I do hope that you will stick around with me as I get this blog going again!
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| My sweet Niece Kimora was born in April |
It's been so long since I blogged that she know looks like this:
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| We like to call her the Toilet Paper Monster! |
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Super Bad
No...not the movie. Me, the blogger! I have been super bad and I haven't posted anything in almost a year. How sad is that? My life has changed in so many ways over the last year and I can't wait to share all of the exciting new things with you.
I do hope that you will stick around with me as I get this blog going again!
It's been so long since I blogged that she know looks like this:
I do hope that you will stick around with me as I get this blog going again!
It's been so long since I blogged that she know looks like this:
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Let's catch up!
Once again, I've been a bad blogger. I promised I would do better and I didn't deliver; sometimes real life gets in the way.
After Mark passed away my creativity and my desire to blog went away. Two months have passed and slowly but surely Ive been working on a few projects here and there that I will be sharing with you in the next few weeks.
I will also be redesigning my blog with a fun new Spring time design! I do hope that you will come back and check it out.
Until then...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
CSN Stores Giveaway Winner!
I wanted to say congrats to Liz who was my one and only entry for the CSN Giveaway!
Please check your email Liz.
I also have to say that I was sadly disappointed for my first giveaway...I hate to be a complainer but you would think that at least a few people might have entered! I had/have high hopes for my little blog and if there is something I'm doing wrong or need to improve upon as a blogger please feel free to let me know; I'm trying to grow this blog one day at a time!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Giveaway!
Just a friendly reminder to check out my CSN Stores Giveaway!
Be sure to enter for your chance to win!
Contest closes on Monday, January 24th
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
CSN Stores GIVEAWAY!!!
I am so very excited to share with you my very first Giveaway!
I hope by now you have all heard of CSN Stores! I love browsing through the many shops; they have it all from Swingsets to Exercise Equipment, Jewelry, Shoes, Bedding... you name it, they have it! Why would you shop anywhere else?
Today I'm happy to offer a $15 gift certificate to one of my lucky readers! (Please note that this giftcard will not cover international fees)
That's 4 chances to win! You only need one entry to win, but why not try for more!! Please remember to leave your email so that I am able to contact you if you win!
EDIT: (I decided that I would extend the giveaway through the weekend) I will announce the lucky winner on Monday, Janaury 24th! Good Luck!
I hope by now you have all heard of CSN Stores! I love browsing through the many shops; they have it all from Swingsets to Exercise Equipment, Jewelry, Shoes, Bedding... you name it, they have it! Why would you shop anywhere else?
Today I'm happy to offer a $15 gift certificate to one of my lucky readers! (Please note that this giftcard will not cover international fees)
Here are few ways to get in on the action:
Check out the awesome Swingsets and tell me which one the inner child in you would love to have!:
1 Entry
Become a follower of my blog (Let me know in the comments) :
1 Entry
Leave me a comment (If you already follow):
1 Entry
Suggest my blog to a friend (Leave a comment letting me know) :
1 Entry
That's 4 chances to win! You only need one entry to win, but why not try for more!! Please remember to leave your email so that I am able to contact you if you win!
EDIT: (I decided that I would extend the giveaway through the weekend) I will announce the lucky winner on Monday, Janaury 24th! Good Luck!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Canvas Wall Art
I just wanted to share a little (big) project that I've been working on for my sister's baby shower! She's been searching for something to hang on the hospital door other than a wreath. She sent me a picture of canvas wall banner and I was inspired!
Now, Ive never been a really great painter but I knew I had to try for my little sister and my niece that is on the way. My sister has no idea that I've painted this for her and I think that she'll be very surprised when I give it to her.
The first thing you need is a roll of canvas and your painting supplies. My canvas came from Michael's. Cut to your desire length and tape off your border.
After I tape off my edges, I painted the background a pink color and sketched out my baby face!
I gave the little hair bow a few accent colors to make it stand out.
Then I went to work painting the features of the face.
I finally gave her some eyes!
And a yellow and purple shirt!
Then added my niece's name (Which the daddy picked out!)
Painted the border black with white polka dots...and Ta-Da!!!
If you would like one for your little bundle of joy please drop me an email ~ SNBE111800@aol.com
Now, Ive never been a really great painter but I knew I had to try for my little sister and my niece that is on the way. My sister has no idea that I've painted this for her and I think that she'll be very surprised when I give it to her.
