So I finished numbering my paper for my 365 day project. Then I had some free time and I would be thinking about it all day if I didn't do it now, I started my list. Tried to keep the projects small, stuff that I could do in one day (or so). I only came up with 67 things. Now I planned on leaving plenty of blank lines for projects that would come up over the course of the year, but I didn't plan on 298 empty lines. So...I am going to have to stretch some things out. Instead of posting all of my Christmas crafts for one blog, they might get a post for each project. And that's ok with me, I just won't be posting any of them until after Christmas...for obvious reasons! :)
Now it's a little bit overcast outside and my baby is still sleeping. So I am going to make a cup of coffee and see what I can get done before he wakes up.
Have a wonderful day and I'll see you later today.
To spice things up, if you have any suggestions for my project list, send them my way and I'll try!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Day 1: Finish Recipe Binder
Ok, good start, I am posting on the first day!
Today, I decided to finish the recipe binder I started about 7 or 8 months ago. So it was an easy one because all of the papers were cut, tabs were made and had some recipes printed.
I love coordinating scrapbook paper packs, so this helped me use up some paper. I cut paper to fit in the front and back cover and a coordinating paper for the spine. I then cut scrapbook papers to 8.5x11 and put them in page protectors for the categories. I printed the category names on regular printer paper and then glued those to scrapbook paper. I used packing tape to make the tabs. I printed the recipes that I had curled up in a glass vase on top of my fridge for a more uniformed look. I even busted out the QuicKuts Revolution for the letters on the front cover.
(I apologize for the poor lighting. The sun went down before I could take the pictures so no natural light for me).
Categories I used are: Appetizers, baby, beef, beverages, breads, cakes/frostings, candies/snacks, desserts, gifts, holidays, muffins/quickbreads, pastas, pet, pies/tarts, pizzas, poultry, salads, sides, slow cooker, soups, vegetables, vegetarian.
Before you start thinking that I am some crafty recipe book making genius...I did get this idea from Pinterest.
Off to bed I go.
Today, I decided to finish the recipe binder I started about 7 or 8 months ago. So it was an easy one because all of the papers were cut, tabs were made and had some recipes printed.
I love coordinating scrapbook paper packs, so this helped me use up some paper. I cut paper to fit in the front and back cover and a coordinating paper for the spine. I then cut scrapbook papers to 8.5x11 and put them in page protectors for the categories. I printed the category names on regular printer paper and then glued those to scrapbook paper. I used packing tape to make the tabs. I printed the recipes that I had curled up in a glass vase on top of my fridge for a more uniformed look. I even busted out the QuicKuts Revolution for the letters on the front cover.
Categories I used are: Appetizers, baby, beef, beverages, breads, cakes/frostings, candies/snacks, desserts, gifts, holidays, muffins/quickbreads, pastas, pet, pies/tarts, pizzas, poultry, salads, sides, slow cooker, soups, vegetables, vegetarian.
Before you start thinking that I am some crafty recipe book making genius...I did get this idea from Pinterest.
Off to bed I go.
Confession
I have a confession to make...
I have commitment issues.
No...not like relationship commitment issues...but commitment-to-everything-else issues.
For some reason, I have an obsession with blogs, organizing, and crafts. None of which, I can keep up with. I ask myself, if I love these things so much, wouldn't that be motivation to keep up with them? For the last 8 years, I have had commitment issues with losing weight, and for once in my life, I have stuck with something for more than 2 weeks and have lost more than 5 pounds (I'm 3 weeks in and have lost 6 pounds, haha). But I am still going strong with that because I have 3 of my friends watching what I eat, how much I exercise and how much weight I lose. And this time...it's working!!!
So if only there was an accountability app for everything else I need help staying accountable with...(computer geeks, here is where you come in...). I don't know why I have these obsessions, but they are really quite annoying because I spend so much time thinking (dreaming, fantasizing, planning) about the cutest blogs and wish I had one, or organizing my entire house, or all the crafts I want to do. Again I ask, if I love it so much, why can't I do it???
