Cowboy Bunny

Hello!

2012-02-24T13:52:00.006-08:00

Wow, can't believe how long its been since I've blogged. It has been one crazy busy, sick season. As Feburary is heart month, come to find out, I have high blood pressure. Good part is, is that it is not diet related. Apparently it is "in the genes." I was feeling quite strange ( dizzy, flushed, fatigued, crazy headaches). Nutso. So good news I'm on meds. Then my little guy has been under the weather, and then on top of it has an allergy to the meds, which has covered him head to toe in red bumps.
Needless to say I have been one crazy lady.
I have medicated myself by buying some miniatures. So nice to self-medicated by shopping, right?
I have been going through trying to slowly buy re-ment sets that I had formerly missed. The other day I received the re-ment decorative cakes.

I had a wonderful valentines day! Sushi, followed by dessert, and wonderful gifts. We recently started watching "Adventure Time." I had mentioned I would love to have the characters.

Lo and behold, my husband got me Finn and Jake. Yay!
He also had heard me talking non-stop how the library needed to have "Bossy-pant," by Tina Fey. I just finished it the other day, and it was quite hilarious!

We made plans for a family day last Friday and went to see "Arrietty." Wow, if you enjoyed "Totoro" "Kiki's Delivery Service" or any of Hayao Myazaki, you will not be disappointed. It was really beautiful drawn. The story line is wonderful too, based on the book "The Borrowers." My kids loved it!

I hope to get to work on my room boxes again. I am always inspired by other's dollhouse creations! The entries for the "I'm A Giant" contest were simply amazing.

We had fun making goodies this month for valentines day. As a chocolate nut, I made some delicious chocolate heart brownies. Love love this recipe!
Then I made some cookies for a valentine party for the kids. I have been wanting to make a cookie with jam inside forever. So I made some hearts with rasberry and apricot preserves. They were delicious. They are a Martha Stewart recipe I found. They tasted amazing with coffee.

So good, you should make them.
I hope to be here again sometime soon. I love reading other's blogs, and thank you to those who stop by for a visit and leave wonderful comments. They brighten my day!

Bake!!

2012-01-31T18:51:00.001-08:00

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Orange Sourcream Bread

So I went on a bit of a bread baking trip today. We were invited for dinner so I couldn't not jump at the chance to bring dessert, right? Any reason to bake I say!
With a family of five baked goods don't last very long, so thank goodness they aren't all for myself.
I wanted to go with a winter citrus theme. First I went with my tried and true betty crocker lemon poppy seed bread. This time I wanted to add a extra pizzazz, so I researched some glazes and decided on a confectionary sugar, lemon peel, lemon juice, and milk glaze. Oooh it was good.
The next bread I had not tried before. It was a orange sourcream pound cake. I want to spice it up a bit with a cream cheese glaze. I used about 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, a cup of confectionary sugar, a squeeze of orange juice, 1/2 tsp. of orange peel, tsp. of vanilla, and we were ready to roll. This one I really loved. the cream cheese was a bit messy , but delicous none the less. I really don't care (except for blog picture sake) what my food looks like, just as long I am happy eating it to my hearts content.
If you are in the mood to bake some pound cakes, I'm telling you, you won't regret these glazes. Both pound cakes come from betty crocker cookbooks, but are all fresh ingrediants.

I have had some time to work on some of my minis lately. I want to make a new couch and coffee table. I had alot of fun looking through the CB2 catalog, and was really impressed by the design of a coffee table that was featured. So I got my wheels rolling and worked for a couple of weeks here and there. And walaa, this is what I came up with.

I wanted to go with a yellowish, orangish stain. I carved the sides to meet at an angle.

I also wanted to make an armless couch. This was quite a challenge, and I didn't finish without some mistakes, but overall it came out. It was hard to get the angle for the back and the cushion to meet. I love the challenge. I think I might start working on a new bedroom set. I also have a little mini bar in mind next. I kind of went on a re-ment shopping spree lately. I was able to snag some of the elegant sweets that I have been eying, the floating hamburger, onion ring and soda set(wanting that forever, the mimo soho shooters, another girls in the city (wanted some more office supplies), and the grill set for the spring. Oh I had too much fun. I can't wait to take some pics soon. I was too busy baking today ;)

Now go bake some delicious sweets!

Baking, Watching, Reading, Collecting

2012-01-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Crinkle cookies. I spotted these at Panera. They usually do a mint in theirs, I hear (I have't tried theirs) but I opted for no mint. They are super duper easy to make and the most fluffiest cookies I have ever had.
The recipe I found is here.

This week was my husbands birthday, soo, I made him his fave cake, Carrot Cake. You cannot go wrong with the cream cheese icing.
We have "Cooking Mama" and the kids were making a chiffon cake. I have vaguely heard of these before, but had not realized how cool they really can be.
So I went in hunt of this said "chiffon cake." I found one that is a strawberry lemonade chiffon cake. I plan on making this when the weather calls for a lighter cake. It is all about the eggs and making sure they are nice and fluffy. Not my pic, but the strawberry preserves in the layers, I can't wait!

I am kind of on a baking kick. I love to try different desserts. Lucky for me I have willing participants to be my guinea pigs to eat all these goodies. Not that I don't taste test ;)

I am in the process of working on a new coffee table and couch for my roombox. I think I am thinking of warmer days because I recently ordered some summer re-ment sets. The Rainbow deli avacado dip set and the barbeque grill set.
I have slowly felt my energy levels decline as I have entered my thirties. I used to be able to work on things into the wee hours of the night and pop up on time in the morning. Now I find myself maybe fiddling for about an hour and then I'm ready to crash on the couch with a good book or show.

Speaking of good books, I just finished reading Lisa See's "Dreams of Joy." It was quite sad and intense at times, but it really was very gripping. You really dive into the Chinese culture and history.
We are slowly making our way through "It's Always Sunny.." Umm. funniest show ever. We are on season 4. I couldn't not stop laughing at most of the shows in this season.
If you are a netflix user you totally have to watch "Bill Cunningham New York."
Probably the most intriguing person. He is a fashion street photographer for the New York Times. He seems like such a unlikely character for this job by appearances, but totally on top of his game with what is fashion. Such a great one to watch.

So glad its Thursday! Ready for the weekend ;)

Warm up with some soup

2012-01-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

I love soup. I like chopping each vegetable to put in the soup. I wanted to do a lentil soup, and when I saw 'Joy the Baker''s recipe for spicy lentil with chicken sausage I knew I was in luck. I didn't have chicken sausage, but I was able to find some chicken kielbasa as in Ina Garten's recipe. So away I went.
I didn't use Ina's tomato paste, leaks, or redwine. I didn't use Joy's sausage but used keilbasa. With those modifications, it was perfect for me and the fam.

One of my new years resolutions is to try more veggie dishes, and when soup is involved I get real excited. I have brussel sprouts on the list of veggies to make. I have never had them before, and I can't wait to try them out.

I really am wanting to make a tortilla soup or possibley a minestrone. I am a bit of a soup nut in the winter.
Warm up with some soup!

Happenings in pics

2012-01-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

Birthday girls

Sleepy dogs

A whole lotta princess cooking

And nintendo playing

Scones

2012-01-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, believe or not I have never made a scone before. Crazy I know. So the other week I bought some fresh cranberries and was in search of a recipe to use them when I came across several that I like but settled on testing out Ina Gartens's on food network. The orange glaze really drew me in. With this recipe I would totally go way more heavy on the orange zest. I only had cuties on hand so I opted to use those.
I believe I've only eaten one scone in my life, and I remember them having a hard texture. These, because of the butter you use (cough... 3/4 of a lb. cough) they are softer and more biscuitesque.
One modification I would do, add more cranberries and more orange zest, and then I think that would perfect them. Loved the cranberries for an extra tart taste to accent the savory buttery goodness.
Have a great day!

This Week..

2011-12-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

I have been really enjoying my new camera lately. I literally carry it around the house and take pictures. Testing out my different modes and lenses. I have made sure to relax to the max this week. The holidays seem to get the best of me more and more each year. By the end of the hustle and bustle, I'm ready to flop on the couch and zone out.
We started watching Portlandia, via the Netflix. Totally hilarious. I can't stop singing the Portlandia song over in my head. I love the way they characterize the different types of people, so funny.
Love this, I feel like this at times.

I have been reading another book by Lisa See, actually a continuation of "Shanghai Girs", this one is called "Dreams of Joy." I love how the story line followed into the next one so perfectly. If you enjoy different cultures and delving into the personal lives of the characters, you will enjoy her writing.
I took some various pics around the house I'll share.

I have been wanting to take pictures of the wonderful paper dolls that my father-in-law gave me. They are very old and in remarkable condition. I can't get over the colors. My fave is the monkey and the bear!

I also have a Blondie one as well. I definitly plan on framing them.
Have a great week!

Giftees

2011-12-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

Enjoying my new gifts. My husband surprised me with a new camera, a Canon Rebel T3, and a new house, the Neville house from CB2. Score!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday. We are all recovering from a flu, but are enjoying all of our fun gifts. There were muppet puppets, barbie pools, barbie tents, legos, playmobil, and all kinds a goodies. We woke up way to early, 4 a.m. for the kids. They couldn't make us get out of bed until about 5:30. Nuts, but the squeals and anticipation forced us to roll out of bed.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Merry Christmas From My Family to Yours!

2011-12-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Wow, long time

2011-12-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

This season has been busy busy. In between family visits, colds, a whole mess a baking, I've been too pooped to post. I have been doing a whole mess of baking, which I love having an excuse to do. I could bake all day if my kids didn't need to eat and be cleaned ;)
This week has officially started our winter break. Yeah! I am trying to figure out the specs for a snoopy dog house for our gingerbread house. Just need to do some measuring and such. I felt like I was getting a cavity just looking at the candy in the shopping cart that I bought to decorate with. Candy canes, skittles, dots, pull and peel licrorce, oh my!
I have some cranberry scones that I'm wanting to make this week. After I tackle this gingerbread house.
I have been having fun with my little unfinished apartment. I was thrilled to hear that the "I'm a giant" dollhouse challenge was postponed. I had high hopes to participate, but got very busy this season. I may and try and attemp finishing up my apartment now that I have a month to kick in gear. Knock on wood!
Here's some pics I've taken lately.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Brownies

2011-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

When in doubt, make brownies. I needed chocolate, and I wasn't going to take no for an answer. Just be prepared for the most intensely delectable taste explosion.
I used this recipe.

1 cup butter, melted
3 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2.Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
3.Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4.Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.

Enjoy them with a big ol' cup of milk.
When you bite into one of those chocolate chips, you will be even more excited!
I finished up my christmas ornmaments, and I'm pretty pleased with them. I am really feelin' the sequins this year. I have many memories of all the ornaments my grandmother had when I was a child.

Sequin Angel Set. They love to bat their eyelashes while wearing blue eyeshadow.

Retro Cat Set

Mr. Turtle

I love toy soldiers. Especially happy little soldiers to happy up your tree.
I wanted to go with happy cheery colors for this year.

I almost cannot believe that next week is Thanksgiving. How is this possible? I have a pumpkin cream cheese roll on the list of desserts. And I'm really planning on some sweet potato pie of some sort.
Go make some brownies!

Don't be Blue

2011-11-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

I have had blueberry muffins waiting to be made. I decided this morning, a rainy morning would be perfect to wash away those rainy day blues.
I have actually been rolling out of bed at a decent time this week, with the time change tricking my body. I usually like to get up a few minutes after 8, but now I get up a bit after 7, so needless to say, I had time to make some muffins!
Here's what you'll need, But, Double it, if you want them for a couple days, I Would!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Get oven going on 400 degrees. Put your muffin liners in or butter a muffin pan.

Mix flour thru baking powder in a big bowl.

Mix oil, egg, and milk together, then put into the flour mixture. Fold in your blueberries last. Pour into muffin pan. (It will be thick, so more like scoop)

When finished, mix sugar, cinnamon, flour and cold cubed butter in seperate bowl.
Get the mixture nice and crumbly, you don't want big chunks of butter on top. Top your muffins evenly with the crumbly mix.

Bake for 20 minutes depending on your oven. I think I might do mine for less time next time.
Now wash those rainy day blues away with that blueberry muffin.

I almost couldn't believed how expensive the blueberries were at the store, but I really needed to make these. Really almost 5 bucks for a bag, anyways.
So I used this recipe.
I tweeked a bit with a lower fat milk, and doubled the recipe.

I don't have a pastry cutter to dice up the butter. But I have found that if you use a whisk and keep your butter nice and cold you can chop it up fine with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon mixture.

Wha La, the crumbly delite on top is amazing.

I have heard of Kate Nash, but I had not really realized how much I love her voice!
I love the song Merry Happy. It is so darn catchy.

I am totally buy her album on itunes.
I've been working my little fingers off on Christmas ornaments. I am almost done with my collection. I have been sketching since the summer on ideas, then I have totallys scratched things several times. But I finally settled on the theme. They remind me of my childhood and the types of ornaments I loved the most.
I should be done by the end of the week. I can't believe how close Christmas really is. Cuurazzy!
Enough talking, go make some muffins!

Snickerdoodles are for Fridays

2011-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been able to get Snickerdoodles off the brain lately. What are these you ask? Surely you have had one. You may think they are similar to a sugar cookie, but let me tell you , they are oh so much more. I have not been graced with one of these since college, and well, that's been about 10 years, yikes.
Thats too long to go without a snickerdoodle folks.
So I went in search for the most well-loved snickerdoodle recipe. And this one did not disappoint. I usually never cook with vegetable shortening, I'm usually a butter purist. But for these, I felt that I must enter over. And I am glad I did.
I used this recipe.

When I came across this recipe by "Joy the Baker" I could not resist.
I a potato in many forms is good, but I had never made a Hasselback potato. Not to be confused with a Hasselhoff potato. They might get drunk and eat a cheeseburger. and we wouldn't want any of that here ;)
This potato has it all. Garlic, butter, salt, and olive oil. You can probably find all of these in your kitchen. Uhhmazing.

We had them with breaded pork chops, french style green beans, and apricot jam. I works at the perfect side, or on it's own!

I can't believe Halloween is on Monday. The kids wanted specific costumes this year so , I let them do just that. We have Mario from mario brothers game, Thomas the tank engine, and Batgirl.
I think on the list is pumpkin carving and apple turnovers for the weekend.
Have a great Friday!

The "Great Pumpkin"

2011-10-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

We went in search of the "Great Pumpkin" on Saturday. We made our annual trip to the patch. We went towards the end of the season so the search took a bit longer, but that's all the fun, right? We love taking the tractor ride out to the patch. We could leave either without some apple cider, mini pumpkins (gourds), and my first white pumpkin (gourd, i've wanted one forever), and the most delicious jalapeno cheese bread on the planet ( I just ate some!).
Next on the fall baking list, before october ends are apple turnovers. My husband has been demanding, I mean asking ;) for these for weeks. He is not a dessert bar person, as I am, so these are his fall fave.
We have been watching our share of Halloween movies this season. The kids are watching "Monster House" right now. This is a great semi-creepy kid halloween movie. I love it. It was made my Steven Spielburg, so you really can't go wrong.
My husband and I watched Rosemary's Baby the other night, and have Children of the Corn coming. I hope to watch "Corpse Bride" too. I love getting creeped out. Oh and we watching, via Netflix, Paranormal Activity2, super creepy. I love the haunted movies. I've heard the third is quite spectacular.

