I will keep this brief. We are all decorated for Christmas now - at least on the blog, not at home. Today was one of those days. Charlotte peed on me and Joe puked on me (he's been sick for almost two weeks now). But at least the food was good. I start back to work on Sunday. It will be David's first day home alone with the kids. Hmmmm interesting...
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Top Secret Project - Take II: ShAken NoT StiRRed
I learned this fun crafty technique at the "stamp camp" that I went to last Saturday. I had never heard of such a thing, maybe you all have. But the first thing that popped into my head, was that I always see such cute party and cocktail napkins. What fun it would be to transfer the design to cardstock. Not only is it fun, but you have everything you need at home. Let me also say that for clarity I used this blog, the Creative Corner, to reference conrete directions, so if mine aren't clear go see this gal's blog.
Another neat thing about doing this is you can get four transfers from one napkin.
Now, when I took this picture I didn't realize this was a 3-ply napkin. So when I went to do the transfer the first time it didn't work, because I had not removed the second layer. What I am saying is make sure you remove all of the bottom layers.
I don't know why, but you will want to cut your cardstock slightly smaller than your napkin.
Next you will trim the Saran Wrap to as close to the size of the cardstock as possible.
But don't freak out if there is some excess around the edges.
Let's begin with a rollcall: Cute cocktail napkin...HERE. Saran Wrap...HERE. Scissors...HERE. Stampin' Up white cardstock...HERE. Two sheets of copier paper...HERE and HERE. Warm iron set to medium-high...HERE.
Another neat thing about doing this is you can get four transfers from one napkin.
Now, when I took this picture I didn't realize this was a 3-ply napkin. So when I went to do the transfer the first time it didn't work, because I had not removed the second layer. What I am saying is make sure you remove all of the bottom layers.
I don't know why, but you will want to cut your cardstock slightly smaller than your napkin.
Next you will trim the Saran Wrap to as close to the size of the cardstock as possible.
But don't freak out if there is some excess around the edges.
I wish I felt the same way about my waist and huge ...well, nevermind.
Now I didn't acknowledge the fact that I am ironing my transfer on top of my trusty spiral bound notebook. Yes, I have an ironing board, but didn't want to drag it out. Besides, the gal at the Stamp Camp used a pad of paper. Now, the layers will go like this...starting from the bottom: pad of paper or iron-able surface, one piece of copier paper, cardstock, Saran wrap, cute napkin, then lastly (we haven't forgot about you buddy) the other piece of copier paper.
The Creative Corner suggested using a medium heat, mine was set on MAX and Wool, so you will just have to see how your iron is feeling that day. Using firm pressure, iron over the image for 15-20 seconds.
You should be good to go immediately after ironing. I waited a minute or two before I trimmed my edges.
Here you can see where everything had adhered. I think I might frame it and set it in my kitchen window. You know, for times I need some inspiration!
I think I figured out what creates all this dadgum space at the end of my posts. I think it is when I post pictures that have been taken vertically. If that makes any sense...
Now I didn't acknowledge the fact that I am ironing my transfer on top of my trusty spiral bound notebook. Yes, I have an ironing board, but didn't want to drag it out. Besides, the gal at the Stamp Camp used a pad of paper. Now, the layers will go like this...starting from the bottom: pad of paper or iron-able surface, one piece of copier paper, cardstock, Saran wrap, cute napkin, then lastly (we haven't forgot about you buddy) the other piece of copier paper.
The Creative Corner suggested using a medium heat, mine was set on MAX and Wool, so you will just have to see how your iron is feeling that day. Using firm pressure, iron over the image for 15-20 seconds.
You should be good to go immediately after ironing. I waited a minute or two before I trimmed my edges.
Here you can see where everything had adhered. I think I might frame it and set it in my kitchen window. You know, for times I need some inspiration!
I think I figured out what creates all this dadgum space at the end of my posts. I think it is when I post pictures that have been taken vertically. If that makes any sense...
Wheeeeesh.....Kurplunk
Wait, what's that I hear. Is that the sound of my top secret project flying out the window? A two story drop no less. I had wanted to make these cupcake bites from the Bakerella blog. And maybe I am the only one, but I thought they were a BIG pain in the ass. And I hate canned frosting (well, not all canned frosting just the can of cream cheese frosting that I used). Cupcake bites BITE. Sorry Bakerella. Not all of Martha Stewart's "good things" are good. There, I said it. But I found a new project that I will try to post tomorrow. Here are the items that you need:
1. A clothes iron
2. Saran wrap
3. card stock
4. copier paper
5. a 2-ply decorative napkin, like a cocktail napkin
6. scissors
7. And if we are being technical, an iron-able surface
See you bright and early. No, not really, just kidding. Just show up some time tomorrow.