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| :) |
The first thing you need is a roll of canvas and your painting supplies. My canvas came from Michael's. Cut to your desire length and tape off your border.
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| Tape your borders |
After I tape off my edges, I painted the background a pink color and sketched out my baby face!
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| Face is drawn |
I gave the little hair bow a few accent colors to make it stand out.
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| Upside down...but you can see it taking shape! |
Then I went to work painting the features of the face.
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| Big pink cheeks! |
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| Little red lips! |
I finally gave her some eyes!
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| A little black curl and big eyes! |
And a yellow and purple shirt!
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| I stared at it for a while hoping she didn't look like an Easter Egg! |
Then added my niece's name (Which the daddy picked out!)
|
| Kimora... |
Painted the border black with white polka dots...and Ta-Da!!!
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| I still have to add the dowel to hang it... |
If you would like one for your little bundle of joy please drop me an email ~ SNBE111800@aol.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Life is not always glitter and sunshine
As most of my fellow bloggers know, life is not always full of glitter and sunshine. As much as I would love for that to be the case, it just isn't happening! I've thought long and hard about what I wanted to say in this post and nothing has come to mind.
I should start at the beginning - two years ago, my then husband left me for another woman. We had been married for eight years at the time. A year and a divorce later I thought my life was over until I met Mark. He was sweet, charming and absolutely hilarious. He was the polar opposite of my ex-husband and I couldn't have been happier.
I finally felt like I was able to be myself. He encouraged me to be creative in every way possible. If I wanted to paint he helped me pick out paints... If I felt like scrapbooking he took me to every store in town. The man cooked and cleaned without being asked to. His heart was made of pure gold.
But on Thursday, January 6, 2011 the lord had other plans for this angel and he passed away at the young age of thirty-three. While my heart is breaking I just keeping praying. I know that I will never have all the answers to my questions but I take comfort in knowing that Mark is in a better place and watching over me as I start a new journey in my life.
I should start at the beginning - two years ago, my then husband left me for another woman. We had been married for eight years at the time. A year and a divorce later I thought my life was over until I met Mark. He was sweet, charming and absolutely hilarious. He was the polar opposite of my ex-husband and I couldn't have been happier.
I finally felt like I was able to be myself. He encouraged me to be creative in every way possible. If I wanted to paint he helped me pick out paints... If I felt like scrapbooking he took me to every store in town. The man cooked and cleaned without being asked to. His heart was made of pure gold.
But on Thursday, January 6, 2011 the lord had other plans for this angel and he passed away at the young age of thirty-three. While my heart is breaking I just keeping praying. I know that I will never have all the answers to my questions but I take comfort in knowing that Mark is in a better place and watching over me as I start a new journey in my life.
Please take a moment to tell the people you love just how much they mean to you!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm a bad blogger
I have a confession to make... I'm a bad blogger! Ive been absent from my little blog for a while now. I'm not sure if I should blame it on everything that's been going on; Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years...or just a general lack of time to write.
Then there are days when I think I can blame it on the fact that my creativity has taken a nose dive and I haven't felt very "crafty" for the past two months. Either way, I've been a bad blogger and I hope to make it up to you in this New Year!
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| There was a cookie party to attend |
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| Family to see |
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| Games to play |
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| Kiddies to play with! |
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| Presents to open |
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| The first White Christmas in Alabama! |
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| A dog that didn't know what to think about the snow! |
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| A trip to Gatlinburg, TN |
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| A very cold trip! |
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| A lot of snow to play in |
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| A pretty covered bridge to drive through |
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| And a lot of pictures to take! |
Then there are days when I think I can blame it on the fact that my creativity has taken a nose dive and I haven't felt very "crafty" for the past two months. Either way, I've been a bad blogger and I hope to make it up to you in this New Year!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Handmade Christmas Gifts
Christmas is consuming my every thought lately; even if I am late putting the tree up! (Trying to get to that this weekend) Ive been to every store in town and I cant find the gifts I want to give or maybe I don't know what I want to give.
My family is a breeze to shop for, I could get that done in no time. But with addition of Mark's family it presents a problem. What do I give them? He's not much of a shopper so I cant leave it up to him. And then a thought popped into my head to give them a gift basket with homemade goodies. I'm hoping they would enjoy something like that.