What have you been watching? Any yummy treats on the list to make?

Pumpkin Bars and What's Been Up So Far's (okay nerdy I know)

2011-10-25T11:13:00.002-07:00

So the blog has really been on the back burner lately. But all is good around these parts. Life takes unexpected twists and turns. Time is alot more scarce these days. I have been enjoying the fall so much this year. I have been discovering so many more pumpkin recipes. The newest in baking adventures is "Pumpkin Bars" adapted from my new fave cooking blog, "Joy the Baker." I added chocolate chips, omitted the nuts (allergies), and added coconut. They are oh so yummy. They stay moist, like a lemon bar, so don't worry if they come out soft, that's how they are to be.

I have been also slowing making progress on my submission to the "I'm A Giant" Challenge with Emily Henderson of Hgtv's Design Star. I so totally pumped for this. I been planning out what furniture needs to be made, and some touches that I will need to bring it all together. I knew I couldn't go big scale, I would never get it done by the deadline, December 15. The theme of my submission is a twenty something couple living in the city in their first apartment living a very eclectic lifestyle. I can't wait to get going on the furniture pieces. Assembling the rooms takes so long, with painting , sanding, and gluing. I finally got the pieces glued after several nights of painting. I now plan on sanding, touching up, working on window seals, flooring this week. I hope to get to work on the furniture this weekend. Knock on wood. I have been working on some new embroidery pieces that I sell locally, as well as planning for the holidays. Whew.
I love it all though. These things get me excited.
Here is the progress so far.

As you can see, there is very limited space. I am going to have a tiny kitchen area, small bedroom with a shower, and toilet, and well a small city apartment. I will take some work, but I think I can make it happen.
Well, off to the library we go. Have a great day!

Pumpkin Bars and What'

2011-10-25T11:13:00.001-07:00

Fall into Fall

2011-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

The weather has been heavenly lately. I've been trying to enjoy it in between teaching, sewing christmas items for my shop, embroidering, cooking, and being a mommy and wife. We plan on a pumpkin field trip this friday with our friends.

We had a really fun weekend, in which we started on Friday by traveling to Indi to visit the Carter's Toy Musuem. Really alot of fun for the kids, complete with a carousel, bumper cars, and tons and tons of coin rides.
The kids had a blast checking out all the cases and cases of toys.

We also did a bit of shopping. We needed to gear up for the season's changing.

Okay, half my post was deleted, bummer!
I will re-write it, some of it ;(
I was sharing how I came across the most amazing food blog the other day called "Joy the Baker." The recipes are endless, and her humor I love as well

I have cheddar broccoli soup on the menu this week. I have to say dinner is one of my fave meals of the day. I tend to splurge as far as calories and fat go. I am not a breakfast eater, just coffee. Lunch is my least fave meal of the day. I tend to eat tuna or deli chicken with hummus and veggies. Snacks usually consist of cheese, sunflower seeds, and a few pretzels here and there. Then my time to shine is dinner time.
Over the past year my husband and I have successfully weaned ourselves off of sugary drinks. I used to drink full sugar soda, juice, and eek I hate to say it, Kool-Aid (one of my childhood faves). And now I have worked my way off of diet sodas and drinks. I am now simply doing a lemon flavored stevia drink. It took us a little over a year to do it, but we are proud they we have slowly done it.
Next on the list is to grind my own grains for bread. I want to have the organic grains freshly ground for each loaf. I planning on hunting for a grinder near the holidays.
I have been trying to simplify the look of my blog today. I need to do some work on my header. I want just a simple font. Still trying to decide on it.

Okay now that I wrote this twice :0 I plan on crawling under a blanket and watching some Netflix. The added Wonder Years! One of my fave shows as a teen!!!

I'm still here

2011-10-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that fall is here. We have been going full swing lately. We had marked off apple picking on our list of to-do's for the fall, next will be pumpkin picking. We have really been having some nice cool weather. Perfect for boots, jackets, and leggings. Love it.
I have been cooking up a storm. Last week I made garlic naan bread for the first time. I almost couldn't believe how simple it could be.

I used this recipe. You have to use a cast iron skillet!
The week before last I made my fave Chicken Pot Pie. You can't go wrong with making your own crust. Simple and fast. I use the Betty Crocker cookbook for both the pie and the crust. Total comfort food!

As a miniature enthusiast I was really thrilled when I heard about the wonderful contest by Emily Henderson from "Secrets from a Stylist." It is a contest to design the most amazing dollhouse. You are the giant in a miniature world. I have already started building what I call a flea market enthusiast, city living couple. They live the city live in a small two room apartment. I have been sketching out what I have invisioned. I hope to build most of it myself. Except for some few minor detail I will have to buy. I can't wait.
I am on the hunt for a bunch of low-carb dinners this week. One of the list is some homeade Tomato Soup. Now don't get me wrong, I love me some campbell's soup, but fresh sounds even better to me!
I hope to make some carmel apples this week as well. We have to skip on the nuts due to allergies, but I may try something out with sunflower seeds.
I have been getting the itch to get working again on cross-stitch and embroidery again. I needed to take a break for a bit to just adjust to the school year and such. It has been nice to think about things that don't have pressure associated, like orders that have to go out. I want to make some holiday items, so that is on the list, but I also have some ideas for embroidery that I would love to try.
Have a great day!

Birthday Weekend

2011-09-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've had a nice relaxing weekend. This weekend was my birthday. We had a nice lunch, followed by some shoe shopping, and then I had some fun with my new desk and cabinet I made for my house.
I came across these booties last week and I couldn't stop thinking about them.

They are Blowfish, I have owned several pairs from them, and have never been disappointed. These are the "hatfield bootie."

I also wanted to try my hand at making whoopie pies. So I decided I wanted "carrot cake whoopie pies" for my birthday cake. They are super yummy. Now I'm dying to try them in chocolate!

I worked on a desk and cabinet based on an ikea style. I had wanted to make an accompanying cabinet with drawers but unfortunatly my neck got tweeked and I was pretty much crooked neck all week. I'm happy to say this weekend it felt light years better, right in time for my birthday. Here's some pics of the work in progress.

I started on working on a couch too! I can't wait to finish it. I just need to get some upholstery tape and I'll be on my way to finishing it up. It was actually alot easier than what I had expected. It takes time but well worth it. Thanks to MitchyMooMiniatures Tutorial!

We went apple picking for the first time last week. It was a family owned orchard. We went with our local homeschool group and had lunch, played tag, and fed ponies. Now I need to do some apple baking this week.

I have a roast in the oven with carrots and potatoes. A perfect end to the weekend!
Have a nice Sunday!

Busy Bee

2011-09-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well we kicked off our first week back to 'the ole' grind' as my son says. I am learning how to teach two kiddos now. It is actually going pretty well. I'm not going to say we don't get a bit fussy with each other at times, no worries though.
It will be nice to a three day weekend!
Tuesday night the husband and I had a date night to see "Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings." It was pretty awesome. They did not disappoint, and came out two more times for several more songs. If you have never listened to gillian welch, your missing out!

Her guitarist Dave Rawlings is pretty amazing as well!
I made some time this week to take some mini picks. I found these amazingly detailed guitars on ebay a couple of weeks ago and I was very pleasantly surprised when I got them in the mail. The detail is amazing!
I got an ovation and a gretsch guitar. I took a little studio shot the other day.

The other day while on Flickr I came across a link to a blog called "My Milk Toof." I was pleasantly surprised by the amazingness of the pictures and the little adventures of the milk toofs. Even more excited, they were made into a book.
The pictures are just too adorable. Seriously check it out!

I am planning on relaxing with a capitol R this weekend. I might work on some dollhouse related things but other than that, relaxing is on the agenda!
Have a great weekend!

A New Schedule/Orange Chicken Lo Mein/ Etsy Likes

2011-08-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

As our summer winds to an end, I've decided a new schedule must get in order. This summer I have been quite lazy as far as getting out of bed before all the critters converge on my room. I am just not an early bird. But I want to change this. The new schedule must start out at 7:00 a.m. No more 8:00. I officially started this today. Wake at 7:00, excercise for about 40 minutes, get a cup a', start the dishes (if not done the night before), kids are playing, make breakfast, vacuum, make beds, let the dog out, start school by 9:30.
I already feel better, and more awake to take on the day. We still have this week to finish out summer. I've ordered all of our new workbooks and wrote out some projected lesson plans. We start Latin this year, which I'm pretty excited to learn myself.
I made orange chicken lo mein last night. It was quick and easy. One reason being, I used La Choy orange chicken stir fry sauce. I didn't make it myself.
I used about 1 pound and 1/2 of chicken cooked in a few cloves of garlic. Chopped red pepper and onion. I cooked some frozen brocoli. Whilst I started boiling lo mein noodle, key to give the chinese taste. Once the chicken is cooked almost all the way , toss in your chopped red pepper and onion. After that cooks a bit about 5-6 minutes put a cup of the La Choy orange and ginger stir fry sauce. Let that stew for a few minutes and thickens up. Once it has thickened throw in your drained brocoli and your cooked noodles and toss. I have to say, it was quick, easy, and delicious. I am trying to come up with healthy yet fast meals for the school year.
I know I'm weird, but I really do love to slave in the kitchen. It's fun to learn new techniques, and try new meals.

I love Etsy for all the amazing artists of all sorts.
Love these earrings! I haven't worn earrings in about 2 years, yikes, but these colors by Toshisworld

I can't get over how amazing these necklace are by megjroberts

I absolutley love these espresso cups by jimbobart!

I love anything in mini form so when I saw this mini viking ship in a bottle by "tiny world in a bottle" I couldnt' believe my eyes!

Have a great day!

Closed, Until Further Notice

2011-08-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

Well I have had to make the decision. The decision about my Etsy shop. With the school year starting next week, I have decided it's time to take a break. It was hard making this decision, but if I'm going to be truthful with myself, it would be far too stressful. I have in recent months been a ball of stress. I hate how it makes me feel and act. I think this will be one less thing to harbor this feeling. Now, I can't imagine myself not making things, it's relaxing. and how my brain works. I hope maybe this time will renew me and maybe ever bring back an even more creative side. I plan on still selling locally, but on a nice slow paced scale. Ahhh, and can take deep breath now. I had originally started my shop to make some extra money for the family, and after talks with my husband, he was not at all opposed to it.
With this all said, I'm excited! I kind of want to start making stuff for fun again. I haven't done that in ages. I want to get a new craft book and work my way through some projects. I want to not have pressure or be on any time restraints. I want to make crafting fun again. Woo hoo! I said it.
I have been watching "Project Runway", and I am getting the itch to get clothes making again. I love making clothes. I know I have some requesting costume making coming up her soon, so I'm putting that on the sewing machine agenda. I was really excited when I saw these patterns from simplicity the other day "Lisette."

The styles are very nice and taylored.
I also need to make myself a nice handbag. I have been using a teeny one for awhile, so I thinks its time to make a new one.
That's all for now! Have a great day!

Oh My, I'm Still Here

2011-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, summer is really winding down to an end. I can't believe it's already a couple of weeks into August. We have been enjoying these last couple of weeks before our homeschool begins. I have been planning out what needs to be accomplished this year and buying different books here and there. This year I will be embarking on teaching two kiddos. I'm not too worried about it. That is why I am making sure to write down a lesson plan so I make sure I don't forget anything. I checked out a stack of books to help me with the planning.

We had a crazy storm over the weekend and lost power for about a day and a half. Not too bad. I was very thankful I hadn't gone grocery shopping. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather to not have power. We spent our powerless morning walking alongside the ohio river on our downtown walkway. It was fun.

We are going to the fair this weekend. We haven't been in about three years, and the kids are all old enough to enjoy the games and such. They have been telling us that they want to go on; bumper cars and the ferris wheel. I don't know about anyone else but I'm all for the food. I like all the little acts to watch around the fair as well. Oh, and funny enough, I really do love seeing all the farm animals!

I finished working on a new picture that I plan on putting in the shop. I just need to paint the frame.

Oh my I almost couldn't believe how delicious this recipe sounds "Carrot Cake Whoopies." Are you serious! Bye the way, I really am enjoying "Kit and Nancy." Such a beautiful blog! I found it thanks to "lucy violet vintage."

I was so excited when I heard about the exhibit they are showing at the "Mad Musuem" in New York titled "Small Realities" featuring various minature artists. Thanks to "call of the small" sharing, you can submit your own pictures in the gallery. It was pretty cool seeing mine on their site. Check it our here.
So neat to see other miniaturist that I know in the gallery as well!

The flickr group "Re-ment Addicts" was having a "back to school" themed contest, and I had so much fun trying to come up with a pic. I couldn't get the idea of packing lunches out of my head. As a kid, I looked forward to lunch all day. So I used my little bento box as the main theme of the picture.

Have a great day!!

Friday!

2011-07-29T06:59:00.001-07:00

I hate being a debbie downer, I really do, but this week has been exhausting. It's not like I can put my finger on one thing. Just one of those weeks. I think I need to win a vacation to a deserted island. I will lay in the sand and fall asleep. Yeah that sounds more like it.
Maybe I'll share some things that made me happy this week.

I would love to sit on that deck right into the forest.

I love the work of Laura George!

This card sold by Renegade Handmade in Chicago make me giggle this week. By the way, I visited when I was in Chicago and they have such a cute shop in a fun area. Check out some of the houses nearby, they are beautiful!

I love the way Saltwater Sandals look. I especially love the navy blue!

I'm a sucker for documentaries so the other night I was itching to watch one. I had saved "Last Train Home." If you buy things that are made in China, almost all of us do, this will open your eyes to their world. They follow one family and show the difficulites of leaving their children behind to be raised by the grandparents. You feel all the emotions of this family, and the raw emotion of the daughter who has grown to be angry against her parents. Really interesting.

Have a great Friday!

Hello! Mini's and Zuchini's

2011-07-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Things have been slow around here. I have been on the go this summer with the kids. I almost can't believe that July is nearing an end.
I have been working on a dresser for my house for a few weeks now. It had been sitting in pieces waiting for me to decide on some colors. Then it hit me the other day, the colors. I got to painting and glueing and finished it last night. I was so excited. I need to take pics of the drawers open too. They really are working drawers, crazy. This little project really did take some time. Mostly with the fitting of the drawers to be able to fit snuggly, yet be able to pull them in and out.

Next on the dollhouse agenda, I need to make a couch or chair of some sort. Also, some wall shelves.

The other week I had some zuchinni in the fridge and my husband has been telling me about fried zuchinni he used to eat as a teenager, so I wanted to give it a whirl, they were yummy.
Super duper easy, and great to do with a surplus of zuchini you may get this summer.
All you need to 2 or 3 zuchinni's, bread crumbs, flour,a couple of eggs, some parmesan in the bread crumbs, and oil.
Dip the zuchini in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, and place in the oil. Let them brown and then flip to the other side. When done, put on paper towel to drain, salt, and then put in the oven to stay crispy, in between batches.
I usually put the stove on 200 degrees and place the batches on a baking sheet while I finish the others to keep them crisp.
My husband insisted on ranch dressing on the dipping sauce, and it was really good. I only ate a few, I pace myself with fried foods, but we had some left over for the next day, and they were good too. I wished I would have taken a pic ;)

I'm so excited for the end of August, we have tickets to see Gillian Welch and David Rawlings here in town. Can't wait!