I'll tell you why...I have what's known as the I-don't-feel-like-it-right-now's. I would explain exactly what that is but I just don't feel like it right now (I am basically a lazy person). Maybe this stems from my extreme talent of...procrastination. I get to thinking about something and get all excited about it, then my very next thought is...I just don't feel like it right now. Half of my problem is I like to finish things I start (stop laughing, Berkley). Many times I don't start my project because I know I won't be able to finish it and I don't want to leave my project out or transport it while I am in the middle of it. "Don't you have a craft room?" you might be asking? Well yes, I do...but it's on my list of places to organize so I can use it. Yes, I know this all sounds psycho, but that's just the way I am.
Darn that Julie & Julia movie that makes a bloggy challenge look like so much fun. But here I go...365 days of doing what I don't feel like doing right now. I'm keeping it simple and my posts might be as little as reorganizing one kitchen cabinet, so if you plan to keep up with my posts (which I doubt anyone even reads this...haha), don't expect something grandeous every day.
I am off to do something fun for my first project...uh oh, I hear my boy grunting (stinky)...but I don't feel like it right now...
I have commitment issues.
No...not like relationship commitment issues...but commitment-to-everything-else issues.
For some reason, I have an obsession with blogs, organizing, and crafts. None of which, I can keep up with. I ask myself, if I love these things so much, wouldn't that be motivation to keep up with them? For the last 8 years, I have had commitment issues with losing weight, and for once in my life, I have stuck with something for more than 2 weeks and have lost more than 5 pounds (I'm 3 weeks in and have lost 6 pounds, haha). But I am still going strong with that because I have 3 of my friends watching what I eat, how much I exercise and how much weight I lose. And this time...it's working!!!
So if only there was an accountability app for everything else I need help staying accountable with...(computer geeks, here is where you come in...). I don't know why I have these obsessions, but they are really quite annoying because I spend so much time thinking (dreaming, fantasizing, planning) about the cutest blogs and wish I had one, or organizing my entire house, or all the crafts I want to do. Again I ask, if I love it so much, why can't I do it???
I'll tell you why...I have what's known as the I-don't-feel-like-it-right-now's. I would explain exactly what that is but I just don't feel like it right now (I am basically a lazy person). Maybe this stems from my extreme talent of...procrastination. I get to thinking about something and get all excited about it, then my very next thought is...I just don't feel like it right now. Half of my problem is I like to finish things I start (stop laughing, Berkley). Many times I don't start my project because I know I won't be able to finish it and I don't want to leave my project out or transport it while I am in the middle of it. "Don't you have a craft room?" you might be asking? Well yes, I do...but it's on my list of places to organize so I can use it. Yes, I know this all sounds psycho, but that's just the way I am.
Darn that Julie & Julia movie that makes a bloggy challenge look like so much fun. But here I go...365 days of doing what I don't feel like doing right now. I'm keeping it simple and my posts might be as little as reorganizing one kitchen cabinet, so if you plan to keep up with my posts (which I doubt anyone even reads this...haha), don't expect something grandeous every day.
I am off to do something fun for my first project...uh oh, I hear my boy grunting (stinky)...but I don't feel like it right now...
Friday, April 20, 2012
Easter week
Easter Bunny S'mores
It is a quart size mason jar filled with
1 1/4 cup m&ms
8 marshmallow bunny peeps around the outside (you have to smoosh them a little bit)
one sleeve of graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup of brown sugar in a baggie and squished in the middle of the peeps and on top (I had to split into 2 baggies, one to go in the peeps and other other to be on top. It was a TIGHT fit, but it worked.
Attach a gift tag giving the following instructions:
1. Empty the jar contents into a bowl. Snip the bunnies into bits with kitchen sheers or cut up with a knife. Return the bunny bits to the mixture. Mix well.
2. Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well. Pat into a greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
(Makes 9 to 12 bars.)
*Option - leave bunnies whole; combine remaining ingredients and place the bunnies on top; then bake as directed.
*This gift jar may be created to suit any holiday for which marshmallow candies are available.
Hope they liked them
My recipe this week isn't new to us, but it's a goodie. It is the wonderful Banana Pudding recipe that I make for nearly everything.
-Mix 2 cups of milk with 2 (small) boxes of French Vanilla Pudding, then mix in an 8oz container of Cool Whip (it's the only time I use it and not make my own)
-In a separate bowl, mix 8 oz cream cheese (it's easier if it's close to room temp) with a small can of sweetened condensed milk (I don't remember the oz, cuz I always get the Publix one, and it only comes in one size, I will look and add it later).