1. A clothes iron
2. Saran wrap
3. card stock
4. copier paper
5. a 2-ply decorative napkin, like a cocktail napkin
6. scissors
7. And if we are being technical, an iron-able surface
See you bright and early. No, not really, just kidding. Just show up some time tomorrow.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Emeril's nuts
It's funny that Valerie just asked me for the spiced nuts recipe that I made two years ago. Because I just splurged on some pecans and almonds at the store so I could make some in the next week or so. So I thought I would post it. These nuts have just a little bit of heat, but are oh so yummy.
Emeril's Spiced Nuts - Ummm, ummm I mean some nuts that he adds spices to. Ha Ha!
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Mix spices and reserve.
Directions
Heat the nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes.
Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Emeril's Spiced Nuts - Ummm, ummm I mean some nuts that he adds spices to. Ha Ha!
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Mix spices and reserve.
Directions
Heat the nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes.
Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Did You Know?
My sister-in-law, Sandy, sent me this. I liked the questions, so I thought I would post them.
1. What is your occupation right now?
RN on the weekends. Mom - Monday through Friday
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any
3. What are you listening to right now?
The Sesame Street theme song
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
A homemade cinnamon roll. Thanks Aunt Sherri!
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes. I love driving a stick shift.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My sister. But she only called to talk to Joe
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes. I love her.
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Probably tennis
9. What is your favorite drink?
My mom's spiced apple cider
10. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes
11. Favorite food?
I live by the whim of my cravings. So right now, milk.
12. What is the last movie you watched?
The Polar Express
13. Favorite day of the year?
My children's birthdays
14. How do you vent anger?
I yell, or a closed mouth groan.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child?
??? Maybe my mom can answer that
16. What is your favorite season?
Hands down, Fall.
17. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Yes, and comment on the blog.
19. Who is the most likely to respond?
If I send this by email, my Aunt Sherri
20. Who is least likely to respond?
If I send this via email, my dad
21. Living arrangements.
Hubby, me, Joe and Baby Mae
22. When was the last time you cried?
Last night I teared up at Annie Lennox playing the piano. I bet my mom did too.
23. What is on the floor of your closet?
Stamps, shoes and boxes of kids clothes that don't fit, or have yet to fit.
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Strange things about my friends. They seem to change with each new stage in my life. So I would have to answer my mom.
25. What did you do last night?
Cooked dinner, watched the AMAs and read my new Barefoot cookbook
26. What are you most afraid of?
My children dying
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
cheese
28. Favorite dog breed?
Border Collie
29. Favorite day of the week?
Sunday
30. How many states have you lived in?
2- KS and MO
31. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower?
That's a hard one, I love fall flowers like mums, dahlias and sunflowers. But the first flower that comes to mind is the Peony. The smell of a Peony is heaven to me, and brings back fond memories of childhood. Plus they are perennials, they are low maintenance and they grow more beautiful each year.
1. What is your occupation right now?
RN on the weekends. Mom - Monday through Friday
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm not wearing any
3. What are you listening to right now?
The Sesame Street theme song
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
A homemade cinnamon roll. Thanks Aunt Sherri!
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes. I love driving a stick shift.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My sister. But she only called to talk to Joe
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes. I love her.
8. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Probably tennis
9. What is your favorite drink?
My mom's spiced apple cider
10. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes
11. Favorite food?
I live by the whim of my cravings. So right now, milk.
12. What is the last movie you watched?
The Polar Express
13. Favorite day of the year?
My children's birthdays
14. How do you vent anger?
I yell, or a closed mouth groan.
15. What was your favorite toy as a child?
??? Maybe my mom can answer that
16. What is your favorite season?
Hands down, Fall.
17. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
18. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Yes, and comment on the blog.
19. Who is the most likely to respond?
If I send this by email, my Aunt Sherri
20. Who is least likely to respond?
If I send this via email, my dad
21. Living arrangements.
Hubby, me, Joe and Baby Mae
22. When was the last time you cried?
Last night I teared up at Annie Lennox playing the piano. I bet my mom did too.
23. What is on the floor of your closet?
Stamps, shoes and boxes of kids clothes that don't fit, or have yet to fit.
24. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Strange things about my friends. They seem to change with each new stage in my life. So I would have to answer my mom.