Okay, I've got some ladies who are waiting to play dolls. Have a great day!!

It's A Heat Wave

2011-07-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Really it has been a heat wave lately. We're talking 100's. We attemped to feed the ducks at the park yesterday, we did, but looked like we had taken showers by the time we got back to the car. I know the ducks appreciated the bread though.

I've been working embroidering up a storm lately. I had four orders on Monday. Cuuurazy! I am thankful though for the sales. As a stay at home momma, I like to be able to contribute to our finances, and its nice that I can do this and stay home with the kids. Plus its something I enjoy to do.

We've been staying cool and watching some old cartoon from when I was a kid. We have been watching "The Littles," "Duck Tale" (a woo hoo), and we finished watching "Inspector Gadget." I love those cartoons. I like seeing actual handdrawn cartoons. I like computer animated sometimes, but I'd rather see a cartoon any day.

I think the next thing on my list this summer to make is popscicles. I've never done that before, but it seems like fun. We do eat popscicles alot in the summer, but I'd rather not consume so many of the high fructose type.
Check this out. It's made for William Sonoma, a popscicle maker.

I can't even believe the popscicles that made with that thing. Check out their pics.
I will probably go the old fashioned route, but it is pretty cool.

Well I've got some littles that need attention. Have a great day!

Handmade Ravioli's OH MY!

2011-07-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

Well I was making out my grocery list the other day and ravioli's sounded good. In the past I had bought frozen one's, but they are quite lack luster. So I decided that I would go on the quest to make my own. They don't really take as long as what you might think, it's the freshness and end result that make it worth it. I wanted to start off easy and do a basic ricotta cheese recipe. I want to get a little more daring and fancy next time. I just used the "wiki-how" way to make the ravioli dough and the filling mixture. I really do want to get a pasta press to get it perfectly thin, but my rolling pin did the job. We had some leftover as well, they are good if not better left over. I'm so glad I made them.
I had some time to play with my dollhouse today, which was relaxing. We have been hanging out today. I am making a mexican pork, verde salsa, bean, cilantro soup. I know its summer, but this one has a fresh taste to it with a dollop of sour cream and cilantro. Yesterday we took the kids to mini golf (putt-putt as I like to call it) for the first time. They all had their own methods of playing. It was quite fun to watch. I forgot to take pics, but it was a lot of fun. My daughter would try to stop the ball and then scoot it into the hole.

I tried to do some sketching this morning, but I couldn't think, so I just decided maybe I needed to fiddle with my minis. I have several pictures that I've been working on, but I would like to come up with a few more before I have them printed.
I hope to sell some prints of my pieces soon. I love embroidering too, but some pieces lend to a drawing a little better. Hope to share soon ;)
We got the new Gillian Welch album. It is really good.
Have a great Sunday!

Poppin In'

2011-07-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

(I don't think this is what Danbo had in mind when I said I bought her a donut shop.)

We have been having a heat wave. Even though it's hot I am enjoying all the sunshine. I even made some lemon poppy seed bread yesterday. I used the Betty Crocker recipe. It's simple yummy! I just had some this morning with my coffee.

I had planned on posting yesterday, but it really was one of those mornings. For starters I was having zombie dreams all night long. Blame it on my "The Walking Dead." We plowed thru the discs. I have to be honest, I was never really sold on the whole zombie thing, but when I watched this A&E show, I was planning out what we would do if this happened. Truly convincing. So needless to say, I have still been having dreams about this. After a night of avoiding zombies I was woken with my littles growing pains, crawled back in bed, and the littlest didn't make it to the potty in time. Well the morning was quite the challenge. I think there might have been a bowl of cereal knocked over as well. Oh the woes of mommyhood.

Did you watch Sherlock Holmes mysteres on PBS way back when. They were an hour and a half long, and seriously entertaining. We have went back and watched all three. The wit of and intellect of Holmes makes the show very entertaining. The have it on Netflix streaming. (Angry at Netflix however this week!) One to check out.

I've been working on a dresser this week for the dollhouse. Complete with opening drawers. Not sure on the colors I want. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Have you seen the stitch genious of "Steotch." They are a husband and wife team of cross-stitchers with some hilarious patterns. They use some hip hop inspiration with old school designs, check it out.

I have got some games of Uno that need to be played. Have a great Thursday!

Ummm... Where has the week gone? A Food And Toys Post

2011-07-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

I had a crazy busy week. We had a great 4th of July with fried chicken, cloverleaf rolls, mashed potatotes, and cranberry sauce (I love the kind out of the can!).
I wanted to try and make some rolls from scratch so I came across a recipe that sounded quite amazing, and it was. I use All Recipes alot, they tend to have some pretty amazing recipes on there. I used this one. I decided to use one of the reviewers ideas to make these into cloverleaf rolls. I hadn't heard of these before, but it's really quite simple. You make thirty six balls with the dough the recipe makes, and put three balls in each muffin tin that has 12 muffin places. The turn out huge! But they are so so delicious. Here's the result.

They are so huge you really only want one. It's like eating three rolls.

As you know I sell some of my embroidery pictures on Etsy, and I had a crazy weekend, I sold five in one weekend. My shop goes like that. It will be slow, and then, BAM! Craziness. So needless to say I was an embroidering fool this week. I stayed up till 3 in the morning to get alot done the other night. No worries though, I got to get a nice little paycheck. It made me realize though how much I do love embroidering.

Okay the other day whilst surfing on ebay I came across the Re-ment Donut Shop. Someone had brought a few back from Japan and had one! It was a major impulse buy, but it was a steal. Unopened and only 4 dollars to ship!

Do you see how teeny tiny the chair is on the person's finger! Yeah, it's nuts.
I have really been loving the little buildings that tomytec makes. They sell some really neat one's too. The detail is quite amazing for how small the piece is.

I love anything Kawaii and one of my Flickr friends Grana Padano (with the best toys in the whole world) shared a game that is so so cute. It tests your chopstick skills. And it couldn't be cuter! The kids would love this!

Well I'm off to enjoy doing nothing. I may play a game of "go fish". Have a great weekend!

It's Friday? See, Hear, Taste!

2011-07-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, this summer is keeping me busy. We have been hitting the park early in the day and then we are kind of wiped out and do some reading, watching "Inspector Gadget", and eating alot of cool things. Ice cream sandwichs are the choice right now. They really are quite delicious.
Here's some things I like this week! I have never heard of "City and Colour" but I think this is my new favorite song called "The Girl." Listen you love it.

I don't how I came across this little parakeet , but I really want to make one. Love this!

found here

If you haven't visited Mitchymoo Miniatures, you have to see the beautiful piece she made form someone. It will stun and amaze you. It's a cabinet shelf unit with a fifties or sixties style. Wow!

This week I have been working on some more drawings and water colors. I even made time for my Danbo.

I have really been in the mood for coconut macaroons. I think might attempt to make some this week. I get recipes delivered to my email each day, and this one struck my fancy.
Oh my goodnes I forgot, when I was in Chicago I had 'Mango Sticky Rice.' I have never had this before, and I have not stopped thinking about it's amazingness. It was like the ultimate comfort food. I went in search for a recipe and found one that I think I might try.
It's fourth of July weekend. Not sure what our plans are, but it's a three day weekend! Have a great Friday!

Monday Monday Mini Post

2011-06-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had a fun weekend. I dropped my husband off in Cincinnati for a moped rally, then I headed another hour with the kids to visit my family. It was a nice day filled with popsicles, ice cream, pizza, and soda. The kids were in heaven. Sunday was spend relaxing, looking at kitties at the pet store, and finally getting to play with my room box. I have so many plans for things I want to build. I have alot of plans to be honest with you. I have a large mental list of pictures I want to work on , miniatures I want to build, christmas items for my shop, things I want to do with the kids this summer, well the list goes on and on. I have realized as a mom, life is pretty unpredictable, and as I get older my zest for getting things accomplished has been waning. It seems like lately by the time I have free time I want to fall asleep. It kind of weird how when I turned 30, I lost alot of energy. I don't like it. I feel like I need a big energy boost. So goes life. I realize that this time of my life will be busy. If all my list doesn't get accomplished today, there's always tommorrow, a fresh day.
I had fun setting up my room the other day. I love having all kinds of little knick knacks and bottles like a real room would look.

I even had a wonderful hand model. My five year old daughter wanted me to take a picture of her hand in the house. She was trying to sneak it in , in several shots, giggling. Finally I told her to pose her hand in the house. She was so careful and didn't even knock anything over.

Have a great Monday!

Friday: See, Hear, Taste

2011-06-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Weekend's seem to have been chocked full of things lately. I suppose that's what summer is for. We have moped rallies and visiting family in the works. I am really wanting to do some dollhouse work on Sunday. This week has whizzed by.
I wanted to share some things that caught my fancy this week.

Have you seen "Dear Photograph" before, it's quite amazing!

Have you heard the whole food's rap. It gets stuck in my head.

This recipe for chocolate cake really took the cake! It was delicous!

I love this print by "NanLawson" called the "Brainstormer."

On flickr this week my friend Susan was sharing her new found interest in friendshop bracelets. I made so many as a girl. It sounds like something that would be fun on a summers day. The designs are quite crazy!

found via weheartit

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday To A Special Girl

2011-06-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

How quickly five years goes by. My girl is the sweetest, most thoughtful, carefree, funny, loving, and beautiful joy. I made her a double layer chocolate cake, and she wants to go to Steak n' Shake for dinner. Sounds like my type of birthday too ;)

Good Morning Monday

2011-06-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

We had some ferocious storms last night, complete with children screaming, and the electricity going out. My daughter has to have a nightlight, so when she noticed it went out, and the thunder was roaring, she was not happy. Luckily the power was restored a few hours later, yippee.
We had a great weekend. We went to the zoo on Saturday and got to see the new bear exhibit. Let's just say, it was uhhmazing! We watched grizzly bears wrestle right in front of us. We also watched the polar bear dive for his fish. It was nice and overcast all day, so the whole day was enjoyable! We even got our pic taken with Spongebob! He was visiting the zoo this weekend.
Father's Day was wonderful as well. I made my husband a carrot cake (recipe i've shared before, and its amazing!) I also did my cast iron pizza with sausage and chopped onions. I have to say if you haven't made your own cast iron skillet pizza, please do! It's excellent! Dad had already gotten his gift a few weeks earlier, a new but vintage schwinn.
We didn't make it to the garage sale, the zoo was calling our name.
I had a couple of cups of coffee last night so that I could start working on watercolor with some of my sketches. I hope to here soon, knock on wood, to be selling some prints of my pieces, along side my embroidery.

Question?
For those of you who have had prints made of your works, ? Where is the best place to have this done?
The pic up top is the one I did last night. I plan on doing alot my sketches, and possibly using some of my older pieces for paintings as well.
My minis have been neglected for a couple of weeks now. They are calling my name.
Have a great Monday!

This Is Summer!

2011-06-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of fun this morning with "Polyvore." It actually makes shopping and putting outfits together a blast. I have been wanting some strappy sandals this summer, and I'm thinking I may be heading to American Eagle to get a pair. This sums me up well. Jean shorts, sandals, grilling, popsicles, and tank tops, that pretty much me in the summer. I have to admit, I just am not a girly girl. I have a hard time putting a dress on for fun. Special occasions are fine, and I like dressing up for those, but everyday, just not me. This is me.
I've learned, the older I get, at the ripe old age of thirty, that I want to be true to who I am. I could try and look or act like everyone else, or I could be honest and true to my likes, what makes me comfortable, and what I enjoy most. I think this is what I admire most in my husband. And we support each other in this way as well.
He always encourages me in my hobbies, and never thinks searching online for the perfect miniature television is crazy. He is into bikes right now. When he is passionate about something I love it, and I want to support it, and I enjoy seeing him enjoy his hobby or interests. I think this is what makes us not just husband and wife, but best friends as well.
We do the same thing as well with the kiddos. I like to see them excited and the wonder in their faces when something is intriguing to them. They are on a rolly polly or potato bug kick. They name them, have special containers they put them in while they visit, and then they release them into their natural habitat, the backyard. I think this is why I like homeschooling so much. I get to see them get excited about the things we learn.
We might hit up a gigantic garage sale tommorrow if weather permits. Father's day has chicken wings, pizza, and carrot cake in the works for a special someone. Then next week a special little girl will be five. Alot of celebrating.
Have a great day!!

Regular bloggin' with Egg Rolls

2011-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

via weheartit

It seems like my blog has been rather hit or miss lately. I would love to blog more. I want to even start like a theme for different days of the week so it keeps me on task. It's funny, even though I'm not a widely read blog I still love to blog everyday. It's like a online journal of sorts really. Do you feel that way? It's a little piece of me.
Last night I made egg rolls for the first time. They were delicous. I got some great recipe tips from my father-in-law a.k.a. "best cook ever." They were way easier than I had expected. Do you want to make them? I'll share my secrets...
Well to make the rolls this is what I used:
Store bought egg roll wrappers (I found mine in the organic section)
Bagged slaw mix (thinly chopped cabbage and carrot) you can chop yourself if you wish
1 pound Ground Pork
Fresh Chopped Ginger 2 tsp.
Chinese Five spice 1/2 tsp
Garlic Powder 2 tsp.
Fresh Chopped Green Onions (as many as you like)
Sesame Oil few dashes
Canola Oil for Frying

To prep chop a couple of tsp. of ginger. Cook your ground pork with the ginger, 2tsp. of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. of chinese five spice seasosing, green onions, cook until no longer pink.
Set the meat mixture aside when done cooking.
Now fill a pan or pot with as much canola oil as you think will fry these babies, and add some sesame oil to the canola, a few dashes does the trick, and let it heat. I wait until a drip of water will make it sizzle.
Now lay out your egg roll wrappers, place as much veggie mix as you like and pork, and roll it up nice and tight. I make about five then put them all in the pot. Fry them until they are a nice golden brown on each side.
A pound of pork makes quite a few, and we had plenty left for leftovers.
I served mine with some fried rice I made and plum sauce(store bought) for dipping. You could use sweet and sour as well.
Delicous! Oh and yes, a tip to keep the edges stuck together when folding, make a mixture of 2 tsp. water with 2 tsp. flour to make a paste, and dip your finger in that and wipe on the edges, it acts like an edible glue.
Let me know if you make these. You won't regret! You can get as fancy as you want too with the inside mixture. With kids, they are picky usually, but they actually enjoyed these! My daughter devoured the plum sauce like it was dessert.
Well I'm off to enjoy a beautiful summer day!

I'm Back! And Lots To Share!

2011-06-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

We had such a relaxing time. We did a whole bunch of walking, eating, and going to different little places. We really had to good time just utilizing how close we were to alot of things and walked almost everywhere. We did make our way to "Hot Dougs" where we stood in line for 2 hours for a hot dog. Now to most this may seem insane, but the sheer deliciousness of these dogs was quite amazing. And don't forget your cash, its cash only too. We tried several different ones. We did a "Paul's beer brat", the traditional chili dog, and the brat with garlic horseradish sauce and gorgonzola cheese (Wow!) So good!!! But the "Duck Fries" (fries cook in duck fat) were the star of the show. We even got some cheese to dip them in! Wow!