-Mix the pudding mixture with the cream cheese mixture.
-Line your pan (I usually use a 9x11) with Pepperidge Farm Chessman Cookies
-Cut 6-8 bananas and mix into pudding.
-Spread pudding mixture over cookies
-Line more cookies on top of the pudding.
And there you go. It's awesome and in no way healthy. However, I have made it with reduced fat cream cheese and nobody knew the difference. I am sure you could use a lesser fat milk and do they make a Cool Whip light?
Parent lesson for that week:
(about 4 months late)...keep the camera handy and snap away!!!
A few years ago we purchased a Canon EOS 50D in the hopes of me starting some sort of photography business on the side. HA...I am not really smart enough for this camera. So most of the time, it sits in it's case where it won't get hurt. I have kept it out more often and taken random pictures which has led to 2 good things. I have more pictures of my baby boy and it has inspired me to learn how to take good pictures with my camera.
photos are like kisses...you can't have too many...
boring...
Still working on the stuff for the bridal shower...
The new recipe I tried was Paula Deen's Taco Soup (thanks to Gina, for giving me the idea). It was pretty good, I kinda wanted it a little thicker, so don't know if next time, I might add a cream of some sort to thicken the broth. It had good flavor but kinda tasted like chili to me, so I might add some hot sauce or maybe salsa instead of rotel or tomatoes. But I would suggest you try it and tweek it to your taste buds!
The new recipe I tried was Paula Deen's Taco Soup (thanks to Gina, for giving me the idea). It was pretty good, I kinda wanted it a little thicker, so don't know if next time, I might add a cream of some sort to thicken the broth. It had good flavor but kinda tasted like chili to me, so I might add some hot sauce or maybe salsa instead of rotel or tomatoes. But I would suggest you try it and tweek it to your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups diced onions
- 2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
- 1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans
- 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chiles
- 2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chiles
- 1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional
- 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- 1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
- Corn chips, for serving
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Grated cheese, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Pickled jalapenos, for garnish
Directions
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large
skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions
to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes,
green chiles, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch
dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or
simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve,
place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with
sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapenos.
Controversial parental lesson that week. I learned that if you wish people did or did not do certain things to or around your baby, politely let them know the first time it happens. I am not going to go in to detail but got myself into a sticky situation when I didn't share my wishes the first time something happened and months later it came out, and in the wrong way. Needless to say, neither of us handled the situation the best way. Even tho I tried to fix it immediately, the other party was reluctant to and wouldn't let me explain. They say they are over it, but body language and negative energy tell me otherwise. I am over it, but think a little differently of that person now and am a little uncomfortable because that person wouldn't just talk to me so we could both get our thoughts out in the open. Ok, I hafta stop there, I am getting annoyed all over again. They are sweep-things-under-the-rug type of people and I am not. I am forced to with this, but the lump will always be under the rug where I can see it.
Have a great day!
slow week
This one will be easy, not much happened this week.
I worked on the stuff (invitations, thank you cards/env, advice cards, etc. for the bridal shower) for my crafty thing (pix to be posted later).
The new recipe we tried was Swedish Meatballs. We made the Apron's recipe from Publix. They were YUM!
I would suggest doubling the sauce recipe and using the 2 lb bag of frozen meatballs, so there's leftovers or if you are feeding more than 4.
http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals/AllRecipes/SimpleMeal.do?mealId=253&mealGroupId=1000
My parenting lesson was "you can never give your baby too many kisses!!!" I kiss my baby whenever I can, I even risk waking him up to give him a kiss before I get in bed.
I worked on the stuff (invitations, thank you cards/env, advice cards, etc. for the bridal shower) for my crafty thing (pix to be posted later).
The new recipe we tried was Swedish Meatballs. We made the Apron's recipe from Publix. They were YUM!
I would suggest doubling the sauce recipe and using the 2 lb bag of frozen meatballs, so there's leftovers or if you are feeding more than 4.
http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals/AllRecipes/SimpleMeal.do?mealId=253&mealGroupId=1000
My parenting lesson was "you can never give your baby too many kisses!!!" I kiss my baby whenever I can, I even risk waking him up to give him a kiss before I get in bed.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Busy busy busy
What? A SAHM too busy to type a little blurb on the computer? Don't we just sit at home and eat bonbons all day long? We don't work, HA!