In the arts and crafts community its always preached to give handmade/homemade because people enjoy it more than a store bought gift. But is that really true? Ive never actually given a handmade Christmas gift...other than the odd picture frame I covered here and there. It always seems like when I make something I tend to keep it for myself.
What do you think? Would you enjoy receiving a basket of homemade goodies?
Here are the recipes I'm considering:
Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the label.
_______________________________
Peppermint Patties
Ingredients:
2 cups powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cream
8 ounces (about 1-1/3 cup) dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Preparation:
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or a silpat. In a blender, cream together the sugar, butter, extracts, and cream on low speed. After the ingredients are combined, raise the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until mixture holds together very well and is creamy, not powdery.
Using a teaspoon, roll the candy into small balls and flatten them on the wax paper or silpat with the palm of your hand into patty shapes. When done, put them in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the chopped chocolate and the shortening in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Using dipping tools or two dinner forks, dip the patties into the chocolate one by one. Drag them across the lip of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Return them to the wax paper or silpat, and place back in the refrigerator to set the candies. They should be ready to eat in a few hours.
Due to the dairy ingredient, these need to be kept in the refrigerator. Layer the patties between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They'll last for a month.
_____________________________
Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce
Yields 4 cups
Ingredients:
2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. Kosher salt
2 c. heavy cream
1 c. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 t. peppermint extract (substitute vanilla, if you don’t want the mint flavor)
Directions: In a double boiler over medium heat stir in cocoa, sugars and salt. Add the cream and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce comes together and is smooth and glossy. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Then, remove the bowl from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the peppermint extract. Store in the fridge and re-heat when ready to use.
Storage notes: This sauce is great to packages in glass jars for gifts. When pouring the sauce from the bowl into the jar it is helpful to use a kitchen funnel if you have one available. This sauce will stay in the fridge for up to two weeks or more.
Serving ideas: In addition to ice-cream, this sauce is excellent drizzled over slices of pound cake, cheesecake or a meringue. The version made with vanilla extract is also delicious served with poached fruit
___________________________
Homemade Granola
6 cups of oatmeal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup coconut (flaked)
1/2 dark brown sugar ( I use a little more)
1/2 cup non flavored vegetable oil
1 tsp cinnamon
2 TBS vanilla
1-2 cups assorted dried fruit (I use dried cherries)
1-2 cups of add-in (mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, cereals)
Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
Mix all ingredients except dried fruit and add-ins in a large bowl. Mix well to coat evenly. Distribute on 2 large rimmed baking sheets.
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn every 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool completely.
And possible a few more things....... what do you think? Do you have any creative suggestions on how to package it all?
Yours truly - circa 1983 or 1984!
Santa looks thrilled doesn't he?
In the arts and crafts community its always preached to give handmade/homemade because people enjoy it more than a store bought gift. But is that really true? Ive never actually given a handmade Christmas gift...other than the odd picture frame I covered here and there. It always seems like when I make something I tend to keep it for myself.
What do you think? Would you enjoy receiving a basket of homemade goodies?
Here are the recipes I'm considering:
Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the label.
_______________________________
Peppermint Patties
Ingredients:
2 cups powdered sugar
1.5 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cream
8 ounces (about 1-1/3 cup) dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Preparation:
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or a silpat. In a blender, cream together the sugar, butter, extracts, and cream on low speed. After the ingredients are combined, raise the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until mixture holds together very well and is creamy, not powdery.
Using a teaspoon, roll the candy into small balls and flatten them on the wax paper or silpat with the palm of your hand into patty shapes. When done, put them in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the chopped chocolate and the shortening in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Using dipping tools or two dinner forks, dip the patties into the chocolate one by one. Drag them across the lip of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Return them to the wax paper or silpat, and place back in the refrigerator to set the candies. They should be ready to eat in a few hours.
Due to the dairy ingredient, these need to be kept in the refrigerator. Layer the patties between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They'll last for a month.
_____________________________
Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce
Yields 4 cups
Ingredients:
2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. Kosher salt
2 c. heavy cream
1 c. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 t. peppermint extract (substitute vanilla, if you don’t want the mint flavor)
Directions: In a double boiler over medium heat stir in cocoa, sugars and salt. Add the cream and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce comes together and is smooth and glossy. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Then, remove the bowl from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the peppermint extract. Store in the fridge and re-heat when ready to use.