And Here's the line!

The first night we were there we didn't realize "Hot Dougs" closed at four o'clock so were immediatly yelped what to eat. I was in the mood for Thai food, so we found a little place called "Sticky Rice." I don't remember the last time I ate so much food. We shared a bunch of things so we could try alot. We had their spicy sausage, pad thai, green curry with chicken, spring rolls (wow!), but the star of the show was the "mango sticky rice." By the time I got to the dessert I was stuffed to the gills, but this was so delicous, I made room!
We really wanted to eat at a authentic "Chicago Style" pizza place, so we found "Lou Malinati's." I literally took us less than ten minutes to walk to. We went at lunch time and were there a few minutes before they opened at 11.

They had a miniature set of chicago at the Musuem of Science and Industry. It was hard to get a good picture, it was 'free day', so it was quite chaotic, but I did see the few things I wanted to. Thanks to "The Shopping Sherpa" I saw "Fairy Castle." It was quite amazing! Talk about taking a dollhouse to the next level.

We walked the "Magnificent Mile" or Michigan Ave. a few times. Here's my handsome hubby posing so cute on the street.

I hardly ever take pics of myself. But I thought this one was okay of the few my husband took. I don't know how, but I always end up looking angry in pictures. This one we took in the "Water Tower" building. They had a life size "Woody" made of legos. It was quite amazing!

We also went to the "Shedd Aquarium" the last day we were there. It was also a free day as well. I would definitly not go back on a free day, and just go when its normal admission. They wait was two hours. Too much for how little they let you see of the aquaruim for free. It was a beautiful aquarium however. Waiting in line was a beautiful view of the city. And the weather was nice too!
I didn't take pics of everything, but we did go to "Uncle Fun" a cute little toy shop with your classic fun toys for really cheap. I also wanted to visit "Renegade Handmade" which we did as well. It was neat to see it in person. Cute, and in a really great area too. The architecture was simply spectacular throughout the city. Oh and yes we walked to the Navy Pier as well. You can't miss that! Just the history behind it! I really did love Chicago. I will definitly go back. So many more places I would love to visit there!
Have a great day!

Mini Post!

2011-06-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

So I'm pretty excited for my Chicago trip. I hope to take a bunch of pics. I plan on eating, eating, and yes eating. I've been busy getting the kids going on their summer reading at the library, enjoying family, watching water gun fights, eating carmel apple suckers (have you had these before? They will shock and amaze you!), and enjoying some minis. I got my t.v. in , and I couldn't be more excited. I haven't seen one like this, complete with wood paneling on the front and an antenna.

I love how the antenna looks bent.
I've been working on some new pieces as well. As I was saying before about zen gardens I decided that I needed a mini one.

I made the little box, and then used toothpicks to make the little rake.
I also finished a white twin size bed. I plan on making some bedding for it when I get back.

I also got some of the Orcara fast food. I thought it would be suiting to eat fast food in front of the new t.v. I will take a pic of the bucket of fried chicken with all the fixin's. I really do like the fast food series they did. They even made a mini 2 liter of soda that looks like "Pepsi" but is instead named "Oopsi." So funny.

So I recently discovered faux aluminum sticker paper. I can't wait to make use of it. I have been wanting to figure out where to buy it, and I found some at Lowe's the other day. I might make a little kitchen cart with an alumninum top to it. I'm still planning on making a sofa here soon. I need to get some foamcore so that I can get it in the works. So many minis, so little time ;)
Have a great day!

Minis and Blogs

2011-06-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Where do the days go? I've been busy finishing up a school year, preparing for our trip, and working on my embroidery. It will be nice to get a break, and have some creative outlet time. I plan on making plenty of new dollhouse furnitures, sketching, embroidering, and even working on some Christmas ideas for my shop. I really want to make more ornaments this year. I made little soldiers last year, and they were a blast to make. It's amazing how, when the summer ends, it seems the holidays creep up surprisingly fast. If I can get organzied enough, I really really want to make time to do some screen printing. I have a hefty list of mental to-do's, but, it can't hurt.
We are anxious for our Chicago trip. Through some amazingly generous mopeder's we were able to get our hotel stay for a third of the price. A really nice hotel in the heart of Chicago. We are planning all my mini stops (thanks to the shopping sherpa), and eateries that we have been told about. I plan on indulging like noone's business. It really is hard to fathom not making meals, cleaning, or preventing toy fights for several days. I can't hardly wait! It's hard to leave them, but I know they will be in good hands, so that makes things easier.
I have been wanting a little television for my room box, and when I saw the Mimo Herbal Tea Shop television I knew they would be it would be the perfect look , complete with an antenna. Now I know we are all flat screen and all these days, but I love the old style look!

I also finished a little shoe shelf the other day. I just couldn't get the sizes perfect on this one. Not some of my finest work, but overall it does the job. I wanted this one black, instead of a stain. I like having next to the front door.

I even included a thermos, bento box, and purse, ready to go by the door. I love that re-ment set. The bento box is very detailed.

I recently found MitchyMooMiniatures, and I couldn't love her blog more! She has an amazing tutorial on making a couch, which I cannot wait to work on when I get back. She also has an awesome giveaway going on too!
Also another amazing blog I have found is BRINJA KOBENHAVN. Seriously check out her miniature section. She made a room box that is the exact replica's of her home. She uses recycled materials on most of her pieces. I could look at her blog forever. She has a beautiful workshop and store in Copenhagen (from what I've seen on her blog!)
I love it when I find new blogs.
Have a great weekend!

Games, Face Painting, And Zen Gardens

2011-05-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

We had a nice weekend. Sunny with a bit of rain. I felt like I did a whole lotta nothin'. Which is fine by me. We looked at few garage sales, but didn't find much that fancied us. We went in search of some Wii games at our fave used game store, and I found the most amazingly fun game, "Sushi Go-Round." First of all I love, sushi (I'm a wimp, cooked), and I love games such as these, where you have to be thinking ahead. I played it when the kids went to bed for like an hour, and had a blast. I can see this turning into a ritual

Zen gardens have been popping up alot lately. My son and I have been learning history around the world, and we read about how zen gardens began and such, which was quite interesting. Then I wanted an "Independent Lens" on PBS called "Queen Beetles" and then talked about the philosophy. Then yesterday whilst watched "Sunday Morning" they had a whole segment on Zen gardens. They are quite beautiful and peaceful. I am really interested in creating one. As being a miniature finatic, the idea is quite appealing.

I am loving the minis by Orcara. I bought a couple yesterday, just because of the sheer deliciousness of these sets. Fried chicken, in a bucket , too awesome!

I love the burrito!

We went to my husbands work picnic, the kids had a blast, breaking a pinata, and they even had a face painter, which my daughter was excited about. She meowed the whole way home.

Have a great Monday!

Wednesday, What What

2011-05-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report, we have had a normal week this week. The week started off great. When I woke on Monday, checking my email as I normally do with my cup of coffee, I get my Craft Daily, and started reading the weekly roundup, when I was so excited to see my little entertainment center I made. How sweet of them to post it.
Here's the link. It made my morning.
I made a little breakfast nook over the weekend as well. We had a rainiy weekend and it was the perfect day to fiddle with my minis.

If you notice on the table it is a mini "laughing cow" cheese. They call theirs bull, funny. I had to have this when I saw it, it's made by megahouse. I love those little cheese's so naturally I was thrilled to get it. They each come out individually as well.
My little table and stools were a quick little make. I did them super basic, with just the natural wood. I thought about painting the stools, but I kind of like them natural wood.
I almost couldn't believe as well that a local shop "Hey Tiger" that sells my embroidery, the sweet owner emailed me and told me that someone came in and bought four of my pictures! Whoa! I literally had just made a batch and dropped them off the day before! I am hoping this summer I can get the wheels a turning again and come up with some new ideas. I have some that I have been rolling around in my brain, but just haven't had the time to work on as of yet.
My husband and I have been wanting to start silk screening some pictures this summer. We have been keeping a running list of ideas we have come up with. He has a funny creative side that comes up with the best ideas. With big projects such as these, he has a way of problem solving thinking that I just don't have, so I love it when he can help me figure out the kincks. One summer a few years ago we worked on making sock monkeys together, and we had such a good time. I really enjoy working on fun projects together.
Have a great day!!

Long Week My Friends

2011-05-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

I have had one of those weeks. You know what I mean. Just a 'week.' I was under the weather with some sort of flu, then my husband had a meeting to be out of town for (I think the kids have a "act as crazy a possible" clause when they know he'll be gone all day), then my poor husband got food poisioning and was ill all day friday. It was l-o-n-g! Needless to say, I'm still alive. I made it.
I forced myself to make sometime for my hobby in the evening. It is my time to get lost and enjoy my toys. I finished working on my little entertainment cabinet.

I also took some morning shots with some natural light. I have been wanting to take some shots with the upstairs of the room box. It has a really pretty picture window and then a circle window on the side. I have so many more plans for these rooms, but alas it takes time. I have to say, which I've said before, the whole process is very enjoyable and relaxing.

I think that the whole world would be a better place too if we took a ride on the gravy rainbow every once in awhile.

My husband shared this video with me, and the song is so catchey!
Have a great Saturday!

Momma Weekend

2011-05-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

I had a great Mother's Day. I hope all those momma's out there had one as well. I woke up around 10 a.m. I can't even tell you the last time that has ever happened. My husband kept the kids incredibly quiet, it was amazing. I woke up to a gift and cards from the kids. They even wrapped the gift in coloring book pages, I loved. They all decided that the one gift that I talk about all the time was a "Waffle Iron." I seriously do. Everytime I go to Target I talk about these. Not to mention all the waffles they will enjoy. I had to use it too. I made waffles for dinner to test it out. They were delicious. I can't wait to get real zany with the ingrediants. I also have some "mini cameras" coming my way too! And to top it off I got some new vans in blue! What more could a girl ask for, a fun kitchen gadget, new shoes, and toy. Three of my most fave things.

Last night we watched the movie "The Fighter" with Amy Adams, Christian Bale, and Mark Wahlberg. I have to say, it was very entertaining. I didn't realize it was based on a true story, which made the movie all the more entertaining. Very well acted. Definitly one to put on your list.

Have you watched "Bob's Burger's" on Fox? Completely hilarious! I don't even really get into cartoon comedies, but this one cracks me up every single time.

I have been working on a new furniture piece. I built a little enterainment cabinet. I plan on glueing it together this week.

We are getting some summertime heat this week. Which is fine with me. I'm enjoying having the windows open!

Have a great Monday!

If I had a wishlist of toys....well I do

2011-05-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping a mental wishlist of toys for several years now. Everytime I spot one on flickr or ebay, my heart flutters. I thought I would share some, and if you ever spot them, hightail it to my email address and tell me! Pretty Please!

Okay, number one, simply because it's cute, and my flickr friend "Tada's Revolution" made me want one several years ago, the "Koeda chan mini treehouse." I love this little thing. I have spotted the larger one's on the bay, but they are way out of my price range.
I just came upon a shop selling them. Oh, drool. I don't know what it is, but I love these.

(Link to harapedoggybag)

Another holy grail is the 'Lundby Stockholm' Dollhouse. I Love Love This!
I believe its the model from the seventies.

(source and history)

Finally another toy that I love love, is Treeson. I haven't been lucky enough to get one in a blind box, but I love these little guys!

I don't think I'll ever stop loving toys. I think my kids like this addiction I have as well. They get excited everytime I get my little packages in the mail. I (or rather my girls) have gotten addicted in the past couple of years to collecting the little hello kitty buildings that Target sells. My girls benefit from my obession with all things mini. I get excited as well with my son and his legos and playmobil. We have a shop in town the sells literally all the sets. Another exciting mini adventure.
Have a great day!

Friday...Yay!

2011-05-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

I recently got my own iphone , and I really do love it, especially for just quick checking for emails, blogs, and googles. I do love the picture quality as well. I will have to start taking and posting pics from my phone. Do you have one?

Yesterday was Cinco De Mayo. Its a holiday recognizing Mexican pride and heritage. In celebration last night we went to our fave little mexican family owned taco place, "Luna's." I have to say, they are amazing. We got our fave tacos, with pork, and the kids did a half chicken meal, complete with rice, amazing beans, and their delicious corn tortillas. The make the most amazing mole sauce on the planet.

This weekend is Derby weekend. While I have never been to the races, I have been to Churchill Downs for a tour. If your out and about you may spot a celeb or two at the eateries. We spotted "Mr. Peterman" from Seinfeild a couple of years ago. You have to have a mint julip I suppose as well ;)

On the topic of cameras, I have been on the hunt for some small scale ones. I recently got a Pentax one in pink and blue, but it's quite large. But I did come across a set of cameras that are a decent size, they are keychains, which I would modify.

(ultrafineonline)
Pretty sweet, huh?
I love the mini holga's as well!

I'm hoping to start doing some garage saling here soon, now that the season has officially started. My husband is in search of a bike. He has started biking to work. The great part is that when we bought our house when intentionally looked close to where he worked so that he easily ride his moped and now bike. With gas prices, it really is the economical thing to do.

Have a great Friday!

Busy Like A Bee

2011-05-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Things have really been quite busy around here. You think that when the kids are babies your more busy(which you are), but it seems quite the opposite lately. With no naps, they are ready to go all day, which keeps me moving all day.
We have been enjoying having my brother in town, playing nintendo, our new Wii, eating our fave pizza, and just having some fun times.
We are planning out our ten year trip. I think we are settle on Chicago. We can drive there quickly enough, yet go to a city we haven't visited yet. Does anyone have any cool places to visit or eat? I want to find some cool shops. I can't wait to relax and do nothing. Thanks to my mother-in-law for watching the kiddos for several days. Ugh, I can't wait!
And this town is simply amazing! You have to watch the video. I love how each artist has their individual styles and character. You have to watch this!
t

No Place Like Here: Marfa, Texas from Etsy on Vimeo.

I have finished the floor boards on my room boxes. I have to start putting together some themed rooms. I want to go with a certain time period, one that I'm familiar with. I can't wait to start collecting ideas and pieces.

Well, I hope all is well in bloggy world! Have a great day!

Rainy Days = Lazy Days

2011-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

We have been having some rainy days around here. Yeah I know the saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers," but come on people. When it is gray outside, I want to crawl under a blanket. Nothing wrong with that.
We had a great Easter spent with family. A whole lotta taco goodness and Wii.

Do you like SpongeBob? We can't stop watching him lately. I really love nerd spongebob.
I love this tee.

I had spotted a "I Love Nerds" Hello Kitty sweatshirt at Forever 21, but when I went back to find it I couldnt' find it. Bummers. Does anyone know where I could find one?
We have been thinking about our 10 year anniversary trip coming up. I almost can't believe in June my husband I will have been married ten years. We were just a couple of young birds. We haven't yet officially decided where to go, but just the thought of a vacation sounds amazing. I really dont' care what I do. We are still best friends and laugh at with each other all the time.
Have a super day!

What the...

2011-04-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have just not been much of a bloggy mood lately. Life has busy, and quite tiring these days. I have been spending my evenings working more on my house. Staining and cutting angles for window trims. Right now I am in think mode on what I want these too look like. Are they studio apartments? Is this a townhouse? I think once I pick a theme I can get a better vision. I'm so anxious to move forward but am in think mode. It's fun nontheless. I mean, I get to design my own place for a fraction of the cost.

