Perfect Day for a Photo

My daughter is fixing to graduate college [insert tear here]. I decided to have some senior pictures taken of her and since I know a wonderful photographer in town, so I knew exactly who to turn to. Her talent and prices are great! You can find the website HERE.

The photographer had made a date and perfect time for the shoot. It was my last chance since my daughter was home for spring break this weekend.

The photographer chose a spot for us to meet. Once we were at the location, my first reaction was , "Is this the field she was talking about?" My eyes could only see trees and some brush.
I did not loose trust in her decision and began walking into the area. It was then that I could now see it all coming together. It was the perfect spot. I found myself surrounded by the beauty of golden straw, a cat tail pond and the sound of nature that gave me piece of mind.  I was able to sneak a few photos with my phone camera.

 

The photo shoot began. My daughter had a fun, feeling like a model getting ready for her big debut. The weather was perfect, and the sun was hitting just right.

It was not to cold and the wind was perfect only to graze her with a hint of breeze to make this day perfect for a photograph.

Can you say proud mom? I had to brag a bit.

Question For my Blogger friends

OK this is away from an ordinary post but I'm really in a limbo here about a device to buy.

I have a desktop computer and a large laptop computer. I used to have a netbook which I really loved to carry with me and blog from. This is the key work "Blog".  I fell while holding it the other day and broke it beyond repair.

You all know how relaxing it can be to find a quiet place a blog with your own personal little computer. I loved my netbook and I mainly only used it for blogging. I have an IPhone for apps.


I'm debating on getting another netbook or small laptop or a Tablet. Probably not an IPad because its too expensive, but there are alot of nice tablets on the market today and the netbooks seem to becoming extinct.

Here is my question and hope to get some helpful answers.
Netbook or Tablet.

I kinda want a tablet because they look to be so portable and handy but how does blogging work? Do any of you blog from a tablet? How awkward is it to type alot of words on one when the screen lays flat?  Does the screen look the same as the live view from the reading pane of a regular computer? I use Blogger and just wonder how friendly it is to use these devices.

Help.
Thanks.

47 Calorie Cookies

Most of you that read my blog often have noticed I have not been posting alot about sweets anymore. That's because I have been trying really hard to cut back in that department.

Unfortunately, It has not been that successful for me.
My goal weight is to be 125 lbs.
For 4 weeks, I tracked my calories using a " myfitnesspal " app on my I phone.
I entered my weight which was 161 lbs (I don't mind telling it). I wanted to loose at least 15 lbs so it gave me a 1200 calorie a day goal. I would like to loose more than 15 lbs but I was just taking it easy. I remember the days until I was 30, I couldn't get my weight over 110 lbs.
Anyways, In four weeks I lost only ONE lbs. That's all! Needless to say, I gave up the app.
I have a general idea now of how many calories are in most foods and plan to continue eating less and exercising more. I gave up my zumba dance classes back in October due to the expenses and time so I got the Zumba for Wii and I love it. Its not the same as a live class, but it is a good workout, and I can do it on my own time.

Enough about the my diet and on to the cookies!

"Banana Oatmeal Cookies"

Theses little cookies are healthy and do not taste all that bad. I just didn't really like the texture. They were sweet enough though. They make great snacks without feeling like you ruined your diet. And they contain no artifical flavoring or dairy products, therefore they are perfect for your health.

Banana Oat Meal Cookies
1 6oz jar of baby food bananas-140 cal
1 cup of Quick oats- 300 cal
2 Tbs honey- 120 cal
1/2 tsp Cinnamon -0

Mix all the ingredients together. spoon onto a cookie sheet and bake 350 degree for 15 minutes.
Makes 12 cookies = 47 calories each
(53 cal each if using ripe bananas which would prabably taste better).

I think I will make these again but add some raisins or fruit.


Ive shared this at:
mealtime-monday-recipe-link-party at couponingncooking
terrific-tuesdays at adventuresofadiymom

Detox Water

Rumor has it, this water will help you maintain a flat belly by flushing out impurities in your system with a natural detox. Caught my attention!