Storage notes: This sauce is great to packages in glass jars for gifts. When pouring the sauce from the bowl into the jar it is helpful to use a kitchen funnel if you have one available. This sauce will stay in the fridge for up to two weeks or more.
Serving ideas: In addition to ice-cream, this sauce is excellent drizzled over slices of pound cake, cheesecake or a meringue. The version made with vanilla extract is also delicious served with poached fruit
___________________________
Homemade Granola
6 cups of oatmeal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup coconut (flaked)
1/2 dark brown sugar ( I use a little more)
1/2 cup non flavored vegetable oil
1 tsp cinnamon
2 TBS vanilla
1-2 cups assorted dried fruit (I use dried cherries)
1-2 cups of add-in (mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, cereals)
Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
Mix all ingredients except dried fruit and add-ins in a large bowl. Mix well to coat evenly. Distribute on 2 large rimmed baking sheets.
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn every 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool completely.
And possible a few more things....... what do you think? Do you have any creative suggestions on how to package it all?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I'm still standing
Like the song says, I'm still standing.....but just barely! Ive been absent from my blog for a little while; I promise I have a good excuse. As always I try to keep it real here on my little piece of blog land.
Mark's stepfather was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2009 and recently passed away. We've been doing our very best to be close to his mother in her time of need. It happened about two weeks before Thanksgiving and he was surrounded by family as he passed. The funeral was very touching; he was a retired Police Officer as well as a veteran. The Police Department did an amazing job; each one taking a turn at standing guard over the casket.
I thought I had done a really great job of keeping myself composed at the funeral. After all I wanted to be strong for Mark...that was until we got to the grave site and they played Taps on a bugle and I lost it along with everyone else. Ive heard Taps played on television, Ive seen it in the Movies. Have you ever heard it played live? It is so very heartbreaking... I cant even describe it!
And then Thanksgiving came and went in a blur...now we're busy painting at the new house; which we were finally able to move in to.
I wanted to post a few pics of the house but I seem to have lost them soooo until I locate them, here's a picture of my niece chasing bubbles
Cuteness Overload!
Mark's stepfather was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2009 and recently passed away. We've been doing our very best to be close to his mother in her time of need. It happened about two weeks before Thanksgiving and he was surrounded by family as he passed. The funeral was very touching; he was a retired Police Officer as well as a veteran. The Police Department did an amazing job; each one taking a turn at standing guard over the casket.
I thought I had done a really great job of keeping myself composed at the funeral. After all I wanted to be strong for Mark...that was until we got to the grave site and they played Taps on a bugle and I lost it along with everyone else. Ive heard Taps played on television, Ive seen it in the Movies. Have you ever heard it played live? It is so very heartbreaking... I cant even describe it!
And then Thanksgiving came and went in a blur...now we're busy painting at the new house; which we were finally able to move in to.
I wanted to post a few pics of the house but I seem to have lost them soooo until I locate them, here's a picture of my niece chasing bubbles
Cuteness Overload!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Polly Want a Crafter?
I would like to introduce you to a great blog called Polly Want a Crafter! It was started by the lovely Cassity of Remodelaholic. Please take a moment to check out her new site and browse through all the great craft links and ideas she's posted!
Today she'll be featuring my Ten minute towel dress
Monday, October 18, 2010
It will have a craft room!
I need a craft room of some sort; I love to make things; jewelry, paper crafts, scrapbooks, paintings... you name it, I've dabbled in it!
So Ive been scouring the Internet again for inspiration for my little slice of craftiness. This is what Ive found so far...
I love this simple desk and hutch
This room would be great if you had crafty friends! I love all the room to spread out
Love this great storage
This is more like it! Love the fun, bright colors and all the kitchy things.
Same craft room... love that awesome ironing board
I love the idea of the back lit cabinets. Everything is on display!
And who wouldn't want a crystal chandelier in their craft room?
And these chairs... I must have them!
Or this chair...It's so pink and girly!
Love these turquoise walls and all that fabric. I could sew for months!
So sweet and dreamy
This is fabulous with great storage!
If you want to see the real me, this is what I love, love, love!!
Someone let me play in this room for a few months... or years!
Until next time...
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