I made some amazing coffee cake the other day. I can't find the link to it, but lets just say , this one's going in the book. Do you have a book? I have a recipe book that I write my personal fave's in. Once I come across one I love, I want to make sure I can make it time and time again. Then I put it in my stack of little cookbooks under the sink. This recipe is super duper easy. I made it the day before so that I could just wake up and enjoy it. I will have to keep looking for the link to give credit, but here's how to make it.
1/2 cup of softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 cup sour cream, I used 2
The Topping (I doubled, do double I tell you!)I will give you the ingrediants double.
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
Prepare the toppings first, then preheat the oven to 350. Grease and flour the pan. I used an 8 by 8 inch but you can use a bundt pan. Sift the dry ingredients. Combine the sugar and butter. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in sour cream. Pour half the batter in the pan and then top with half the topping. Pour remaining batter in pan then the other half of the topping.
Bake 45-50 minutes. Check toward the end depending on your stove, and when a toothpick comes out clean, it's ready to eat, or save for the morning.
You won't be disappointed.

Here's a pic of my handiwork. My brother said I'm turning into a little "Norm Abrams." He's a PBS carpenter, except I'm on a mini scale. I did the trim on the doors and stained it, and I put in base boards and painted them white. It's quite fun.
I can't believe it's Easter this sunday. We plan on doing a easter egg hunt in the morning. We have tradition of putting little toys, such as dollar store toys in plastic eggs and then they have to find them. I put candies and one toy in the basket for a little treat. I really do love easter candy. I love jelly beans, chocolate of course, and well, I think I just love candy.
I bought the Lykkie Li album "Youth Novels" on Itunes, and I seriously cannot stop listening. Her voice has similarities to Cindy Lopper, Joanna Newsome, just so pretty. I'm probably way off describing it, but the first time I heard one of her songs I thought of Cindy Lauper.
I plan on laying on the couch and watching another Hayao Myasaki movies. I can't remember the name now, but it looks good.
Well off to do my lying on the couch. Have a great night!

What I Remember

2011-04-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you lived in the states, or even abroad , do you remember "Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings." I started remembering the song this morning and thinking how it would be so cool if someone sampled it.
I seriously love the words as well. I think I could sing it all day.

Well you know my name is Simon,
and the things I draw come true,
Oh the pictures take me, take me over,
Climb the ladder with you.

Well you know my name is Simon,
and the things I draw come true,
Oh the pictures take me, take me over,
Climb the ladder with you.

I also wanted to share some pics of my desk I finished.

I was pretty excited how it turned out. I have all kinds of ideas that I want to build next. I really need to put some baseboards and curtains and pics up in my little house. With time. I'm having so much fun learning how to build in small scale.
Have a great Wednesday!

Ice Cream Cones and Air Conditioning

2011-04-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend filled with ice cream cones and even air conditioning. We had record heat yesterday. It was supposed to get close to ninety, not sure if it got there, but it was toasty out there.

I am almost done with a desk I have been building for the dollhouse. Can't wait to share it! Just got some glueing to do.

I'm really looking forward to the drive-in movies. Have you been? It's a blast. It's officially one that you drive in your car and hang out with lawn chairs eating greasy snacks, popcorn and even deep fried candy bars (never had one, but would love to try.) It is great for the kids, because they can talk and move, unlike a movie theater, where they can't sit still.

I have been listening to alot of Arcade Fire lately. I really can't get enough.

I'm really looking forward to doing some grilling. Kebabs, corn on the cob, peppers, burgers of course. I love grilling so much. Just the flavor.

I'm really wanting to get some
Vans for the summer. I really want some navy blue.

Well that's all for now! Have a great Monday!

Over And Out

2011-04-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel like saying, "Over and Out." By this I mean, your just tired, don't feel like doing much, and want to sneak back in your covers. While I had a good day, not anything disasterous happened, we played at the park, I worked on some dollhouse related things, I just feel tired. Like I need a tropical vacation. Some days are busy as a mom to three. Dishes, meals, baths, playing, cleaning, stopping fights, falling asleep while reading books, oh, yes and teaching my seven and four year old. I don't want this time to go too quickly when they are little, but then I also look forward to the quiet time when they go to bed. Do you hear me here? I guess this is just a busy time of my life. I think I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed. I think that all goes with being human. I just finished a book tonight called "Girlfriend In A Coma" by Douglas Coupland. The book starts off a bit slow, makes you wonder what the point of getting to know all these characters are and their messed up lives. Then by the end, I was in a whoa state. After feeling overwhelmed with my day and reading the ending of this book, it really made me put things into perspective. The narrator of the story asks some questions, I won't give too much away, here's a few.

Why do people not particularly care about their ancestors more than three generations back?
How can we begin to think of the future as something enormous before us that also includes us?
Why are we unable to think of any real future beyond a hundred years from now?

The answers to these really to me boil down to one thing. I, along with most people think about the here and now. Which is human, we have to a certain degree. But there comes a certain point where we have to care about what our ancestors left behind and what we will leave behind in the future. How will my here and now affect my then. Sometimes days go by in a blur, busy, going from one situation to the next. I want to think about what impact I will have on my kids, my future grandchildren, and the world as a whole.
Wow, I think I just put my whole day into perspective. I think I blew my own mind.
I'm not always serious on my blog, but every now and again, I like share a piece of whats going on in this brain of mine.

I finished a dollhouse bed. I did a basic modern style. I used a dark stain for something different. I even carved the little legs. I love the legs on furniture from the fifties and sixties. So that is what I wanted for my bed. The pic at the top is my bed.
Okay, hopefully I didn't scare you away. Have a great Wednesday evening!

Well Hello..

2011-04-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

"Ladies First."

We had a really nice weekend. We decided we would take a little road trip and visit the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. It is just about an hour away, and it was a gorgeous day to visit, with temperatures in the seventies. We visited a little hometown restaraunt in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and then headed the park. I think Abraham Lincoln was one of the most amazing presidents we have had to date.

This we have our homeschool spring break. It's been nice just playing and enjoying th weather we are getting. I can't believe it will be summer before we know it.
We take all the typical breaks that schools do. We need breaks too ;)

Yesterday I was super excited to spot a tomy smaller homes kitchen set, new in the box on ebay. Better yet, it was a buy now. I don't have much luck with bidding, usually goes above and beyond what I want to spend, but this was the perfect price, and still in the box, crazy! I have been looking for one for sometime and this was the perfect fit.
I finished cut out my pieces for a bed for my house. I just have been too busy to do the staining of the wood. but I can't wait to do it. It is a bit trickier than what I expected, but I'm not willing to give up. I know over time I will get the hang of it.
I am planning on making a little coffee table as well.

Okay, we are having too much fun checking on the little eaglets in Norfolk Virgina on the live feed. You can watch the nest of a bald eagle family. There are three chicks in there. You get to see them eat, and interact. It's quite amazing. Here's the link. It's quite addicting to watch, if your a nature person. The kids love it!

Have a great Tuesday!

Friday Never Felt So Good...

2011-04-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

So I am doing a few minutes of relaxing. We did taco night and then I am making some cinnamon rolls for the morning. I love to make these from scratch. They are just delectable. I like to make them every couple of months, so as to not over do them.
The other night I was doing some embroidery work when this song comes on by Likki Li.
I had never heard of her, and now I am a huge fan. Her voice, the beats, very fun to listen to.
This song "Little Bit" is pretty amazing. and will get stuck in your head.
"Dance, Dance, Dance" is another I simply love.

I can't believe I have never heard of her before! Crazy good!
I really do hope to get started on trying to make some of my own dollhouse furniture. I love the thought of sawing, staining, and making little intricate pieces. Totally up my alley!
I can't believe its the first day of April.
Today when Etsy sent their email to me, I could hardly stop laughing at some of the items, so I thought I would share.

by Cinda

This button really made me giggle.

by theangryrobot
Also by the angry robot
A take on the "Keep Calm And Carry On." Totally my type of humor.
Have a great Friday!

Recipe.. Indian Chicken Masala....Delicious!!!

2011-03-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

How is it almost Thursday? This week had gotten away from me.
I got one of my dollhouse boxes finished. Yeah. Now I just how to figure out stairs, wallpaper, carpets, windows, well alot I suppose. I plan on working on it here and there.

I still need to do some touch-ups and all but, overall its complete to get decorating. I even scored a solid wood table to keep all my minis and dollhouse, and at $25, I couldn't pass it up.

I spent a whole evening cleaning up and clearing out space for my newest addition to our family room.

Okay I tried another new dish. I didn't take pics I was just too hungry and ready to eat.
I made chicken masala or known as "creamy chicken" at most indian restaraunts. I love this dish and have been wanting to find a good recipe for some time. I have found a keeper.
Here's the link
Some minor changes I made, were, the recipe calls for way too much salt. I just added a pinch of salt, all the seasonings add enough flavor.
I only used 1 teaspoon of red pepper, to make this kid friendly, yet still have a bite to it.
I didn't use jalapenos.
I didn't grill my chicken, I just did it on the stove-top.
I served it over Basmati rice once again, with pita and hummus on the side.
The kids loved it! Definilty one to go in the old cookbook.
We have been having some damp, cool, rainy days around here. Where did my sun go?

One Question? Do you have a cast iron skillet?

2011-03-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have recently embarked on making my own pizza's, calzones, and now my friends, cast-iron skillet deep dish pizza. Yes. I came across this recipe on "From Scratch" and followed the link to here.
I wish I had taken pics, but I was just too hungry. I made it a deep dish meat lovers pizza, complete with italian sausage and pepperoni's. It says it's a large pizza. It fed my family of five, but if your planning on serving adults you would probably want to make a couple. So you would want to make two doughs, and double the cooking time if you have only one cast iron skillet.
The cooking time says 18 minutes, but I think I would recommend less. Really check it around 15 minutes.
I have had my cast-iron skillet for awhile now, and I am so excited I used it. I can forsee so many more pizza this way. You get a really good crust, which I love

I made my lentil soup the other day, and I'm proud to say, it turned out really tastey. I would like an extra kick though. We used to have a favorite lebanese place that we went to, and there was something in there that gave it a spicey kick. I swear it was a green onion. I may try this next time. This soup really makes good leftovers. With a nice crusty bread, it is perfect.
Here's the recipe.

I added my pic at the top of Danbo enjoying his cigars. I recently bought this set , it is an Orcara. I haven't bought these before, but I thought it was really well made, and the detail is good too.

Have a great Saturday!

Okay, You So Have To Make This!!!

2011-03-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

It seems my meals have gotten into a bit of a rut as of recently. You know how you have few staples you make for dinner, and while their good, they kind of get overused. It's just easy sometimes. Usually every week we have tacos, but in order to make them a bit different I will do a different meat to switch things up. Or do enchiladas. Now that the weather is changing a bit I am trying to come up with ideas to not turn the stove on as well. Okay, enough rambling on, I made the most amazing indian chicken curry dish! I have been wanting to find a good curry for sometime now, but I tryed awhile ago and haven'nt tried again. So as usual I searched them web, read reviews, until I landed on Tyler Florence's recipce. We used to always watch his show when we had cable, and he would make the most amazing meals. This recipe did not dissappoint. Here is the link!
Serve this with some pita bread and over basmati rice, and your wildest dreams of curry with come true. Okay, maybe not. Okay , I did make some minor changes to the way I made this.
I didn't do his whole ghee procedure, I simply melted butter and cooked my onion and garlic, and I added powdered ginger because it was too pricey.

Next thing I changed was I used a store bought curry powder, I didn't make my own.
Next I didnt' use fresh tomatoes, although they would have been just as amazing, I bought a can of whole tomatoes and chopped them myself.

I served mine over Basmati rice. A must. I love the aroma of this rice too.

Another thing I did different is, I cooked a whole chicken, because I seriously love the flavors that come from cooking a chicken rather than the chicken breasts. The chicken seperates better and has a hearty taste. So with that, I didnt' cook my chicken raw in the sauce. This is a time saver if you cook it before hand. All these things simply saved me time. Except for cooking the whole chicken, thats optional. My husband took the leftovers to work today, jealous. There was only enough for one extra serving. Later this week we are supposed to get some cooler weather. I have been really wanting lentil soup, I know why didn't I make this when it was colder, but I really want lentil soup. I found a really good lebanese recipe that I will let you know how it turns out.

Okay, I have some crazy kids to wrangle up. Have a great Wednesday!

Enjoying The Open Windows

2011-03-22T11:54:00.001-07:00

We have been having some off the hook weather lately. We're talking summer weather. Just what I asked for!! I love having the windows open and hearing the birds, kids playing, and dogs barking. I even got out on my moped this weekend. I have a 1980 Puch maxi, which I love. My husband put a new engine on it so it zips so fast around the neighborhood. Not techinically moped speed which is around 30, mine goes upwards of 42.

One of my flickr friends Snikey! is doing an amazing raffle to raise money for those in need in Japan. She is offering up some amazing Re-ment miniatures for just $3 dollars a ticket. All proceeds got to the Red Cross. She made a beautiful picture for the raffle (featured at the top of my post). It ends on March 27th. You can find the details here on the Re-ment Fan Club blog.

I finished a piece last night. I have been pondering this one for some time and it finally hit me what it needed. This piece really was inspired by thinking about others, whether it be those affected by disaster, or simply family that I can't easily get to and visibly share my love. It shows the love letters that we send from our heart.

Have a great Tuesday!!

A Song for You..

2011-03-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

I was sketching and doing some piece work when this song came on by "Band of Horses" called "The Ends Not Near." Really good song. Check it out ;)

I have a running list right now of new music I want.
Thought I would share one I liked today ;)

Toy Exhibit ....

2011-03-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

We went to a toy exhibit at our history musuem. I have been wanting to go see this before it ended, so my husband took a day off, and we did a little field trip to the musuem today. Of course I love toys, so this was super exciting. I could stare in those cases for hours. I took some pics too.
We had fun there and then did a bit of shopping for some spring clothes for the kids. Then we went to a really fun toy shop in town that literally has like a ton of Playmobil toys. We love Playmobil. The best part is they sell the indivdual boxes of all diffrent characters for only $4 dollars. So the kids had fun picking out a person. My son found a magician that is pretty awesome.
We are having some amazing weather today. Summer weather.

Lastnight I started watching Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyasaki. It is beautifully done. I have to finish it this weekend. It is over 2 hours long. After a long week, I started to fall asleep. The story line is quite interesting. The forest is warring against the humans that are taking over their land. It is definitly not a kid cartoon, but for adults.

We also rented "Legend of the Guardians" for the kids. It look interesting enough. We like to do a movie night where we sit in front of the t.v. and eat dinner, and then popcorn. The kids love it. I found some plaid t.v. trays at the thriftstore last year, three too, that they can sit with.

I hope to get some more painting done on my dollhouse this weekend, and possibly assembling. I want to do another coat on the outside. I have been really liking the idea of making my own dollhouse furniture. I love small scale things so I thought it would interesting to experiment with. I went looking for books in this arena when I came across "The New Dollshouse Do-It-Yourself book." It sounds like something that will be a really big help. I found it used online, so I can't wait to check it out. I recently came across Lene Dragon on Flickr ,and her amazing creations. Her bachelor pad kitchen is simply amazing. You would never know it is miniature. Seriously check it out!