When I think of detox, I think of sitting on the toilet all day. So I have always avoided all the cleansing frenzies out there. I do not think its the case in this recipe. I think this is purely just cleansing in other ways but I guess ill know later.

You see, most of us do not eat healthy. There are so many toxins that are put into our bodies through poor eating choices which compromises our digestive and immune system. With all the toxins in our body, we tend to have a drop in our energy levels, illnesses, and not feeling our best. This water is suppose to make you feel healthy and energized.

The recipe is for a large pitcher but I just made a jar to try it out first. It was delicious and I think I will continue drinking at least a glass a day for a while. I even think it made my breath fresh but that's just my opinion.
I read where you are suppose to drink a gallon a day for 3 days for a true detox cleansing. WOW.

Its filtered water with 3 ingredients and can be adjusted to taste.

Large pitcher of filtered or spring water
1 large Lemon - Lemon helps cleanse and alkalize the body.
1 cucumber- excellent for re hydration and also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
8-10 fresh Mint Leaves- adds a touch of sweetness and helps settle your stomach and aids in digestion.

I am not doctor so you may want to consult a doctor or nutritionist before trying this. If your wondering if this will effect medications, again, see your doctor first. I don't know.


Ive shared this at:
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
link-party-friday at craftionary
kitchenfunwithmy3sons
mealtime-monday-recipe-link-party at couponingncooking

Feeling Nautical

I love the spring and summer. It will be here before you know it! I can hardly wait.
So I decided to crochet a couple little nautical items while I dreamed about the ocean.

I like to crochet baby items because they are just so darn cute. My patience do not take me far on doing big projects.

I really wanted to make a sailor hat so I went on line to find a pattern. I found a few but just couldn't follow along, however,I got a general idea and come up with my own way. I think it turned out pretty awesome.

I can just see this on a baby, sitting on the beach or in a sail boat, cant you?

I liked it so much,I made some matching items.

 

 

Yep, I made the whole kit and caboodle. A sailor hat, Beanie and matching booties.  See the little anchor on the beanie? The pattern I found was to big so I cut it down a bit and changed the bottom of the anchor just a bit. Here is the original anchor pattern.

 

 

I will have these items in my Etsy shop in case you can't crochet and would love to have one.

 AHOY!

 

 

Ive shared this at:

craftionary's link-party

too-much-time.com

overflowing-with-creativity at itsoverflowing

sunday-show-off-linky-party at twiggstudios

submarine-sunday at usscrafty

make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse *Featured*

nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm

creatively-tuesday at therusticpig

terrific-tuesdays at adventuresofadiymom

made-by-me-69-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio

blogs talking thursday at thecraftyblogstalker

crochetboulevard

 

 

 

Lemon Plum

This is a Lemon Plum.

 

I seen these cute little things at a local grocery store and thought Id give it a try. Not knowing anything about them, I bit into it. Was not too thrilled at the taste result. It was not sweet and sorta bitter then left a sour after taste. yuk!

If I had googled it before I ate it, I would have known that when they are sold around here, they are usually not ripe and need to sit on the counter for a couple weeks until they are red and ripe.

Just a little FYI for anyone wanting to try one.

UPDATE: It sat in my window for 3 weeks, turned red, but still tasted yucky and didnt look to pretty on the inside anymore. I do not think we live in a state that these are recommended.

Valentine

Happy Valentines Day!

I love Valentines Day. I spent the past weekend with my daughter at school. We did some shopping and exchanged Valentines Gifts. I miss those days when she was little and I would make her Heart shaped pancakes and a Valentine goodie basket before she headed off to school. Then I could not wait to hear her stories when she came in that afternoon.

This year I made her a batch of heart shaped brownies.

She made us this wonderful turtle cake. It was delicious.

 

I decorated my mantle just a little. I didn't spend much time on it, I actually left the Christmas greens up and added some heartsy things I found laying around the house.