Ok, sorry, little sensitive. I'm over it now. Ayden's got a fresh diaper and is playing on the floor next to me. Carter (neighbor's baby that I babysit a few days a week, he's 2 months younger than Ayden) has a fresh clean diaper and has just gone down for a nap. I should have enough time to do a little catching up.
Just because I haven't blogged since...March 10 (yes that was my first weekend update (bad SNL reference)), doesn't mean that I will ditch out on what I have been doing. I have been trying to think of how I will play catch up. Should I do the first missed week and the current week? And do 2 updates per week, or should I just do them in separate posts until I am caught up??? Then I thought...IT'S A BLOG, STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND JUST TYPE. I can't help that I plan EVERYTHING!!!
So...here we go, let's see how much I can get done before a baby needs me. (((I guess not much...Ayden is upset over something) brb, ok he's good now
March 17...
The crafty project I started this week, I didn't finish. I am making a recipe binder. For years, I have been trying to think of the perfect way to keep my recipes that was both cute and functional. Right now I have the printouts and handwritten papers curled up in a vase that sits on top of my fridge. When it's time to need one of those recipes, I just pick through until I find it. So I found a cute idea that is quick and easy (all 3 things I like) :) I started it this week, but did not get a chance to finish it. This was the week that I started on stuff for the bridal shower that I co-hosted. This is also the week that I started watching Carter. So...coming soon, will be the finished project of my recipe binder
The new recipe I tried was Strawberry Cream Cheese filled Crepes.
(ok...time for some one-handed typing. Mr Ayden decided he didn't want to play on the floor anymore. He wanted to see what mom is doing).
Something I learned as a new parent that week was not to plan too much. Top priorities are; take care of Ayden, take care of me, then take care of the house. Crafts, blogs, pintrest, etc. can wait. So what I do now is write on my calendar things that need to get done on a specific day, then I take a blank sheet of paper and write down the other things that don't have a deadline. I don't feel bad if I don't get that list completed in one day, that's not the intent.
Nothing really exciting. Gonna go play with the baby, he is too energetic for one hand,
Have a great day!
Ok, sorry, little sensitive. I'm over it now. Ayden's got a fresh diaper and is playing on the floor next to me. Carter (neighbor's baby that I babysit a few days a week, he's 2 months younger than Ayden) has a fresh clean diaper and has just gone down for a nap. I should have enough time to do a little catching up.
Just because I haven't blogged since...March 10 (yes that was my first weekend update (bad SNL reference)), doesn't mean that I will ditch out on what I have been doing. I have been trying to think of how I will play catch up. Should I do the first missed week and the current week? And do 2 updates per week, or should I just do them in separate posts until I am caught up??? Then I thought...IT'S A BLOG, STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND JUST TYPE. I can't help that I plan EVERYTHING!!!
So...here we go, let's see how much I can get done before a baby needs me. (((I guess not much...Ayden is upset over something) brb, ok he's good now
March 17...
The crafty project I started this week, I didn't finish. I am making a recipe binder. For years, I have been trying to think of the perfect way to keep my recipes that was both cute and functional. Right now I have the printouts and handwritten papers curled up in a vase that sits on top of my fridge. When it's time to need one of those recipes, I just pick through until I find it. So I found a cute idea that is quick and easy (all 3 things I like) :) I started it this week, but did not get a chance to finish it. This was the week that I started on stuff for the bridal shower that I co-hosted. This is also the week that I started watching Carter. So...coming soon, will be the finished project of my recipe binder
The new recipe I tried was Strawberry Cream Cheese filled Crepes.
(ok...time for some one-handed typing. Mr Ayden decided he didn't want to play on the floor anymore. He wanted to see what mom is doing).
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
Something I learned as a new parent that week was not to plan too much. Top priorities are; take care of Ayden, take care of me, then take care of the house. Crafts, blogs, pintrest, etc. can wait. So what I do now is write on my calendar things that need to get done on a specific day, then I take a blank sheet of paper and write down the other things that don't have a deadline. I don't feel bad if I don't get that list completed in one day, that's not the intent.
Nothing really exciting. Gonna go play with the baby, he is too energetic for one hand,
Have a great day!
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