Have a great Friday!!

I Hate Digital Scales....

2011-03-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

My husband recently decided we needed to update our scale. He has recently lost some weight and he wanted to go digital. I hate digital. You wanna know why. The good ole' fashion one made me weigh less. Stupid Technology! ;)

An awesome blogger Estelle from Curbside Style nominated me for a Leibster Award. It really made my day. The LBA award aims to spread the word about great blogs with less than 300 followers. Made me smile.

I got a mini in the mail today that I have been wanting forever. It's from the
Re-ment Candy shop series. Ring Pop!

It comes with a bunch of other fun pieces, but this one was my fave. And I even happened to have a ring pop in the cabinet.

Recently one of my favorite miniature enthusiast, collector of miniatures, bloggers "Call of the Small". was featured in "Ladies Home Journal"
with her amazing miniatures. They did an article about decluttering your space. It was a great article. The best part was the use of miniatures that they used to represent the real things. I had to have the magazine, so I picked it up at the grocery the other night.

We had sunshine today. What a difference that can make on my attitude. I opened up the back door and got some fresh air in. I had to let all the germs escape.
Tonight I plan on watching "Sketches of Frank Gehry." He is an architectural genius.

Have a great day!!!

Another Rainy Day... Really?

2011-03-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

We are getting quite alot of rain lately. On the plus side, it's looking really green outside. The negative, I need some sun! With having some sicky's around here, and the gloom outside, I'm just really blah lately. When I'm like this, I don't really want to cook or do much at all. Last night I needed to go shopping before dinner, so something quick was in order for dinner when I got home.
Dinner consisted of waffles. Yes waffles, eggos to be exact. With everyone just feeling under the weather, the fastest and probably the only thing they would actually eat while not feeling good, was waffles. I have to say, they were great.
I haven't had waffles in ages.

I need some motivation. I need to get pumped. I feel like compare to last year, my energy level has fallen. I'm not sure why. I used to be able to go a full day, and then craft, or sew into the wee hours of the night. Not so much lately. Maybe 30 really brought down the energy level. I even have coffee sometimes after dinner in hopes it will keep me going. And still it doesn't always work.

Wow, I really sound like "Debbie Downer" over here.

Have a great Tuesday!!

2011-03-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have been m.i.a lately it seems. We have had some sickys around here. My youngest is sick today. She wasn't herself all day yesterday, which made me think something was coming. Poor thing was up last night with a fever. So I was up most the night, cooling her down. I believe I got a couple of hours of sleep.

We did have a great day yesterday though. We visited with family, had some of our fave pizza (Spinelli's), did some window shopping, talked, played nintendo, laughed, made bacon, and popcorn, ate some carrot cake (my fave recipe again!), and talked some more. It was really a great day! Oh and I even got the most amazing measuring cups I've ever seen and a new Belle and Sebastion cd from my brother and sister-in-law. What have I done to deserve this ;) I like days like that.
Here are the measuring cups. Just awesome!

While we were out I got a new little figure. Her name is Cute To-fu. She is part of the Play To-Fu Alphabeto-fu series. Isn't she cute?

Have a great Monday!!

What a Week..

2011-03-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

The week started off normal enough, but by the end of it, today, I'm exhausted. I woke up Wednesday to a mess made by my dog around the house. Apparently she snuck out of our bedroom and decided she would relieve herself around the house, yes, and even both. So that was fun to wake up to. Then yesterday, my little buddy woke up and , much to his dismay, couldn't get to the bathroom in enough time, and lost his dinner from the night before. Once that was cleaned off of various places, the girls were up. And another accident occurs. My youngest decided she needed to pee by her bed and on a gift bag. I feel like I've cleaned up every bodily fluid possible this week. I'm feeling quite drained.
I'm glad to report that my son is feeling way better today.
I woke to read as well about the devastation in Japan. I feel so horribly for the lives lost, and those left to clean up from the devastation. Our earth is making some major shifts. It seems we have been having an unnerving amount of earthquakes. I hope this all quiets down soon. I feel so horrible for all those dealing with the aftermath just recently in New Zealand.

I finished a piece earlier in the week that I was excited about.

I believe I will title it "Just Out of Reach." I had fun making this one.

Lastnight my husband and I started on the painting process of my new dollhouse duplex's. He loves painting and sanding. I went with a white paint that already had a primer in it so that it would save on time. It worked out wonderfully. We did two coats of it. A tip that my husband came up with (he always thinks outside the box) was to use the rough wood that was meant for the inside, on the outside, so that we have nice smooth walls where I will be taking the pictures. Brillant I say! I can't wait to work some more this weekend. We are doing one duplex at a time. I hope to get some more painting done tonight, and then possibley glue the pieces together this weekend. I want to find a nice old table to put these on in our family room. I want an old table from the thrift store type.

Movie Recommendation time. We rented from Netflix the movie "It's Kind Of A Funny Story" with Zach Galifinakis (I love his humor). It takes place in a mental ward of a hospital. I thought it was excellent. It had just the right amount of humour and seriousness. It looked at the affects of mental illness on family and how they deal with it, whether good or bad. It had the right amount of humor too, enough to make you feel like the characters were real. It showed to different ways people dealt with the mental illness. I really enjoyed it. As my husband said, it had an eightiesesque feel to it.
They had a song sequence with the cast singing the song "Under Pressure" with Queen and David Bowie. It was great. It totally suited the movie. That song totally fits my week and things going on around the world.

I hope you have a great weekend!!

Middle of the Week.. Yay!

2011-03-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

We have been having some rainy days around here. Which means , I'm not motivated to do much. I want to get in a nice comfy blanket and read or watch t.v. I think that we need that sometimes. A blanket, a good book, or show, and well, maybe throw in some chocolate or your favorite snack.
I have been doing my dollhouse research as of recently. I just got it in the mail today, and I couldn't be more excited. They are made by Hobby Builders Supply and they are kits to make your own duplex's.

I also got a side by side as well. I can't wait to customize each room. I was thinking recently about why I love dollhouses and miniatures so much, and it came to me. As a little kid I thought for sure I would be an architect. I would plan out houses on paper, drawing everything that would be in each room. I loved it. But then one fateful day I realized that I would have to be somewhat good at math. Waah, waah! Debbie Downer huh? So I went a different route. Doing it for a hobby would be okay. I built my first dollhouse in eighth grade, and have loved them ever since. I can't wait to get to work on these. I am planning out the paint, which I thihk I'll go with white, because it will photograph well, and then I can customize with wall paper and all. Okay, I'm getting a little excited. I will have to share the process. I have already ordered some furnitures, and I can't wait to continue the process. I plan on making some of my own tables and such.

I took a pic of the lawn gnome animals I had bought awhile back.

Have a happy Wednesday. I'm off to play ping pong on the kitchen table ;)

Calzones and Why I Enjoy Cooking at Home

2011-03-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

I had a mini pizza parlor going on on Friday night. My husband thought I was crazy, in a good way. I made pizza's and calzones. I just couldn't resist. The last time I made my own pizza I want to try my hand at calzones. The key to a delicious one, is making your own dough. It really is so simple, and just delicious. You can make it thin crust, deep dish, or whatever your fancy. Friday I wanted to try my hand at calzones. I love ricotta cheese, and most calzones have it as their main filling.
I put sausauge, pepperoni, ricotta, parmisan, and a pizza cheese mix. You
really can make it anyway you like it. Even a vegan version would be easy.
This was another of Emeril Lagasse's recipes. I used his method on making the dough, and the rising times, but I pretty much did my own filling combination.
While was on a dough making kick, I even went ahead and made cinnamon rolls for the morning. Once I get going sometimes I can't stop myself.
I have to say I believe I have really gotten into cooking at home for several reasons. Number one, it saves money. With a family of five, its not very cheap to got out. Number two I usually find some of the meals I eat out to be quite lack luster. I never get things quite like I like them, and then I'm bummed that I spent so much. Number three, I have actually enjoyed learning how easy it is to make things myself. As a person who knew absolutely nothing about cooking when I first got married, to making my own calzones, well, I'm quite astonished. Really, some of the stuff my husband ate at first. But he took it with stride and had hopes that it would get better ;)
The one thing that I found quite hard when I first started cooking was timing. How to make things ahead, or what order to cook things so that my chicken wasn't sitting an hour before the sides were done. That was quite hard. But once I figured it out, I ran with it. Having a daughter with alot of food allergies also pushed me to make my own baked goods as well.
With the help of the internet, family, and the faces that enjoy my homeade food, it has been my motivation.
Wow, this post took on a whole different twist than what I expected ;)
Have a great Sunday. If you ever make anything I recommend, seriously I would love to hear about it, or see pics ;)

A Few Friday Things... One Involving Cats

2011-03-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

I got my Warby Parkers in the mail, the Colton with whiskey tortoise color. Yes, they are quite amazing!!! I highly recommend this company. They even gave me an extra 10% off because they took a bit longer to get my try-ons to me. Amazing!

Okay this commercial that Elycia blogged about, simply made my day on so many levels. The one cat is even cross-stitching a cat. It can't get any better than this!!

I was checking about Modcloth this morning (I always hear so much about their clothes, yes they are awesome!) when I came across this sweater. Cross-stitch pattern, love!

My husband and son are going to a vintage arcade show this weekend. You pay ten dollars and get to play all the old arcade style games, and even ones from the old systems such as Nintendo. My son is so thrilled. It will be a fun daddy and son day!

Sorry for all the videos, but I have been waiting for someone to post this Travelers insurance commerical with what look like Playmobil people. We love Playmobil around here, and this is just super cute!!

Middle of Week..

2011-03-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's the middle of the week! Yay! It seems I haven't gotten behind this week. My home calls me. There are weeks such as these. I have even gotten a few pics behind on my mini 365. I will have to do something about this tonight.

I as running this morning when a song came on Pandora that made me flash back to junior high. I loved the Smashing Pumpkins so much. I really do love their re-make of Landslide , originally sung by Stevie Nicks. Such a good song. My next fave is
"1979." This song is so junior high for me. Did you like the Smashing Pumpkins?

Have a great Wednesday!!

Monday Monday

2011-02-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a great weekend. I did. Yesterday I made a yummy chili,(I used angus beef sausage instead of turkey) with cornbread. Then for dessert I made some chocolate rasberry chocolate chip cookies. Such a nice ending to a low key weekend. We had some storms yesterday, a bit crazy out there. But we were nice and comfy with our chili.

I was bummed at the start of the weekend when I noticed that someone decided to steal on of my garden gnomes. Bummer with a capitol B. I have collected one or two every year, and they are all different. This one had a cute cane that he held while he stood next to the door. To make sure noone made off with anymore I brought them in. I used to love seeing them greet me when I got home. I may put them around the back yard this spring.

Wow, did March go by super duper fast!

On Saturday I went to Sephora in search of some new makeup. Ever since I've turned 30 I notice my skin is different and my normal make-up routine needs a change. I usually use Neutogena makeup but the foundation keeps drying my face out, which I then look flakey. My friend recommended try BareEscentuals, Bareminerals powder and foundation combo. So I went and bought it, not cheap but not too crazy at $25, but I really wanted to see how this worked. A+ I must say. After I applied it I didnt' feel like my skin was tight, didn't have dry skin, and it leaves your skin with a nice healthy glow.(I am not receiving compensation for this review, even though I sound like I'm trying to sell this ;) I believe this will be my new make-up regime. I am not a huge make-up wearer. I usually do the foundation, powder, blush, and mascara, and that it. This even makes the process faster with the combo powder.

I have been in search for a dollhouse recently. I am not sure what to settle on. If I could have my dream dollhouse, it would be a vintage Lundby Stockholm. Ugh, I love the vintage colors the rooms, well everything. I have been searching on ebay for some time. I had once bid, thinking I would win, but at the last second it became a bidding war that was way beyond what my pockets had. Thats the one thing about ebay and bidding. It somehow tricks you into spending more then you ever would if you were in your right mind. But nevertheless, you can't find these things anywhere else;)

Have a great Monday!!

Weekend Movies and a Shop Update.

2011-02-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share some of the pieces that I have finished for my shop as part of the Curiosity series. I have more in the works and more that I'm reworking. I tend to do that. I finish a piece and then stare at it for several days before I settle on the design.

Last night we watched the movie "Get Low" with Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, and Robert Duvall. This was a great movie. I am a fan of all the actors in the movie and this really was great. Based on a true story, 1930's era, of a man who wants to attend his own funeral, so he plans it so that it is a party. Well as the movie unravels you are slowly revealed the depth of Robert Duvalls character and tragic life.

I started reading "The Bell Jar" and I am totally loving it.

I am looking forward to watching the Oscars tonight. I love seeing all the gowns, and seeing unexpected people win an award. I think the red carpet is my fave part. My husband and I have to watch it every year, snacks and all. It's such a great excuse to eat finger foods, even if it is just the fam. I might even make a chili.

Have a great rest of your weekend!!

Rainy Day

2011-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

We are getting all kinds of rain around here. I don't mind the rain too much. I think the older I get I really enjoy being a homebody. I like getting out, but my home is where its at sometimes. I love snuggling up with a book, watching a show or two, embroidering, cooking, playing Nintendo, well the list goes on.
I just finished my mystery by Amanda Lee called "Stitch Me Deadly." Once again, a fun read. Love those books. I am really wanting to read "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. I have heard so much about her works and have yet to read one. Such an intriguing women dealing with depression and mental illness whilst writing. Sounds like a good read.
Have you read anything lately that has been good?
I'm always up for new books.
I really do love the work of Hayao Miyasaki. I have looking through Netflix adding some I hadn't even heard of. I really do love his love of the earth and protecting the land that we have been given.
We recently borrowed "Kiki's delivery Service." It was so good. It really taught integrity. It also taught respect for others and how we can help others, especially those older. Just a great film.
I finished another piece. I did some sketching last night, but didn't do much embroidering.

This piece is called "Peering."
Have a great Thursday!

Progress...

2011-02-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hi, I just thought I would pop in and share another installement in my "Curiousity" series. This on is spying. I did the coloring on the opposite side of the door to signify how we always think whats happening on the other side of the door somehow is more colorful. I know as a kid spying was something I loved to do. I am having fun with this series. I have some more I sketched last night that I hope to have done this week. I am toying around with the idea of embroidering words somewhere on the pic, just not quite sure how I want to go about it. Hmmmm...

I have been enjoying borrowing the MTV show Daria from Netflix this week. I totally could relate to her when I was in highschool. The melancholy, not excited about school, attitude. It makes me crack up. Funny to think what my adolescent mind was feeling at that time. Ackward, shy, and artsy fartsy. Those were the days. I'm so glad that phase of our lives doesn't last as long as it felt at the time.

Have a great Tuesday!

Presidents Day!

2011-02-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

We took the day off today, for Presidents day. It's nice to get a three day weekend sometimes. We learned a bit about the presidents this year. My son memorized the first 12, he loves to memorize. We did a special study on Abraham Lincoln as well, as his birth place is nearby. I have always loved history.

