something about this type of photography speaks to my artistic/creative side. Finding something, in nothing is fun to me.

When looking for letters for this challenge I actually had about 3 cool ones, but something about this "K" stood out to me.

This letter actually came from a wooden gazebo that is on this little pond next to my husband's work. I happen to notice the wood work on it while driving by, and immediately thought I bet there is a letter on there.

So, I turned around to go look at it, and sure enough...


pretty Cool huh?

Here is where I'm linking up...

Come join in the fun!!


Thursday, March 15, 2012

Recipe: Chicken Picatta



You Will Need:
4 Chicken fillets cut down the center to make strips(shown)
or
2 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half to make 4 thin fillets
salt & pepper
Flour
6 tblsp. butter
5 tblsp. olive oil
1/3 cup of lemon juice
1/2 cup of chicken stock
1/4 cup of capers

Directions:

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour-shake off the excess.
  • In a large skillet over med./high heat- melt 2 tblsp. of butter, and with 3 tblsp. of olive oil. When it starts to sizzle add 3 pieces of chicken ( if you used chicken breast cut in half to make a fillet, add 2 pieces) and cook for 3 minutes on each side.
  • Remove and transfer to a plate.
  • Melt 2 more tblsp. of butter,with 2 more tblsp of olive oil, and add 3 more pieces ( 2 if cut the other way) and cook another 3 minutes on each side, then add these to the plate.
  • continue this pattern with the remainder (if any) of chicken, and set aside.
  • In the skillet add lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
  • Return all chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Remove chicken, add remaining 2 tblsp of butter to the sauce and whisk.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and serve.
I served this with steamed veggies, and it was delish! Seriously this recipe is so good!

....and I know there is a lot of butter!


Monday, March 12, 2012

My apologies to you

 Pre- children, where you  judgmental of moms and their parenting abilities? Did you frown upon people who sometimes used their TV as a babysitter, and had to occasionally go through a drive through for lunch? What about to those Mommy's with screaming kids at the grocery store? Did you ever find yourself thinking " if that were my child I would"...(insert some completely ridiculous action, and only if you have never had kids sounds good) 

 I'll admit it, I did. Its easy to look at other people whom you know nothing about and say they aren't doing a good job, and you could do it better.

 I'm sure the time I was at the grocery store and Ava was acting up so I gave her my phone to watch Barney on YouTube, then she terrible two style threw it on the ground, and of coarse it busted open and the battery flew out.. well I'm sure people were judging me...and I knew it, and it felt crappy.

 I knew in that moment,that she would eventually stop acting that way. I also knew that I was doing all I could to keep her entertained. But to an onlooker I'm sure I looked dis-shoveled, and crazy. I'm sure I got a few "if that were my child thoughts thrown my way" As if I can predict when a tantrum is going to happen.

 So I am apologizing to all the parents I have ever judged. Because now I know they were doing the best they could.


This post is brought to you by this wild child picture of my daughter wearing a pj shirt, undies, plastic barbie high heels, and Tampa Bay bucs necklace... oh and some craziness going on with her hair. For the record, I would never leave the house with her like this! ;)


Friday, March 9, 2012

Childhood

 I'm so excited to be linking up to Our Reflection's Photo Challenge.

Linking up here

I thought this week's theme "childhood" was perfect for me. My daughter is my biggest inspiration, and the reason why I started getting into photography in the first place

 As I was trying to get a good picture of my active little 2 year old who doesn't sit still for pictures, and wants to do her own thing, I was remembering back to the days where I could set her down in whatever spot I wanted her, having her wearing whatever I wanted her to wear, while I snapped away.

 Taking pictures of a 2 year old means you have to get a little creative. So this is what I came up with


Me swinging her around in a circle with my camera around my neck, and the timer set!
I think it came out pretty cool, and I think it captures a moment where she's genuinely having a good time and being a kid!

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Hi! Remember Me?

 I have been away for a little while. We had to go out of town, back to Florida...my home land.

 Unfortunatly my husband's grandma passed, so it wasn't a trip for pleasure.
Pinned Image
 It was a sad day, but like my Father in Law said, "funerals are for the living, so that we can have closure" He followed that with " My mother is heaven, and her sight is restored, and she is no longer suffering."

So True...

I plan on getting back into the swing of things around here shortly, I really want to add a few more hair tutorials, a recipe or two, and maybe a little crafty somethin somethin.


 
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