25. What did you do last night?
Cooked dinner, watched the AMAs and read my new Barefoot cookbook
26. What are you most afraid of?
My children dying
27. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
cheese
28. Favorite dog breed?
Border Collie
29. Favorite day of the week?
Sunday
30. How many states have you lived in?
2- KS and MO
31. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls
32. What is your favorite flower?
That's a hard one, I love fall flowers like mums, dahlias and sunflowers. But the first flower that comes to mind is the Peony. The smell of a Peony is heaven to me, and brings back fond memories of childhood. Plus they are perennials, they are low maintenance and they grow more beautiful each year.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Going Out With A Bang
Well, no pics for this entry. Joseph became sick last Wednesday, and it took him well over a week to recover. Charlotte and I also caught some upper respiratory bug, which she and I still have. Yesterday was our first trip out of the house since Joseph got sick.
I spent the morning at a stamp class. Oh boy, I had a really good time. And I am planning a party sometime in January. Tomorrow I am headed to Cockrell Village - a quaint little cooking village. There are five cottages, each with a different theme. Very excited. Then this next week, I have one more project before I head back to work. But this project is top secret. TEE HEE HEE!
I spent the morning at a stamp class. Oh boy, I had a really good time. And I am planning a party sometime in January. Tomorrow I am headed to Cockrell Village - a quaint little cooking village. There are five cottages, each with a different theme. Very excited. Then this next week, I have one more project before I head back to work. But this project is top secret. TEE HEE HEE!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Foxy
"You know you're a cute little heartbreaker."
"You know you're a sweet little ..."
"Ooh Foxy lady"Thursday, November 13, 2008
Must Love Milk
Well, I guess I won't be posting weekly recipes. It seemed pointless, to post recipes from other blogs when I could simply link them. But, since I love to cook and bake, I thought I would post periodic tips, tricks and simple recipes. Since I do not have a functioning dishwasher, I like to keep my meals/recipes simple. The less dishes the better. So this morning I tried out a little tip that I saw on a Rachel Ray promo on the Food Network. Simply add peanut butter to pancake mix. I used Bisquick pancake mix and mixed as directed. Then I melted, we'll say, maybe two tablespoons of PB and added to the pancake mix.
You know to filp the pancakes once the top side starts to bubble. Right, you do know that don't you? Ok good, just checking. Well, because these pancakes are so thick, they do not bubble much. At this point I flipped these bad boys and they were fine.
See. Amazing. So thick and fluffy. Just wait till you get to eat these.
For the topping. Just melt some jelly with a little bit of water - to thin it out.
Ladies and gentlemen....I promise these are the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes you will ever eat. Or at least the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes we will make in our little, middle of America kitchens. And you must consume with milk.
You know to filp the pancakes once the top side starts to bubble. Right, you do know that don't you? Ok good, just checking. Well, because these pancakes are so thick, they do not bubble much. At this point I flipped these bad boys and they were fine.
See. Amazing. So thick and fluffy. Just wait till you get to eat these.
For the topping. Just melt some jelly with a little bit of water - to thin it out.
Ladies and gentlemen....I promise these are the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes you will ever eat. Or at least the fluffiest, thickest and most creamy pancakes we will make in our little, middle of America kitchens. And you must consume with milk.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Just Posting Some Pics
Just wanted to post some pics. I have been trying to stay off of the computer. Once I am on, it sucks me in and I accomplish absolutely nothing. I have spent the majority of my time with the kiddos, cooking to my hearts content, and washing dishes. But not washing laundry, because I despise laundry. Here are the chittlins in their polar bear pajamas. Joseph is purposefully not smiling.
Can I say it anymore...I love my babies!
I don't know if anyone cares or actually uses the recipes I post, but I have been trying some, and wanted to post a good seasonal one. That's why the "Recipe of the Week" hasn't been posted for two weeks. I am not sure if I will post anymore recipes. For my small audience, let me know if you use the recipes. If you don't give a diddly about my recipes don't comment and I will take a hint.
I don't know if anyone cares or actually uses the recipes I post, but I have been trying some, and wanted to post a good seasonal one. That's why the "Recipe of the Week" hasn't been posted for two weeks. I am not sure if I will post anymore recipes. For my small audience, let me know if you use the recipes. If you don't give a diddly about my recipes don't comment and I will take a hint.Sunday, November 9, 2008
Baby Mia
Perhaps because it is three in the morning, I am not sure. Perhaps being away from work has sensitized me a little bit, but please investigate the Help Baby Mia on the sidebar. Looking at pictures of this baby girl, who has many facial similarities (big eyes, button nose, chubby cheeks) to my little cuddlebug tears my heart to pieces.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Please, Don't Tell My Husband
Please, please, please, you all know me. For the most part I try to keep things simple. Yes, periodically I find little addictions for a week or two, and then they usually fade away. Little addictions like shopping on ebay, making paper cranes, baking pie crusts, and stamping (which I still really enjoy, but due to finances and baby related items I have taken a temporary hiatus). Anyway, I think I have found an addiction that may last quite a long time. And if anyone remembers, I said, "the only reason I am scared of having a baby girl is because I won't be able to fix her hair..." That's my story and I am sticking to it.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
HOLA
Long time no see. I guess I got a little preoccupied with the whole car thing. I was pretty stressed about finding a nice, safe family car, while staying within a budget. Not to mention we had a short time in which to accomplish this. I can say that car shopping this time around was much easier with internet access. We found a used, cute, immaculate Subaru Outback. I always feel guilty deriving pleasure from "things", but I really love my new car. It is so perfect for our little family right now.