I did a bit of shopping over the weekend. I have need a new pair of jeans for awhile now. Am I the only girl who absolutley despises jean shopping. I am not kidding when I say I went to about six different stores and tried on , almost 20 pairs of pants. Either they are too baggy, too long, too low cut, too tight, too skinny, or are faded quite funny. I finally found a pair of levis that fit quite nice. They are the skinny stretch type. The are very comfortable, yet don't look outrageous. I had hit up some crazy deals at PacSun and AE. Were talking clearance on top of clearance. I got a couple of cardis that I can finish out the season with and have for next year that were regularly 50 down to 10. Now thats exciting.
I am now on the hunt for some shoes for the spring, but I'm pretty settled on some canvas vans. I had an all black pair before that I loved. I might switch it up and get some blue. I know, I'm quite adventurous ;)

I made garlic knots myself on Friday. Garlic knots you ask? Well the most amazing creation since pizza. We used to eat these all the time in college at our fave little pizza joint. I was determined to make these myself.
I found a superb recipe by Emeril Lagasse on Food Network Recipes.
You can see my pic at the top. The recipe makes enough for the next day as well. Just heat them up on 350 degrees for about ten minutes.
Do Try!

I got some re-ment in the mail all the way from Hong Kong on Saturday. My pic that I shared with the ferris wheel was part of the loot. It is part of the Re-ment toy story series. I want to get more from this set, I almost could not believe the detail! Funny thing happened with the delivery. So we were hanging out on the couch watching golf (yes, we like golf), when I see the mail truck wiz by.
I went to the box to see what goodies may have arrived, when I see a slip of paper that says, sorry we missed you! What the, I was sitting on the couch with the front door open. Grrr... Our mailman has notoriously done this before, come on, its your job to deliver my goods on time. Well, quick witted, we know that he does a circle and comes to the other side of the street. We see him, and my husband books it to his truck with our slip. He actually had to get in the car, because the mailman conveniantly didn't see us as well ;) He catches up with him and asks why he didn't come to the door. "I rang the bell twice, and I saw your dog." What the... Really the door was open, our dog would have barked, and I was sitting on the couch. So strange. I know it was Saturday, but come on people, how silly ;)

Well before I type your ear off, I had better go! Have a great Monday, and make those garlic knots!

Hope Your Weekend Is A Thrill !

2011-02-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

So Much Sun!

2011-02-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

We have been having Spring weather here! Its beautiful! We were outside without jackets, crazy. Needless to say, I haven't been inside as much. Gotta get some sun!
Have you heard of Theopholis London? He music is 80's poppy, rap, well I dont' describe music well, but it is so awesome! The other night he was on Letterman with Sara Quinn from Tegan and Sara (another amazing duo). The beats remind me of the 80's.

I have been making some progress on some new pieces. Here's a few peaks.

My new serious will have a theme of "Curiosity." I have been sketching alot and can't wait to transfer some to embroidery. Eventually I would love to sell prints of some of my drawings.
Well I'm off to do some History ;) Have a great day!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having or had a great Valentines Day! We celebrated over the weekend with the family by going to our favorite Japanese grill Kobe. The kids love watching the chef cook the food in front of you.
I plan on treating myself to some re-ment as a gift from my husband. Mini's are the way to my heart, and chocolate of course.

I have been making some progress on embroidery pieces recently, which is exciting.
I feel like I have been stumped artisticly lately. I think it is my brains way of telling me I need to unwind and just relax. And when I do, I can usually come back refreshed.
I took some time to just brainstorm and read. I just started the new "cozy mystery" by Amanda Lee called "Stitch Me Deadly." I love these books. They are craft themed. They are a really fun read.

I made some Valentines Day themed sugar cookies on Friday. I found the recipe in an Christas cookie book and they are delicious. They are more of a butter cookie then a sugar cookie. I added the red icing for the kids. I found the cookie cutters at the Dollar General, and for a dollar ;) I will have to share the cute bunny gnome and mouse lawn ornaments I found at the Dollar General as well. I am enjoying them inside as of right now. I almost am not sure I can sit them outside. They are just too cute.

We had some beautiful weather over the weekend. We are talking jacket weather! I know the weather is just teasing me, but I sure can't wait for Spring. I even got to take a spin on my newly amped up moped. My husband put some faster parts on it, so I am now topping speeds of 40mph, whereas a stock moped goes max 25. Yeah, he's smart;) It is so much fun though. I can't wait to take it out all summer.

Well I'm off to enjoy some relaxing! Happy Valentines Day!!

Warby Parker Home Try-Ons

2011-02-10T11:52:00.001-08:00

Yay! Today I got my five pairs of Warby Parker glasses to try on. I was so excited to try them out. I believe I've narrowed them down to two. They have such a great selection as well. They are only 95 dollars for your frames and lenses, and free shipping. Caraazy! And you get to try your glasses on at home. So fun!
Here's a peak at the fun.

Check out their website, they have a bunch more to choose from.
Have a great day!

2011-02-06T10:24:00.001-08:00

Granola and Blankets

2011-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's Friday, Yay! I was hoping to not have to wake up early on a Saturday. I had an eye exam last weekend then the weekend before that I had to take my driving test. Funny thing, I get a phone call yesterday, the license bureau, telling me they need to retake my pic because my bangs were hiding my eyebrows. Are you serious! My state has the funkiest laws. You can't even wear glasses in your photo i.d. So I will be once again heading to get my picture taken. Quite frankly I'm kind of happy to take it again, because the one they took is, ho-ho-rrendous to say the least.

I made some granola this morning again. I took a pic to show you its deliciousness. Seriously my favorite snacky thing right now. I love the crispy coconut, and the overall toasty taste. Make some, you won't regret it!

I took my pic for my mini 365. I thought I would share. I am really loving my light box this winter. I need to make a bigger one for my items in my etsy shop this
winter.

I have to say, I have been quite unmotivated to produce lately. When it gets dark early I just want to snuggle up under a blanket and read or watch a show. I hope to get creative here soon.
I have been sketching alot. I have some ideas I need to put to fabric. It's just a matter of resisting that blanket on the couch.
Well hopefully I don't sound like Debbie Downer. Just whats on the haps right now.
Have a great weekend!

2011-02-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

(mini pic)

It is bitterly cold here today. We didn't get the snow that eveyone else is getting, but we definitly have the cold winds. I am prepared with my sock monkey slippers today.
I can't beleive its already Feburary. Valentines day is right around the corner. I love to look at all the funny little valentines characters at the stores that sing songs. I was the kid who had to push all the buttons on the singing toys, and I still do that. A couple of weeks ago we came upon a little heart guy who walked and talked in a funny voice and said," Kissy, Kissy, I love You." My kids thought it would be funny while my husband was checking out the dvds to make a seveal them into walk into him. He was totally oblivious for awhile, until he felt the little heart bumping into.
While I was on bloggy break, I made my own granola. I didn't take pic because I gobbled it up like way fast. I make it sans nuts, but I put a few chocolate chips for that extra spunk. I put coconut, sunflower seeds, oats, honey, and brown sugar.
It's super simple an inexpensive. If you like granola, seriously make your own, you'll have fun adding your own ingrediants. I like raisins, but no one else liked that idea much. It takes great too on yogurt. There are a bunch of good recipes at "All Recipes."

What's your fave thing to bake or cook? I'm always up to try something different.
You know what I really want? Some really authentic Mexican recipes. That is my fave style of food. I also want to make a good gumbo.
Well now that I'm really hungry, Im going to eat leftovers from lastnight.
Have a great day!

T.V. and Movies

2011-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

I don't typically buy Martha Stewart Living, not because I don't like it, just not in the budget every month, but the latest one has a feature on collections. If you haven't checked it,do. There is a feature with bloggers from "Somethings Hiding Here." They have the most amazing tin dollhouse collection. They even sit them up with little lights at night to look like a neighborhood. Me want. I haven't had much luck finding these at garage sale or thrift shops, but when I do, the addiction will begin.

I think I want to go fabric shopping here soon to make some cute comfy dresses. I really like wearing them with leggings. Well the couple that I do have. I really want to get some buffalo plaid to make one.

This past weekend we watched "The Social Network" and "Easy A." I'm not sure what the buzz was about "Easy A." It was rather boring, even for teen flick. I have to say to date, that "Mean Girls" is my fave of that realm. I guess having been written by Tina Fey, that's what makes it so good.
Now "The Social Network" was interesting. Now I am not a facebook user, just a blogger, but his idea was quite amazing. Not sure that his path with completely honest, but you know, he had the brains to create it. Definitly one to check out.

I am a Thursday night t.v. watcher. I watch the whole line up of "The Office", "Community", " 30 Rock", and "Parks and Rec." I have say, having loved Amy Poehler on SNL, I absolutely love her in "Parks and Rec." The cast is hilarious as well. Just a whole mess of funny people. Here's a sneak peek.

Okay , have a great day!!

And ...I'm Back

2011-01-31T19:20:00.001-08:00

Wow, I almost can't believe I existed without my laptop for about a week. I was able to surf a bit with the iphone, but I couldn't upload pics or really enjoy my computer time. My husband worked his butt off re-installing everything. Kudos to my husband!!
I didnt' realize how much detail cleaning I could get done without the computer. I cleaned my huge bedroom closet on Saturday, cleaned out cabinets, and the fridge. I got rid of a bunch of junkie junk I didn't need. I think I could just leave my closet door open and stare out it with pride!

I made my own lightbox tonight. I have been wanting to make one for ages, and I had a bit of time tonight. Now, it does look like a cardboard box, because it is. But it works excellent. It will be great for when I don't have time during the day to take pics.

On Saturday I made "Lemon Poppy Seed" bread. It was divine.

I just used the Betty Crocker recipe, and it was really good. I have got to cool it on these bake goods soon. I am having too much fun baking. I have found a whole new love. Every week I keep coming up with more things I want to bake. I didn't used to be a baker, because I thought it was too hard, but now that I've gotten started, I can't stop.

I got my Puchi Babie Deer in last week, and I couldn't wait to take pics.

I want to collect more colors.

Have a great Monday!!!

I fell off the edge of the earth... Well with no computer

2011-01-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

I feel like I fell off the edge of the earth this week! My computer got bitten by a worm, computer virus. Is it just me or does anyone else get a couple a year? Yeah a real bummer and a pain. So I have been sans Internet this week. On the brighter side my cabinets and closets got a cleaning with my extra time. I'm kinda bummed my mini 365 is getting put in hold. I will be uploading a ton when I get it back. Well I'm typing from an iPhone so I'll make this short. Hope to be back soon! Have a great weekend.

2011-01-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. Can I just build a fort and play with all my favorite things.
This is the pic for my Mini 365 today.

Good news. I passed my written driving exam! I only missed one. I am so glad I got it taken care of. Lets just say, I have kind of putting it off.

I got my newest mini today. I got one of the mini Odeca and Nikki cats. It came all the way from Hong Kong. She is so cute and little. I will take pics tommorrow.
I'm still waiting on some fun re-ment I ordered from overseas as well.

I have been eyeglass shopping lately. I had thought I might get a pair of ray bans, but my husband thought they seemed kinda bland. So I decided I would do the home try-on program with Warby Parker. It is pretty cool. They will send you five pairs of glasses of your choice and let you try them on for five days and then they even pay to send them back. I can't wait. They have a great style. You get your lenses and frames for 95 dollars with free shipping. I really like these.

Have a great Monday.

Well Hello Friday

2011-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly, it's Friday? I have been a different realm lately. With snow surrounding us, there are alot of bored kids in this house. This means play-doh, puppet shows, drawing, and of course our normal stuff have kept me quite busy this week. I'm still here. I have really been on relax mode after the holidays and birthdays. As soon as the kids go to bed I have been flopping on the couch reading a book or cross-stitching. It has been wonderful.

I'm in a bit of a stand still with a project I have been working on. I started the picture and I can't figure out where I want to go next. But you know, I like to ponder on a piece for awhile until I get the exact image I want. That is when I really truly produce exactly what I want.

I love to sew. I recently learned from Amy Karol that my fave author/seamstress Wendy Mullin is coming out with another book. It's called "Built by Wendy Coats and Jackets." I am really excited about this one. I tried to make a coat a year or more ago, and something went wrong, because it just buttons up all wonky. I hope this can give me some good direction. Wendy's books are my favorite.

I got some new miniatures this week! I did not realize that Hallmark was putting out miniature Fisher Price toys from the 70's. I was super thrilled, and went to several Hallmarks to check the clearance. I was told they had sold out quite fast. So I headed to the bay and was super excited to get a couple. I'm still holding out hopes of getting the school bus from last year!
Here's some shots I took this morning.

I have to take a written test tommorrow to renew my license. I have been studying all week. I haven't taken a test in ages, so for some reason I'm all anxious.

Oh and I got some bangs last weekend. I really am enjoying something different.

I never can get a good shot of myself, so the bangs don't need to smile ;)

Have a great weekend!!

Happy Birthday To My Husband.....Adventures in Cooking

2011-01-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my wonderful, cute, funny, sweet husbands birthday! I made him his favorite cake "Carrot Cake." My flickr friend Sioux had shared this recipe awhile back, so I really wanted to try it. It did not disappoint! So delicious!!!

My husband loves his moped. He has worked all winter rebuilding its engine, so I thought it was fitting to do a moped themed gift.

I have been wanting to make my own sushi rolls of some sort, just to see if I could make them successfully myself. I make "california rolls" with imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber. I made them the inside out way with the white rice and sesame seeds on the outside. They were delicous! I plan on making them again with shrimp.
I found a great tutorial
here
The rice is the main time consuming part. It must be prepared at least 2 hours before making the roll. I loved the whole process. You can do each step and then walk away.

I plan on working on some pieces for my shop and such here soon. With Christmas and multiple birthdays I haven't had much extra time. And with all this baking and experimenting I've just been having too much fun!!
Have a great Monday!

This week got away

2011-01-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Wow, this week got away from me. It seemed quite kid busy. We are getting back into the swing of school, and really get my four year old on the road to reading by this summer. She loves to write, but sitting still to read is not her thing. My son was this way at first, but now, he can't wait to get a new book.
Oh and yes , my foccacia bread turned out beautifully.

I can't remember the last time I had it, but I had recently seen in with a recipe for soup, and I couldn't quite get it out of my head. It is super simple, and doesn't hardly take much time. I found the recipe here
I tweeked it a bit, by letting the dough rise a second time when I placed it on the baking sheet, for 15 minutes. Also , proof your yeast as well with sugar. I don't think they state that, but it is quite important to a good bread.
It can easily be a great vegan bread as a side. Just don't do dairy cheese, but the vegan daiya cheese (which by the way is delicous).

I have a hair appointment tommorrow to get my hair done. It has been much needed. I was so busy over the holidays, I kind of put it off for awhile. I want to got with a straight bang. I used to always have them in highschool, and I'm really liking the look of them again.

My husbands birthday is on Monday, and I can't wait to share with you his little gift I'm making. He loves those sorts of things. He likes to decorate his desk at work with all of his favorite things.

Lastnight we watch "Cyrus." It was quite funny while having a realistic ending. I expected a bit more creepiness, but it left you with the right amount from Jonah Hill. I really did like John C. Reillys part as well.
We also rented "Freaks and Geeks." I have never seen this show before, but I have heard amazing things about it. We will probably lay on the couch and watch that tonight.

Well I hope you have a great Friday!