My daughter did the famous art piece you see.

For my Husband, I hand made him this little tiny book that can fit in his pocket. I hand wrote 100 reasons why I love him.

The book charm was hand made by LowderCreations. You can find them on her Etsy shop. She shows a standard size but will make it to the size you want. I fell in love with these little things and just knew it would work perfect for my project.

Hope everyone has a LOVELY day full of sweetness and surprises, meanwhile, I cant wait to spend the evening with my Husband and maybe come up with a 101 reason I love him. Ha!
 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

 

 

Ive shared this at:

under-100-linky-party at beyondthepicketfence

 



Square PomPom Beanie

Well now that football is behind us and its now time for basketball, I decided to make something for basketball fans out there. I don't know about you but I like UNC Tar heels so I started with blue and made this cute little "square beanie" . Its different from the regular round cap beanies. This one has more style and cuteness with the double pompoms to add to the fun.

I will share with you how I did it. This is not a pattern. It's more like just an instruction, but if you can chain stitch, single stitch and double stitch, you can make this easily.

Unlike a round beanie where you start from the top and work your way down, This one you start at the rim and work your way up.

You can make it as big around as you want but I planned for mine to be for a little one. which is came out to be about 15 inches around

First I made 46 chains and joined them together with a slip stitch. be careful not to twist it. I had to keep redoing mine until it was not twisted. I still don't think I really figured it out, It just finally worked.

Then I chained one and did three rows of single stitches. At the end of each row, I would slip in the top of the chain one, then chain one to start the next row.

When I was ready to start double stitches, I did the same but chained two at the beginning of each row then double stitched, repeating this until I finished.

I did as many rows as I needed to make it about 7 inches deep.

To finish it up I turned it inside out and used a yarn needle to whip stitch the top closed.
I turned it right side out and attached pompoms to the corners. You can also add bows, scrap strips or strings to the corners to make it unique.
Here is a video how make a yarn pompom. Video

If you cant crochet but would love to have one of these. I may have one or more in my Etsy shop soon using different color combinations.

Ive shared this at:
made-by-me-66-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio
under-100-linky-party at beyondthepicketfence
link-party-friday craftionary
get-schooled-saturday at too-much-time
clever-chicks-blog-hop
Make it pretty at thededicatedhouse

Super Bowl Commercial Recap

Hope everyone had a fun Super Bowl Sunday. I'm sure most of you enjoyed it with friends and family and lots of food. This year (like last year) It was just me and my husband sitting around in our lounge pants enjoying the super bowl from our den. I have been on a diet for a week now, so I didn't want to ruin it by making alot of snacks. So, we just got some Chinese takeout and snacked on some fruit during the game.

To be honest, we don't really care about football, but we enjoy watching the Superbowl. Something always happens to talk about. This year was the lights going out, and did you see that 109 yard touchdown? Then the halftime show. Its always the halftime show. Beyonce was good but I don't think she out did Madonna's last years performance . And personally, I think the outfits for this performance get smaller every year and the dances get less modest. Perhaps there will be pole dancing next year. Ya never know.

What I like best of all are the commercials. Here is a recap of some of my favorite ones this year.

Budweiser Clydesdale "Brotherhood"

 

Ram Truck "Farmer"

 

E-trade "Save it"

 

and last but not least.......

 

 

Calvin Klein

 

I also kind of liked the Taco Bell commercial with the old people but It doesn't really sell me on eating there. I thought alot of the commercials were good but alot were distasteful.

 

What was your favorite commercial?

 

Sunday Notes

John 12:26- "Whoever serves me must follow me"

As the congregation began singing, Hymn number 305 , I stood to follow along. I usually don't sing. I don't know why, well, sometimes I sing just a little, barely moving my mouth. I guess I just feel so self conscience about how I sing. However, I do enjoy music and song in the church and I get most my blessings from them.