Since I haven't posted for quite sometime, I thought I would update you on each kiddo.
Joe's potty training has been going very well. We have had only one "accident" in the last three weeks, and he is wearing underwear during his naps. We have yet to master pulling our pants up and down, but he is making progress.
We have stopped going to gymnastics. I felt like he really didn't have any fun when he was there. All he wanted to do was play with this big alphabet floor puzzle, which really wasn't worth a thirty minute drive. Since he is so musically inclined we are going to try a music class at the beginning of the year.
Lastly, many of you know that Joe was a very late walker (18 months), and that my mom has always thought that Joe had weak ankles, and that I should have them checked out. I figured he just wasn't an adventurous toddler, and didn't push himself to be active. But in the last month he has fallen several times. The falls seem very benign, basically just a light trip and fall, but he will fall in such a way that he won't bare weight on his right ankle for at least thirty minutes following the fall, and then limps around for the next day or two. This has happened, at least, on three different occassions. We have an appointment with our pediatrician on Monday. I am not sure if I will push for an ortho visit, I guess it will depend on what our doc says.
As for our unruly neighbors, in the last week they have moved out/been evicted and the apartment building is now for sale. Things have been quiet. I like quiet.
Since I haven't posted for quite sometime, I thought I would update you on each kiddo.
Joe's potty training has been going very well. We have had only one "accident" in the last three weeks, and he is wearing underwear during his naps. We have yet to master pulling our pants up and down, but he is making progress.
We have stopped going to gymnastics. I felt like he really didn't have any fun when he was there. All he wanted to do was play with this big alphabet floor puzzle, which really wasn't worth a thirty minute drive. Since he is so musically inclined we are going to try a music class at the beginning of the year.
Lastly, many of you know that Joe was a very late walker (18 months), and that my mom has always thought that Joe had weak ankles, and that I should have them checked out. I figured he just wasn't an adventurous toddler, and didn't push himself to be active. But in the last month he has fallen several times. The falls seem very benign, basically just a light trip and fall, but he will fall in such a way that he won't bare weight on his right ankle for at least thirty minutes following the fall, and then limps around for the next day or two. This has happened, at least, on three different occassions. We have an appointment with our pediatrician on Monday. I am not sure if I will push for an ortho visit, I guess it will depend on what our doc says.
Little girl is just trucking along. I remember Joe being a really sweet, well tempered baby. But I think Charlotte is even more sweet tempered. She really only cries when she is tired. She eats well, sleeps well, and loves to cuddle. I love to take naps with her. She has the most adorable smile. And she loves the little characters, a frog and a monkey, on her bouncy. She just smiles at them and flails her arms and legs. I call them her "little friends". Breastfeeding seems to be going well. I am not sure that she is gaining weight like Joe did, but she's happy, and she's definetly not losing weight. I am just now mentally prepping myself for heading back to work.
As for our unruly neighbors, in the last week they have moved out/been evicted and the apartment building is now for sale. Things have been quiet. I like quiet.Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Happy Will Rogers Day
Yesterday when I looked at my Farmer's Almanac calendar I saw that November 4th was Will Roger's Day in Oklahoma. Who am I kidding? I am trying to be non-chalant.
I can't say that I am a fanatic Obama fan (especially the fanatics in eastern Wyandotte who are shooting off guns tonight), but I can't help but feel ignited by his energy and aura. I am so thankful to be alive and witness to such a historical moment. I don't know if he will be the savior president that so many claim, but I am praying that he remains safe throughout the next four years.
On an even more important note, I hope to be posting about the goings on around here, like potty training, tantrums, Chili contests, car buying, piles of dirty laundry, breastfeeding and unruly, non-law abiding neighbors.
I can't say that I am a fanatic Obama fan (especially the fanatics in eastern Wyandotte who are shooting off guns tonight), but I can't help but feel ignited by his energy and aura. I am so thankful to be alive and witness to such a historical moment. I don't know if he will be the savior president that so many claim, but I am praying that he remains safe throughout the next four years.
On an even more important note, I hope to be posting about the goings on around here, like potty training, tantrums, Chili contests, car buying, piles of dirty laundry, breastfeeding and unruly, non-law abiding neighbors.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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