Savory Meals and an Embroidery Video

2011-01-12T10:12:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we had a snow day. We got around 4 inches of the white stuff. I love the snow. I love getting snuggled up under the covers when the ground is all covered in a blanket of snow.
Oh and yes, I can't forget, my youngest turned 3 yesterday. I can't believe it! And best of all she is fully potty trained, mostly thanks to her big sister ;) We had an elmo themed day.

(psst... I don't claim to be a cake decorator)

(Blowing out the candles)

I made my first Chicken Pot Pie from scratch. I will soon be enjoying the leftovers shortly. I made my own crust. It was divine. Who could have known it could have been that easy.

I love to eat eggplant parmesan. But tonight I wanted to put something with it extra special , foccacia bread. I haven't had foccacia bread in ages. It's super simple and you can customize it to your liking. I hope to take pics to show how it turns out.
I'm still thinking about those ramen noodles as well. My husband thinks I really need a pasta press and cutter before I attempt it. It makes sense. I don't want them too thick. We'll see. I'm still itching to try.

I have just been loving "Bright Eyes" lately. This morning I was really enjoying the song "Bowl of Oranges." Well I always go in search of a video to share, when I was pleasantly surprised by the crafty video. Check out the use of embroidery. Love it even more.

Ramen Noodles

2011-01-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was watching CBS's Sunday Morning, as I do most Sundays, and they had a feature on "Ramen Noodles." No, not your 10 cent packs at the grocery (I do like to eat those for lunch). They were showing how delicious authentic Ramen Noodles can be. I had no idea. This is normal on the menu for most in Tokyo. But apparently the craze is hitting the United States. Little Ramen bars are opening up. These are just cheesy little places either. These are top of the line trained chefs that take making these Ramen bowls quite seriously. Now I know I am no match against these chefs, but definitly want to try my hand at making my own. They are quite simple. Flour, egg, and salt really, thrown in some time and kneading as well. Now I like to bake, so the thought of making my own noodles sounds thrilling, escpecially ramen. You can pretty much go nuts with your veggies and broths. A popular one is miso as well.

Seriously check the video out. I'll let you know how it turns out. I hope to make them this week.
Another thing I want to make myself is sushi rolls. I could eat those all the time, especially with eel. What eel? Cooked eel that is. They are divine.
Well more on noodles, I plan on use a great recipe in "Instructables" on how to make the noodles. I need to get a good broth recipe too.

Here's my pic for my mini 365. It's titled " If cleaning could be this fun."
Have a great Monday!

2011-01-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

" It's Friday...Go for it."

Have a great weekend.

Is It Friday Yet????

2011-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

With having all the days off relaxing, I'm ready for the weekend.
I am proud to say that I successfully made my first loaf of Italian White Bread in my machine yesterday. And it turned out delicious!

I've been busy reorganinzing my craft area, and my re-ment. I worked on that lastnight. It looks so much nicer in our family room now.

I have felt so much better getting back into my groove though lately. When I exercise in the morning I feel ready to take on the day better. It is so hard to get up though when it is still dark outside. I can usually beat the girls before they wake up, but my son is an early bird, were talking 6:00 a.m., if not earlier. But he is quiet and watches a show or plays in his room. It's nice though to wake up when its quiet, get my music going, and exercise. Do you have a morning routine?

We have been enjoying our Netflix lately with a the winter weather upon us. We have been enjoying all the old Muppets movies. Last night we watched the original "Muppet Movie." We have watched "Muppets in Manhattan, and "The Great Muppet Caper." We always watch a "Muppet Christmas Carol." We still need to watch "Muppets in Space." Wow that's alot of Muppet typing.
Whats your fave muppet? I still have my original gonzo from when I was a little girl. Crazy I know. My mom kept alot of my childhood toys. I still have my Barbie horse in the orginal box, with the saddle. I love having alot of my toys. My kids get to enjoy them now.

Well have a great day!

Romantic Comedies

2011-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Look Phyllis, I don't have much time for details, all I know is these people are keeping me in a cage, and calling me Petey."

Just thought I would share my 5/365 mini for today. I woke up thinking about the whole scenario.
I am using my new bread machine today. I am currently baking an italian white bread. Let's hope I did it correctly. I'll take a pic to share how it turns out;)

Last night we watched one of the movies I got for Christmas, "500 Days of Summer" with Zooey DeChanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I really do like this movie. I haven't found a romantic comedy recently that I truly have enjoyed. They are usually quite cheesy, and I'm not into all the Jennifer Aniston movies, except for "Office Space." This movie is great , in that the narrator starts off by telling you this isn't a love story. So true. It's all about getting your heart broken, and realizing in the end it wasn't meant to be. It's one of those movies where you know whats coming, just like their relationship, but you just can't stop yourself from seeing what happens. Love it!

I have to tell you a bit about my husband and my love story. It all starts in college. I thought I might find "Mr. Right" there, but I always thought I was too nerdy and quite picky. Little did I know I had a "secret admirer." Apparently he had told his friends (which he hung out with the "cool kids") that he " would not"
date anyone until he met me. What? Me?
It just so happened that we were at the same coffee shop one night. I came with some girls from my dorm and I didn't realize that we had mutual friends. That's when I spotted him, and I took a chance. I had seen him around school, but thought, either he had a girlfriend, or he was way out of my league.
Now, mind you, I am usally quite shy, and am not the first to intoduce myself, but for some reason I was feeling quite extroverted. I went up to him... We started talking about the bands playing, joking.. Before I knew it , it was time for him to leave. I hinted about where he was going, but he didn't catch on that I wanted to hang out. I was a bit bummed.
Well little did I know he wasn't going to let me get away. I was eating lunch the next day, when he came up to me and said," Today is a park day." Stupidly I asked,
"What does that mean." Duh, he wanted to hang out.
From that day forward, there have been very few days we have spent apart. We were engaged 2 months later.
I couldn't imagine a day without him. Thinking about us young and in love still gives me the goose bumps. Almost ten years and three kids later, he's as cute as ever and my best friend.
Wow that movie really brought out alot, huh?
Oh yeah, and he proposed at the top of the St. Louis Arch, with a huge banner at the bottom, Score! Of course I said yes ;)

Okay, sorry to be so lovey dovey! Have a great day!

Vintage kid books and Music Playlists

2011-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

I got some amazing vintage books from "Papa" for Christmas. I love the vintage colors and illustrations. I think I could sit and stare at these for hours. I have recieved most of my collection from him. I have some old "Roy Rogers" and "Howdy Doody" ones that are in my son's room. The colors are just as stunning as ever!
I want to put these on a special shelf in the living room. My daughter has all of the vintage bambi and princess one's in her room.
Oh yes, and I forgot to mention I got a bread making machine for Christmas as well!! Thank you "Emmie and Papa!" I got it all prepped this morning, I just need to get some "bread flour." I realized the regular stuff won't do. I can't wait to make bread like crazy.

I have been doing alot of brainstorming lately. I was lying in bed last night when a whole new world opened up for my embroidered pics. I can't wait to get started. Isn't it the best feeling in the world when you feel like your brain landed on a new fresh idea. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I have finally started back to my exercise routine this morning. I felt very refreshed. I need to put some new tunes on my mp3 player. I have been really enjoying "Bright Eyes" recently. He is coming out with a new album, he may have by now. Some people aren't into the whole whiney emo sound of Conor Oberst, but I love it.
My husband has such great taste in music. He first got me loving, Joanna Newsome. We have gotten some funny faces when people first hear her voice. I absolutley adore her voice and listening to her play the harp!
What's on your playlist? I love to hear everyone's.

Okay as an embroiderer and crafter I love this commercial. Kevin Bacon is even embroidering in the beginning.

Have a great day!!

New Year, New You

2011-01-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Title. I heard "New Year, New You" the other night, it seems I have heard this for many years. What does this mean for me. I mean, I am still the same person I was last year, right? I guess I could make a few minor adjustments ;)
Truth be told, I hate making new years resolutions.
I do have some goals I keep in my mind. I have been making crafting goals for sevearl years now. Okay, the learning to crochet or knit has been on there for several years now, yet to be accomplished. Okay, can I do it this year? I still want to make little crochet animals (amigurumi).
Lets see what can be somethings I can do different this year?
1. Wear more dresses or skirts. I'm sorry to say, it's easier to wear t-shirts and jeans as a mommy. But really I want to add of touch of girly to my wardrobe every once in awhile. I did make an effort by buying a "Converse" dress from Target. I'm on my way! I have a couple of pairs of tights that have been calling my name.
2. Okay, lets throw the learn to crochet or knit on their. I must!
3. Read alot. I have already finished one book and I'm on my second. So I'm working on this one.
4. Collect some new little japanese figures. I want to venture out with my collection. I currently collect Re-ment. I would love a Odeko Cat, or a Treesom.
5. Take one day at a time. I usually live most days like this, but every once in awhile I start thinking about things I want to make, and how I'm not working at the pace I should. I have to sit back and realize, I am only one person, with three little persons and a big person that need me as well. I'm not saying I shouldn't have me time, but realistically, I can't do it all. I don't want to miss out on all the little moments with my kids and husband because I'm worried about producing things artistically. They will come, and if not, no worries.
6. Watch more old films. I love the old Doris Day, Jimmy Stewart, sort of movies. I want to dive into some old cinema.

7. I accomplished one yesterday that was something I have needed to for a long time. I went thru a bunch of pics of the kids, some old, some from this past year and put them together in a big frame. I want to do this every year, so we can look back on all the fun we had, and how we have grown.

I realize these are a whole mess of personal, fun, and crafty goals, but really thats how my brain works. I let you know how these go.
Have a great Monday!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

I love the date today, 1.1.11. Seems like a fresh start.
I got some new Re-ment, and I am going to try to do a pic a day for a mini 365 flickr group. I posted my first pic today.
I had so much fun finding some old sets that I have been wanting for awhile.
I love the spoon. I imagine that he gets quite emotional at meal time each day. He's not quite sure how he feels about the situation. Bitter sweet I suppose.

We stayed up last night until the new year watching some 80's classics.
We first watched "Splash" with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. I loved that movie as a kid. Quite funny to think about the storyline, but a entertaining blast from the past.
Then we went on to "Pretty In Pink." I really did love anything Molly Ringwald was in from the 80's. Her acting always portrayed exactly how teenagers feel. I felt so bad for "Duckie" the whole movie though.

Well I'm not sure what we are up to today. It might involve building a lego house, trying out some water colors, and we are watching the "Rose Parade."
Have a Happy New Years Day!

Well Hello...

2010-12-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

I started a book the other day. It's called "The Book Theif" by Markus Zusak. I was recommended from Pip's wonderful blog " Meet Me At Mikes." Wow! What an amazing book. I am thouroughly enjoying it.

My husband and I have been able to go on several dates while family is visiting. Yay! We went the other night to see "True Grit." I loved this movie. So realistic to the time period, and of course a Cohen Brothers movie. They are all well done. The acting was superb by the young girl in the movie. Definitly one I would see again.
Have a great day!

Back. And Still Enjoying The Holidays.

2010-12-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe another Christmas has come and gone. We had such a good time. Aside from having a stinky cold flu, yuck. The poor kids were a little sickly on Christmas, but that didn't stop them from enjoying all the goodies they recieved. We have my husbands parents in town, and they make the holidays super enjoyable. I get to kick back and relax. Papa makes all the food, and Emmie does the clean-up. What more could a girl ask for? I feel guilty at times, but they insist, and how could I resist. With being sick, this has been much needed help. I got some amazing new embroidery scissors, some new movies, and the most awesome gnome ever. I will take pics here soon.

Santa brought some Calico Critters for my daughters so that I could take a big and small pic with mine miniatures ;) We got the kitties and the bunnies.

Oh and yes, I almost forgot. Have you listened the the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. Well the lead singer Jon por Birgisson (sorry I didn't do all the accents) made a solo album titled "jonsi go." Quite amazing. The range his voice can go is just astonishing. My husband also got this for me for Christmas.

Have a great day!

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

All kinds of Christmas

2010-12-20T10:35:00.001-08:00

Well I have been catching up on a few things wanted to make this year.

I made a little plaid wreath for my kitchen. I love plaid, and bells. So I incorporated both into my little wreath.

Super easy to make. If you even have an old flannel that is ready to kick the bucket, your set. I had some fabric on hand from a shirt I had made. All you need is
1 Wreath form
Enough plaid to wrap around the form. Cut into about 3 inch strips
5 bells (I strung them on a piece of yarn and then pulled them together into a little berry cluster, knotting the yarn. I then hot-glued them into place.
I then cut 2 leaf shapes and hot glued them on as well.
I then had some green and white rope to attach to my faux window.
There you have it.

I made my Christmas table runner too. I found this fabric that looks like vintage Christmas hankies. I was thrilled. Then I bought some small red trim with white balls on it. I was so excited to make it for my big dining table. It was so super easy too. I didn't add a back. I simply folded the edges and sewed the trim. Whalaa!

We did some candy eating and decorating this morning on our ginger bread house. I worked on making the pieces lastnight. It is a vegan gingerbread house for my daughters allergies. He totally has a face. I didn't realize until I took pics. And the candy canes are the eyebrows.

What is your fave thing to eat around the holidays? We always do a seafood Christmas Eve, complete with oysters and stuffed shrimp. Ooohh I can't wait. I don't think I can get enough gingerbread cookies either.
Have a super Monday!

Okay its almost time...

2010-12-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas is in like a week! No way! I am relieved I just have one more gift to finish, and I'll be shipping them all out tommorrow. Whew! Now to make those Christmas decorations I've been talking about all month. No pressure.
I got a couple of my Christmas gifts early. I bought, what it called a "cozy mystery' called "The Quick and the Thread" by Amanda Lee. It is a crafty themed mystery. Okay before you think this sounds old ladyish, it totally is not, and is the perfect book to sit on the couch and relax on a winter evening. I highly recommend for a fun winter read!
I also got " The Crafty Marketplace" by Kari Chapin. I am really excited to dive in. I read a bit last night. This book is filled with endless information. I need to take notes. I think there are alot of things I didn't think through before I started selling my work, and I think this book is going to get me on the right track.

My wonderfully cute and sweet husband sent me this song this morning. It reminded me of when we first met. We love anything old, and have enjoyed such things since the beginning of our relationship. We would spend our afternoons after classes looking through some of the best antique shops in the country. We went to college in Springfield, MO, yes, where the wonderful Elsie from " A Beautiful Mess" runs "The Red Velvet Shop." It really is the best area for those sorts of things.
We found so many treasures that we still have today. Such good memories.

Oh yes we bought a Bialetti Moka Express to make some espresso. Were moving up in our caffeinne needs ;)I have to say I have been quite pleased. My husband was one of the best baristas in Southern California. He knows what he's doing. We keep changing little things to get them quite perfect. Last night they were great!
The Bialetti goes for about 29 dollars. I got mine on sale for 24. Not too bad.
I think you could find a good deal this time of year.

Have a great weekend!

Holiday Fun.. Videos

2010-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

I love this commercial from Target! I totally want to get up and spin on my head ;)

I just discoverd "Dottie Angel" and I just love everything she does. The video of her on etsy is amazing!

And lastly, Zach Galifianakis makes me laugh so hard. This clip from the "Jimmy Fallon" show really makes me laugh. By the way, Jimmy Fallon is my fave late night show. Consistently funny!