As I was following along with the song, I noticed scribble on the top left of the page. I thought to myself, " why would anyone scribble on church property?"  "Must be some kids playing around with their new red pen".

Or was it?

It read, "Aug 27 , 06 P.M.

By now, I have totally tuned out the singing and focused on the scribble.

What could this be? I looked at the date, then looked at the reference to the song "confession and repentance". Then I looked at the title of the song "I have decided to follow Jesus". Then again at the date.

Could this be when someone decided to follow Jesus? On this date, during this exact song?
I felt somewhat ashamed to have thought this was some kind of scribble of a young person, instead of possibly a reminder to the one who wrote it or to the next person that turns to this page of a special day and time in ones life.

In Case of Emergency

Have you  really ever thought about what would happen if something happened? I do. I try to keep those thoughts out of my head but as a mother and wife, I always wonder.

Here is a good tip that most of you may already use but if you don't, it could really come in handy.

Most phones are equipped for "emergency numbers" But here is what I did.

If you are ever in an accident or pass out, etc..The first thing anyone will do is grab your cell phone and go straight to your contacts.

I added a contact called "Emergency #s". You can add an "A" in front of it if you want it to be at the top of the list but I'm pretty sure either way would work.

In my emergency numbers, I edited my number types by simply clicking on the word "home, cell, work, etc" and scrolled down to "custom" and changed the name of them and listed them in the order that can be called if the case need be.

I hope no one ever has to click on the emergency numbers but its good to have them with you.
Also, its a good idea not to lay your phone in your lap or seat in case of an accident, they can be thrown around and hard to find.

Tawashi

What is a Tawashi? Other than just a new word I recently learned, A Twashi is a Japanese name for a wash cloth or sponge.

Ive been crocheting some dish cloths and looking for new patterns to use when I came across these cute little washy things. Ta Da! Project!

Here is one I made for myself. I made this one special for dishes because while one side is cotton, the other is made of a more abrasive acrylic for more scrubbing power.

Works great!!! There are so many uses for these little scrubbers.

The spiral ones I made are 100% cotton and they can be used on anything. Even a baby face. You can use them on non-stick pans, counter tops, waxing a car, shoe shine, face washing, dusting, etc.....The possibilities are endless with these cute little things. And the best thing is, once they get dirty, just toss them in the washer and dryer and re-use.

 

They will last for years and save me some money on those throw away icky sponges I usually buy.

 

You want one? Can't Crochet? I just might have some of these in my Etsy shop.!

 

Ive shared this on:

twiggstudios sunday-show-off-linky-party 

clever-chicks-blog-hop

creatively-tuesday at therusticpig

made-by-me at jaqsstudio

the-creative-homeacre-hop

Sweater Mittens

I had this sweater hanging in my closet for months now that I was tired of and, well, truthfully, I had outgrown just a little. I thought about ways I could get some use out of it without giving it to the goodwill.

I thought about making some boot cuffs with the arms of it like the money saving queen did shown HERE , but I thought the sweater would be too thick and my boots are too tight on my legs as it is.

While blog hopping yesterday I came across a really neat Idea at organized31.

I tried making Mittens from the sleeves. I even made a hat from cutting off and sewing up the sweater's hood.

First I cut the sleeves off the sweater making sure the already finished cuff would be my mitten cuffs.

 

Then I slid them on my hands, stretched my thumbs out and cut around my fingers leaving enough room for a seam.

 

Then I sewed them, trimmed them, and sewed them again until they fit. Needless to say, I am in no way a seamstress. I'm lucky to have threaded my machine correctly. Still not sure, but it sewed so I guess it was right and didn't even have to call Mom.

They turned out funny looking but you get the idea. Maybe the next time I do this, I can make them better. I would love to have a chunky pair of mittens.

I've shared this at:

under-100-linky-party at beyondthepicketfence

friday-link-party at craftionary

twiggstudios sunday-show-off-linky-party

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

When I think about cream cheese, hot sauce and spices, my tongue tickles. I love all three things and when they are put together, you have Buffalo chicken sauce.

After a nice afternoon walk with my husband, I decided to make dinner. I have been wanting to try making this hot cheesy dish. I mean, after all, he does the cooking all week so I let him rest and had my way in the kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos is what I'm talking about!

 

Follow along and I'll show you how I did it.

 

First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 425 degrees

I had to cook my chicken. I suppose you could boil it, bake it or even buy it in a can. I cooked mine up with some butter. Just something about can chicken that doesn't interest me.

While my chicken cooked, I made the Buffalo sauce. Which consist of  2 Tbs. butter, 1tsp Mrs. Dash, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning, and 4oz. cream cheese.
Once those items are melted and creamed together, throw in 1/3 cup of Louisiana hot sauce, 1/3 cup milk, and simmer for 3 or 4 minutes.

While the sauce simmered, I chopped up my chicken and returned it to my (nonstick) pan.
If your using a skillet, you can just chop away right in the pan. I just didn't want to ruin mine like I have so many others.

Once you have it chopped up, add the sauce and mix it up. On a greased cookie sheet, place a couple spoons full into soft taco tortillas , sprinkle Mozzarella cheese on it and roll it up tight.
I cut mine in half so it would look like more but that was not necessary. It made plenty! Enough for a party lets say.

Now bake for 15 or 20 minutes, turning them over half way through.

 

I added some Edamame, and called it a meal! They were delicious!

 

These are great dipped in blue cheese or ranch dressing.

"I'm thinking this would be a hit at a Superbowl party".

 

I found this recipe HERE.  They just left out the Cajun seasoning.  

 

I've shared this on:

Mealtime Monday at couponingncooking

make-it-yourself-monday at anoriginalbelle

creatively-tuesday at therusticpig

kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday-link

Thirty Years Ago

Thirty years ago I was a teenager. I was just thinking about how things have changed over the years and when you get to thinking about it, Its crazy. I tell my twenty one year old daughter some of these things and she laughs. But I bet in just her few years, she could come up with a list too. Life comes at you fast. Here is a look back.

Then: Atari and Arcades
Now: Xbox

Then: Kids built go carts
Now: They build computers

Then: Phones had cords
Now: You talk into a speaker on rear view mirror while both hands are driving a car.

Then: We waited on Dad to get home and ate dinner together at the table.
Now: Parents chase kids around the room and feed them as they run and play.

Then: There were smoking areas in middle and high schools.
Now: Smoking is not allowed even in public places.

Then: Pets stayed outside and roamed the neighborhood
Now: Pets are kept in crates and dressed like babies when taken out.

Then: We were scared of our teachers and parents.
Now: Parents and teachers are scared of the kids.

Then: We only heard one language and would stare at someone speaking a foreign language.
Now: We have to know Spanish to get a job or communicate.

Then: Flash Dance and Miss America.
Now: Dance Moms and Honey Boo Boo.


Then: Manual typewriters. Whats a computer?
Now: Hand held computers. Whats a typewriter?

Then: Bikes and Big Wheels.
Now: Nitendos and Ipads.

Then: A high school diploma got you any job.
Now: You have to have more than a college degree.

Then: We could say Pollock jokes and blonde jokes.
Now:  Its called racist

Then: Brass knuckles and pocket knives
Now: Assault riffles and Bombs.

Then: Gilligan's Island.
Now: Jersey Shores.

I could go on but you get what I'm saying. Things change so fast with technology and human capabilities. I'm excited yet scared of what the next 10 years will bring us.

"Just hang on, throw your hands up and enjoy the ride".

Can you remember some things that have changed from the good ole days?

Little Cup Cozy

Face it, everyone has ugly coffee cups that mean nothing. They usually will have some sort of advertising or ridiculous saying on them.

Here is a simple solution that will warm you up and add cuteness to a cup.

A cup cozy.

I sat down the other night and crocheted three of these little things after my daughter mentioned wanting one. I did one for practice, one for my daughter and one for my shop.

Here is my favorite one..

 

"Owl" cup cozy

I may make more because they were alot of fun and pretty easy.

These will work perfect on a cold day with a warm cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Ive shared this at:
made-by-me-62-linky-party at jaqsstudio
lil-luna-link-party
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at coastalcharm
wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker.
kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons
Clever Chicks Blog Hop
crochetboulevard
anything-blue-friday at thededicatedhouse

Elmo Party

This weekend I attended a birthday party for my grand niece. She turned two. Her party was Elmo themed. This was perfect for her since shes at that age where its all Dora and Sesame Street.
Her party was held at an old school auditorium which was great for all the little party goers to run around and scream. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

Can you find the birthday girl?

Her party was complete with a four foot Elmo balloon that followed everyone around, a real live Dorthy fish,

Elmo and friends cupcakes from Yi Ya's Sweeties and veggie trays made by the Mom (my niece).

 

and of course lots of presents. Including the big surprise, A Schwinn tricycle from her Nona and Pop Pop.

 

The party favors for each guest were made up of gold fish and crayons with tags that read "Elmo loves his goldfish and crayons too. Now here's both just for you. Love........."

 

She was just a little ball of fun.

Happy Birthday Brinklin!


Ive shared this on:
creatively-tuesday at therusticpig.com

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of my readers! Hope you can put behind 2012 and make 2013 a better year for you and everyone around you.

I start each new year off with a traditional family dinner with collard greens, black eye peas, pork, mashed potatoes and crock pot macaroni & cheese. My husband worked hard to fix the greens and meat while I did the rest. If you know me, you know i'm all about the sweets so I made two fruit cobblers. For the first time, I made a chocolate pecan cobbler! Read on, I posted the recipe at the end.

Ever wonder what this lucky meal means? Here is a little run down....

 

Pork: Usually consumed in Italy and the United States, where thanks to its rich fat content, it signifies wealth and prosperity.

Collard Greens: Their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune and believed the more you eat the more wealth you will have.

 

Black Eye Peas: Symbol of money. Their small, seed like appearance resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.

Now the mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese are just thrown in the mix for good eatin'. That's how we do it in the South.

 

My husband cooked the collard greens outside. We do eight bundles.

If you have ever cooked collard greens, you'd know why.

Then he grilled some BBQ Pork loins on the grill.

 I cut up ten pounds of potatoes.

Here is the black eye peas, mac n cheese, and potatoes cooking.

I always do a half and half cobbler. This was the cobbler before I cooked it.

I never got a picture of  "after". That's how fast it got gone.

 

 

Before we began to eat, my sweet daddy had a short family devotion.

He left his paper here so now Ill share it with all of you.

 

 

Then everyone found a place at the tables and dug in.

 

It's hard to get everyone in one picture but we had fifteen!

This is where my front living room turns into a dinning room.

 

 

OK now for my favorite part. Chocolate Pecan Cobbler.

 

 

This is the first time I made it and thought I'd give it a try. It turned out wonderful and I will probably have to add this to the menu every year from now on. I was lucky to snatch a piece for this photo. It was gone in no time.

 

CHOCOLATE PECAN COBBLER.

 

Melt 2 sticks butter and pour into 9x13 dish.

 

In bowl mix:

1 1/4 cup sugar 

1 1/2 cup self rising flour

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup milk

Pour the batter mix into the melted butter ( Do not stir)

 

In separate bowl mix:

1 cup sugar

6 Tbls cocoa powder

2 cups chopped or half pecans (optional)

Pour on top.(Do not stir)

 

Then pour two cups boiling water into it (Do not stir)

 

Bake 350 for 30-45 minutes or until nice and brown.

Serve warm with ice cream or whip cream.

Printable Recipe

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

Ive shared this on:

adornedfromabove

full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage

kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday at kitchenfunwithmy3sons

Mealtime Monday at couponingncooking

creatively-tuesday at the rustic pig (featured)